Balancing Religious Judgement

 Religion is often an integral part of one's identity, particularly cultural. While it certainly has its expressions of theological truth claims, it also undoubtedly gives a sense of security, familiarity and value to its adherents. Thus, weddings, funerals, and a host of other activities, even within an otherwise secular setting, occur within a religious framework.

Rodney Stark, a prolific writer and professor of the social sciences at Baylor University,  shares the following observation in his book DISCOVERING GOD: THE ORIGINS OF THE GREAT RELIGIONS AND THE EVOLUTION OF BELIEF 

Religion consists of explanations of existence (or ultimate meaning) based on supernatural assumptions and including statements about the nature of the supernatural, which may specify methods or procedures for exchanging with the supernatural.

(Pg 46, New York: Harper One 2007).

While Stark's assertion cannot be disputed wholly, the above quote does not take into consideration the impact of religion on the other areas such as those highlighted in the opening words of this article. Indeed, it is often the familiar background that we not only find comfort in, but also create the foundation by which we make our judgement. Another angle that cannot be ignored is that of emotion. 

The judging of a religious truth based on emotion or an inexplicable experience (itself an example of emotions at play)  is something that I have noticed in recent years, and the issue hit home when, during a recent interview with a Christian YouTube  channel, I was asked if I would change my religion (I.e. convert to Christianity) if Jesus was to come to me. This question has at its roots a miraculous  experience, a dream, a vision, an unusual experience that would be so strong   that it would supersede all of my reasoning abilities and just accept. Perhaps an even stronger word would be seduction, in which the person being the object of it throws all other considerations to the wind,  embracing the passion, excitement and feelings of the moment. 

An Islamic explanation  of miracles. emotions &  the ultimate judgement on the fundamentals of truth claims

The Qur'an undoubtedly speaks of events that can be seen as examples of miracles. Abraham (Ibrahim, 'alayhis salaam) is said to have been placed in a fire, only for Allah to make it "cool" and "a safety" (Q 21:68-70). Moses is given the ability to divide the Red Sea, allowing his followers to cross and thus avoid the enemy army in pursuit (Q 26:63-68), and Jesus himself is clearly depicted as having been born of the Virgin Mary ( Q 19:21. et.al). 

While the above-mentioned events can have different interpretations of them,  regardless of the actual meaning of these texts, these events are more or less relevant to the immediate audiences of their place and time. In other words, we were not physically present at these events, we know of them only through scripture! 

Scripture itself-while telling us of some events in the lives of the personalities it presents- has also told us that "miracles" and emotional events should not be the primary reason to judge the veracity of any claim. The Qur'an is critical of those who neither use reasoning nor their physical senses to make good judgement, they are classed as being "even more astray" than cattle ( Q 7:179).  Similarly, the Qur'an says such people are the worst in God's sight because they refuse to engage their intellect  ( 8:22). The Qur'an itself says repeatedly that it has been sent so "that perhaps you will use your intellect" (La'allakum Ta'qiloon 12:1, et.al).

In other words, miracles and emotional events should not form the basis of our conclusions. The Muslims are asked by missionaries of other faiths to look at these extraordinary  events  and actually abandon reason and logic. I have had numerous conversations with people who admit that Islam is rational, logical and reasonable, yet it is emotion that they call us towards. The irony in this is that for our Christian friends, a text in the New Testament has Jesus express strong criticism of the notion that miracles and the like deliver ultimate evidence of the veracity of religious claims

Many will say to me in that day Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name cast out devils? and in thy name name done many wonderful works? And then I will profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity." ( Matthew 7:22-23, KJV).

Islam, in its social manifestation and theological content, has logic, wisdom and benefit to those who are willing to embrace it. The Qur'an itself tells us that religion is specifically for God ( Q 39:3). Meaning, the primary focus is on understanding the reality of God and His guidance for the world.  Authentic Islam will never be useless for its adherents, it will always be a source of strength and stability. It is the summary of the teachings of all the Prophets, and a clarification on issues of confusion. 

Let us benefit from Islam, use our intellect, and not surrender to random emotions or trends. Indeed, one of its blessings is that it does not advocate giving up one's cultural or family identity. It embraces diversity as a healthy fixture to human life. 

Thoughts on random topics

                            In the name of God, The Compassionate, The Ever-Merciful

It has been a few months since I have composed a full article for this blog. This is largely because of a very busy schedule, which includes a publishing project (which is in the final stages now). In any case, I want to share below some thoughts on subjects which are very important, challenges that are facing not only the United States or even the Muslim Ummah, but also mankind, regardless of religious or national affiliation. Keep in mind that below are thoughts expressed rather quickly. Thus, this post is not structured with references, notes and links.

(1) Palestine

The crisis with the victimization of Palestinians by Israel is not a new situation. The current onslaught in Gaza is simply a continuation of policies that have been in place since 1947. It is perhaps "new"  in the sense that with mass communications and social media, the horrific images cannot be hidden from the world. 

The system of apartheid and colonialism (which also has ideological components ) is unsustainable, and it is my view that we are witnessing desperate attempts to keep it going. That desperation leads to open violence, disdain of international opinion and legal bodies. I think that while the Palestinians continue to suffer, there is light at the end of the tunnel. 

Indeed, God himself states that He does not allow success to be experienced by those who are oppressive (Innahu Laa Yuflihudh Dhaalimoon) (Qur'an 6:135 etc). This means that oppression is not a permanent condition. It will eventually be lifted. It's just a matter of time. 

A few months back. I was invited to teach on Middle East Affairs, and I outlined in an academic environment both the foundations for the conflict as well as for peace. Two of those class presentations are available. See (From the Land of Canaan )

As well as 

(Exploring paths to peace in the Middle East)

(2) Muslim-Christian relations

I am a strong believer in Islam, it is the summary of Divine guidance as given through all of the messengers of Allah ('alayhim as salaam) ending with the coming of the Final Prophet (Muhammad, Sall Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam). I believe inviting Christians to accept Islam is an important task, and have been active in that field for many years. 

Yet, I believe that the religious environment has been poisoned in recent times, particularly in online content. While it is common for Christian  apologists to make outrageous, even stupid claims, against Islam and Muslims, I am also increasingly concerned with Muslim behavior towards Christians. I find that Muslim videos (and keep in mind, typically the creators of these videos are not Imams of any type) are unnecessarily antagonistic, filled not only with superficial arguments, but creating tensions and conflict.

There will always be believers and disbelievers. Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus,  and others, will always exist, as long as the world exists. Frankly, I am unbothered by Christians (or Muslims for that matter) who think I am destined for Hell. Da'wah is fine, but we have to do it in the best fashion. We invite using cogent arguments, wisdom and also with our good character. We need maturity, calm discussions, and we also need to accept that others will have religious beliefs that do not align with our own, and that is fine. After all, Allah could make everyone think the same, but He did not do that. 

So yes, we should do da'wah, but in a professional fashion, and avoid emotional arguments, gas-lighting and stay away from creating environments of conflict. The actions of many of our active Da'ees (callers to Islam, mostly online) are reactions to the belligerent and often insane moves of Christian missionaries (which includes disrupting prayers at a mosque to even chewing pages of Qur'an online), however, these so called Christians are not our teachers. Our primary, practical teacher is the Prophet Muhammad, the one who is called "a mercy to all nations" (Q 21:107). His ethics were that of engaging in a holistic manner with the followers of other religions. His style was discussion and sharing the content of the Qur'an. 

While I can confess to engaging sometimes in religious arguments, in general it is not the best way for long-term goals.  On areas of shared interest, especially in a Western environment, Muslims and Christians can work together. Addressing poverty, immorality, political disenfranchisement, etc.. we should be able to do that. But that requires maturity on both sides of the aisle. Moreover, there are elements out here, both within religious discourse -and their financiers behind the scenes- who desire to poison any attempts to do good things. It suits their political interests to keep us divided. This is something our leaders have to be cognizant of.

(3) American society (Homelessness, immigration, family, economy, racism, xenophobia)

In the second term of President Donald Trump's reign, I am increasingly alarmed at not only his foreign policy actions of late, but also the exercise of authoritarianism on domestic levels. I cannot help but sound an alarm at his announced plans to employ the National guard to have a Federal takeover of Washington, D.C. claiming it is a move to fight crime and homelessness. He has expressed a desire to do something similar to Chicago, Illinois.

Regarding homelessness, in the West coast of the United States we see it on the rise. However, using police tactics-simply to move them from one place to another- is a temporary fix at best. The solution-I think- is a reform of the culture, as well as shifting of spending priorities on the county, state and national levels. After all, how much money is spent on our military budget? How much is spent to support Israel? Or to Ukraine, which only provokes Russia?  Those funds are better spent dealing with the social issues of this country.

Immigration has been another hot topic, in which even some Non-White immigrants express support for the Trump administration crackdown on illegal immigrant. I think the support of some voices from immigrants is a desire for proximity to power, but also stems from class differences.  The Trump supporters (of all stripes) view themselves as elites, and cannot see the other side. 

Racism and Xenophobia have also been on the rise, with both official and unofficial expression. It is difficult and seemingly almost impossible to change the mindset of those who have embraced these views. As such, those with a more sane vision of existence need to hope for the best and also become prepared. Everyone should have items such as a passport, second streams of income, practice careful spending/investing, and become better educated (both formally and informally).  Those with the ability to enter into politics, media and the like should do so, and at the least, try to slow down the rise of dangerous ideas.

The Prophet Muhammad, upon whom be peace, has remarked that end times are indicated by "the diminishing of knowledge and the popularization of ignorance" (Yaqillul 'ilmu wa yakthurul jahl). I firmly believe that this can equally be applied to the era of the fall of a society. It is up to people of 'Ilm (knowledge) and Hilm  ( mental controls) to put something out there that has a positive impact on these situations. They cannot stay silent.

The preservation of the family (and even redefining it in order to create stronger networks of support) is very important. The concepts of excessive individualism and materialism are not only destructive, they are contrary to Divine guidelines. Thus, the social trends of encouraging conflict between the sexes and the like should be thrown into the trash.

I have no doubt that this post is short on details. It can be made better. These are simply some thoughts on just a sample of the most important issues we face today. As always, I welcome reactions, reflections, be it in agreement or disagreement. Thank you. 

"None touch it except those who are purified" ( Friday Khutbah recording at Masjid As Sabur)

 As salaamu alaikum

Below is a recording of a recent Khutbah delivered at Masjid As Sabur, mostly around the Quranic verse "None touch it except those who are purified"

Click here

"Are you still alive?"

 As salaamu 'alaikum! Greetings of peace!

I received a message today from a reader asking if I was still alive, in light of the delay in updating the blog.

I truly appreciate the concern, I am, by the grace of God, not only still alive, but- as the expression goes- " Alive and kicking".

Perhaps the core question is that of activity, i.e. if I am still active in terms of religious and intellectual pursuits. In Southern Nevada, I am indeed still at work, doing what I can to share information on Islam, to serve the community and its cause. 

Yes, not only am I still active, I am currently working on an important writing project. I won't get into details at this time, rather I chose to wait until closer to the date of publication before a more formal announcement. 

Our Friday prayer khutbahs as well as weekly Qur'an study sessions are streamed  on the mosque Facebook page ("The Masjid Ibrahim").  We also upload content (various lectures, clips) on YouTube  ( https://www.youtube.com/@ImamShams ). Readers of the blog are also invited to follow the mosque Facebook page as well as to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

In accordance with Allah's blessings, the last three years have also been spent in a great deal of traveling. I typically create photo albums for my personal Facebook page, however we have privacy settings in place, so that only Facebook friends can view. 

Below are some photos of both some of our activities as well as travel. I encourage everyone to follow the Quranic mandate to travel, to see God's creation. 

( In University of California Los Angeles, Library, Asaas Al Balaaghah by the great linguist and mufassir, Zamakhshari)

(At the Grand Canyon)

( In the Coconino National Forest, Arizona)

                                                                 (Goree Island, Senegal)

                    

                                                                               ( Podcast)

                                             

                                            (Eid UL Fitr 2025 at Masjid Ibrahim, Las Vegas, Nevada)

                                                        (Outside UCLA Los Angeles)

The throwaway culture: a look at contemporary thinking in light of Islamic values

 We live in a quick paced world. Videos go viral and lose interest in a fast way. One politician  can come to power (by election or violence) and abrogate the works of the previous figures with immediate effect. With almost everything, the above assertions are correct. This is what I call the throwaway culture. 

The throwaway culture has an impact on people of faith as well. It is estimated that between 20-25 percent of marriages among American Christians end in divorce. despite religious prohibitions (ft.1-2)  U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that between 30-40 percent of the food supply in the United States is actually wasted. (ft.3). 

The Qur'an mentions a very interesting analogy that is relevant to the topic of throwaway culture.  It reads "and be not like a woman who breaks into untwisted strands threads after it was strong...." (Q 16:92 Yusuf Ali translation).

وَلَا تَکُوۡنُوۡا کَالَّتِیۡ نَقَضَتۡ غَزۡلَہَا مِنۡۢ بَعۡدِ قُوَّۃٍ اَنۡکَاثًا

The context, beginning at Q 16:90, is discussing the importance of maintaining treaties and guidelines for justice and fair play. While the above Quranic sentence has been associated by the commentators with a particular Makkan woman, said to be mentally challenged, I think the sentence deserves more contemplation, particularly in this age. 

Emotional turmoil, as well as either a desire to erase the past, can bring forth someone to actually destroy what they themselves have created. The Qur'an seems to suggest that this is an incorrect move to take. It teaches us to preserve our healthy relationships (Q 2:228, 4:34-35), that we are not to waste our resources, be it food, or waste of our mental and physical abilities (Q 5:89-91, 7:31, 17:26). 

The imagery of self-destruction or the bringing down of something we have created is very frightening. Islam is all about building, about growth in all areas. May Allah guide us to build what is beneficial and not fall into destructive thinking and behaviour.

Footnotes

(1) https://sacksandsackslaw.com/religious-demographics-divorce-united-states/

(2) The New Testament forbids divorce in all cases except adultery (Matt.5:32, 19:9).

(3) https://www.usda.gov/about-food/food-safety/food-loss-and-waste/food-waste-faqs

Debate with Christian Apologist Avery (Godlogic)

 Below are videos of a recent debate we had with Avery, better known as "Godlogic, 

                                                       (The Bible and the Qur'an)

(Part 2, the person of Jesus)

The Divine and the Mundane: Scriptural life lessons

 Introduction

The Qur’an is a scripture of great depth, nuance and wisdom. The more it is consulted, the more utility that emerges. It can take seemingly mundane, everyday situations, address it as necessary, mixing in great lessons. The classical examples are the texts of Soorah Al Hujuraat (chapter 49), which discusses topics such as etiquette and social behaviour, inserting in the midst of those Ahkam the famous text of 49:13, which tells us the reason behind the existence of varying peoples and tribes, a verse which removes destructive notions such as racism. The other classical example is in Soorat An Noor (chapter 24), which deals with some legal prescriptions, dress code and the like, and inserts therein the very profound Ayatun Noor, the verse of Divine light (24:35).

Much of the following discourse centers around revelation given to the Prophet Muhammad- Sall Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, that addresses his domestic life. In the midst of family issues, the Divine revelation addresses these issues and places important lessons there. 

The Prophet cannot make everyone happy all of the time, even his own wives.

The sixty-sixth chapter of the Qur’an begins with Allah subhaanahu wa ta’alaa telling Muhammad   “O Prophet, why do you consistently forbid (harrima) what Allah has made lawful for you? Do you seek to please your wives? Yet, Allah is intense in granting forgiveness and mercy. Allah has sanctioned for you the expiation of your oath, Allah is your protector, and He is the All Knowing, The all-wise” (Q 66:1-2)

 

یٰۤاَیُّہَا النَّبِیُّ لِمَ تُحَرِّمُ مَاۤ اَحَلَّ اللّٰہُ لَکَ ۚ تَبۡتَغِیۡ مَرۡضَاتَ اَزۡوَاجِکَ ؕ وَاللّٰہُ غَفُوۡرٌ رَّحِیۡمٌ

قَدۡ فَرَضَ اللّٰہُ لَکُمۡ تَحِلَّۃَ اَیۡمَانِکُمۡ ۚ وَاللّٰہُ مَوۡلٰٮکُمۡ ۚ وَہُوَ الۡعَلِیۡمُ الۡحَکِیۡمُ

Prophet Muhammad, upon whom be peace and blessings, was God’s messenger, the prophet for all humanity, and of course leader within his own society. As such, he has great burdens and responsibilities. The tafseer literature is filled with accounts that seek to explain these verses, to connect them to specific incidents. The historicity of these accounts are disputed, and even if the examples cited in the tafseer literature is correct, ultimately the take-away is clearly presented: Muhammad was a congenial person, sympathetic and kind, and had a habit of self-denial and trying to keep people happy  that ultimately got in the way of his own life and therefore his abilities to function as a leader for society and a prophet of God. 

The Prophet was dismissed by his opponents as “an ear”. The exegete Muhammad Ash-Shawkani understood this to mean that people would assert that the Prophet would “listen to all, and having no ability to distinguish between truth and falsehood”. (Fat-hul Qadeer, Kuwait, wazeeratul Awqaaf, 1980 edition). This shows us that his nature was to give an ear, to try to make everyone happy, especially his wives, even if their demands were unreasonable or fueled by misplaced emotions.  God tells the Prophet that he is to drop this habit of his. One of the accounts given asserts that he (peace be upon him) had promised to stop consuming honey, as a way to keep his wives happy.  While there is much more to that account (assuming its true), we are to understand that God knows what he is doing by allowing something and forbidding something else. We are not going to be held to account by Allah on an issue as small as honey consumption.

The Prophet, and indeed men in general, are to obey Allah, and if his wives are not interested in that, in making his role and life easier, God can most certainly remove such women in exchange for those who will indeed be better, regardless of their previous status (Q 66:5). The job of the Prophet, and indeed of believers in general, is to guide their flock, by saving them from “ a fire fueled by people and stones” (Q 66:6).

This is a big picture role, and frankly cannot be ignored by the presence of petty, limited interests- itself a product of immature thinking! 

Light 

In the midst of this discourse, we are told how the people of paradise, themselves surrounded by light, invoke (i.e. in du’aa) “Our Lord, Complete for us our light, and bestow on us forgiveness, Indeed, you are powerful over all things.” ( Q 66:8).

The placement of this clause suggests that growth is still attainable, the ability to see the bigger picture is still possible, at all stages of life, when faith and efforts are present. We can understand light to mean the tools by which to see the bigger picture and to stay focused on that.

In polemics, I have noticed that Christian apologists, in their criticisms of Islam, almost never address the religious content of the Qur’an and Sunnah, rather, they focus on attacking the Prophet’s character himself. They will distort and misrepresent reports about him to paint an ugly picture of him. This is an example of not looking at the bigger picture. Moreover, they are guided by unhealthy emotions and will advocate the same from their followers. 

Having light is important for all parties to have, particularly in the marriage relationship. If light is drowned out in the darkness of negative emotions, it presents a stagnation that ultimately can lead to hell. Islam is a great source of stability and safety, whereas impulses can lead to destruction. 

Learning from women 

The text gives an example of the wives of Prophets Noah and Lot (Nuuh and Luut, ‘alayhimas salaam) who were not upon the same foundation  their husbands were upon. The presence of these Prophets in the Soorah is poignant, in that these were prophets who were more clearly identified as doing intense actions to save their societies from destruction. Unfortunately, their wives had behavior and thinking patterns that reflected the misguidance of mainstream society, and thus, they-along with everyone else- experienced the fires of destruction (Q 66:10).

The husbands obviously made efforts to save their families, but it is up to each individual to make their efforts, to be committed to Islam and avoid the misguidance of kufr.

The Soorah(vv.11-12) gives another contrast, the believing wife of the Pharaoh, and Mary. Their faith allowed them to see the Noor, the big picture, and thus have salvation, not only for themselves, but ultimately to function as examples to humanity.

Returning to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), it seems that at times they would give such headaches that he is told by God that if they (the wives) want to be released from the relationship, he would (Q 33:28). Yet, the choice is also outlined to them as follows:

“ And if you desire God and his messenger, and the ultimate abode, God has prepared for those who strive for Ihsaan a magnificent reward” ( Q 33:29).

Ihsaan is that next level in one’s spiritual evolution. What is interesting about this text is that the Prophet’s wives (known as “mothers of believers” Ummahaat al mu’mineen) became known as highly spiritual people. Sayyidah ‘A’ishaa herself is the most reliable transmitter of hadeeth. 

Conclusion

The big picture is not necessarily wealth or power. The big picture success is a strong relationship with Allah, overcoming the negative whispers of Satan, both internal and external, and peaceful existence here and in the hereafter. That is what authentic religion teaches. 

We live in a time when negative emotions are actually promoted as a good thing, where conflict is not something that needs to be resolved, but rather recorded for views online. If we want ultimate success, we have to obey Allah and follow the examples of the best of mankind.

Simply arguing for the sake of arguments, holding unnecessary grudges, will stimulate no success at all. Let us take the beautiful lessons, even in the midst of seemingly mundane incidents mentioned in scripture.