Al-Huda
Foundation, NJ U. S. A
the Message Continues ... 7/133
Newsletter for September 2012
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Aftermath of 9/11 and the key issues:
by Nasir Shamsi
Here is my take on the key issues
that concern all of us in the wake of the barbaric tragedy of
SEPTEMBER 11. This paper, I hope, will contribute towards
understanding of the essence and spirit of the teachings of
Islam; it will provide an insight into the beliefs and practices
of the Muslim Americans who, like their fellow citizens, are
hard working people committed to the great ideals on which the
American society is based, that is--Life, Liberty and Pursuit of
Happiness.
The horrific events of September 11 shocked all of us. Let me
say at the outset that the terrorists have no religion, because
no religion allows killing of innocent men and women. Islam
particularly enjoins absolute respect for human life. Islam does
not permit violence. The Arabic word Islam means peace. Nothing
in Islam is more precious than a human life.
Let me quote here from "Qur’an", the Holy Book of the Muslims,
and Qur’an cannot be taken lightly by any Muslim, because
according to the Islamic belief every word of Qur'an was
received by the prophet Muhammad from God-- the God of Abraham,
Moses and Jesus--through the Angel Gabrial.
A prominent verse in the Chapter al-Ma'eda says:
"... whoever kills an innocent human, it is as if he has killed
all
humanity¦."
Again in the Chapter Al-Nisaa 4:93, God has commanded:
"..Whoever kills a believer intentionally, he will be sentenced
eternally to the Hell-Fire. God's Anger and His curse will be
upon him, and He will prepare for him a great torture".
What happened in our country is undoubtedly a grave criminal act
which Islam does not approve. As you know Muslims, the
governments and the people all over the world have condemned the
horrible attacks on New York and Washington.
The face of terror is not the true faith of Islam. That's not
what Islam is all about. Islam is peace. These terrorists don't
represent peace. They represent evil and war. When we think of
Islam we think of a faith that brings comfort to a billion
people around the world. Billions of people find comfort and
solace and peace. And that's made brothers and sisters out of
every race-- out of every race. America counts millions of
Muslims amongst its citizens, and these hard working Muslims
make a valuable contribution to our country. Among them are
Muslim doctors, engineers, lawyers, professors, economists and
other professionals. There are among them also who serve the
Military and the law enforcement agencies, and in great numbers
they contribute to the economy as businessmen, investors,
factory and office workers. These hard working and patriotic
Muslim Americans love their country
and the democratic principles on which it is founded. They share
with their fellow-citizens the American spirit of equality and
justice for all.
Let me repeat--there is no room for an act of terrorism in
Islam. Suicide is specifically prohibited in Islam and there is
no exception to this rule. It is on record that Muslims over the
centuries during their rule over different parts of the world,
treated the followers of other religions with great respect and
tolerance. When the rest of the world was living in darkness,
Islam became source of light. It enjoined equity and justice and
right to life-- interestingly the very principles, which in the
years to come were to form the basis of the constitution of the
United States. The Muslim thinkers have in their writings
appreciated this commonness of ideology and they sincerely
believe that the success of America lies essentially in its
adherence to these fundamental liberties and respect for human
rights as enshrined in the Bill of Human Rights. Let me add here
that for the continued success and prosperity of our country in
the future, we, all Americans, must not let these Liberties be
lost at any pretext.
It is the protection of human rights and liberties and the
faithful protection of Life, Liberty and Happiness that makes
America different from other countries. It is important to
provide safeguards to ensure safety but in no way any of these
measures be allowed to jeopardize the principle of equal rights
and liberties that have made this country unique and blessed.
Islam is a religion of Peace and Enlightenment. It helped remove
the ignorance of the dark ages. Without the light of Islam, the
west would not be where it is today. Let us not confuse the
darkness of the ignorant with the radiant light of Islam. It is
unfair and unjust for the Media to blame Islam or Muslims for
the criminal acts of a few, only because they carried Muslim
names.
Remember a few years ago, a few Tylenol bottles had resulted in
the death of Several individuals. Did we ban a Brand or close
down an industry for that? No, some safeguards were adopted to
avoid such mishaps in the future. It is highly inappropriate
then to start profiling people of a race or religion, for the
isolated act of a few individuals. Did the Media characterize
the terrorist act of Timothy McVeigh as a Christian act ? The
fact of the matter is that Islam was hi-jacked by these
criminals who have nothing to do with the teachings of Islam.
Islam is also the victim of the war being waged by the fanatics
who twist the words of the Qur’an to justify their violent
political agendas. Whereas suicidal death is haram, there is
nothing in Quran to permit senseless killing of the innocent men
and women, believers or non-believers.
The word Jihad being so much used and misinterpreted by Media
today has occurred in Qur’an largely in the meaning of " INNER
STRUGGLE", to improve personal conduct and to seek closeness to
God. Jihad does not allow taking of an innocent life or one's
own life. There are three exceptions, however: you can fight
back, if you are attacked, if you are forced out of your homes
or if you are stopped from practicing your religion. Jihad, in
the sense of fighting back is allowed only in these three cases.
It is also the considered view of many Jurists that a Jihad in
the sense of fighting for one of these reasons can only be
decreed only by the Prophet or the State.
I will quote here from Qur’an to show how the Muslims have been
commanded to treat other people:
Say : "We believe in God, and the Revelation given to us, and to
Abraham, Ishma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and (the books)
given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to [all] prophets from
their Lord: We make no difference between one and another of
them: And we submit to God. " (Chapter 2:136)
Those who believe [in the Qur'an], and those who follow the
Jewish [Scriptures], and the Christians and the Sabians, any who
believe in God and the Last Day, and act righteously, shall have
their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor
shall they grieve. (Chapter 2:62)
O mankind! We created you from a single soul, male and female,
and made you into nations and tribes, so that you may come to
know one another. Truly, the most honored of you in God's sight
is the greatest of you in piety. God is All-Knowing, All-Aware.
(Chapter, 49:13)
To conclude, I must emphasize once again that there is no room
for extremism and fundamentalism or terrorism in Islam, a
religion which enjoins greatest respect for human life. It is
the ignorant and the misguided that use the name of religion to
lend credibility to their mischievous acts. It is of utmost
importance that to preserve the Unique Freedoms and Human Rights
enshrined in the Constitution by the Fathers of the Nation, the
Law Enforcement Agencies must not hold a people of a race or
religion responsible for the isolated acts of a few criminals.
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