General
From Issue: 397 [Read full issue]
| Living the Quran |
Al-Baqarah
(The Cow)
There is no doubt that each civilization, philosophy and religion has its own distinguishing features. The stronger the character of the civilization, and the more profound and comprehensive it is, the greater are its effects on the individual living within its bounds. Some ideologies are similar to each other, and differ only in specific ways, as is the case with the materialistic philosophies dominant in the contemporary world. To change from one to the other does not require any complete and radical transformation in the life of a person. If his attachment to one principle change, and his conviction in another increases, that is all that is needed to bring about change from one such ideology to another. This change does not require any great effort because it does not have any effect on daily behaviour or deep-seated habits, and is thus not reflected in the practical life of the individual. This phenomenon does not apply to Islam. Since its appearance, this religion has brought about a radical transformation in the life of the individual and of the society in that it completely alters the daily behaviour and deep-seated habits of individuals, as it alters their standards, judgments, and outlook on the universe, life, and man. Likewise, the structure of the society is visibly altered, some aspects disappear and new ones emerge. Islam brought about a radical change in the individual and social life of Madinah because of its depth and comprehensiveness, and its ability to affect the quality of all aspects of life. Compiled From: |
| Understanding the Prophet's Life |
| Means to Accomplish the Objective "People are dependents of Allah;
the closest to Him (Allah) are the ones who are most useful to His dependents.
(i.e. other creature)" Thus, the criterion for being a better Muslim is not simply Salah (prayers), fasting, Dhikr, and tasbih (glorifying Allah); it's one's utility to others! In this context the following principle should alarm us: "He who does not concern himself with the affairs of other Muslims is not one of them." The task of a jama'ah (group) of Muslims is not to serve itself; it is to serve others! The group is not the objective, for in reality it is only an organizational means to accomplish the objective. The interest of such an organization must be subservient to the interest of the Ummah (Nation) and of the outside world. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) directs us: "Have mercy on those in the land,
so that the One in Heaven will have Mercy on you." Muslim groups which confine themselves to their membership are losing sight or their objectives are becoming self-serving. In fact, all the preparation and training of the organization's members should be directed towards serving their nation. To establish an organization for the sake of the organization is like building a house for the sake of the house. The environment and the population of which the Da'iyah (Caller to Allah) is a part, are the only mediums through which he can perform. They are the only fields of operation in which Allah is testing him during his life. Compiled From: |
| Blindspot |
Human Rights Violations Islamic human rights urges Muslims and non-Muslims to endeavor to institute the Right to Life, the Right to the Safety of Life, Respect for Women, the Right to a Basic Standard of Life, the Individuals Right to Freedom, the Right to Justice and last but certainly not least the Equality of Human Beings. Textbooks in the West often list human rights as being established with the following:
This Eurocentric and North American centric view; that history begins with itself, negates the very equality of human beings that it claims to initiate. It ignores the histories and contributions of other peoples in the world. As is often done as a result of colonial legacy, the history of the “rest” of the world, begins after the West made contact. Many of the documents listed above contain ingredients that are also found in Islamic sources from the 7th century and later, such as the presumption of innocence and religious freedom. Another example is that both Islamic and American doctrines oppose coerced confessions in criminal convictions. However, Muslims the world over are not exempt from human rights violations. The Muslim world has, for most of the 20th century, suffered a human rights catastrophe. Torture, honour killings, gang rape, brutality, election fraud, censorship and infringements on religious freedom are found across Muslim nations. It’s imperative for all to realize that just as the actions of the current American government are against the moral fibre of the American nation, the lack of Human Rights in the Muslim world today are in fact travesties of Islam and they have to be unequivocally condemned by all Muslims. Despite what those who benefit from dividing the world teach: human rights violations in the Muslim world are in spite of Islam and not as a result of it. Compiled From: |
