Tragic history of April Fools
Md. Shahanur Rashid, On e-mail
April 1 is a day of great sorrow for Muslims. Almost 522 years ago, about 700,000 Muslims were mercilessly burned to death after being locked up in mosques by the forces of King Ferdinand. With that ended one of the most outstanding centres of knowledge, science and literature of that time and 800 glorious years of Muslim rule over Spain.During the Muslim rule, thousands of people being enthralled by the justice system of Islam took shelter in Spain and science, medicine, literature and arts began to flourish. So the country became an eyesore to the leaders of the surrounding countries. After nurturing many plots and conspiracies the jealous leaders could finally win over the Muslim prince of Spain and managed to take him to their side. All the enemy armies joined together and advanced towards Grenada the then capital of Spain burning and destroying everything on their way. They managed to cut off all the food supply to Grenada which resulted in a famine. King Ferdinand declared, '' If the Muslims open the gates of their city and take refuge in the mosques then they will be set free without any bloodshed.'' The Muslims were forced to oblige. But once the enemies entered the city. They locked up all the Muslims in the mosques. Then they savagely set fire to all the mosques with the Muslims inside. Then Queen Isabella, wife of Ferdinand, cried out in laughter saying ''April Fools!''
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