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Name
Eman
- United States
Profession
Question
As-Salamu `Alaikum,
I am a Muslim youth in the U.S. I worry a lot about the future of Muslims worldwide and how we have diverted. I hope and pray that Allah will restore unity amongst us, as we should, here in the U.S., be a portal for others to discover the true deen (religion). What do you see becoming of Western Muslims, especially the youth? It worries me because I see and know of too many who have lost much iman (faith).
Answer
Dr. Jamal Badawi: answers:
Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. We are living a period of turmoil, globally as do other faith communities worldwide. Muslim have more than their fair share of problems, including negative propaganda, stereotyping and collective guilt by association. This presents a real challenge to Muslim youth, their identity and their goals in life as Muslims. However, we should persist in facing these challenges and restore and improve our iman and help others do so. The future is bound to be better, long term, Inshaa’ Allah!
Name
Khalil
-
Profession
Question
How can religion become a point of division or unity?
Answer
Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl answers:
Many people think of religion as a subject that divides people, since each belief has its particular ideas and orientations. But religions also share many acts and beliefs in common. If we look for what is similar, we can build more harmony. That is not the same as unity or being the same. But if we can see what we do (charitable acts, fasting, prayer, diet) as being similar, then we will be in a position to respect each other more and to build a base for deeper conversation about areas of difference.
Dr. Jamal Badawi answers:
By focusing on common values, tolerance, even acceptance of plurality as a fact of life and cooperating for the common good.
Name
Tariq
- United States
Profession
Question
Both Judaism and Islam are tainted as blood thirsty religions because of Israeli/Palestinian conflict. What can Jews and Muslims do together to highlight the true teachings of both faiths?
Answer
Dr. Jamal Badawi: answers
It is not the normative authentic teachings of religions that is “bloodthirsty”. It is human weaknesses and deviations that makes THEM bloodthirsty. We all need to clarify the real values of God’s revelation and speak up against deviant behavior, also gross misinterpretations of scriptures out of their historical and/or historical contexts.
Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl answers:
Judaism and Islam have traditions of peace (shalom and salaam) and of war. Our traditions also have elaborate legal and ethical discussions about the nature of warfare and of the importance of pursuing peace. Each religion has a theology of land that recognizes certain places as sacred and others as less sacred. We have beliefs about beings called by God to serve the Holy One, who is blessed and full of blessing. The national aspirations of the Jewish people were dormant for many centuries and revived in the late 19th century with the popularization of Zionism. Arab nationalism was also dormant for many years. Both national aspirations grew in the 20th century, sometimes in relation to one another. It is necessary to first accept each other’s existence and then to discuss under what terms we might live together. The religious traditions do not call for hatred. They seek peace and respect. They also call for self-defense. Each tradition, as a monotheistic belief, is exclusive. Yet each tradition is also universal with teachings that extend hope, toleration and acceptance beyond its own people. Those are the traditions we should emphasize.
Name
Sundiata Salaam
- United States
Profession
Student
Question
As-Salamu `Alaikum
For both of the respected scholars I would like to know if you believe the word "religion" is often misused, especially in the context of this American society. What I mean is that "religion" seems to always model the institutions in America, but religion in the Islamic sense, is not "religion" in the sense as the West sees it, but Islam is a everyday part of life. Is this true with Judaism?
Also for the Rabbi:
There is a group of people who call themselves the Hebrew Israelites, I was wondering if you are familiar with them and if you thought they were a legitimate Judaic group? I would also like to get better clarity on the lineage of the people of Abraham. What I mean is, that in the Torah, it speaks of a group of people who if they break the covenant will suffer many consequences. These consequences they suffered are many things that happened to Africans in America during slavery. Thus many African people in America believe that they are the actual Hebrew people, because they would be "placed in a land that was not their own." I know many African/American people who make this claim to true lineage, and they call themselves Hebrew people.
One last thing that I would like to ask is what do the scholars believe the relationship between Islam and Judaism lie, besides that of the Prophets (peace and blessings be upon them all) and what does Judaism believe about Heaven and Hell?
May the peace and the blessings of Allah be with you both, and guide us towards equity between cultures and genders and in every aspect of our life, ameen.
Answer
Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl answers:
Wa `alaykum As-Salam.
Judaism is much closer to Islam than it is to Christianity. We are centered around a people and a belief. Our rabbis interpret Scripture, just as Sheikhs and imams do. We also have halakhah, a collection of post-Biblical sacred laws, and we try to live in an all-encompassing religious civilization that is not centered on Sundays, but on the day-to-day aspects of life. It is found in the bakery and butcher shop (kosher food), in the synagogue (prayer and study), the home (family purity, acts of kindness and respect to others), and in the workplace (business ethics). In all this we are similar to Islam.
We see Judaism as a heritage that is based on both belief and behaviour and on family lineage. We define a Jew as one born to a Jewish mother or one who has converted to Judaism under the auspices of a religious court composed of three rabbis. There are African Jews, such as the Benei Israel of Ethiopia. There are Jews who have been dispersed and are in the process of return (such as the Benai Menashe of India or former Spanish Jews in the American southwest or in Latin America). African-Americans adopted some Jewish beliefs as a way to emphasize that their struggle for freedom was rooted in the revolutionary theology of the Exodus.
Our beliefs about heaven and hell are not well-formulated , because we do not place such an emphasis on them. We have a strong belief in after-life and there are many rabbinic traditions about the next world, but our tradition places much more stress on what we do in this world as a path to God. We have faith in the One who is All and trust that in the world that is coming, the Holy One will properly reward or punish people.
Dr. Jamal Badawi answers:
Wa `alaykum As-Salam.
For the Muslim Deen (religion) does not mean a religious institution but a complete way of living guided by God’s teachings. Relationship with Judaism is based on Abraham as the common lineal and/or spiritual father of Jews, Christians and Muslims. However, there are a lot of commonalities between these three faith communities, including Oneness of God, revelations, moral teachings and common aspirations [not withstanding differences, some are important].
Name
Jumana
- Netherlands
Profession
Question
To what extent can divine religions cement human relationships in a globalized world?
Answer
Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl answers:
Our religious tradition recognizes that the Creator of the universe is one and that we live in this world to labor and to love. Judaism teaches that all people who follow a path to God that includes (1) recognition of the divine, (2) the establishment of a legal system, the prohibition of (3) murder, (4) theft, (5) sexual immorality, and (6) religions practices that are cruel and/or rooted in idolatry have a share in the world that is coming. These are universal ideas that can guide all people. At the same time, Judaism places pride in its particularistic practices that differentiate Jews from other people and beliefs by rituals linked to sacred time and space. Our particularity is termed “chosenness” or singularity and requires us to follow a system of commandments that we do not require others to adopt. We are held to a different standard of conduct that we believe brings us close to God. Others will follow their ways and that is all to the good.
Dr. Jamal Badawi: answers
By focusing on common values, tolerance, even acceptance of plurality as a fact of life. Also by engaging in objective and brotherly dialogue, we need to be able to live with differences and respect each others' right of freedom of thoughts and beliefs. We need also to engender the attitude of common humanity and universal brotherhood. Working together on common projects to restore just peace and alleviate human suffering will be more productive than exclusively engaging in theological debates.
Name
Sana
- Chile
Profession
Question
Muslims believe that there is one and only religion as stated in their book. How do you both react?
Answer
Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl answers:
I accept that Muslims believe this. I do not share that belief. The Torah tradition teaches a singular and specific path to God for Jews and a more general path to the One –whose –speech-brought-the world-into existence for all others. All the religions that stem from a belief in the Creator and that teach respect for human dignity leading to a world that is just and which emphasizes kindness to others, are on the pathway to God. There are many paths to One.
Dr. Jamal Badawi: answers
The Qur’an states that the true “Deen” in the sight of Allah is Islam and that Islam is the religion of all prophets. However, the term Islam in this context is used in its generic sense which means to achieve peace with God, self, and the creation of God by submitting one’s will to Him and accept His guidance and grace.
Differences in religious teachings may arise from problems dealing with preservation of its original teachings intact and in its original language as revealed by God. It may have also resulted from possible or differing interpretations of these scriptures or the difficulty of discerning the difference between the exact authentic teachings of the Prophets and human commentaries and expression of their own religious experiences. For the Muslims feel fortunate that the Qur'an, which is their highest authority, contains exclusively the exact words of God uttered by Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) as dictated by Arch-Angel Gabriel. It does not even contain the word of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) outside the dictated words which are known as hadiths whose literary style is quite different from the Qur'an. This does not mean that Muslims do not differ on the interpretations of what they accept as the word of God, but it certainly narrows the scope of such differences and limit them to the matters which secondary to the main tenets and message of Islam.
Name
skeptical
- United Kingdom
Profession
Question
Excuse me, but religion has almost always been the cause of many wars in the name of some god or another. How can anyone talk about religion being about peace, it sounds so hypocritical, especially with what is happening all over the world?
Answer
Dr. Jamal Badawi: answers:
It is not God’s teachings that led to this, but it is human greed for power, wealth that hid behind “religion” so as to mobilize the masses. There are a lot of people who were killed also in the name of ideologies, cultural revolution. Furthermore, in periods of social and political turmoil and gross injustices, it is humanly expected that conflicts may arise irrespective of religious beliefs.
Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl answers:
I agree with my co-respondent that religion as a system of beliefs and behaviors does not teach hatred. However, many followers of religion take the exclusivity of a tradition and infuse it with their own ideology and hatred. We must demand of our religious leaders that they speak in the name of peace and that they seek mutual respect. In the past 50 years, with much effort, this has begun to happen between Judaism and Christianity. You and others should seek religious teachers who emphasize pride in your own tradition and respect for the traditions of others.
Name
hanwa
- Cuba
Profession
Question
Is there an opportunity for co-existence between different religions?
Answer
Dr. Jamal Badawi: answers:
Peaceful and just co-existence is urged in the Qur’an. The Qur'an preaches: "Allah does not forbid you, O Muslims, with respect to those who do not fight you because of your religion or drive you out of your home, that you should deal with them in compassion and justice, for God loves those who are just." (Surah 60: 8) The barrier to co-existence are people, not pristine divine revelations. All world religions teach brotherhood, love and peace. So when people fail to abide by those teachings, it is them who should be blamed not religion.
Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl answers:
There was once a time when Judaism, Christianity and Islam competed strongly. There was also a time when we learned from each other (even during our competition). There was a period of hatred, when Jews (to speak of my own people) were killed in the name of religion (Almohade invasions, Crusades). More recently, all religions were endangered by Nazism and Communism. The secular, tolerant and democratic ethos that has dominated the world in recent years, creates new opportunities to learn from each other (such as on-line discussions, university study of religions, and local inter-faith dialogue groups). We should seek out these paths to understanding.
Name
Jewan
- Canada
Profession
Question
How can religions achieve a better moral life among human beings and enhance their human communications on different levels?
Answer
Dr. Jamal Badawi answers
Again we should focus on common values and accept diversity. We need to promote constructive and objective dialogues and foster universal brotherhood attitude. We should work together to defend people's rights and restore justice to those who are suffering.
Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl answers:
Each religion must remain true to itself and teach its traditions to those who want to learn. The teachings of all monotheistic religions (and others of Eastern orientation) encourage basic moral behavior and respect for others. The democratization and secularization of Western society have been important means to build greater tolerance for others and increased communication among people. All religions now operate on a “playing field” that emphasizes pluralism. On that large “playing field,” we can emphasize the specificity and particularity of our religious practices even as we agree to disagree.
Name
Nazir
- Pakistan
Profession
Question
For Dr. Jamal Badawi, why we Muslims are looking towards the west or America? They should consider us. Can we establish our own forum as we have more than 40 countries?
Answer
Dr. Jamal Badawi answers:
I could not agree more with you. It is our responsibility and more so the responsibility of our leaders to place the interest of the ummah above their own interest and above narrow nationalism or other considerations.
Name
r
-
Profession
Question
Respected rabbi, good morning,
My son goes to a public school in the US and I can sense, if not open hostility but cold shouldering when I visit as I wear hijab. The students are Jewish and Christian majority and I believe the principal is Jewish and has a brusque manner with me.
How do I deal with it and what is the solution to it apart from moving him to a purely Islamic school?
I want my son to be raised free of all inter religious and political issues but it is not possible if he is not comfortable in school.
Also, respected scholar, Dr. Badawi,
what is your opinion about sending our kids to public schools rather than Islamic schools so that all people can see we are regular people rather than some exotic species and is a great form of da`wah in itself?
Answer
Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl answers:
People are afraid of the public expression of religious beliefs. They do not feel comfortable around Hasidic men with black coats and hats. All that you can do would be to act with dignity and internal pride and hope to gradually draw others to you in respect.
Dr. Jamal Badawi: answers
Sending children to Islamic [or Jewish or Christian schools] does not mean isolation from the world. There are many other ways of relating to other faith communities. One must weigh the harms and benefit of any option based on their priorities.
Name
??????????
-
Profession
Question
As-Salamu `Alaykum,
I am sure that all monotheistic religions came to unite the humanity but nowadays some strict Jewish groups claiming that the temple of mount must be built instead of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the dome of the holy rock and they must expel all the Palestinians from their own land claming that Palestine or what so called Israel is the land that God promised them of; so how you can explain that Judaism aims to unite human beings? Thank you.
Answer
Dr. Jamal Badawi: answers
It is unfortunate that any person Jewish, Muslim, Christian or others interpret Holy Books to advocate unholy causes that dehumanize or demonize other people and justify the usurpation of other peoples' birth rights. There are fellow Jews who distinguish between Judaism as a revealed religion rooted in justice and humanity and Zionism as a political ideology using Judaic symbols to justify the gross injustices committed against the Palestinian people and the disregard of international law and the repeated UN resolutions about the right of return and compensation of Palestinian people and the illegality of establishing colonies (misnamed settlements), as Robert Fisk stated on occupied land.
Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl answers:
Deep in the Jewish tradition is a belief that the even shetiyyah, the Stone that sits on what we call Har Habayyit, the mountain of the House of Holiness, is the centre of the world, the axis mundi that provides the most uninterrupted access to the One-who-is-Holy. The Beit Hamiqdash, the house of the Holy, was situated on this site since the time of King Solomon. It was destroyed by an invasion from Babylon, rebuilt and then destroyed again by the Romans in 70CE. Since then, Jews have prayed for the restoration of this sacred centre of worship.
The place is so sacred that many Jews will not ascend onto this mountain (called by Moslems Haram al-sharif). Some Jews will go up to the site, which now is the location of two mosques, but not to go into the golden mosque. A VERY SMALL group of Jews would prefer the immediate restoration of the Temple and its system of sacrifice. Another small group would relinquish any Jewish claims to the sacred site. However, the vast majority of Jews are content to let God work out the future in the fullness of time, remaining content with access to the holy site at the Western Wall and its immediate area for the purpose of prayer.
Regarding the Land of Israel and Palestine, some Jews would prefer a totally Jewish land, just as some Moslems would desire a totally Islamic nation. However, most Jews seek a resolution that would recognize that there are two peoples that share the same land and that it is best divided between us. Exactly how that division will occur is a matter for political leaders to determine.
Name
Denis
-
Profession
Question
Why can't the followers of different religions come to points of integration and cooperation? What are the reasons that cause an interfaith dialogue to fail?
Answer
Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl answers:
Although there are many points of contact and commonality, religious traditions ARE different and diverse. We have alternate ways that we understand ourselves and the world. That diversity is positive, providing many paths to one God, although the differences can be misunderstood and taken in a negative way. Some dialogue efforts fail because they seek to accomplish too much, trying to resolve all differences of opinion or imagining that everyone will suddenly become united. Other dialogue efforts are unsuccessful because they are too timid, avoiding difficult issues. I often find that studying a shared or similar religious text (such as the aqeidah, the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son) leads to greater communication, the goal should be to understand each other, not to change one another.
Dr. Jamal Badawi: answers
For reasons standing in the way of cooperation and integration please refer to answers to previous questions.
Interfaith dialogues fail because of the following:
1. Approaching the dialogue without sincere intention to promote better understanding.
2. Lacking in the attitude of genuine love and concern for others as we are concerned about ourselves.
3. Absence of objectivity and taking the partisan position even if it is unjust and untenable.
4. Dialogue by definition occurs only between two equal parties, and when one party approaches the dialogue in a condescending or haughty manner there will be no successful dialogue.
5. Even if one does not agree with the other we should develop at least the ability to empathize with the other and to put ourselves in their shoes.
6. Approaching the dialogue in a polemical manner.
Name
Marwan
-
Profession
Engineer
Question
Cause of division or unity? Religion should be both. Do you agree? Division in the fact that there are important differences; and unity in the important similarities. Imposed Unity at the cost of important principles and truth is the empty goal of modern secularism.
Answer
Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl answers:
I agree that religion should bind us to God and that there are elements of commonality between Judaism and Islam. For example, we pray three times each day, facing Jerusalem. Moslems pray five times daily, orientated towards Mecca. At the same time, we have differences that make us unique. Our system of kashrut distinguishes between permitted animals (such as cows) and those that are not permitted (for example, pig). To eat the permitted animals, they must be slaughtered in a specific way. Meat and milk products may not be cooked or eaten together. While Moslem dietary laws are similar, they are not the same. In the area of belief, there are also similarities and differences. The more we know of what we have in common, the more respect we will have for our difference, Insha’ Allah. May peace be upon you.
Dr. Jamal Badawi answers:
There is a difference between having important differences in theology and being divided against one another and engaging in hostilities in words or actions. Important similarities do not mean syncretism (merging religion in one common religion) as this is unacceptable for any thoughtful believer. The issue again is unity in diversity and diversity within a broader human unity.
Name
Ahmed
- United States
Profession
Question
Assalaamu 'Alaykum Warahmatullah Wabarakaatu.
Isn't the turmoil of the world all due to the people not acting upon the tenents of the faith. And being too passive not to corect fitnah among us. BECAUSE ALL THE MESSANGERS AND PROPHETS HAD SAME RELIGION. Jazakullah Khayr.
Answer
Dr. Jamal Badawi answers:
I agree with you. Jazakum Allahu khairan. That is exactly what we indicated in the previous answers.
Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl answers:
Berakhot, blessing to you. Just as Islam has five pillars of faith, so Judaism also has some basic teachings.
They are:
• Believing in one God, the Creator of all, who taught the path of Torah to Moses, His prophet;
• Following the path that God taught to Avraham – by helping the unfortunate with tsedakah/charity, acting with hesed/compassion to those who are weak and pursuing mishpat, a just society;
• Fasting (on Yom Kippur), feasting (on Shabbat and Festivals), and daily practices, such as prayer and eating kosher bring us closer to God;
• Studying Torah, the teaching of God, and remaining loyal to Am Yisrael, the people of Israel.
• Loving the Land of Israel, with its sacred centre, the stone in the heart of Jerusalem.
While some of the teachings are the same, others are distinct. Also, the specific practices may differ.
