Question
Islam…. a religion of peace. A religion which ‘guides’ all humanity in the light of Qur’an and Sunnah. It is a religion that promotes tolerance and goodwill towards all mankind.
Due to events unfolding since September 2001, a misperception has been created about such a pure religion in not only the media and non-Muslim communities, but unfortunately the seed of doubt has been planted even in the minds of some Muslims. Some ‘liberal’ Muslims have started questioning their positions on numerous issues while on the other end of the spectrum some Muslims have found themselves in a position that is questionable in itself. Understanding!! Understanding is what we lack. Recently Rev. Pat Robertson, the founder of Christian Broadcasting Network echoed remarks made by Rev. Franklin Graham, by saying that Islam is not a peaceful religion. I personally did not feel the need to confront such a comment but I wondered if Muslims around the world understood not only that the statements made by the two gentlemen were false but also ‘why’ they were false (for further scrutiny on this issue I must refer you to the explanations given by Moiz Amjad on issues of terrorism and the explanation of the particular Surah that was mentioned by the Reverend. This understanding should make us realize what Islam really is. To make matters worse there are a number of fatwas in the arena which have not been given in the light of Qur’an and Sunnah. Read the Qur’an and study the religion in detail to better your understanding of Islam, for if a Muslim doesn’t realize ‘why’, then how do you expect anyone else to.
Another issue I would like to raise is the status of Muslims around the world at this point in time. We are scattered across the globe and are in utter chaos. It seems that the crackdown on terrorism is a crackdown on Muslims. Once we obtain the understanding that Islam has nothing to do with terrorism in the light of Qur’an and Sunnah, we should get up and protect our religion from this perversion. Outside forces will only lead to more anti-west sentiments in the Muslim world. Our leaders, the nations who unite under one religion or the OIC (Organization of Islamic Conferences) have a duty at this stage to bring us back together. They must understand the problems of the people and try to alleviate the suffering of Muslims across the globe. Let me give you a couple of examples to further clarify my point. Palestine is a country that has always been on the top of our list when we think of Muslim sufferings. Over time it has become quite a touchy issue among Muslims so I would beg of you to keep an open mind about what I am about to say. Before I point a finger at anyone, I must bring the issue of suicide bombing that has become the highlight of the media, by saying that Islam does not allow anyone to kill innocent civilians. Never has the Prophet (P.B.U.H) or the Caliphs ever attacked such public that was not taking part in any war, so there is NO justification for attacking or killing them. Some Muslims maintain that it becomes legal since there is nothing else they could do and that they are being killed left and right. If you look at the life of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) at the time Islam was in its initial stages, most specifically the Hijrat from Makkah to Yasrib (now known as Madina). He instructed his followers to migrate to Yasrib and later he came back to ‘educate’ Makkah in one of the most peaceful takeovers history has witnessed. He did not call for jihad in Makkah! I am not questioning the legitimacy of any jihad today but I am trying to counter the belief I have mentioned above. So what must be done for the Muslims in Palestine? Well, this is where I begin the unfortunate task of finger pointing as I believe that if all Muslim leaders fulfill their duties in accordance with Islam, no Muslim in any part of the world would suffer. A peaceful resolution is the answer to most problems and is a path that the Prophet (P.B.U.H) used to take before any confrontation. I promise you that if the leaders of the Islamic world decide today that they must act together to end the suffering of the Muslim community, they will be able to solve all issues including that of Palestine. They must act now and take responsibility, if there is terrorism then they must root it out themselves and not have outside forces taking care of it for them. They must have the entire Muslim community backing them so they don’t for once question themselves. Politics should be kept aside, they must have a set of rules in light of the Qur’an, boycott a government if you have to but not the people who live in that system of government. Feed the hungry and protect the innocent. Work with the international community for the benefit of all mankind, Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
Unfortunately such leadership seems to be a fallacy, it is simply not happening. This is a critical stage for all Muslims around the world. Their belief is being questioned and those who are answering the questions correctly (with proper understanding) aren’t being heard while the ones giving all the wrong answers are being portrayed in the media as the true representatives of Islam.
May Allah give us better understanding of Islam and guide us on the right path,
Amen
Answer
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. We hope that we continue benefiting from your thoughts.
Regards,
Moiz Amjad
March 7, 2002