Political, Non - Political, What Are You?

There are many labels under which Muslims have been categorising themselves for centuries, mainly as an excuse for unnecessary divisions: Sunni, Shia, Barelwi, Wahabi, etc.

Then the so called 'war on terror' started and we were suddenly branded as either ‘moderate’ or ‘extreme’. Extreme, including anybody questioning Muslim oppression or human rights. Moderate being those happy to bury their head in the sand and continue with merely ritualistic acts of worship.

In such turbulent times, do any of these labels have any significance? When the Ummah is attacked, the oppressor doesn’t care which sect we fall under; our Muslim name is enough to put us in the line of fire. When we fall under the ‘extreme’ camp, it then becomes the perfect excuse to attack; being ‘moderate’ solidifies the Muslim position of apathy.

There is no need for anybody to feel compelled to fall under any category, other than those of political and non political. When our right to exist is challenged, resistance is a necessity, not a choice. Regrettably, the majority of Muslims have opted for inaction, i.e. are non- political. There are some who are aware of their duty and are fighting against oppression, i.e. the political.

As British Muslims, we have said time and again that our weapons to counter the 4G warfare we are up against, are media and politics. Despite Islamophobia rising and becoming increasingly acceptable, not to mention the continuing physical oppression of the ummah around the globe, many of still choose to sit back and watch the worsening situation. Even more distressing are those armchair scholars, with no concept of priority, who not only waste their own time but others too by debating over minute fiqh issues.

Whatever religious sect you follow, it isn't for anybody else to judge; but whether you are a political or non political Muslim is up for judgement - by fellow Muslims, by those who are fighting for justice , by those who are crying out to be protected and ultimately by Allah. It’s your choice whether you want to engage in irrelevant issues, or if you want to hold your head high knowing you’ve done all you can to fight oppression.

Join, fund, support us.