Question:
Why are most of the Muslims fundamentalists and terrorists?
Answer:
This question is often hurled at Muslims, either directly or indirectly, during
any discussion on religion or world affairs. Muslim stereotypes are perpetuated
in every form of the media accompanied by gross misinformation about Islam and
Muslims. In fact, such misinformation and false propaganda often leads to
discrimination and acts of violence against Muslims. A case in point is the
anti-Muslim campaign in the American media following the Oklahoma bomb blast,
where the press was quick to declare a ‘Middle Eastern conspiracy’ behind the
attack. The culprit was later identified as a soldier from the American Armed
Forces.
Let us analyze this allegation of ‘fundamentalism’ and ‘terrorism’:
1. Definition of the
word ‘fundamentalist’
A fundamentalist is a person who follows and adheres to the fundamentals of the
doctrine or theory he is following. For a person to be a good doctor, he should
know, follow, and practice the fundamentals of medicine. In other words, he
should be a fundamentalist in the field of medicine. For a person to be a good
mathematician, he should know, follow and practice the fundamentals of
mathematics. He should be a fundamentalist in the field of mathematics. For a
person to be a good scientist, he should know, follow and practice the
fundamentals of science. He should be a fundamentalist in the field of science.
2. Not all
‘fundamentalists’ are the same
One cannot paint all fundamentalists with the same brush. One cannot categorize
all fundamentalists as either good or bad. Such a categorization of any
fundamentalist will depend upon the field or activity in which he is a
fundamentalist. A fundamentalist robber or thief causes harm to society and is
therefore undesirable. A fundamentalist doctor, on the other hand, benefits society
and earns much respect.
3. I am proud to be a
Muslim fundamentalist
I am a fundamentalist Muslim who, by the grace of Allah, knows, follows and
strives to practice the fundamentals of Islam. A true Muslim does not shy away
from being a fundamentalist. I am proud to be a fundamentalist Muslim because;
I know that the fundamentals of Islam are beneficial to humanity and the whole
world. There is not a single fundamental of Islam that causes harm or is
against the interests of the human race as a whole. Many people harbour
misconceptions about Islam and consider several teachings of Islam to be unfair
or improper. This is due to insufficient and incorrect knowledge of Islam. If
one critically analyzes the teachings of Islam with an open mind, one cannot escape
the fact that Islam is full of benefits both at the individual and collective
levels.
4. Dictionary meaning
of the word ‘fundamentalist’
According to Webster’s dictionary ‘fundamentalism’ was a movement in American
Protestantism that arose in the earlier part of the 20th century. It was a
reaction to modernism, and stressed the infallibility of the Bible, not only in
matters of faith and morals but also as a literal historical record. It
stressed on belief in the Bible as the literal word of God. Thus fundamentalism
was a word initially used for a group of Christians who believed that the Bible
was the verbatim word of God without any errors and mistakes.
According to the Oxford dictionary ‘fundamentalism’ means ‘strict maintenance
of ancient or fundamental doctrines of any religion, especially Islam’.
Today the moment a person uses the word fundamentalist he thinks of a Muslim
who is a terrorist.
5. Every Muslim should
be a terrorist
Every Muslim should be a terrorist. A terrorist is a person who causes terror.
The moment a robber sees a policeman he is terrified. A policeman is a
terrorist for the robber. Similarly every Muslim should be a terrorist for the
antisocial elements of society, such as thieves, dacoits and rapists. Whenever
such an anti-social element sees a Muslim, he should be terrified. It is true
that the word ‘terrorist’ is generally used for a person who causes terror
among the common people. But a true Muslim should only be a terrorist to
selective people i.e. anti-social elements, and not to the common innocent
people. In fact a Muslim should be a source of peace for innocent people.
6. Different labels
given to the same individual for the same action, i.e. ‘terrorist’ and
‘patriot’
Before India achieved independence from British rule, some freedom fighters of
India who did not subscribe to non-violence were labeled as terrorists by the
British government. The same individuals have been lauded by Indians for the
same activities and hailed as ‘patriots’. Thus two different labels have been
given to the same people for the same set of actions. One is calling him a
terrorist while the other is calling him a patriot. Those who believed that
Britain had a right to rule over India called these people terrorists, while
those who were of the view that Britain had no right to rule India called them
patriots and freedom fighters.
It is therefore important that before a person is judged, he is given a fair
hearing. Both sides of the argument should be heard, the situation should be
analyzed, and the reason and the intention of the person should be taken into
account, and then the person can be judged accordingly.
7. Islam means peace
Islam is derived from
the word ‘salaam’ which means peace. It is a religion of peace whose
fundamentals teach its followers to maintain and promote peace throughout the
world.
Thus every Muslim should be a fundamentalist i.e. he should follow the fundamentals
of the Religion of Peace: Islam. He should be a terrorist only towards the
antisocial elements in order to promote peace and justice in the society.
Question:
How can Islam be called
the religion of peace when it was spread by the sword?
Answer:
It is a common complaint
among some non-Muslims that Islam would not have millions of adherents all over
the world, if it had not been spread by the use of force. The following points
will make it clear, that far from being spread by the sword, it was the
inherent force of truth, reason and logic that was responsible for the rapid
spread of Islam.
1. Islam means peace.
Islam comes from the
root word ‘salaam’, which means peace. It also means submitting one’s will to
Allah (swt). Thus Islam is a religion of peace, which is acquired by submitting
one’s will to the will of the Supreme Creator, Allah (swt).
2. Sometimes force has
to be used to maintain peace.
Each and every human
being in this world is not in favour of maintaining peace and harmony.
There are many, who would disrupt it for their own vested interests. Sometimes
force has to be used to maintain peace. It is precisely for this reason that we
have the police who use force against criminals and antisocial elements to
maintain peace in the country. Islam promotes peace. At the same time, Islam
exhorts it followers to fight where there is oppression. The fight against oppression
may, at times, require the use of force. In Islam force can only be used to
promote peace and justice.
3. Opinion of historian
De Lacy O’Leary.
The best reply to the
misconception that Islam was spread by the sword is given by the noted
historian De Lacy O’Leary in the book “Islam at the cross road” (Page 8):
“History makes it clear
however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping through the world and
forcing Islam at the point of the sword upon conquered races is one of the most
fantastically absurd myth that historians have ever repeated.”
4. Muslims ruled Spain
for 800 years.
Muslims ruled Spain for
about 800 years. The Muslims in Spain never used the sword to force the people
to convert. Later the Christian Crusaders came to Spain and wiped out the
Muslims. There was not a single Muslim in Spain who could openly give the adhan,
that is the call for prayers.
5. 14 million Arabs are
Coptic Christians.
Muslims were the lords
of Arabia for 1400 years. Few years British ruled, and for a few years the
French ruled. Overall, the Muslims ruled Arabia for 1400 years. Yet today,
there are 14 million Arabs who are Coptic Christians i.e. Christians since
generations. If the Muslims had used the sword there would not have been a
single Arab who would have remained a Christian.
6. More than 80%
non-Muslims in India.
The Muslims ruled India
for about a thousand years. If they wanted, they had the power of converting
each and every non-Muslim of India to Islam. Today more than 80% of Indian
population are non-Muslims. All these non-Muslim Indians are bearing witness
today that Islam was not spread by the sword.
7. Indonesia and
Malaysia.
Indonesia is a country
that has the maximum number of Muslims in the world. The majority of people in
Malaysia are Muslims. May one ask, “Which Muslim army went to Indonesia and
Malaysia?”
8. East Coast of Africa.
Similarly, Islam has
spread rapidly on the East Coast of Africa. One may again ask, if Islam was
spread by the sword, “Which Muslim army went to the East Coast of Africa?”
9. Thomas Carlyle.
The famous historian,
Thomas Carlyle, in his book “Heroes and Hero worship”, refers to this
misconception about the spread of Islam: “The sword indeed, but where will you
get your sword? Every new opinion, at its starting is precisely in a minority
of one. In one man’s head alone. There it dwells as yet. One man alone of the
whole world believes it, there is one man against all men. That he takes a
sword and try to propagate with that, will do little for him. You must get your
sword! On the whole, a thing will propagate itself as it can.”
10. No compulsion in
religion.
With which sword was
Islam spread? Even if Muslims had it they could not use it to spread Islam
because the Qur’an says in the following verse:
“Let there be no
compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from error....” [Al-Baqarah 2:256]
11. Sword of the
Intellect.
It is the sword of
intellect. The sword that conquers the hearts and minds of people. The Qur’an
says in Surah Nahl, chapter 16 verse 125:
“Invite (all) to the way
of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways
that are best and most gracious…” [An-Nahl 16:125]
12. Increase in the
world religions from 1934 to 1984.
An article in Reader’s
Digest ‘Almanac’, year book 1986, gave the statistics of the increase of
percentage of the major religions of the world in half a century from 1934 to
1984. This article also appeared in ‘The Plain Truth’ magazine. At the top was
Islam, which increased by 235%, and Christianity had increased only by 47%. May
one ask, which war took place in this century which converted millions of
people to Islam?
13. Islam is the
fastest growing religion in America and Europe.
Today the fastest
growing religion in America is Islam. The fastest growing religion in Europe in
Islam. Which sword is forcing people in the West to accept Islam in such large
numbers?
14. Dr. Joseph Adam
Pearson.
Dr. Joseph Adam Pearson
rightly says, “People who worry that
nuclear weaponry will one day fall in the hands of the Arabs, fail to realize
that the Islamic bomb has been dropped already, it fell the day MUHAMMED (pbuh)
was born”.
Question:
Doesn’t Islam promote
violence, bloodshed and brutality since the Qur’an says that Muslims should
kill the kuffar where ever they find them?
Answer :
A few selected verses
from the Qur’an are often misquoted to perpetuate the myth that Islam promotes
violence, and exhorts its followers to kill those outside the pale of Islam.
1. Verse
from Surah Taubah
The following verse from
Surah Taubah is very often quoted by critics of Islam, to show that Islam
promotes violence, bloodshed and brutality:
"....Kill the
mushriqeen (pagans, polytheists, kuffar) where ever you find them...." [At-Tawba 9:5]
2. Context
of verse is during battlefield
Critics of Islam
actually quote this verse out of context. In order to understand the context,
we need to read from verse 1 of this surah. It says that there was a peace
treaty between the Muslims and the Mushriqs (pagans) of Makkah. This treaty was
violated by the Mushriqs of Makkah. A period of four months was given to the
Mushriqs of Makkah to make amends. Otherwise war would be declared against
them. Verse 5 of Surah Taubah says:
"But when the
forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find
them, and seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every
stratagem (of war); but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and
practice regular charity, then open the way for them: for Allah is
oft-forgiving, Most merciful." [At-Tawbah 9:5]
This verse is quoted
during a battle.
3. Example
of war between America and Vietnam
We know that America was
once at war with Vietnam. Suppose the President of America or the General of
the American Army told the American soldiers during the war: "Wherever you
find the Vietnamese, kill them". Today if I say that the American
President said, "Wherever you find Vietnamese, kill them" without
giving the context, I will make him sound like a butcher. But if I quote him in
context, that he said it during a war, it will sound very logical, as he was
trying to boost the morale of the American soldiers during the war. Same way
nowadays USA & coalition forces in Afghanistan have got an order that
wherever you find “Taliban” kill him. Taliban means student, is that at the end
of war, this will apply?
4. Verse
9:5 quoted to boost morale of Muslims during battle
Similarly in Surah
Taubah chapter 9 verse 5 the Qur’an says, "Kill the Mushriqs where ever you find
them", during a battle to
boost the morale of the Muslim soldiers. What the Qur’an is telling Muslim
soldiers is, don’t be afraid during battle; wherever you find the enemies kill
them.
5. Shourie
jumps from verse 5 to verse 7
Arun Shourie is one of
the staunchest critics of Islam in India. He quotes the same verse, Surah
Taubah chapter 9 verse 5 in his book ‘The World of Fatwahs’, on page 572. After
quoting verse 5 he jumps to verse 7 of Surah Taubah. Any sensible person will
realise that he has skipped verse 6.
6. Surah
Taubah chapter 9 verse 6 gives the answer
Surah Taubah chapter 9
verse 6 gives the answer to the allegation that Islam promotes violence,
brutality and bloodshed. It says:
"If one amongst the
pagans ask thee for asylum, grant it to him, so that he may hear the word of
Allah; and then escort him to where he can be secure that is because they are
men without knowledge." [At-Tawbah 9:6]
The Qur’an not only says
that a Mushriq seeking asylum during the battle should be granted refuge, but
also that he should be escorted to a secure place. In the present international
scenario, even a kind, peace-loving army General, during a battle, may let the
enemy soldiers go free, if they want peace. But which army General will ever
tell his soldiers, that if the enemy soldiers want peace during a battle, don’t
just let them go free, but also escort them to a place of security?
This is exactly what
Allah (swt) says in the Glorious Qur’an to promote peace in the world.
Question:
I see Muslim believers
full of hatred, and hostility like killing, revenge, cursing others in the name
of Allah. Do you think that Islam will destroy itself, since Jesus said, Evil
will destroy itself?
Answer:
You blame Muslims, but
in the USA alone 60,000 babies are killed through abortions every year,
Christians dropped two atomic bombs killing thousands of innocent people,
Christians were involved in two world wars that killed over 50 million people.
Hitler was a Christian who killed six millions Jews. And see the Christian
justice that they implanted the Jew state in Muslim area in Palestine instead
in Germany. Christians killed millions of Native Americans. Christians
committed GENOCIDE against the innocent people of Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan
and so on.
Take only example of a
Christian state, USA. USA is involved in almost all turmoil of the world. Since
1945 the United States has intervened in more than 20 countries throughout the
world. Post World War II, the United States has also assisted in over 20
different coups throughout the world, and the CIA was responsible for half a
dozen assassinations of political heads of state.
Islam is under siege
politically and under attack militarily. No Muslim nation has come to invade
Europe or the US, yet rule Islamic world has been the foreign policy of the US,
the UK, France and Russia for the last 80 years. And this is what has bought us
to where we are now.
USA is the one who
supported Saddam to invade Iran, which resulted killing a million people and
destruction of both countries. Again USA was the one who encouraged Saddam to
invade Kuwait. This, it done to finally invade Iraq to control Oil Resources.
As it could not openly control the state, so it planned to make second invasion
on false excuses. So all this was under a plan.
In Iraq, after second
invasion more than 1,000,000 (approximately) and 5,000 (approximately)
Americans and allied troops are killed for what? Had there been still cruel
Saddam, would there had been so much killing, as has done by innocent President
Bush and Premier Blair (both Christians) with lame excuses. Saddam was
hanged for killing 182 Iraqis, then what about Bush, by whose action thousands
and thousands of innocent has been killed (two Iraq wars and Afghan war), with
no justification except the control of Oil, and bases in Afghanistan. There was
no so called Al-Qaida in Iraq but Bush has rooted it there, thus creating it by
his illegal action. The world is more in danger than before this invasion of
Iraq and Afghanistan.
Being a Christian
American ruler, having huge power of destruction, destroyed Iraq and now want
to leave that where democracy is dancing naked. They have conducted agreement
with Iraqi government,( which is dependant on itself ) the rights of
controlling its oil resources with only 25% to it and 75% to USA.
In Afghanistan,
Christian nations are killing Afghanis on the pretext of Twin Tower fall, which
itself is disputed in USA and world. Innocent Muslims are being killed whereas
they were so much sensitive of their own innocent people of World Trade center.
Is this justification, that against 2863 Twin Tower casualties, they have killed about hundred thousand in Afghanistan.
Tell us who have more
killed innocent people of the world, Christians or Muslims. Obviously Jesus
Christ (peace be upon him) would have objected to such acts, but religion of
Christianity has nothing to do with such atrocities that were committed by
followers of Christianity. Bush is worldwide (including USA) is being treated
as number one terrorist of world. World peace is in danger of a Christian
terrorist not by any Muslim. This is not we say, but it is the survey which is
conducted by their Christians friends.
Now the world is under
the terror of Bush than any other one. It is not we say, but see the protests
all over the world and public opinion. He is treated number one terrorist of
the world. It is not Muslim saying but people of western world. He terrorizing
all the Muslim world, can you still say that Muslims are terrorist.
Iran is under the danger
of Terrorist Attack by USA, why? USA and Israel has right to have Atom Bomb,
but Iran is not given even the right of even having processing right for
peaceful use. What a Peaceful Jews and Christians of world, no shame at all?
Israel has occupied Palestine since 58 years and have killed thousand of
innocent Muslims. USA Christian ruler eyes are blind to see that but as a
retaliation if any Jew is killed than that is a terrorist attack. East Temore
people being Christians, won independence within two years from Muslim state,
but Palestinians problems is not solved in 58 years because here occupier is
Jews, supported by Christians.
What more you want to
know about the terrorism. Terrorism is intentionally being spread in Islamic
world to destabilize and control their natural resources at the end when they
will be weak, as you see is being done in Iraq. Instead of decreasing,
terrorism is on the increase, and it is all due to actions of Christian stats.
But still I will say, judge the religion not by the people who don't know the
religion. Therefore, try to learn about Islam objectively and not see it
through the prism of popular media.
The word “Islam” means
peace and submission to the divine nature created by the One All Mighty God.
Some books you may want to read on Islam are: “Islam and the Destiny of Man” by
Charles Le Gai Eaton and “Life of Muhammad” by Martin Lings. If you meet good
practicing Muslims you will find that they care about their neighbors
regardless of their religion, they don't take drugs, alcohol, and don't have
pre-marital sex, they don't cheat, don't deal with usury and interest, etc.
Also, try to see why
Islam is the fastest growing religion in the West, why Christian priests,
Jewish Rabbis and learned people, from all backgrounds are reverting to Islam.
Also, try to learn about Christianity, how the Bible was recorded, and why
authentic Gospels (like the Gospel of Barnabas) which were written before the
Canonical Gospels, were banned. At the end, I have to mention what God says
about Islam which you like it or not:
"....This day have I
perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen
for you Islam as your religion...." (Al-Maa'idah 5:3)
"If anyone desires a
religion other than Islam (submission to Allah (God) never will It be accepted
of Him...." (Aale-Imraan 3:85)
Question:
Allah is a loving God
true? Why do Moslems, in order to serve a loving God, murder innocent women and
children? Will the wrath of Allah not find the guilty and punish them? Why do
the Islamic nations expect other nations to allow them to worship freely, when
they themselves forbid other religions from existing in their countries?
Answer:
Just a clarification
before answering your questions, Allah is not 'a' loving God. He is God.
Therefore, it would have been more correct to say: Allah is loving or God is loving.
Allah is the Arabic name of God, and therefore, Jewish and Christians who live
in Arab countries worship Allah, the same way Jews, Christians, and Muslims in
France worship 'DIEU', and those living in the States worship God. Still, we
try to refer to God as Allah since it is His Proper name rather than
differentiating Him with the Capital letter of god and God. Allah after all is
closer to Elohim and to Alleluia (Hallelujah).
Now back to the
questions: Muslims who understand their religion correctly don't kill innocent
people, regardless if they are women, children, or adult men. What you hear in
the news which is taking place for example in Algeria has been documented in
many credible sources to be the work of mercenaries who have used the name of Islam.
In other countries, the same thing is happening. While the people executing
such acts may be Muslims, their hidden leadership has been supported by covert
operations to discredit the rise of Islamic movements. This is the only way
Islam can be portrayed to be bad, because ethically, economically, politically,
and socially, Islam has already proven to be a viable and an alternative
solution to the current systems.
As to your second
question, it shouldn't be connected to the first one because if the wrath of
God should fall on guilty people (not the innocent ones mentioned in the first
question), then it is the Muslim's duty to do his/her best to stop the guilty
from doing harm on earth, because from an Islamic point of view, human beings
are on earth to worship God and establish His Kingdom. That's the way Jesus
(peace be upon him) understood it, and that's why he turned violent against the
money lenders of the Temple who were abusing the people and dealing with usury.
Fighting injustice is a duty on each Muslim.
As to your last
question, you should really separate Islam (as a religion) and 'Muslim' nations
on one side, and also, research the way non-Muslims live in Islamic countries.
While in some places non-Muslims are prosecuted, Muslim activists get prosecuted
in Muslim countries much heavily. In addition, it is known that Christians and
Jews have always found a shelter in Islamic countries and until now enjoy great
powers in Islamic nations. The Jews escaped the Inquisition and left to live in
Islamic countries peacefully. This took place all the way until the second
world war, when they escaped European prosecution. The Christians also have
trusted the Muslims in their livelihood and Holy sites. Up until today,
Christian sites in Jerusalem are entrusted to Muslims in honor of the pact that
dates back to 1400 years ago, when the Christians allowed Muslims to protect
them under the condition of not letting the Jews control Jerusalem.
Question:
Is 'suicide bombing' acceptable as part of Jihad?
Answer :
This is a very general question and certainly it needs further
details such as the necessity of this type of bombing, its consequences, its
out coming, the target etc.. All these aspects would help in recommending it or
rejecting it.
Having said, I would like to say that Jihad is considered as a
noble obligation upon Muslims when they are oppressed or suppressed and Jihad
is a defensive in its nature. Meaning, Muslims would have to defend themselves
against oppression by using all means and weapons leading to take back their
rights or to liberate their lands.
Certainly, the call for Jihad is a duty upon the leadership and it is only the
right of leaders to call for it. In other words, the individuals, organizations
etc.. should NOT call for it without the permission of Imam thus, Imam is in
better position to know the level of preparation and the types of weapons which
are needed to defend Muslims against the oppression.
In other words, the individuals or organizations are not allowed
to call for Jihad without the permission of Imam. Meaning that calling for Jihad
is an obligation upon Imam only not upon individuals or organization. The
verses in the Qur'an that talk about Jihad always refer to the Prophet (peace
and blessings be upon him) on his capacity as Imam not as an individual. This
has been clearly stated and justified by scholars such as Imam Qarafi, Ibn
Taymiyah, Ibn Qayim, Sheikh Shaltut and Sheikh Al-Qaradawi and others.
Through out Islamic history, the call for Jihad has always been a
prerogative of Imam not individuals or organizations. The Prophet was leading
and calling for Jihad on his capacity as a leader and Imam. In the event that
Imam doesn't call for it, then the individuals and organization should counsel
and advise Imam to do so on the basis onnasihah or advice as stated
by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).
Those individuals are advised to use all peaceful means and ways
to convince Imam about the necessity of calling for Jihad, if they fail in
doing so, they shouldn't call for it by their own on the ground that Imam is
not good Muslim, but they should believe that they have done the best and they
wouldn't be subject to any sin on the Day of Judgment.
Based on this, I shall say that the call for Jihad has always been systematic,
collective and organized under the supervision of Imam. The incident of
Hudaibyah is a clear case and evidence for that. Having said this, it should be
clearly understood that the types of weapons should also be approved and
recommended by Imam. This is due to the fact that Imam is in a better position to
determine the types of weapons. That's should not be left in the hands of the
individuals, otherwise, all types of weapons would be used without knowing the
level of achieving the goals of Jihad.
As for amaliyat istishhadiyyah or the so called
‘suicide bombing’, I do believe that it is classified as a means and its has
the ruling of means in Islamic laws. In other words, using it or avoiding it
depends on the out coming, consequences, target and the necessity. Meaning, the
lawfulness of using it must be based on further investigation of the said
related issues. For example, it should not be used to kill or attack innocent
people such as women and children and non-combatants. An the same time, it
should not be used if it does not lead to the achievement of the goals of
Jihad. Furthermore, it should not be used when its out comings or consequences
are found to be less meaningful and important.
Having said this, I
shall call upon Muslims to investigate and review all means and ways that they
are using in Jihad. They should not fix themselves with one means or method but
they have to look for more means and ways and they should also review old means
in light of the new development and advancement of technology.
All in all, I am of the opinion that the determination of the status of suicide
bombing must depend on what we said earlier. I don't apply to non-detailed
answer. I do always believe that this issue needs a collective and
comprehensive answer.
There was once a man who was an enemy to Islam. He had three
famous questions that no person could answer. No Islamic scholar in Baghdad
could answer his three questions...thus he made fun of Islam in public. He
constantly ridiculed Islam and the Muslims. One day a small boy, whose age was
10, came along and heard the man yelling and screaming at Muslims in the
street. He was challenging people openly to answer the three questions.
The boy stood quietly and watched. He then decided that he would
challenge the man. He walked up and told the man, "I will accept your
challenge".
The man laughed at the boy and ridiculed the Muslims even more by
saying, "A ten year old boy challenges me. Is this all you people have to
offer!"
But the boy patiently reiterated his stance. He would challenge
the man, and with Allah’s help and guidance, he would put this to an end. The
man finally accepted.
The entire city gathered around a small "hill" where
open addresses were usually made. The man climbed to the top, and in a loud
voice asked his first question.
"What is your God doing right now?"
The small boy thought for a little while and then told the man to
climb down the hill and to allow him to go up in order to address the question.
The man says "What? You want me to come down?"
The boy says, "Yes. I need to reply, right?"
The man made his way down and the small boy, age 10, with his
little feet made his way up.
This small child’s reply was "Oh Allah Almighty! You be my
witness in front of all these people. You have just willed that a Kafir be
brought down to a low level, and that a Muslim be brought to a high
level!"
The crowd cheered and screamed "Takbir"...."Allah-hu-akbar!!!"
The man was humiliated, but he boldly asked his Second question...
"What existed before your God?"
The small child thought and thought.
Then he asked the man to count backwards. "Count from 10
backwards."
The man counted..."10, 9 ,8 , 7 , 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1,0"
The boy asked, "What comes before 0 ?"
The man: "I don`t know...nothing."
The boy: "Exactly. Nothing was before Allah, for He is
eternal and absolute."
The crowd cheered
again...."Takbir!"...."Allah-hu-akbar!!!!"
The man, now completely frustrated, asked his final question.
"In which direction is your Allah facing?"
The boy thought and thought.
He then asked for a candle. A candle was brought to him. The
blessed child handed it to the man and asked him to light it.
The man did so and remarked, "What is this supposed to
prove?"
The young boy asked, "In which direction is light from the
candle going?"
The man responded, "It is going in all directions."
The boy: "You have answered your own question. Allah`s light
(noor) goes in all directions. He is everywhere. There is no where that He
cannot be found.
"The crowd cheered
again...."Takbir!"...."Allah-hu-akbar!!!"
The man was so impressed and so moved by the boy`s knowledge and
spirituality, that he embraced Islam and became a student of the young boy.
So ended the debate.
Who was the young boy?
The young boy was one of our leaders and one of the greatest
scholars, Imam Abu Hanîfa (May Allah bless him).
Question:
What distinguishes the
Nation of Islam from traditional Islam? Why do they worship Elijah Muhammad?
Who is he?
Answer:
Islam and the so called
"Nation of Islam (NOI)" are two different religions. NOI is more of a
political organization since its members are not limited to a single faith.
Muslims consider this group to be
just one of many cults using the name of Islam for their own gain. The only
thing common between them is the jargon, the language used by both. "The
Nation of Islam" is a misnomer; this religion should be called
Farrakhanism, after the name of its propogator, Louis Farrakhan.
Islam and Farakhanism
differ in many fundamental ways. For example, Farakhan followers believe in
racism and that the 'black man' was the original man and therefore superior,
while in Islam there is no racism and everyone is considered equal in the sight
of God, the only difference being in one's piety. There are many other
theological examples that show the NOI's teachings have little to do with true
Islam. There are many groups in America who claim to represent Islam and call
their adherents Muslims.
Any serious student of
Islam has a duty to investigate and find the true Islam. The only two authentic
sources which bind every Muslim are
1) the Quran and
2) authentic or sound Hadith.
Any teachings under the
label of "Islam" which contradict or at variance with the direct
understanding of fundamental beliefs and practices of Islam form the Quran and
authentic Hadith should be rejected and such a religion should be considered a
Pseudo-Islamic Cult. In America there are many pseudo-Islamic cults,
Farrakhanism being one of them. An honest attitude on the part of such cults
should be not to call themselves Muslims and their religion Islam, such an
example of honesty is Bahaism which is an off-shoot of Islam but Bahais do not
call themselves Muslims nor their religion, Islam. In fact Bahaism is not Islam
just as Farrakhanism is not Islam.
The teachings of the
Nation of Islam are extremely far from mainstream Islam in all matters,
including those of doctrine. For example, Wallace Fard (known as Master Wali
Farrad Muhammad) who organized the Nation of Islam in Detroit, claimed to be a
prophet from Allah to the African American population.
Elijah Mohammad, who
took leadership after Fard disappeared, preached racism, stated that whites are
an inferior race. There is a lot that can be said about the difference between
the Nation of Islam and mainstream Islam. What we can tell you is that many
African Americans who joined the Nation of Islam learned about the correct
Islamic teachings and have joined the ranks of mainstream Muslims of all colors
and races.
In Islam, it has to be
blieved that Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) was the last prophet and his teaching
along with Quran are final. Somebody not believing on this is a Non Muslim.
