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Name
Abdul Rahman
- Canada
Profession
Student
Question
Many westerners feel that Muslims are bullying them into their lifestyle, and day by day their hatred for Islam and Muslims is increasing. They think that Muslims have moved to the west with a hidden plot to take over the west and change it to a Muslim land. I totally agree with blasphemy laws, but how do we convince our non-Muslim friends that we are not here to bully them into the Muslim lifestyle? You probably realize what sort of messages are going around, and how many people are just waiting to wipe out the Muslims from Europe and the planet.
Answer
Bismillah (In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful).
Thank you Brother for your question.
True, there are those who perceive Islam and Muslims in a very negative way, fear the stand of Muslims, fear what it may bring and therefore take such negative stands as we have heard and seen over recent weeks. I think there is a mutual responsibility upon all those who share the lands that we all occupy, including Muslims. I personally don't think that legislation and laws, whether they be religious hatred, or blasphemy laws are necessarily the answer, but they may - just may - provide a temporary answer. I think there is an onus upon Muslims to adopt a discourse and a form of action that adheres to Islam, according to sound and firm knowledge. Also, it is upon Muslims to propagate education of themselves and those with whom they share land and bread. It is also upon Muslim organisations to collaborate with other organisations and bodies, governmental and otherwise to find ways to reducing racism, extremism, fanaticism and terrorism...that which comes from far-right groups, as well as those which emanate from those who claim membership oft he Muslim community. There are other steps that need to be taken and which I hope to cover in other questions, In sha'a Allah. Allah knows best.
Name
Ali Khan
- Canada
Profession
Student
Question
Assalam Alaykum.
Sir, Muslims from parts of the world have, I admit, made more out of this issue than it should be. But isn't this to a certain extent indicative of Europe's hidden racism unearthed. Since crusades where pictures of Muslims and prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, trampling Christians and their churches were used to incite hatred. And this cartoon incident is not new in terms of Islamophobic remarks and articles by Europe's press and various institutions. It seems like one issue is resolved and then we Muslims again must preach of us as peace loving people only to be the image squashed after a particularly derogatory article or picture. Your comments?
Answer
Thank you for your comment. I agree with much of what you have said; however I think that the issue may go a little wider or deeper than what you have portrayed. Yes, there is the deliberate incitement that occurs from time to time - indeed the re-publication of the images after it became clear how much they offended Muslims is a classic example of that-, but I sincerely believe that there is also the issue of misunderstanding. Many people have written or spoken to me over recent weeks, truly bewildered with why it is that such cartoons have caused so much anger and frustration throughout the world. A secular, possibly even a European religious, society fails to grasp the anger caused by these cartoons...and often they are afraid of what this means for them.
Also, I think we must put the cartoons within the wider context of incidents involving Muslims and Islam on a political, social and economic front. The Muslim world has come to suffer from the arrogance of the Western world over recent years, and it seems that the anger we saw world-wide was a loud and clear (enough is enough) statement on behalf of people oppressed for so long and so hard. In any case, and whilst we attempt to explain what happened, in no way do I condone the images of assault, flag-burning, looting of buildings, burning of properties and the incitement to kill that the media caught up on and claimed was the face of the Muslim anger. These matters we must reject loudly and be consistent with what we preach at all times.
Allah knows best.
Name
abdula
- United States
Profession
construction laborer
Question
they make three jummah prayers each friday in the same masjeed, the first prayer is one or two hours before zohur time. where is the daleel for this? i have asked them but none can answer.
Answer
I believe this question ought to be directed to the Fiqh query section of Islam on Line.
This very issue has generated a lot of tempo. The magnitude of the cartoons is by far less blasphemous than the book authored by Salman Rushdie. But I believe the crime deserves same punishment. Why can't someone or the whole Ulama worldwide follow the path of Ayatollah by giving fatwa on the issue so as to cool the tempo and punish the culprits or put them in the Salman's condition?
Answer
With due respect brother, I don't think that that the Fatwa issued by the Ayatollah in 1989 helped our cause, nor do I think that another will assist us in these times. In fact, I don't see the need or the validity of such a fatwa. We are in the business of stopping the spilling of blood, not of killing and advocating the killing of others, as much hurt and harm as they may cause. I often ask myself a question: what would the Prophet Muhammad, peace and prayers of Allah be upon him, do if he were alive and with us today? I personally believe that he would have dealt with the matter and responded in a much calmer and far more wiser way than what we have seen till now. We must show our anger, and resentment to this serious offence, and we must call for a stop to all matters that offend sacred elements of faiths -all faiths-, but do so in a calm, collected, prudent and legal manner, i.e. according to the ways of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. Allah knows best.
Name
Ahmed
-
Profession
Question
Do you think that we really need a new social contract in Europe? Do you have a specific call or idea that is need to be activated?
Answer
I believe that we have the principles of a social contract, which is essentially an accord amongst all the peoples that make up this continent to respect each other and refrain from offending them, inciting to harm them or causing them to become demonised and marginalised, hence compromising their rights as citizens and human beings. An important element to this is that Muslims must also enter into that contract and practice as they preach, and refrain from offending or inciting against others, as others are compelled to do with them. I think we have the basics of such an agreement, much of which can be derived from the seera of our noble Prophet Muhammad, peace and prayers of Allah be upon him, who initiated the contract of Madinah and guided his companions who migrated or travelled to other lands to do themselves. Essentially, Islam came to protect the mind, religion, honour, wealth and soul of people, and if we managed to find a method or a devise which would uphold these notions, then I think we would be on the right path. This idea definitely requires a collaboration of thinkers, intellectuals and scholars, and an agreement with others with whom we share land and bread. Allah knows best.
Name
Ra'uf
- Belgium
Profession
Question
Are we witnessing a clash of civilization that some right-wing parties and hardliners are triggering nowadays especially in the wake of Hamas winning and Ikhwan uprising in some countries and the fear from a forthcoming Islamic state?
Answer
I certainly hope not. Of course, it is a clash of some sort, but I certainly do not think that this is the clash that will see the erosion of one or the other, Allah knows best. You are right in that there are several tides turning, by the grace, infinite wisdom and grace of Allah Almighty, and I have little doubt that there are some within the West, and especially the right-wing, ultra-conservative and racist elements, that rue this turning and are attempting to light the fuse from this end of the spectrum. It is upon us to work in a unified manner, and to collaborate with the non-Muslim elements that share our views, positions and much of our human values, in order to marginalise those who wish for the clash of civilisations to happen as soon as possible, and work tirelessly to ignite that fuse, Allah knows best.
Name
Zaman Khurshed
- Guyana
Profession
teacher
Question
How would you call for calm dialogue if the European Union declared its full support to Denmark yesterday and refused any qualification to freedom of expression? It seems they are open for negotiations and there are some hidden elements inciting hatred with aview to dragging us into a cultural, if not military war....is that true?
Answer
Dear Brother, if not a calm dialogue, what then do you suggest? Yes my brother, I am and will continue to call for a calm dialogue and for us to utilise all the avenues that are available to us, whether they be legal, from the human rights perspective, through effective lobbying, through collaborating with all the elements of society that share our stand, etc. etc. One of the strands of the argument that I feel that we have not used well, is the status of freedom of speech in Islam. We must continue to assert that Islam is not opposed to the freedom of speech, in fact it advocates it and holds it very very highly indeed. Do we not read in the Holy Quran: 'There shall be no compulsion in religion'? What does that mean if not that people are free to think, to speak and then to believe as they wish...and their judgment is for Allah and Allah alone?
Indeed, we must assert that it was Islam that introduced the freedom for people to speak their minds, and hence we had the glorious civilisation that brought to the world, philosophy, art, science and technology, algebra, architecture and many more disciplines. Could such boom happen with the guarantee for people that their minds are free to ponder, roam and wonder? However, at the same time, we must assert that there is no such thing as absolute freedom, and that freedom comes with a responsibility not to offend, incite or harm others. I believe that if we were to adopt such a discourse, we would make much more progress than we currently are, Allah knows best.
Name
Heba
- Belgium
Profession
Question
Again we have to discuss not only integration but understanding between the different communities in Europe. How can we achieve understanding ? and do you agree with me that Understanding has to come first?
Answer
Thank you sister. Yes, I do agree. How could you sit down and talk with another party and attempt to reach a point of reconciliation without knowing them, and understanding their apprehensions and fears? We must admit that it is unacceptable to assume that a non-Muslim must respect and admire Islam as a Muslim would. If they did, they would be Muslims. However, we can agree to discuss what it is about Islam that they fear, disagree with and even dislike and reject, and enter into a dialogue in order to explain Islam's position on the matters raised. On some matters they may be won over, while others maybe not. However, if we agree to respect each other and not to offend each other's sensitivities, that would be enough for a first step in the right direction. Allah knows best.
Name
Hani Sallam
- United States
Profession
Question
How would we reach out in the wider community and convince people of the importance of this calm dialogue?
Answer
Thank you for that question, Brother. I'm not claiming for one second that it's going to be easy, or that everyone will join you from the outset. It didn't happen during the days of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and I doubt that it'll happen today. However, if we find a consensus of sorts among Muslims and other non-Muslim bodies and elements to endorse a strategy on how this dialogue can take shape, we may be on the right path towards convincing others. The main thing we need to bear in mind is that people are seldom swayed by talk, and more likely to be won over by actions. Therefore, we must be the first to make the initial step towards that dialogue forum. Allah knows best.
Name
Hajer
- Denmark
Profession
Question
With all respect to the Muslim scholars who called for the boycott of Danish products, let me ask you: Is it Islamic to punish all the Danish society because of the mistake of the newspaper? Do not you see it against the concept of justice?
Answer
I agree with you that collective punishment is not something Islam condones. Therefore, I take the position that flag-burning is wrong, because there are Danes who were totally against the publication of the offensive cartoons and supported Muslims in their protests, but were deeply offended and hurt when the flag of their country was burnt and humiliated around the Muslim world. I think we need to rethink that particular method of venting anger, especially when I consider how we would feel if someone somewhere burnt the flag of Saudi Arabia (with the word of Islam on it) or the Iraqi flag (with Allahu Akbar) on it, in return.
However, I don't put the boycotting of Danish goods in the same category. I actually believe that we must effect pressure on the Danish government and people to change their ways and their stands in regards with what happened, and to choose not to consume Danish products for this reason, I believe, is a mature and effective way of showing dissent and resentment. Also, let's not make any mistake, Denmark is not going to starve, as did Iraq over 13 years of economic sanctions. It will lose business and lose profits, and it must realise that its actions and stands have consequences, including economic consequences, so that they take a more measured approach to such matters in the future. Allah knows best.
Name
Omar Kenien
- United Kingdom
Profession
Question
There seems to be a deliberate intention to distract the Muslims' attention by yesterday publication of Abu Gharaib new picutres? Do you agree? If yes, why would they do that by something that deepens animosity towards the west and America in particular.
Answer
I'm not sure whether it was a deliberate attempt to distract. If it was, then it has misfired badly. In fact I think that the printing of these images has made more and more people in Europe who were previously baffled by why it was that Muslim were so angry, made these people now understand some of the roots of that anger. When I wrote my article in the Guardian last Friday, I got many hostile messages attacking me and my view and accusing me of being someone who had nothing better than to blame the world for my faults. However, after the images were published and after the video clip of British soldiers beating up young Iraqis in Basra, I got several messages from the same people who attacked me, saying that they could now understand the scenes of anger and where that anti-western stand came from (which I do not submit to, by the way).
Name
Mujahid
-
Profession
Question
Why the PM of Denmark is insisting not to officially apologize for the Muslims? And why Muslims force him to do if they know it is not going to happen, as he says 'it is most likely to be impossible'?
Answer
I personally have no sympathy for the Prime Minister of Denmark. When the cartoons were first shown in September, the Muslims and council of Ambassadors requested a meeting with him, and he refused outright to meet with anyone over this matter. His remarks have been extremely bad, and he has only changed the tone of his voice when he realised the pressure him and his country were under as a result of this. His refusal to apologise is because of the fact that the press is independent in Europe and has nothing to do with the government. However, those living in the West will realise that things aren't that simple. We have had occasions when politicians have apologised for something that was printed in their press, when it put a commercial deal at risk or angered a powerful neighbour. And since he has climbed down from his initial position not to meet anyone over this matter, to actually pleading with Muslims to meet with him, and offering to apologise (albeit not completely), then maybe we can push him that step more and have him come out to actually denounce this incident and call on an enquiry on why this has happened, and what can be done in the future to prevent it from happening again. Allah knows best.
Name
Shema
- South Africa
Profession
Student
Question
Assalaamu Alaikum brother.
We have been having discussions recently over whether to economically boycott Danish products on the market. But with the rapid publication of those cartoons in other European media, one wonders whether that is indeed the right and indeed feasible strategy. Should we be responding to the violations to that 'social contract' (when Islam is under attack as with the case of the cartoons) to boycott, as we once did for Israeli goods? How successful can they be in the end? I ask this, as someone who's concerned as to how to act most effectively in those circumstances, as economic boycott could potentially be one of the best 'weapon' the Muslims have at this point in time (rather than the distasteful violent protests that have ensued since). Your comments? shukran (thanks).
Answer
Thank you very much. Once again, I agree that we need to be constructive, even in our anger and protest. I also agree that boycotting is one of the most effective and politically mature means of exerting pressure in order to bring about change. It would be almost impossible to ask people to boycott the products of 6 or seven European countries, not forgetting New Zealand and others outside Europe who also published these images. However, if we can pressure Denmark into understanding the offence it caused Muslims and having the government understand that it cannot allow such matters to occur once again in the future, I think we would be sending a strong message to all other countries who intend to demonstrate a similar disregard. Allah knows best.
Name
NJm
-
Profession
Question
How do we educate Muslim ummah to be more knowledgeable about our religion so we can practice it more effectively and explain to people the true beauty of Islam and how do we try to remove the misconception that links Islam to violence even though all the other religions have wars in their history only Islam is connected with wars, How do we educate ourselves in this regards to explain it to non-Muslims?
Answer
It's easier for us to educate ourselves than to educate others about the aspects you mention. We have the holy Quran, the seerah and the ways of the companions and good predecessors as a guide to how we should conduct our affairs and behave in regards with dealing with the intimidation and accusations of others. We also have ample resources and scholars who tell us about the essential message of Islam and how not to contravene that message. However, the difficult bit is reflecting that unto others. We must behave as true Muslims, and not just talk it. We must act as Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) did, at times of prosperity as well as difficulty, and as he (peace and blessings be upon him) dealt with Muslims and non-Muslims on all fronts and levels. Maybe when we do that (and I do emphasis the aspect of behaviour and conduct), we will see the fruits of this, especially if accompanied with sincerity and a true intention (niyyah). Allah knows best.
Name
amatullah
-
Profession
Question
Salaam. We Muslims should show Western countries Religion of Islam is everything to us. We love Allah and our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) more than ourselves and our family. We will tell over and over how upset we are. If they don't leave our religion alone then why not showing we don't tolerate any more?
Answer
I think that the world is getting the message of how much Muslims (even non-practicing Muslims) are attached to their religion and identify therewith. If we can take these formats of protest one step further and initiate a constructive dialogue amongst our European and western societies, then I believe we could reach far in arriving at a stage where there is overwhelming mutual respect and appreciation.
Name
Vincent
- Morocco
Profession
Student
Question
It is really a shame some brothers and sisters are taking this cartoon so seriously to the point of acting like idiots. Free speech. Democracy. Something Muslims in the East should focus on and get used too. I think the best response to such photos, which are legal and in fact good for society (we as peoples can discuss hard issues like this) is to smile and correct people if they want to listen. Violence and protest and threats just make us look like wild freaks...let's get over it and try to show people by example how peaceful we are.
Answer
I think we mustn't confuse our rejection of all acts of violence, incitement, abuse, looting, burning and the such which we saw occur in certain places, with our right as Muslims to stand up and show our frustration and rejection of the publication of these images. The images were offensive and depicted our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) in a number of totally unacceptable and offensive manners. I welcome the unified anger shown by Muslims world-wide. It demonstrated that they were still alive and that the depiction of the Prophet in that way infuriated them. However, I agree with you that on some occasions, the response was, I would say, un-Islamic. We should totally reject burning buildings, threatening people's lives, looting or burning flags. That is unacceptable. Allah knows best.
Name
Larry
- United States
Profession
Question
Dear Sir, Europe’s claim of freedom of speech is farce because we can see now that they can not discuss certain things. This lie shows that Europeans are not yet as civilized as they think they are. What can Muslims do to help Europeans rise from their barbaric cultural values so we can teach them matters of civility and respect?Thank you.
Answer
Thank you for your question. I agree with you that the claim that it was under the premise of Freedom of Speech that these cartoons were published, is a false one. Freedom of speech is not and can never be absolute and infinite, and the areas for which I would be prosecuted by law or lampooned by the media or certain sectors of society if I were to mention, constitute a fairly lengthy list. Also, Freedom of speech does not in any way constitute a mandate to offend and insult, and it comes with degree of responsibility. I am still a staunch believer that we as people, Muslims and otherwise, can and should be able to co-exist in an atmosphere of mutual respect for each others' sensititvites. Islam welcomes dialogue and debate. In fact the Quran invited people to ponder, question and argue in the best of ways. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) never censored any question posed by any of his companions or any of his adversaries, and he always made sure to listen and then respond courteously and in a highly disciplined manner. If we agree that we can also do the same, I should have no problem with facing questions about my faith, my religion or any aspect thereof. However, what we often face is the trading of insults and the hurling of abuse and offence at one another. We must work hard to combat that particularly destructive process.
Name
zainab
- Sweden
Profession
Question
assalamualaikum.
I've been following the controversy, more or less.. I think it's no use writing angrily to people or arguing with them.
Perhaps we should use this as an opportunity to present the reality of the Holy Prophet SAW to our non Muslim neighbors without any reference to the controversy.. when interest in him saw is probably awake right now, this is a great opportunity to convey information about him to others.
Answer
Thank you very much sister. I think you've hit the nail right on the head! Yes, indeed the person most mentioned throughout the world today is the Noble Prophet Mohammed (ppbuh), and it is a golden opportunity to tell people all about him. I came across a wonderful effort by a brother to collect statements of non-Muslims on the Prophet, his character and achievements, and how he would have dealt with the world's problems today. I found it to have an astounding effect on those who read it. Wallahu A'lam.
Name
Mohamed
- Canada
Profession
Civil Service
Question
In some respects the cartoon controversy has revealed a wide gap in the way Western Muslims and Muslims in Muslim majority countries respond to such provocations. The violence displayed by Muslim majority countries has shed a terribly negative image of Muslims, and in some ways has hurt our efforts in the West. In a global village, how can we mitigate the risks to Muslim interests in the West?
Answer
Thank you for that Akhi.In actual fact I think that the vast majority of Muslims around the world demonstrated their anger and protest in an admirable manner. A few did unfortunately transgress and hence were caught by the media's cameras and that was the image that was transmitted to the whole world. I believe that we mustn't think of a disparity between Muslims in the West and their brothers and sisters living in the East. We are one nation and we advocate the interests and benefits of each other, as well as for the entire mankind, as is commanded by Allah Almighty and his Prophet (ppbuh). Wallahu A'lam.
Name
Hani Sallam
-
Profession
Question
How would you justify economic boycott while America where the Qur'an, the word of Allah, was desecrated and the neither the same outrage nor calls for boycott were made?
Answer
Actually, such a call was made, and many Muslims around the world continue to boycott Coca Coal, MacDonalds and other US multinationals. But we must realise that it's not just the economic boycott that we can use as a means of exerting pressure. It is a comprehensive holistic approach that we must learn to adopt, amongst which the economic boycott is an element.
Name
Raad
-
Profession
Question
Are you against anti-Semitic cartoons? Why?
Answer
I'm not sure how you discovered that I am in favor of or against anti-Semitic cartoons, as that wasn't part of the discussion. In any case, I am saddened that you seem to have adopted the myth of anti-Semitism as propagated by the Zionist movement. However, if you were to ask me, then I would clearly say that I am totally against any cartoons or offences against any race or religious group of people simply because of who they are, but of what they do. I am not an anti-Semitic, because if I was, then I would support attacks against my Palestinian brothers and sisters who themselves are Semites. However, I am very much against Zionism, and against Israel. I hope that I have clarified my position.
Name
Taj
- United Kingdom
Profession
Teacher
Question
Essalamalaikum warahmatulla,
my question is that why is it that certain people are promoting the clash of civilizations scenario when we know that Islam is a religion for all times and cultures.Even Muslims are promoting fukiyamas thesis argument.
Answer
Wa Alaykum Assalam Wa Rahmatullah. Islam does not invoke or promote such a clash which will see the erosion of the other. Islam promotes the co-existing of all people, and the constructive attitude of Muslims at all times and with all people. Indeed, Islamic civilization taught the world the new concept of the continuation of civilizations, where one generation learns from the one before it, rather than the eradication of generations. Therefore Muslim scientists and scholars used the knowledge that had been written by Greeks and Romans and carried it forth for others to develop and adopt. I think there is a crucial need for further discussion among Muslims regarding this issue.
