Did you ever pay a lot to buy something and then had a really bad experience with it? You bought a used car without thorough inspection because... well, it looked pretty clean and well-maintained but six months later the engine or transmission failed. OR you bought APC backup power supply and it had really poor wiring and intermittent allocation of electricity in sockets. A TDK CD that didn't backup your files. Or shoes that seemed fine at the store and when you come home the shoes around the ankles were too high and it scrapes the skin against the back of your foot when you walk. Or ice-cream that tasted like soggy cardboard. It happens to the best of us. Its called false advertising. We are mislead my statements that persuade us into commercial transactions that we might otherwise avoid. Sometimes the governments also use deception as a tool to change our beliefs and perceptions on how the world is and should be. They create names, slogans, news and advertisements to inundate our minds with their ideas, to misdirect and manipulate our emotions, to manufacture our consent.
For example, this whole week we heard and saw in the news, Asad's military murdering protestors on Syrian streets. Just today CBC broadcasted a live telecast from Syria where Asad's opposition urged the international community to intervene and remove him from power. His regime killed 4,000 civilians. How cruel and inhumane! You are probably disgusted right now. But wait a second, why are you getting all worked up over a piece of information? For all you know, this rhetoric is created by marketers to sell you an idea of a totalitarian Syrian leader whom you will hate so your country can go bomb him out like bin Laden, Saddam and Qadhafi.
My collegues at the Political Science Department often scuff my arguments as conspiracy theories. But what if I told you that NY Times admitted in a matter-of-fact way the use of mainstream writers by the CIA to spread propaganda? In fact Washington Post acknowledged that the media works hand in glove with the CIA. The Independent said the CIA has taken over the news. MSNBC is part of the CIA. William Schaap, a Criminal Justice Lawyer from Chicago testified in open court, after 20 years of investigation, that the CIA uses the media for to further its military agendas. Just google the information for all I care, the US government pays off journalists to report false news.
Still if people want to believe in Santa Clause, the tooth fairy, leprechauns and the media (Fox News, CNN, Geo or Al Jazeera), then this is their business or rather, should I say - their loss! Einstein said, two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity. So, I never underestimate the number of stupid people in circulation. How else can you explain wearing Jemma Fringe-Trim Jacket and Tate Silk Miniskirt in the snow? Or drifting in a minivan? Or eating chocolate with chopsticks? The world just gets stupider and stupider with each day. If 4,000 people died in Syria then 9,000 people are shot to death every year in the United States. If Asad is arresting his citizens then US has arrested and jailed over 2 million people within its borders and over a thousand in Guantanamo. Why doesn't Canada put any sanctions on the US? Until there are observers allowed to investigate, lets freeze all US assets and wars, put a ban on travel on all US citizens and politicians; embargo on investments in the US, a block on sale of American goods and an end of dealings with US banks and the American dollar. I am absolutely appalled by my government's double standards. If Syria does something its criminal but if United States does the same, a trillion times worse than suddenly its okay? Who are we anyway, to put sanctions on Syria? O because Syria is not democracy so it must be punished? Canada is also not a democracy. Our democracy is sirf naam ki.
Democracy is when the population has the freedom to elect its government. Its when the control of the country is in the hands of its majority. Its a practice of social equality through fair elected representation. Yadi Yadi Yada.... Canada is none of this fancy bakwas. This article is dedicated to exposing Canada. Lets take a good look at our government, we are not democratic! Our Prime Minister has total power over the country.
Canada has not one but three heads of state: the Queen, the Governor General and the Prime Minister. The Queen is the official head of state. She is represented by the Governor General who elects the Prime Minister. Our vote doesn't really count for anything, the three heads just back each other up. The Queen represents Canada and embodies the people. She is central to the legal system: court cases are initiated in her name and crime is prosecuted on her behalf. The Governor General is appointed by the Queen on the advise of the Prime Minister. The public has no say. The GG appoints our senators and judges, the lieutenant governors and other offices. The GG also appoints Speaker of the Senate, gives royal assent to legislation and recommends money bills to the House of Commons. He is the guy who decides our taxes. The GG can also dissolve the government and elect another Prime Minister. Which really defeats the purpose of having any elections at all. He is the commander-in-chief of the country. All war plans and strategies are effectively in his hands.
The Prime Minister of Canada is the Cabinet maker. This gives him the power to set government agenda. He choses his advisors from the executive branch. Then gives the executive branch their protfolios to work on. He is the leader of his political party. He controls the party organization, personnel, strategy and policy. He is the chief policy maker, he has the first word on party policy. He leads the House of Commons. You know when you go to vote for your MP? Yea, your MP works for this guy. The Prime Minister is our MP's boss. The Prime Minister appoints government agents, diplomats, councils, ambassadors, and foreign ministers. Essentially everyone in the Canadian government, both home and abroad is hired by the Prime Minister. He can ratify almost anyone into any position just like that. What this means, is that the Prime Minister not only has the power to assign individuals to their posts but he also retains the ability to elevate or discipline individuals over time. So the PM is able to use his appointments and job appraisals to solidify the ranks of loyalists and dismiss those who do not serve his interests.
For example, in 2006, when Harper became PM, you must have noticed cabinet change. Then he shuffled only to ministers. Then in 2007 he replaced the Minister of Environment, Treasury Board, Justice, Citizenship and Immigration. Later in the same year, he replaced the Ministers of Industry, Defense and Foreign Affairs. Basically, Harper elevated to power his favourites and demoted the ones he was discontent with. This is the same time when Harper gave $7 billion to Canada to beef up its security and he gave an additional $8 billion for offshore patrol ships to be deployed before 2013. Harper made Israeli security permanent agenda for the Canadian government. Harper further declared Islam the great threat to Islam. Under Harper, niqab was banned in Quebec, the Shari'a rulings for family law cases were banned in Ontario. Simultaneously, Harper gave in to the US to enhance security across the border. The Canadian government under Harper can turn you in to the US should you cross the border. Then G20 summit happened and more than 900 people were arrested in Toronto in a single week. All because some big shots in suits wanted to secure more wealth for the wealthy (for the economic meltdown), for the creation of carbon market (making environmental prudency a commodity that can be bought, sold and traded) and privatization of education and health care. This would not be possible if Harper the Cabinet Ministers didn't have Harper's back.
What's more absurd is that the British North America Act makes no formal reference to the position of the Prime Minister. So in reality, the Prime Minister can do anything - literally make any executive or legislative deliberations without restraint. He has full autonomy. The PM also decides when to hold elections. So the PM can capitalize upon the movement of polls and catch the opposition unprepared. The elections depend more on image and style then party platforms. Less than 48% of Canadian vote anyway. So however becomes the Canada's Prime Minster has the absolute political power and allegiance. Global and Mail accepts that Canada is secretly a dictatorship. Then why such a big fuss over Asad and Syria? Let them be and try and fix things at home.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Why do Shi'as and Sunnis fight?
Disclaimer: This is a dummy's guide. I am in no a way knowledgeable of either Shi'aism or Sunniism. I do not intend to disrespect the intricate technicalities of both faiths. My intention is to explain and inshaAllah reduce the tension between Shi'as and Sunnis in the most simple manner possible.
Originally I wanted to title this article, "International Peace Month". From the 12 lunar months in the Islamic calendar, four are sacred (see, Qur'an, 9:36). Of them is the first month of Islam, Muharram. There are many great things about Muharram. For instance, the word Muharram is from the root ha-ra-ma which gives the meaning of sacred, forbidden, worthy of reverence and piety. Allah specifically instructs us not to commit any injustice: فَلَا تَظْلِمُوا فِيهِنَّ أَنفُسَكُمْ here can mean anything from فُسُوقَ to جِدَالَ so like no obscenity, wickedness, wrangling, fighting or war is impermissible at any time (unless dire circumstances necessitating it), but especially even more-so in Muharram. Muharram is a month of bequeathing exceptional sanctity and honour to all life forms and property. So Muharram is like International Peace Month - total cease fire, no grudges, bruises or damages, only friendship and brotherhood. We also fast in Muharram. The Prophet (s.aw.) said, "The most excellent fasts after the fasts of Ramadan in the sight of Allah, are the fasts of the month of Muharram" [Muslim]. Why? The Prophet (s.a.w) said, "I believe that Allah will forgive the sins of the past year in return for the fast of Ashura - 10th of Muharram" [Muslim]. However the Prophet (s.a.w) encouraged us to fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram, so as not to resemble the People of the Book. The Jews fast on the 10th of Muharram because Allah freed the Bani Israel from the slavery of Pharaoh and split River Nile to save them.
So what does Muharram have to do with Shi'a and Sunni fighting? Muharram was suppose to be about universal serenity, solidarity, and self-control right?
Now come to think of it, Muslims have successfully converted many holy months, into months for fighting. Ramadan is the month of moon fighting. Rabi' al Awwal is for birthday beats - literally. Yes, we love the Prophet (s.a.w) so much that we cannot resist clobber the month into looking like the Islamazied version of Christmas. From decorating our Masajid with bells and lights and caroling na'aats to making Arab/Desi versions of mince meat pies, plum puddings, emailing milaad greeting cards and going to Mass - every night. Mass? Well, the Christians begin Mass with the sign of the cross, then they sing the Gloria, followed by responsorial Psalm and reading from the Gospel. Muslims begin their Milaad Mass with the Durood, then they sing Qasida Burda 'sharif', followed by Naats, Qawwalis and reading of absolutely fabricated hadith narrations. This is NOT Islam! If we really love the Prophet (s.a.w), we should follow HIS example (s.a.w) - and not that of Christians.
Then there is Rajab, the month of meals mania. We use this month to make (and molest our health with) really oily, buttery purriyan; spicy chickpeas and milky, sugary kheer and halwa. You would think the month is about binge eating and not really commemorating the Prophet (s.a.w)'s ascension to and tour of Heaven and Hellfire. If we really knew that the Prophet (s.a.w) saw backbiters digging into their faces and tearing their skin off, adulterers fumigated and cooked in ovens blasting with hellish flames and interest consumers drowning in blood, asphyxiated with large crushing boulders - then we wouldn't have the heart to even think about food. We would sit all day and cry. And of course, who can forget the punching and shouting during Dhul Hijjah, at the time tawwaf and sa'i.
I wonder why we fight so much? I thought Islam was peace, just and kind religion. Then why can't Muslims reciprocate these virtues in our daily lives? You see, Allah's forgiveness, mercy and help is with the Muslims who follow the Qur'an [5:12]. Allah's wrath is upon us because we think that the Qur'an is too unimportant to be worth our time. Without the Qur'an, our hearts have become hard, we have distorted Islam and our practices are based deceit and desires [5:13]. As a punishment for abandoning the Qur'an, Allah has caused animosity and hatred amongst us [5:14], so no matter what the Islamic occasion, the Muslims just don't get along.
Take the example of Shi'as and Sunnis - we fight primarily over the Khilafah of Abu Bakr and Ali (r.a) and the month of Muharram. But if we calmed down a bit and read the Qur'an, inshaAllah we'll see that the fuss is just an honest misunderstanding.
Khilafah
Khaleef means successor and Khalifah means the succession of rule.
Abu Bakr (r.a) was the first successor to the Prophet (s.a.w) in Islamic rule; Ali (r.a) was the fourth. Neither Abu Bakr nor Ali (r.a) were divine or infallible. They did not receive revelation from Allah nor did they perform any miracles.
Abu Bakr (r.a) was the first man to accept Islam and the first companion to give his daughter to the Prophet (s.a.w) in marriage. He alone financed the Prophet's emigration (s.a.w) to Medinah and accompanied him. The Prophet (s.a.w) said, "the sun never rose on anyone better than Abu Bakr, except for the Prophets. He donated his entire wealth - all of his property, belongings and life savings to finance the Battle of Tabuk. The Prophet (s.a.w) said that "the wealth of Abu Bakr proved more useful to me than the wealth of anybody else." From amongst the men, the Prophet loved Abu Bakr the most and from the women, he (s.a.w) loved his daughter - Aisha (r.a) the most. (Bukhari 1523). The Prophet (s..a.w) said, "Allah sent me as a Prophet to you people but you said me, 'you are telling a lie,' while Abu Bakr believed in me and said to the people, 'he (s.a.w) has said the truth.' Abu Bakr consoled me with himself and his money. Won't you then give up harming my companion? Won't you then give up harming my companion?" (Bukhari 1522).
Ali (r.a) once asked the people during his khilafah who they thought was the most brave and courageous. Then Ali (r.a) said, "Abu Bakr is the most valiant. On the day of Badr we had erected a hut for the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w). We then asked each other as to who will accompany the Prophet to save him from Qureyshi onslaught. By Allah none of us had the guts to offer his services. But Abu Bakr stood alone drawing his sword and allowed no one to draw near the Prophet (s.a.w). Whoever attempted to attack, came under the fierce retaliation of Abu Bakr. Then there was also a time in Makkah when the Qureysh surrounded the Prophet (s.a.w). They abused him and pulled his neck with a thick cloth when Abu Bakr intervened. They beat him instead until his hair fell and he fainted." Saying this, Ali (r.a) burst into tears. He said many times that the Abu Bakr (r.a) was the best companion of the Prophet (s.a.w) and that he would beat any person who held him superior to Abu Bakr and Umar (r.a).
The Prophet (s.a.w) told a woman that, 'after my death, find Abu Bakr (r.a)' (Bukhar 1520). At the end of his time, the Prophet (s.a.w) ordered Abu Bakr (r.a) to offer Salah in the Masjid. Abu Bakr (r.a) led 13 prayers. During his illness, Prophet (s.a.w) said (and ordered this statement to be written down), "Forgive the Ansar for their mistakes and treat them with kindness. Consider non superior to Abu Bakr in your assemblies." Thus, it is clear that it was the Will of Allah and inclination of Prophet (s.a.w) that Abu Bakr (r.a) should have the authority to enforce religious legislation and lead acts of worship after him. Imaam Shafi'i said, "Abu Bakr was unanimously chosen as calip for a better man was not available on earth." Muawiyah bin Qurrah said, "The companions never expressed any doublt regarding the Khilafah of Abu Bakr and they always addressed him as Khaleef al Rasool Allah (s.a.w). The companions can never reach a consensus on a misdeed."
However, the Shi'a insist that Abu Bakr (r.a) tricked the Muslims into making him the Khaleef and that it was really Ali's right to rule. Little do they know that Abu Bakr (r.a) was forced by the companions (r.a) to accept this position and Ali (r.a) of his foremost supporters.
After the death of Prophet (s.a.w), the companions (r.a) gathering in the Hall of Banu Sa'idah to choose an Ameer. Because Ali (r.a) was busy with the burial and the family, Abu Bakr and Umar (r.a) rushed to the scene. It was the most crucial in Islamic history; without the guidance of Prophet (s.a.w), there was nothing binding the Muhajireen and Ansaar. Their unity was at the brink of destruction. The Ansar were further weakened by an internal divide between the Aus and Khazraj tribes. Had Abu Bakr and Umar (r.a) not arrived quickly, the Muslim Ummah may have been disarrayed.
After much dispute, Umar (r.a) said to the congregation, "You remember very well that the Prophet (s.a.w) exhorted the Muhajirin to take care of the Ansar and did not ask the Ansar to make concessions to the Muhajirin. This will of the Prophet (s.a.w) goes in favour of the Muhajirin to be at the helm of affairs." He was followed by Bashir Bin An Numan bin Ka'b Ansari (r.a) who got up and said, "The Prophet (s.a.w) certainly belonged to the Qurayesh tribe so the people of Qurayesh alone deserve the Khilafah. We, no doubt, lent our help and support to Islam, but our efforts were meant solely for seeking the Pleasure of Allah, and we don't want its compensation in this world nor do we want to pick a quarrel with the Muhajirin....I heard the Prophet (s.a.w) said that Imams will come from the Qurayesh." The believers were satisfied with these reminders so Abu Bakr (r.a) requested them to choose anyone between Umar or Abu Ubaydah (r.a) as the Khaleef. But Umar (r.a) quickly stretched his hand and gave Bai'ah (allegiance) to Abu Bakr (r.a) saying, "Abu Bakr is the most excellent amongst the Muhajirin." Abu Ubaidah and Bashir bin Sa'd voiced the same fact and pledged their Bai'ah followed by all the believers in the hall.
Because Ali (r.a) was away with due to burial responsibilities, he was unable to give his oath immediately. However Ali (r.a) said to Abu Bakr (r.a), "I do not refuse to admit that your virtues entitle you the Khilafah. Had I been at Saqifah, I would have taken Bai'ah at your hand ahead of everyone." Thereafter, Ali (r.a) took his oath before a large congregation in the Masjid. To this, Abu Bakr (r.a) said, "If I do good work it is incumbent on you to extend your help and support to me; if I go wrong it is your duty to put me on the right path....Obey me while I keep obeying Allah and His Messenger (s.a.w); renounce me when I disobey Allah and HIs Messenger (s.a.w)."
In spite of Ali's (r.a) open and voluntary Bi'ah to Abu Bakr (r.a), the Shi'i stress that since Ali (r.a) was from the Prophet's household (s.a.w), he was more deserving to become the first Khaleef.
Indeed the household of the Prophet (s.a.w) enjoys a lofty status. Ibn Umar (r.a) narrated, Abu Bakr (r.a) said, ارقبوا محمدا صلي الله عليه وسلم في اهل بيته "Show reverence to the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) by honouring the members of his family" - Al Bukhari (text from Riyadh al Saliheen, vol. 1, ch 43, hadith # 347) ارقبوا means راعوه واحترموه واكرموه - take care of the Prophet (s.a.w) by honouring and respecting his family, looking after their needs and treating them with kindness. Hence, Abu Bakr (r.a) found it more dearer and desirable to him to treat the Prophet's household (s.a.w) better than his own relatives. Umar (r.a), used to grant pensions to every member of the Prophet's household (s.a.w), during his Khilafah, and bear all the personal expenses (including Hajj) of all of the Prophet's wives (s.a.w). Notwithstanding, the Shi'i content that we must follow the Ahl al Bayt, merely being kind to them is not sufficient. If this was true, then certainly, the Prophet (s.a.w) would have commanded us to do so. But the Prophet (s.a.w) explicitly emphasized three times in one hadith, that we should فخذوا / واستمسكوا / take the Qur'an, firmly, follow it, hold on to it and live by it. فحث means to urge. The Prophet (s.a.w) encouraged, implored and pleaded us to علي كتاب الله be with the Qur'an, heed it and abide by it. Thereafter, only once the Prophet (s.a.w) alluded to be gentle to his family. He (s.a.w), said,
Originally I wanted to title this article, "International Peace Month". From the 12 lunar months in the Islamic calendar, four are sacred (see, Qur'an, 9:36). Of them is the first month of Islam, Muharram. There are many great things about Muharram. For instance, the word Muharram is from the root ha-ra-ma which gives the meaning of sacred, forbidden, worthy of reverence and piety. Allah specifically instructs us not to commit any injustice: فَلَا تَظْلِمُوا فِيهِنَّ أَنفُسَكُمْ here can mean anything from فُسُوقَ to جِدَالَ so like no obscenity, wickedness, wrangling, fighting or war is impermissible at any time (unless dire circumstances necessitating it), but especially even more-so in Muharram. Muharram is a month of bequeathing exceptional sanctity and honour to all life forms and property. So Muharram is like International Peace Month - total cease fire, no grudges, bruises or damages, only friendship and brotherhood. We also fast in Muharram. The Prophet (s.aw.) said, "The most excellent fasts after the fasts of Ramadan in the sight of Allah, are the fasts of the month of Muharram" [Muslim]. Why? The Prophet (s.a.w) said, "I believe that Allah will forgive the sins of the past year in return for the fast of Ashura - 10th of Muharram" [Muslim]. However the Prophet (s.a.w) encouraged us to fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram, so as not to resemble the People of the Book. The Jews fast on the 10th of Muharram because Allah freed the Bani Israel from the slavery of Pharaoh and split River Nile to save them.
So what does Muharram have to do with Shi'a and Sunni fighting? Muharram was suppose to be about universal serenity, solidarity, and self-control right?
Now come to think of it, Muslims have successfully converted many holy months, into months for fighting. Ramadan is the month of moon fighting. Rabi' al Awwal is for birthday beats - literally. Yes, we love the Prophet (s.a.w) so much that we cannot resist clobber the month into looking like the Islamazied version of Christmas. From decorating our Masajid with bells and lights and caroling na'aats to making Arab/Desi versions of mince meat pies, plum puddings, emailing milaad greeting cards and going to Mass - every night. Mass? Well, the Christians begin Mass with the sign of the cross, then they sing the Gloria, followed by responsorial Psalm and reading from the Gospel. Muslims begin their Milaad Mass with the Durood, then they sing Qasida Burda 'sharif', followed by Naats, Qawwalis and reading of absolutely fabricated hadith narrations. This is NOT Islam! If we really love the Prophet (s.a.w), we should follow HIS example (s.a.w) - and not that of Christians.
Then there is Rajab, the month of meals mania. We use this month to make (and molest our health with) really oily, buttery purriyan; spicy chickpeas and milky, sugary kheer and halwa. You would think the month is about binge eating and not really commemorating the Prophet (s.a.w)'s ascension to and tour of Heaven and Hellfire. If we really knew that the Prophet (s.a.w) saw backbiters digging into their faces and tearing their skin off, adulterers fumigated and cooked in ovens blasting with hellish flames and interest consumers drowning in blood, asphyxiated with large crushing boulders - then we wouldn't have the heart to even think about food. We would sit all day and cry. And of course, who can forget the punching and shouting during Dhul Hijjah, at the time tawwaf and sa'i.
I wonder why we fight so much? I thought Islam was peace, just and kind religion. Then why can't Muslims reciprocate these virtues in our daily lives? You see, Allah's forgiveness, mercy and help is with the Muslims who follow the Qur'an [5:12]. Allah's wrath is upon us because we think that the Qur'an is too unimportant to be worth our time. Without the Qur'an, our hearts have become hard, we have distorted Islam and our practices are based deceit and desires [5:13]. As a punishment for abandoning the Qur'an, Allah has caused animosity and hatred amongst us [5:14], so no matter what the Islamic occasion, the Muslims just don't get along.
Take the example of Shi'as and Sunnis - we fight primarily over the Khilafah of Abu Bakr and Ali (r.a) and the month of Muharram. But if we calmed down a bit and read the Qur'an, inshaAllah we'll see that the fuss is just an honest misunderstanding.
Khilafah
Khaleef means successor and Khalifah means the succession of rule.
Abu Bakr (r.a) was the first successor to the Prophet (s.a.w) in Islamic rule; Ali (r.a) was the fourth. Neither Abu Bakr nor Ali (r.a) were divine or infallible. They did not receive revelation from Allah nor did they perform any miracles.
Abu Bakr (r.a) was the first man to accept Islam and the first companion to give his daughter to the Prophet (s.a.w) in marriage. He alone financed the Prophet's emigration (s.a.w) to Medinah and accompanied him. The Prophet (s.a.w) said, "the sun never rose on anyone better than Abu Bakr, except for the Prophets. He donated his entire wealth - all of his property, belongings and life savings to finance the Battle of Tabuk. The Prophet (s.a.w) said that "the wealth of Abu Bakr proved more useful to me than the wealth of anybody else." From amongst the men, the Prophet loved Abu Bakr the most and from the women, he (s.a.w) loved his daughter - Aisha (r.a) the most. (Bukhari 1523). The Prophet (s..a.w) said, "Allah sent me as a Prophet to you people but you said me, 'you are telling a lie,' while Abu Bakr believed in me and said to the people, 'he (s.a.w) has said the truth.' Abu Bakr consoled me with himself and his money. Won't you then give up harming my companion? Won't you then give up harming my companion?" (Bukhari 1522).
Ali (r.a) once asked the people during his khilafah who they thought was the most brave and courageous. Then Ali (r.a) said, "Abu Bakr is the most valiant. On the day of Badr we had erected a hut for the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w). We then asked each other as to who will accompany the Prophet to save him from Qureyshi onslaught. By Allah none of us had the guts to offer his services. But Abu Bakr stood alone drawing his sword and allowed no one to draw near the Prophet (s.a.w). Whoever attempted to attack, came under the fierce retaliation of Abu Bakr. Then there was also a time in Makkah when the Qureysh surrounded the Prophet (s.a.w). They abused him and pulled his neck with a thick cloth when Abu Bakr intervened. They beat him instead until his hair fell and he fainted." Saying this, Ali (r.a) burst into tears. He said many times that the Abu Bakr (r.a) was the best companion of the Prophet (s.a.w) and that he would beat any person who held him superior to Abu Bakr and Umar (r.a).
The Prophet (s.a.w) told a woman that, 'after my death, find Abu Bakr (r.a)' (Bukhar 1520). At the end of his time, the Prophet (s.a.w) ordered Abu Bakr (r.a) to offer Salah in the Masjid. Abu Bakr (r.a) led 13 prayers. During his illness, Prophet (s.a.w) said (and ordered this statement to be written down), "Forgive the Ansar for their mistakes and treat them with kindness. Consider non superior to Abu Bakr in your assemblies." Thus, it is clear that it was the Will of Allah and inclination of Prophet (s.a.w) that Abu Bakr (r.a) should have the authority to enforce religious legislation and lead acts of worship after him. Imaam Shafi'i said, "Abu Bakr was unanimously chosen as calip for a better man was not available on earth." Muawiyah bin Qurrah said, "The companions never expressed any doublt regarding the Khilafah of Abu Bakr and they always addressed him as Khaleef al Rasool Allah (s.a.w). The companions can never reach a consensus on a misdeed."
However, the Shi'a insist that Abu Bakr (r.a) tricked the Muslims into making him the Khaleef and that it was really Ali's right to rule. Little do they know that Abu Bakr (r.a) was forced by the companions (r.a) to accept this position and Ali (r.a) of his foremost supporters.
After the death of Prophet (s.a.w), the companions (r.a) gathering in the Hall of Banu Sa'idah to choose an Ameer. Because Ali (r.a) was busy with the burial and the family, Abu Bakr and Umar (r.a) rushed to the scene. It was the most crucial in Islamic history; without the guidance of Prophet (s.a.w), there was nothing binding the Muhajireen and Ansaar. Their unity was at the brink of destruction. The Ansar were further weakened by an internal divide between the Aus and Khazraj tribes. Had Abu Bakr and Umar (r.a) not arrived quickly, the Muslim Ummah may have been disarrayed.
After much dispute, Umar (r.a) said to the congregation, "You remember very well that the Prophet (s.a.w) exhorted the Muhajirin to take care of the Ansar and did not ask the Ansar to make concessions to the Muhajirin. This will of the Prophet (s.a.w) goes in favour of the Muhajirin to be at the helm of affairs." He was followed by Bashir Bin An Numan bin Ka'b Ansari (r.a) who got up and said, "The Prophet (s.a.w) certainly belonged to the Qurayesh tribe so the people of Qurayesh alone deserve the Khilafah. We, no doubt, lent our help and support to Islam, but our efforts were meant solely for seeking the Pleasure of Allah, and we don't want its compensation in this world nor do we want to pick a quarrel with the Muhajirin....I heard the Prophet (s.a.w) said that Imams will come from the Qurayesh." The believers were satisfied with these reminders so Abu Bakr (r.a) requested them to choose anyone between Umar or Abu Ubaydah (r.a) as the Khaleef. But Umar (r.a) quickly stretched his hand and gave Bai'ah (allegiance) to Abu Bakr (r.a) saying, "Abu Bakr is the most excellent amongst the Muhajirin." Abu Ubaidah and Bashir bin Sa'd voiced the same fact and pledged their Bai'ah followed by all the believers in the hall.
Because Ali (r.a) was away with due to burial responsibilities, he was unable to give his oath immediately. However Ali (r.a) said to Abu Bakr (r.a), "I do not refuse to admit that your virtues entitle you the Khilafah. Had I been at Saqifah, I would have taken Bai'ah at your hand ahead of everyone." Thereafter, Ali (r.a) took his oath before a large congregation in the Masjid. To this, Abu Bakr (r.a) said, "If I do good work it is incumbent on you to extend your help and support to me; if I go wrong it is your duty to put me on the right path....Obey me while I keep obeying Allah and His Messenger (s.a.w); renounce me when I disobey Allah and HIs Messenger (s.a.w)."
In spite of Ali's (r.a) open and voluntary Bi'ah to Abu Bakr (r.a), the Shi'i stress that since Ali (r.a) was from the Prophet's household (s.a.w), he was more deserving to become the first Khaleef.
Indeed the household of the Prophet (s.a.w) enjoys a lofty status. Ibn Umar (r.a) narrated, Abu Bakr (r.a) said, ارقبوا محمدا صلي الله عليه وسلم في اهل بيته "Show reverence to the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) by honouring the members of his family" - Al Bukhari (text from Riyadh al Saliheen, vol. 1, ch 43, hadith # 347) ارقبوا means راعوه واحترموه واكرموه - take care of the Prophet (s.a.w) by honouring and respecting his family, looking after their needs and treating them with kindness. Hence, Abu Bakr (r.a) found it more dearer and desirable to him to treat the Prophet's household (s.a.w) better than his own relatives. Umar (r.a), used to grant pensions to every member of the Prophet's household (s.a.w), during his Khilafah, and bear all the personal expenses (including Hajj) of all of the Prophet's wives (s.a.w). Notwithstanding, the Shi'i content that we must follow the Ahl al Bayt, merely being kind to them is not sufficient. If this was true, then certainly, the Prophet (s.a.w) would have commanded us to do so. But the Prophet (s.a.w) explicitly emphasized three times in one hadith, that we should فخذوا / واستمسكوا / take the Qur'an, firmly, follow it, hold on to it and live by it. فحث means to urge. The Prophet (s.a.w) encouraged, implored and pleaded us to علي كتاب الله be with the Qur'an, heed it and abide by it. Thereafter, only once the Prophet (s.a.w) alluded to be gentle to his family. He (s.a.w), said,
الا ايها الناس فانما انا بشر يوشك ان ياتي رسول ربي فاجيب, وانا تارك فيكم ثقلين اولهما كتاب الله فيه الهدي والنور
فخذوا بكتاب الله واستمسكوا به فحث علي كتاب الله, ورغب فيه ثم قال واهل بيتي اذكركم الله في اهل بيتي اذكركم الله في اهل بيتي
"O people, I am a human being. I am about to receive a messenger (angel of death) from my Rabb and I will respond to Allah's call. But I am leaving with you two weighty things: the first is the Book of Allah, in which there is right guidance and light, so hold fast to the Book of Allah and adhere to it. The second thing is the members of my household, I remind you to be kind to the members of my family. I remind you to be kind to the members of my family" - Muslim (text taken from Riyadh al Saliheen, ch. 43 hadith # 346).
So how can the Qur'an and the Prophet's Household (s.a.w) be the same? How can the Shi'i ever substitute the Qur'an for the Prophet's family (s.a.w)? When Allah did not allow the Prophet (s.a.w) to replace a single verse of the Qur'an (66:1) then how can the Shi'i assume that it is enough to follow the Ahl al Bayt as an alternative to the Qur'an? The Qur'an is Furqaan, the criterion and standard by which we ought to live our life (25:1). The Qur'an is Dhikr, remembrance of Allah, the purpose of creation, the history of past nations and descriptions of the Hereafter (43:33). The Qur'an is Allah's extra favour and mercy (10:58). Anas (r.a) reported the Prophet (s.a.w) said, "Verily Allah has chosen people amongst mankind. The People of the Qur'an - they are the People of Allah, and His Chosen ones" (an Nasaae'ee). Ibn Mas'ood (r.a) said, the Prophet (s.a.w) said, "Whoever wishes to love Allah and His Messenger, let him read the mus-haf" (Ibn Nu'aym in Hilya).
This is not to say that one should follow the Qur'an and disrespect the Prophet's household (s.a.w). Ali (r.a), had devouted his entire life to the Qur'an. Ali (r.a) said, "The Book of Allah - it has the tidings of those before you, and the news of those after you' it is the Judge between you; it is the Criterion; it cannot be taken lightly. Whoever abandons it due to arrogance will be destroyed by Allah, and whoever seeks guidance by other than it will be misled by Allah. It is Allah's strong rope; it is the Wise Remembrance; it is the Straight Path. It is not strayed by desires, nor are the tongues confused by it. Its wonders never cease, and the scholars never satisfy themselves of it. Whoever speaks with it has spoken the truth; whoever works upon it will be rewarded; whoever judges according to it will be just; and whoever calls to it will be guided to the Straight Path" (Tirmidhi). Another member of the Prophet's family (s.a.w), Ibn Abbas (r.a) held the position of Tarjuman al Qur'an - authority on the exegesis of Qur'an amongst all the companions.
Why be arrogant and vain in demanding to follow the Prophet's household (s.a.w) when true glory is only in following the Qur'an? The Prophet (s.a.w), "Indeed, Allah will raise and honour people by this Book, and He will debase others by it" (Muslim). Islam abolished allegiance and obedience on the basis of asabiyah (family relations). The Prophet (s.a.w) said, "Whomever calls for asabiyah is not from among us, whomever fights for asabiyah is not from among us, and whomever dies for asabiyah is not from among us." Eminence from Allah and amity with the Prophet (s.a.w) is in following the Qur'an, not people and their families, even if they were the Prophet's family (s.a.w).
Let's not forget that the Prophet (s.a.w) said said to Fatimah, "O daughter of Muhammad, rescue yourself from the Fire, for I have no power to protect you form Allah in anything except that I would sustain relationship with you [in this world]" - Muslim. If she was infallible, why would the Prophet (s.a.w) warn her about Hellfire with the rest of his household? The Prophet (s.a.w) unequivocally said he cannot help anyone, including his own daughter on the Day of Judgment if they disobey Allah. But if the Prophet's family (s.a.w) were divinely inspired by Allah, then why would they need to worry about answering to Allah for their actions? Why did the Prophet (s.a.w) say to Fatimah that he could only give her the rights of a father but nothing more? Because the Prophet's household (s.a.w) has no claim to being holy pietistic or sanctified. The Prophet (s.a.w) said, "Keep me away from praising me beyond a limit like the Christians who crossed all limits in adoring Esa bin Maryam. I am one of the slaves of Allah, so call me Abdullah (slave of Allah)." Therefore, the Prophet's household (s.a.w) are also slaves of Allah. The Prophet (s.a.w) said about Fatimah (r.a) that if she committed theft, her hand would be amputated like any other person committing the same crime. So you see, the Prophet's household (s.a.w) too was subjected the Qur'an. They are not better than Allah's Book. There were no special laws for his family nor did they create special commands for themselves and others to follow.
As for Khalifah, the the Prophet (s.a.w) said, "O people! If an ordinary Abyssinian slave is made your ruler or Khaleef, then you must accept his authority." Easily, the Prophet (s.a.w) could have said to accept the authority of only his household. So evidently, Islam does not give legislative/judicial, political or even military leadership on the basis of family relations. Just as it was the will of Allah to chose the Muhammad (s.a.w) as His final Prophet and Messenger, it was the will of Allah chose Abu Bakr (r.a) as the successor to His Prophet.
Muharram
From here, things get a little political.
Most of the Shi'i and Sunni fights happen in Muharram. Shi'i commemorate Hussain's (r.a) martyrdom in this month and flagellant themselves in grief of his loss (? am not really sure). In Islam, we are suppose to love the Prophet (s.a.w) more than our own family, our wealth and our lives. Any loss to the Prophet, in his honour and/or person (s.a.w) is a terrible blow for all of us. I cannot think of anyone who does not ache and wince when remembering Karbala and the death of the Prophet's grandson (s.a.w). The incident was really shocking and tragic but it was also an honest misunderstanding.
See what really happened was that when Amir Muawiya fell ill, he made his son, Yazid - heir-apparent. After Muawiya's death, when Yazid sent his ministers from Syria to Hejaz to take Bi'ah, many companions turned him down. Of these companions were Abdullah bin Zubair (r.a), Abdullah bin Abbas (r.a) and Hussain bin Ali (r.a). Yazeed issued an arrest warrant against ibn Zubair and it was anticipated that he would do something equally offensive against Hussain (r.a). At the same time, the people of Kufa were writing to Hussain (r.a) to visit them and take their Bi'ah. The people of Kufa claimed to be loyal to Ali (r.a) and they wanted to give their allegiance to his son, al Hussain. Nouman bin Bashir and Muslim bin Aqil were the main supporters of Hussain in Kufa. They promised him the help of 12,000 men. Because Hussain (r.a) believed trusted them, he wanted to go to Kufa and claim his position as Khaleef.
First Abdur Rahman bin Harith requested Hussain (r.a) not to go. He said that the people of Kufa were greedy and that they would never fight to defend him against Yazeed and his army. Then came Abdullah bin Umar (r.a). He cried before Hussain (r.a) and said, "Don't go out of Makkah to take Bi'ah and leadership, Allah gave the Prophet (s.a.w) the option to select either this world or the Hereafter. He chose the Hereafter. You also belong to the family of the Prophet (s.a.w). Don't yearn after this world. Don't let yourself be contaminated with worldly filth." Even Abdullah bin Abbas (r.a) reminded Hussain that the people of Kufa mistreated his father and martyred him. They robbed Hassan and ultimately martyred him too. Ibn Abbas tried to convince Hussain (r.a) to at least delay his trip till after Hajj or leave the women and children behind in Makkah where they would be safe. It just wasn't wise to risk everything a few letters. On top of that, Abdullah bin Zubair (r.a) promised to give his pledge to Hussain (r.a) and make him governor of in Makkah and subsequently all of Hejaz if he stayed. But Hussain (r.a) had made up his mind so he left for Kufa.
Somehow, Yazeed got wind of Hussain's plans (r.a). Immediately, he promised Obaidullah bin Zeyad governorship of Kufa and Basra in exchange for capturing the supporters of Hussain (r.a). Not only did Obaidullah bin Zeyad execute Nouman bin Bashir and Muslim bin Aqil publically but he also threatened to make a similar example of their 12,000 supporters. Thereafter, Obaidullah began scheming to take Hussain (r.a) life.
Abdullah bin Jafaar wrote to Hussain (r.a) and requested him to return for the sake of Allah and come settle in Medina instead. Abdullah bin Mutie plainly warned Hussain (r.a) that taking the Khilafah from Banu Umayyah (the family tribe of Mua'wiyah and Yazid) would result in his instant death, death of every Hashimi, and Qurayeshi man. By doing this, Hussain would dishonor Muslims and Islam. But Hussain (r.a) refused to listen and ignored all counsel.
Meanwhile, Obaidullah bin Zeyad had paid thousands of soldiers to block all routes to Kufa. So when Hussain (r.a) reached Saraf, the army of Hur intercepted him and forbade him from entering the city. Hussain fell back and traveled north to Qadisiya where he was met by an army under Amr bin Sad. He left Qadisiya to cover 10 miles and halted in Karbala. Hur and Amr bin Sad approached Hussain (r.a) in Karbala with their militia to arrest him. Hussain (r.a) requested to be returned to Makkah with safety or allowed to meet Yazeed in peace. Amr bin Sad conveyed this message to Obaidullah bin Zeyad who, on the advise of Shmir Dhul Jaushan, ordered that Hussain (r.a) give his allegiance to Yazid before his release. In response, Hussain (r.a) said that he would rather die than give his Bi'ah.
Amr bin Sad spent a week trying to reconcile between Obaidullah and Hussain (r.a). Amr bin Sad used to camp, eat with and pray behind Hussain (r.a). They both were friends until Obaidullah sent Shmir himself to finish the job. Shmir arrived at Karbala, cut Hussain's (r.a) water supply. The next day, he battled the Prophet's beloved grandson and martyred him with a spear.
In all of this Shmir was the bad guy. Actually he was a monster! And he was an Iranian. Are all Iranians bad guys? Lets just say in the early history of Islam, the Muslims have not suffered at the hands of anyone except two groups: the Jews and the Iranians. It was a Jewish man who did magic on the Prophet (s.a.w) and he fell sick. Again, it were the Jews who gathered a confederation of tribes against the Prophet (s.a.w) in the battle of Ahzab. Yes, Abdullah bin Saba was also a Jew, the first to poison Muslim Aqeedah against Allah and the first fabricate hadith. Before him, there was no shirk or political disunity amongst the Muslims. He pit Abu Bakr and Ali (r.a) until some Muslims were confused. He is essentially the creator the of Shi'i faith.
Next in line of bad guys is Abu lulu al Majusi, an Iranian who martyred Umar (r.a). But this coward committed suicide. He was not man enough to fight. He stabbed Umar (r.a) by surprise and got all scared so he stabbed himself too. What a loser! Finally, this Shmir was a piece of art. He martyred Hussain (r.a). Shmir's sister, Umm Lambeen bint Haram was Ali's (r.a) second wife. She bore four sons, his nephews, Obaidullah, Jafar, Uthman and Abbas. When Shmir went to battle Hussain (r.a), he called his nephews to the side and gave them Amaan (protection).
Can you imagine the nerve of this Iranian pericyte? Hussain (r.a) was the son of his brother-in-law too! His step-nephew! But he mutilates and beheads Hussain (r.a), then tramples him with his horse! Why? For power? Out of jealous hatred for the Arabs? With what audacity do the Shi'i, Iranians claim that they are more loyal to Ali (r.a) and his progeny when it was their guy who martyred Hussain (r.a)! And these Iranians dare abuse Abu Bakr and Aisha (r.a) with their filthy, filthy, filthy mouths??? Laa howlaa quwatta bilAllah! Fear Allah if you are Muslims! Aisha (r.a) was the most beloved to the Prophet (s.a.w). She is our mother and university of Islam. To disrespect her is ignorance, a disservice to one's faith and dishonouring the Prophet (s.a.w) himself. The Prophet (s.a.w) died in her arms was buried in her apartment. Have some shame.
See I told you, when it comes to Muharram, its all politics. For centuries the Shi'i and Sunni have argued and assassinated each other when it was all an honest misunderstanding to begin with. Some Jewish and Iranian people came between us and played us good. ربَّنَا اغْفِرْ لَنَا وَلِإِخْوَانِنَا الَّذِينَ سَبَقُونَا بِالْإِيمَانِ وَلَا تَجْعَلْ فِي قُلُوبِنَا غِلًّا لِّلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا رَبَّنَا إِنَّكَ رَؤُوفٌ رَّحِيمٌ - "Our Lord! Forgive us, and our brothers who came before us into the Faith, and leave not, in our hearts, rancour (or sense of injury) against those who have believed. Our Lord! You are indeed Full of Kindness, Most Merciful" (59:10) - Aameen.
There have been many honest misunderstandings and tragedies in the Muslim history, the Shi'i and Sunni fighting is one of them. The past is with Allah. Let Allah deal with Abdullah bin Saba and Shmir. Allah says, تِلْكَ أُمَّةٌ قَدْ خَلَتْ لَهَا مَا كَسَبَتْ وَلَكُم مَّا كَسَبْتُمْ وَلَا تُسْأَلُونَ عَمَّا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ - "those are nations that have passed. For them is what they have earned (with respect to the reward or punishment of their deeds) and for you are your wages (rewards and punishments). And you will not be asked concerning their actions" (2:141).
I think Muslims should generally stop fighting. If there is something we don't agree with or don't understand, lets just look it up in the Qur'an and Bukhari? Still if something doesn't make sense then make du'aa to Allah for guidance but do not be harsh upon anyone. The Prophet said, "The most complete of believers in Imaan (faith) are those who are best in character" (Abu Dawood). The most heaviest deed on the scales on the Day of Judgment will be حسن الخلق - good character. حسن الخلق will weigh as much as fasting and praying! (Tirmidhi). So have lots of good character for the day we shall see Allah :) There is more hypocritical than an enlightened savage.
With this, inshaAllah we end the fight :)
Truce :)
From here, things get a little political.
Most of the Shi'i and Sunni fights happen in Muharram. Shi'i commemorate Hussain's (r.a) martyrdom in this month and flagellant themselves in grief of his loss (? am not really sure). In Islam, we are suppose to love the Prophet (s.a.w) more than our own family, our wealth and our lives. Any loss to the Prophet, in his honour and/or person (s.a.w) is a terrible blow for all of us. I cannot think of anyone who does not ache and wince when remembering Karbala and the death of the Prophet's grandson (s.a.w). The incident was really shocking and tragic but it was also an honest misunderstanding.
See what really happened was that when Amir Muawiya fell ill, he made his son, Yazid - heir-apparent. After Muawiya's death, when Yazid sent his ministers from Syria to Hejaz to take Bi'ah, many companions turned him down. Of these companions were Abdullah bin Zubair (r.a), Abdullah bin Abbas (r.a) and Hussain bin Ali (r.a). Yazeed issued an arrest warrant against ibn Zubair and it was anticipated that he would do something equally offensive against Hussain (r.a). At the same time, the people of Kufa were writing to Hussain (r.a) to visit them and take their Bi'ah. The people of Kufa claimed to be loyal to Ali (r.a) and they wanted to give their allegiance to his son, al Hussain. Nouman bin Bashir and Muslim bin Aqil were the main supporters of Hussain in Kufa. They promised him the help of 12,000 men. Because Hussain (r.a) believed trusted them, he wanted to go to Kufa and claim his position as Khaleef.
First Abdur Rahman bin Harith requested Hussain (r.a) not to go. He said that the people of Kufa were greedy and that they would never fight to defend him against Yazeed and his army. Then came Abdullah bin Umar (r.a). He cried before Hussain (r.a) and said, "Don't go out of Makkah to take Bi'ah and leadership, Allah gave the Prophet (s.a.w) the option to select either this world or the Hereafter. He chose the Hereafter. You also belong to the family of the Prophet (s.a.w). Don't yearn after this world. Don't let yourself be contaminated with worldly filth." Even Abdullah bin Abbas (r.a) reminded Hussain that the people of Kufa mistreated his father and martyred him. They robbed Hassan and ultimately martyred him too. Ibn Abbas tried to convince Hussain (r.a) to at least delay his trip till after Hajj or leave the women and children behind in Makkah where they would be safe. It just wasn't wise to risk everything a few letters. On top of that, Abdullah bin Zubair (r.a) promised to give his pledge to Hussain (r.a) and make him governor of in Makkah and subsequently all of Hejaz if he stayed. But Hussain (r.a) had made up his mind so he left for Kufa.
Somehow, Yazeed got wind of Hussain's plans (r.a). Immediately, he promised Obaidullah bin Zeyad governorship of Kufa and Basra in exchange for capturing the supporters of Hussain (r.a). Not only did Obaidullah bin Zeyad execute Nouman bin Bashir and Muslim bin Aqil publically but he also threatened to make a similar example of their 12,000 supporters. Thereafter, Obaidullah began scheming to take Hussain (r.a) life.
Abdullah bin Jafaar wrote to Hussain (r.a) and requested him to return for the sake of Allah and come settle in Medina instead. Abdullah bin Mutie plainly warned Hussain (r.a) that taking the Khilafah from Banu Umayyah (the family tribe of Mua'wiyah and Yazid) would result in his instant death, death of every Hashimi, and Qurayeshi man. By doing this, Hussain would dishonor Muslims and Islam. But Hussain (r.a) refused to listen and ignored all counsel.
Meanwhile, Obaidullah bin Zeyad had paid thousands of soldiers to block all routes to Kufa. So when Hussain (r.a) reached Saraf, the army of Hur intercepted him and forbade him from entering the city. Hussain fell back and traveled north to Qadisiya where he was met by an army under Amr bin Sad. He left Qadisiya to cover 10 miles and halted in Karbala. Hur and Amr bin Sad approached Hussain (r.a) in Karbala with their militia to arrest him. Hussain (r.a) requested to be returned to Makkah with safety or allowed to meet Yazeed in peace. Amr bin Sad conveyed this message to Obaidullah bin Zeyad who, on the advise of Shmir Dhul Jaushan, ordered that Hussain (r.a) give his allegiance to Yazid before his release. In response, Hussain (r.a) said that he would rather die than give his Bi'ah.
Amr bin Sad spent a week trying to reconcile between Obaidullah and Hussain (r.a). Amr bin Sad used to camp, eat with and pray behind Hussain (r.a). They both were friends until Obaidullah sent Shmir himself to finish the job. Shmir arrived at Karbala, cut Hussain's (r.a) water supply. The next day, he battled the Prophet's beloved grandson and martyred him with a spear.
In all of this Shmir was the bad guy. Actually he was a monster! And he was an Iranian. Are all Iranians bad guys? Lets just say in the early history of Islam, the Muslims have not suffered at the hands of anyone except two groups: the Jews and the Iranians. It was a Jewish man who did magic on the Prophet (s.a.w) and he fell sick. Again, it were the Jews who gathered a confederation of tribes against the Prophet (s.a.w) in the battle of Ahzab. Yes, Abdullah bin Saba was also a Jew, the first to poison Muslim Aqeedah against Allah and the first fabricate hadith. Before him, there was no shirk or political disunity amongst the Muslims. He pit Abu Bakr and Ali (r.a) until some Muslims were confused. He is essentially the creator the of Shi'i faith.
Next in line of bad guys is Abu lulu al Majusi, an Iranian who martyred Umar (r.a). But this coward committed suicide. He was not man enough to fight. He stabbed Umar (r.a) by surprise and got all scared so he stabbed himself too. What a loser! Finally, this Shmir was a piece of art. He martyred Hussain (r.a). Shmir's sister, Umm Lambeen bint Haram was Ali's (r.a) second wife. She bore four sons, his nephews, Obaidullah, Jafar, Uthman and Abbas. When Shmir went to battle Hussain (r.a), he called his nephews to the side and gave them Amaan (protection).
Can you imagine the nerve of this Iranian pericyte? Hussain (r.a) was the son of his brother-in-law too! His step-nephew! But he mutilates and beheads Hussain (r.a), then tramples him with his horse! Why? For power? Out of jealous hatred for the Arabs? With what audacity do the Shi'i, Iranians claim that they are more loyal to Ali (r.a) and his progeny when it was their guy who martyred Hussain (r.a)! And these Iranians dare abuse Abu Bakr and Aisha (r.a) with their filthy, filthy, filthy mouths??? Laa howlaa quwatta bilAllah! Fear Allah if you are Muslims! Aisha (r.a) was the most beloved to the Prophet (s.a.w). She is our mother and university of Islam. To disrespect her is ignorance, a disservice to one's faith and dishonouring the Prophet (s.a.w) himself. The Prophet (s.a.w) died in her arms was buried in her apartment. Have some shame.
See I told you, when it comes to Muharram, its all politics. For centuries the Shi'i and Sunni have argued and assassinated each other when it was all an honest misunderstanding to begin with. Some Jewish and Iranian people came between us and played us good. ربَّنَا اغْفِرْ لَنَا وَلِإِخْوَانِنَا الَّذِينَ سَبَقُونَا بِالْإِيمَانِ وَلَا تَجْعَلْ فِي قُلُوبِنَا غِلًّا لِّلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا رَبَّنَا إِنَّكَ رَؤُوفٌ رَّحِيمٌ - "Our Lord! Forgive us, and our brothers who came before us into the Faith, and leave not, in our hearts, rancour (or sense of injury) against those who have believed. Our Lord! You are indeed Full of Kindness, Most Merciful" (59:10) - Aameen.
There have been many honest misunderstandings and tragedies in the Muslim history, the Shi'i and Sunni fighting is one of them. The past is with Allah. Let Allah deal with Abdullah bin Saba and Shmir. Allah says, تِلْكَ أُمَّةٌ قَدْ خَلَتْ لَهَا مَا كَسَبَتْ وَلَكُم مَّا كَسَبْتُمْ وَلَا تُسْأَلُونَ عَمَّا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ - "those are nations that have passed. For them is what they have earned (with respect to the reward or punishment of their deeds) and for you are your wages (rewards and punishments). And you will not be asked concerning their actions" (2:141).
I think Muslims should generally stop fighting. If there is something we don't agree with or don't understand, lets just look it up in the Qur'an and Bukhari? Still if something doesn't make sense then make du'aa to Allah for guidance but do not be harsh upon anyone. The Prophet said, "The most complete of believers in Imaan (faith) are those who are best in character" (Abu Dawood). The most heaviest deed on the scales on the Day of Judgment will be حسن الخلق - good character. حسن الخلق will weigh as much as fasting and praying! (Tirmidhi). So have lots of good character for the day we shall see Allah :) There is more hypocritical than an enlightened savage.
With this, inshaAllah we end the fight :)
Truce :)
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Nationalism and Afghanistan - a case study
If Nationalism was only about love, waving one's flag and signing a bunch of patriotic songs (without music of course) all day then I would have been okay with it. But truth about nationalism is that it is a vigorous craze for one's country marked with extreme feeling of superiority, racism and prejudice against other countries. Nationalism is used to advocate and justify persecution of the linguistic, ethnic and religious "other" groups. Nationalism is the modern name for bigotry, violence, terrorism and genocide. Some of the bloodiest battles and governments in human history were propelled by the fiendish monster of nationalism. The French Revolution in 1792 killed 40,000 French; the Napoleonic Wars of 1803 murdered an additional 380,000 French. The unification of Germany and Italy in the late 1800s was not any less brutal. Finally WW1 was a homicidal mayhem. It slaughtered 20 million people.
The British imperial government, set out to colonize the world with the most heinous jingoism is another example of ugly nationalism. To this day, history text books teach children that the British went to trade with Africa and India when in reality, the British only used force, suppression and intimidation to steal natural resources and labour from nonwhites. The British were an enterprise of evil! They saw black and brown men as machinery and women as statuary. The British insisted that it was the white man's burden to subdue the barbarism and savagery of the East when in fact they massacred in the name of welfare, commerce, education and Christianity, nearly a billion coloured people over three centuries, in their cruel and rotten greed for slavery, gold, ivory, spices and textiles. There was even more carnage in 1947, Indian independence from Britain and 1985, the African apartheid.
Nationalism is a poison; it metamorphoses one into a dark monster without moral conscious. Allah adorned our world with a mosaic of cultures, talents and languages. There is so much to appreciate and enjoy about different people - there shouldn't be any reason to hate. Look around your house. You may have a Jamaican beach or Kenyan safari as your desktop wallpaper. You may be sitting on a Swedish desk and chair over Iranian carpet. Your jeans may be Chinese and the apps on your nokia, Pakistani. You may have had Russian Shchi (cabbage soup) and dumplings for dinner. You may have a Somali best friend and getting married to an Indian. You may drive a a German or Japanese car and work in an American company. Tell me this is not cool? Its a tremendous blessing of Allah that our lives are sustained and successful because of the international contributions of some really great people. This leaves us with no excuse for racist jokes or ethnical intolerance [47:13]. We should never speak to any person in an offensive or insulting manner [47:11]. In the eyes of Allah, every human being is the same, regardless of their gender, colour, language or nationality. The Prophet (s.a.w) said that a white person does not have any merit over a nonwhite. An Arab is not better than a nonArab. True respect and honour is only in remembering Allah and obeying Him.
Why did I bring this up? Because you see last month a few of my friends and relatives were celebrating UAE's 40th - anniversary? of sorts. Its been 40 years (apparently) since the independence of UAE. I understand their love for their place of birth. Everyone has an attachment to their childhood home and their elementary school. Even I cannot forget the Al Zikri streets where I used to play cricket or the Camp 7 parks where I used to swing. Its just memories now but it means a lot to me. At the same time, it cuts my heart to know that UAE is independent. It maimed and desecrated the Muslim Unity that once was. Not just UAE, but Jordan, Lebanon, Kuwait, Iraq, Saudia and Egypt are all guilty of dismembering the Ummah. Think about it, where was UAE 40 years ago? Or what were Lebanon and Saudia like before they became sovereign states? Not long ago, we (35,350,000 Muslims) used to be part of a single empire. We were the largest, most powerful and longest lasting empire in human history. For six centuries we lived as a single nation under Islam with Islamic institutions in one ginormous country that encompassed all of Middle East, Africa, and many parts of Asia and Europe (including Eastern India, Russia and China; Eastern Rome, France and Romania; Northeastern Bulgaria, Northwestern Greece, Northern Italy; Serbia and Herzegovina) until the poison of nationalism spread amongst us.
Nationalism caused the Arabs to revolt against the Turks in battle for land and power. Eventually Abdullah Ibn Husayn al Hashimi and Ibn Saud met British delegates in Cairo. Lord Kitchener (secretary of War, London) agreed to make Ibn Husayn the new leader of Hejaz on condition that he and Ibn Saud help the British clobber and dissolve the Ottomon Empire. Under Lieutenant T.E. Lawrence, the Arabs killed at least 700,000 Turkish soldiers (the civilian casualties were too many to be numerated). In the end (Treaty of Sevres, 1920), the Arabs were betrayed by the British; the Ottomon Empire was wiped out, Islam was persecuted and the Muslims enslaved. You know the rest right? Syria and Lebanon became French colonies. Islam was banned in Turkey after an atheist leader was installed. Palestine and Iraq came under British rule. Palestine later became a Jewish Zionist state thanks to the Balfour Declaration. And the Saudi Kingdom became proxy to the Americans. Today, if you walk down any Muslim neighbourhood in the Middle East - the Arabs are either blood thirty, slashing each other's throats or obnoxiously Westernized.
Do I have problem with that? O you bet I do! We (Muslims) lost our Deen and our lives at the hands of nationalism. As a single nation united under the Ottomon Empire, the Muslims believed in لا اله الا الله محمد رسول الله Because of this, we worshipped the same Deity and followed the example of the same Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w); shared equal status, character and sentiments. Nationalism disjointed the Muslims on the basis of race and ancestral lineage. As a consequence, we changed from revering the Qur'an and Sunnah to putting Sufi and Shi'a ideologies, Arab and Persian traditions to the pedestal. This escalated to violence so much so that every day Arabs and Pakistanis greet each other with bombs and drones. We have stained our homes with blood, bullet holes and rocket ruptures. Explosions and pop of small-arm fires echo in every direction. There is not a single infrastructure that is not vandalized and ruined by our own people in our countries. There is no electricity, water, medical supplies or school. Our orphaned kids, born with many abnormalities and disorders from uranium shelling and phosphorus grenades, scavenge for food in the piles of garbage and decomposing bodies. Tell me, how can I not have a problem with this? These kids will never learn who Allah is. There is no one to teach them how to pray 5 time a day. They have probably never seen or heard of the Qur'an. They would probably never believe me if I told them that they are the descendants of great Imaams, Sultans, Khulafah and Prophets (peace be upon them all). How can I not cry over this? At least if Muslims were dying with Imaan in defense of the Islam, they would be shaheed but we are killing other Muslims for land and power. In this world we are losers for killing our own people and in the Hereafter when Allah throws us to Hellfire, we'll be losers indefinitely. This is nationalism for you! May Allah save us from hellfire and give us the understanding of the Deen aameen.
I will end with the example of Afghanistan as my final case against nationalism. I swear if nationalism was a person, I would break its face.
We all know what happened in Afghanistan after 9/11. If you don't or want scholarly evidence, I encourage you to read Andy Worthington's book, "The Guantanamo Files." Not a single Muslim produced any notable work in defense of 774 Muslim detainees except for this man. Why? Again nationalism. We are so full of our own national pride that we don't give two cents for Muslim brothers and sisters of other nationalities. The Prophet (s.a.w) said, that the Muslim nation is like a single body, if one part of the body is hurting, the entire body suffers. The brain never says, its the teeth which aches, why should I care? So there is no wisdom in ignoring the misery of destitute Muslims because we are, at the moment, well-off and far away from their problems. Wallah this callous disregard is disgusting! I am ashamed of myself.
On January 11, 2002, exactly 4 months after 9/11, 774 Afghanis arrived in Guantanamo Bay. For nine years and counting, the Americans having been beating them with metal rods, dragging them by their shackles until their ankles bleed, putting their heads in the toilets and flushing their faces. Chaining their wrists to the ceilings under their arms lose blood circulations and shoulders dislocate. The Americans are interrogating the Afghanis by turning off the lights to their cell, spraying their eyes with mace, plucking their nails, shattering their knees, breaking their legs, stomping on their backs and dislocating their vertebrae. The Afghanis are kept in freezing cells (minus temperatures) without clothes, carpet or food for weeks at a stretch. When anyone of them requests to go to the washroom, the Americans just laugh and joke or send in their dogs. If they urinate on themselves, the American pour a chemical fluids over them and use their body as human mops to clean the mess. The Afghanis are sleep deprived in Guantanamo. They are awakened every hour for 45 days at a time. They are moved from cell to cell, kept under multiple flashing strobe lights with extremely loud and profane music with. I do not have the words to describe the abhorent and horrendous sexual trauma and religious humiliation they receive in Guantanamo. It is too graphic and grotesque for me to even comprehend.
The most heartbreaking and hair splitting part of this wretched reality is that hese 774 innocent Afghanis in Guanatanamo were actually captured by enemy tribal alliances within Afghanistan and sold to the Americans. Each Afghani was bartered to the Americans for $500. This is the state of our Ummah. The value of Deen and the life of our brothers is $500! See: "Guantanamo Files" by Andy Worthington: the Tajisk and Hazaras gave up Mazar to the Americans along with 450 Afghanis detainees. Some idiot, Ismael Khan guy helped the Americans storm into Herat and Bamiyan (central heartland of Afghanistan). Another imbecile, Bismullah Khan opened Kabul for the Americans. Kunduz was the last city betrayed by Dostum. He shot (execution style) 150 Afghanis and burned 334 alive. Those he spared, ended up in Guantanamo. So you see, Guantanamo is the child of irrationally animus, bitter and vindictive nationalism. Guantanamo would have never opened if the Afghanis did not betray each other over petty linguistic and ethnic differences.
I think the time has come that we drop nationalism for the contemptible curse that it is. Allah says, "The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy" [47:10] If two Muslim brothers or nations in conflict should, "return to [following] the command of Allāh. And if [they] return, then [then they should] reconcile in justice and act justly. Indeed, Allāh loves those who act justly" [47:9] So you see, Allah's love is in our collective reconciliation, unity with all Muslims and obedience to Him . Allah's mercy is only possible if we treat all Muslims like brothers.
The British imperial government, set out to colonize the world with the most heinous jingoism is another example of ugly nationalism. To this day, history text books teach children that the British went to trade with Africa and India when in reality, the British only used force, suppression and intimidation to steal natural resources and labour from nonwhites. The British were an enterprise of evil! They saw black and brown men as machinery and women as statuary. The British insisted that it was the white man's burden to subdue the barbarism and savagery of the East when in fact they massacred in the name of welfare, commerce, education and Christianity, nearly a billion coloured people over three centuries, in their cruel and rotten greed for slavery, gold, ivory, spices and textiles. There was even more carnage in 1947, Indian independence from Britain and 1985, the African apartheid.
Nationalism is a poison; it metamorphoses one into a dark monster without moral conscious. Allah adorned our world with a mosaic of cultures, talents and languages. There is so much to appreciate and enjoy about different people - there shouldn't be any reason to hate. Look around your house. You may have a Jamaican beach or Kenyan safari as your desktop wallpaper. You may be sitting on a Swedish desk and chair over Iranian carpet. Your jeans may be Chinese and the apps on your nokia, Pakistani. You may have had Russian Shchi (cabbage soup) and dumplings for dinner. You may have a Somali best friend and getting married to an Indian. You may drive a a German or Japanese car and work in an American company. Tell me this is not cool? Its a tremendous blessing of Allah that our lives are sustained and successful because of the international contributions of some really great people. This leaves us with no excuse for racist jokes or ethnical intolerance [47:13]. We should never speak to any person in an offensive or insulting manner [47:11]. In the eyes of Allah, every human being is the same, regardless of their gender, colour, language or nationality. The Prophet (s.a.w) said that a white person does not have any merit over a nonwhite. An Arab is not better than a nonArab. True respect and honour is only in remembering Allah and obeying Him.
Why did I bring this up? Because you see last month a few of my friends and relatives were celebrating UAE's 40th - anniversary? of sorts. Its been 40 years (apparently) since the independence of UAE. I understand their love for their place of birth. Everyone has an attachment to their childhood home and their elementary school. Even I cannot forget the Al Zikri streets where I used to play cricket or the Camp 7 parks where I used to swing. Its just memories now but it means a lot to me. At the same time, it cuts my heart to know that UAE is independent. It maimed and desecrated the Muslim Unity that once was. Not just UAE, but Jordan, Lebanon, Kuwait, Iraq, Saudia and Egypt are all guilty of dismembering the Ummah. Think about it, where was UAE 40 years ago? Or what were Lebanon and Saudia like before they became sovereign states? Not long ago, we (35,350,000 Muslims) used to be part of a single empire. We were the largest, most powerful and longest lasting empire in human history. For six centuries we lived as a single nation under Islam with Islamic institutions in one ginormous country that encompassed all of Middle East, Africa, and many parts of Asia and Europe (including Eastern India, Russia and China; Eastern Rome, France and Romania; Northeastern Bulgaria, Northwestern Greece, Northern Italy; Serbia and Herzegovina) until the poison of nationalism spread amongst us.
Nationalism caused the Arabs to revolt against the Turks in battle for land and power. Eventually Abdullah Ibn Husayn al Hashimi and Ibn Saud met British delegates in Cairo. Lord Kitchener (secretary of War, London) agreed to make Ibn Husayn the new leader of Hejaz on condition that he and Ibn Saud help the British clobber and dissolve the Ottomon Empire. Under Lieutenant T.E. Lawrence, the Arabs killed at least 700,000 Turkish soldiers (the civilian casualties were too many to be numerated). In the end (Treaty of Sevres, 1920), the Arabs were betrayed by the British; the Ottomon Empire was wiped out, Islam was persecuted and the Muslims enslaved. You know the rest right? Syria and Lebanon became French colonies. Islam was banned in Turkey after an atheist leader was installed. Palestine and Iraq came under British rule. Palestine later became a Jewish Zionist state thanks to the Balfour Declaration. And the Saudi Kingdom became proxy to the Americans. Today, if you walk down any Muslim neighbourhood in the Middle East - the Arabs are either blood thirty, slashing each other's throats or obnoxiously Westernized.
Do I have problem with that? O you bet I do! We (Muslims) lost our Deen and our lives at the hands of nationalism. As a single nation united under the Ottomon Empire, the Muslims believed in لا اله الا الله محمد رسول الله Because of this, we worshipped the same Deity and followed the example of the same Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w); shared equal status, character and sentiments. Nationalism disjointed the Muslims on the basis of race and ancestral lineage. As a consequence, we changed from revering the Qur'an and Sunnah to putting Sufi and Shi'a ideologies, Arab and Persian traditions to the pedestal. This escalated to violence so much so that every day Arabs and Pakistanis greet each other with bombs and drones. We have stained our homes with blood, bullet holes and rocket ruptures. Explosions and pop of small-arm fires echo in every direction. There is not a single infrastructure that is not vandalized and ruined by our own people in our countries. There is no electricity, water, medical supplies or school. Our orphaned kids, born with many abnormalities and disorders from uranium shelling and phosphorus grenades, scavenge for food in the piles of garbage and decomposing bodies. Tell me, how can I not have a problem with this? These kids will never learn who Allah is. There is no one to teach them how to pray 5 time a day. They have probably never seen or heard of the Qur'an. They would probably never believe me if I told them that they are the descendants of great Imaams, Sultans, Khulafah and Prophets (peace be upon them all). How can I not cry over this? At least if Muslims were dying with Imaan in defense of the Islam, they would be shaheed but we are killing other Muslims for land and power. In this world we are losers for killing our own people and in the Hereafter when Allah throws us to Hellfire, we'll be losers indefinitely. This is nationalism for you! May Allah save us from hellfire and give us the understanding of the Deen aameen.
We all know what happened in Afghanistan after 9/11. If you don't or want scholarly evidence, I encourage you to read Andy Worthington's book, "The Guantanamo Files." Not a single Muslim produced any notable work in defense of 774 Muslim detainees except for this man. Why? Again nationalism. We are so full of our own national pride that we don't give two cents for Muslim brothers and sisters of other nationalities. The Prophet (s.a.w) said, that the Muslim nation is like a single body, if one part of the body is hurting, the entire body suffers. The brain never says, its the teeth which aches, why should I care? So there is no wisdom in ignoring the misery of destitute Muslims because we are, at the moment, well-off and far away from their problems. Wallah this callous disregard is disgusting! I am ashamed of myself.
On January 11, 2002, exactly 4 months after 9/11, 774 Afghanis arrived in Guantanamo Bay. For nine years and counting, the Americans having been beating them with metal rods, dragging them by their shackles until their ankles bleed, putting their heads in the toilets and flushing their faces. Chaining their wrists to the ceilings under their arms lose blood circulations and shoulders dislocate. The Americans are interrogating the Afghanis by turning off the lights to their cell, spraying their eyes with mace, plucking their nails, shattering their knees, breaking their legs, stomping on their backs and dislocating their vertebrae. The Afghanis are kept in freezing cells (minus temperatures) without clothes, carpet or food for weeks at a stretch. When anyone of them requests to go to the washroom, the Americans just laugh and joke or send in their dogs. If they urinate on themselves, the American pour a chemical fluids over them and use their body as human mops to clean the mess. The Afghanis are sleep deprived in Guantanamo. They are awakened every hour for 45 days at a time. They are moved from cell to cell, kept under multiple flashing strobe lights with extremely loud and profane music with. I do not have the words to describe the abhorent and horrendous sexual trauma and religious humiliation they receive in Guantanamo. It is too graphic and grotesque for me to even comprehend.
The most heartbreaking and hair splitting part of this wretched reality is that hese 774 innocent Afghanis in Guanatanamo were actually captured by enemy tribal alliances within Afghanistan and sold to the Americans. Each Afghani was bartered to the Americans for $500. This is the state of our Ummah. The value of Deen and the life of our brothers is $500! See: "Guantanamo Files" by Andy Worthington: the Tajisk and Hazaras gave up Mazar to the Americans along with 450 Afghanis detainees. Some idiot, Ismael Khan guy helped the Americans storm into Herat and Bamiyan (central heartland of Afghanistan). Another imbecile, Bismullah Khan opened Kabul for the Americans. Kunduz was the last city betrayed by Dostum. He shot (execution style) 150 Afghanis and burned 334 alive. Those he spared, ended up in Guantanamo. So you see, Guantanamo is the child of irrationally animus, bitter and vindictive nationalism. Guantanamo would have never opened if the Afghanis did not betray each other over petty linguistic and ethnic differences.
I think the time has come that we drop nationalism for the contemptible curse that it is. Allah says, "The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy" [47:10] If two Muslim brothers or nations in conflict should, "return to [following] the command of Allāh. And if [they] return, then [then they should] reconcile in justice and act justly. Indeed, Allāh loves those who act justly" [47:9] So you see, Allah's love is in our collective reconciliation, unity with all Muslims and obedience to Him . Allah's mercy is only possible if we treat all Muslims like brothers.
O Muslims,
I have no country, for me, the skies and the earth belong to Allah.
Allah Created, Sustains and Owns everything that Exists.
I have no leader, president or guide except,
the best man to walk this earth, the chosen and sincere Prophet of Allah - Muhammad (s.a.w).
My constitution is the Qur'an and Sunnah.
I am the citizen of Islam. My identity is Muslim.
Come join me.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Youth Lecture - What does it mean to be a Muslim?
The following are my notes from a lecture I gave at Silverthorn Collegiate Institute in Toronto, Canada on Dec. 16th, 2011
I would like to begin by by saying salam to all of you: Assalamu alaikum warahmatullahi warbakatuhu.
I would like to begin with a deep sense of gratitude, honour and respect for your MSA, for creating a platform where we can gather and discuss Islamic knowledge. Allah choses only his favourite people to have the understanding of Islam. It is only through the learning the knowledge of Islam. that Allah increases people in ranks and nearness to Him. It is through knowledge Allah makes easy the path of Jannah. The seekers of knowledge are appreciated by angels. The angels lower their wings for the seekers of knowledge and make duaa for them. So I feel truly privileged to have the opportunity to be part of your learning process. May Allah accept our gathering aameen.
I have been asked to speak about the Muslim identity, what it means to be a Muslim in North America in 2011. Hopefully some of the advises and observations that I have to share with you will be of benefit to you inshaAllah.
As youth we see Islam as a religion, as a tradition that is passed down to us from our parents. We do not see Islam as a way of looking at the world. If a Muslim youth today, was asked in this high school or any other high school in Mississauga and Toronto, "Why are you Muslim?" or "What makes you choose Islam?" A genuine and honest answer would be, "because my parents are Muslim" or "I was raised as a Muslim." Muslim youth lack intellectual proof and satisfactory evidence to embrace Islam independently on their own and be proud of it. At the same time, youth have a lot of questions about Islam, there are things perhaps we do not understand. There are some aspects of Islamic principles, laws and mannerisms that seriously trouble us. We are perplexed or even offended by some of the rulings. This is when questions about the validity and authenticity of the Qur'an are raised in many circles - the media and literature. You might have heard of voices claiming that, 'Islam is holding us back' or that 'Islam is the cause of terrorism in the world' and that 'Islam oppresses women.' So the Muslim generation growing up in the midst of all this friction is seriously troubled - we are in a lot of stress with respect to our identity. I hope to address the challenges and leave you with a single most powerful solution inshaAllah to help you become comfortable and confident with Islam.
Challenge # 1 - Muslim youth see Islam as something hereditary. Like we have inherited our body time and skin tone, eye colour and language from our parents. Its something genetic, its ben passed down to us. Similarly, we think of Islam as an ancestral, familial bestowal. We pray 5 times a day and do not eat pork because this is what our nearest and dearest people have done for many generations. Moreover, we think of Islam as a an unwanted birthday or Eid gift - we don't really know what it is so we don't use it. Its chucked away in the basement or dumped in the closet and forgotten. Likewise, because we do not know Islam personally, we do not have any appreciation for this way of life. We cannot relate to it so we do not think too much about it. We can identity ourselves with music bands, with sport teams, with our school and our country. We think of ourselves as in terms of fashion and beauty first, or friends and a skill first but not as Muslims. Islam is not the first thing on our minds. We don't feel in solidarity with any of the Islamic symbols. Being a Muslim is somewhat assumed.
What do Muslim youth want most in life? What do we want to get out of life? Honestly, we want to be happy and successful in life. We want money, car, career, a cell phone ... perhaps move to a new country. We want friends, we want love, we want to find love. These are things which are dreams of every youth in the world, Christians, Jews, Hindus, Muslims and atheists alike. So our life goals as Muslim youth are not determined by Islam. Islam is not a major player on our outlook in life.
Challenge # 2 - Even if the youth today want to practice Islam, it is presented to us in such a negative way that we flinch at it. Islam is frowned upon, sometimes by our own family. We have not seen our mom and dad offer Salah for many years. They feel irritated he moment we talk to them about an event in the Masjid, or giving donations to a Muslim charity. They think of reading Qur'an and wearing the hijab as fundamental and extremists acts. Instead they happily encourage to watch Indian movies with them and sing and dance at the weddings. At the same time, our friends taunt us if we take Islam seriously. They think we aren't cool if we don't check out girls and go to pubs with them. In school we read novels of Saudi Muslims beating their wives and Jihadists underground cells in Toronto. Hence, gradually Muslim youth develop a resentment and hostility towards their Islamic identity. The hateful rhetoric against Islam eventually overcomes us so we desist being Muslim. We try to blend in with the pop culture as much as possible and remove all traces of Islam from our lives out of shame and disgust of who we are.
The solution to this is reconstructing our image of Islam. Islam is the source of pride and strength. Islam made the human race noble and civilized. Muslims offered progress and enlightenment to the world. The world looked up to us for guidance and leadership. Muslims discovered coffee and three-course meals. We made the first cameras, maps, planes and dictionaries. We invented deodorants, sophisticated surgical practices and cutting-edge surgical instruments. We are the founders of vaccinations, internal stitching and many medical sciences. The first to establish universities were Muslims. We created mathematics, trigonometry, chemistry, geometry, geography and astronomy. Muslims were the pioneers of architecture, dams, windmills, textile industry, paper and glass industry. It is safe to say that our modern world would not exist without the Muslim heritage. The negative propaganda against Islam today is a wretched misunderstanding of Islam. Dr. Michael Hart, an American scientist, said that the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w), the Prophet of Islam was the most successful man in human history. Who does not want to be successful in this room? Thomas Carlyle, a European historian, said that Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) was the hero of humanity. Who here does not want to be admired and idealized by his peers? Aren't we all trying to achieve something extraordinary? George Bernard Shaw, a politician said that Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) could solve all the problems of the world while having the evening tea. Who doesn't want to abolish world hungry, poverty, child labour and diseases? All that we are seeking in life as a person and as a humanitarian are in Islam.
Challenge # 3 - The society poses a challenge to the Muslim youth. We live in a narcissist culture. The commercials, billboards, magazines and advertisements tell us that material things are the means of success in life. So we constantly buy this and get that. We surround ourselves with friends, music, rides and games thinking, this is the way to happiness. So to look cool and happy, Muslim youth, especially in high school are under a lot of pressure to wear revealing cloths (girls) and bling (boys), to go on dates and drink, to skip class and make fun of the teacher etc. We want to be as beautiful, as rich and reckless as the celebrities on television.
But if we really think about it, we will soon discover that this life style offers nothing but misery and grief. 1 in every 4 girls in Canada are sexually assaulted and 50% of these attacks occur during dates. Often these attacks include drugs and the use of weapons. 80% of the time, the assailant is a friend of the victim. So I encourage the young sisters here to think twice for the sake of their life before they wear something short and go alone with any guy. As for the young brothers, from 2000 through 2004, there were 44,192 accidental car deaths in Canada, 70% of whom were youth deaths, between the ages of 15-24. 1 in every 5 homicides in Canada is a gang related stabbing or shooting. It is not cool to be found beaten black and blue or to pull your body pierced with glass and metal from a wrecked car on the high way. And dear Muslim youth, did you know that alcohol is poisonous? You think the smell and throwing up and the hangover the next day was but did you know alcohol cause seizures, it can gag your lungs and stop your breathing, send you to coma, give you Hypothermia and Hypoglycemia? Sure, our friends may drink all the time but do we really want to wait till someone dies before we take the warnings seriously?
And rest assured that the celebrities are all photoshoped. They are not as thin and trim as they appear on posters. They have wrinkles, pores and dark circles. They also have fat, dry/oily skin and breakouts. They are in and out of jail and bankrupt. Do you have a younger sibling a pet or a plant whom you really care about? How are you with your baby brother or sister? Would you ever hurt them? Make them cry? Allah is Ar Rahman and Ar Raheem - He is more loving and compassionate than 70 mothers. He is intrinsically the Most Gentle, Tender, Caring and Merciful. Allah will never want for us to live a life of misery and tragedy. Allah wants the best for us and that is why He sent us Islam. If you want the perfect life, and if you want to have sweetness and blessings, success and earnings in your life then follow Islam.
Challenge # 4 - An added challenge to the Muslim youth is the chaotic interpretations of Islam. There are so many scholars, Deobandi, Barelwi, Sufi, Wahabi, Hanafi, Shafa'i - who have their own versions of Islam and each are trying to form alliances and increase their followers. In the midst of their religious bickering: allegations and refutations, the youth feel confused and frustrated. We didn't bargain for a fight when we signed up to become Muslim. We don't want to bother with fiqh or usool or manhaj. We don't even know what these things mean. So we see Islam as something incomprehensible. Who is to say which version of Islam is right? Which Mullah or Peer or Imaam should we follow? Tell you what ... forget all this and follow the Qur'an! Allah says, ذَٰلِكَ الْكِتَابُ لَا رَيْبَ فِيهِ هُدًى لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ Qur'an is the Book of guidance for those who remember Allah. If our real concern is Allah. If we truly care about our Creator and we want to know Him, obey and please Him, then put everything and everyone aside and just read the Qur'an. It may feel a little daunting at first: the Qur'an is a big Book, in arabic - how are we ever going to make sense out of it on our own? Allah says, وَلَقَدْ يَسَّرْنَا الْقُرْآنَ لِلذِّكْرِ فَهَلْ مِن مُّدَّكِرٍ He has made the reading and understanding of the Qur'an easy, is there anyone who will pay attention? It is Allah's promise - we will be able to understand the Qur'an and enjoy every part of it, if we just give it a try. Have faith and just read - it will change your life. I am a living proof of this, standing before you. I was also a Muslim youth going through the same challenges as you and alhamdulillah, Allah guided me through the Qur'an. I am a better and happier person today, spiritually and socially because of the Qur'an, alhamdulillah. If there is anything at all, it is the Qur'an and only the Qur'an that can give us comfort and confidence in Islam. The Qur'an is the best source for Muslims youth in formulating their identity.
So what does the Qur'an say about Muslim identity?
وَلَقَدْ آتَيْنَا لُقْمَانَ الْحِكْمَةَ أَنِ اشْكُرْ لِلَّهِ وَمَن يَشْكُرْ فَإِنَّمَا يَشْكُرُ لِنَفْسِهِ ۖ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَنِيٌّ حَمِيدٌ
وَإِذْ قَالَ لُقْمَانُ لِابْنِهِ وَهُوَ يَعِظُهُ يَا بُنَيَّ لَا تُشْرِكْ بِاللَّهِ ۖ إِنَّ الشِّرْكَ لَظُلْمٌ عَظِيمٌ
وَوَصَّيْنَا الْإِنسَانَ بِوَالِدَيْهِ حَمَلَتْهُ أُمُّهُ وَهْنًا عَلَىٰ وَهْنٍ وَفِصَالُهُ فِي عَامَيْنِ أَنِ اشْكُرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيْكَ إِلَيَّ الْمَصِيرُ
وَإِن جَاهَدَاكَ عَلَىٰ أَن تُشْرِكَ بِي مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِ عِلْمٌ فَلَا تُطِعْهُمَا ۖوَصَاحِبْهُمَا فِي الدُّنْيَا مَعْرُوفًا ۖ وَاتَّبِعْ سَبِيلَ مَنْ أَنَابَ إِلَيَّ ثُمَّ إِلَيَّ مَرْجِعُكُمْ فَأُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ
يَا بُنَيَّ إِنَّهَا إِن تَكُ مِثْقَالَ حَبَّةٍ مِّنْ خَرْدَلٍ فَتَكُن فِي صَخْرَةٍ أَوْ فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ أَوْ فِي الْأَرْضِ يَأْتِ بِهَا اللَّهُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَطِيفٌ خَبِيرٌ
يَا بُنَيَّ أَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ وَأْمُرْ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَانْهَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ وَاصْبِرْ عَلَىٰ مَا أَصَابَكَ ۖ إِنَّ ذَٰلِكَ مِنْ عَزْمِ الْأُمُورِ
وَلَا تُصَعِّرْ خَدَّكَ لِلنَّاسِ وَلَا تَمْشِ فِي الْأَرْضِ مَرَحًا ۖ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ كُلَّ مُخْتَالٍ فَخُورٍ
وَاقْصِدْ فِي مَشْيِكَ وَاغْضُضْ مِن صَوْتِكَ إِنَّ أَنكَرَ الْأَصْوَاتِ لَصَوْتُ الْحَمِيرِ
[31:12-19]
What does it mean to be a Muslim, according to the Qur'an?
1. Wise - Widsom is the inheritance of every Muslim. It is our greatest assest and virtue. By wisdom I don't mean getting an A on a calculus exam or memorizing really complicated chemical formulas. Wisdom is a combination of profound knowledge and good action; it is the ability to use information to produce sound judgement. Wisdom is not to take things at face value but to have deep understanding and realization of people, things and situations. It is not to make decisions in a hurry, based on emotions but to be composed and sagacious. To be optimist and be guided by consistent principles and plans. Often we think of religious people as being backward, boring, blind to science and outdated. But Allah refers to Luqman in these verses as being spiritual and perceptive and rational. Thus a Muslim youth is one who is acute, intelligent, savvy and sharp.
2. Thankful - The ultimate wisdom is to be thankful to Allah and wisdom is attained by showing gratitude to Allah. Why should the Muslim youth be thankful to Allah? Well because of the fact that we can walk, race and jump. We have the senses of sight, hearing and touch. We know how to read and write. We have friends, relatives and teachers who inspire us, help us and give us company. Thank Allah because He gave us our possessions: clothes, car, a house, computer, cell phone, TV. Our school is a blessing from Allah - if we like our classes then wonderful but if not then alhamdulillah every test and assignment that we do is building our life, providing us with skills necessary to grow and have a good future. Thank Allah for good health. We don't have cancer or leukemia. Ebola, polio, influenza HIV or diabetes. Alhamdulillah we can breathe and go about our daily life without any medical crisis. Thank Allah that we have food. We do not starve daily. We don't have problems obtaining food when most people in the world do.
But how does being thankful to Allah make us wise? Simple, Allah increases a thankful person with more blessings will an ungrateful person increases only in sadness and pessimism. A thankful person aware of her blessings is wise because she appreciative of even the little things Allah has given her in life like a warm bed, the smell of cookies, the laughter of friends, fresh cut grass, puffy clouds and long drives, etc. Because of her thankful relationship with Allah, she has the wisdom to always be happy, outgoing and optimistic. She doesn't see problems but uses her wisdom to convert the most difficult moments into opportunities waiting to unfold. She is constructive and creative.
3. Monotheistic and not Polytheistic - the meaning of Islam can be summarized in 4 words - لااله الا الله A Muslim is one who negates all gods and reserves worship exclusively for Allah, the Creator, Owner, Provider and Judge of everything. So Muslim youth dedicate themselves to Allah with utmost trust in Him and obedience to His commands. Muslim youth only call upon and pray only to Allah with full conviction that none other than Allah is the Propitious, Bestower of Good and the Beneficient. They submit just to Allah's commands because they earnestly have faith that Allah's rulings are universal and far better than all modern, democratic, secular and man-made laws combined. Even when everyone tries to assimilate with society, Muslim youth adhere to the commands of Allah without feeling embarrassed or disgusted. Hence, Muslim youth will not read horoscopes for fun or wear lucky charms because they look pretty. Muslim youth will not skip salah for a class or wear the bangs hijab because fashion.
4. Care for mother and treat parents with appropriate kindness - Every minute of everyday, a woman dies of pregnancy related complications. Our mothers risked their lives to conceive and give birth to us. They sacrificed their social and economic standing so that we could experience this world. Imagine 9 months of physical and emotional trauma. Imagine exhaustion, nausea and vomiting every morning. Bloating, swelling, dizziness, infections and cramps by afternoon; headaches, back strains, anemia, hair loss and hemorrhoid at night, every day! Our mothers endured far worse to carry us in their wombs and raise us after we were born. Thus Muslim youth honour their mothers and help them for giving us the gift of life.
5. Mindful of Allah and conscious of the Day of Judgment. Everything that we do in life, even if it should be the weight of a mustard seed within a rock anywhere on the earth, Allah will bring it forth. Allah is the All Aware and Acquainted, the All Hearing, All Seeing, All Knowing and All Watching. Therefore Muslim youth remember Allah in every occasion because we have to answer to Allah on the Day of Judgment for our behaviour.
6. Establish Salah and do good things in the community - Salah is the hallmark of Muslim youth, they pray 5 times a day on time to Allah with their heart and soul. It is a manifestation of our faith and obedience to Allah. We are the most closet to Allah when we pray. It gives us the opportunity to take a break and go talk to Allah. Allah helps those who pray, increases them in blessings and saves them from sins. Muslim youth also volunteer their skills to the community. From packing lunches for the homeless, reading to the seniors in old homes, cleaning the public parks to tutoring younger children, giving Da'wah, helping the Masjid, writing to MPs and raising money for library or community center, Muslim youth are agents of good everywhere they go.
7. Respectful when speaking, humble when walking; over all, friendly and compassionate with everyone.
8. Patient, Walk with dignity and speak with softness.
So this is what it means to be a Muslim. Of course there are more amazing Muslim identities but for now these should suffice. Dear youth, be proud of Islam. It will make you noble and noticeable. Read the Qur'an, through it, your youth years will become absolutely incredible and gratifying, inshaAllah.
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