Paris - not again!

The bombshell that was the news of the appalling Paris bombing was perhaps even more shocking than the bombing itself, in that it was targeted solely and deliberately at innocent members of the public.  Once again an atrocious act of barbarity was claimed to be in the name of Islam, indeed, the action was accompanied by shouts of 'Allah o akbar' (God is the greatest), thus adding further offence to all innocent Muslims.  Shocked and condemnatory reactions have, rightly, been expressed by a host of Muslim personalities, mosques and Islamic institutes against the madness demonstrated by actions of those who committed these murders and destroyed the lives of so many innocent people, and against the people who were behind them. 

My own reaction was one of profound shock and disbelief at the news of this heinous act. That people who had lived among us could betray our trust and go so far against all the written teachings of good citizenship and mutual coexistence, beggars belief.

That these actions are absolutely contrary to Islamic guidance, beliefs, ethical foundations, and the bravery of the Muslim character, while obvious, still needs to be stressed. Acts of terrorism such as these are cowardly, treacherous, unjustifiable by any measure, totally un-Islamic in nature and the deluded individuals who commit such acts and carry them out in the collective name of Islam and Muslims, contribute only to the aims of those who seek to destroy Islam.

In my opinion, all Muslim nations and peoples should not only be openly and unambiguously condemning the criminals who committed this act, but must, by any means at their disposal, proactively counteract the extreme propaganda that is invading the minds of children and adults alike.  The consequences of this propaganda are disastrous for the image of Islam and wellbeing of the Muslim community world-wide. 

Leaders of the Muslim community, organisations and Islamic institutions must immediately join together and find a way to tackle  and destroy this ever growing menace that is tearing the Muslim community apart, creating distrust between the Muslim and non Muslim communities and making Islam the object of mockery and hate.

Should Muslims become the fifth column that seeks to tear down world communities? Is that what we want? Is that what our Islamic teachings are about? We need to reflect deeply on these questions and search our hearts and minds as to where our place should be among the nations of the world.

We have been taught that Islam is guidance and mercy for the world. Islam is peace and submission to God in humility and serenity.  Where then is there any place for violent acts such as these that have entered Islam in the name of jihad but leave Islam bleeding away?  Allah's name has no place in these violent claims. Allah is Most Compassionate and Most Merciful. This is what we recite every time we say ‘Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem’.

Khilafah, as proclaimed by some groups, contains only politics and is now being played out by undeserving incompetent people who embrace only vengeance and violence and are totally void of any true sense of Islamic mercy and kindness.

Politics and religion have, very conveniently, become intertwined in the minds of groups of people with a mindset that is far more interested in destruction and pillage than a desire to serve humanity for the sake of God. These same politics of vengeance and pure retribution will never be of any benefit to Islam nor are they in the best interests of Islam.

The very fabric of Muslim society is being torn apart, and Islam is now seen, even by many Muslims , as problematic, hindering human development, unproductive  and possessing little goodness. This must NOT be allowed to continue. Islam is progressive, it can open up human intelligence and it has and still can, win the hearts and minds of people by its simple and logical teachings, and provide a guide for all in their daily lives.

I am a proud Muslim and I firmly believe that the politics of vengeance and murder does not stem from the merciful teachings of Islam. Yes, we do have grievances and the world must help us to sort out those grievances. The world must listen and the rulers must pay attention – but employing violent politics is not the answer.

Muslim communities here in the West are part of the fabric of that society. While they can maintain the distinct nature of their religious characters they should be vigilant against all those who would commit any kind of criminal act that is treacherous and flies against the teachings of Islam. They should look to a future that is bright for everyone and be prepared to peacefully share it with their neighbours and countrymen.

Islam came as an emancipating power for humanity from the darkness of cruelty, violence, ignorance and suppression, to a world which is ruled by law, trust, peace and kindness, and knowledge.

Whether in New York, Paris or any other place, Islam should be seen as possessing the most outstanding teachings and be the brightest religion, willing and eager to help and protect the rights of all people.

Violence must not be committed in the name of Allah or in the name of His teachings. Beheading demonstrates the utmost cruelty and to do it playfully is a symptom of a sickness of the worst kind. A violent mentality has been created that seems to have overtaken any political logic. Sadly it seems that the Islamic education of many these days was not based on love and submission to God but based on hatred, fear and revenge.

It says in the Quran: ‘There is not much goodness in most of their private talks except for those who enjoins charity, or good deeds or setting the affairs of people right. And whoever does that seeking the pleasure of Allah We shall grant him great rewards’. S4 V114

It also says in the Sura Al-Asr: ‘By the time, man is in a state of loss, except for those who have faith, do righteous deeds, counsel each other to hold onto truth and counsel each other to be steadfast’.

Yes, in the chaotic world of politics these days, it is difficult to see the truth and to practice it and it is even more difficult to remain steadfast in the face of adversity.  Contained in Surah Al-Asr is the gist of the main message of the Quran to men and once read, understood and reflected upon becomes a source of guidance, peace and righteous deeds. We need to learn to work calmly, with foresight and in cooperation with all others. The alternative can only be chaos and hatred from the whole world towards us.