A softer and gentler approach to Islam

Since the horror of 9/11 hardly a day goes by without another incident being reported in the news portraying Islam in a negative manner.  Passionate and emotional arguments, for and against Islam, are expressed   frequently, and sometimes reach a level verging on insanity. Any sensible or fruitful outcome is lost in the fog of polarisation displayed by the opposing agendas, whilst serenity or well-intended debate is rarely, if ever displayed.

The invasion of Afghanistan by Soviet Russia in 1977, and the consequent mobilisation of defending forces in the name of religion, instead of being regarded as a national obligation for the defence of their country by its citizens, forced Islam, as a religion, into a minefield of exploitative politics by those little concerned for the welfare of Islam. In addition, many Muslim scholars frequently danced to the tunes of their political leaders in order to earn political favour, in the hope that they could, as a result, focus the limelight on their religious power. Their actions then, and now, failed dismally, and only resulted in Islam becoming the scapegoat in the catastrophic events which inevitably followed.

Ironically, when Muslim responses to an arising situation are seen as necessary, and where the ‘big political decisions affecting the lives of global Muslim community’, are crucial, it is mostly extremist fringe groups who are seen to react. Many of these groups have a single minded approach and self-interpreting philosophies on certain important theological issues.  When coupled with religious fervour and all its accompanying propaganda, the result, inevitably, is extreme violence. In my opinion, Islam is the last and least item of concern in the collective minds of most of these groups. Opportunism and political short-sightedness, irrespective of any positive and viable outcome, form the basis of the characters of such people.

While a few may achieve what they regard as glory as a result of their violence, far more innocent men, women, elderly and children, will become the suffering victims of their and someone else's political games.

Islam's teachings are based on solid principles and tenets of Faith that invite people to the path of their Lord on the basis of understanding, conviction, love, mercy, affection, compassion and gentle character.

Islam demands a total submission to the most Wise and Dominant Will of the Creator Allah the Almighty. He requires and rewards people who engage in establishing peace, justice and fair treatment of others. Allah abhors and punishes those who indulge in the mistreatment of anyone, Muslims or non-Muslims, because that is against the universal divine principles of fairness and justice for all.

Yes, there should be a wider public awareness of the situation adversely affecting the well-being of the global or geographical Muslim community. However, that must come most effectively from education if we are to create a better future for all.  Muslims must take positive action to better their, their family's' and their community's, lives. Indulging in political anarchy and forcing people to submit to it by the sword, the bullet and threats, will never create viable, desirable or positive outcomes. Remember - all of us are responsible for ourselves and our actions.

Unfortunately, Muslims, as yet, do not appear to be able to bring any positive, coordinated and strategically beneficial approach to the thought process urgently needed for the well-being of the world-wide Muslim community. It appears that more people are willing to destroy any already established and working approaches to our problems than are willing to build on them. From my own experience, locally, there are those with no Islamic qualifications at all, possessing obvious personal agendas and ambitions detrimental to Islam, who see themselves as the leaders of the religion  and who interpret the Quranic verses as they wish. These people appear ready to go to any lengths in the defamation of their perceived opponents. Threats are used, and only the temporary lack of swords and bullets distinguishes them from their counterparts abroad.  

Islam and Islamic teachings are building blocks and not tools of destruction with which to cause havoc in the world. We need to re-introduce the peace- loving aspects of Islam and cooperate with everyone else willing to do so.

The Prophet, Peace and Mercy of Allah be upon him, said: ‘indeed, Allah is gentle and loves gentleness. He grants through gentle attitudes what He does not grant with violence or with anything else’.

Indeed, Allah the Almighty guides us in the Quran saying: ‘Nor can goodness and evil be equal. Repel evil with what is the better. Then will he between whom and thee was animosity, become an intimate friend. And no one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and self-restraint and none but the persons of the greatest good fortune’. S41V34-35

With a further warning that it might not be the most tempting option for many, the verse that follows reminds us saying: ‘and if (at any time) an incitement to discord is made to you by the Satan, seek refuge in Allah, He is the One Who hears and knows all things’.

The Question is - why does this kind of Quranic guidance not become part of our strategic thinking in every aspect of our lives, including political and religious ones? A question we need to ponder!