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Is There a Deep Rooted Hatred for Self and Kind or …
In Islam we proclaim our brotherhood. But is the brotherhood which we proclaim only that warm fuzzy feeling usually experienced during Ramadan, Eid or occasionally on Fridays?
We discuss unity. However, when sacrifice is called for (as in the recent boycotts) it somehow becomes inconvenient or too much of a hardship to not have those items that we can easily do without. Yet, we have no problem boycotting items and practices that are good for us!
We proclaim the virtues of “Halal”, but we squander our money eating in hotels, restaurants and catering services that are not. As a result of this blatant contradiction, we have become an open joke to those who have yet to embrace Islam..
Just what is the example that we are setting for those who observe our Religion?
Think over those occasions when you have heard non-Muslims hint that our (Muslim) practices contradict our words. Then take pause and wonder why those who live among us are not rushing to our faith.
Could it be the discrepancies?
What about the Muslim youth? How do we train them to build a sustainable economic power base when they see their parents placing more value on non-halal products and services than on halal?
Why is it that other groups can enthusiastically unite in support of their causes and businesses while we do so drudgingly complaining, giving more excuses than the Bush administration in their case for War?
Are we no better than beautiful sea shells? Externally, we look the part, but internally we are empty.
What are we lacking which prevents us from collectively supporting each other? Is it money?
Unfortunately, if the cause of our condition were only that of wealth or the lack thereof, then perhaps we could search for an economic solution.
However, the lack of brotherhood, the lack of unity and internal malaise is apparent across the breadth of the Muslim social and economic strata.
Could it be that our apparent condition is due to a flawed program in our gene’s DNA?
If so, is our crime toward each other a Crime of Omission?
Or is it a crime of Commission because we consciously keep from doing what is good for the Ummah?
If the state of our Ummah were on trial; what would the verdict be for those who:
1. Do not support their businesses, use items which are harmful to body, mind and spirit
2. Fail to heed the call to rally around a common cause
3. Provide flawed examples to both the youth and to those who have yet to embrace Islam alike?
Would it be a crime of “Hatred for Self and Kind” or are we languishing in a perpetual state of denial?
By: Muneer A. Rasheed
International Affairs Advisory and Consultant
In Islam we proclaim our brotherhood. But is the brotherhood which we proclaim only that warm fuzzy feeling usually experienced during Ramadan, Eid or occasionally on Fridays?
We discuss unity. However, when sacrifice is called for (as in the recent boycotts) it somehow becomes inconvenient or too much of a hardship to not have those items that we can easily do without. Yet, we have no problem boycotting items and practices that are good for us!
We proclaim the virtues of “Halal”, but we squander our money eating in hotels, restaurants and catering services that are not. As a result of this blatant contradiction, we have become an open joke to those who have yet to embrace Islam..
Just what is the example that we are setting for those who observe our Religion?
Think over those occasions when you have heard non-Muslims hint that our (Muslim) practices contradict our words. Then take pause and wonder why those who live among us are not rushing to our faith.
Could it be the discrepancies?
What about the Muslim youth? How do we train them to build a sustainable economic power base when they see their parents placing more value on non-halal products and services than on halal?
Why is it that other groups can enthusiastically unite in support of their causes and businesses while we do so drudgingly complaining, giving more excuses than the Bush administration in their case for War?
Are we no better than beautiful sea shells? Externally, we look the part, but internally we are empty.
What are we lacking which prevents us from collectively supporting each other? Is it money?
Unfortunately, if the cause of our condition were only that of wealth or the lack thereof, then perhaps we could search for an economic solution.
However, the lack of brotherhood, the lack of unity and internal malaise is apparent across the breadth of the Muslim social and economic strata.
Could it be that our apparent condition is due to a flawed program in our gene’s DNA?
If so, is our crime toward each other a Crime of Omission?
Or is it a crime of Commission because we consciously keep from doing what is good for the Ummah?
If the state of our Ummah were on trial; what would the verdict be for those who:
1. Do not support their businesses, use items which are harmful to body, mind and spirit
2. Fail to heed the call to rally around a common cause
3. Provide flawed examples to both the youth and to those who have yet to embrace Islam alike?
Would it be a crime of “Hatred for Self and Kind” or are we languishing in a perpetual state of denial?
By: Muneer A. Rasheed
International Affairs Advisory and Consultant
Enlightening questions Brother Muneer. I think it is not hatred of self or kind, but collective abandonment of Islam. I believe it is the influence of hedonistic values, the pursuit of worldly glitters that has swayed Muslims so. Muslims believe they too must have bundles of wealth and authority before they can do anything but the Prophet Muhammad p.b.u.h. himself said that he is poor, and he can be found amongst the poor. Not to say that Muslims should all become hermits, but in trying to prove their righteousness by leading the world in wealth and power even basic Islamic practices have been tossed aside. How many Muslim bosses, teachers or leaders call their subordinates to pray together when it is time? Or at least to give the subordinates time to pray? How many Muslims pray? How do we work together for Islam when to Muslims collectively the call of money and material is greater than the call of Allah?
Wealth and power over men came only after sacrifice and years of consistent following of the ways of Prophet Muhammad p.b.u.h. Did Umar al-Khattab become the distinguished, powerful Caliphate ruler he was before or after toiling in hardship together with Prophet Muhammad p.b.u.h.? Did they not first go face-to-face from one person to another to talk about Allah and Islam even though they were ridiculed by their own tribes and families? When one truly loves Allah and His Messengers, no effort is too hard.
The Prophet Muhammad p.b.u.h. did fear his ummah would be inflicted with love of this world and fear of death. In the pursuit of worldly acclaim and recognition as well as wealth and material comfort, many Muslims infuse non-Islamic ideals into their lives and move further from sunnah of Prophet Muhammad p.b.u.h. After all, non-Muslims chase this life and this life alone.
As you mentioned, non-Muslims wonder at the discrepancies between Muslim code and Muslim conduct. Nothing wrong with the Islamic code, just the individual weaknesses of Muslims being glaringly obvious when members of a supreme code fails supremely to practice that code.
The affliction that befell many of the Christians, that of practicing only what they see fit for themselves and modifying their own faith is something that Muslims need to be wary of. And also the affliction of some Jews when, believing in their own superiority, trample on others to turn from being the oppressed to being the oppressor themselves.
In essence, when Muslims start remembering Allah and Hereafter more, the intrinsic good qualities of Islam will shine through and be the guiding beacon it's supposed to be. Muslims must tell Muslims and non-Muslims alike the Truth and justice of Allah in Islam. Islam is not a free ticket to Paradise. Everyone needs to work for it. What we all truly lack, is the strength of faith that comes after consistent sacrifices. May Allah help us and keep us on the right path.