Sheikh Rashad's Blog

New Year message

2011-12-31T12:30:00.000-08:00

I promised myself I would follow in the footsteps of the world’s political, religious and leading personalities in coining out a New Year’s message for people, reflecting on the past year’s events and looking forward to a more hopeful future. It has become something of a ritual to have these messages aired across all the modern channels of information every year. However, many people have lost hope in their leaders, grown sceptical of these kinds of messages, and may, or may not, be interested in the message anyway.

The past year has been a very turbulent year economically, particularly in the Western world. The rich are enjoying growth and growing even richer, whilst the poor are struggling to provide for their daily life and provide for the maintenance of their families.

The economy is based on loans and debt. If people stop borrowing from the banks the economy grinds to a halt. While the man in the street desperately tries to get out from under the huge burden of debt and helping to bring their country’s economy back on track, countries are being encouraged to adopt modern consumerism and liberalise their economies so that multinational companies can invest, and create a false sense of prosperity, by encouraging people to borrow more.

We need to learn to live within our means and save for the rainy days. Wealth is God’s gift to people and must be appreciated and dealt with sensibly. We need to take a little time to reflect on our points of view, and habits, and bring changes to bear that are necessary in our lives.

The so-called Arab Spring has created, on an international level, a great wave of ‘intifadah’ sweeping away some regimes and enforcing radical changes upon others. Its on-going domino effect reminds us all that we live in a fast changing world, where people are no longer prepared to be subjugated by tyrants or tyrannical and oppressive governments, however attractive their slogans and banners.

Some governments continue to employ any means at their disposal to suppress the will of their people, who are desperate to break away from the yoke of their control and mismanagement. It is a battle which is now being fought daily and affects the entire populations of many countries worldwide. The new spirit that has arisen in people in many parts of the world is hopefully a sign that the days of elitism and total monopoly of resources are fading away and that people will at last receive their rightful share of the good life.

The Quran says: ‘And by the soul and He who proportioned it. He then inspired it with discernment of its wickedness and its righteousness. He has succeeded who purifies it. And he has failed who instil it with corruption. S91 V 7-10

People need to realise that they have to create the world that they dream of. Freedom, liberty and equality are the possessions of all people and they are equal in the Sight of their Creator. The provision of equal opportunities and a ‘level playing field’ for all will save the world from chaos and allow everyone to enjoy their rights peacefully.

People need to be conscious of other people’s rights to share space on this planet. No one definitively owns the wider space. The politics of the modern age have resulted in polarised opinions and much bloodshed. Cultures have become a ‘religion’ for many, while a sense of superiority has created false pride and arrogant attitudes in others.

Co-existence requires all to be considerate towards others, unprejudiced in their attitudes, cooperative in matters of mutual wellbeing and public welfare.

If I have a message then it is this; Let us have unity and pride in our diversity. Let us learn to tolerate each other and share what we have on this planet equally. Let us help and be generous towards all the people of this world. Let the world be spared wars, hunger and corruption. Let it be the world of our dreams. Let us live together.

The God particle: Fact or fiction

2011-12-16T10:27:00.000-08:00

The Higgs Boson, or as it has been nicknamed, the God Particle, is thought, theoretically, to be one of the original building blocks of the universe; the subatomic particle. The ‘scientific community’ appears to be in hot pursuit of what some scientists theorise is the source of the origin of the universe, and the source of mass for all other particles. Many people in the world consider the present results of this horrifically expensive research a non-event or, at best, a premature celebration of a non-discovery of the subatomic particle, as according to physicists at the LHC near Geneva (Large Hadron Collider) they have only established where the Higgs Boson, aka God particle, is not to be found. Its existence remains, we are told, theoretical possibility, as it is an invisible field that gives mass to particles.

This can, perhaps, be regarded as a scientific achievement, up to this point, and further experiments may well lead to the discovery of ‘God particle’ that is the source of three dimensional universe that we all live in and see about us.

Now I, and I suspect, most people in the world don’t know what are the roles of other subatomic particles (if they too exist), in the process of producing ‘a three or even four dimensional existence’? It is, nonetheless, an achievement to know which particles were not the sources of mass. It would, however, be more helpful to know what roles they do play in terms of their purpose.

While we talk about the efforts of scientists to discover the origin of the physical universe, let us look at their endeavours from an Islamic perspective.

The Quran brings to our attention the fact that there was a huge bang and sudden burst of mass production, out of a ‘single matter’ before the physical universe came into existence. It says in the Surah 21 verse 30: ‘‘Do not the disbelievers (in God the Creator) see that the heavens and the earth were joined together (as one unit) before We clove them asunder, and We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe’’?

Here Islamic guidance is not only seen to approve of the efforts of these scientists, in their attempts to discover the origin of this universe, but points to the mathematical possibility of an originator and not to a mathematical zero point. The Quran also reminds us of the fact that this explosion of mass is continuously expanding, resulting in the birth of perhaps many billions more galaxies, in these words: ‘’We have built the heaven with might and indeed we are expanding it.’’S51 V47. Indeed, the Quran encourages people to look into how the creation began: ‘‘Say: go about through the earth and see how Allah originated the creation.’’S29 V20.

Tell-tale signs are lying all around us about how the universe (mass) started. The Quran called them as ‘‘aayaat’’- the signs or the indicators.

Because opinions are polarised as to whether the universe and life are the result of creation or evolution, and as many in the scientific community would not dare to break the taboo of belief in a creator, the attention of scientists is always narrowly focussed on a self-propelled process that was somehow self-triggered, resulting in an intelligently designed universe. We need to take pride, as reasoning human beings, in to these achievements. After all, these scientists do not come from a different planet, and these are the results of their endeavours.

However, we must not assume that all scientists necessarily must proceed from the viewpoint of atheism. On the other hand, the scientific community must respect and give room to those scientists who do believe in the creation, and that behind that ‘single matter’ there was the will of the originator and His design.

The Quran, uses two particular terms to describe the origin of universe, the first one being ‘‘Fatir’’ and the second ‘’Badee’’.

The Quran mentions the word ‘Fatir’ few times and it is regarded as one of God’s attributes. It is written, for example: ‘‘All praise belongs to God who is the originator (Fatir) of the heavens and the earth’’. S35 V1. The word derives from Ftr, which literally means to cleave, to split or cause to split. Could that be an indication to that ‘originating (God) subatomic particle of mass that has come out of splitting the atom?

Bada` literally means to invent in unparalleled way, or to originate (in terms of shape), while the word Badee` is also one of God’s attributes. Bid`ah means originating on patterns unprecedented (original in nature). The Quran says: ‘‘(He is) the Originator (Badee`) of the heavens and the earth. How can He have a son when He has no consort? He created all things. And He has full knowledge of all things’’. S6 V101.

It will be interesting to see how the ‘God particle’ theory develops in the future, in what direction it is steered, and what will be its implication for humans if it is proven.

While huge amounts of funding are being made available for this research, apparently from many different sources, little information is available as to how this $10b project will benefit humanity. In what way, will the discovery of the making of the elements of the mass of our universe benefit the world? Nonetheless, it is claimed, the implications of the discovery of the Higgs Boson, should it be discovered, would be huge.

Whether we have got our priorities right or wrong, or whether it is immensely important or not to explore this, it is a matter for governments and politicians to consider and reflect on. It may be that a successful conclusion to this research will boost the prosperity and welfare of human beings on this earth in future, and maybe that the world will come to know how its existence came about. At least it would give a new dimension to the efforts of philosophers of the past who strove to achieve the same goal, and tried to make sense of everything in existence, though without such enormous funding. Myths and rituals have also arisen seeking to explain existence, some from those believing in a creator and who worshipped him to show their gratitude for life, and others from those simply trying to rationalise or reject.

However, elite research projects always manage to get the largest portion of any funding, even though no one ever knows how such phenomenal amounts of funding are suddenly found. Perhaps the benefits of the discovery will outweigh the concerns the huge investment in this project have provoked and perhaps, God willing, humanity will be compensated, sometime in the future.

The right to drive

2011-12-06T00:56:00.000-08:00

The long drawn out struggle by Saudi women for the right to drive a car seems to be coming to a head. Their struggle has been interesting in many aspects, particularly as the ban is justified from a religious perspective, thereby making it seem indefensible to Muslims in countries where women are allowed to drive.

The issue does not concern me personally as I am not a Saudi national, and it is claimed to be a purely internal Saudi matter, but I find myself deeply drawn to the whole debate and read any news in this respect with great interest.

Indeed, if it had remained only a Saudi internal matter, I would have never written this article. What does concern me, or perhaps perturbs me, are the reactions and the misunderstanding of non Muslim communities in the world about women’s rights in Islam which arise from this issue. I face more and more questions about how Muslim society treats women with restrictions and restraints, and the ban of driving on Saudi women is presented as a living example of this. My defence always begins with presenting the freedom and rights of Muslim women in other Muslim countries in their daily life, and in particular emphasising that they have as much a right to drive as men. If it was an Islamic ban, based on religious considerations, then it would have been universal and most Muslim scholars would have supported it.

While attending a discussion on Islamic issues and issues of mutual concern recently, I was talking to a group of local British people, and some of the women said: ‘We now understand that this is not an Islamic issue but a social issue based on Saudi social concerns and customs, but is being presented as a religious concern and expressed most forcefully by the traditionally conservative establishment’.

I have studied at one of the prestigious Islamic universities in Saudi Arabia. I spent my university time in Riyadh and Al-Qaseem. I loved the tradition and loved the people and listened carefully to the religious opinions of Saudi scholars. In my opinion, the Saudi religious scholarships have come long way since the time of King Abdul aziz al-Saud, in terms of understanding modern issues and in accommodating the needs of their time. However, many Muslims continue to confuse their cultural traditions with religious ones, with the inevitable blurring of the boundaries and differences between them. When I first read a report, presented to the ‘Saudi Majlis al-Shura’ or the high-level Advisory Council, claiming that allowing women in the Kingdom to drive would encourage premarital sex, or spell the end of virginity, I found it laughable and disturbing.

It presents, if it is true, the most outrageous slur on the personal dignity and character of Saudi women, and exposes the authors own sense of self righteousness, suspicious character and self doubting nature. Do the authors of this report have no trust in the goodness of their Muslim women; who are their mothers, wives and daughters? Do they think that women are only playing at being virtuous because they are under their protection? Are the authors claiming that all Muslim and Arab women elsewhere, in the Gulf countries, other Arab countries, other Muslim countries, and other Muslim women in non Muslim countries, are in the same danger? Will they lose their virginity because they drive cars? Muslim women are part and parcel of Islam and its teachings. Do they claim that Islam has failed them? Do the authors of this report claim that women possess no spiritual and moral strength under the guidance of Islam? Islam grants women their independent rights and they are just as responsible for their actions and deeds as men.

Ironically, when we compare this with other news about Saudi women, we find them contributing hugely to their community. They have become teachers, professors, doctors and business women, while many others play major roles in many other professions. In addition, it is reported that Saudi women hold 70% of all bank accounts, and the value of their savings is estimated to be SR43 billion. Ms Amal Tijani, who is a lecturer in the faculty of Economics and business at the King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, also claimed that women held 50% of the existing businesses in the Kingdom, owned 20% of stocks of local joint companies, 15% of sole proprietorship business enterprises and 10% of total land assets.

Saudi women are out there, exercising their rights in the fields of social, educational and economic life and beyond. They are full of confidence and belief in themselves. How can they be accused in such a manner? Men and women, who commit adultery or lose their virginity by their own choice, do so whether they can drive or not. Further such ridiculous justification of this ban on driving can only restrict progress and antagonise all Muslim women.

Religious tradition should not create unnecessary animosity and barriers between scholars and the public. Women are as much guardians of the religious traditions of Islam as men. Society has moved forward and so have women in society. Suppressive measures directed at Muslim women, who strive to achieve something in their lives by becoming successful in their own right, are counterproductive in keeping the fabric of a religious society intact. Instead, we should take an educative and guiding role in a situation which continues to clash with the inspiration and benefits of a modern Muslim society

Councillors’ visit to Bath Islamic Society

2011-10-27T10:30:00.000-07:00

Last week, the Bath Islamic Society took great pleasure in welcoming a number of Councillors from the local authority to its premises. Their visit was organised by the Council’s Equality Team as part of their work with the BIS, and we look forward to further meetings in future. It also took its place as part of the overall strategy of the BIS in its own role in ensuring community cohesion, under the leadership of its Imam and Director, Sheikh Rashad Azami.

Since the tragedies of 911 and 7/7, not only have community relationships been seen as divided and on a collision course, but forces of the far right, and extremist opportunists, have eagerly taken every opportunity available to them to engender such a collision between Muslims and many other communities, all over the world.

While all Religions have been victims in this conflict, an entirely misleading portrayal of Islam, in particular, has resulted from the dissemination of what can only be regarded as deliberate lies. As a result of these lies, the Muslim community was stereotyped and its members isolated and subjected to mental and physical abuse and degradation.

However, the actions taken by some governments, in the aftermath of the two tragedies, were far more shocking and deplorable. The evil of their actions and reactions has left an indelible impression on the minds of many generations of victims. These governments, apart from the elite, are simply people in authority, but when they become arrogant, believe lies and become themselves tools for encouraging and perpetuating injustices and unfair treatment, where and to who can the real victims of a conflict turn?

In Bath, and in many other places where authorities have taken the right approach to the conflict, the relationship between Muslims and the local authority has been blessed with mutual trust and full confidence. This partnership in our approach to community cohesion has helped the community to gather resources for outreach works while exposing ourselves to the most scrutinising questions.

We have been supported by the Council’s grant in our work for community cohesion. Our monthly Mosque Open Day has been a successful event, affording the general public access to the mosque, the discussion of any issues, and demonstrating the mosque’s function and the activities of the Society. The Muslim women’s group provides an excellent example of this working relationship. The group ran classes in English language, training and skills, meeting on regular basis several times a week. Many statutory and non statutory organisations arranged useful presentations for the group. The council’s Register Office established a good relationship with the group and ran, with mutual visits to the mosque and the Guildhall, a successful programme of awareness about their work and activities. The women’s group were also able to run their religious studies classes which helped them learn the Quran and the basics of Islamic teaching.

Muslims and other faith communities worked together and participated in each other’s activities. At our annual Eid party people of many faiths, and the wider public, joined the celebration and cemented their relationship.

The Councillors’ visit was a testimonial to the success of our community cohesion work and to our awareness and outreach programme.

The Muslim community must continue to work to a programme of participation if we are to achieve a cohesive society. It is no good acclaiming the beauty of Islam when it is not practised by Muslims themselves. Muslims should show their confidence by explaining the positive impact felt as a result of practising the teachings of Islam. The goodness of the Islamic teachings must be seen as divorced from any particular race, culture or colour, but available to all.

It is also important that Muslims fully participate in their local communities. Muslims must work with organisations for the improvement of human rights, environmental issues, war and peace, political activism, good causes and to serve the society they live in. God has offered them these opportunities to work to demonstrate to the wider community the beauty of their religious teachings, and they should embrace them.

Collective accountability is extremely important for the Muslim community. When a Muslim does a wrong his entire religion is blamed. Islam tells us that God has created us so that He may put us to trial to see who is best in their deeds. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: ‘Deen (religious teachings) is all about dealing with others’, and according to the Quran we Muslims must compete in the (Khairaat) causes of goodness.

This is the way forward. We cannot build and strengthen our world on wishful thinking or continuous acts of mourning that the world is against us. It is time for action.

Ten years on from 9/11. A decade of unnecessary wars and destruction

2011-09-11T09:50:00.000-07:00

The ten years since this horrific incident, have not been any ordinary decade. Although the vivid memories of civilian aeroplanes being flown into the twin towers of World Trade Centre and the pain felt by the families and friends of the victims will probably never be forgotten, for many other individuals, communities, countries and nations, it has resulted in unimaginable misery and suffering

Let us put aside the controversy about conspiracy theories and focus on what else the world has lost in the decade, in addition to the more than 3000 innocent victims, four planes and two towers, and what if anything has been gained.

Politics are often extremely brutal, and often lethal, in terms of revenge and retribution, if caution is not exercised. The fervour engendered by a hurt national pride and the resultant bruised ego, very easily takes on the mantle of negative patriotism. The danger is that politicians become judges, jury and executioners, all in the name of the ‘will of people’, and in the process, create even more victims and counter nationalism by those they regard as the enemy.

Whilst there is no doubt the tragedy of 9/11 was horrifying and continues to evoke extremely painful memories, we must also recognise the even greater destruction that the aftermath of revengeful politics has caused.

It has resulted in the destruction of two countries, where thousands of the population have died and many more now live as displaced persons in total misery. Their memories of this decade will remain with them for many decades, if not centuries, and will probably become part of their folklore.

What has America gained from this wide spread and prolonged ‘war on terrorism’? It has seen many of its citizens killed while serving in the war. Trillions of dollars have been, and still are, being spent, plunging America ever deeper into debt. The war is running on money borrowed from many countries and financial institutions, and it will need to be repaid by the US treasury, but US citizens will undoubtedly suffer many more decades of financial misery and constraint as a result.

This war has created many more innocent victims of terrorism, in many more countries, including the United Kingdom, Spain, Indonesia and India. The horrific scenes of the London underground and bus bombing, and Madrid train bombing, are painful reminders to us all.

How can we ever forget Abu Guraib, Guantanamo Bay or the rendition of prisoners? Who could have ever imagined that countries in the free world would provide legal permission for the mistreatment of other human beings? Who could have ever imagined that any country would legalise torture and the abuse of human rights?

A whole debate was started in an attempt to demonise Islam and its prophet. Whole of the Muslim community was placed under pressure and abused. Two similar criminal acts, one committed by a Muslim and another by a non-Muslim, would result in only the Muslim suffering under the Terrorism acts.

The last decade became a decade of lies, deception, anxiety and anguish for the Muslim community the world over. Governments and authorities continue to arrest Muslims under the Anti-Terrorism Acts and no eyebrows are raised. The community felt dehumanised and unfairly treated.

The shock, horror, and enormous sympathy expressed by all Muslim communities after the 9/11 atrocity, the lies about the WMD to build the case for Iraq war, the maligning of Islam, the burning of the Qur`an, the false depiction of the Prophet Muhammad, and the animosity of political and religious right wing parties and movements directed at Muslims, have not eased the suffering of our community.

The Muslim community has continually condemned the terrorists’ acts of indiscriminate bombing and their political goals, and now feels utterly bewildered that the world continues regards them all as being in some way responsible for these acts of terrorism.

The past decade, however, has strengthened the Muslim community and, hopefully, they have emerged from it more determined about fulfilling their role in the worldwide community. I hope they have developed a better direction for their future politics and will continue to never allow themselves to succumb to the provocations of terrorists, violent extremists or extreme organisations. If they faithfully follow the teachings of Islam, they will serve humanity, show kindness and generosity to others, show forgiveness and help alleviate the suffering and misfortune of needy and desperate people in the world. That is the right path for their religion.

Ramadan: Its true benefits & blessings

2011-07-31T11:05:00.000-07:00

The Muslim world now prepares to welcome its holiest month, Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, known for fasting and spiritual endeavour, both of which have real and metaphorical meanings in terms of human development and our quest to find the true meaning for the purpose of life.

According to the Qur`an, fasting is not unique to Islam. God has prescribed fasting for other nations in the past, through their prophets and Messengers, whom He chose, for the purpose of attaining a life of virtue and righteousness, although the manner in which it was practiced may have differed.

The purpose, however, has remained the same; in that it has been designed to challenge human endurance and test the strength of our resistance to all that is evil and ungodly. By fasting a person will be better placed to abide by the guidance of his Creator and have a balanced life in this world and attain a life under the immense bounties of God in the hereafter.

Fasting is an act of pure worship and devotion to God and its importance is underpinned by the fact that it is one of the five pillars of Islam, and should not be seen only in terms of refraining from food and drink between certain hours of the day during the month. One has to comprehend its benign influence in terms of spiritual purification, social benefits, and its benefits to human physical and psychological health, human development and community life.

Fasting is so virtuous an act in the Sight of God that the Prophet Muhammad, Peace and Mercy of Allah be upon him, said, relating to Allah: ‘The act of fasting is solely for Me and I would reward for it’. As a matter of fact, all rewards belong to God, but specifying this reward gives it a special meaning.

The act of fasting is described as a‘shield’, meaning that those fasting are proactively defending themselves from the innermost evil traits present in their characters. At the same time, it enables us to resist more effectively the evil temptations and provocations directed at all of us in our daily lives.

The process grants the fasting person a clearer vision about the purpose of their life. The language of spirituality carries no meaning if the purpose of it is not understood. It becomes only shallow words, fashionable on the tongues of many people, but detached from the ultimate reality of its meaning.

Spirituality must be rewarding, both morally and physically, in both worlds, and should be closely connected with the purpose of life by the Creator, Allah (God). Spirituality is a practical phenomenon, arising consciously out of a person’s will when practised. In Islam, this methodology of spiritual attainment is called ‘Taqwa’. People must recognise the evil and its reality in front of them resist it and work to remove it. Similarly, people must comprehend goodness and its sources and work to achieve it for themselves and for others.

Ramadan, like other pillars of Islam, is meant to reinforce this. Fasting is real and its impact is felt. It does weaken the human body, but what is more important is that it weakens that part of our will which leads us to commit evil acts, while greatly strengthening that which encourages us in the doing of good.

With this in mind, the Prophet Muhammad emphasised it, saying: ‘when it is the day of fasting for any of you, let him not utter indecent words, or raise his voice, or speak ignorance. If he is provoked to reciprocate to a swearing, or act of fighting, he must say: ‘I am a person fasting’.’ That would be an act of reminder to him as well as defeating the forces of provocation.

Fasting is only meant for able-bodied people. Children, women in pregnancy, period, or breastfeeding, people who are travelling a certain distance which may cause hardship, people suffering from illness that may likely worsen or deteriorate, are all exempt from fasting. However, many of those in these categories are required to make up for their missed days of fasting after Ramadan.

Nonetheless, it creates such an environment of spirituality and close connection with God for all that everyone lives with the excitement of a special feeling and consciousness of their purpose in life.

The Prophet Muhammad has described this special environment of spiritual feeling by saying: ‘Ramadan has come to you. It is a month of blessings. God covers you in this month with His mercy. He sends down mercy, removes people’s wrongdoings (from them), and accepts their supplications and cries from them. Allah wants to see your competing acts from you in the month and takes pride with His angels. So show to Allah goodness from you. A bad luck person, therefore, is one who is deprived of His mercy in this month.’

The month of Ramadan is also described as the ‘month of patience’. Patience in life and in the human character is part of the endeavour to make life better, beautiful and meaningful. Impatience is the most likely cause of disbelief, animosity and corrupt actions.

The suppression of human desires during Ramadan is meant to train the body, and will, in patience and encourage the planning of one’s life with vision and milestones. It also helps to reduce the ‘rush and haste’ attitudes in one’s life, and grant him contentment and true happiness within the grand scheme of Allah’s destiny of His creation.

Ramadan is also named as the ‘month of care and support’, placing this month at the heart of a social mechanism that helps people and encourages them to show generosity to the rest of humanity. Everyone should compete in acts of goodness and generosity.

Everyone is capable of displaying that leadership of social distinction. Ramadan is another, better, opportunity for them to show that leadership. Ramadan may weaken the strength of the body but it reinvigorates and strengthens the power of human will and so widens the opportunity for human development for all.

The month is full of grand inspiration. According to the Qur`an, in one of the odd dated nights towards the end of the month, the complete Quran was first revealed to the lower heaven from the most high one, in preparation for it to be revealed in parts to the Prophet Muhammad. In terms of spiritual endeavour, worship and devotion, doing of goodness, prayers and reading of the Qur`an, and works of generosity and good words, a moment in that night, if it be caught in prayer, is better than the nights of a thousand months.

Every reward is multiplied by seventy times that in the rest of the year, during the month of Ramadan, and that makes it even more rewarding.

This month with its fasting and prayers is all about our personal endeavours and efforts to offer goodness and pleasure to Allah and be successful in this world and, of course, on the Day of Judgement in the Hereafter. So let us give our best efforts and place our faith in Allah for our rewards.

May Allah accept our fasting and the month from us and help us achieve its purpose. Amen.

The Norwegian tragedy: A moment of reflection

2011-07-25T14:42:00.001-07:00

The gruesome and murderous acts committed by the self declared xenophobic and right-wing Christian Anders Behring Breivik, 32, are no doubt a shocking tragedy for the people of Norway and rightly they have the support and sympathy of the whole world. Terrorism, in its most brutal form, was redefined by Breivik when he embarked on his premeditated rampage, slaughtering the young people of his small nation and justifying it with his extreme right wing beliefs. Indeed, it could suggest a future course for all far right organisations, who seek to display their frustration at their failure to demonstrate the rightness of their cause to the people of their countries.

Since 9/11, any such tragic incident, especially on this scale, raises two different kinds of initial reaction from Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Indeed, when the news broke, my first reaction was; Is it Muslim terrorism? Is any Muslim involved in it? Oh no! Not again. I hope there is no Muslim is involved!

The reaction of non-Muslims was set, as usual, by the Western media, where some of the early commentators and so-called media pundits speculated, saying that all the hallmarks indicated the involvement of Al-Qaeda, or some affiliated Islamic terrorist organisation. See the link:
http://www.salon.com/news/opinion/glenn_greenwald/2011/07/23/nyt/index.html

Some earlier commentators, on BBC and other media outlets appeared very keen to know what colour the person was, or did his appearance indicate any connection with the Muslim community. http://twitter.com/#!/ravisomaiya/status/94484706573299712

Other commentators mentioned the fact that there are a large number of Muslims living in Oslo, and that because of this Al-Qaeda must be involved. As a result of the reports by these commentators, now thankfully regarded as totally discredited, many non-Muslims, appeared to continue to think there was some sort of Islamist involvement, even though the perpetrator of this crime was quickly identified.

The New Statesman’s Laurie Penny tweeted: ‘I don't understand all the Islamophobia and finger-pointing on my Twitter feed. Wasn't the attacker a Christian fundamentalist? Who does this help’? Yes, but to some people the ranting must still about Islam and the Muslims.

However, some fair-minded people, like Dr Geoff Nash in Durham, tweeted. Saying: ‘In Britain the media rushed to judgment that this was the work of Muslim terrorists. We need to understand in the West that terrorism of this kind is a sickness of the modern world, not limited to the ethnic or religious 'other'. It is right here, within our own societies.’

There was, nonetheless, a reference to a Muslim connection. Anders hated Muslims and their religion. He glorified the ‘Knights Templar’, one of the most infamous of the early Western Christian military orders.

One can clearly identify all the symbolism of religious fervour and the spirit of the crusades in some of these so-called far right extreme organisations, who for obvious reasons are nothing to do with religion. However, with all these apparent ‘religious connections’ no one in the media, politics or faith leadership would call them ‘the holy crusaders’, or blame the religious community they proudly claim to belong to, or even find a connection between the ‘holy books’ they believe in, for their actions.

Anders Breivik allegedly had connections with other right wing organisations in Europe. He claimed that "Geert Wilders' Party for Freedom was the only "true" party of conservatives." "Breivik also praised the English Defence League profusely and called for the setting up of a Norwegian version of it."

He seemed to have detested multiculturalism and called it Marxist cultural-ism. He made a film about it, full of anti-Islamic ranting and nostalgia for the crusades, which is extremely disturbing to watch. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mZ29eUVAxg

Indeed, Breivik seems to have mapped out a plan for an independent Europe, free from Muslims. Hitler of course made and practised similar plans against Jews, blacks and other non white races, and those who continue to believe in his Nazi ideology still wish to implement it. The misleading but powerful intentions outlined in Breivik’s declaration of ‘European independence’ could engulf everyone in a cycle of violence and murderous acts similar to those committed by him in Norway. If you want to read this declaration, here is the link: http://www.sharepdfbooks.com/3TZOU0V52W6B/2083_A_European_Declaration_of_Independence.pdf.html

However, the world is not completely full of madness. People of good conscience still dare to tell the truth, even in the media. The world, ever increasingly, is becoming a powerful arena and battle field for ideas and electronic media has made this battle faster and wilder. We can only hope that humanity continues to be on the side of good conscience, justice, fairness, human rights and human prosperity. We all need to develop rational themes for co-existence and sensible politics for all.

I recommend you to watch this Youtube link to RT which really augments good unbiased journalism. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PR9yjl4paQ

The Quran withstands!

2011-06-30T10:16:00.000-07:00

In my previous blog I wrote ‘a tale of two leaders and a book’, about two different and sharply contrasting views of the Quran and Islam. Since then I have been sent a Youtube link by a friend, with a bemusing title, ‘Christianity is dead, Israel is dying and Islam is the religion of future’, that has caught my attention, particularly as it comes in the wake of Geerd Wilders’s tirade against the Quran and Islam.

This link is of particular significance, firstly as it is from a Rabbi, whom few would regard as a friend of the Quran or Islam, and secondly because of the understanding of both which he displays. His understanding appears to be the result of a combination of historical analysis, what he observed through his dealings with Islam, and his obvious skill in reading the Book. Thirdly, he spoke with clear respect towards the Quran, the Prophet and Islam, without a hint of detriment.

First, let me list some of his remarks. These I have taken from what appeared on the screen as subtitles in English, albeit a somewhat broken English. I did not understand the language of the Rabbi, but listening carefully to what he was saying, I could hear some of the words pronounced in the language shown and so assumed it was an authentic translation.

He spoke of Christianity as follows:

1- Christianity stopped being a ‘leading religion’ in the nineteenth century, with the rise of Marxism, and by the virtue of the makeup of its establishment it is now unable to withstand any social revolution.

2- Christianity provides spiritual support only for a group of people who are already dead;

3- Nothing really remains of Christianity, except its old historic buildings;

4- If a Christian goes to Church on a Sunday, just once, it is considered to be a good thing.

He observed about Islam:

1- Islamic teachings are built to withstand any changes in the world;

2- Islam arose differently from other religions and its leader received a divine message, ‘and there is no doubt about this’.

3- The establishment of Islam happened in a very clear way; there was a Prophet, God revealed to him the Message (The Quran), on the basis of which the Prophet built a religion, a new society and testaments;

4- Later events demonstrated that these teachings were indeed able to withstand any changes, and ‘we will find it very clear if we read the Quran’;

5- It is very clear in the Quran that its teachings were intended to survive in any situation;

6- ‘In the world today, little remains of any religion other than Islam;

7- Following the Prophet Muhammad and a commitment to Islamic teachings ensures ‘regular contact with the Creator;

8- Muslims kneel five times a day to God.

9- ‘In my travel to some European countries, I found quiet corners at airports. I observed at the prayer times, Muslims coming and placing newspapers on the ground and kneeling on their knees praying …… This is Islam.

10- “Islam in total is the Religion of future, and I think that within 70 years most of the land, will embrace the religion of Islam, and it can lead people in the right direction”.

In addition he spoke unfavourably of Judaism and Israel, saying ‘nothing remains of Judaism as a result of its falling under the shadow of Zionism; he further stated that Islam presents the only hope for solution to the problems of his country.

While Muslims may take much pride in what the Rabbi said about Islam, the Quran, and the prophet Muhammad, his statements also appear to reinforce the fact that many of the slurs and slanders uttered against Islam these days, are of a fallacious and malicious nature. Both Wilders and the Rabbi belong to groups of people, who do not subscribe to Islamic teachings, yet, thankfully, one could come up with a positive understanding of the religion, and encourage the others to study the book before they make up their minds solely on the basis of hearsay and prejudice.

The Quranic teaching is that ‘let there be no compulsion in religion, the truth stands out from falsehood’ (S2:V256)

The Quran invites people to investigate their belief and its foundations. It wants people to take absolute responsibility for the consequences of whatever they believe. It does not seek to stop people from having a belief other than Islam. Islam has always proclaimed a total freedom in this respect, with one exception: the only path acceptable to God is total submission to Him.

The Rabbi’s comments on Islam are positive ones for Muslims, and they should therefore feel confident in Islamic teachings. Only those people taking negative or extreme views could lack confidence in or misunderstand the teachings.

I would say to other friends and critics of Islam, there would be no reason to erect the barriers of prejudice, misunderstanding and difficult relationships between communities, if we lived positively and came to a good understanding of the teachings of Islam. Context always determines outcomes, or as the Islamic saying goes: ‘actions are based on one’s intention’ so let us help create a positive context in our community relationships and in understanding each others’ faiths, traditions and views of the world.

If a comparative discussion about Islam is to be conducted, in the proper manner, I would, like most Muslims, welcome it.

If you want to watch the video clip then here is the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMi_-xqhBYw&feature=player_embedded#at=34

A tale of two leaders and a book

2011-06-25T06:55:00.000-07:00

A Dutch court today acquitted the prominent Dutch Islamophobe, Mr Geert Wilders, of charges of incitement against Muslims, a verdict very much in line with what many commentators had anticipated. Mr Wilders has continually manipulated the right of free speech to attack Islam, calling it an ideology, and the Quran, comparing it with "Mein Kampf", Hitler's tirade against Jews. In 2008, he also made a controversial 17-minute film, ‘Fitna’, in which he misquoted and misinterpreted the Quranic verses to air his mistaken views about, and his hatred towards, Islam.

He claims to have ‘legitimate concerns’ and spoke with a rhetoric "on the edge of what is legally permissible" but not illegal.

Now we ‘understand’ that it is Islam, and its holy Book the Quran, which is the real problem for Mr Wilders and his ilk. The Bible, of course, is no longer seen by him as a problem, because of what the secularist atheists, like him, have done with it, and now Christendom is on course to be ‘civilised’.

So what is wrong with the Quran? Why are so many people upset with Islam? It is no good to simply say that Islam is an ideology. People must have, I agree, a proper debate about Islam in a proper context. One must be ‘allowed to discuss Islam in public debate’, and with this I also agree.

But what is a public debate? Why only debate Islam in an effort to suffocate it in the name of ‘free speech’ or ‘freedom of expression’? The irony of this question is that we use the pretext of ‘freedom of speech’ only to suppress or castigate the freedom of others’ freedom of speech.

However, British Ex prime Minister Mr Tony Blair has used his freedom of speech, both in the past and in the present, to express his opinions about the Quran and Islam.

Remember, he was one of the two most hated political world leaders who, after 9/11, unleashed the full force of the means and might at their disposal, to wage the ‘war on terror’. Even so, Mr Blair was extremely careful not to talk about Islam and the Quran in a derogatory fashion or to suggest that the book was the source for Islamic violence, or that the agitation shown by Muslims the world over, stemmed, somehow, from it. Unfortunately, his actions led to talks about Foreign policy grievances and the failure of multiculturalism, and he failed to counteract the divided sense of loyalty then felt by many immigrants with a Muslim cultural background.

Mr Blair’s sense of obligation, created by the concerns arising from these actions, and only in private, led him to read about Islam and the Quran. And it seems he has been doing so ever since……

Now, look at what the Ex Prime Minister says (without the constraint or fear of being mugged, by Mr Wilders and his supporters):-

Mr Blair claimed that he read the Quran every day, and gave his reasons for doing so as: ‘partly to understand some of the things happening in the world’ (possibly alluding to ‘violence in the Muslim world’, ‘Islamic’ terrorism, Muslim agitation against the ‘infidel west’, etc.), and continues: ‘but mainly just because it is immensely instructive’.

Well, the Quran tells its followers that it is guidance for the believers and for those who seek discipline in their lives. That is the positive sense of the teachings which discipline the course of human life in ways that are beneficial and introduce justice to human society. Any negative connotation of being ‘instructive’ would be unwarranted in this context, just like implementation of discipline in armies, certain clubs and societies and educational institutions.

Further, according to Daily Mail reports, Mr Blair ‘considers the ‘Koran’ a reforming and inclusive book’. I wonder if Mr. Wilders would have come to the same conclusion! Or is his anger and malice in vain, and he repeats just what some perpetrators of the present clash of civilisations claim, only because it is maliciously enjoyable to do so?

It struck home forcibly, when Mr Blair was reported to have claimed: ‘Muslim Faith being beautiful and the Prophet Muhammad, being an enormously civilising force’.
I am glad this did not come from the mouth of a Muslim, although most Muslims would have claimed it anyway.

I do hope people in Mr Wilders country of residence, where the cartoon controversy originated, as well as those who receive his allegations positively worldwide, take note of the ‘Prophet Muhammad being an enormously civilising force’.

Mr Blair seems to have studied the Quran to a deeper level. Consider the implications of his following words: words that could not have been said just to appease Muslims, or with any apparent hidden meaning.

He says, about Islam: ‘It extols science and knowledge and abhors superstition. It is practical and way ahead of its time in its attitudes towards marriage, women and governance’.

If we drew up a list of ‘misconceptions about Islam’, the impact of this sentence would become immediately apparent, and refute Mr Wilders’ vindictively perpetrated allegations and help to stop his advocating the banning or banishing of the Quran from Europe, or burning it.

Perhaps people now have more reasons to read the Quran and discuss its teachings in public debate. Who is afraid? I hope no one, given the due respect it deserves, when comparing it to other ‘books’ old and new. As far as Muslims are concerned, I would tell them to be confident and to read the Quran and understand it, as our Ex PM does.

Don’t know where the blame for all this strife and anger lies? Still with Islam, because some people think it is an ‘ideology’ a violent one, or because it is a ‘religion’ as the word is commonly misunderstood? Perhaps there are those who, very conveniently, tend to ignore the right place and people to blame………

Think…..Hmmmm……we may just know where the problem lies!

Written by: Sh. Rashad A Azami

Unbecoming to be civilised?

2011-06-14T14:27:00.000-07:00

I remember the days of my childhood, when, as children, we played in our neighbourhood; running around, from street to street and alleyway to alleyway, in our school breaks. Some of us were naughty and behaved very badly, but others would admonish and show us how to behave properly. Most children then were governed by their own good conscience and sense of self morality. Those were the good days, when, as children, we took pride in our ‘manhood’, valour, and good manners.

This consciousness of the difference between right and wrong is extremely important, especially when children enter their teenage years, and even more important when they become adults, and enter university. Are we not still taught that children are the future guardians of the next generations of our community?

When we see the appalling behaviour of some people, many of them teenagers, and many of them university students, in the streets and in private, it disgusts and embarrasses many of us.

For example, I have noticed, more than once, young adults, often late at night, urinating on the outer doors of people’s property, through railings into people’s front basements, into their gardens, in phone booths, in shop doorways and indeed sometimes openly in the streets. With the urine still running in the street, some of these degenerates, embarrassed only at being observed, offer a feeble ‘sorry mate’.

I have even been told about cases in which individuals urinated through people’s letter boxes.

What is even worse, in my opinion, is that sometimes, when these individuals are part of a group, and urinate in public, they are screened by their colleagues, like some potentate being surrounded by bodyguards. No doubt their imbibing of excessive amounts of alcohol is partially to blame.

Many will still remember that, few years back, a group of young adults entered the building of the Islamic Society, and while the congregation were at prayers, they sprayed their urine on the shoes, jackets and the lobby area. This act was caught on camera, with clear pictures, but despite all the attendant publicity, the culprits were never discovered. Perhaps they too were screened by ‘bodyguards’ - people who would not deem such a degenerate act worth bothering to report.

The other day, having finished late night prayer around 11.30PM, I exited the Mosque and encountered a couple of very young children, perhaps in their early teens, one of them barely able to stand on his feet. All the time supported by his friend, also seemingly heavily drunk, he was trying to unzip his trousers and pass urine through the railings in front of the Mosque.

He saw me and tried to move away towards another property, no doubt desperate to relieve his self. Obviously, I could not stop him from what he was doing. But I asked myself what were they doing out at this time of night? Why were they in this drunken condition? Had such behaviour become a habit? Where are the guidance, care and love of their parents?

For me the ethical guidance offered in the Islamic teaching, not only tells me that alcohol is forbidden because of its potential to cause social, physical and moral harm and economic damage, but its use clouds people’s judgement, is a source of indecent acts, and removes a person’s ability to judge between right and wrong. In short, it leads to public acts of a disgusting and immoral nature. Late night noise, vomit on the pavements, streets and in private property, the fighting, the damage done to people or property, and immoral sexual acts, are there for us all to see.

Good citizenship brings a sense of social responsibility and keeps people’s consciences alive. It is better to have a social and moral hangover the morning after, than the physical hangover resulting from a late night rowdy alcoholic binge.

I do believe that if the morality of conduct is redundant, at least the morality of freedom should be self governing. Let us safeguard a collective mindset of decency which is the ultimate treasure of any civilised society and the bulwark of people’s freedom.

Town and Gown

2011-03-30T15:36:00.000-07:00

The Mayor, a patron to the local Interfaith Group, chose ‘town and gown’ as the theme for his year in office. As part of his commitment to the interfaith activities, the Mayor invites this group’s members to speak on his theme, yearly, according to their individual faith’s perspective.

I had the opportunity to talk to interfaith members, and other audience, in the Mayor’s parlour, on his theme from the perspective; ‘how Islam encourages learning and scholarship, in order to build a human civilization and explore God’s creation, enabling man to comprehend His majesty, power and wisdom’.

I always, in my talks, highlight the fact that the Islamic faith does not consist of blind belief or unrealistic dogma. On the contrary, its teachings require us to acquire knowledge through faith; learning to understand creation and by hopefully becoming wiser, to develop the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, before making any choice.

Islam does not encourage any doctrine which is static, or based on ignorance and prejudice. Faith is not forced on anyone, but the ultimate destinies of the doers of both good and wrong are explained.

From its beginning, Islam has tried to enlighten people with both the light of faith, and the light of Knowledge.

While Islam makes it absolutely clear that those who have knowledge are not equal to those who don’t, the Quran says: ‘Say ‘are those who know and those who do not know equal? It is those who are imbued with understanding that receive reminders.’ (S39/V9)

On a practical level, Islam has consistently encouraged people to seek knowledge and made provision for this. For example, when Makkan forces, in their first attack on the Muslims, lost the war and many were made war captives, the Prophet gave a choice to all those who were literate to ransom themselves from captivity, by teaching ten Muslim children to read and write. Some of the companions of the prophet who rose to the position of the Scribe of the Revelation, or learned other languages, were from this early batch of students.

Muslims, men and women, were obligated by the Prophet to learn. He, in one of his very famous directives to the believers, says: ‘Seeking knowledge is an obligation on every individual man and woman’.

He urged them to seek knowledge, even though it may necessitate travelling to China: ‘Seek knowledge even though you have to travel to China’.

He goes further than that when He says: ‘A Word of wisdom is the lost property of a believer. Wherever he may lay his hand on it, he is the most deserving of it’.

This seems to be the primary reason why the Abbasid Caliph al-Ma'mun established the famously known ‘House of Wisdom’ or ‘Bait al-Hikmah’.
The House of Wisdom was a library and translation institute, as well as the major intellectual centre of the Islamic Golden Age. It was credited with bringing together most of the best known scholars from around the globe, to share information ideas and culture in Baghdad from the 9th to 13th centuries, and many of the most learned Muslim scholars were part of this excellent research and educational institute.

The great scholars of the House of Wisdom included Al-Khawarizmi, the "father" of algebra, which takes its name from his book Kitab al-Jabr.

The Quran, in this respect, directs people to travel all over the globe to explore how creation began: ‘say: travel through the earth and then see how Allah did originate creation’. (S29/V20)

When Islamic sciences took root, students were encouraged to study the creation in the light of this divine guidance. Millions of manuscripts were produced after intensive ‘research’, most of which are still preserved in libraries and learning centres worldwide. Modern sciences employ the same methodology of research by continuing to travel intensively to study the world.

Acquiring this combination of Faith (Imaan) and knowledge, as per the Quranic teachings, is, we are taught, a means of attaining a higher rank in the Sight of God.

Indeed, the first revelation of the Quran to the Prophet started with the word: ‘Read’, and included the following words: reading, teaching, pen and delivering humans from ignorance. However, a further point to be noticed here is the one which directs the process of reading and learning ‘in the name of your Lord’.

Knowledge, according to the teachings of the Quran, should not be just secular, i.e. the mere process of learning the ‘cause and effect’ or about ‘law of nature’, without trying to comprehend the glory and majesty of the ‘All Knowing’. All knowledge flows from the source of eternal wisdom and the ultimate source of cause and effect.

This is why the Quran reminds both people of learning, and seekers of knowledge, by saying: ‘Indeed, among His servants, only those grasp the majesty of God, who are scholars.’ Surah 35/V27.

It is interesting to read the preceding part of this verse which says: ‘Do you not see that Allah sends down rain from above? With it, then, We bring out produce of various colours. And in the mountains are tracts white and red, of various shades of colour, and black intense in hue. And so amongst men and beasts and cattle are of various colours’.

Is it then any wonder that the Muslim world takes pride in having established the first university?

The University of Al Karaouine (Al-Qarawiyine) in Fez, Morocco is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest degree-granting university and continuously operating institution of higher learning in the world, founded in 859 by a well educated Muslim woman called Fatima al-Fihri.
The university produced great thinkers such as Abu Al-Abbas al-Zwawi, Abu Madhab Al-Fasi, a leading theorist of the Maliki School of Islamic jurisprudence and Leo Africanus, a renowned traveller and writer.

The university played a leading role in both the cultural and the academic relations between the Islamic world and Europe. A renowned Jewish philosopher and theologian Maimonides (Ibn Maimun) studied under Abdul Arab Ibn Muwashah. In addition, Ibn al-Arabi Ibn Khaldun and Al-Bitruji (Alpetragius) were both connected with the university, either as academicians or as students.
Alongside the Qur’an and Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), other subjects, such as grammar, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, chemistry, history, geography and music, were taught. Gradually, a broader range of subjects were introduced in the university, particularly natural sciences, physics and foreign languages.

Muslims also established another university in Cairo, Egypt in 975AD. Known as ‘Al-Azhar University’, it offered a variety of post-graduate degrees (Ijazah), and had individual faculties for a theological seminary, Islamic law and jurisprudence, Arabic grammar, Islamic astronomy, early Islamic philosophy, and logic in Islamic philosophy.

Some scholars, such as George Makdisi, John Makdisi and Hugh Goddard, argue that European medieval universities were influenced in many ways by the medieval university institutions in Islamic Spain (when it was part of the Islamic country between 711 and 1492 and called Al-Andalus), the Emirate of Sicily, and by the Middle East in general.

As a footnote, the degree system, known as ‘Ijazah’ was a tradition, well established among Muslim scholars, from the time of the Prophet Muhammad. Ijazah means authorisation, whereby the teacher authorises his students to narrate and spread the knowledge they gained from him, in its authentic and original form.

8 questions

2011-03-20T07:17:00.000-07:00

I am sent questions and queries from time to time by people who are working on some research programme or writing about Islam and Muslims. The following are 8 questions which I answered and thought to place it on my blog for general public.

1) What do you think of the extremists who kill in the name of Islam?
We need to be careful when we say ‘extremists who kill in the name of Islam’. No one kills in the name of Islam. Killing is an act of murder and those who kill will always seek to justify their acts, to satisfy their conscience, and to attempt to persuade others of the legitimacy of their reasons for committing them. They could be Muslim political fanatics or some of the Irish who want to get rid of British rule or defend their right to be part of British rule. Some states commit acts of mass murder, and justify them as being ‘in the long term interest of the country’ or by enacting new laws to justify their criminality.
The Quran says: ‘and those who do not associate beside Allah any other god, and do not kill the soul that Allah has sanctified it except (within) legal right’…
This applies in a case of retaliation or to the law of retribution.
Destroying people’s lives by committing a murder or mass murders and attempting to justify it within any legal framework or system, religious or secular, is simply unacceptable.

2) What are your views on the Burqa, Hijab and Niqab?

There are few issues here:
Let me first clarify that majority of Islamic scholars are not of the opinion that women should cover or veil their faces.

The wearing of the Hijab is intended to protect a woman’s dignity by the wearing of clothes that cover her, and do not show her body in a provocative or inappropriate manner.

The wearing of the Burqa is now mostly confined to the women of Afghanistan, although it used to be worn, and can still be seen in parts of Pakistan and India. This is a fading local cultural phenomenon.

The Niqab, worn previously by women who were from a traditionally very conservative society, is, in my opinion, now worn either to show a deep personal commitment to spiritual purity, or, as is the case in many Muslim countries, has become part of local religious requirement.

The secular systems and the Feminist movements in the West oppose it; they hold the view that it symbolises the repression of women, or wearing it goes against the European norms of women’s liberty. Many people within some religious establishments also express the same objections, and cite it as an example of Islam’s inferiority and incompatibility with the present age. Women should have the choice and the right to demonstrate their liberty by exercising their options to wear whatever covering they want, or do not want, or in any other way.

Neither the state, nor any other organisation, should dictate to any religious minority, on what they should or should not wear, in my opinion. Let there be a personal choice which Islam will always defend.

3) Do you think women are oppressed in Islam?
I do not think women are oppressed in Islam in any sense. Islam was the first religious and legal system to grant them distinct equal rights, and made any discriminatory acts against them unlawful. Both men and women are equally responsible for their actions in the Sight of God and are given, equally, the free will to show their commitments towards Him.
Men and women are equal in their personal rights, ownership of business and properties, full entitlement to education, employment or inheritance law. Modesty is a requirement for both men and women.

If any cultural or local tribal traditions adversely affecting the treatment of women are seen to exist, they are not derived from Islam.

4) Many people who are against Islam like to take things out of context from the Quran. What do you think of that?
This has become widespread in a world where everyone declares that all religions should be treated fairly. However, quotes made freely and totally out of context, seem to have become the norm when attacking Islam and its teachings.

Islam, as is clear from the Quran, invites people to understand its teachings and not to take it for granted. Islam has no attitude of blind belief. It invokes people’s wisdom and intelligence, and says: ‘The truth is from your Lord, let him who wants to believe, do so, and let him who wants to disbelieve in it, do so’…

The Quranic teachings were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad over a 23 year period, which included periods of peaceful preaching and severe persecution, when wars were imposed on Muslims, forcing them to leave their towns. This resulted in the building of a community and eventually a state, in another town, together with further teachings concerning both the spiritual and the mundane life of the people, the formation of treaties and alliances, and co-existence with other communities.
Those who would malign Islam, deliberately and spitefully, confuse one period with another.

5) Do you think the Quran advocates violence?
No, the Quran does not advocate violence. The Quran is quite clear on this when it says: ‘and when they incline to peaceful relationship then you must respond to it and place your trust in Allah…

It also says: ‘there is no compulsion in religion’. Many wars were undertaken in the name of religion but Islam abolished the whole idea of imposing a religion onto another people. There is no concept of holy war in Islam. Jihad, as a concept equal to holy war, is a wholly un-Islamic one.

The Quran repeats in the most clear term saying: ‘Allah does not love those who spread mischief in the land’.

The Quran goes further and says: ‘and (only) fight in the way of Allah against those who are fighting you and do not transgress, as Allah does not love those who transgress (the limits).

Yes, Islam grants a person or a people the right to defend themselves when attacked; a path followed by all nations and peoples.

6) What stops people from learning about Islam?
I would say there are lots of people who learn about Islam and appreciate its teachings. However, in my opinion, historical prejudices, personal grievances, a dislike of Muslims, a feeling of racial supremacy, narrow mindedness and sense of monopoly about God and His favours, all combine when people disapprove of learning about Islam, as do images of violence, suicide bombings, immigration, projection of Sharia as repressive legal system, and all that is hateful to any person of common sense.

When people are continually told that violence comes from Muslims, understandably they come think that Islam is about violence. It is also understandable that some people, having continually received the wrong message, would like to protect themselves or their children from anything Islamic.

It is all about Image, and I remember one of the reasons raised by an opponent in the Prophet’s time, mentioned in the Quran, for not embracing Islam was their saying: ‘if it (Islam) were to be of any good, it would not have come to you’.

7) Does the media have a role in this?
Some of the media has, and continues, to play an extremely spiteful role in directing people’s minds against Islam and Muslims, particularly, when it comes to the reporting of conflicts in the world, and on local issues concerning the community. The Media needs sensationalism to engender greater profits, and continues to manipulate the news regardless of who is hurt and harmed in the process.
News that may concern an individual from the Muslim community, which is somehow linked to a regional conflict, is made to show that whatever happened was the result of being a Muslim, and political ideologues are continually encouraged to attack Islam.
.
8) What can be done to stop misconceptions arising amongst people?
The other day I was reading some comments made about an article written by a Muslim on Islam, in which one commentator said: ‘…minds are already made-up about Islam’.

This is a true reflection of a real prejudice and shows that many people in this world are not open to any form of reasoning but only heed the opinions which are already firmly entrenched in their own minds. It is a sad situation, the changing of which will be an enormous undertaking, involving all of us, at all levels of society.

Politicians, media and communities, all need to be more responsible and should show leadership by demonstrating that they all wish to build a firm and lasting community relationship.

The wider community should bear greater responsibilities towards creating an environment in which peoples can prosper and ideas can be challenged in a positive manner. At the moment, Muslims are being bombarded with allegations and are then expected to prove themselves by coming forward with solutions!

Everyone needs to assist in the creation of an environment of trust, encompassing a willingness to engage, create human fellowship, try to find the common ground, regard all people as equal and worth listening to, and dealing with all in a fair way. The Media should be made far more responsible for what they are publishing.

Was Abraham a Jew?

2011-03-08T07:53:00.001-08:00

This morning, Sunday, on Radio 4, I listened to an interesting presentation about the life of the Prophet Abraham, Peace be up on him, whose heritage is claimed by the three monotheistic communities of faith; Jews, Christians and Islam.

Two points mentioned in this presentation require a response.

1- Although all three religious traditions claim their faith is directly inherited from Abraham, is Abraham relevant any more in our time?
2- One participant, a Jewish rabbi, said that Abraham was the first Jew.

References to the above two points can be read in the Quran itself, as the same question and claims were made in the time of the Prophet Muhammad himself.

With regards to the first question, the Quran says: ‘and then we have revealed to you (O Muhammad) that you follow the religion of Abraham and that he was not of polytheists’.

This shows that what was relevant in the time of Abraham was also relevant at the time of Muhammad. The Quran mentions a common thread between the teachings of the two great Prophets, Peace be upon them; belief in the Oneness of Allah and the avoidance of polytheism.

Polytheism negates the legitimate authority of the Creator and creates shadowy gods without any proof and logic.

This one essential message, common to all three religions throughout human development and history since the time of Adam, remains relevant to all peoples, in terms of their faith, practices and essential ethical values, to this day.

Abraham, represented in the teachings of all the prophets and Messengers, is as relevant in our time as he was in the time of Muhammad. Unfortunately, the rejection of faith and the entertaining of doubts with no firm evidence to support them, or ‘diluting’ the authority of the Creator, is as fashionable in our time as it was in the times of the prophets.

Yet many find Abraham irrelevant, including people from the three monotheistic communities, when comparing the present, in terms of material and scientific developments, to his time. But do we still entertain the questions such as, who are we? Where do we come from? Why are we here? What happens to us once we die? Is there a life after death or a hereafter?

Do we still not approve of the best of human characteristics like truthfulness, goodness and trustworthiness? Do we not disapprove off negative human qualities, like lying, betrayal and slander? God’s teachings, through His prophets and Messengers, confirm both the positive human qualities and negative ones.

As to the second question; was Abraham the first Jew, I find it quite irrational. If he was the first Jew then surely he was the first Arab as well, Ishmael being his eldest son.

The Quran dealt with this question long ago, when it said: ‘Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian; but surely someone who was devoutly committed to God and a Muslim (someone who bowed his will to God).

Racially all Arabs and Jews are the children of Abraham. As Abraham came from the land now known as Iraq, one could claim he was of Arabic origin, though I am not quite sure if the people of Iraq at that time had Arab or Persian origins.

However, Islam teaches us look at Abraham in non-racial terms.

Abraham was a prophet and the connecting bond is the spiritual following of his teachings. The Quran says: ‘the closest of people to Abraham are those who followed him (in his teachings) and this prophet (Muhammad) and those who believed (in him)’.

Abraham was all about a total spiritual commitment to God with his continuous endeavours to be upright in his faith. That is why the Quran called him the imam (leader of the spiritual community to God) and an Ummah (nation) in himself.

Remembrance Day 2010 – a tale of two cultures

2010-12-15T22:15:00.000-08:00

Many cultures have various events and activities through which they commemorate special moments or historic events of sentimental value. On one such day, Remembrance Day on 14th of November, Kingswood School in Bath held a two part commemoration beginning with a scholar’s concert and then a rendition of Karl Jenkins’s masterpiece “The Armed Man – A march for peace”. If like me you never heard of this piece before now, then a brief synopsis is in order.

The piece was composed following the Kosovo War in the Balkans (in which many Muslims lost their lives and the British were part of a multinational force to defeat the Serbs). It was commissioned by the Royal Armouries Museum and first released in 2001. It combines various culturally significant songs, poems and verses into a powerful message, urging man to move away from perennial squabbles and embrace a new dawn of sustainable peace. The second chapter in the composition is a rendition of the Adhan. Richard Mainwaring the school music teacher and host of the event extended a warm invitation to the Bath Islamic Society join in delivering the seminal piece and Imam Rashad recommended that I partake.

Within the next week, I met Richard, an exceptional man who was sincerely delighted. The Adhan, calling people to the remembrance of Allah is rich with meaning and of beautiful melody inspiring calmness, tranquillity and reflection. During the short rehearsal held on the day, the whole team listened then gave a huge ovation upon its completion and everyone was visibly thrilled that we from the Bath Islamic Society had honoured their invitation. Then came the live event.

Following an excellent 1st chapter, the lights were dimmed, the hall fell into absolute silence and to the audiences surprise and delight the inspiring words of the Adhan filled the air for just over 2 mins. The 7 other chapters were then delivered to complete the event. Richard, then kindly invited me up to the podium where a visibly pleased audience delivered a thunderous standing ovation. I very much felt and could see in their eyes that it wasn’t just an ovation for the way the Adhan was delivered but a show of deep appreciation and admiration for our involvement in an event with clearly deep and sentimental value.

Unknown to them, it was I who was in deep admiration at their openness, kindness and willingness to embrace first the Adhan and then a muslim into their world and their celebrations. We as Muslims are a part of the community. Partaking in such events enable others to see beyond the stereotype, negative media reports and the conduct of a tiny minority of our brethren and potentially inspire them to explore for themselves the true teachings of Islam. It is Allah who guides, ours is to be the best that we can be and through our actions and conduct demonstrate the beauty of our ways.

Listening to the piece, I finally understood that the Remembrance Day isn’t just about the armed forces but also a time for reflection. Reflection on our place within society as human beings and therefore a time to ask our selves, what type of society we want to build? Though our religious inclinations may differ, we are bound by our humanism and therefore must always explore ways and means of living harmoniously, thriving on peace and mutual respect.

On a personal note, as a young man, born of a paradoxical generation that seems more willing to overcome barriers, yet more fractious than ever, the key lesson from this day, from this event and from the warm hand of friendship extended to the Bath Islamic Society by Kingswood school is that this quest for understanding and togetherness can easily evolve from being aspirational to being a firm pillar upon which we, the next generation build and sustain more tolerant, inclusive and just communities.

(This blog is written by Abdullahi sheriff, on the request of Imam Rashad)

Hajj

2010-11-22T07:54:00.000-08:00

The whole world is now witnessing Hajj, the greatest event in the Muslim calendar. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and like the other four, it presents the most powerful mechanism and opportunity for humanity to come closer to their Creator, Allah the Almighty, as well as bonding with fellow co-religionists, in a common cause to promote goodness and high moral values.

The powerful image presented by the pilgrims circumnavigating the Ka`bah, the cubic house built by the Prophet Abraham, is the most eye-catching and impressive feature of the Hajj. The energy and spiritual emotion generated by this action is a most uplifting and humanising experience, and is one which can change a person’s perspective on life.

The total Hajj experience is the most magnificent manifestation of God’s glory on earth, binding human beings with God, with Man, being the best of the God’s creations, seemingly representing the whole creation circling around God. Allahu Akbar (Allah is the greatest). There is no human devotional act on earth which so powerfully and elaborately glorifies the majesty of God the Creator and His worthiness to be worshiped.

Hajj is the Prophet Abraham’s legacy to all those who want to worship and connect to the Creator, the One who is the source of all existence and worthy of all human worship and devotions.

The Prophet Abraham struggled in his search for enlightenment about the Creator and God the Almighty, who deserved to be thanked, glorified and worshipped, and experienced many difficulties in his quest. He made many sacrifices for his belief and in his belief. Therefore, this Eid brings the greatest lessons of sacrifice and grandest narrative of loyalty to God by a person.

Abraham was commanded by Allah, the Almighty, after he raised up the foundation of the Ka`bah, to pronounce that all humanity should make their pilgrimage to the House, in order to display their loyalty to the Creator, as well as to express their disapproval of polytheism and human superstition.

Pilgrimage to any place other than the permitted three, is not allowed in Islam; these are the Sacred Mosque of Makkah, where the Ka`bah is located, the mosque in the Sacred Sanctuary of Jerusalem and the mosque of the Prophet Mohammad in Madinah.

Islamic teaching forbids the acts of visiting the graves of saints or prophets in order to seek their blessing or changes to one’s life. In Hajj, the focus is completely on devotion and prayers to Allah only.

The Hajj underpins Islamic belief in the hearts of the millions of the Muslims world over.

Hajj also establishes and paves the way for a universal brotherhood among human beings. Islam does not honour a person because of his social status, race and colour. The Quran says that the ‘most honourable in the Sight of God is one who is most conscious of Him’ in abiding by His teachings.

In the Prophet’s hajj sermon he reinforced this Quranic teaching by further explaining, saying: ‘there is no privilege for an Arab over a non-Arab and for a non-Arab over an Arab or for a white over a black or for a black over a white person. All of you are from Adam and Adam was made out of earth’.

In practical terms, people of any status, from kings to the poorest in human society go through the same rituals, humbling themselves to the same God, praying and asking for the same blessings, in exactly the same manner and appearance at exactly the same places. Any notion or feeling of arrogance risks destroying the whole spirit of hajj.

His sermon on the mount of Arafah, which was his last major sermon, highlighted Islamic teachings, reinforced the need for human rights and the abolishing of social injustice and the exploitation of the weak and meek in the society.

Muslims need to study and understand each and every single word in that last sermon of the Prophet. It is also a moral obligation on those non-Muslim commentators and critics of Islam, who criticise Islamic teachings from rather a personal perspective, to study the contents of that sermon with its social and moral implications to the wider human society.

Hajj has become the greatest unifying element on the world stage and reminds people of others in bondage and of the need to fulfil their responsibilities towards their fellow human beings, by being godly and righteous in the Sight of God. It teaches us how to care for people and share with others and brings peace in ourselves and in our world.

Palestine – what chance of a solution?

2010-09-30T13:35:00.000-07:00

Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman has told the UN that any Middle East settlement could take decades and that Iran is at the heart of the conflict. (BBC News)

This statement bears witness to the ill-will of successive Israeli governments towards the finding of a solution to the conflict that has nearly obliterated the whole Palestinian nation. Negotiations and arbitration seem to me a extraordinarily ‘civilised’ way of killing and destroying a people, little by little, as the so called consolidation process take place.

Israeli governments, be they orientated to the right, left and or centre, all seem to have the same policies with only mildly different tones and priorities. On the Palestine conflict here appears to be little difference in the policies of Benyamin Netanyahu to those of Ehud Barak.

The on-going negotiations to find a solution and resolution to the conflict in Palestine between Palestinians and the Israelis are almost certainly going to result in complete failure. For Israelis, arriving at a solution at this stage would mean giving up to their nation’s objectives too early. The time is not yet right for them.
For Palestinians, the misery of their nation must apparently go on. They must remain ready for compromise and sacrifice, even though most of them have already lost everything, and the viability of any form of statehood of which they may have dreamt of has practically disappeared.

No Nation seems able or willing to offer any practical help in finding any solution except that of succumbing to the present plot. The whole affair resembles a black hole - pulling everything and everyone in with no end in sight.

However, my fear is that it will be not be only those who are directly involved, or those who are already victims of this conflict, who will succumb, but others who are not party to the conflict as well.

Iran is not at the heart of this conflict, as Mr. Avigdor Lieberman claimed. The conflict started when the Iranian government was friendlier towards Israel. No, the heart of the conflict is the illegal occupation of the land and the tyranny and oppression that are being perpetrated on its people.

One thing is for sure. A proper, equitable and workable solution has to be found for the sake of Palestinian people, in the first place, and for any hope of peace in the rest of the world.

It is not a religious conflict or a problem between Islam and Judaism. Neither is it a problem between two peoples; Jews and Arabs. Fair-minded people from the Jewish community are against the continuance of this illegal occupation. This has been demonstrated in New York and London by Jewish people in the past, and more recently by those who attempted to break the blockade of Gaza this week.

World leaders must find a solution to the continuing illegal occupation of this land, and implement it in a most sincere and just way. Otherwise, the weaker nations will completely lose their faith in the existing world institutions (many appear to have already done so), and find and impose a solution in their own way. Should we continue to hope for a solution? I, for one, will not be holding my breath!

A problem in ourselves

2010-09-29T16:10:00.001-07:00

At a time when the world seems so determined to misunderstand, or at least misinterpret the Qur`anic texts, we must continue to demonstrate the fairness of Islam by showing an awareness for the dignity of the human intellect and by confirming that we have this capability.

Reading the Qur`an, I always feel in awe at the Glorious guidance of our Creator, and find its contents utterly essential in maintaining human righteousness and good deeds. However, I also continue to seek what some in the world consider sources of misguidance and the inciting of violence. Believe me, if I had ever come across such things, I would not have hesitated in declaring my disagreement with them. But despite looking for errors or what could be a construed as misguidance for human beings, I continue to regard every single Qur`anic verse as guidance, and no one has ever drawn my attention to any false teachings in the Qur`an.

No human could ever attain the sublime quality of these written Islamic teachings. The Qur’an brings to humanity the broadest perspectives on world affairs and the human purpose. Previously, no one could ever declare, on the strength of their faiths and religious teachings, that there is ‘no compulsion in religion’. But Islam does by including the right and liberty to believe! The Book goes further when it draws our attention to what would be acceptable on the Day of Judgement and what would be not.

At the height of the conflict with and the severe persecution of the first Muslims in Makkah, the Qur`an guided them by saying: ‘let not the animosity of those who once have stopped you from the Sacred Mosque, that you transgress against them. Cooperate (with them) in the matters of goodness and Righteous cause. But do not cooperate in the matters of any wrongdoing or aggression. Always be conscious of God, as He indeed inflict severe punishment (for any wrongdoings and transgression). The Qur`an:V2/S5

Further guidance is offered by saying: “O believers! Stand firm for God and witnesses for justice and fair dealings. Let not the animosity of any people towards you make you swerve from the Path of Justice. Always be just, as that (justice) is the nearest path to be God consciousness.’ The Qur`an V8/S6

We Muslims believe and regard the teachings and guidance of the Qur`an to be the culmination of divine revelations to all the prophets and Messengers. No falsehood could be present from its start to its finish as it is a revelation from the one Who is all wise and All Praiseworthy.

A Muslim must not react negatively to any provocation from whomever or wherever it may come.

All Muslims should believe in the Qur’an’s confident message and act accordingly. When we are less than confident in ourselves and in the teachings of our religion the we begin to lose our faith or to react negatively and violently, and it is this that makes what is all good look all bad!

Character of Goodness

2010-09-28T13:46:00.000-07:00

Islam teaches us that human beings are born without sin. Indeed we are all born possessing an innate goodness of character, an awareness Allah, the Creator of purity in human hearts, and a recognition of the need for submission to Him . This is called ‘Fitrah’.

Unfortunately, some people deviate from this path of original purity, and evil becomes second nature to them and completely alters their characters. They are no longer able to follow the path of goodness, purity and submission to God’s beautiful Way.

Worse still, others, holding on to the goodness and purity of their innate character, seeing such people, and becoming attracted by what appear to be advantages, may start losing the faith and strength in their own goodness, and become attracted to evil.

On this matter that the Qur`an reminds us, saying: “O Muslims! You are the best nation that is created for the (guidance) of mankind. (Your task is) to command what is good and to forbid what is evil and wrong, and to believe in Allah, (the source of all good guidance).

This verse is not about any kind of false sense of superiority towards others, but it reveals the privileges that Islam bestows on those who, in all sincerity, submit themselves to their Creator, and by so doing, manage to retain the pristine purity of their own goodness. These privileges bring with them a very great responsibility, not only to uphold their own goodness, but to pass it on by example to others. This process is called ‘enjoining the goodness and forbidding wrongdoing and evil’.

The Prophet Mohammad was asked once, while giving a sermon: “what kind of people are the best?” He replied: “the best of the people are those who are the most conscious of God, who most enjoin people to goodness, who most forbid others from the path of evil, and who most join in human relationships.”

The modern world seems to be eager to plunge into conflict, but appears far less ready to reconcile differences and even less inclined towards forgiveness. The inevitable resulting mistrust is often used as a weapon, by some, with which they seek to keep humanity divided.

The Prophet Mohammad said: “No one can truly be a believer until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself”.

This is the path of true understanding, and human sacrifice needed, for keeping a society healthy and void of conflict. We all need to fully embrace our faith and practices, to bring out the best in ourselves and others, and so contribute towards making the world a place of peace and harmony.

So what is the fuss about the veil?

2010-07-31T15:18:00.000-07:00

I find myself somewhat bemused by the actions of some European, and Arab governments, in introducing legislation designed to ban the wearing of the Niqaab or veil in public places. I completely understand their ‘fear’ and note all the reasons proffered for running the campaign against them by certain categories of politicians. However, such a degree of disregard for the feelings of others can only be seen as a ‘ganging up’ by these governments against a minority of people, who, whilst they do not intend to do any harm to anyone, feel that their wearing of these garments is based on valid personal and long standing religious reasons.

In introducing this ban Governments have even acted illegally against the charters of their own constitutions by failing to protect and defend the rights of their citizens. Even foreign visitors and tourists, it seems, will be banned from wearing the traditional Niqaab, even if it is part of the National dress of their own countries.

It is true that wearing the Niqaab is not universally recognised as an Islamic injunction, nor is it prescribed in the Quran. The wearing of the Niqaab, on the other hand, should be regarded as the signature of a woman who wishes to signify and display her loyalty and her spiritual commitment to her religion. In no way is the wearing of these garments a mark of political extremism or a breakdown of social cohesion. Surely, if wearing it causes no harm to the security of people or places, banning it is a curtailment of everyone’s’ personal liberty and right of choice.

The Niqaab has been worn in the UK, and many other parts of the Western world, for many years prior to the current controversy surrounding it, and was never seen as a political target or an object of fear in these societies. However, since a political dimension, created by anti- Islamic or Islamophobic forces and right wing media has been added to the controversy, it has become unacceptable in society in the name of ‘security’. As a result, the general public has become extremely sensitive towards the issue, and we face more intolerance and misunderstanding from them about this particular issue than on any other subject.

The Burqa is a traditional, but more extreme way of covering women, and is intended to protect them from prying eyes and so uphold their honour, and that of their family.

The Burqa is very much part of the Afghan Culture, and is not normally worn in the UK or anywhere else in the world, except by Afghanis. It existed for centuries before the arrival of the Taliban, and to regard it as a direct result of the Taliban culture, or as an expression of Islamic extremism, is misleading and completely disingenuous. The Taliban are seeking to enforce what they regard as the social norms of their country, but whether we agree with them or not, calling for the wearing of it to be regarded as mandatory in Islam, by the Taliban or by others, would be narrowing down the broader definition of modesty, as set down in the Quran.

The Islamic code of dress for women is not very prescriptive. The Quran first regulates the prying eyes of both men and women; as it seeks purity of hearts and purification of thoughts. It comes amidst the guidance and rulings about fornication and adultery, scandalous slandering of chaste women, and acts of indecency in society by others.

The Qur`an, then, in the given context, advises women to lower their Jilbab onto their bodies so that they are not recognised and harmed. The context is very clearly expressed and there is no need to generalise the appearance.

While it is important for Muslim scholars to support the Islamic spirit of maintaining human dignity and a respectful appearance in both men and women, it would do harm to the spirit of the Islamic teachings if we get into the business of promoting different cultures. We need to explain the Quranic rationale of its teachings and injunctions.

On the other hand, governments, who seek to project themselves as blatantly anti Islamic, in particular in the matters of the Burqa, the Niqaab and even the Minarets, only harm their own reputations, and those of their constitutions, and inflict considerable and lasting damage to their global images. These self inflicted wounds will take a very long time to heal.

Does Islam need PR?

2010-06-30T06:14:00.000-07:00

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!

Measuring good conduct

2010-06-27T06:05:00.000-07:00

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.

It’s all a misunderstanding!

2010-04-30T07:33:00.000-07:00

At our last Awareness stall in the city centre, I encountered a very concerned visitor, who posed a very direct question: ‘Tell me which is sovereign; British Law or the Sharia Law?’

I’m sure I looked at him as though I had been just waiting for this moment. His was a very genuine concern and misunderstanding about the whole issue, and I welcomed the chance to allay his misplaced fears:

Let us be clear and frank, without fear or fright, about this issue. Sharia, as a system of beliefs and practice, will always remain with Muslims wherever they live. This is also true for all people of faiths and no faith, and their systems of law. Such systems of law safeguard the personal and private aspects of religious practices, like birth, marriage, funerals etc., and the rituals of their religions.

From an Islamic perspective, the Creator is the lawgiver. His laws govern the cosmos and all that exists in it. Human society is not excluded from this. No one can take that right away from the Creator.

God, the Creator, shows a path for the law to follow, that, according to the Quran, ‘gives life’, and is the law’s ultimate purpose. God creates the rulers who govern their nations; whether they believe in Him or not. Indeed many take their oaths of office in His name. God demands that people should be treated with justice and fairness. The prophet Muhammad said: ‘The best among people is the one who is most beneficial to them’.

The emphasis of Sharia Law is on justice, fair dealing, human rights and equal access to opportunities, while tyranny and oppression continue to be the ugliest aspects of human rules. God demands ethics and virtues in human behaviour and rejects that which would exploit the weaker in the society.

I said to my visitor: ‘it is the British law which is sovereign in Britain, and no one should have the least doubt about it.’

What??? By the expression on his face, and his obvious consternation, he expected me to say it was the Sharia law, which it obviously is not. Nor, I continued, are Muslims seeking to implement it in the UK, or to make it the sovereign law of the country. Indeed, Sharia can only be implemented by Muslim rulers in Muslim societies.

I continue to find it surprising that people in the wider community are provoked into such an extreme response when confronted with the opportunistic claims of some fringe Muslim Groups demanding that Sharia law be introduced in this country.

Why do these Muslim fringe groups continue to make provocative demands for the implementation of Sharia law in this country, where the majority of the population are not members of the Islamic Faith? Why not implement all aspects of the Sharia law in their own lives and provide an exemplary example for other people to follow?

While I recognise that these demands are a purely political ploy by these groups, it can never be right to introduce politics into religion, particularly Islam, which is already greatly misunderstood and regarded by many as on trial.

More importantly, why do the people of this country continue to fall victim to the misapprehension engendered by the misleading and opportunistic demands of these groups? Are they gullible or just plain frightened?

I told my visitor that gaining knowledge of, and understanding Islam, will dissipate any such fear of Islam and Sharia, and that the claims of the groups that generated it will finally be seen for what they are.

My visitor, after further, now cheerful, conversation, took some of our booklets and leaflets on Islam and went happily on his way.

Sharia Law: exploring the controversy

2010-03-29T08:18:00.000-07:00

A lunch time seminar was held on 24th March at the Guildhall, Bath, in an effort to help foster a public understanding of Sharia Law, and to explore the many controversies surrounding its applications and purpose. The speakers were Dr. Iftikhar Malik, Professor at the Bath Spa University, and me. Following this seminar, it was thought that, to encourage further debate and understanding of Sharia’s guiding principles, as well as its intended benefit to human society, we would follow it up on this blog. We would, in addition, welcome any questions or queries regarding Sharia, which should be clear, concise and to the point, for the purpose of elaborating on them.

‘Sharia’ has become the subject of intense debate worldwide, and a symbol for the rejection of anything that is Muslim. It is equally a hot topic in some Muslim countries, with their attitude of pick-n-chose options. It is, apparently, applied only partially in any Muslim country which wants to fulfil the aspirations of their fellow Muslim population, and has come to be most widely known by the application of its penal legal system, with penalties that include flogging and capital punishment.

Recently, and with the emergence of certain Islamist Groups, demanding the application of Sharia Law in certain Western countries, it has generated a plume of heated debate in Western and Eastern Media, and at public and private gatherings. Certain outlets of the media have deliberately run stories with provocative headlines on their front pages, ignoring the fact that a story originates from a person or small group wishing to draw the attention of the public towards them, for no other purpose than to seek publicity for themselves, their agenda, or perhaps for other motives.

When I decided to highlight the controversy surrounding the applications of Sharia law, I wanted to put my understanding of Sharia and my thoughts forward in greater detail to the public. I have been a student of Islamic theology and Sharia (Usool al-Din and Ash-Shariah) in India, Saudi Arabia, as well as in London. I have been dealing with Sharia in my career as an Imam for the last 15 years, both with the Muslim community as well as non-Muslim communities. I hope that I have understood the issues raised well enough to deal with them in a proper manner, and to simplify such issues for the public, while providing a context that would encourage them to explore further and perhaps come to appreciate Sharia’s intended purpose.

I have, unfortunately, witnessed some debates which I found extremely vulgar, unnecessarily personal and debasing to any civilised manner of discourse on issues of mutual concern. This misunderstanding of certain issues has created unnecessary fear and hatred among many people when it comes to Sharia Law.
It is important to understand that a crime against people in Islam is also a crime against God. Notwithstanding, God could only grant His forgiveness after a person has repented of their crimes and reconciled with the victims.

Law is a difficult pill for people to swallow - sometimes too sweet when it favours them, at other times too bitter – when they are caught and punished. Freedom, liberty, independence, and an irrational need to be above (and perhaps beyond) the law are the most desired of human privileges. An absence of law, or a legal framework, creates a vacuum which brings human society to the verge of anarchy or tyranny. Conversely, a sense of complete liberty or fully fledged freedom can also be the cause of harm and suffering for human beings. How to arrive at a balance between the two? Islam takes a holistic view in the solving of human problems; criminal, social, economic and political. It provides a firm and solid foundation for human maturity and a guiding faith and value system, while giving consideration to security during people’s lives. Thus, Islam has a two pronged approach:

1- Cleanse human hearts and minds from the impurity of evil and base thoughts. This process is called Tazkiyah or purification of hearts and actions. The prophet Muhammad, Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him, highlighting this point, said to the Muslims: “Behold! There in your body is a piece of flesh, which if remained righteous, will keep all your body righteous. But if it becomes corrupt, will corrupt all your body (meaning the actions). Behold! It is your heart.”

This approach deals with Human Faith and Beliefs, giving a (legal) framework for personal spiritual behaviour and how to manage your heart in order to manage your actions. If there is filth in human hearts, that filth will not create or produce anything other than more filth. Cleansing the heart should be the first order of priority if extreme external actions are to be avoided.

The Sharia deals with this aspect of human actions by providing guidance in matters of their belief. One should remember that a ‘non-belief’ attitude is also a belief system, which impacts on the lifestyle of that person and his attitude towards others.

Thus the Islamic perspective of a ‘Faith system’ (Articles of Imaan) are defined in such a way to provide the basis of our faith in one Creator, the Almighty, the Just, the maintainer and cherisher who has no partners in His creation. He is the lawgiver, both in the form of revealed scriptures for the guidance of humanity, as well as the source of an eternal legal framework, which sustains the universe and all life systems and structures therein.

The Five Pillars of Islam are designed to connect theses faith articles with practical human life and help create a consciousness of that Creator in the hearts of human beings.

It is in this context that the Quran says: ‘We have not sent down before you any Messenger but we revealed to them that there is no deity worthy of worship except I, so worship me alone’. (S21/V25). That is the unified message sent down to all the prophets and Messengers and disseminated to their peoples, before the prophet Muhammad.

We will explain about each Pillar of Islam and its impact on the character and practical life of a person in other places on our Website, in greater detail, at a later date.

2- Once faith and thoughts are purified, it is important to understand that life must be lived in accordance with the guiding values of eternal divine law. It must be remembered here that the Creator did not create human being to make them suffer. Neither was humankind created to be the cause of any sufferings to others. The policy is ‘live and let others live’. That required a legal framework that could balance out the approach to personal freedom and liberty and protect the rights of every person, men or women, Muslims or non-Muslims, white or black.

For that very purpose, Sharia law or divinely ordained law was given to the prophet Muhammed. That is not to say that this was something new or unique to humanity.

Islam did not arrive in isolation from the teachings of past, revealed scriptures or decent common human values, entertained by law abiding people at all times, supported and strengthened by a sound human instinct or disposition (Fitrah).

Hence, we Muslims believe in the Law (Sharia) of Moses, which was given to the Children of Israel and passed on to them through all succeeding prophets, until the prophet Jesus appeared as the last prophet to them. He preached the same law to the Israelites, with some modifications made by him. However, I understand that while many Christians believe in the Old Testament, in particular the Pentateuch, as references are made to them in the Gospels, there are some who simply say that Mosaic Law ended with the emergence of Christ.

Islam does not prescribe retribution, punishment at random or incoherently, or undertaken in haste. Islam has a far greater understanding of people’s sufferings and is more humane than any human. God’s law is not arbitrary, or unkind, as many people think on the both sides of the divide. It exhausts all channels of endeavour to deal with such predicaments in the kindest and most humane manner. This was one reason why the Quran draws the attention of lawmakers and legislatures of a people by saying: ‘In the Law of Equality, there is (saving of life) to you, o men of understanding, that you may restrain yourselves’.

.............To be continued in Part 2

Engaging with others

2010-03-01T08:44:00.000-08:00

The Mosque Open Day and City Centre Awareness Project are the two major channels through which we engage with the wider community. Their principle purpose is to facilitate, for the members of the Muslim community and the wider community, engagement into dialogue and to provide a suitable platform for building bridges of mutual understanding and human fellowship.

Every event brings its own surprises and make us feel how worthwhile is this work and our efforts. It also gives us great satisfaction when we succeed in changing people’s widely held prejudiced perceptions about Islam and the Muslims and when we find they are thankful as a result.

For example, in our February’s CCAP stall we received a commendation from a passing gentleman, who briefly stopped to tell us how much he appreciated our efforts. He told us that he did not believe in any religion but agreed with our work of building bridges of understanding and community cohesion. Such moments bring with them a feeling of deep satisfaction.

On the same stall, we were visited by two ladies, who although at first seemed reluctant to engage us in conversation, after some encouragement, told us that they have had enough of the continuous media focus on Islam and the Muslims and the resulting bad press. Commenting that it was all distortion and misleading information and that they were fed up, they continued “NO MORE. We want to know about Islam and understand Muslims by learning it all from them. We want to read their literature and develop our own understanding”.

I was gratified, and glad that is not always the case that when a lie is repeated hundreds of time it starts to be accepted as the truth. Lies, which in the first place are baseless propaganda, must never be allowed to survive.

My faith and hope continues to grow stronger. I feel that those two ladies represent the sentiments of millions of people who do not want to live in a continual state of confrontation, based as it is, on the outpourings of an ill-informed and prejudiced press. I feel that this is a new beginning, and makes all our efforts worthwhile.

During our Mosque Open Days we are host to many visitors, who often surprise us. For example, in February, we invited one person to tour the Mosque. The Lady responded to our invitation and entered the mosque. She said that it was all scary for her. She started apologising, saying that when she was at school she never studied Islam. She looked extremely confused. I took the lead in our conversation and showed her around.

According to her, Mohammad was God to Muslims and everything was scary about the Muslims.

I started explaining to her the beginning of Islam and its meanings and applications in daily life. I explained the Islamic teachings with regards to God the Almighty, The One Who is the Creator of all and the Master of the Day of Judgement. I also explained to her how Jesus and Mohammad were distant cousins; Mohammad being from the progeny of Ishmael and Jesus being from the progeny of Isaac, both sharing the common lineage from Abraham.

I explained to her the commonalities between the Abrahamic Faiths as well as from where Islam takes its distinct position.

The lady was extremely pleased at her visit, felt it had been worthwhile and said that she would be recommending it to others.

If more people would become involved in this type of activity, it would encourage others to take part in dialogue and social engagement, develop a better understanding of each other’s faiths and beliefs, and contribute to the building of a cohesive human society.

Lifetime of change

2010-02-14T08:07:00.000-08:00

The Mayor of Bath, Cllr Colin Barrett, the 782nd Mayor, has chosen ‘Lifetime of change’ his theme for his office term. I was invited, along other faith representative, to give my presentation from an Islamic perspective. Following is my speech:

Dear Friends! What constitutes a lifetime of change? Is it about our own career and personal development experience? Is it about having a personal calling from God to follow in His Path? Is it about a sudden awakening to, or embracing a cause, or is it about a diametrical change in our perceptions and human values?

We have all experienced some personal change and development in our lives. For many, these changes represent pleasant chapters in their lives and are welcomed. Unfortunately for many others, they may offer a very unpleasant experience, and life may seem to be taking a turn for the worse.

Is this why so many of us are frightened by even the thought of change, even to the small and normally ignored aspects of our life? If we are so scared at these ‘little’ changes, is it any wonder that we are absolutely terrified at the thought of larger changes!

I will talk today, from an Islamic perspective, about introducing change or ‘change making’ into the lives of others. Islam tells us about the spirit of reform and the making of human beings into agents of change. God the Creator has shaped our human nature in such a way as to reflect some of His personal attributes; creativity, kindness and care.

Change is regarded, in Islam, as one of the most powerful forces in God’s creation. Everything that remains static in this world soon stagnates and becomes, inevitably, useless. Even peoples and nations must seek to change themselves if they are to survive and prosper in this ever more competitive world.

The lives of all the prophets and Messengers were meant to bring changes to peoples’ lives. Prophets like Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Mohammad and many more, were great examples in introducing a lifetime of change to others.

Attaining change is one of the most desirable objects in life. The Quran says: “Allah does not change the state (or condition) of a people unless they change what is in themselves”. Sura13 verse: 11

It further elaborates the point by saying: “Let there be from among you a people who call towards goodness, and enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil, and they are the one to prosper”.

In one of his sayings, Prophet Mohammad said: “He whose two days are equal (in accomplishment) is a sure loser”. He also very emphatically told the people: “the purpose of my prophetic mission is to extract the best from human characters”.

He further obligates people by saying: “if any of you sees an evil or bad situation, then let him change it with his hand (denoting direct involvement), if he could not do it, then let him speak about it (for or against), and if he is unable to accomplish that, then let him regard it as evil or bad situation in his heart. That is the least of faith.”

When it comes to contributing towards the betterment of others, we must not be selective or selfish. We all must pull together, as we have recently in the case of the victims of the Haiti earthquake. This tragedy has been a life-changing experience for most of those who were affected by it, one way or other.

There is an effective machinery of change making process placed within the Islamic practices. Islamic obligations are instituted to bring in changes in peoples’ lives. For example, Daily prayers connect one with their creator and give hope and courage in life; Zakah the obligatory charity purifies the wealth gaining and accumulating process; the month of fasting is about spiritual and social changes and to help make changes into the lives of others, and the hajj, widens the personal perspective towards other people in the global term.

The prophet Mohammad said: “it is an act of goodness and charity to give smile to your fellow human”. He even said: the least of the charity is to refrain yourself from harming others.

In Islam, a lifetime of change is a goal attained by obedience to revealed divine principles. Indeed, the Quran says: “God has created the life and death so that He may test you who is better in good deeds”.

Dear friends! A sudden enlightenment about a purpose or goal in life or hearing about other’s personal accounts of life changing experiences may provide many of us with some of our best or worst moments of change. However, what is most important is how our experiences affect others. Have we made a selfish change, or are we trying to act selflessly by introducing others to a lifetime of change by raising their standard of behaviour? Have we succeeded in dealing with the causes of conflicts and human suffering or are we mischievously helping to perpetuate something to serve some ulterior motive. Deciding what has been achieved, and the motives for it, often falls to those in a position of leadership. However, positive leadership should encompass a lifetime of change in the leaders themselves. A change making leadership no doubt helps to change the lives of others and people feel the change is in the air.

Yes help them - but the solution is not shoplifting

2009-12-30T10:30:00.000-08:00

I agreed with Lord Carey when he said: “Of all people, priests ought to know right from wrong.”

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/north_yorkshire/8431610.stm

Father Tim Jones’ advice to his church congregation to shoplift when they are in a desperate situation is, however, totally and utterly immoral and illegal as it encourages them to break the law.

Shoplifting, without doubt, is a clear act of stealing; whether one steals from a small shop or from any of the big chains. I wonder what would have been the reaction of the congregation when they heard this advice from their priest! Did it come as a complete shock to them? Was it regarded as unbelievable advice? Or were they utterly bewildered by it?

Be it church, mosque, chapel or temple, people come to their religious places seeking a moral path and not to be deliberately misguided or encouraged to commit any sort of crime.

Yes, there is a safety net provided by the state. Yes there are scores of charities and churches who provide care and food for people in need.

I wonder whether Father Tim had asked the congregation to look out for the vulnerable people in their midst and in their communities and urged to help them out.

In times of suffering and need, and when religious leaders recognise the vulnerability of some people in their communities, surely this is the time that the moral dimension in people is given a boost and a support mechanism is created.

Religious guidance should give people dignity and guide them towards a dignified life. Even from a social perspective, what would happen if desperate and poor people in any community were encouraged to steal and rob from others to fulfil their needs?

What would happen if the decent and most vulnerable people in the society are encouraged today to go out and shoplift; an easy option to outsmart others. What if others follow in their footsteps? What if they, in turn, encourage other people in similar situation to go out and commit this immoral act?

Would it not have been the right way to encourage the better off and economically stable people in society to look after those who are in need and are vulnerable? Perhaps it would have been a good idea to suggest a brotherhood circle or a church welfare or community care fund.

One of the five pillars of Islam is ‘Zakah’, an obligatory act of financial charity, when people are obliged to take out 2.5% of their saving after it has reached a certain annual threshold. That purifies the earned wealth as well as fulfils the needs of people in need. When members of human society are not capable of caring for themselves, God the Almighty intervenes and shows a way that everyone can live a dignified and independent life, without resorting to any immoral means. An undignified life in a society is a disgrace on the dignity of the rest of the members of that society or that congregation. Putting things right should be a collective act. Looking after each other and creating strong social bonds is one of the characteristics of all religious teachings and we should sincerely follow that path.

Towards a better understanding

2009-12-20T14:59:00.000-08:00

Standing at our monthly Awareness Stall, we are too often approached by a lady. A regular visitor to the stall, always vocal and visibly antagonistic towards Islam and the Muslims, her appearance raises feelings of trepidation.
Offering no greeting, she asked me recently, very directly “Have you been on the march?”. Bewildered I asked “What march – which march. Which march are you talking about?”.
The lady then produced photocopies of the Daily Express, containing an article supposedly from a group calling itself Islam4UK, in which they were asking for Shariah Law to be implemented in the UK. The copies also contained a mocked up picture of Nelson’s column representing a Minaret. The march was being held by the supporters of this group, which was later called off.
I informed her that I do not read the Daily Express, nor was I a member of Islam4UK, and asked why she thought I had attended the march. The lady was very persistent in saying I had attended, but then reverted to her more usual accusations against Islam and the Muslims.
On previous occasions she had reminded me that Christians do not have freedom of religion in Muslim countries, while Muslims had such freedom here. The lady also argued the pious and sinless history of the Christians, and that Christian values allowed the West to enjoy the Blessings of God, a situation rarely found elsewhere, especially in Muslim countries.
On another occasion she had introduced her Pastor to me. After a lengthy conversation with him, I was astonished to hear him claim the miracle of healing, saying that he had brought sight to many born blind children, and when walking the streets, was constantly approached by them expressing their gratitude.
I told him that, if this was true, he could benefit many more patients by working within the NHS. He stated that he had achieved cures in hospital wards, but that many patients lacked faith in Christianity and the healing ministry of Jesus, and became angry. The Hospital expelled him.
I engage in considerable interaction with Churches, fellow Priests, and many friends of many different faiths. We all join in a common aim to promote understanding and tolerance of each other and the practise of our respective faiths. Yet I constantly read malicious materiel written about the Prophet Mohammed, Islam and the Muslims, by those who call themselves Christians. Suffice it to say that Jesus Christ is regarded by us, the Muslims, as a much honoured and highly respected member of the chain of prophet hood, chosen by the Creator and the Most Merciful. We would never use abusive or denigrating language about him.
Our Awareness Stall is intended to help all who would promote greater understanding between people and faiths. With so much that is wrong in the world at present we hope that our efforts will contribute to this goal and encourage people to trust each other.

...not of any values

2009-10-26T13:53:00.000-07:00

It mattered little to me, that Nick Griffin was allowed to appear on the BBC’s flagship programme ‘Question Time.’ I was curious, indeed eager, to know what he would say, given such a public platform, and what the publics’ reaction to him would be. Far right and extremist organisations, which reject any united vision for humanity, refusing to share with others what is not theirs, and possessing little common sense and violent tendencies toward those they perceive as not of their tribe and colour, have rarely succeeded in the world of politics. Unfortunately, in today’s world, in many societies and cultures, we encounter rejectionists, seeking to disseminate their isolationist and divisive political visions, and who reject those they regard as ’different’ or ‘others’, from their midst.

Mr. Griffin and his party talk every day, employing the most slanderous language, about Islam and the Muslims. I wonder just how much of the Quran he has read to feel qualified to make such vicious attacks on its teachings. I am glad that his claim of representing this country, as a Christian, has been rejected by Former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey, who rightly saw that there was nothing of Christian values in his claims. A far greater commonality exists between Islam and Christianity, as far as human values and common visions are concerned, than between Christianity and the far right organisations.

BNP and its allied organisations in Europe, and similar groups, who are uniting against Islam or Muslims, appear unable to believe or understand Western values in terms of human rights, freedom of speech and respect towards all people. Moreover, they seem to be completely ignorant of, or oblivious to, Islamic Values, and what Islam has shared with the world in the past and is willing and able to share in the future. Perpetuating their slanders, vicious lies and misgivings, serve no human values anywhere in the world and have no place in any enlightened civilisation.

Mr. Griffin must understand, if he wants to be regarded as a responsible politician, that while for him and his Party it may only be political game to gain more seats, for the Muslim community and those of other creeds and colour, it is their everyday lives that are affected when their faith and religious teachings that are constantly demonised by them and their European allies.

Such far right politics create generally two types of reaction. The first:all fair-minded and far sighted people regard them as not providing the right future for this country and for its people, making them determined to reject such a future and such politics. Second: that a section of the population will violently target people of different race or colour, in particular Muslims,fomenting an environment of fear and hate, the politics of the gutter and division throughout the country, last seen in this country in the Mosley Era, prior to the Second World War.

Could a common ground of understanding be possibly created with those who would play politics with the human race, human values and human future? Many people would probably say no;because the politics of hate,the deliberate denigration of another faith and cultural values and rejection of ‘others’ do not give one a united vision for human society. However, if a common understanding cannot be created with such a demonic philosophy, common sense and impact of democratic values, must and will prevail.

... jet bomb plot gang

2009-09-28T09:45:00.000-07:00

All human society wants to live in peace and security, whatever the race or colour, region or religion. Even the thought of participating in mass murder or creating a human catastrophe, on any level, is an act of madness and criminality, regardless of the reasons behind it.

The gang who planned to explode liquid bombs on transatlantic flights were doing just that. We are all appalled how someone or some people could think of such a criminal act, and refuse to take into consideration the consequences of their actions;

... Creating a man made catastrophe resulting in mass murder, fear and terror, hate and revulsion, and pitching one community against others. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said in a famous hadith: “Whoever lays down a good tradition, he would have its rewards and the rewards of those who would follow that good tradition. And whoever lays down a bad or wrong tradition he would bear the consequences of that wrong tradition and the burden of those who would follow that wrong tradition”.

Their actions result in hardship and suspicion, towards anyone who is a Muslim or appears to be a Muslim, when they are travelling abroad for their legitimate needs. Evil acts such as this fill Muslims with shame and embarrassment, and take away their pride.

Their actions have brought hardship and undue delays to general public in their travel and business, imposes huge extra costs in the name of security. This is against the Islamic principle of Public Interest, which is about creating a conducive environment for the public benefit and removing harm or harmful impediments.

They also create a totally false picture of Islam and its teachings, which were sent to guide people to their Creator. I have been involved in arguments with people asking why the Quran incites violence and community disintegration. The curiosity of such people stopped short of wanting to know what Islam is actually about.

Islamic principles, regarding wars and battles are clearly defined in the Quran, are utterly humane and cannot be changed or cancelled for any reason or in any circumstance.

Muslims should, anywhere in the world, be on their guard from the evils and consequences of evil acts within their community. It does more harm to them then to anyone else. They should take great pride in the solemn teachings of their religion and the high character of their prophet which the Quran has so highly recommended to us to follow.

Islam brings security and protection from any harmful acts to the human community. We hope that the Muslim community in this country would take stock of their Islamic values, introducing these same values to others, and becoming better citizens themselves in the process.

No doubt, people have grievances and many quite legitimate. We need to adopt right approach to bring about a solution and not to exacerbate the problems.

I would like to mention a saying of the prophet at the end of this blog. He said: “I have brought you with the religion of One God(haneefiyah), the most tolerant (with no place of violence in it) and white (clearer), its night is as clear as its day, none would deviate from it but he would be doomed”.

Blessings of Ramadan

2009-08-24T03:49:00.000-07:00

Starting Saturday, Muslims all over the world begun to observe fasting during the blessed month of Ramadan. One of the five pillars of Islam, it is an event eagerly awaited by the Muslim community. Muslims fast in this month, abstaining from food, drink, as well as indulgence in any sexual acts. The Quran says: ‘O believers! Fasting is prescribed upon you as it was prescribed upon those nations before you, in order that you may learn self-restraint and become God-conscious.’

All Muslims from the age of puberty, men and women, with exception of those who are ill, breastfeeding women or women in their monthly cycle, are expected to observe the fast from dawn until sunset.

What good does Ramadan do to people? It brings abundant goodness to observing people and the community at large, both from a spiritual and social perspective. It makes people much closer to God-consciousness than any other form of devotional acts. God says: ‘My servant refrains from his desires and food only for My sake and I will reward him (Personally)’. The occasion energises the community spirit with a reflection on the actions of the past year and an invigorated will to be better, improving one’s self and the community, bringing a positive change all rounds. A Muslim, while fasting, is not supposed to get involved in idle things, harmful acts, slandering and backbiting. The month therefore trains us to carry on with such abstinence and increase our good deeds, generosity, spirituality and the purposefulness of our lives well beyond Ramadan. It also trains us to resist temptations and evil whisperings. It is designed as much of a means to stabilise human society in terms of spiritual direction, social cohesion, respect for family, community and the world, as it is meant to be an important devotional obligation.

Like the rest of the Muslim world, we here in Bath commenced our fasting this week. The mosque at the Bath Islamic Society will be a very busy place throughout this month, filled with religious, spiritual and educational activities aimed principally at social cohesion and moral upliftment. In our efforts to keep people of other faiths and no faith within the Bath community informed about the Islamic faith, and in particular about Ramadan, our mosque will welcome guests to come and visit us and share with us the experience, beauty and joy of the glorious month of Ramadan. We would like the Muslim community to bring their neighbours and friends at the time of breaking the fast to share the meals and to talk about the general aspects, lessons and blessings of fasting.

Through this blessed month, we aspire to achieve greater understanding between people from all backgrounds within our community, and greater awareness of Islamic values. This will serve to make our community a better place. May we all benefit from the blessings of this glorious month.

Ramadan Mubarak.

For more information on how to visit us please visit http://www.bathislamicsociety.org/ or email bathislamicsociety@hotmail.com or phone us on 01225 460922

A step towards a respectful relationship...

2009-08-24T03:47:00.000-07:00

The Avon and Somerset Police have recently introduced head coverings (scarf) for female officers whether working as police officers or as Police Community Support Officers. The Muslim community have welcomed the move as it would further strengthen the mutual trust and the will to cooperate in matters of making communities relationship stronger.

Since 911 and 7/7 incidents the community relationship has been, no doubt, strained. The Muslim community have been treated collectively with suspicion and being disloyal to the country, in particular the youths. Some apparently highly publicised Anti-terrorism raid like the one in east London involving 250 officers, or the shooting of Brazilian Jean Charles de Menezes who was killed by police at Stockwell Tube Station. These incidents and the like of them all over the country in which many people were arrested and few of them were charged, have created an environment in which distrust and resent mired the good community relationship.

The introduction of the head coverings is just a token step towards creating a respectful and trustful relationship between the Muslim community and the law enforcement bodies. We know that when a male police officer enters a mosque or a place of religious significance, they would take off their shoes and try to display their full respect. In the same spirit of a respectful cooperation, the head covering was introduced, which no doubt in my mind, would help create a cohesive relationship in time between the communities and the law enforcement bodies.

Interestingly, I had received, in the wake of this, a post card with comment on the back saying: ‘Dear sir, never mind head scarf for the police. We Muslim women want equality and freedom to live our own lives’.

I wondered if the anonymous person had studied how Islam has prescribed equality and individual rights to life for all people. In Islam no one is forced against their own will to commit themselves to anything or anyone, even to their Creator, Whose eternal Name is Allah. The Quran says: “There is no compulsion in religion”. If it is a cultural barrier that she meant then she has to be brave to deal with it. If she means the restrictions come from the Islamic teachings, then she has to produce those references from the Quran or the teachings of the Prophets. We do not take the works of other people as authority if they contradict the Guidance and teachings of our two foremost references.

I often wonder why head scarf has become so much a target for those who somehow believe that it restrict the freedom of a woman? And it is only when it is done religiously? Or perhaps when it is a Muslim woman?

Islam does present its values for a dignified appearance of a man and a woman in public. Just like any other code of conduct. Similarly, other cultures and faith groups or secular systems have their own codes of dress or code of conduct.

Anyone has their freedom to wear a headscarf or not to wear a headscarf? That is the real freedom. It is all a matter of choice. If a Muslim woman believes that she agrees with Islamic concept of a dignified appearance of a Muslim woman and that it develops her spirituality, moral framework and God consciousness then she is entitled to wear it without fear or interference from anyone.

The introduction of the head coverings to police female officers has been widely publicised through local and national newspapers, even the Al-Arabia TV came to interview ACC Jackie Roberts, myself, and other female officers.

We hope this would create a meaningful relationship between the Muslim community and the law enforcement authorities in a way that would help strengthen community cohesion.

What do we really know about Islam???

2009-07-19T13:02:00.000-07:00

That was the title of a talk that I was given an opportunity to speak about at a recent sixthform RE conference at the Bath Spa University.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/bristol/hi/people_and_places/religion_and_ethics/newsid_8129000/8129191.stm

In a world where there are so many conflicting sources about Islam, dubious and doubtful in many cases, it is hard to determine what we really know about Islam?

Islam is, no doubt, a hot topic, in public and private occasions. It has over one and half billion followers all over the world, who come from all races, colours and social backgrounds.

It is true that we most often misunderstand Islam these days because of the misunderstanding of Muslims themselves of the Islamic teachings and its eternal values. But it is also true that thousands of books and articles that are deliberately written to mislead or misguide the masses about Islam are playing crucial roles in perpetuating the misgivings about Islam. People who buy and read such books and articles would only confirm their prejudice about Islam.

People very often ask me if I was happy in Islam and why do I follow it? People doubt if Islam had anything good to offer to the world?

I get confounded at this sort of queries from people. But then it deepens my resolve into engaging with people and talking to them about Islam. There is nothing more sublime in this world than understanding the purpose of one’s creation and strengthening the relationship with the Creator to whom all return.

This web blog is part of my efforts to engage with people and encourage them to come to what the Quran has described as ‘the common terms’ or ‘the common ground’.

Islam is described in the Quran as the ‘middle path’ or ‘the path that is straight’. The Muslim community is expected to be the ‘community of moderation or middle path, a balanced nation that is answerable in the Sight of God.

I will engage through these pages of my blog with both the Muslim community as well as non-Muslim communities in the West and the wider world, but most importantly in my local area of Bath and the South West of England.

I would invite people to read my blog and engage with issues that are affecting us all on a regular basis.

My writings would bring home the notion in its truest and simplest way ‘what do we really know about Islam’.

Islam in its greater meaning is the religion of community that is based on the universal divine concept of justice, fairness and conscience of God into people’s hearts. The Quran says: ‘and the Word of your Lord is accomplished in justice and truth’. (Chapter6 Verse115) And it also says: ‘and say (and do)good to people. (Chapter2 Verse83) Most importantly Islam politely but emphatically reminds us all that we all one day to stand in front of our Creator for accountability so we should be mindful of our actions.

So the theme of ‘what do we really know about Islam’ would endeavour to highlight these positive aspects so people can break the barriers of prejudice, ignorance and mistrust and work together to strengthen community and social cohesion and cooperate with each other in humanity for the good of humanity.

Welcome to my web blog!

2009-07-06T05:52:00.000-07:00

I am starting this blog to register my comments and personal perspectives and worldviews to events in the following areas:

1-Islam and Muslims

2-Interfaith & faith issues

3-community affairs and social cohesion

4-social and moral issues

5-helping to build a safer future

My references, if any, to Islam would normally be based on the authentic interpretation of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)

I am not any expert in any of the abovementioned areas. However, with my education in Islamic theology and studies, I hope I would be able to contribute something towards the general discussion about those issues.

I would welcome your brief comments and critique on my writings and hope you would appreciate these efforts that I expect to go long way in creating understanding and human fellowship in our troubled world. Thanks

Rashad A Azami