God's attributes through us?

The current political upheaval and numerous acts of mindless terrorism have resulted, inevitably, in Islam's merciful teachings being falsely projected as murderous and brutal and have placed Islam, and its followers, in an untenable position among the peoples of all nations.  We, as Muslims, fail to distinguish between Islam and Muslims and, even worse, fail to understand that the teachings of Islam are owned by Allah and not by us and that Allah always demonstrates ‘the most excellent attributes’. Allah says in the Quran: ‘Those who do not believe in the Hereafter deserve to be characterised with evil attributes where Allah’s are the most excellent attributes. He is the Most Mighty, the Most High’. S16 V60

Islam teaches us that ‘the upper hand is better than then the lower (receiving) hand’. The teachings and guidance of Islam will always be the beacon that shows us the best path towards the best welfare of humanity and provide the best examples of where the ‘word of Allah is always superior’.

A large proportion of the media continues to highlight only the worst of Muslim affairs, presumably for reasons that serve their own interests. There remain a few, fortunately, who report a trickle of good examples: indicating that we Muslims do indeed play a positive role in serving humanity and saving people, and providing some positive news. One of those rarely reported good examples came last week when a Kenyan Muslim teacher, Salah Farah, was honoured posthumously for his bravery. 

The news was reported in BBC and through other media channels. It said: ‘A Muslim teacher in Kenya who protected Christians on a bus after it was attacked by Islamist militants is posthumously honoured for his bravery’.

This is by no means the sole example of a Muslim who bravely tried to protect his Christian compatriots. We all know of thousands of examples where Muslim communities have protected their non-Muslim neighbours and friends. In the war-ridden lands of the Muslim world examples do of course exist where neighbours became enemies. But these are exceptional cases which can happen anywhere, as demonstrated by the case of Mr Akhlaq, in India’s Ghaziabad’, who was brutally lynched by those ‘friends’ and neighbours who knew him for long time.

Islamic teachings tell us that highest attribute of a person's character is trustworthiness. A true Muslim can never betray a trust. Our Prophet Mohammad was well-known, by both friends and foes, for his trustworthiness in the Makkan community, long before he was made a Prophet, and was endowed with the titles of ‘The Truthful and the Trustworthy’. 

The Prophet Mohammad, peace and mercy of Allah be upon him, was entrusted with the safekeeping of other persons goods and property, which they would reclaim when needed. When our Prophet planned to emigrate to Madinah from Makkah, there remained many whose trust was still with him. In order to deliver everything to their rightful owners, although they were the very same people who were plotting to murder him, he requested Ali, his cousin and son in law, to stay behind and deliver all to the rightful owners before he could emigrate to Madinah.

The Quran teaches us: ‘Allah commands you to deliver trusts to those belonging to them; and when you judge between people, judge with justice. Excellent is the admonition Allah gives you, Allah is All Hearing All-Seeing’. S4 V58

The good and beautiful teachings of Islam must be complied with by Muslims in order to establish any form of Allah’s rules. The reason is simple: we are all accountable for whatever we do in the Gracious Name of Allah and if we misrepresent anything.

Muslim society, despite all its problems, is not devoid of good examples which demonstrate a deep commitment towards the teachings of Allah and towards the welfare of humanity. Any examples of good work must be appreciated and publicised so that the rest of the community and people at large can encourage more good actions.

Good examples from within the community must be highlighted by those who have taken on the role of leadership in community affairs. Mutual jealousy and incompetent leadership within the Muslim community has seriously marred the reputation of the individuals and groups who have carried out such good work.

Those who are teachers carry a heavy responsibility and when they demonstrate their courage by protecting those for whom they are responsible do the right thing from an Islamic perspective. Any Muslim who holds a responsible post is accountable to Allah and to those he serves, wherever his post lays within the social, economic and political structure.

In a hadith, the Prophet, peace and mercy of Allah be upon him, says: ‘all of you are a guardian (responsible) and all of you are held responsible for your subject. An imam (leader) is a guardian and would be held responsible for his subject. A man is a guardian within his family and would be held responsible for those under him. And a wife is guardian in the house of her husband and would be held responsible for her responsibility. A servant is guardian in the wealth (trade) of his master and would be held responsible for that. And all of you are guardians and all of you would be held responsible for your subjects.’

This is a great hadith and guidance from the Prophet of Islam which, in unambiguous terms, guides peoples to what is their rightful duty. This hadith teaches us the discipline necessary to do our work and the vision and the sense of accountability required in whatever position we may happen to find ourselves or seek to hold.

Islam is a religion which places great emphasis on ‘tarbiyah’ or training people on what is better for their welfare and the welfare of humanity. Every single Muslim should endeavour to become a great example in their own sphere of life and work. In addition all Muslims are meant to be trustworthy, kind and compassionate and should assume and deliver his/her guardianship to the best of their capability.

Any ambiguity arising from the many different interpretations of Islamic theology about certain modern issues should be addressed urgently so that disciplines can be established in the minds of all people. Clarity is sorely needed on the matter of having differences and in maintaining those differences without resorting to violence, so that a healthier atmosphere could be created where a better understanding of each other’s points of view prevails. Achieve this and the world can look forward to a healthier society where we all can live peacefully but still maintain our differences.