|
|
|
|
|
|
Do all Muslims Represent Islam? (part 1 of 3): An Introduction
|
  
Description: Not all Muslims understand and follow their religion.
By Aisha Stacey (© 2010 IslamReligion.com)
Published on 28 Jun 2010 - Last modified on 16 Oct 2011
Viewed: 5650 (daily average: 8) - Rating: 4 out of 5 - Rated by: 8
Printed: 287 - Emailed: 14 - Commented on: 0
Category: Articles
> Current Issues
> Islam and Non-Muslims
|
|
_001.jpg) Islam and the followers of Islam, Muslims, are very
prominent in the media nowadays. Around the world debates rage
about various Islamic topics or topics that invariably involve Muslims. Almost
continuous media exposure means that there is hardly a person left in the world
that has not read or seen something about Islam or Muslims, or both. In addition,
most people have an opinion. Many base their opinions on misconceptions or
misunderstandings about Islam. Many base their opinions on the actions or
words of people who call themselves Muslims but actually have very little
knowledge about their religion.
Thankfully, many base their opinions on
sound knowledge and research. It is through the mercy of God that the truth of
Islam usually reigns triumphant over media speculation and disinformation. However,
in a media saturated century it is only fair to ask the question, do all
Muslims represent Islam?
The answer is, of course not! Think about it for a minute. Would any one ask the question, do all
German’s represent Germany? Do all Indonesians represent Indonesia? Do all Catholics represent Catholicism, all Hindus, Hinduism? No, of course not!
While one religion or one country is not generally maligned by
the action of a few people, this sadly has not been the case for Islam, especially
post 9/11.
It is a distressing fact that many great
crimes have been perpetrated by individuals, groups, and countries in the name
of Islam. When these atrocities occur, it has somehow become the norm to blame
the religion of Islam instead of the perpetrators themselves. In 1987 when
Sikh gunmen opened fire on Hindu bus passengers in India’s Punjab state, killing
38 people, the media did not declare the Sikh religion to be bloodthirsty and
automatically condemn all Sikhs.
In Spain, ETA (the Basque Separatist Movement) has
claimed responsibility for more than 800 unlawful deaths since 1968. Even
though Spain is 94% Catholic, as is mentioned in the CIA world Fact book, this atrocity was not attributed to Catholics nor is the Catholic Church condemned as a
religion promoting violence. If a person commits a crime and then declares
himself Muslim, or shouts the words Allahu Akbar (God is Great) this
does not make him or her a
representative of Islam.
However, knowing that not all Muslims
represent Islam does not solve the problem. Just what is this religion called Islam
and how is it that many people who declare themselves Muslim misrepresent their
own way of life? Unfortunately, many Muslims throughout the world are
marginalised and are struggling to overcome colonial and imperial backgrounds.
The military conquest, economic exploitation and cultural mutation imbedded in
the colonialism of the 15th to 20th centuries has left
generation after generation of disaffected, poverty stricken and marginalised Muslims
struggling to come to terms with a globalised world.
This however is not an excuse for bad
behaviour or the perpetration of atrocities on the innocent. There are no
excuses for crimes like this. Background information does however serve to
help us understand why some people commit crimes and atrocities against
humanity, against themselves and ultimately against their religion. When we
see or read about a person who calls himself or herself a Muslim perpetrating a
crime too horrible to contemplate, it is important to understand that this
person does not represent Islam. The same can be said of all religions.
Throughout history, humankind has used the name of God to justify unspeakable
acts.
In Islam it is
impossible for one person to speak on behalf of all Muslims, or to act on
behalf of all Muslims. When differences arise Muslims turn to the only reliable
sources, the Quran and the authentic traditions of Prophet Muhammad, may
God praise him.
One of the problems facing the world today
in general and facing Muslims specifically is that unqualified people think that
it is possible to read a book, badly translated into a language other then
Arabic, and instantly become able to give religious rulings on subjects they
really have no knowledge about. People with very little real Islamic knowledge
suddenly become experts while the real experts are unable to have their
opinions heard. Extreme groups preach extreme ideologies that have no place in
the way of life that is Islam. Islam is the middle ground, extreme is not from
the teachings of Islam.
When Islam is called the religion of peace
it is meant literally. Islam comes from the root word “sa-la-ma”, as do the
words Muslim (one who follows the message of Islam) and which among many
meanings also denotes peace, security, safety and implies
submission and surrender to Almighty God. Peace and security are inherent in
the submission to the One God. When a person submits to the will of God he or she
experiences an innate sense of security and peacefulness.
Not all Muslims represent Islam and not
all Muslims understand and follow their religion. Culture often dictates
action. Knowing this, it becomes essential to recognize that just
because a person, a group or country is known as Islamic, does not mean that it
automatically follows the laws sent down by God. The Quran was
revealed for all of humankind and Prophet Muhammad was
sent as a mercy to all of humankind. One person is not more worthy of peace
and security than another is. Each person is entitled to sustenance, shelter,
and security and if some are denied their God given rights, it is the
responsibility of the rest of humankind, to restore those rights, not blatantly
take them away.
In the following articles, we will discuss
the role of culture and customs, learn what Islam says about violence and war,
and see how ignorance overshadows true Islamic teachings.
|
Do all Muslims Represent Islam? (part 2 of 3): Islam demands justice, even under duress
|
Description: What does Islam say about violence and war?
By Aisha Stacey (© 2010 IslamReligion.com)
Published on 05 Jul 2010 - Last modified on 22 Jul 2010
Viewed: 4169 (daily average: 6) - Rating: 5 out of 5 - Rated by: 3
Printed: 290 - Emailed: 2 - Commented on: 0
Category: Articles
> Current Issues
> Islam and Non-Muslims
|
|
_001.jpg) Trying to convince people that Muslims are not
terrorists, or that Muslim women are not oppressed, or that not all Muslims
represent Islam is becoming increasingly difficult. A Muslim man
with a bushy beard is presumed to be planning an attack – on something. If a
Muslim woman chooses to dress modestly it is taken for granted that she was
forced to wear such clothing. Although one can hardly pick up a newspaper or watch
the news without hearing something about Islam or Muslims, it is usually a
gross misinterpretation or misrepresentation.
Into this volatile mix comes the Muslim himself or
herself, sometimes Muslims are their own worst enemies. They
often speak without knowledge or even without weighing up the effect of their
words. Sometimes Muslims react without looking at the bigger picture. Often
they react to the misconceptions without realising their behaviour sometimes
affirms the incorrect notions. Not
all Muslims represent Islam.
We live in interesting times, and
according to an old Chinese proverb or perhaps a western spin-doctor, this is
anything but a blessing. Muslims call such a period of time, fitnah
(trials and tribulations). Life rushes ahead beckoning us into the unknown but
in a strange sort of way it has all been done before. This is not the first
time in history that Muslims have suffered from the effects of lies and
misrepresentations. However, when the lies and misunderstandings are piled
high the truth seekers of this world have a way of finding the gold buried in
the dirt. Islam is like that gold, it can lie quietly, and it looses none of
its beauty by doing so.
By far the greatest threat to Muslims and the Muslim way
of life, now, is the “war on terror” and the subsequent demonizing of Muslims.
The mainstream media focuses on the bad behaviour of Muslims who
more often than not have very little understanding of their religion. The overwhelming
majority of the world’s 1.6 billion Muslims condemn acts of terror and the unlawful
killing of innocent civilians; so to do the majority of Muslim scholars and
leaders, yet unfortunately, the religion of Islam is almost invariably
implicated in the thinking and behaviour of criminals.
The wrongdoings of Muslims are often used
to justify or encourage hatred of innocent Muslims or the religion of Islam
itself. Over and over again, verses from the Quran are taken out of context
and criminals are said to be following Islamic dogma, when
in reality nothing could be further from the truth. To understand Islam’s
stance on violence and war one must refer to the original sources, the Quran,
and the authentic traditions of Prophet Muhammad, may God praise him. It is not feasible to take one verse from Quran and deduce its
meaning without reading the preceding and following
verses. Fully understanding the depth and subtlety of Quran is only possible
when one understands the historical context and reason for revelation, as well
as in depth knowledge about the life of Prophet Muhammad.
Therefore, what exactly does Islam say about war and
violence?
Islam is a religion revealed by God for
the benefit of humankind and it wholeheartedly forbids harming innocent people
in any way. This includes their bodies, wealth, or honour. Islam teaches
Muslims to treat everybody, no matter their religion ethnicity colour or social
status, with respect and kindness. Islam forbids oppression and safeguards
rights and it commands the Muslims to live in peace and harmony and uphold
justice even towards ones enemies and even in times of war. It is never
permissible to kill a person who is not hostile or who has a peace treaty.
“God does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those
who fought not against you on account of religion nor drove you out of your
homes. Verily, God loves those who deal with equity.” (Quran 60:8)
When Prophet Muhammad sent his companions into battle he
said “Go out in the name of God and do not kill any old man, infant, child or
woman. Spread goodness and do good, for God loves those who do good.” “Do not kill the monks in
monasteries” or “Do not kill the people who are sitting in places of worship. Once after a battle the Prophet saw the corpse of a
woman on the ground and said, “She was not fighting. How
then was she killed?”
This way of behaving in times of war was
further emphasised by Abu Bakr, the leader of the Islamic nation after Prophet
Muhammad. He said, “I command you ten things. Do not kill women, children, or
an aged, infirm person. Do not cut down fruit-bearing trees. Do not destroy
an inhabited place. Do not slaughter sheep or camels except for food. Do not
burn bees and do not scatter them. Do not steal from the booty, and do
not be cowardly.”
If an enemy inflicts harm upon the Muslims, or drives
them out of their homes and homelands then the Muslims are commanded by God to
stand up for them, but even under duress a Muslim must behave justly.
“Fight in the cause of God those who fight you, but don't transgress
limits; for God loves not the transgressor. And fight them on until there is no
more oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in God; but if they cease
let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression.” (Quran
2:190-193)
“O you who believe! stand out firmly for God,
as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you
swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to piety, and
fear God. For God is well-acquainted with all that you do.” (Quran 5:8)
The message from Quran is clear. The
taking of life, any life, unjustifiably, is a grave sin. Both the Quran and
the authentic teachings of Prophet Muhammad, may God praise him, are imbued with an overwhelming sense of justice and forgiveness. The
message of Islam is for all of humankind, and Islam demands mercy and wisdom in
all dealings even in times of war. When atrocities that defy belief and defy
the teachings of Islam are committed, it is important to remember that not all
Muslims represent Islam.
“We ordained that if anyone killed a person not in retaliation
of murder, it would be as if he killed all mankind, and if anyone saved a life,
it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind.” (Quran 5:32)
|
Do all Muslims Represent Islam? (part 3 of 3): Strange superstitions are not part of Islam
|
Description: Sometimes the foundation of Islam is blurred by ignorance.
By Aisha Stacey (© 2010 IslamReligion.com)
Published on 12 Jul 2010 - Last modified on 28 Aug 2010
Viewed: 4299 (daily average: 6) - Rating: 5 out of 5 - Rated by: 5
Printed: 253 - Emailed: 11 - Commented on: 1
Category: Articles
> Current Issues
> Islam and Non-Muslims
|
|
._001.jpg) In the previous two articles we discussed the fact that
not all Muslims represent the religion of Islam. Our focus was Islam’s
attitude towards war, violence and terrorism. We established that Islam is a
religion of peace, and that unjustifiable killing or violence is absolutely
forbidden. Sadly many Muslims around the world have sullied the name of Islam
by committing acts and atrocities that have no place in a religion based on the
concepts of justice and mercy. However this is not the only way that Muslims
themselves misrepresent Islam.
From the outset it is important to understand
the foundation of Islam - God is One. He has no partners, no sons, daughters or helpers. He alone
created, and sustains the universe. Nothing happens without His permission.
“He is Allah, (the) One. Allah-us-Samad (The
Self-Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures need, He neither eats nor drinks).
He begets not, nor was He begotten; And there is none co-equal or comparable
unto Him.” (Quran 112)
“Is there any god with Allah? High Exalted be God above all that they associate as partners (to
Him)!” (Quran 27:63)
Muslims believe this with certainty, there
is no god but Allah, and they
believe that the prophets and messengers were sent by God to guide humankind to
the truth that God is One. Therefore, in Islam there is no room for
intercession of any kind. It is God Alone that Muslims worship and God Alone
that they ask for help, in any and all endeavours. This concept is known as tawheed
and it forms the basis of the religion of Islam.
Sadly however, when we look at the
behaviour of some Muslims we find practices and superstitions that are actually
forbidden in Islam. Sincere worship for God Alone has become adulterated by
the local customs and traditions, yet many Muslims are unwilling to admit that such
corruption exists. The fact is not all Muslims worship in the correct way and
not all Muslims are representative of Islam.
One of the gravest sins is calling on
somebody or something other than God. This is forbidden in Islam, yet around
the world these deeply entrenched cultural practices remain. Muslims who call
on the dead to intercede for them do not represent the religion of Islam. Muslims,
who believe that righteous people are able to intercede between ordinary people
and God, do not represent the religion of Islam. Muslims who wear good luck charms and amulets in the belief that
they can somehow ward off evil or bring good, do not represent the religion of
Islam. These are direct contradictions to the Oneness of God.
Corruption of worship is evident in the
many myths and traditions that surround pregnancy and childbirth. Many
traditions involve the use of charms spells and amulets. A Muslim however,
knows that everything is from God, and that there is no luck or randomness
involved. Strange superstitions can neither bring harm or good. Islam teaches
that there is no power or strength except with God, it dispels these myths and
superstitions thereby freeing humankind from this type of bondage.
Bearing this in mind let us examine the cultural
practices surrounding two fictional women. The women in these
anecdotes are entirely fictional but the practices are real and form just a
small part of hundreds of traditions and practices used throughout the Muslim
world to ward off evil or obtain good.
In a small village outside Mogadishu in Somalia, 18 year
old Nura has just given birth to her first child. A beautiful
healthy boy. Nura and her family believe that the bracelet he wears made from
string and herbs will protect him from the evil eye. Most Somali people link
their identity with Islam however a large number of pre Islamic practices have
survived. There is a strong belief in jinn (devil) possession and zar
(a cult in which women are willingly possessed) and most Bedouin Somalis
routinely wear protective amulets. Prior to Islam the belief system in Somalia was largely animist, it dates back to the Palaeolithic age in which every object, be it
animate or inanimate had a soul.
These traditions and practices usually
evolve around major life experiences such as birth and death and often involve
the use of plants and herbs both for their medicinal properties and the belief
that such plants and herbs offer protection from malevolent spirits. Thus a
new born baby would be given an amulet to safeguard him from harm. This
practice clearly denies the Oneness of God. These are traditions that do not
make sense when the true nature of God is revealed through Quran and the
authentic traditions of Prophet Muhammad, may God
praise him.
Far away in Turkey in the thriving
metropolis of Istanbul Ceylan’s mother and aunts are adorning the wall of the
room in which she will give birth with strings of onion, garlic and blue beads.
They believe that this will protect Ceylan and the newborn baby from the evil
eye and evil jinn known in Turkey as the “baby snatcher”. Amongst
the strings of herbs being hung in the birthing room in Turkey you may also find blue beads. These are prevalent in many Muslim communities. People wear
amulets, keep them on hand to give to guests, hang them near the doors of their
homes or in their cars. The beads are usually made of glass in order to
reflect any bad luck or evil and the belief is that like a mirror it draws
positive energy away and reflects the bad intentions back. According to this
false belief, if the evil is too strong for the blue eye to push away, it
breaks and sacrifices itself.
The origin of the blue beads is difficult to trace
however it is common in all countries around the Mediterranean Sea including Greece, Cyprus and Egypt. It may even date back as far as the ancient Egyptians. The
eye of Horus (ancient Egyptian symbol of protection and power) may be the
origin of this widespread belief, and the colour blue has been used since
antiquity to denote healing and protection. Islam is clear, healing and
protection is from God Alone.
Corrupted worship and superstitious practices
are prevalent in Muslim communities throughout the world. You may have noticed
some in your own community; however they are not representative of Islam.
Islam is the religion of informed knowledge, not blind belief and strange
superstitions. The power of God is Omnipotent. When Muslims behave in a
manner that seems to encourage superstitions and strange behaviour, they do not
represent Islam. The message of Islam is clear. There is no power or strength
except with God, and Prophet Muhammad is His final Messenger.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Online daily:
From to
(according to your computer time)
|
| |
Your Favorites |
 |
|
Your favorites list is empty. You may add articles to this list using the article tools. |
| |
Your History |
|
|
|
