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Name
Emma
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Profession
Question
AA, what is your view of the work of organizations such as MAB, MPAC, ISB and others?
Would you recommend British Muslims join such groups, and become politically active?
Allah Hafiz..
Answer
Wa`alykum As-Salaamu Warahmatullahi Wabarakaatuh!
Political representation is a must for the Muslim community, but it must truly and realistically reflect the diverse constituency of Muslims in the UK and not be the exclusive domain of a few. I would therefore like to see more organizations affiliating with or having some real form of representation in such bodies. Also we should not be self-serving, joining a cause simply because there is some benefit only for ourselves. We are here for public welfare of the society and mankind at large.
Thanks!
Name
Jonathan
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Profession
Question
May I ask about the image of the Muslims in UK now? Is there any difference between this image now and before 11-9-2001?
Answer
There is no doubt that the image of the Muslims and Islam has been tarnished by the events of 11-9-2001 both in the UK and worldwide.
In the UK, the settled Muslim community was slowly building links and bridges into the wider society. 11-9 has impeded this process and created an environment of mistrust. Although it is entirely wrong to identify Muslims with terrorism, the Muslim community in the UK is now scrutinized because of the terrible acts of terror committed by the 11-9 hijackers.
However, there is also an increased interest in Islam in the part of non-Muslims and, therefore, there is a room for dialogue and understanding.
Thanks.
Name
Abdullah
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Profession
Question
As-salaamu `Alaykum!
The US has a higher revert rate than the UK. I understand that it is Allah alone Who guides and misguides; but in terms of strategy, what can we learn from the US model that can be implemented in the UK.
Answer
Wa`alykum As-Salaamu Warahmatullahi Wabarakaatuh!
In order to answer your question correctly I would need to profess knowledge of the American Muslim 'scene', which unfortunately I do not know.
However, what I do know is that Muslims in America are more involved in community based activities, lobbying, and dialogue. This is where we can perhaps improve ourselves. We need to engage on the personal level with non-Muslim friends, neighbors, work-mates, fellow students etc.,
I believe the Prophet (SAW) has spread Islam through his personal contact with people.
Regards!
Name
Iqbal
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Profession
Question
Salaam! Would I be disloyal to Islam if I joined the British Army? Shouldn't Muslims be active in all fields and professions? Thanks!
There is nothing wrong in defending one's country, but it is wrong for a country to transgress against others. Joining the British army for purposes other than defending the country against invasion or aggressive attacks may be problematic for Muslims.
Thanks!
Name
Munni
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Profession
Question
As-salaamu `Alaykum! My brother says that political activities are haram, so that people who vote are kafirs. Is this true? khuda hafiz
Politics is an essential factor for social discipline and public welfare. Moreover, it is incumbent on Muslims to enjoin good and forbid evil regardless of whom the people they enjoin are.
When using the term Kafir, we need to be careful that we understand the term well and to whom exactly it can be ascribed. Jews and Christians are 'people of the book' and remain so unless they renounce God.
Thank you!
Name
Alex
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Profession
Question
As-salaam `Alaykum, I went to all the anti-war marches early this year. I would like to go to the freedom for Palesinte/end occupation of Iraq march on 27th Sept. However, my friend told me marching alongside non-Muslims is haram (he is a member of hizb at-tahreer) Surely this can't be true? Shouldn't all Muslims take part is protests/marches such as these?
Jazakallah, your brother Alex
I think you already know the answer to the claim of your friend!!
If your Mum, Dad, sister or brother were going wouldn't you not go with them?
See you there!
Regards!
Name
Aafreen
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Profession
Question
As-salaamu `Alaykum, I consider it very important to participate in political activities in this country, so as to promote Muslim issues and ensure their presence in political life. However I have been called a kafir for advocating voting and lobbying etc. What is your opinion on this?
Wasalaam.
Wasalaam.
Answer
Wa`alykum As-Salaamu Warahmatullahi Wabarakaatuh!
It is not acceptable to use such a word (kafir) indiscriminately, particularly to call a Muslim. This response reflects narrow-mindedness of some Muslims who think we should live in isolation. If there is an opportunity to do good for the Muslims' welfare, we should not lose that chance. Carry on with your good works, sister, and Peace be with you!
Name
zafira
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Profession
Question
As-salaamu `Alaykum, dear brother! I am concerned about the rise of Islam-phobia in this country, especially about the way Muslims' demonstrations are presented in media mass. What can we do to improve this situation?
many thanks wa`laykum salaam!
many thanks walekum salaam!
Answer
Wa`alykum As-Salaamu Warahmatullahi Wabarakaatuh!
I really share your concern about the shortcoming in developing alternative means of disseminating information via TV, Radio and print media. We must engage in the wider society on social, political and cultural levels.
Thanks for your question!
Best regards!
Name
Noreen
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Profession
Question
As-salaam `Alaykum! I am alarmed by the lack of Muslim influence in all governmental associations in the UK. I recently heard that a right wing Hindu was elected in a muslim area because Muslims did not bother themselves to vote against him. Also, there are lots of Israel supporters/zionists in the government. What can I do to oppose this? I would certainly feel more loyalty to this country if it is more pro-Muslims and Muslims are present in all fields of life.
Jazakallah khair!
your sister in Islam
Answer
Wa`alykum As-Salaamu Warahmatullahi Wabarakaatuh!
I share your aspirations, but let me say that while international issues are of course v. important for our global identity as members of the Islamic Ummah, we can only have slight influence and affect changes at micro level, cus we are a minority here in the UK. We have to put the divine injunction for Muslims to injoining good and forbidding evil into practice in the wider society, and translate our Islamic terminology into a language that would appeal to minds of fellow citizens so as to understand Islam and find a link therebetween.
Lets call oppression, oppression in the context of zionist aggression and expansionism in Palestine eg. Which fair minded person would not want to stop oppression regardless of religion.
In short we need a common ground that relates to the rest of mankind - much like the Prophet (SAW) related to the non-Muslim society in which he lived.
Jazakallahu Khairan!
Name
Ashfaq
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Profession
Question
salaam brother! What is your opinion on groups such as al-muhajiroun and hizb At-tahreer? I am not so fond of them. Can you advise me on how to keep my children away from them?
shukria walekum salaam
Answer
Wa`alykum As-Salaamu Warahmatullahi Wabarakaatuh!
Dear, brother, do not be afraid. The groups you refer to are not bogey-men!
I do have some problems understanding their philosophy which sometimes appears to be deviod of love for the Prophet and underestimation of his divine and sublime ability to win people's hearts and guide them to the straight way and away from wrongdoing.
This cannot happen if you hate people or declare them Kafirs without inviting them to understand the way to submit to God.
May Allah guide and forgive us all, amin!
Name
Raed..
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Profession
Question
Is there any contradiction between a Muslim's loyalty and his Belongig?
Answer
I believe that the two terms are inter-related. That is one cannot be loyal to a country, place, people or ruler, unless one has a sense of belonging to that nation and that leader.
Likewise, if one belongs to a family, tribe or nation, then there would naturally be a sense of loyalty to that community.
Islamically, we can belong and be loyal to any nation or leader that preserve our right to believe in God and practice Islam.
This is based on the concept of Al-Walaa' wa al-Baraa'.
Regards.
Name
Hidy
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Profession
Question
How can a man be a Muslim and British at the same time? I heared that Islam is a nationality.
Answer
Nation-state identity, e.g., British, Egyptian, Saudi or American, is a modern occurance. Traditionally, people identified themselves with their tribe, folk, place of residence and religion.
Religious identity in Islam is universal; it is eternal, meaning beyond time and space unlike other worldly nationalities.
There is, therefore, no contradiction in having a religious and a geographical/political identity - don't we live (for a short time ) in this world?
