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Establish prayers, command what is right, forbid what is wrong,
And patiently persevere the trials that befall you.
That is surely among the most resolute of matters. [Qur'an 30:17]
Recent attempted UK Bombings
Since 9/11, 2001, Islam and the ‘world of Muslims' have been standing center stage on the international media theater. Headlines have often been decorated with words like "Islamic-terrorists", "Muslim-fundamentalist" and sometimes trying to link violence and terror to Qur'an or principles of Islam. The recent attempt at attacks on central London, and Glasgow Airport once again provided an opportunity for detractors to "link" Islam with wanton violence and terror, and has once again thrust Islam and Muslims further into the spotlight of terrorism. Those responsible for the attempted attacks, which could have potentially claimed thousands of lives, can only be described as psychopathic, deranged, and without any ethical scruples; especially from medical practitioners who are supposed to heal rather than damage.
The Challenge
All Muslims around the world need to challenge not just those committing atrocities, but also the philosophy and political doctrine used by these cowards to justify their murderous deeds; because invoking Islam to commit violence, or harming/killing of ANY innocent people; is reprehensible; and those who show case this terror as an act of 'protest are equally complicit in these crimes. This acts are neither nor acts of valor or sacrifice; it is simply reprehensible expressions of violent intolerance and indifference to the lives of innocent people.
We, as people of faith and conscience, also need to express our utter disgust at the on-going duplicity in the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, our blind support for the brutal, illegal occupation and subjugation of Palestine and Kashmir, our illegal invasion of Iraq, our propping up of repressive and despotic regimes all over the globe, and our double standards in dealing with the poor, "Third-world" countries, which is merely a racist way of referring to lands of people of color.
It seems that the political establishments in the "First-World" fail to realize that our actions have consequences, far greater than we can ever hope to control. The only hope for a lasting peace in this world is for all governments; from Washington to Islamabad, from Teheran to London, from Cape Town to Cairo; to take a just, ethical, and principled stand against oppression, usurpation and occupation in the whole world.
Red Mosque
The attempt by "religious" elements in society to impose Islamic rulings on others by their own will according to their own interpretation, making zealots judge, jury and executioner; is not the spirit of Islam. At all. It does not bring about an Islamic order, it harms innocent people and (instead of attracting people) drives them away from Islam. The recent incident at the Red Mosque in Islamabad, is a lesson in failed strategy and the consequence was not positive from any angle.;
- humiliation for the leader Abdul Aziz Ghazi , who was paraded on Pakistani TV in a burqa (in which he is said to have attempted to escape)
- the death of 106 people
- outrage of the locals over the violent incident
- stepping up of crackdowns on many mosques
- overwhelming condemnation, including condemnation from Muslim scholars around the world.
Desiring to implement Islamic values is always noble, but having a meaningful and effective strategy is indeed most significant. Just because something needs to be done does not mean that anything that is done is okay; and just because something is done in religious fervor does not in any way prove that it is Islamically correct.
In keeping with the Prophetic prayer "O Allah, Show me things as they really are", we must separate ideals from reality, we must let reason supercede emotion, and we must realize the consequence of our actions; the consequence for ourselves and the consequence for others. The Prophet advised; "If you decide to do something, evaluate its consequence; if the consequence is good then continue; if the consequence is negative, stop.
Individual Accountability
In Islam, each person is individually responsible, accountable and answerable to God. We are born individually, we die individually and we will be called forth on the Day of Judgment individually. Each is accountable up to his or her own individual capacity. This ought to protect against mob reactions, herd mentality, cultist affiliations or blind following. No group, party, association or tribe will protect or speak for a person on that Day.
Life & Death
Islam is a call to life and success, not a call to death and despair.
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ اسْتَجِيبُواْ لِلّهِ وَلِلرَّسُولِ إِذَا دَعَاكُم لِمَا يُحْيِيكُمْ
"O you who have obtained to faith, respond to the call of God, the Apostle, whenever he calls you unto what will give you life..." (Quran 8:24).
We seek life, not death, but if death comes, we hopefully accept it as the will of God who designed the end of the worldly phase. We practice life, we promote it and celebrate it. We don't go out seeking to die, and needless to say, we don't deliberately bring death on ourselves or on others who are innocent.
Moral Responsibility
Remember the words of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh):
"A Muslim (one who proclaims faith) is that person from whose hands and tongue other Muslims are safe; A Mu'min (one who manifests faith) is that person in whom humanity find safety and security regarding their lives, property and honor."
By: Br. Sadullah Khan
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