Islam, Muslims and the Mosque/Community Center at Ground Zero
The conversion of a historic building, in the vicinity of Ground Zero, to a Mosque/Community Center, will inevitably evoke tremendous emotional reactions. Many will be opposed to to construction of such a facility symbolizing the faith of those responsible for the horrific and inhuman actions of 911. The faith in question is Islam and responsible villains, Muslims.To the misinformed,those who chose to live in ignorance and those who are unfortunate in not having the relevant knowledge, the objection to such a center will appear to be reasonable and just. This is very unfortunate because of the misconceptions about Islam and Muslims. We Muslims, individuals and to a greater extent, Muslim organizations, will have to bear the responsibility for these misconceptions. We have not been vocally effective enough in condemning the actions and speech of those purporting to be acting in accordance with the principles of Islam or acting as Muslims. We have to stop the "buts" and offering excuses for behavior and speech that are in direct contradiction to the principles of Islam. Right is right and wrong is wrong and we have to stand for justice at all cost, even if it against ourselves, family, country, custom or tradition.
Our biggest challenge now is to dissociate Islam from all the ills and dastardly acts being perpetuated by those claiming to act as Muslims. We have to convince the world that not because one has a name or nationality that indicates that he is Muslim, signifies that he is acting as a Muslim or in accordance with the principles of Islam. The same for those claiming to be Jews, Christians, Hindus, etc.
We have to uphold the principles of Islam as stated in Al Quran such as:
CH4. V135 O ye who believe! Stand firmly for justice, as witnesses to Almighty God, even against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be against rich or poor: for Almighty God can best protect both. Follow not the lusts of your hearts, lest ye swerve, and if ye distort justice or decline to do justice, verily Almighty God is well acquainted with all that ye do.
CH49. V13 O mankind! We created you from a single pair of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes that you may know and understand each other, not that you may despise each other. Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Almighty God is he who is the most righteous of you. Moreover, Almighty God has full knowledge and is well acquainted with all things.
We have to work very hard to undo what has been propagated by the enemies of Islam and Muslims. There are those who preach their twisted ideologies under the guise of Islam and entrap the minds of the uninformed, gullible and weak minded. Hence our task of educating and increasing the awareness of the true teachings and principles of Islam.
It is our duty to inform non-Muslims and a great majority of Muslims of the basic teachings of Islam. Here are some facts about Islam and Muslims that all should be made aware of:
39:41 " Lo! We have revealed unto mankind a Book (Scriptures) of truth." from this we learn that this message was sent to mankind and as such mankind (Muslims and non-Muslims alike) has the permission and right to inquire into it and investigate its contents and teachings.
3:5 ........"This day have I perfected your religion for you and completed My favor unto you, and have chosen for you AL- ISLAM as your religion (way of life)." Here Almighty God has given the the name of the religion "The Way of Peace and of obedience to Him".
Hence Muslims have to aware of this and non-Muslims have to be made aware of this very important fact. Therefore anything, actions or speech that do not lead to or result in Peace and obedience to Almighty God cannot fall under the banner or name of Islam. From this statement anyone, Muslim or non-Muslim can determine with certainty and know when actions or speech can be considered "Islamic".
We have to find a way to get the support of the press and media in distinguishing those actions that are "Islamic" and those actions perpetuated by those with hidden and evil agendas. This has to be done in the same manner as used in differentiating Christianity and Judaism from wrong action carried out by "Jews" and "Christians".
Those who think that all Muslims condone acts of terrorism and other inhuman acts are as guilty as those peoples of different countries, traditions and customs who believe that the peoples of the west, and America in particular, want to harm,destroy and prevent them from practicing their faiths. In other words, ignorance, wherever it exists, will lead to hate, destruction and disharmony. One people's ignorance is as dangerous as another's.
Some other quotations from The Quran to make things clearer:
CH5. V69. Those who believe in the Qur'an, those who follow the Jewish scriptures, and the Sabians and the Christians, - anyone who believes in Almighty God (Allah) and the Last Day, and work righteousness, - on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
CH3. V3. It is He Who sent down to thee, step by step, in truth, the Book, confirming what went before it; and He sent down the Law of Moses and the Gospel of Jesus before this Quran, as a guide to mankind, and He sent down the criterion of judgment between right and wrong.
CH2.V136. Say ye: "We believe in Almighty God (Allah), and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to all prophets from their Lord: We make no difference between one or the other. We bow to Almighty God in faith."
Not only in peace but also in war Islam prohibits terrorism, kidnapping, and hijacking, when carried against civilians. Whoever commits such violations is considered a murderer in Islam, and is to be punished accordingly by the state. During wars, Islam prohibits Muslim soldiers from harming civilians, women, children, elderly, and the religious men like priests and rabbis. It also prohibits cutting down trees and destroying civilian constructions.
I hope and pray that the above will be a form of enlightenment to the readers and will help to bring about a understanding and appreciation of what is "Islam" and who are Muslims. Remember that the greeting of Muslims to all is "Assalamu Alaikum", meaning "May the Peace and Blessings of Almighty God be with you".
Kamruz Hosein.
kamruzh@gmail.com
The Islamic Theosophical Society.
3 comments:
Very true - Thank you.
Good read.
The written word is for those not brave enough to be vocal or those afraid of being opposed.
This needs to be addressed vocally at your daily & weekly congregations. It is the responsibility of all, the leaders in particular.
Thank you for starting but this cannot be the end. Where do you go from here?
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