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| You Call Yourself a Traditional Muslim? |
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| Wednesday, 19 April 2006 | |
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The Muslim community and countries are an interesting phenomenon. I have yet to meet a Muslim that is not annoyed or frustrated by the state of the Muslim world. What is really interesting is their endless list of conspiracy theories about what is happening in the world. Though, credit where it is due and perhaps there is some foundation to the stories, but what is more interesting is the “Dua” factor. Every time there is a discussion of some sort about the brutalities, murders and mass genocides that are taking place around the globe, lo and behold there is always the brother or sister that will say; make Dua, InshAllah for the suffering Muslims, may Allah have mercy on them. It is strange, but when did Islam become a religion of aspirations and prayer? Since when did it loose its practicality and ability to thrive in the world? Better still, Muslims blame everyone else but themselves. Someone once said, people behave the way you allow them to behave. Muslims have become fatalistic and their laziness and apathy is the biggest problem. At the leadership level it seems shockingly abominable. Most of the leaders are selfish individuals that are sacrificing their countries wealth and people for their own hedonism. Indeed there are rare examples in history where great leaders have stood against luring selfish temptations and the World Bank, to instil a structure for their people and their selfless attitude has been an exemplary a saviour for their country. Perhaps some of our community leaders/political aspirers/Muslim representatives could benefit from a crash course on their legacy. The “them and us” mentality is profound within Muslims and only results in strengthening tension. It has been said, that everyone is Muslim unless they show signs otherwise. That’s probably a shock for those who rush to use the “Kafir” label so easily. Perhaps that is Just a glance back at our history speaks volumes. Ayub-bin-Habib Lakhni (August 716 Ad ) changed the Capital of Spain from Seville to Cordova, with the opening of schools, colleges and libraries. Cordova became the seat of learning which later became the renowned University in Europe. During Islamic Spain governed by Abdul Aziz- bin Musa 713 AD – 715 AD), Muslim law governed the country. Non Muslims however governed in religious matter by their own head approved by the Amir, hospital and educating centres were free and the list continues. What is most interesting is the common factors during the Islamic empire are the leaders. Consistently wee see that the leaders were just, compassionate, strong and put the needs of their people before their own. Salahudin Ayubi, a renowned warrior and leader was known for his justice, integrity and strength. He was ready to aid the weak against the strong. This coupled with his compassion and vision resulted in a phenomenon that history can not deny. Abu Bakr records that the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) said “A just governor is the shadow of God upon earth”. It seems the Muslims need to take a step back from their lives and learn from their history. Taking part in the political process is one step towards making a difference. Indeed re-educating ourselves on the practicalities and duties as a Muslim is probably another step. We have all probably agree praying five times is Fard, but does our Fard stop there? Is there more to being a Muslim than just prayer? Indeed the greatest scarifies in Islam is to speak the truth in the face of tyranny. Imagine if every Muslim took this simple teaching on board. If every Muslim stood against tyrannical leaders then surely the world would be a better place. Is smart voting not speaking against tyranny? MPACUK – Challenge the Irrational Norm.          Readers have left 5 comments.
H:
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Very true. Education is very important, we also need to use our heads and find common cause with non-Muslim political groups, mainly on the left. Muslims are being painted as sexist, homophobic backward people that will only become accpetable if we reform (ie change it beyond all recognition). We need to challenge this perception by campaigning against actions carried out by Muslims that are blatantly unIslamic, terror attacks honour killings etc. If we had marched against the 7/7 attacks from an Islamic position,made the position clear that these acts go against Islam (which they do) we would be in a much stronger position now. There is a systematic neocon campaign being conducted to isolate all Muslims from the rest of Europe in order to pave the way for an attack on Iran. They make their case by suggesting that Muslims who practice Islam with any kind of pollitical dimension are an inherrant danger because we excuse terror and oppression of various minority groups in Muslim countries and only speak out to oppose western intervention. There are more and more of them who quote the Quran and hadiths (out of context obviously) to prove their point and becuase we do not vociferously speak out against the injustices carried out by some Muslims we imply that what they do is Islamic. Already, the likes of Irshad Manji are being promoted as the brave Muslim that the west needs to support while the rest of us are fundamentalists whose voice shouldn't be heard while the US carries out its reshaping of the Middle East. We need to think in a constructive manner. Too long we have been in denial about crimes carried out by a minority of Muslims, prefering to blame the US (thats not to suggest that they deserve no blame but we only focus on them while ignoring Muslim actions). This is going to lead us to being completely ignore while Muslim countries are attacked.
(1)
2006-04-24 15:35:47
AH:
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Indeed Muslims worldwide are frustrated and annoyed. Some commit acts of desperation.
Why are Muslims suffering so much? Who is responsible for our pitiful state? What should we do in these times of extreme hardship? Who can we trust to help us, who can help us in these very difficult times? What about the future? When will things improve? These are indeed just some questions going through the minds of countless Muslims worldwide. Why are Muslims suffering so much? “And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Sabirun (the patient). Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: “Truly, to Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.” [Quran, Surah al-Baqarah 2:155-156] Who is responsible for our pitiful state?“ Evil has appeared on the land and the sea because of what the hands of men have earned. That Allah may make them taste a part of that which they have done, in order that they may turn back from disobedience.” [Quran, Surah Rum 30:41] “And whatever of misfortunes befalls you, it is because of what your own hands have earned. Yet Allah pardons much.” [Quran, Surah ash-Shua, 42:30] "And no calamity strikes except by Allah's permission…." [Quran, Surah at-Taghbun, 64:11] What should we do in these times of extreme hardship?“ Co-operate with one another in righteousness and piety, but do not co-operate with one another in sin and transgression.” [Quran, Surah al-Maidah, 5:2] “O ye who believe! stand out firmly for justice as witnesses to Allah even as against yourselves or your parents or your kin and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts) lest ye swerve and if ye distort (justice) or decline to do justice verily Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do.” [Quran, Surah an-Nisa’, 4:135] The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said: “When the people see an evil and they do not try to change it, then Allah will cover them all with humiliation from Himself.” [Sahih hadith: Reported by Abu Daud (no.4338) Who can we trust to help us in our plight, who can help us in these very difficult times?“ And put your trust in Allah and sufficient is Allah as a Wakil (Trustee/ Disposer of affairs).” [Quran, Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:3] What about the future? When will things improve? How should we invest our most precious resources (our children)? Who is our role model? Before deciding how to invest in our future each one of needs to decide what our yardstick for measuring success is? “But those who believe and work righteousness no burden do We place on any soul but that which it can bear and they will be companions of the Garden therein to dwell.” [Quran, Surah Al-Araf, 7:42] “Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change themselves.” [Quran, Surah ar-Ra’d, 13:11] We are all outraged at what is happening to the Muslims worldwide. We must do something but what? Let us ponder a little over the diagnosis of all our problems before deciding on a long-term plan of action. Correct diagnosis is necessary because if the diagnosis is wrong then the treatment is unlikely to be effective. Let us sow seeds that will bear fruit in the future in this life and on the Day of Judgement. In these very difficult times let us strive to do our best in every aspect of our lives. We must realise that there are many ways to do good. The constant striving and jostling for positions via argumentation leads to polarization and excessiveness, neither of which are likely to serve our purposes. Minor issues become inflated and blown out of proportion to the extent of excluding much more important and fundamental issues. Such minor issues become the basis of judgement, the basis of acceptance …. “you’re either with us or against us!” We all desperately want to do something to benefit the Ummah, to improve its miserable state, the only question is what and how! Differences of opinion should be based on sound knowledge, strong foundations, sound logic, correct methodology etc. and discussed in a healthy environment to promote understanding of our religion and stimulate intellectual development. This is a time to stay together even if we disagree on some issues. Wassalaam, AH (AH1999 on the forum)
(3)
2006-04-24 21:50:53
kman:
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the problem is simple: a complete lack of education in God's guidance (Al Quran), thus how can Muslims expect to be successfull when they dont have a clue what Al Quran says or recommends?
How many Muslims have read Al Quran in a language they understand? Not many!
(4)
2006-04-26 02:02:31
Tahir:
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Actually the problem is complex and so is the answer. The problem and solution are far from simple.
I used to think that it was leadership ...but then, will the Muslims ever be united under one leader? Even when we have brothers doing jihad, there is a section of the community who talk about going back to the way of the salaf who will denigrate all armed struggle... I am still stuck in my mindset that the Islamic movement is the best model we have...yes it is a model..it is not set in concrete...nor does only one group or style of work represent the Islamic movement...it has to be a cross section of all organisations working practically and synergising...yes like many have heard others saying...I subscribe to the idea of cooperation and not unity...
(5)
2006-04-26 17:32:51
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