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Name
Mahmoud
- United Kingdom
Profession
Question
How do you interpret the several recent attacks on Islam and Muslims, especially in famous newspapers and magazines? It is Islamphobia or a war against Islam and Muslims?
Answer
What is being written about Islam is horrible. It is ridiculous and amounts to insanity. It appears to be an open season against Islam and Muslims.
There are three types of writing visible in most newspapers and magazines: offensive, ignorant, and aggressive. Offensive writing is usually done by those who are either from Christian right or Zionist circles. Ignorant writing is done by those who are still living in a cocoon of ignorance without making an attempt to research and find facts. Aggressive writing is done by those who are politically motivated and who want their aggressive writing to serve a specific political purpose.
So, it is a combination of anti-Islam and Islamophobia as well as ignorance that has resulted in attacking on Islam. In the last 12 months, some 900 articles have appeared in major newspapers in the world and some 83 percent are offensive written by Christian right or Zionists.
Name
Samir
-
Profession
Question
Is islamphobia a good term to describe the relationship between Islam and the West? The term echoes a state of fear on the part of receiver? Do you think the west fear Islam or they fear some attacks from groups of Muslims who have been thinking of the west as an enemy?
Answer
There are groups in the West that hate Islam both in religious sense and political sense. These groups have tried to use different techniques to spread lies and hatred against Muslims and Islam. Sometimes, they are overt in their condemnation of Islam and sometimes they are subtle.
Islamophobia is described as a state of mind where ignorance about or biased opinions against Islam have created unknown fears in the mind of average person who has no time to explore the faith on the basis of his knowledge. One has to go deeper to study those biased opinions and statements of ignorance and find out their sources of origin.
Most of the biased opinions against Islam have their origin in the writing of early European writers who had Christianity as their faith. They described Islam as a religion of terror, the Prophet as a pedophile, companions of the Prophet as bandits and Islam as a faith that reduces human beings to non entity and places non-Muslims in the worst kind of social order. They projected Islam as a religion of misogynist.
Leaders like Calvin and Martin Luther who are described as the champions of the modern Protestant movements in Christianity promoted these ideas and wrote extensively against Islam. Their followers are following their path and using the opinion of their leaders to project a negative image of Islam in the modern context.
However, this is also a reality that the September 11 attacks in New York have shaken the average person in America and the West. Most of them feel vulnerable to attacks coming from some Muslim groups who have nurtured hatred against the US.
Name
Aisha
-
Profession
Question
I don't understand one thing. When it comes to Christianity, there is nothing called Christianophobia, and when we talk about Judaism, there is nothing called Judaiophobia. Why it is only attached to Islam? Who is behind these kind of terms that instills nothing but the culture of hatred and fear?
Answer
Most of those who have written against Islam during the last 500 hundred years are either extreme liberals, or extreme right wing Christians or extreme Zionists. The number of those who are highly ignorant is in fact in minority.
At times, Muslims thought that ignorance is the cause of negative attitudes towards Islam. It is not ignorance that feeds hatred against Islam. It is a campaign that is run actively by those who view Islam as a challenge to their political and religious superiority.
Extreme liberals view Islam as a religion that curtails extreme freedoms in all walks of life. Extreme Right wing Christians view Islam as a religion that does not believe in the final battle between Jews and Jesus before the establishment of the kingdom of God on earth. Extreme Zionists view Islam an anti-thesis to their design to control pieces of lands stretching from Nile to Euphrates.
In modern times, right wing Christians and Zionists have joined forces while liberals are singing the same tone without playing their music.
Name
Nour
-
Profession
Question
Is Islamophbia a political state created by some missionaries that are jealous about the spread of Islam or a distorted picture about Islam and Muslims
done randomly by the media?
Answer
As explained earlier, there are three trends visible in the world as far as Islam is concerned. People are hateful of Islam, People are fearful of Islam, People are ignorant of Islam. Those who hate Islam come from right wing Christian and Zionist ranks. Those who are fearful of Islam come from extreme liberal ranks. Those who are ignorant come from the ranks of those academicians or media people who are still refusing to learn about the faith from direct sources. All three have developed a distorted the picture of Islam and Muslims. They try to fit every action of Muslims in this distorted picture. For instance, if they find a few Muslims engaged in violence, they would find its roots in the religion. However, if they find a few Christians or Jews involved in violence, they would not blame their religion for that.
In the US, some 400 people die every week in Gun violence. Yet no one in the media blames Christianity or Judaism for that. While the fact is that those who support Gun lobby in the country are primarily right wing Christians and Zionists.
Name
MF
-
Profession
Question
1) Are we living in a time which our Rasool (Prophet) indicated that there will be a time when Muslims will be in great numbers but they will be treated like filth and it will be made difficult to practice or even calling yourself Muslim?
2) I have seen on several occasions that a number of scholars come out on this site and condemn any wrongful act done by any Muslim groups but they keep mum in criticizing US, Europe or any other western power for doing injustice. How such scholars are going to face Allah (SWT)?
Answer
We do not know if we are living in that time predicted by the Prophet. Who knows that coming years may be the worst times for Muslims? However, the intention of the Prophet was to warn Muslims against apathy and indifference to their religion. He wanted Muslims to be vigilant and always proactive to prevent such a condition. Unfortunately, we are failing to do what he wanted us to do.
Muslim scholars have regularly condemned acts of aggression committed by the West as well as the US.
Name
Muhammad Sulaiman
- Pakistan
Profession
Question
We know that Non-Muslim world has strange tendency of phobia from ISLAM, though we are on receiving ends now.
What shall we do to get Muslims UNITED which makes our opponent fear & shall we not resolve inter-sect issues within different groups of ISLAM to be real power ?
How can we practically help Palestinians & where can we send funds for them?
Answer
There are problems within our ranks. The Muslim world is a highly divided world on ethnic, racial and financial lines. Despite the fact, we have huge natural and material resources; a great majority of our people lives in poverty and poor health. There is persecution of those who have political views opposed to ruling elites.
We have little respect for knowledge. We tend to live in ignorance. For instance, most of the western businesses that are making their inroads in the Muslim world are controlled by those who are either right wing Christians or Zionists or their supporters. Yet, Muslims tend to support those businesses in the name of progress.
We are in this state of affairs because we have abandoned a very fundamental principle of our religion that is serving others selflessly. As long as we as individuals, communities and nations served others, we were united and respected. When we became selfish and stopped caring for others, we found various ways to divide ourselves.
The struggle for Palestine is a long struggle. It is not going to be resolved in the near future. Palestinians and Muslims may have to give more sacrifices to achieve dignity for the Palestinian people. However, our struggle must be peaceful and it must never resort to violence, no matter, how brutal the enemy may be.
There are several funds such as Arena run by the United Nations or the Palestinian Authority to run charities for Palestinian people. You can find out about them from internet sources
Name
ABU SAIDA
-
Profession
POSTAL OFFICER
Question
Assalamu `alaykum, what would be the main cause of Islamophobia? Is it ignorance or do the west lack the true knowledge of Islam which we haven't been doing our duties, or is it that they want to degrade Islam? May Allah (swt) reward you!
Answer
I explained earlier that there are three main reasons for the prevailing negative attitudes about Islam.
1. Ignorance: Some people are really ignorant because they are either lazy or too pre occupied with other things to learn about Islam.
2. Hatefulness. There are people who hate Islam for what it is. They view Islam as a threat to their survival.
3. Fearfulness: There are those who genuinely fear that their lifestyle will be impacted once Islam becomes part of their life.
Name
khan
- India
Profession
buisnessman
Question
Asalamualikum warehmat u lai wa barkatahu. Someone is working in a Travel Agency as a Guide and having salary. During the travel with the tourist, during the shopping he get commission from the show rooms where tourist buy things, Is this commission haram or halal. If it is Haram what should he do? Because he works from so many years he doesn't know how many tourists has bought and how much. Walakum salam wa rehmatu lai wa barkatahu.
Answer
It is an interesting question, but not related with the subject matter of this dialogue. Please submit it to another session that deals with this subject.
Editor:
Please forward your question to the Fatwa Service at this website.
I think this Islamaphobia is seen even with the Muslims the moment some imam says something which is not liked, Muslims start to debate on it. What do you have to say on this?
Answer
Islam always allows for debates and open discussions. Islam does not want people to blindly follow everything. The Qur’an describes itself as a message for people who think and reflect on the signs created by the Divine. However, the debates must be run on the basis of knowledge and not on the basis of emotions. Our problem is that those who claim to be our imams or leaders are themselves ignorant about our faith.
The followers are equally ignorant. In the absence of knowledge, we tend to focus on our emotions to win the argument hurting ourselves and our religion.
Knowledge is the key to open the door of unlimited pastures. But we must also know how to tread those pastures.
Name
Nurai
- Netherlands
Profession
Question
Salaam,
I think that where I live have been a model of Islamophobia. And I actually agree with the point that the motives are mainly politic. However, sometime I am stunned with this collective short term memory (see la belle epoque in Europe beginning last century). We are really harmed by this and more or less suffering as a result of this Islamophobia(and we do not know where it is going to). Isn't there anyone who thinks that this will be a longterm problem? It is not like the Islamic community will forget about this hostility toward a considerable part of the society.
I mean it is not like I am pro-violence or something. However, things will never be the same. For instance, a few years me and my Islamic colleagues (university students)were really excited about graduating and being part of this multicultural society. Now all we think about is how to get a job being a Muslim and wearing a hijab. It is a sad situation.
Answer
We should not forget, but we should forgive and move on. We should relate with people, common people, ordinary people; people who live in our neighborhood and go to our schools and colleges; people who work in the office we go. We must be what Islam wants us to be, calm, clean, clear, courageous, confident, conspicuous, candid, and concerned. Perceptions will change when people will change their attitude at grass roots levels. Each one of us is an ambassador of Islam wherever we are. We must do whatever we can to discharge our responsibilities.
Name
Saima
- United States
Profession
Student
Question
As-Salamu `Alaykum, first of all, brother, I would like to thank you for your time and ask Allah the Almighty to reward you for your efforts. I would like to know if there is anything that I can do to spread the truth here in the States? I am still studying, but I am trying to educate myself also in my religion, and I would like to write an article in a newspaper, magazine, or contribute something, because I think that this is a way that I could do my share in representing my religion. Do you have any suggestions? Jazak Allahu Khairan
Answer
I am also in the United States. I am the director of the Islamic Society of Nevada, in Los Angeles. I also edit the weekly Muslim Observer as well as the Minaret magazine. Additionally, I am also involved in a political group called the Muslim Electorates' Council of America. Through these forums, I try to make contributions to my faith and my community and country.
You may also join a group in your city or state. You may definitely submit your articles to your local newspapers. If there are no groups in your city or state, you may form one to serve your faith and community.
You may volunteer your time to help the poor, the needy, the under privileged and the deprived. You may join the inter-faith activities.
You may contact non-Muslim religious organizations to talk to them about Islam etc.
A lot can be done and is being done by Muslim youth in the US. Your involvement will be a tremendous boost to the existing activities
Name
Frank
- United States
Profession
Beamon
Question
As-Salamu `Alaykum, brother, what you have is an attempt to discredit Islam, as an alternative form of governance to Western so-called democracies. There are many tenets of the Islamic faith that stand in stark contrast. Interest, ruled by man, and a society based on piety as compared to consumerism. What factors have you identified which might be in agreement with my theory? Do you think it has some validity?
Answer
There are similarities and differences between all systems of government. Islam provides a value framework for people to run their affairs.
Islam places importance on freedom with responsibility, social justice, moral consciousness and common interests of people.
Islam proposes that through mutual consultation and active involvement of people, issues concerning people can be resolved.
Modern democracies seek the involvement of people in decision making process, but do not give them actual forums to participate. Decisions are normally taken by their representatives based on what they hear from lobbies, etc.
Our efforts should be to have an understanding of those divine values that define our role in our societies.
Name
Muslimah
-
Profession
Doctor
Question
As-Salamu `alaykum, I want to know is this really a thing Islamophobia or are 'they' out to 'finish' ISLAM (of course they will never succeed). Previously the west was frightening the world about the 'dangers' of communism and now they think they can do the same to ISLAM. Is it IMAM Mehdi that they are looking for in Afghanistan?
Answer
Forces of truth have always faced evil in their struggle to live the divine guidance. Islam in its historical sense has always confronted people and groups who were determined to destroy it. The struggles of Prophets Noah, Abraham, Jesus, Moses, and Muhammad, peace be upon them, are a living testimony to that.
Previously, the church was responsible for most of the attacks against Islam. Many of the early church leaders thought as has been documented in their writings that Islam would be finished if it is described as an anti-Christ or a religion of plunder and terror.
These days the right wing Christians have infiltrated governments in several countries such as the US, Ukrain, Lithuania, Georgia, Poland, and England. They are using the political resources to serve their religious interests. In their egalitarian message of Islam with emphasis on monotheism and direct relationship with the divine are dangerous for their brand of Christianity. In their view such a faith would destroy their institutional base and financial power that they have built over centuries.
They want to finish off this Islam by all means. They are writing books, articles and preparing movies as well as pouring billions in the world to convert Muslims into Christianity. Yet, they are finding it hard to serve their purposes.
Name
Khadija
-
Profession
Question
Islamophobia cannot better describe the current situation of non-Muslims towards Islam. Anti-Islamism is a better word, what do you think? Same like Anti-Semitism.
Answer
As explained earlier, there are several trends within the negative trends against Islam in the West. One of them is Islamophobia, the other is anti-Islam and the third is ignorance. All three are equally dangerous.
Unfortunately, in our times anti-Islam forces have become very active as they have enlisted the services of governments to serve their purpose.
Name
Sister
- United States
Profession
Student/Mother
Question
As-Salamu `Alaykum, Brother, and may Allah reward you and guide you in your lifelong journey in spreading truth and fighting falsehood.
In looking at the ever prominent issue of Islamophobia that plagues the world, I think that it is incumbent upon Muslims, particularly second generation Muslims living in the West, to take it upon themselves to, first of all, educate themselves in their own religion, in order to be proper ambassadors to the cause that is Islam.
Secondly, I strongly urge myself as well as others to stop hiding behind the role of the "victims," and strive to educate those around them as to what true Islam is.
By learning and living the model of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) those around us will learn from our mere characters the truth that is.
There are people out there who want to know the truth, and if we don't represent ourselves, then we will be represented by those who strive to misrepresent us.
Answer
You are absolutely right, sister. It is true that there are forces that are determined to project Islam as an evil faith.
Our job is to fight back in a peaceful and dignified manner with words as well as with actions.
If they accuse us being derogatory to non-Muslims, let us work to help the living conditions of homeless, drug victims and rape victims who in the west mostly come from Christian or Jewish faiths.
If they accuse us of being disrespectful to women by forcing them to wear hijab, let us work hard to stand for the rights of those 40 percent Christian and Jewish women who are beaten and physically and sexually abused by their husbands, fathers and brothers who also come from Christian ranks.
We must do whatever we can to present the true picture of Islam.
Of course, there are problems in our families and communities and we must address those problems without blaming others for those.
Name
Um Husein
- Palestine
Profession
teacher
Question
As-Salam `Alaykum, dear brothers and sisters, Dr. Aslam, do you think that we as Muslims try enough to present the right image about our faith? Don't we leave Muslim minorities in the west alone to try to defend us and our faith from these vicious attacks? May Allah reward you and bless you all.
Answer
You are right. We Muslims have also not done our part to project a humane picture of Islam. We do not take care of our needy, neglected, helpless, powerless, poor and unhealthy as well as uneducated and deprived. We take pride in our racial and ethnic identity than our Islamic roots. We are not united in our zeal to serve God in all aspects of life.
We must do our part to live the divine message and His help will always be there to uplift us.
Name
Sam
-
Profession
Question
Dear Sir, Islamophobia is a serious issue for Muslims everywhere today. Do you think that Muslims themselves have contributed to this? When non-Muslims see that in so called "Muslim States", people are tortured, denied a voice, women are denied the right to drive or work and that people are suppressed and oppressed by corrupt and authoritarian rulers, does this not scare people away and reaffirm their stereotypes?
Furthermore, Non-Muslims believe that Islam is a religion of hatred, violence and intolerance. It becomes very hard to refute these arguments when they point to Muslims blowing up other Muslims and mosques. Is it not partly our fault for the sectarian violence that exists today?
When Muslims hate other Muslims and are exhibiting zero tolerance for anybody who doesn't share their exact beliefs 100%, what kind of message does it send to non Muslims and critics who use every opportunity to propagate their blatant distortions of Islam? I believe that if we all fulfilled our duty as Muslims we wouldn't be in such a mess today. What are your opinions?
Answer
The problems you have identified are not exclusive to Muslim societies or countries. They are also not exclusive to our times.
The responsibility of an analyst or true researcher is to view things in their right perspective and develop of an understanding of the situation so that it can either be improved or corrected.
Those who view violence or denial of rights to women or non-Muslim as an extension of Islam or the divine message are judging a religion based on their biases. If they were genuine, they could have pointed out that it is the misuse of religion resulting in these actions.
Name
Hayya
-
Profession
Question
Dear scholar, one way or another Islamophobia also happen to Muslims. I know this because many of my friends call Muslims who are oppressed like the ones in Iraq and Palestine as terrorists. They say that Muslims that are not with US, are terrorists. What should I say to defend Muslims and to knock their heart that some people want to brainwash us, Muslims, and shallowing our deen (religion) and tawheed (monotheism)?
Answer
It is a long struggle. Truth always takes a toll. We must explain the just struggle of Muslims for dignity in a calm and reasonable manner without being angry at others.
We must explain the real sufferings of our people resulting from some of the policies adopted by the US. Probably, people will listen one day.
Name
Rauf
-
Profession
Question
How do you evaluate the role of imams coming from Arab and Muslim countries in combating Islamophobia? Are they playing an active/negative role? Why? If not, what are the ways to improve the performance of imams and Muslim preachers to do a better role?
Answer
I feel that imams and religious leaders coming from Arab and Muslim countries are, in general, not qualified to combat the tirade against Islam. Most of them do not have command over native language or culture. Most of them do not understand the country and community. Most of them lack articulation and comprehension. Most of them are not up to the challenge. Most of them do not read the literature that is being written about and against Islam. Most of them are misfit. They are there because some of their acquaintances have brought them there to do a favor to them or to win a favor for themselves.
These imams need to be trained in modern skills of communication. They should be well versed in literature written about Islam and Muslims. They should be able to develop an intellectual response that is grounded in facts.
