The Purpose of religion

Many view religion- and particularly a faith such as Islam- in terms that are a bit misleading. It's not an ideology in the minds of many of us, but rather [A] A personal or ethnic identity marker. 'This is what my parents were, so I am as well'. [B] A way to address or even escape life and its varied hardships and responsibilities. [C] As a way to be distinct from others, allowing isolationism.


The above mentioned reasons and others not mentioned here are often highlighted-in many ways inaccurately- by elements of the media to explain the rather phenomenal spread of Islam, particularly among Women and the Middle Class in The USA, UK, etc..! Oftentimes, Islam's spread is presented as something strange, like a virus that has to be stopped at all costs, attacking the weak and vulnerable in society, those unable to deal with 'normal' life, education, money, the opposite sex, etc..at nausea.

This particular thread of propaganda became most apparent to this writer while watching an episode of Law and Order. In this episode, a woman's rights activist is killed by a young Muslim convert [who sports a beard, Kufi and Jalabiyyah] for 'blaspheming Islam'. of course, he is captured by the authorities, and while acting as his own attorney, attributes his crime to 'defending Islam' from attack. His problems with women become apparent in his dealings with the female Judge and Prosecutor and informs his audience "Allah made men superior to women" and that "American women walk the streets of our holy cities with faces unveiled". The clip below is suppose to be an analysis of his 'condition'.






His 'condition' is used against him, digging up an old girlfriend, the prosecutors threaten to use the relationship against him, compelling him to accept a guilty plea and the sentence.

The reality of conversion [or 'reversion'] is very different for most people. That is not to say that there are not people out there who accept Islam [or any other religion] for escapism or some other mental need, but in general what attracts people to Islam is its intellectual appeal. It does not demand or expect blind faith and obedience. The Qur'an and Hadeeth literature both encourage the seeking of knowledge as a prerequisite of faith and devotion, points to creation itself as a sign of God's power and existence, and is itself not based on "miracles". There is no one to die for your sins or create wine from water, it places great emphasis on personal responsibility and accountability.

In any case, we wish to explore a bit as to the purpose of religion.


Purpose: for Allah alone.

A very succinct Quranic sentence tells us "Religion is exclusively for God" [Ala Lillahid deenul Khaalis] [Q 39:3]. There is no mention of using a religion to rebel from one's parents or to seem 'hipe'. This sentence tells us that when we accept religion or embrace religion, we do so because we believe it to be the path God has blessed with correct guidance. We follow it because we have been intellectually convinced of the veracity of its claims, that it will teach us about God, God's will for our lives, in short, how to properly conceptualize God.

But what else does the statement "For God" mean? We also say things like "In the cause of God" [Fee SabeeLillaah]. When we observe prayer, we say we do it "For God the most high" {Lillaahi Ta'alaa}. What do all these phrases mean?


To understand that, we have to understand that God does not need our prayers, nor our fasting. He does not need us to feed him [Q 51:57]. So, when we say "for God" we need to understand that after conceptualizing the Divine in the correct manner, as outlined in the Qur'an [ft.1], we become obligated to act correctly. By adopting the lifestyle and worldview that is asked of us by God, by abandoning racism, classism, or any other sort of negative 'ism'.


'A'ishaa bint Abi Bakr [Radee Allahu 'Anha] spoke of Muhammad, her husband and the Last Prophet, in a beautiful way. She was asked about his character, and she responded with "His character was the Qur'an [Kaana Khuluquhul Qur'aan].

If we accomplish this, internalization of the word of God, then these sorts of neorisis would disappear. When we say we should apply the Islamic teachings, we mean to say that all of the Islamic teachings should be applied, rather than selective.[Ft.2]

To accept Islam, we don't have to hate America, or to hate Christians or other peoples. We don't have to become bad copies of other people and forget our own histories and backround. To be a Muslim, we simply have to recall the following succinct Quranic verse:

Say:Surely, my prayers, my devotional acts, my life and death are all for Allah, the Nourisher of the Universe" [Q 6;163].

Footnotes

[1] See for example our article on Ayatul Kursiyy [The Divine throne] .http://shamsuddinwaheed.blogspot.com/2008/01/divine-throne-examination-of-ayatul.html

[2] This writer was once told by a non-practicing Muslim that if he saw his sister without Hijaab, he would "without hesitation put a bullet in her head". The irony in this statement is two-fold. [A] The dress code, whose interpretation is widely disputed today, is only mentioned twice in the Qur'an [33:59 and 24:31] whereas Prayer and charity has been mentioned perhaps hundreds of times, and [B] The Qur'an does not impose a death sentence for altering dress, only for murder [17:35] and creating social chaos [5:33]

Voting for the first time: A Muslim's thoughts

I have a confession to make; today was my first time ever voting! I have been registered to vote for years, and have even been summoned to Jury duty [which I have yet to do, as logistics have prevented me in the past] as a result of being a registered voter, but today was a first for me. This may be strange to both Muslim and Non-Muslim readers, hearing how a Muslim woke up very early [about 5:30 am], showered and offered morning prayers [Salaat al-Fajr] and walked to a nearby Church with his Hijab-clad wife to cast the ballot.

The actual experience

The Polling station opens at 7:00 A.M., and I was expecting long lines, but we only waited about fifteen minutes, in contrast to reports I have heard from friends and brothers throughout the country, who waited for 2-3 hours in line to cast their votes. It seems that while irregularities have been reported here and there, in general the process has gone smooth across the board.

Why did I vote now?

In the past, I have been had an apathetic approach to politics. While I enjoy its study in theory, I had the belief, as do most Americans [even if they don't admit it] and others in the world [who will gladly admit it if there's not a Policeman nearby] that Politicians are deceptive in general, that the whole system is very corrupt, and that there is no hope of change at all. My vote will not count anyways, I believed, and in addition to this, I have flirted with the view that Voting in such a system may be allowed Islamically, but only by a thin thread.

I voted now because I believe that the conditions are apt for change, because people really want it! With the U.S. engaged in two wars, which benefits only weapon contractors, the economy in shambles, Insurance problems and Credit becoming increasingly harder to obtain, people are finally beginning to feel the pressures that others worldwide feel on a regular basis, and do not wish to continue on this course. Let us hope that our hopes for change are not in vain.


What about Islam: does it really endorse representative democracy?

Before I go into this subject, I think it necessary to add this observation; i.e. that while voting does take place in much of the Muslim world, it is a widely disgraced practice, as there may only be one candidate on the ballot, your 'no' vote to the ruling party magically [Cough, cough] turns to 'yes', and those who dare attempt to vote for another party or candidate will be visited in a day or so by some really mean looking gentlemen wishing to 'enlighten' that disaffected person. So, I believe that with such a background, it is easy for 'Ulamaa residing in the Arab world or in another location to tell Muslims living in the West to not vote. Here are some of the usual arguments:

[A] Islamic law does not endorse decision making by the masses anyways. There is only one law and system, the Shari'ah and/or the Khilaafah! Voting in the US or Britain constitutes Kufr! Allah is the only law-giver, and Muslims should rally around a khalifah!

[B] If we do vote, it should be only with regards to 'Muslim issues', such as Palestine and Iraq! Otherwise, let the Kaafireen worry about themselves! In this connection, I should mention that this position was adopted in Apartheid South Africa by some leading Muslim scholars, and fatawa were issued disowning Muslims in the anti-apartheid movement, on the grounds that the system in place at that time placed no restriction on Muslims offering prayers in the Mosques! In addition, 'working with the Kuffar' was also a catch-phrase accusation leveled at Muslims involved in Anti-Apartheid activities.


There are some other arguments out there, position papers and books detailing these sorts of views, but in general all of them revolve around the points noted above.

[A] The Qur'an has categorically endorsed collective decision making. Believers, we are told, are :

42:38 Those who hearken to their Lord, and establish regular Prayer; who (conduct) their affairs by mutual Consultation; who spend out of what We bestow on them for Sustenance.

The wording "Wamrahoom Shuraa Baynahum" appears here, in connection with prayer, which in many instances is a collective exercise in the Muslim community, and charity, distributed to the needy society. There is no restriction given here about where and how this should be practiced. In other words, just as Jumu'ah prayers are equally valid in San Francisco or Saudi Arabia, participating in the decision making processes are valid whatever the system, as long as there are safeguards to prevent injustices and such. This is not to say that injustice does not exist, we can see this even in systems of government that applies Islamic laws [Taliban in Afghanistan as well as the old Nizam-e-Mustafa system in Pakistan are good examples of misapplication], but it does not mean that just because a system has its origins or popular usage among Non-Muslims that it automatically becomes Un-Islamic or unacceptable to the Muslim community.

As for the wish to have a Khilaafah system, perhaps that may happen in the future, but I won't be holding my breath. It does seem prudent that Muslim nations form something analogous to the European Union [UN], this could be a body Khalifah. Organizations such as the OIC [Organization of Islamic conference] can very well act in this capacity, giving a united voice, free trade, loans and grants to each other, and a variety of other actions that will greatly improve our conditions, but perhaps that is also something that will not happen anytime soon. In any case, it seems that having a figure such as a Sultan or Khalifah for all Muslims is a unrealistic expectation.

Getting back to collective decision making, we are also given in the Qur'an instructions not to allow anyone to feel marginalized, to allow them at least a voice and a seat at the table. See Q 58:11.

[B] 'Muslim issues' is very limited, and actually acts as self-marginalization. Why should we not vote on issues that will affect our health care, local services such as Police, Fire departments, schools etc..? Muslims should have a say on all these issues, at the very least because the Qur'an and Sunnah likewise have something to say about all issues. As the Qur'an says "And we have omitted nothing from the Book" [Q 6:38] as well as "Today have I perfected your religious law for you, and have bestowed upon you the full measure of My blessings, and willed that self-surrender unto Me shall be your religion."[Q 5:3].


Using the example of South African Muslims, the issue of Race discrimination has always been a priority of Islam. Looking at the Qur'an, and seeing the many practical examples from the Prophet's own life. and his final address to the Muslims show us that those opposing Muslim participation in the Anti-Apartheid movement had actually internalized those racial ideas preached by the Racists! Islam is not just applicable when Muslims are a majority, but also while living as a minority! Wherever Muslims live, we should have the light of Islam in our actions and attitude. Our influence will, God-willing, act as a guiding force that will make for positive change and contribution to the society and world we live in. The Prophet Muhammad may be a mercy to believers, but he is also a mercy to all nations [Q 21:107]. The Muslims, his followers, should likewise be the same.


Conclusion

The arguments I have presented here may not be convincing for all, so my advice is this: follow whatever your conscious and your understanding of the will of Allah Ta'alaa is. Just remember that Muslim behavior and ethics can be a light whereever we are, and that the will of Allah cannot be overturned. Allah's promises are true, even though those promises are sometimes hard to recognize.

Only one God: forgotten aspects of Tauheed and its application

It is well known that the most important declaration is the essential truth that nothing deserves worship except Allah, Laa e-laa ha ill Allah. This sentence, known as Tahleel, is recited during prayers, on occasions of happiness and sadness {ft.1}, and even during the process of dying when possible.{ft.2} Certainly there is much that can be said [and has been said] about the Tahleel, Islam's unique creedal statement{ft.3}, however, it seems that there are some aspects of Islam's creed that need to be made publically known, for the benefit of Muslims and Non-Muslims alike.


Justice

It is obvious that the Quranic account of the mission of the Prophets have more social implications, and is not limited to theological arguments. Although many examples can be cited, the account of Moses and Aaron should be sufficient. For further details, we recommend reading the Qur'an [20:42-50].

Returning to the Tahleel, we are informed by the Qur'an:

The 'Shahaadah' of Allah is 'there is no deity except him' {Laa e laa ha illa Huwa}. As well as [being the declaration of] angels, and people of knowledge who stand for justice..[Q 3:19]

Here, Tauheed, or the oneness of God, is given as the basis or the foundation for God's dominion of the universe. There is no injustice from God, nor are there any random occurrences. It also shows us that those who uphold Tauheed have an interest in the preservation and cultivation of knowledge, technical ability, sciences and so forth. These people also have an interest in seeing the application of fair-play, preservationof the rights of others, in short, justice universally applied.

This aspect of Tauheed can also be discerned from the Hadeeth literature:

Whosoever of you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand, and if he is not able to do so, then with his tongue, and if he is unable to do so, then with his heart, and this is the weakest of faith. [Reported by Muslim, Al-Nawawi's Forty Hadith, Ezzedinne Ibrahim, Denys Johnson Davies, page 110. Holy Koran publishing house, Beirut, 1979].

For those who uphold a conviction that God is one, fairness for all is a pillar of faith that will not be abandoned, one that must be translated into action when needed. Otherwise, our declarations of faith will be empty words, revealing only our hypocrisy.

Standing for justice [Qaa'iman Bil Qist] does not equate making rash, emotional decisions, nonetheless it should be in the minds of the Muwahhidoon [Those who believe in God's oneness].

Hast thou ever considered [the kind of man] who gives the lie to all moral law? Behold, it is this [kind of man] that thrusts the orphan away, and feels no urge to feed the needy. Woe the, unto those praying. Whose hearts are remote, those who want only to be seen and praised. And, withal, deny all assistance [to their fellow-man]. {Q 107:1-7, Muhammad Asad translation, The message of the Qur'an, 1980, Dar al andalus, Gibraltar.

Idolatry: Injustice to God and man

Some Muslim writers correctly assert that God has rights, just as humans do, and those rights should not be violated. Yet, even in that, it is also true that we cannot hurt God. The Qur'an presents a concept of the Divine that is strong, showing God as wise, independent, and powerful. In other words, our neglect of prayers does not harm him, it only harms ourselves. Allah says

I do not want from them any provision, nor do I want them to feed me. [Q 51:57]

We don't sustain Allah, he sustains us. We recite this fact daily in prayer with the line "Praise be to Allah, Nourisher of the universe" [Q 1:2].

To worship something other than God, an action known to Muslims as Shirk, is given in the Qur'an as the greatest crime imaginable [Q 31:13]. It is not because God needs our worship, nor is he hurt by our misplaced devotion{ft.4]. Shirk is in fact the foundation or basis by which other crimes are committed!

A policy of ethnic or religious genocide, in which one group of people see themselves as better or more deserving than the other wipe out the latter, or deny them rights, is a classic example of Shirk! Worship of one's prejudice and arrogance-shirk- led to the crime of genocide, such as in Rwanda, Bosnia and other places.

Theologically, seeing an individual as God-incarnate is also considered Shirk, mainly for two reasons;

[1] God is something greater than a human, actually a reality that can not be fully conceptualized [Q 42:11].

[2] The one viewed as "God in person' invariably commits crimes and abuse of both his followers and others.

Portraits of Jesus Christ [viewed by Christians as God incarnate and God's son] that display in homes, Churches and Bible printings worldwide as a Caucasian has the subtle effect of portraying Europeans as sharing Divinity. As a result of this, another trend has arisen in which Jesus is portrayed in Bible printings and films as Black!

Colonialism, Slavery, and many other forms of injustice can be traced back to Shirk!


Intercession

Many of us believe that at some point, personalities, be they alive or dead, will intercede with God on our behalf. Traditions have beec created to support this view, and the situation is now that almost every religious group worldwide accepts this doctrine in one form or another.

In the outset, it should be said that there is no harm in asking someone to pray for you. That, however, vastly differs from invoking a dead or absent personality. In any case, the Qur'an informs us that God's decisions are in his hands alone, therefore it makes more sense to invoke him alone.

Say: Intercession [Shafa'ah] is in the domain of Allah entirely {Jamee'an}. To him belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth, then to him you will return. [Q 39:44].

Acknowledgment of God's messengers constitute Shirk?



It has been asserted by many in recent years that the statement "Muhammad is the messenger of Allah" [Muhammad ar Rasool Allah] is idolatry. Insincere people make this statement, we are sometimes told. The supporters of this view quote the following verse as evidence;

When the hypocrites come to you [O Muhammad] they say: We testify that you are indeed Allah's messenger...[Q 63:1]

However, the verse goes on to say that "And Allah knows that you are truly his messenger." If Muhammad, upon whom be peace and blessings, was a false messenger, then the theory would hold some merit. However, the Qur'an shows us that he was a true prophet and messenger, so why would acknowledging a true fact be idolatry?

Moreover, the Qur'an tells us that God himself acknowledges that he sent Muhammad as his messenger, with the Qur'an.

However, Allah makes Shahaadah [Allahu Yash-hadu] as to what he has to you [O Muhammad], sent to you from his knowledge ['ilmihi]. And the angels [also declare this] [Yash-hadoon]. And Allah is sufficient as a witness. {Q 4:166}

Conclusion

Tauheed is very important, not just as some abstract notion, but in terms of seeing life correctly, our place in it right, and in terms of our own consciousness as humans. For God to assist us and accept our prayers, we should conceptualize him in the manner as given throughout the Qur'an, and also use our hands, our tongues, our money, our very selves, to give justice, both for us and others, regardless of their label, class or ethicity!

God does not die, is all kind and merciful. He hears the calls of those who call on him, so he should be invoked, rather than other figures. Nothing should divert us from Allah!

Shirk is not limited to theological error. It is the root of all evil. Racism, arrogance, murder, all can be traced back to Shirk!

Footnotes

[1] One will notice when living in various parts of the Muslim world that Laa elaha ill Allah is said at different times, depending on the particular culture.

[2] Abu Dawud 3/190.

[3] See http://shamsuddinwaheed.blogspot.com/2008/01/tauheed-understanding-divine-monotheism.html

[4] Some religions, such as Hinduism, have rituals which involve a devotee leaving rice as an offering to the deity.

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.

Obsession: a documentary of hate and fear

In the Sunday edition of the Toledo Blade, readers received a surprise in the middle section, a free DVD. The title of this free gift ['beware of the Greeks, even when they bear gifts'] is 'Obsession: Radical Islam's war against the West'. It's a one hour so called documentary.

As the day went on, I learned that this 'gift' had not just been given to the good people of Toledo, cities all over the nation, [in selected states, the swing states actually] had received this DVD. Our community held a meeting to plan a response, and it was revealed there that seventy-two newspapers carried this DVD nationwide, reaching an estimated audience of twenty-eight million!

This DVD placed together a variety of disparate clips of images and statements throughout the world in an attempt to show the audience that 'Radical' Islam is out there, ready and able to destroy the Western way of life, and as such the West, the fountain of civilization and freedom, must be on guard, against "them". "They are here, among us" one speaker on this production said.

The same good 'ol boys

Among the many individuals featured or shown in this production, the most prominent are Walid Shoebat, Brigitte Gabriel, Steve Emerson and Daniel Pipes. All of these individuals are directly involved in organizations that seek funds and support for their respective agendas, usually revolve around Pro-Israeli or Zionist interests, the defense industry, and Evangelical Christian circles, those who claim a monopoly on Biblical interpretation, whose figures earn quite a bit of money from speeches, books, etc.. [One web site claims Shoebat earns over $13,000 for each speech]. Thus, people such as those featured on the DVD cannot be relied upon to give reliable, unbiased and accurate information.

Another speaker, Lamar Marcus, of Palestinian Media Watch, implies that Muslims created the myth that Jewish ritual requires the blood sacrifice of a child, when in reality this idea was founded by Europeans, Christians, in the Middle Ages.

False implications

Mr. Shoebat made the laughable assertion that Jihad [ which means 'struggle' ], explained by him as 'self-struggle', is still a dangerous concept comparable to Adolph Hitler's Mein Kampf , which means 'My struggle'. This can be compared to a person making the wrong assumption that there is a conspiracy behind the fact that the word Ingerris [Melayu for 'English'] appears so close to the 'N' word used in the USA as an insulting reference to Blacks.

In any case, a common theme throughout the documentary is the 'similarities' between Islam and Nazism. One speaker said that radical Islam is more dangerous than Nazism, and of course there were many pictures of German troops and Hitler. Much was made of a 'close' relationship between Palestinian Mufti Ikrima Sabri and Nazi Germany, but the same assertions could very well be made of the relationship between Iranian Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi and the United states.

It was constantly repeated that 'moderate' Muslims need to speak out against terrorism. Yet, Muslims have been doing just that. Even the events of September 11, 2001 found condemnation from Hezbollah, Syria and Iran, all opponents of US policy in the Middle East, all of whom are designated Terrorists by the US! It is very easy to confirm that the religious and political institutions of Muslims worldwide have condemned violence and murder, regardless of the identity of the victims or the perpetrators. A simple Internet search would suffice to answer that challenge. All of this is well-documented.

Induces Amnesia

A clip from an Arabic language television program is said to be especially frightening for Western audiences, in which a child is kidnapped by Jews for the purposes of sacrifice in a religious ritual. The propaganda is horrible, says this DVD. Yet, the same can be said of Hollywood films such as Death before dishonor, Seige, or Delta Force!

Every community has its bad apples, its elements who are so filled with rage that anything they say will most certainly be shocking. So, clips of representatives of the British-based group Al-Muhajiroun as well as Abu Hamza Al-Misri, former fighter in Afghanistan and also formerly of Britian making shocking statements was to be expected. That these figures are ignored by the wider Muslim community is never mentioned.

This DVD absolves the West of any responsibility for the grievances felt by people worldwide. It seeks to oversimplify the situation as 'Muslims hating the freedoms and success of the West'. While such grievances are not the subject of this particular post, nonetheless it would be wise for the reader to remember that there is two sides to every story, and that images can be decieving.

Concluding thoughts

Obsession only reinforced the stereotypes held about Arabs and Muslims. It has the potential to create a backlash of violence, even terrorism from right-wing groups and militias, against Western Muslims. Whole families can be placed in great danger as a result of this DVD. Of course, the controvery will die down, and individual Mosques and community leaders will respond to it, but nonetheless it is our feeling that the intentions of the creators and backers of Obsession have less than honorable intentions.

To our Muslim readers, we advise patience, and most importantly- do not overreact. It's a safe assumption that the producers of this so-called documentary want us to do exactly that. The propaganda war against Islam and Muslims is nothing new. It happened in the time of the Prophet Muhammad and is recorded in the Qur'an. A succinct example is given in the following words;

Is this a message that you ridicule, and you earn your money by lying about it? [Q 56:81-82].

Our long term responses to propaganda of this nature is to be better Muslims, live as Islam teaches us. Have inviting, clean Mosques, be prepared to answer questions honestly, make Islamic literature [especially the Qur'an] available to your friends, co workers and neighbors. These sort of actions will cancel out the efforts of the hateful and, God-willing, create a safer situation for ourselves and plant the seeds for greater understanding.

Ramadan readings: the expansive message of the Qur'an.

As most of our readers are aware, reading or recitation of the Qur'an is very important in the month of Ramadan. While it is not our intention to go into the particulars of how this tradition has evolved, it is nonetheless a necessity to engage in its study while observing the fast.


The study of the Qur'an is never a boring experience for the believer, and it is our view that benefiting from it is especially heightened while fasting. It is my hope to share some observations of texts I read today.

Salvation

Just about every religious group has among its adherents those who believe that Heaven, paradise, Nirvana, or whatever label applied, is limited to themselves only. The Quranic position can be described in the following text:

And they say: None enter Jannah [paradise] unless they are Jewish or Christian. These [assertions] are their desires. Say: Produce your evidence, if you are truthful [Q 2:111]

This ayah summarizes the argument made by sects and religions as to the holders of salvation. God says to those holding such views to show their proof to the followers of the Prophet Muhammad, indeed, to all mankind.

Does anyone of us have keys to heaven? Can we look inside and find out exactly who is in it? Indeed, we cannot, and those who think otherwise are just speculating, following their own desires and prejudices.

Allah has told us- in the final revelation called the Qur'an, who will be in his paradise. The answer may surprise us all:

Nay! [the one who is] completly submissive to God, a doer of good, then he has his reward with his Lord, on them shall be no fear nor grief .{ Q 2112}

No label is given. Action is required. The word 'Nay' [Bal'] negates the argument of the prior sentence. Those who think they are the only ones blessed by God are indeed incorrect. In another place, Allah has said that those who are sincere in thinking they are God's exclusives, to the detriment of others, to kill themselves, return to God and his heaven faster{ Q 62:6].

Allah is the Provider and nourisher of all. While it is true that many of us hold to theological errors, can we really say that God made people, allowed them to make these mistakes in belief, just to send them to hell for misunderstanding? The Quranic message is this: Have the right understanding of God, and act accordingly. Label has not been given that much importance.

In this same section, we are shown again how labels have little bearing on one's status before God Almighty.

Jews and Christians will never be satisfied with you until you follow their Millah. Say: Surely God's guidance is the [real] guidance... [2:120].

Allah created all people, he knows best who deserves his rewards and who does not. Also of interest is the following verse;

The Jews say: "The Christians have naught (to stand) upon; and the Christians say: "The Jews have naught (To stand) upon." Yet they (Profess to) study the (same) Book. Like unto their word is what those say who know not; but Allah will judge between them in their quarrel on the Day of Judgment. [Q 2:113]

In the end, God is the judge. Therefore, we should never judge someone's ideology and say that God will not given them anything. That's arrogance on our part.

Endnote

For a more in-depth study of some of these issues, the reader is referred to the work The language of revelation, in which this writer has explored the Quranic usage of Kaafir, Islam and Muslim. To obtain, email waheed79@yahoo.com

Lectures available online.

We have available Friday prayer lectures [Khutbahs] on CD for $10.00 each plus shipping and handling. Our titles include

[A] Quranic spirituality.

[B] Joseph and the New Egypt [mainly discussing a radical interpretation of the Qur'an Soorah 12].

[C] Khilaafah and 'Ibaadah . [ The Islamic teaching on the purpose of life, worship and concept of God]

[D] Allah's plan:Tauheed and Taqwa [ Thoughts on various trends in religious circles to force God's hand regarding Judgement, as well as a thorough discussion on 16:1]

[E] Follow the best thereof [Powerful explanation of the Quranic and Biblical Solomon, and priorities in Islam].

[F] Al-Faatihah and the Prophets [Detailed explanation of the Quran's first chapter, along with explanation of various Biblical topics and characters and their relation to Quran itself].

and much more.

To obtain, email waheed79@yahoo.com



Free online lectures

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Prayer and Morality:Dhikr and Suurah al -Faatihah

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