Ibn-ul Waqt's Insensitivity

There has been a considerable amount of discussion in class concerning the instruments of exile. ‘Ibn-ul Waqt’ has shown us that everything from employment to customs to language may be used as instruments of exile. However, an instance I found particularly interesting shows Ibn-ul Waqt ‘exiling’ himself.

In Chapter 24, Hujjat-ul Islam stresses that he needs to go back to the city. He refuses to stay at Ibn-ul Waqt’s house any longer stating that he cannot pray here (there are pictures in all the rooms and so he feels it would be inappropriate to offer prayers.) The house very obviously makes him uncomfortable. However, Ibn-ul Waqt insists that his guest stay longer. It should be noted that he does not seem to understand his guest’s unease and after Hujjat-ul Islam explains why he cannot pray, his host shrugs the explanation off and moves on to insisting he at least have dinner.

The conversation moves on from prayer to the presence of alcohol in Ibn-ul Waqt’s home. Here too, Ibn-ul Waqt is not embarrassed about the situation and tells Hujjat-ul Islam that he does not drink because his lungs do not allow him to. Instead of giving Hujjat-ul Islam a religious reason for his abstinence he instead gives him a medical one. Ibn-ul Waqt attitude on matters of prayer and abstinence (matters that are conventionally considered to be the very pillars upon which Islam rests) is blasé. He does not seem to understand that these are the very things that are making his guest uncomfortable and talks about them in a casual fashion.

This becomes more and more evident as the conversation progresses. Hujjat-ul Islam objects to liquor being used in the fermentation of the pudding. His host points out, rightly, that eating the pudding will definitely not intoxicate him. He goes on to say that intoxication is why wine is forbidden in Islam. Thus, logically, if the pudding does not intoxicate him then it is not forbidden. Although this is a logical thing to say, it is also inconsiderate. It is clear from Hujjat-ul Islam’s tone that he considers the house to be impure yet Ibn-ul Waqt does not back down. It is highly doubtful that Ibn-ul Waqt is unaware of what he is doing; he understands that most Muslims will not consume alcohol in any shape or form. He simply wants ‘logic’ to win out over religious sentiment. He is unsuccessful as Hujjat-ul Islam is clearly offended and leaves in a hurry.

This chapter highlights Ibn-ul Waqt’s self exile. His lifestyle, employment and personal beliefs set him apart from his former community. However, this chapter makes clear that his blatant lack of sensitivity further alienates him from other Muslims.