How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
And Allah smiled at me, for only one of my workers died in the full cycle of the moon, the poor man crushed to a pulp when a stone block fell atop him. He was Hindu, and therefore we didn't bury his body as if he were Muslim, but burned it. (11.70)
Although we found the turn of phrase a little funny (this guy's terrible death was Allah smiling at you, Jahanara?), this is also a great example of how Jahanara was considerate of other's beliefs. Since the worker was Hindu, it would've been a disaster to be buried, because imagine the soul having to stick around in a body that broken. Yikes.
Quote #8
These warriors inhabited the Thar Desert, a wasteland far removed from Agra that had long been home to clans of Hindu warriors comprising the Rajput kingdoms.
Like the Deccans, the Rajputs warred against us for independence and were some of the fiercest fighters in Hindustan. They never fled an engagement and fought to the death wearing crimson-colored robes—they believed red was the color of holiness. If defeat was imminent, Rajput warriors swallowed opium and charged their enemies. Their wives and children subsequently performed the rite of jauhar, burning themselves alive rather than being captured and dishonored by their foes. (18.6-7)
Unfortunately, religion is often used as a vehicle for people to take extreme measures. This, we think, counts as one of those times. One more example of people making religion mean what they want it to…
Quote #9
We did encounter a camel-driven convoy of merchants and their wagons, as well as a group of pilgrims on their way to Mecca. We wished them well, for it is every Muslim's duty to visit the holy shrine once in his life. The pilgrimage represents that religion is a journey, and also unites travelers by their mutual suffering. Most Muslims trek to Mecca, yet those in power—including Father, alas—often can never set time aside for the long trip. (19.8)
Hmmm…Aurangzeb's pretty devout…yet we can't remember him taking the trip to Mecca…Could it be that at the end of the day, Aurangzeb cares more about power than about religion? Is religion in some ways just a tool for him to gain more power?