Defending the Prophet: methodology of Qur'an and Sunnah

A movie depicting the 'controversial' sides of the life of the Prophet [Sall Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam] has prompted protests at US embassies in some areas of the Muslim world, and even has resulted in the tragic and unjustified killing of the US envoy to Libya, Christopher Stevens.

That this 'movie' [which I watched, a very cheesy collection of disparate images and themes] trailer is an attempt to provoke Muslims to react emotionally is obvious when we consider the 'mystery' [as BBC words it] surrounding those who produced it. Indeed, the logistics of making "Innocence of Muslims" sounds like some sort of really badly prepared James Bond film. It is also a bit suspicious that the film would only recently be translated into Arabic and that, on the anniversary of the 9/11 attack, in the middle of a fierce presidential contest, increased tensions between Iran and Israel, in the midst of what is going on in Syria, that this intellectual suicide of a production would be promoted within Muslim media outlets.

Yet, the heart of the issue is not the motivations of Sam Bacile or whatever made up names he and his associates [or whatever agencies/organizations they are involved with]. The issue is not what they say, because they have always been speaking against the Prophet, against the Qur'an and and Islam. That is apparent throughout the Qur'an itself, which actually quotes some of those insults. Rather, the core issue lies within us, US, the followers of Islam!

Self-control

The love Muslims have for the Messenger of Allah is apparent to anyone even slightly familiar with Islam.This has been briefly outlined in our comments on Soorah Al-Kauthar [[url] http://shamsuddinwaheed.blogspot.com/2008/04/al-kauthar-legacy-of-prophet_03.html/[url]]. Yet, we cannot allow our love to be used and manipulated for political or ideological purposes. To use an analogy, if an African American is called "The N word", a violent response would not be acceptable. The recipient of the insult who responds with violence will not be let off by the legal system just because his feelings were hurt, even if pushed into it by way of instigation.

Allah says in the Qur'an " O you who have faith! Be those who consistently stand before God, witnesses for justice [and fair play]. Do not allow the opposition of another people to direct you in any way other than that of justice [and fair play]. Be just, as [the doing of ] justice is the closest [act that displays] piety. God is aware of what you do. God's promise, to those with faith, and who conduct themselves as doers of good/ those who reconcile, is [Divine] forgiveness/protection, and a magnificent reward." [Q 5:8-9].

The Prophet was called names, many of which are recorded in the Qur'an. Among those names and insults are "Crazy" [Majnoon], "Soothsayer"  [Kaahin],  "an ear:" [Udhunun][ft.1], yet, not only does the Qur'an stay silent in terms of some violent response, it speaks of the Prophet's congenial nature in general, and of overlooking and forgiving those who, out of hatred and jealousy, seek to provoke [ 9:128 and 2:109].

We need to be reminded of the Qur'anic description of believers. Among the characteristics, we have it that when ignorant people address us, we are to say 'peace' and leave them alone [Q 25:63].


Evidence is key to addressing controversy

The best source of evidence, or material for which to prove one's case Islamically, or when referencing the Prophet, is the Qur'an itself.We are told, in Arabic, wa jaahidhum bihi Jihaadan Kabeeran. "and make Jihad with it [i.e. Qur'an], and a mighty Jihad it is." [Q 25:52].

The Qur'an needs to become central in our explanations, because it is the most important source in Islam! It contains all we need in order to combat, intellectually, those whose hearts are filled with hatred.

Prophet's actions as related in the Hadeeth literature

In Madinah, where he was in control, there was present therein enemies, of all stripes. One narration [Saheeh Al-Bukhari 78:38] states that while with his wife, the youthful and spirited 'A'ishaa, May Allah be pleased with her, enemies came to him and said, to his face "Die"! Yet, he, the head of state, did not respond. When his wife made a response out of emotion, he told her "be gentle!" [Mahlan].

Moreover, it is well known, even to the anti-Islamic forces, that when the Prophet, upon whom be peace and blessings, overcame his enemies in their own capital [Makkah], he issued an amnesty, one which even extended to those who brutally killed his uncle!

Such a man would not give approval to attacks on innocent parties.

Concluding thoughts:

This "Innocence of Muslims" production has raised an issue with the true age of 'A'ishaa at the time of marriage. It is popularly assumed that the marriage took place at six, and its consummation at nine. Before analyzing this, it's important to remember that in the hadeeth literature to a great extent and to a lesser on the books of Tareekh and Fiqh, we find quotes and statements that are often devoid of any context, leaving the reader to just muddle through. Now, this narration about her age, which may be something as simple as misstating two numbers on the part of a narrator, has been examined by a number of writers, particularly in English and Urdu, from many angles, found to be untrue in light of other hadeeths and historical facts. For this writer, I think its sufficient to note that the Seerah literature says that A'ishaa had been engaged before her engagement and subsequent marriage to the Prophet, i.e. in the time before Islam, to one Jubair ibn Mut'im. Marriages were not something to just discard like unwanted food, and 'child marriage' was not a habit of the Arabs. The point being is that two engagements by the age of at least 6, that would be untenable to say the least! Moreover, while the hadeeth and seerah literature tell us many of the objections raised against the Prophet, the issue of 'A'ishaa and his marriage to her is not mentioned, meaning, had the opponents, contemporary to the Prophet,  been able to say something about it, they would have, but there is no record of them ever doing so! Indeed, it is only a modern controversy, with the advent of Orientalist writers [many of whose pioneering scholars were Christian clergy] in the last century, that has made his marriage with her an issue at all!

If this line of reasoning is not convincing, let us turn to the Qur'an. It speaks of 'age of marriage' [Balaagh an Nikaah]. The verse [ 4:6] referenced deals specifically with property, being turned over by guardians of wards when they reach Balaagh an Nikaah. That is certainly not at six or nine years of age, for males or females, in any society!

We do not say this in consideration of Western sensitivities. Indeed, it's diverse even now, with legal marriageable ages varying from 16-21, while just a century or two before marriages at younger ages were not uncommon. We say these things in investigation of truth, of shining light wherein no light had been present before.

A Muslim's moral compass is the word of Allah, over culture, habits or any other source. This includes how we deal with others, and our perception of Allah's messenger, the final Prophet, a mercy to all nations.

Footnotes
[1] "He is an ear", is recorded in Qur'an 9:61. Al Fat-h al Qadeer [Imam Shawkanee] says that they used this expression to denote their view that the Prophet was naive, unable to distinguish between truth and falsehood."

"News" as a tactic: lessons from "a gay girl in Damascus' blog

" O believers! When a "Faasiq" [an immoral person who breaks the normal rules of behavior] comes with any information, investigate it, lest you bring harm to a people unknowingly and become regretful afterwards." [Al-Qur'an 49:6]

By now, we have all heard the story of Aminah 'Abdullah 'Arraf. Publisher of the "a gay girl in Damascus' blog, which was said to have been run by a Syrian-American [Muslim] Lesbian living in the Syrian capital, recording "her" plight as a lesbian within a Muslim society going through its own political crisis, with condemnations of the Assad regime, even thoughts on Israel.

A sensational account published on the blog stated that the author was arrested by Syrian intelligence [Mukhabaraat], prompting an international campaign for the author's release. The story quickly unfolded when the pictures of the alleged author turned out to be someone else, but even in that, there was still, at least in the minds of Syrian opposition figures and their supporters worldwide, not enough evidence to dismiss the writer all together. See the following BBC link, which also has an interview with a Syrian opposition spokesman as well as with Jelena Lecic, whose pictures were co-opted unknowingly in this deception.

Later investigations revealed that- in fact- the author of the 'a gay girl in Damascus' blog was neither Syrian, Arab, Muslim, or even a Homosexual! Further details on this can be seen at NPR which also has a picture of the author with his wife.

The same source states the author defended his actions, claiming that his accounts reflect the realities on the ground in Syria.

False stories: oldest trick in the books

Using invented tales and false arguments to justify certain positions are noting new. Indeed, as a result of misleading tales out there, many people still believe that the late Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein had a hand in 9/11. To go back further, the Vietnam war was started after North Vietnam forces allegedly attacked US vessels in the Tonkin gulf region in August 1964, but as it turns out, this incident never even took place!

Perhaps it's a bit unfair to cite these above examples as comparisons to what Tom MacMaster [author of the blog in question] did. Yet, the point seems valid nonetheless, that such a course of action is nothing new, and represents a tactic to put pressure on the Assad regime, not in the name of democratic rights, but because- in their view- Muslims and Muslim lands are fair game for anything that outsiders may want to impose.

Media is indeed a powerful weapon, and with the advent of the internet, where there does exist almost completely equal access to abilities to publish one's news/views, it can be an even heavier sword in the hands of writers. Indeed, the Qur'anic verse cited at the beginning of this post becomes even more relevant.


Islam and critical thinking

As Muslims, we have to take the commands of the Qur'an and Prophetic model seriously. The Qur'an demands investigation in any claim, especially when such claims can affect the safety and dignity of people.

Within Muslim history, the verse in question has served as a basis upon which the Muhadditheen [scholars, compilers of Prophetic Sunnah] looked at the narrators of reports they [i.e. the Muhadditheen] collected concerning the Prophet. One famous story which is attributed to Imam Al-Bukhari{ft.1} states that he did not even bother meeting with a man who was to share some Prophetic narrations when he saw the man treating a horse in a cruel manner.

We can agree that such character-based judgement of narrators [be it hadeeth narrators or those telling us any story] is imperfect. After all, our judgement may be wrong, based on incomplete information, and even if our decision is correct, there does exist a chance that the narrator may be telling the truth, and it's also possible that those we deem trustworthy have narrated an incomplete, biased, or even false account.

One account which the scholars have generally rejected is the "satanic verses" story. This account alleged that the Prophet received "satanic inspiration" to actually order his followers to prostrate before the pagan deities [al lat, Manat and Al'Uzza] (ft.2}. Such a claim insults the Prophet, the Qur'an, and contradicts known history and common sense. The Prophet, upon whom be peace and blessings, sacrificed much in his mission. Battles, death, enmity of tribes, and yet he never deviated from his mission. to assert that he would- in a moment of weakness or in the name of political expediency- allow his principles to be violated by such an order to his followers is ridiculous!

Fortunately, the Muslims have, in terms of both theological ['Aqeedah] issues and Prophetic history, a source that is reliable and free from error, and that source is the Glorious Qur'an!

A lay man unaware of the complexities of recorded histories, unable to determine on their own what is authentic and what is spurious, can look at the Qur'anic contents and understand what the Prophet was really about. He or she can get a clear picture of the Prophet's actions, intentions, inspiration, and motivation by having a look at the Qur'an. Critics say he was a man obsessed with sex.But how can this be, when the Qur'an tells us that he would spend his nights, half or even a third of it, dedicated to prayer and contemplation? [see Qur'an 73:20].

He was a man who had very little concern for material things, he was a statesman, a religious teacher, when would he have the time for the sort of accusations made against him?

This is just one example, but our over-riding point is that we must be careful. Claims are circulating that both Syrian and Libyan soldiers are using rape against their opponents. Maybe this is true, but we must investigate first. Wecan't assume and then act upon assumptions. This religion has been sent forth for spiritual guidance, and that guidance is to translate practically in daily, political, business and social life!

It should be noted that this post does not seek to defend the governments in Libya, Syria or anywhere else. Nor are we blind to the realities of troubles in Muslim lands. But those problems should be resolved internally, and not made worse by lies and propaganda. The ends do not justify the means!

Here, we only appeal to the use of critical thinking, of investigation and of caution. These appeals are useful in any place or time in life, but are especially important in issues that affect the safety of peoples and societies.


May Allah guide us, forgive us, and allow us to see truth, whereever it is. As his Prophet, Sall Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam, used to pray, we pray that Allah's light illuminate us, in front and back of us, to our right as well as our left. Ameen![Ft.3]

Footnotes

[1] Imam Al-Bukhari's collection, known as Saheeh Al-Bukhari, is the most popular and trustworthy of sources of information about the Prophet. Indeed, one expression that describes its value is As Sahh al Kutub Ba'da Kitaab Allah, the most authentic of books after the Book of God. It should be noted that Hadeeth is not equal to the Qur'an, and although we give the most attention to Bukhari's collection, he [Bukhari] never saw it as error-free.


[2] The famed historian and Qur'an commentator, Imam Muhammad Jarir At-Tabari [hence referred to as Tabari] is the only commentator who records this story, but even he stated that he only records what was told to him. An examination of his writings show that he, most likely, did not believe this story either, but nonetheless shared what he was told. In any case, even if he[Tabari] did believe it, it makes no difference, for our opinions or understanding of Prophetic teaching and action cannot contradict the position or the teaching given in the Qur'an.


[3] This supplication of the Prophet, as reported in hadeeth sources, can be found in the useful booklet Hisnul Muslim, compiled by Sa'eed ibn 'Ali Wahf Al-Qahtaani, pg 44, Dar al Khair, Jeddah.]