Study notes : Soorah Al Hijr [Qur'an 15:10-30]

[ Note: The following are some reflections on texts from the fifteenth Soorah of the Qur'an. We have examined the first ten verses, available at http://shamsuddinwaheed.blogspot.com/2017/07/study-notes-brief-thoughts-on-quranic.html. The English translation has not been given, unless otherwise stated, allowing the reader to look up the translation of their choice.]

[15:10]

وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا مِن قَبْلِكَ فِي شِيَعِ الأَوَّلِينَ

As stated in our previous article, just as God's message has been ever consistent, the response of the leadership of rejection [A-immah al Kufr] has, likewise, been consistent. Ever demanding of what amounts to little more than magic tricks, diminishing the real import of the Divine imperative.


[15: 11-15]

‏وَمَا يَأْتِيهِم مِّن رَّسُولٍ إِلاَّ كَانُواْ بِهِ يَسْتَهْزِؤُونَ
كَذَلِكَ نَسْلُكُهُ فِي قُلُوبِ الْمُجْرِمِينَ
لاَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِهِ وَقَدْ خَلَتْ سُنَّةُ الأَوَّلِينَ
وَلَوْ فَتَحْنَا عَلَيْهِم بَابًا مِّنَ السَّمَاء فَظَلُّواْ فِيهِ يَعْرُجُونَ
لَقَالُواْ إِنَّمَا سُكِّرَتْ أَبْصَارُنَا بَلْ نَحْنُ قَوْمٌ مَّسْحُورُونَ

If one were to read other places within the Qur'an or even the Christian Bible ( Matthew 16:1, Luke 11:16], this basic pattern is the same.

Notice here in verse 12 that the "hearts of the criminals" is said to have been corrupted, so that they cannot and will not change. This assertion has been given repeatedly in the Qur'an [see 2: 7-17 for a clear series of examples]. It is important to remember that "Mujrimeen" [Criminals] and Kaafireen [Rejectors] are terms referring to the same reality. In other words, these are synonymous expressions, and are referring to the A-immah al Kufr. They reject the signs of Allah with all sorts of excuses.

[15:16-18]

وَلَقَدْ جَعَلْنَا فِي السَّمَاء بُرُوجًا وَزَيَّنَّاهَا لِلنَّاظِرِينَ
وَحَفِظْنَاهَا مِن كُلِّ شَيْطَانٍ رَّجِيمٍ

إِلاَّ مَنِ اسْتَرَقَ السَّمْعَ فَأَتْبَعَهُ شِهَابٌ مُّبِينٌ
There are similar passages in the Qur'an. One example reads: " The Adorned Sky, adorned with heavenly bodies [Kawaakib]...rebellious devils  being unable to get a full hearing of Al Mala' Al A'laa ( high assembly), chased away by a burning flame." ( Q 37:6-10).

It is popularly imagined that these verses are referring to Shayateen being chased away from the gathering of angels in an heavenly assembly by a comet.

Looking at context, and after many years of pondering upon these set of Ayaat, this writer is of the view that the text is not talking about the sky, but rather, about the Qur'an itself!

In other words, criminally minded folks, be they with a "Muslim" name or a "Non Muslim" name, with wrong-headed interpretations of the Qur'an eventually gets discovered, and any success they have will be short lived.

It does not matter if those engaged in wrongful or deliberate misrepresentations are from the Khawaarij( ft.1) of old or their modern day manifestations in the form of ISIS, or if they are from the Right-wing bigots posting video commentary, they eventually become discovered and their misrepresentation will not hold long term traction.

It is interesting to note here that The Prophet Muhammad Sall Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam is reported to have said "My Ummah will not agree upon that which is misguidance". [Tirmidhee]

In other words, while elements of deviance and disagreement will always be in the Muslim community, as with any community, the core principles and teachings are all agreed upon. For Muslims, that agreement is manifested in things from the same prayer, same scripture, same pillars, and so forth.

If the vast majority are saying, for example, that the sex slavery reportedly practiced by ISIS is incorrect, and that terrorism is contrary to religious ethics, that should be an evidence that it is the vast majority got it right!

[15:19-20]


‏وَالأَرْضَ مَدَدْنَاهَا وَأَلْقَيْنَا فِيهَا رَوَاسِيَ وَأَنبَتْنَا فِيهَا مِن كُلِّ شَيْءٍ مَّوْزُونٍ

وَجَعَلْنَا لَكُمْ فِيهَا مَعَايِشَ وَمَن لَّسْتُمْ لَهُ بِرَازِقِينَ



The Qur'an is from the one who has made the Earth, and provides for all. Allah's provision reaches all things. We invite a reader to go to a zoo, or to a community garden, and have the custodians explain the processes of farming and gardening, the reader will reach the conclusion that God provides for all.

Revelation is often connected to the natural world.

"The Merciful [God], Teacher of the Qur'an, He created humanity, He taught man articulate expression. The Sun and The Moon operate on a course predetermined." [Q 55:1-5]

"Read! In the name of your Lord who created, created man from a clot, Read, and your Lord is the Most Generous, Who teaches by means of the Pen, teaches man what he did not know." [Q 96:1-5]

[15:21-24]

وَإِن مِّن شَيْءٍ إِلاَّ عِندَنَا خَزَائِنُهُ وَمَا نُنَزِّلُهُ إِلاَّ بِقَدَرٍ مَّعْلُومٍ
وَأَرْسَلْنَا الرِّيَاحَ لَوَاقِحَ فَأَنزَلْنَا مِنَ السَّمَاء مَاء فَأَسْقَيْنَاكُمُوهُ وَمَا أَنتُمْ لَهُ 
بِخَازِنِينَ
وَإنَّا لَنَحْنُ نُحْيِي وَنُمِيتُ وَنَحْنُ الْوَارِثُونَ
وَلَقَدْ عَلِمْنَا الْمُسْتَقْدِمِينَ مِنكُمْ وَلَقَدْ عَلِمْنَا الْمُسْتَأْخِرِينَ 



The source of the Qur'an, as well as for provison of all, is God, The All-Knowing.

The Qur'an functions as a clarifier [See Q 27:76 for example] and does so particularly on issues relating to God concept [see Q 2:255, 24:35, and 112:1-4], contrasting to the views of some religions, which depict God in language suggesting 'resting' [Genesis 2:2] or that God is the knower of headlines, not small details [ such as in the Hindu sect Brahman Kumaris]

[!5:25]

وَإِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ يَحْشُرُهُمْ إِنَّهُ حَكِيمٌ عَلِيمٌ

An obvious reference to the day of Judgement. It is important to note here that this is a fundamental Islamic teaching. If one denies that there will be a time in which one is held accountable before Allah, that person has a defective understanding of the faith.

[15:26-27]

وَلَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا الإِنسَانَ مِن صَلْصَالٍ مِّنْ حَمَإٍ مَّسْنُونٍ
وَالْجَآنَّ خَلَقْنَاهُ مِن قَبْلُ مِن نَّارِ السَّمُومِ

The Nation of Islam [NOI] uses these verses, as well as some other texts [although they tend to use Biblical allusions more] to support a racist interpretation.

Their belief system includes a story that Whites were created by an evil Black Scientist named Yacub. In essence, according to them, Whites are actually Non Human!(Ft.2)

"And Indeed, We [Allah] have created humanity from Salsaal, from Hamaa-in Masnoon."

Salsaal: "Dried clay that emits a sound when struck". The Qur'an translator and commentator Muhammad Asad takes this to mean "an allusion to articulate speech..as well as the brittleness of his existence." [The Message of the Qur'an, 1980, Gibraltar]

Hamaa: "dark or black clay". This is found in Tafseer Al Jalalayn(ft.3]  as well as other Tafaseer.

Masnoon: "Shaped into human form, hollowed out"(ft.4)

Here, we have some matter-of-fact descriptions of human creation. Other verses highlight other items, such as blood and water.

These verses should not be read in a racial or racist way! Indeed, the Qur'an (Q 30:22) says that the different colors and languages exist by God's will, as evidence of his power and artistry, and Q 49:13, the most famous Quranic passage on issues involving race and tribe, says that his making people as different groupings allow for learning!

In other words, the interaction between the different human societies or sub-societies benefit all involved. Be it in food, music, clothing, any field.

It is also important to share the observation that those who seek racial division and advocate hatred based on color, language and the like, are people who have been influenced by devilish influences. It is the view and experience of this writer that such voices are power seeking, power hungry, irrational beings at their core, not in need of hatred, but of spiritual reformation.

Verse 27 tells us briefly about the creation of the Jinn, in contrast to that of humankind. It is imagined that Jinn are equal to Genies, made famous by legends and of course Disney movies. It is impossible to verify one way or the other most of those tales, so it is important to stick as much as possible to what is contained in the Qur'an and authentic Sunnah.

"Jinn" basically means "hidden". It is a life form or force whose reality we cannot fully grasp. It's nature is fiery, in contrast to the "pottery type" of nature humans have!

[15:28-30]
وَإِذْ قَالَ رَبُّكَ لِلْمَلاَئِكَةِ إِنِّي خَالِقٌ بَشَرًا مِّن صَلْصَالٍ مِّنْ حَمَإٍ مَّسْنُونٍ
فَإِذَا سَوَّيْتُهُ وَنَفَخْتُ فِيهِ مِن رُّوحِي فَقَعُواْ لَهُ سَاجِدِينَ
فَسَجَدَ الْمَلآئِكَةُ كُلُّهُمْ أَجْمَعُونَ

Iblees is made from the fire, he is a Jinn creature. He saw himself as superior to Adam, which is why he refuses to prostrate to Adam even though ordered by God to do so [15:30].

Iblees is not an angel, he was in angelic company, but he was a Jinn. Verse 29 tells us Allah breathed into Adam "My spirit", a referece to the breath of life.

Iblees-in a sense- is the first racist. The Quranic narrative is so strong, and here, looking at vv.26-27 before, it seems an even stronger evidence is being provided to show that those playing racial or nationalistic politics are actually playing from Satan's own playbook!

It is important not to fall into those traps. The Prophet said that among the signs of the nearing of Judgement day, one would find "Knowledge in low estimation, and an abundance of ignorance." (Yaqillul 'ilmu wa yaktharul Jahl].

The "Ignorance" spoken of in the Qur'an and Ahadeeth has many aspects. A good way to begin to understand what the texts speak of is to consider the age that preceded the Prophet's emergence on the Arabian peninsula. Idolatry and tribal wars, but also racism and tribalism [which Muslims call traditionally 'Asabiyyah].

The presence of the Prophet -upon whom be peace and blessings- as well as the Quranic revelation-did much to remove those diseases from the hearts of the Arabians of that time. "Muslims" should not have those issues anymore, but unfortunately we do!

Racism of all types exists, and is manifested in varying ways. Sometimes it is those proclaiming to be victims of racism that are, in fact, the biggest promoters of it!

If such folks claim an allegience to Islam, it is important for them to look inward rather than always playing the victim card. It is important to have one's faith and confidence in Allah and in Allah's words, above the calls of others. Islam is a faith that requires not only outward submission, but internal conformity to the Divine Imperatives!

Footnotes

[1] The Kharijies were an early extremist trend which emerged in Southern Iraq, roughly the same location ISIS as a movement came from. They were famous for their views that they alone possessed religious truth, and launched a bloody campaign for power. One of their members even killed the Prophet's own cousin, 'Ali ibn Abi Taalib, while the latter was praying in a Kufa, Iraq  Mosque [661 CE].

[2] It is possible that Elijah Muhammad [who records the Yacub account in his Message to the Blackman] meant for the account to be a dramatized social commentary, nonetheless, it has become a doctrinal teaching that still finds expression in today's NOI led by Minister Louis Farrakhan.

While it seems to this writer that Farrakhan has tried to distance himself from that rhetoric of the past, nonetheless commentaries on it still appears from time to time, composed by such persons as the late Tynetta Muhammad and Jabril Muhammad,  in his weekly publication, The Final Call. 

[3] Tafseer Al Jalalayn is a brief classical commentary, by two scholars carrying the same first name {Jalaluddin Al Mahalli in 1459 and his student Jalaluddin As Suyooti, his student, completing it is 1505}. The edition we have consulted is 2007, Damasus, Darul Kalam At-Teeb.

[4] Tafseer wa Bayaanu Kalimaat Al Qur'an, by the famed Egyptian scholar, Shaikh Hasanayn Muhammad Makhlouf (d. 1990]. The edition consulted is 2006, Amman, Daar Usaama.

Revisiting Race: America's never-ending odyssey

It is easy to think of the USA as a post-racial society, a place where ethnic background, skin color and religious label are not factors that lead to official and non-official marginalization. After all, twice now American voters have elected a man with roots in a Kenyan Muslim family, with the middle name "Hussein" on top of it, to the highest office in the land.

African-Americans are also represented in leading positions in various areas of society, law enforcement, politics and media.


Yet despite all these truthful assertions, African-Americans as a whole feel under siege. This is due to a number of socioeconomic factors, but as of late, highlighted in the continuing incidents leading to death during rather mundane encounters with law enforcement. Samuel Dubose in Cincinnati, Ohio. Or that of Sandra Bland, 28, in Prairie View, Texas, which authorities there have declared a suicide. In addition to these, social media are filled daily with videos of confrontations with Police officials. In addition to dealings with the law, we now have seen Dylan Roof, a young white man who joined a Bible study in a historically black Church, Emmanuel African Methodist Church in Charleston, South Carolina then opened fire, killing nine, including the senior pastor, Clementa Pickney, himself a South Carolina Senator. It's actually amazing that none have declared this an act of terrorism, even when a politician was killed in Church. I guess the Terrorist label is only applicable when the perpetrators are Brown-skinned and Muslim!

Why do we see a surge in these events? This writer has spent a great deal of time exploring this and related issues, speaking with people from various races and walks of life, and the theories out there are interesting- albeit frightening. There are those, both black and white, who feel these incidents are deliberate attempts to ignite a race war. Others blame media for fanning the flames, while others have placed blame on everything from the stresses of working in Law enforcement to the killings found in video games such as Grand Theft Auto!


Attitudes of mistrust will take generations to sort out

Tensions between ethnic groups [and more often, between social classes] have always been present within human society. That is simply a fact. Perhaps because we live in a fast-paced world we end up becoming conditioned to think these issues can be just as easily solved as going into a fast-food restaurant for lunch.

In an American context, we must remember that slavery officially lasted for 246 years. This figure does not include the various European adventures into Africa for slaves, which began in the late 1400's. The official period of slavery [ending with the Emancipation proclamation of 1863, but obviously not enforced until the end of the American Civil War in 1865] was followed by official and non official discrimination, violence, Jim Crow Laws, the rise of vigilante racist groups such as the Ku Klux Klan [KKK], lynchings, etc..

Yet, this writer asserts that  the next two generations,God-willing, will see racial biases- at least the sort that manifest themselves in the way they have, disappear. This statement may sound naive to some readers, but do consider the following facts.

[1] The increase of the ethnic groups that  are neither black nor white, such as Latinos and Asians. They are increasing in numbers, but also economic and political power. See http://news.yahoo.com/rise-latino-population-blurs-us-racial-lines-114944593.html;_ylt=A0LEVv5VkcJVeHEAyx8nnIlQ;_ylu=X3oDMTByOHZyb21tBGNvbG8DYmYxBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDBHNlYwNzcg--

[2] The rising acceptance of social relations between the races, including interracial marriage.

These two factors alome, along with others unmentioned here, are enough to generate hope that the coming generation will be able to discard the attitudes and actions that have been going on for so long!


Overall illnesses must also be addressed

While the future does appear to be bright, we must nonetheless acknowledge that there are deep social problems, or illnesses, that need to be addressed. Knowing that there are illnesses is obviously the first step to finding the cure. This writer does not claim to know all the answers, nor to even be able to see all the symptons, nonetheless we highlight a few, and hope these observations generate thought, especially for our political, religious and social leaders, for those in media and the entertainment industry.

[1] Narcissistic culture: Under nice-sounding labels such as "independence" and "freedom", this culture of simply the pursuit of whims ends up creating countless social problems, leaving in its wake destroyed families and neighborhoods.

[2] Media Violence: The increasingly violent images we see daily in our movies, music and games leaves us desensitized. So, violence is "fun" and "Manly". In addition, sexual dedregation is also connected to this.

[3] Racial stereotyping: Countless books and articles have been published on this point, and African-Americans are admittedly its greatest victims, although Muslims [particularly Arab or South Asian] are increasingly shown as villians, up to no good, untrustworthy, etc..

[4] Abandonment of moral/spiritual values: This manifests itself in the narcisisstic culture mentioned above, as well as in other ways. More and more, we are being conditioned to discard the values given in religion, that such values are antiquated and useless. Indeed, this is shown even through dress. Women wear short, tight clothes even in Church [and other venues ] and a popular style is for men to wear pants "sagging", showing their underwear.


Reasons to be hopeful

Ta-nehisi Coates, [an atheist] does not see any hope for Race relations in America, despite his personal successes. His new book  Between the world and me [2015, Spiegel &Graw, New York] is simply a collection of thoughts as to why he sees no reasons to hope.

It is precisely the opposite for this writer, because this writer believes in God! God is the one who created, but also cares for- all of his creation. God is the one who is the source of all races and ethnic backrounds. Human differences are not an accident. They are intentional actions on the part of the Divine Hand.

There is hope when one sees children, particularly very young children. They show love and do not consider issues of skin color as reasons to dislike or to hate others. There is hope because there are still on this Earth human beings with healthy hearts. There is hope because God created humans to have the capacity to grow, to think and progress beyond the limits placed on them by outside forces.

Even Malcolm X, known as Al-Hajj Malik Shabazz, a man who had, at one point in his life, dismissed whites as literal devils, grew. In commenting on race in America, he says:

..that discussion with the ambassador gave me a new insight-one which I like: that the white man is not inherently evil, but America's racist society influences him to act evilly. ..

[The autobiography of Malcolm X, 1999 edition, Ballantine Books, New York]

In these words we find hope. Hope to grow out of pettiness, hope to be humans, exhibiting the humanity placed in us by God.

Thoughts on "Post-Racial" American society

As I write these few words, the entire nation is debating. The Grand jury in Ferguson, Missouri decision not to press charges in the death of Michael Brown, who was killed in an encounter [the details of which are highly disputed, but the outcome obviously undeniable] with a local police officer named Darren Wilson  has ignited not only protests, but it has even come down to rioting and looting. Certainly criminal elements always emerge in these type of situations, taking advantage of the atmosphere to create anarchy and steal [after all, the Brown's family church as well as places such as an  AUTOZONE store  were destroyed [ see http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2849736/Church-attended-Michael-Brown-s-family-destroyed-Monday-night-s-protests.html ].

Yet, this has been felt nationwide. Protests are taking place all across the USA. President Obama has made comments on it. On the INTERNET, we can find solidarity rallies and tweets from people worldwide. If we are such a 'post-racial' society, why is it that these things are happening?

While it is quite encouraging to see Non Blacks protesting alongside African-Americans nationwide, it's obvious that problems still exist. Quite frankly, it goes beyond this one man's death. As I see it, these problems can be summarized in the following fashion [1] A perception that Blacks and other minorities are simply criminals at nature, an image that has been sustained for decades by the entertainment industry.  [2] An increasingly alarming trend nationwide on the part of Law enforcement to use deadly force and ask questions later. [3] Community and family ties are not as strong as in the past.

This brief post cannot cover everything. In essence, this is simply a rant. But it's a rant that searches for solutions. While protests certainly generate media attention, what happens when the media goes to another story? It's certainly true that burning stores in one's own community will not bring any healthy solutions, but what can be done, practically, to prevent things like this from happening again?

I tend to think solutions include, but are not limited to [1] Deeper and stronger community ties. These ties have to cut across racial, religious, and class ties. Poverty is not some moral disease, thus poor people should not be ignored. The type of society that used to exist must be revived, wherein people know each other, neighbors look out for each other, who will address crime in their own neighborhoods and families. How can that be done? By family involvement in the lives of the youth. This should not be taken as blaming the victim [in this case, Michael Brown], but in addition to cleaning up our own neighborhoods, it would also limit our contact with situations in which police would potentially get involved. [2] There has to be a removal of stereotypes. This is easier said than done, but in all honesty, because of how we have been socialized, Blacks are quicker to be seen as dangerous than Whites! [3] On the part of law enforcement, obviously in the Ferguson context, there will have to be seen more and more Blacks and other minorities added to the police force.


Just some thoughts..

Keeping it real: leadership, culture, and race in American Islam

The term American Islam is a deliberate, provocative phrase. I have used it to garner attention to this article, while at the same time seeking to show that Muslims in the United States have issues that are unique, that cannot and should not be ignored, but they should be the subject of analysis, dialogue and research.Insha-Allah, this brief post will generate discussion on these important topics.


The importance of attaining guidance from those who truly understand our situation

This principle has been very important in Muslim history. Indeed, we find examples of 'Ulamaa [scholars] who were reluctant to issue opinions on situations facing even a city in which they were not residing. Yet, for many of us in the United States, we follow the religious rulings and opinions on how to live our Islam here from those who have never even paid a visit here, let alone living here, having the experiences we have to experience, knowing and understanding the culture, history, social and spiritual needs we have here. Thus, many Muslims become misguided, entering into unnecessary difficulties, resulting in divided communities, confused understanding of Islamic practices, and sometimes even leading to people leaving Islam all together![Ft.#1]


If we are going to follow the opinions and fatawa of Imams and 'Ulamaa, we should consult those who have experience and understanding of what we are going through. Similarly, it would be a good idea for our Imams, who are almost always sought after for marital guidance, to seek out knowledge/training on counseling and related subjects in psychology,sociology etc..

Developing an Islamic culture in the United States

As minorities and majority populations, Muslims [like any other body of people] have developed habits, attitudes and thinking patterns that are unique to themselves while also, deliberately or otherwise, internalizing or at least being influenced by the dominant society. Islam does not advocate dropping your identity, food and clothes for the items of others. On the contrary, it advocates only that which is best and most useful. A suit and tie is just as "Islamic" as the Jalabiyyah and the Shalwar Kameez. [Ft.#2].

A positive development is that Muslims in this country, second and third generation, the children of both those who migrated here from other lands or whose parents accepted Islam freely, are [by large] dropping the baggage of the previous generation. The previous generation has baggage that is very harmful, everything from class arrogance, elitist feelings, racial and regional prejudices, even bringing old theological disputes to Western soil [Ft.#3]. America itself has experienced many changes, changes for the better, and it is our view that religion as surrounding personalities, xenophobia and jealousies, are disappearing from the American Muslim landscape. Those negative attributes can still be found, even within the leadership of certain communities and Mosques, nonetheless these things seem to be going to the trash can, and what emerges are Muslims who understand the West and strive to be Muslims, not "Muslim" as prefixed or attached to some other label or limited to nationality. The Muslims will, of course, have different attitudes, even within the same nation, but nonetheless the general course will be a healthy one, Insha-Allah.



Conclusion

A beautiful quality of Islam is that of the Qur'an itself. It has application in any time, place, situation or circumstance. Thus, rather than depending too much on the Maulvis back home, or on the personality of a leader dead or alive or on the appeal of racial sentiment, Muslims are looking more and more to the book of Allah. This is precisely what the Muslims in the first generation [in the Prophet's life and afterwards] did. They were able, by and large, to overcome feelings of tribalism and pettiness to become leaders of the world, spreading Islam to such an extent that it was near the Spanish borders and in China in a short time of 80 years after the Prophet's death [Sall Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam], creating empires, a renewed interest in the sciences, philosophy and all matter of development.

"It is he who has sent among the Ummiyyeen [ The Arabs]  a messenger [ Muhammad] , relating to them his [Allah's ] signs, purifying them, teaching them the scripture and wisdom. And before that, they had been in a clear state of loss. And to others who have not yet joined them [this messenger and this Qur'an has come to likewise benefit them] .And he is the exalted, the wise. This is Allah's bounty, he gives to whom he wills. And Allah is the possessor of bounty, the magnificent." [Qur'an 62:2-4]

Footnotes

[1] There are many examples of this that we have witnessed personally, these problems usually emerge due to reading literature that has little basis in the Qur'an and Sunnah and more of a foundation in the culture, prejudice or uninformed opinion of the writer. One example that comes to mind is a book produced in another country that attacked a number of Western Muslim leaders and groups. This book is quite popular, yet, the majority of its contents were not even true! Obviously, the information at the disposal of the author was third hand!

[2] Sometimes it is said that the tie is a symbol for the cross, but this writer has been unable to find any real evidence for that. Iran's Imam Khomeini discouraged the wearing of it, as well as  the majority of 'Ulamaa in the Indo-Pak subcontinent. We understand their reasoning behind this stance, as they felt western clothing were  symbols of imperialism and cultural attack. But what are Western Muslims suppose to do? Should we adopt automatically the clothing of Muslim lands? The question becomes moot when one realizes that the Muslim world itself is very diverse, with varying styles of clothing. Islam itself teaches that for men and women, they are to dress modestly. Certain areas of the body are to be covered up in public. Form-fitting and tight clothing, especially for women, are inappropriate. The style of one's clothing all depends on personal and cultural taste.

[3] As an example, in the UK there have actually been physical fights and confrontations in Mosques among second-generation British Muslims between followers of Braelvi ideology and Deobandis. These are disputes that originate in India and Pakistan, and are largely unknown to the wider Muslim world. The point in bringing this up is that we should not repeat the mistakes and the issues of other lands. Sectarianism itself is something we need to avoid rather than resurrect!

Muslim Americans, what now? thoughts on the the impact of W.Deen Mohammed and the future

The death of Imam W.Deen Mohammed, long time fixture in the Muslim American community, sent shock waves nationwide, affecting not only his followers, but the wider Muslim community as well. He was widely seen as a source of stability and confidence for U.S.Muslims, particularly African-American Muslims, many of whom also saw in him a symbol of pride and independence.

His death has re-ignited interest in an oft-ignored African American Muslim community, and has also prompted questions as to the past, present and future image of Islam with a distinct American appearance.

Who was W.Deen Mohammed

Son of Elijah Muhammad, the founder of the 'Lost-found Nation of Islam' or simply Nation of Islam [NOI], a movement whose doctrines were a mixture of Islam, Christianity and a variety of race-based fictional accounts. It was founded in the days when discrimination and marginalization of Black Americans was a normal fact of life, also a time when various religious and political movements were vying for the Consciousness and loyalty of Blacks. Elijah Muhammad's interests were not religious alone. While he did view Christianity as a tool to put down Blacks, and Islam as a liberating religion for Blacks, he also had cultural, social and economic interests. He gave his followers the drive to be industrious, hard-working, and productive, opening a variety of restaurants, farms, and other business ventures. He advocated a rather unrealistis vision, complete separation of the races, that some land be set aside for Blacks only, for a Black nation!

It was this movement that produced well-known figures such as Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali. Although marginalized in historical accounts, this movement, despite its clearly odd patch job of a theology, played an important role in both the African-American struggle for human rights and the establishment of Islam in American life.


Upon the death of Elijah Muhammad in 1975, his son Wallace [also known as Imam Warith-Deen ] became the leader of the NOI, and almost immediatly embarked on a program that led in the direction of accepting Orthodox Islam. Prayer, fasting, uncompromising Monotheism, all ignored in the days of his father, became the norm for his supporters.

Eventually, W.D. Mohammed dissolved all organizational structures, having for himself essentially a symbolic presence only, with no direct control of his followers' affairs. His style had an unique American approach. He seems to have sought to allow Muslims to be Muslims, while at the same time be American! This is a different approach from other Muslim movements, which finds acceptance of all things Western anathema to Islam. He was among the first American Muslim figures to encourage voting, and his preferred style of dress was a suit and tie, rather than a Jalabiyyah.

Of course there were many issues we can disagree with him about, but his impact cannot be denied. He was a sincere worker for the Islamic cause, with a mind of his own.

The future

The passing of Imam W.D. Mohammed reflects the natural changing of the guard. No longer should religion revolve around personalities. That has also been a uniquely American experience, but in Islam our religion is suppose to be about obedience to God above all else, about the Qur'an, the words of God and acting in accordance with justice and fair-play.


Rather than circling around a leader, I think the Muslims will, and actually should, broaden their religious interests, pursuing for themselves the avenues of knowledge and building for themselves all the goodly things needed for their lives and the well being of their communities. This was very apparent to me at the funeral, which I attended, when I saw Minister Louis Farrakhan [ft.1]. It hit me that he was the only other prominent fugure from those past days still active, who himself carried a charisma that is felt by Muslim Americans of all shades and backrounds.


American Muslims are in the process of creating their own identity. Times have changed, and Islam is no longer seen as a protest movement among Blacks. It is spreading fast among Whites and Latinos. Together with second-generation Muslims from Arab and South Asian backrounds, we will create something new and unique.

Muslims here will create their own clothing, that will conform to Islamic requirements as well as Western styles, in the same way Baju Melayu in Malaysia and the Shalwar kameez for the unique identity of Subcontinent Muslims. The future is very promising.

We will ask our readers to respect this process, to participate in this process, contribute to it and do not denigrate the past. We have seen that with the passing of Imam Mohammed, many have taken the oppurtunity to attack his personal, theological and political positions. This is not the time for that, as all that will do is create unneeded enmity and hatred. We ask our readers to put aside differences and to remember the Islamic principle of not speaking ill of the dead, especially one whose good actions outweighted any [percieved] wrong ones.


Footnote

[1] Louis Farrakhan broke away from W.D. Mohammed upon the latter's acceptance of orthodox Islam, and revived the teachings and program of Elijah Muhammad.