This question was one of three posed by the BBC’s Big Question programme. Islam, no doubt, has its problems, but these are not the result of its teachings or its practices. Those teachings are designed to elevate human beings in rank and dignity in the Sight of God, and to provide for their spiritual and social welfare.
The problems begin with the actions of some of its followers, as well as those of its opponents. If Islam is practised properly and in earnest by its followers, any need to employ PR for Islam would be negated. The correct practice of Islam results in tangible benefits for humanity which, without doubt, surpass any that can be imagined. The Quran says: ‘If the people of the town has their earnest belief and entertained the conscience of God, We would certainly have opened to them the blessings from above them and of earth….’(The Qur`an: Verse96 Surah7)
In the present situation, where Islam appears alien to its own followers, how any could PR improve its bad image? What can PR achieve when Islam is failing on every front; when we are unable to demonstrate to others that Islam has any solutions to the world’s problems; when Islam is not present in our lives; when Muslim states show no willingness to reap the benefits of Islam for themselves? With this apparent lack of faith shown by Muslims, how can any amount of PR demonstrate to others that Islam has anything good to offer?
The achievements of Islam are self evident where its teachings were put into proper practice, but in all areas we Muslims are now failing Islam and its glorious teachings.
On the other hand, its opponents regard Islam not only as a spiritual rival but a political competitor. Many of their misgivings are cultural and it is part of their heritage to downgrade Islam on any cost, because it is an ‘alien heritage’ and an ‘uncivilised culture’.
Opposition to Islam is deeply rooted in the Western cultural inheritance, particularly since the time of Crusades. For Islam, the glory of the Faith is in the ensuing practical benefits, while for Christianity it is in the belief that Jesus is son of God. Over a long period enormous amounts of lies and falsehoods have been taught and spread about Islam and its prophet Mohammad, so that now they are regarded as culturally true, and have become part of the national mindset in many parts of Western world. No amount of PR would succeed in making Islam more acceptable, even though it regards Jesus as a great Prophet and a distant cousin to the prophet Mohammad.
In a world where people entertain a fear and hatred towards Islam on the basis of this propaganda, other powerful hidden forces continue in their attempt to convince people that Islam wants jihad to eliminate the infidels, degrade women, and establish a theocracy to dominate the world. No amount of PR would counteract this campaign; instead Muslims must return to the Faith, present the human face of Islam, and lead by example. If we are to improve the image of our faith, achieve peace and live in any kind of harmony that is the only way!
Wednesday 30 June 2010
Sunday 27 June 2010
Measuring good conduct
In one of my recent public engagements I was asked if there was any criterion in Islam by which we can distinguish right from wrong, or should one leave such matters to a persons’ personal judgement and privately held values; is there a yardstick for people to refer to?
Making the decision as to what is right or wrong is an integral part of our daily life and a means by which we judge ourselves and others. We either seek peace and reconciliation or we dwell on prejudice and injustice. We make friendship and develop loving bonds or we reject people and their values.
It is, therefore, extremely important for people to seek to measure their judgement if they are to avoid committing grave acts of injustice and thereby, possibly, endanger other’s lives.
This is about measuring personal conduct and not making a decision solely by claiming it to be in the public interest.
In answer to the query, I remembered a hadith, a saying of the Prophet Mohammad, Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him, in which a companion of his, Nawaas ibn Sam`aan, asked him a question. According to Nawaas, he asked the Prophet: ‘what are righteousness and wrongdoing?’ the prophet replied saying: ‘righteousness is good character, and wrongdoing is what is troublesome to your chest and of which you dislike people becoming aware.
A righteous act is a good deed carried out with a clear mind and fair values. Islam places a heavy emphasis on good character and makes it equivalent to righteous conduct; an act attracting reward in the Sight of God. Indeed, in another saying by the Prophet, he replies to a question he was asked: ‘what will most entitle people to gain entry into Paradise?’ He said: ‘the consciousness of God and a good character’.
The Prophet’s definition of a wrongdoing or a sinful act, characterising it as ‘troublesome in the chest’ and ‘hiding it from public view’ clearly demonstrates the dissatisfaction and a wavering attitude in one’s judgement. Such acts are never friendly to fellow human beings and lay bare the hypocritical nature of one’s’ character.
A good character is not a random trait which can be cleverly managed and skilfully practised, both in public and private. It is the purity of a person’s nature which produces it and translates it through good thoughts into a good character. Ultimately it results in the steady thinking and straightforward character that defines someone as righteous.
What will help to produce that pure nature? Well, in my opinion, it can only be achieved by possessing a clear conscience and unprejudiced mind; one which does not entertain any kind of malice, arrogance, greed or superficial superiority. In addition it clearly requires a caring heart.
Making the decision as to what is right or wrong is an integral part of our daily life and a means by which we judge ourselves and others. We either seek peace and reconciliation or we dwell on prejudice and injustice. We make friendship and develop loving bonds or we reject people and their values.
It is, therefore, extremely important for people to seek to measure their judgement if they are to avoid committing grave acts of injustice and thereby, possibly, endanger other’s lives.
This is about measuring personal conduct and not making a decision solely by claiming it to be in the public interest.
In answer to the query, I remembered a hadith, a saying of the Prophet Mohammad, Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him, in which a companion of his, Nawaas ibn Sam`aan, asked him a question. According to Nawaas, he asked the Prophet: ‘what are righteousness and wrongdoing?’ the prophet replied saying: ‘righteousness is good character, and wrongdoing is what is troublesome to your chest and of which you dislike people becoming aware.
A righteous act is a good deed carried out with a clear mind and fair values. Islam places a heavy emphasis on good character and makes it equivalent to righteous conduct; an act attracting reward in the Sight of God. Indeed, in another saying by the Prophet, he replies to a question he was asked: ‘what will most entitle people to gain entry into Paradise?’ He said: ‘the consciousness of God and a good character’.
The Prophet’s definition of a wrongdoing or a sinful act, characterising it as ‘troublesome in the chest’ and ‘hiding it from public view’ clearly demonstrates the dissatisfaction and a wavering attitude in one’s judgement. Such acts are never friendly to fellow human beings and lay bare the hypocritical nature of one’s’ character.
A good character is not a random trait which can be cleverly managed and skilfully practised, both in public and private. It is the purity of a person’s nature which produces it and translates it through good thoughts into a good character. Ultimately it results in the steady thinking and straightforward character that defines someone as righteous.
What will help to produce that pure nature? Well, in my opinion, it can only be achieved by possessing a clear conscience and unprejudiced mind; one which does not entertain any kind of malice, arrogance, greed or superficial superiority. In addition it clearly requires a caring heart.
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