Islam: A compassionate perspective

Today France is holding the funeral of Fr Hamel, 85, brutally assassinated by two people claiming allegiance to the so called ‘Islamic State’. It is outrageous that a person like Fr Hamel was callously murdered by having his throat cut in front of his congregation. By Islamic standards it was an appalling and totally un-justifiable act and has, quite rightly, outraged Muslims and members of all other faiths, alike, worldwide. No Muslim, who upholds the Islamic teachings above any political interest, would approve or condone it.

Outrageous as this act undoubtedly was, I am glad to see, through the many comments published in the worldwide media, that, at last, people have begun to recognise these kinds of events for what they are. They are not religion versus religion or one religious community versus another. The Pope’s comment on it was most interesting to read. He said: ‘It’s war, we don’t have to be afraid to say this … a war of interests, for money, resources. I am not speaking of a war of religions. Religions don’t want war. The others want war’. 

It is heartening to see that such acts of terrorism are no longer being seen a war of religions by the Catholic hierarchy or any others and should not be perceived as such. All Muslims must do their very best to ensure that this kind of evil is not perpetrated in their name or in the name of their religion.

A spokesman for the French Muslim Council told the French newspaper Le Figaro: ‘We, Muslims of France, can only insist on the need for national unity in opposing this misfortune which has afflicted us and which attacks indiscriminately’.  

This is a right approach and it was refreshing to see that Muslims all over France attended a Catholic Mass on Sunday in a gesture of solidarity and compassion. We must continue to act together in our condemnation of such disgusting acts of violence and realise that they are harming the relationship between all religious communities.

I understand that there are still considerable doubts and suspicions being expressed by the many sceptics who continue to see actions such as this as part of a worldwide Islamic conspiracy, but, as we all know, this is not the case. Both religions seek to retain their distinct religious identity, while promoting a good mutual relationship and both call for all to stand shoulder to shoulder in furthering the wider cause of humanity.

The Quran lays down the foundations for such harmonious relationships between communities. It says in the Surah 3 verse 64: ‘Say: people of the Book! Come to a word common between us and you: that we shall serve none but Allah and shall associate none with Him in His divinity and that some of us will not take others as lords other than Allah. And if they turn away (from accepting this call), tell them: ‘bear witness that we are the ones who have submitted ourselves exclusively to Allah’.

 Further, in the Surah 29 and verse 46, the Quran says: ‘Argue not with the people of the Book except in the fairest manner, unless it be those of them that are utterly unjust. Say to them: ‘we believe in what was revealed to us and what was revealed to you. One is our God and your God; and we are those who submit ourselves to Him’.

This very clear and fair formula for mutual engagement was laid down by the Quran right from the beginning of Islam. The Quran is full of these kinds of verses. The Prophet Muhammad, peace and mercy of Allah be upon him, was always keen to promote dialogue with the ‘people of the Book’; Jews and Christians alike and indeed formed an inter-communal pact between all the citizen of Madinah for a peaceful co-existence. By setting out sets of rules that everyone who was resident in the city should abide by, he created the very first One Nation approach. This pact was accepted by all parties.

In stark contrast to this, the prevailing militant Islamic perspective presents a picture of Islam which is not engaging and has nothing to offer to others. Its intentions are to create conflict rather than seek conflict resolution based on Islamic principles of humanity and compassion.

What is of greater concern is that it is using disenchanted people from the Muslim community, who have never in their lives been committed to Islam intellectually or practically, to perpetrate such crimes. This is a crime in itself. If this is a war with a political purpose, then let there be a political party, without an Islamic identity.  

Islam is described as' mercy to the world' and the Quran says: ‘We have sent you forth as nothing but mercy to people of the whole world’. S21 V107 

The prophet speaks further about his mission in these following words: ‘I am sent to accomplish the noblest of human characters’.  Narrated by different narrators and authenticated by Al-Albani

The rules of war and the battlefield are laid out clearly, as halal and haram were made clear to the people for practice and guidance.

The sanctity of the human soul is greatly emphasised so that no one should act wrongly. The Quran says: ‘Therefore We ordained for the children of Israel that he who slays a soul unless it be (in punishment) for murder and for spreading mischief on earth shall be as if he had slain all mankind. And he who saves a life shall be as if he has given life to all mankind.’ S 5 V32

Much more can be written on this issue as it is one of the most important aspects of Islamic law, but in this turbulent world where the ‘interests’ of a person or a group now appear to be paramount, it is easy to become blinded to religious guidance or even make sensible decisions.

All we can hope is that the spark of sanity we now see continues to grow and that religious teachings are not further maligned for personal and political gain. Good people must stand together and faith communities must not be disheartened or lose faith.  There is great strength in an enduring faith.