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Name
Saif
- United States
Profession
Engineer
Question
Why is it that after all the embarrassment of the Iraq war and the Bush poodle stuff, Blair will still win the British elections? Is it because the opposition is not strong or effective (just like the lousy Democrats in the US)?
Answer
Bismillah (In the Name of Allah)
It's very similar to the situation in the US as well as that in Australia, although there are other factors such as the pandering of the Conservatives to a right-wing discourse that frightens people from the rise of ultra-right wing party politics once again.
In addition, the media has been fairly successful in spreading a climate of fear and apprehension from any change at this stage. We must never underestimate the effect of fear and how that grips a nation into believing whatever they are told by the establishment or by the mainstream media.
However, my belief, In sha'a Allah, is that the main change that will occur in the next elections is that the majority of the Labour Government will be dramatically reduced, with the gap between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats (3rd party) also reduced, so that we have more of a competitive parliament and one where debates become more of a serious kind. In addition, the entry of the Muslim element and its influence will be as never before, both as voters as well as candidates.
Name
Raed
-
Profession
Question
What are the main challenges that faced Muslims in Europe during the year 2004?
Answer
There can be little doubt that the main challenge was how the community was to respond to the ongoing 'war on terror' in all its manifestation, the continued occupation of Iraq, as well as the anti-terror legislations that came into effect and threatened the community as a whole. In addition, there was a new challenge that emerged more clearly, which was the attack lead by media and so-called intellectual figures against Islam as a faith and an Ideology. Whilst previously, certain Muslim figures were the main targets for such attacks, it was Islam itself and its ideals and principles that are now the main target for such slanders. How the Muslims throughout Europe faced this challenge was very interesting indeed. There was also the challenge of the political participation and the success in finding a reasonable and effective discourse that would bear some fruit within the whole scheme of politics and the thrusting of candidates as a new generation of politically-aware Muslims emerged, who were adamant to impost their ideas and principles within the context of a European Islam and which would resonate with Muslim circles as well as the wider society.
Name
Mona Aziz
-
Profession
Question
To my knowledge, Muslims in Britain accomplished a political breakthrough during 2004. What made this political participation unique, so that other Muslims can benefit from it?
Answer
What made it unique in principle was the decision of the Muslim community to actually penetrate an arena which they had been told for far too long, by a variety of sources, they should attempt to enter. My personal belief is that the immense pressure which British Muslims were subject to in the aftermath of '9-11', lead them to a junction where they were to either reverse into a self-made cocoon and keep a 'low-profile' and wait 'for the storm to pass', or to actually come forward, prove themselves on all levels and prove that the choice that The choice that the world faces is not between either the discourse of the neo-Con, Zionist Right-wing element of eradication and demolition, or that of extremists within the realms of Islam. Rather we all had a third more reasonable, logical and humane option, in pursuing dialogue, constructive debate, pursuing objectives that promoted common interests and allowed for venues of discussion and even difference but within a civilized and just fashion. The fact that British Muslims lead the way in actually sharing platforms with all segments of society on a diverse array of issues (e.g. the anti-war movement, the social movement, the faith community, etc. etc.) proved to themselves that they had a tremendous amount to offer, and proved to all those around them that Muslims were indispensable and had a valuable contribution to make towards society on all levels and fronts.
Name
Farah
- Australia
Profession
Question
I know you were a president of MAB. Can you tell us the reason for all this fuss about it during the last visit of Sheikh Qaradawi?
Answer
This fuss was generated by the Zionist right-wing element within the media and politics to start with, but was then joined by the gay and women's rights movements. It was clear that this campaign against Sheikh Al-Qaradawi had nothing to do with his stand on homosexuality, or 'wife-beating' or Jews, etc. etc. Rather it was a campaign to tarnish the image and reputation of the most supreme authority to hundreds of millions of Muslims around the world. The Sheikh's discourse of balance and moderation and his denunciation of extremism and violence simply did not sit well with those who wanted to and continue to pursue to eradicate anything that would have people listen to the likes of Sheikh Al-Qaradawi.
Also, if the campaign was to prove success, and by the Grace of Allah, it was the most humiliating defeat of those elements, it would open the floodgates for a 'legitimate' attack on all those who listened to or followed the methodology of Sheikh Al-Qaradawi, i.e. the majority of Muslims. Obviously, after the Grace of Allah, we had the sincere efforts of your brothers and sisters in the Muslim Association of Britain who stood their ground and worked in a supremely professional and disciplined manner to defeat this vile campaign, as well, and possibly more importantly, the brave, courageous and principles stand of the Mayor of London Ken Livingstone, who refused to bow to the incredible pressure he and his staff came under, and still do. The continued stand of Mr. Livingstone in support of the hosting the Sheikh and promoting the rights, principles and ideologies of Muslims in London and beyond has been the greatest source of support, from which we have drawn our enthusiasm to counter this attack against the Sheikh, which ultimately wishes to discredit and defame Islam as a whole.
Name
Ally
- Tanzania
Profession
student
Question
ASSALAM ALYKUM
My question is that, currently I am in China as a student, am I supposed to pray Salatul-safar for the entire period while in China? and i will be here for three years INSHAALLAH
Ya Shekh, I need you fatwa
Thanks
Answer
Editor :
We are very sorry for not answering your question, as this forum is not dedicated for questions of this type. Please type your question in the live fatwa corner or Ask the Scholar service.
Name
Majid Ahmed
- United States
Profession
Question
I believe the level of success in any organization depends on how much it is based on different elements of the society. For example, I don't see much of influence for Muslim women in politics or in any public affair. Why did not MAB prepare qualified female media persons to defend at least the issues raised against women in Islam? The war on the rights of women in Islam is very strong, yet I never heard about female Muslim scholar talking publicly about this? Don't you see we are lacking in this regard? What can be done to solve this problem?
Answer
I agree generally on your argument, but would disagree with the fact that we haven't seen a positive and concerted Muslim women effort on a number of fronts. I could give as an example that we all saw in the UK, when France ratified the law to ban Hijab in public schools and workplaces, it was our sisters lead by the MAB women's Bureau and the Muslim Women's Society that organised the international campaign against the banning of Hijab, which ultimately lead to the formation of the Forum for the Protection of Hijab (Pro-Hijab) which has now more than 70 international organisations under its affiliation, many of whom are non Muslim. Also, we saw our sisters hold conference under the auspices of the Mayor of London and Government Ministers and they spoke at national and international conferences on issues pertaining to the rights of women as well as matters pertaining to Islamaphobia, racism and discrimination. If you were to see the photo that is often published by the international media regarding Sheikh Qaradawi's speech at the Hijab Conference at City Hall in London, you will see our sister Abeer Pharoun sitting next to the Mayor of London addressing the conference on this issue. Also, it was our sisters that took part in the demonstrations and marches against the war, and they spoke to crowds of hundreds of thousands every time with confidence and professionalism. However, I do agree with you that this needs to be promoted and developed into a culture for the participation of women in all aspects of Muslim effort throughout Europe and on all levels, social, financial and political.
Name
Abdelaziz Yunus
- Belgium
Profession
Question
Assalamualikum brother Anas. To be brief, my question is: Before 9/11 Muslim scholars engaged in so many debates with Christian figures. We heard about Sheikh Deedat and others who won so many people over to Islam. But I noticed that after the events of 9/11 Muslims started talking about dialogue and inter-faith interaction. I understand the importance of interacting with the society and making inter-faith coalitions, but what I could not understand now is: why did we stop talking about preaching Islam and winning more people over to our faith? Does political participation mean that we should forget our responsibility of da'wah? Thanks in advance.
Answer
Thank you Akhi Abdelaziz for your question. The simple answer would be that through political participation and inter-faith dialogue, we engage in the most positive forms of Da'wah and delivering the message, principles and objectives of Islam. Don't you think that by explaining to people why it is we are against the war, or against the ban on Hijab, that we have an incredible chance to tell people about Islam in action and not just in words. Also, by the Grace of Allah alone, the numbers of people embracing Islam since 9-11 has multiplied throughout Europe and those who have become friends of Muslims have increased many, many folds. I have personally seen this for myself in reality. I don't think that the best way forward is to engage in functions where we aim to prove others wrong. I think that this is counter-productive and will have others adopt their positions out of spite and stubbornness. I believe that the way forward, and indeed the way of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), is to engage with the public on issues where common principles of humanity, justice, fairness, freedom and human dignity are upheld and promoted. That way, it won't be a war of words and an attempt top belittle the other, but rather a campaign to bring out the goodness and the humanity in all parties involved, which has proven to be a far more efficient platform to delivering the message of Islam.
Name
khalid
-
Profession
Question
Did Muslims in Europe succeed on the economic level, I mean building strong financial structure to face challenges? Is it possible that British Islamic banks open branches in other European countries?
Answer
I think that this is an area where we are still lagging behind unfortunately. It is true that a number of Islamic financial institutions have emerged over the past few years and some have proven their success, alhamdulillah, but we are still behind when it comes to financial stability. We are also still behind where it comes to promoting a financial and economic manifesto for European societies unfortunately, but hopefully there are a number of initiatives that have been set up to come up with something in the foreseeable future, In sha'a Allah. I understand that the Islamic Bank of Britain, which has recently opened in the UK is looking to open other branches in Scandinavia and parts of Western Europe but only after it sees how well its British venture goes. In addition, I am frequently told of British and International corporations that are establishing 'Islamic banking and financial' facilities having realised the huge potential and the vast demand for such a service. Ultimately, we need to be a part of this evolutionary process and we need to understand the European dynamics of finance, markets and economics within the Islamic framework, which could be of beneficial to all, not only to Muslims.
Name
S. Khan
- Pakistan
Profession
Question
Why did Muslims in France deal very poor with the situation of Hijab despite of its great importance? We saw many attempts from outside France to counter the law, but we did not see the same endeavors from French Muslims? Is there any hope that the law can be changed?
Answer
I cannot speak on behalf of the brothers and sisters in France, and I'm sure that Islam on Line has hosted a number of guests who were able to speak on this issue better than myself. However, I accept your view that it seemed that French Muslims reacted rather late to the passing of the Law, and when they did, their reaction was less than effective. We do live in an age where we must be ready and fully prepared in advance for such moves and attempt to 'nip them in the bud' so to speak. But I also realise that it is often difficult to act as firmly and effectively as others want us to when the pressures from all sides are immense and the threats are great. In any case, I know that there are continued efforts by French Muslims to have this law overturned and the campaigns that are being held outside France are hopefully assisting them in that respect, In sha'a Allah.
Name
Aisah
- United Kingdom
Profession
Question
Why do Muslims start to talk about political participation and interaction with the society when certain attacks happen? I understand education and the sense of longing to one's original countries have caused the Muslim communities in Europe to lag behind for years. But what can be done today in order to raise awareness among the community about the importance of getting politically engaged?
Answer
I agree with you that this is a problem. It does sometimes seem like we are reinventing the wheel every time an election comes around or a chance to become active and engaged in politics arises. We have to understand that this is a process and that it will take time to instill political engagement as a culture within the education systems and mentalities of the community as whole.
However, and whilst I do sometimes despair, I can often see signs of us achieving that goal of activism and positive engagement with society through politics, especially in the younger generation who are more motivated and less hesitant when it comes to such a process. We must also understand that there are still some minor elements within the Muslim community who have no business but to drag back the entire community every time it has a chance to leap forward and achieve new heights of participation and engagement with society and life. However, I'm glad to report that these elements are also receding gradually.
Name
Ali Said
- United States
Profession
Question
What can be done more to counter islamophobia rather than writing articles and holding conferences?
Answer
We need to engage on a wider level of society. My personal experience tells me that it is through our interaction with others and our participation within establishments of civil society, that we can change perceptions. I often ask my Muslim audiences: how many are part of their local or national anti-drug or anti-crime campaigns? How many of us are members of organisations and charities that help the old-aged, or the terminally ill, or care for abused or orphaned Muslims? How many are prominent members of a campaign to raise the standards of education or health care etc. etc.? Aren't these issues which concern us as members of our societies? Unfortunately, we seem un-inclined for some reason, to become a true part of our societies through such 'real' projects which affect people on a daily basis.
Also, we need to build alliances, create friendships, initiate joint venture on different issues where we involve various sections of society...and yes, we must continue to write articles, hold conferences, take part in political campaigns, stand as candidates, vote and contribute to society in all its forms. If we succeed in doing so, we will, Insha'aAllah, create a change in perception and hence a change in attitude towards Islam and Muslims, and thus counter Islamophobia in the most efficient and constructive manner, Wallahu A'lam.
Name
Muslim
-
Profession
Question
What are the most prominent gains and losses in 2004, on the European level and not only Britain?
Answer
The most prominenet gains can be summarised as follows:
1) The rising level of efficiency in interacting with their wider societies.
2) The variable but steady success in facing the main challenges thust upon them.
3) Their variable but steady success in promoting a discourse that is both principled, relevant and acceptable to the wider society.
4) The emergence of a new generation of professional dedicated European Muslims who are mainly concerned with European issues within an Islamic framework.
5) The success in building alliances, joint ventures and friendships across their local societies on a variety of issues pertaining to the domestic as well as the foreign.
The main failures, could be summarised as follows:
1) The fact they ultimately failed in overturning certain legislation such as the ban on Hijab in France and other parts of Europe and anti-terror laws.
2) Political participation, whilst reaching unprecedented levels, remained at an unsatisfactory level across Europe.
3) The effectiveness of the Muslim community's discourse on 'Islamic' issues such as Palestine, Kashmir, Iraq, Chechnya and others, remained at a lower than required level across Europe, which held back the promotion of these issues within the context of European interests and humanity.
These are by no means exhaustive lists of successes and failures, but they are the main points that come to mind, in addition to the points that I have and will, Insha'aAllah, mention throughout this dialogue
Name
Melhem
- United Kingdom
Profession
Question
What are the main obstacles or challenges that are yet to be faced by European Muslims in the upcoming phase? What is your advice in this regard?
Answer
I continue to believe that we still haven't achieved the level of public social and political interaction that we are capable of. There is still a significant Muslim vacuum in the media, in politics, in social organisations and other elements of society and as long as this absence persists, these institutions will continue to promote a discourse that we have played no part in creating, and may even be to our detriment. I also foresee, Wallahu A'lam, that the campaign to defame Islam and Muslims will continue, and even be upgraded.
There is now a wide public debate about the freedom of expression and speech and this is used to attack Islam and their beliefs. How we react to that campaign, and instill a contribution that is both positive and reasonable to society at large, is one of the greatest challenges to come. Because we are also in favor of free speech, but not where it transgresses on other people's sacred beliefs. The discourse on the 'war on terror' still needs to be completed, and the initiation of alliances and joint ventures with all aspects of Europe societies whether it be on domestic or foreign issues needs to be developed. In addition, the attracting of the younger Muslims to a positive, constructive and efficient participation with their societies rather than adopting extreme unhelpful methods, is a great challenge that I see us winning, Insha'aAllah, but one we have to continue to face.
Name
Concerned Muslim
- United Kingdom
Profession
Question
After 9/11 I could positively say that I only hear politics and politics, as if politics is the answer and the solution for the miserable state of the ummah. Why don't we see the same attempt to revive people's iman and have them go back to the Qur'an and Sunnah so that Allah can help us with the least of efforts?
Answer
I agree that our effort needs to be comprehensive. I agree entirely that we need to continue to promote, preach and teach the strengthening of our levels of faith, practice and devotion to Allah and to our Islamic ideology. However, I think the main reason you 'only hear politics politics', is that this area in particular was one which we totally and absolutely vacated for far too long, and now we have realised the dangers that have emerged as a result. However, we need strong Muslims in politics, as we need strong and dedicated Muslims in all walks of life, so I agree that we need to be comprehensive in our approach and not discard any element of life, spirit or mind.
Name
Ashraf Tigani
-
Profession
Question
What are the reasons for this attacks on Muslims in Netherlands?
Answer
The main reasons are not entirely different from those that prevail in other Western European countries and which I have mentioned in a previous question. However, there are unique features of Dutch society that may add other elements to these phenomena. Netherlands prides itself on being an open and liberal society, to the extent that other European countries do not tolerate. Under this guise of liberalism and total freedom, attacks against Islam and Muslims are seen to be correct and proper as we have witnessed over the past few years in particular. Recently, however, it seems that a member if the Muslim community decided to take matters in his own hands and kill the director of a horrid and disgraceful film attacking Islam and Muslims. This was an act of murder that Dutch Muslims were correct to condemn, as we did here in the UK. But we must not disregard the context that led to such an attack, and we are now hearing of Dutch intellectuals questioning the success or failure of their idea of liberalism and whether it has created a society at ease with itself or one that is divided and fragmented. The strength of the Muslim community through its leading organisations and a firm but disciplined discourse is one way to guide Muslims to react to these vile attacks, and if we were to propose a weak platform for Muslims, we will find a few who will stray and decide to adopt a violent and physical counter attack. Ultimately we all suffer, Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
Name
Noureddine
- Belgium
Profession
Question
Sir, we live in a difficult period .But aren't we responsible for being divided? When will we unite if we do not unite under such circumstances? We have to act as one man after intern discussion. We have to help our friends and to boycott our enemies. All discussion about political participation becomes void if our respected leaders in Europe don't make us understand that we have to unite.
Answer
Thank you for your comment Brother, which carries a large degree of truth. However, I think that rather than saying we need to unite today or tomorrow, let us call for our aims, objectives and goals, to be fairly harmonious and unified, despite our bodies seemingly not. If we do that, then we would have achieved, what I believe, is a tremendous degree of unification. I also think that we must not stop working in anticipation of unity. We must work and continue to exert effort on all fronts, and with sincerity, devotion and discipline, we will achieve that aspiration of unity and harmony for the spread of good, humanity and justice Insha'aAllah
Name
Majid Ahmed
-
Profession
Question
Thank you for answering my question. My concern is we are in need of female Muslim scholars, more than one or two. They are many non-Muslims ladies preaching against the poor status of women, but they are no enough female Muslim ladies to even counter their arguments with texts and solid proofs of their faith. Do you agree with me?
Answer
Yes, I do agree. As I said in my previous answer, I think that we are seeing an emerging calibre of Muslim women who are and could play a significant role in the revitalisation of the Muslim discourse and effort in Europe, but our need is for far greater numbers, much higher standards, and scholarly efforts on the part of Muslim women. In order to achieve this, we need a concerted effort on the part of all segments of the Muslim community, both men and women, as well as concerned effort to have our education syllabi play a role in promoting the role of women on all levels. With time, and hopeful very little time, the attitude, mentality and culture of the community as a whole will be a helping element towards this aim, rather than a hindrance.
