| Letter From a Reader: Our Ummah is Plagued with Dead Hearts |
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| Saturday, 27 October 2007 | |
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I’ve lost hope on our fellow Muslims today. I don’t believe in them anymore. They don’t keep to their appointments. They lie too much. They mess around with business ethics and every day, becomes a day of disappointment for me. And all I want is just one Muslim, just one, who doesn’t ask but gives, who serves and doesn’t take, who sacrifices and doesn’t gloat. Just that one time, I wish to see see in a Muslim brother’s eyes and know he is for real. He will keep his word. I use to think I will learn much from the Khutbah’s in a Mosque on Friday prayer and yet, I walk away empty. We suppose to stand, side by side as brothers but after the salat, I know each one has let me down, or let someone down, or done something that really doesn’t help me to trust any of them. I cannot even trust them if a time came when we need each other. Every Friday, Jummah prayer, I’d hope the Imam would choose a topic in issues we face today but it is either of something that none of us are going through. It is the same Khutba, the same words, the same dryness and in the same tone. I hoped and I prayed even for this simple thing – that if I am ill, someone would visit me. I was ill, none visited me. A time came when I was crawling on the floor and couldn’t get up and stayed there till the next day. No one would have known if I died. No one. Not even the hundreds of brothers who know my name. I find, no one gives salaams anymore. And when they do, it is like a mumble. Many do not even smile. I am a stranger within our Ummah, within our community. I thought, one day, I would wake up and we would stop saying, “1400 years ago, Muslims use to achieve…” to find we are achieving today and not riding on the backs of those before us. We would have done them proud to wear their honour and the name they fought for us to keep. We have let them down. We have let ourselves down. I am an entrepreneur but no money, no wealth; no great recognition will ever make me happy now. Only that we live as true Muslims. Only that we give salaam with a genuine smile. Only that I can trust another brother or sister. The sad thing is this MPAC – we talk of solving problems of our communities, of around the world, and yet, we are cruel to each other. Every day, when I pray to Allah SWT, this grown man weeps and nothing, no hard times or misery of years of struggle made me weep than seeing our ummah this way. Just a salaam with a smile. Just a promise they keep. Just not to be late. Just a genuine love for each other. Just this and it would be worth more than any empire or dream I’d ever build. I would fight to see character in our Ummah. I would blaze through any challenge to see our Ummah have character. Though I was born and lived in the streets, may have been cruel in the days of ignorance, I have not seen more dead hearts than I see today within our Ummah. You know what I mean O Ummah. You feel it too, don’t you? It hurts to be in such a state and see it in our community. It was then, how I remember, how amazing, beautiful, honest, noble the Messenger of Allah (SAW) is. Thank you O Allah for sending Muhammad (peace be upon him) because if you did not send them, I would have been lost in finding any fine example of a Muslim. His memory of such nobleness keeps this street thug who turned Muslim and entrepreneur at peace. Thank you Allah.           Readers have left 11 comments.
John:
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"I’ve lost hope on our fellow Muslims today"
Don't worry, Muslims are a disappointment to others too.
(1)
2007-10-27 19:11:27
Shiekh Yousaf al bongo:
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I like the letter, don't loose up, just know the pronblem and work to find a solution.
It after all begins with us and ends with us, when I look at the state of Muslims, I ask myself, am I like them, is my word cheap or is my word as vauable. Is it worth keeping. In regards to the deeds of yesteday your right we have to emulate them today and make sure we individually do deeds and actions that stand alone as great things.
(2)
2007-10-28 10:11:02
serving enemies of islam:
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I've said it before and I'll say it again .... all muslims seem to know what the problems are but no one wants to do anything about them. It's easier to moan about what others are not doing.
When was the last time we did something really practical, even if only in the area in which we live that will have immediate long term benefit for our neighbours. Instead muslims are instilled with the slave mentality and encouraged to fight each other and become dividivided so the enemies of islam can gain benefit from our in-fighting, back-biting and squabling.
(3)
2007-10-28 16:42:11
Sara:
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Absolutely fantastic article! I appluade the writer for his honesty and passionate words.
Now it's time for action - join MPAC, fund them. Do somethhing, anything in the Jihad!
(4)
2007-10-28 18:32:29
serving enemies? We are are own:
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First I am going to say, that no one really should say, "all muslims seem to know what the problems are but no one wants to do anything about them. It is easier to moan etc etc."
Why? Because we don't know if this person is really making it happen and doing something about it. Five weeks ago, a sister said the same thing you just said, about another brother who highlighted these same issues in Manchester and they all went blazing at him for "moaning." Well, then one of the speakers shut them up. Why? Because they didn't know this person who was highlighting the SAME issues, the SAME FEELINGS, the SAME challenges and does more than all the people in that meeting put together. So, we, as Muslims have also the MENTALITY to suddenly attack the people who raise these issues and then tell them to stop moaning. I don't agree with this. Actually, not enough have been done, in engaging the Muslim community to have meetings in each mosque with Non-Muslims too, and for Non-Muslism to highlight what they dislike what Muslims do and behave and together work on building the ummah and all communities from within. This is not a Muslim issue alone although the Ummah stinks in business ethics as the writer says and other things which ALL of us face today. It is an issue of all communities. Unreliable bigots who preach on Islam and don't follow and apply what they say. So, please, I feel, we should not down people for writing such articles but provide POSITIVE solutions and even say to the writer: "Hey, you know what, I agree. Come on, let's me and you do something about it." I haven't yet heard this from people yet. This is actually good news. The last part is giving the solution saying, "Muhammad PBUH, and our deen, to go back to it, is the solution.
(5)
2007-10-28 18:46:49
Jalal:
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Most of us are only muslims because we were born into a muslim family, but Islam is a way of life not a birthright, it has to be learned. The only problem is most of our parents don't know the teachings of Islam either. They just send their children to a muslim school or to the local masjid and hope that "they will sort them out". Only, they don't teach them how to live their lives either, or how to behave and even if they did what do they see when they get home, mother's either in front of the box, or sitting on the phone, for hours on end gossiping with her "mates". And as for dad, He's out all day earning a dishonest living. So is it any wonder why Muslims are the way that they are.
Most people would agree with most of what is written in the above article, yet, when you speak to them they lie, when they make a promise they break it, and when you tell them a secret they disclose it... So if you want to make a change 1.Start with yourself, How honest are you in your dealings? How polite are you to your family and neighbours. learn about the Islamic way of life. 2.Then teach your family. Brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, aunties, uncles. They won't listen straight away but one day they will. Talk to them politely, buy them books, encourage them to go to talks if you know of any, help them with transport if need be. 3.Go to your local Masjid. Find out what they are teaching your children. Tell them what you would like them to teach your children. 4.If Friday Khutbas are "dry" then why don't you speak to the Immam and tell him what issues are niggling you and tell him to talk incorporate them into the Khutba. Infact encourage him to get a suggestions box. Each one of us can do this, theres no excuse.
(6)
2007-10-29 11:53:11
Jamal:
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The problem with the ummah is that they are all waiting for someone else to do the first move. The sahaba used to lead by example. Also why do muslims especially pakistanis send their kids to pakistan if they are going a bit wayward. the islam practiced in most places i have visited in pakistan is more deviant and corrupt than the one here.
(7)
2007-10-29 16:20:02
Riaz Ahmed:
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This is an excellent article. I am glad someone has come out and said it like it is, from the HEART!!!
You are not alone in this thought. I am a Muslim and I feel the same. Its about time, that Imaams, MuslimsLeaders and ourselves, drill this into our community. Instead of being all PC and Lovey Dovey! We are at a Cross Roads - where Islam is at a Target. If we can unite now at times of great danger, then we will never!
(8)
2007-10-30 18:18:43
Samina:
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It's the small changes we make in our lives which can make a big difference. I agree with everything you say, and these issues are usually put on the "back burner".
I am self employed and have to deal with people of all communities. And although I don't like to generalise, I do find that when a muslim lets me down, I am quick to point a finger and cast judgement and more so if the muslim seems to be a pious muslim. If I am doing this then, non-muslims will also be doing this - and we are in danger of af being labelled not just as "terrorists/fundamentalists" but as "unreliable/two-faced terrorists/fundamentalists". So start by changing yourself first and lead by example- keep to your promises, be good to your neighbours and give back to your community (not just muslim community).
(9)
2007-10-31 09:22:17
Africana:
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I am sorry to read your words. Not because they may be true or that I do not believe you.
So let me tell you how wonderful I feel. I take the initiative and I care not if I have the support of others or not but I know that I can only depend on myself. Others have limitations imposed on them and it is not fair for me to expect them to feel as I do. I do not know the individuals I contact but they have given me the best present ever and guess what they are MUSLIM. I wrote to a medical charity group and asked them if they can help a retired Muslim couple who have started a charity foundation in Africa around 360 orphans. They had a team of 4 doctors coming every two months for 3-4 days. To cut the story short, these Muslim doctors gave the salary for a nurse to be present, they have brought some medical equipment and now they have promised to pay for the food for an year. They are my Silent Angels and they do not gloat. I asked for help for a severely injured Iraki child of 8 years old and they did their best but because several bureaucratic s and number of other problems they were unable to help gave me advice and other groups to try. They helped as much as they were allowed to. A barrister offered help for this child, looked into the legality – FREE and they also gave me other groups to try. Doctors have given me their time FREE and I have had the possibility to discuss the case of the Iraki child. I am still desperately looking for help and if I do get the help than that would the best gift ever. I made Eid baskets and took it for our people who do not have jobs etc. I went to the hospital to visit a friend and found non-Muslims in terrible condition with no one to help. I have bought bottle of water, fruits and whatever I can. So my dear if you want to do something depend on yourself and be Pure & Honest = NOOR and Allah will help.
(10)
2007-10-31 20:33:11
Africana...:
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You're talking on an individual basis mate. I have sat down with hundreds of youths and they are saying the same thing in that article.
Maybe you are either blind to the fact: 1. Muslims don't celebrate Eid together. 2. Many Muslims are ruthless and spiteful in business and very disorganised. 3. Many mosques in UK and yet, that is all they are - buildings with no heart. 4. We cannot say, "Ooh, it doesn't happen and you're wrong." That is the wrong attitude because this attitude is the very thing that has kept our Ummah blind to the reality that we hurt each other, we damage our youths with culture vs Islam. It is HAPPENING Africana, and it is happening right in front of our eyes. We must never say to anyone who shares their thoughts and heartfelt truth and say, "Oh, its not true." YOu must be living in Planet mars mate because all Muslims know that much corruption happens in our Ummah today. Many do not give salaam to each other. We got Pakistani Mosque, Arab Mosque, Bengali Mosque and so forth. Dare you and I walk in that mosques as Muslims because then we are seen as some Black African Carribean reverts NOT as Muslims. So no, the article isn't a lie. It happens and its time we don't turn our backs that this happens. Look at our mess in our communities today. You're saying, "Oh, it don't happen?" Of course it happens. We ALL know this and yet, we're going to deny what the writer says? Come on. Read the last phrase he said and better than what you said mate. He said, and quote: "It was then, how I remember, how amazing, beautiful, honest, noble the Messenger of Allah (SAW) is. Thank you O Allah for sending Muhammad (peace be upon him) because if you did not send them, I would have been lost in finding any fine example of a Muslim. His memory of such nobleness keeps this street thug who turned Muslim and entrepreneur at peace. Thank you Allah." Meaning what? NO, don't rely on yourself. RELY ONLY ON ALLAH and the EXAMPLE, Sunnah of Muhammad (may Allah's peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) We, here, have a chance to do good by sharing solutions, sharing hope to this writer. Instead, most of us are talking about what we did and how life is great. It's great, yes, but it is also DARK with realities of pain, lonliness, Muslims and Non-Muslims stabbing each other and even their families, right in the back. That the youth are in an Indentity crisis and they are lost too. This is the truth - 5 gun shot in our neighbourhood. 8 youths dead and not a word in the newspaper.
(11)
2007-11-02 15:50:49
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