"If you hear of an outbreak of plague in a land, do not enter it; but if the plague breaks out in a place while you are in it, do not leave that place."

A man in the desert more than 1400 years ago, said that. In recent times, we call it "Quarantine".

The man who said that is Muhammad PBUH, Prophet of Islam.

A verse from Qur'an

"Say: "I am but a man like yourselves, (but) the inspiration has come to me, that your Allah is one Allah. whoever expects to meet his Lord, let him work righteousness, and, in the worship of his Lord, admit no one as partner. "

Qur'an - Surah 18, verse 110

Jihad Against ignorance (Women) Part 1

In western world, there is a wide-spread belief that Islam degrade Muslim woman. In this post, some subjects will be highlighted about women's position in Islamic Sharia.

Can a Muslim woman inherit when her relatives die?

Of course. A Muslim woman will inherit when her father, mother, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, etc dies. There are detailed rules for the amount she takes in Islamic Sharia in all possible cases, but we can quote one verse from holy Qur'an as an example.

"Allah directs (thus) about those who leave no descendants or ascendants as heirs. If it is a man that dies, leaving a sister but no child, she shall have half the inheritance: If (such a deceased was) a woman, who left no child, Her brother takes her inheritance: If there are two sisters, they shall have two-thirds of the inheritance (between them): if there are brothers and sisters, (they share), the male having twice the share of the female. Thus doth Allah make clear to you (His law), lest ye err. And Allah hath knowledge of all things." Chapter 4: 176

Some would ask: So, why women take half the man?

That's true. When male and female from the same degree (as relatives) to the deceased person inherit, female will take half the male. However in some cases, female would take much more than the male -like the verse quoted- (usually when the female is closer to the deceased person). But we can understand this rule when we know that in Islamic Sharia, man is obliged to bear all financial needs of his family. When there is no financial obligation at all on woman towards her family (it only depends on her voluntary will). In other words, a man will pay all what he inherits to fulfill the needs of his family, but a woman can keep all the amount for herself So, it's a must that man gets a bigger amount of the inheritance to be able to fulfill his financial obligations.

Polygamy?

A common way of those who want to claim that Islam degrades women is through this way, polygamy. We must put in consideration few points to understand polygamy according to Islamic Sharia (legislation)..

a) Before Islam, men were marrying women with no limitation on number: 10, 20, etc. But Islam came to limit it by only 4.

b) Polygamy in Islamic Sharia is only an allowance, not an order. In more simple words; man can, but not shall.

c) There is a rigid condition to allow polygamy stated in the 3rd verse of "Women" Chapter in Holy Qur'an: ".. Marry women of your choice, Two or three or four; but if ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one, .." So, a man is required to give every wife equal treatment.

d) A wife who cannot accept polygamy is given two ways to avoid it; the first is before marriage as she can set a stipulation in marriage contract that the husband isn't allowed to marry another woman. The second comes before the second marriage as she can seek "Khula" or separation (divorce) from man.

e) Polygamy is a necessary solution for real problems like the communities where number of women exceeds number of men. And also it's a solution for divorced or widow women who want to marry, but cannot find a man who is marrying for the first time. So, it cannot be totally forbidden that may lead to other serious social problems like spinsters or widows who cannot find a chance in secured and stable life.

Why head scarf?

It's not about a piece of cloth over the head, it's all about a code for the dress whether for men or for women. This code for dress serves the purposes of protecting men and women's dignity and modesty and giving them respect. In principle Muslims should not wear cloths that accentuate the shape of the body in such a way as to attract the attention of the opposite sex. Therefore clothing should not cling closely to the body, nor should it be transparent. As woman's nature differs from man's nature and her hair and hairstyle is an important part of her looks and may also add to her attractiveness, women avoid displaying this area by covering their heads in the presence of non-kin men whom the woman in question could marry in theory.

So, it's only the hair not the whole face that is required according to Islamic Sharia to be covered, as for Nikab or Burka it's more to be of regional and cultural customs, but not of religious requirements.

On the other hand, head scarf by these purposes isn't an invention from Islamic Sharia. Christian nuns around the world cover their heads for the same purpose. Plus two famous women in history of mankind were covering their heads too i.e Virgin Mary and mother Tresa. It's an honor for every Muslim women to be like Virgin Mary as stated in 11th and 12th verse of 66th Chapter of Holy Qur'an: "And Allah sets forth, as an example to those who believe .. * And Mary the daughter of 'Imran, who guarded her chastity; and We breathed into (her body) of Our spirit; and she testified to the truth of the words of her Lord and of His Revelations, and was one of the devout (servants)."

Jihad Against Ignorance (9-11 attacks)

Today is the first post in a series of posts that will handle the issue of the ignorance that controls the minds of a big percentage of non-Muslims in Western countries, and specifically in USA toward Islam.

I'll do my best to be simple and briefed in this series as my friends on BlogOfBlogs gave me their comments about previous posts of being so long to be read at once. Thanks Rory, Thanks Ann.

The name of the series is (Jihad Against ignorance). Please don't be frighten. Don't shut your PC, it will NOT explode.. :P

Unfortunately, the word "Jihad" is misunderstood by wide range of people in the West. They mainly remember an explosive strap, or an attack against innocents when they hear the word "Jihad". Many in the West have a negative perspective against this word. However, I have insisted to name this series as "Jihad" for two reasons..

The first reason is to relate this word to a positive action, which is Understanding a misunderstood religion and Building bridges of peaceful communication based on understanding.

On the other hand, "Jihad" is the exact title that suits the target of this series. The goal of this series is raising the awareness of non-Muslims regarding Islamic religion, its main pillars, its history, and the followers of this great religion. It's not an easy task when 49% of Americans has generally unfavorable views of Islam (Washington Post, Sep 2010). And Islam is generally mentioned in the same context of extremism, bombings and enemies of America. Plus, 63% of Americans either never heard about Islam or have very little knowledge about Islam (Gallup, 2009). In addition, nearly a third of all Americans see mainstream Islam as encouraging violence (Washington Post).

It's not an easy job to change all of this. It's hard to change the view of someone about something from negative into positive. It takes a lot of time to erase the ignorance of a person regarding something he doesn't know about.

So, when "Jihad" according to its basic meaning in Islamic perspective is "struggle or making all efforts".

For that, the title must has been "Jihad". It's a real struggle.

>>

I was planning to start the series by talking about the "Five Pillars of Islam", but when America is remembering the 9th anniversary of the horrible attacks against the twin towers in New York, USA that caused the killing of 2,977 innocents from over 70 nationalities. And these attacks are -unfortunately- related to Muslims, so a change in the subject was a must.

The subject of today's post is a story that happened 14 centuries ago when Muslims ruled Egypt. It's about a Muslim who hurt a non-Muslim, and how Muslim authorities dealt with him.

Here you're the story..

"

A man from the Copts (Christians living in Egypt) came to Omar ibn al-Khattab (The 2nd Muslim Caliph) in Al-Madinah, and said, "O Commander of the Faithful! I seek refuge in you from oppression." Omar replied, "You have sought refuge where it is to be sought." The Egyptian said, "I was racing the son of `Amr ibn al-`Aas (Muslim Governor of Egypt), and defeated him. Then he began to beat me with a whip saying: "I am the Son of Nobles!""

So Omar wrote to `Amr commanding him to appear before him with his son. So they appeared before him. Omar inquired, "Where is the Egyptian? He is to take the whip and beat him!" Then the Egyptian began to beat the son of `Amr with the whip as `Umar said to him, "Beat the Son of Nobles!"

So he beat him.

Then Omar said to the Egyptian, "Now beat the whip upon `Amr's bald head!" He replied, "O Commander of the Faithful! For it was his son who beat me, and I have evened the score with him."

Upon this Omar said to `Amr, "Since when do you enslave the people when their mothers bore them as free men?" He said, "O Commander of the Faithful! I was unaware of this, and he did not come to me (for justice)."

"

The story need no explanation, but there are 2 points to highlight regarding the anniversary of 9-11 attacks..

*Anyone who contemplate at yesterday's situation -14 centuries ago- will observe how far Islam respected justice -with all it what justice means- towards non-Muslims. Here he is a non-Muslim who was oppressed, and was given his right by the Caliph of Muslims. There is no way then for a question like; Did Islam order Muslims to hurt non-Muslims? It's exactly the contrary.

*This story for Islamic Sharia (Legislation) is not just for fun or nonsense, that's completely wrong. One of the most important sources of Islamic Sharia after Holy Qur'an and Sunnah are the deeds of first Muslims (Sahaba) those who lived with Prophet Muhammad, and witnessed him treating others. So, if we knew that the hero of this story, Omar ibn al-Khattab, lived for 17 years with Prophet Muhammad and witnessed his deeds, we must realize then that the core of this story which is respecting non-Muslims, giving them their rights and not oppressing them is one of the fundamentals of Islamic Sharia.

CONCLUSION:

If first Muslims were punishing those who hurt non-Muslims even from Muslims, how can the ordinary mind accept any claim that Islam allegedly order Muslims to kill non-Muslims! It will be just out of absurdity and deep ignorance of basis of the merciful Islamic Sharia.

Any ordinary Muslim who deeply believes in his religion, and really understand the principles of Islamic religion will strongly denounce 9-11 attacks. Following are examples of Muslim famous organizations or scholars who denounced 9-11 attacks and all attacks against innocents:

*In its fatwa, The Fiqh Council of North America declared at July 28, 2005 that ;

-"All acts of terrorism targeting the civilians are Haram (forbidden) in Islam."

-"It is Haram for a Muslim to cooperate or associate with any individual or group that is involved in any act of terrorism or violence. "

This Fatwa was endorsed by over 344 Muslim organizations, mosques and imams.

Read Fatwa and endorsing Muslim organizations and mosques HERE

*A historical launching of a Fatwa against terrorism happened on March 2, 2010 by Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, the founding leader and patron-in-chief of Minhaj-ul-Quran International in London. The fatwa consists of 600 pages that refute most of the claims used by extremists to justify their crimes. Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri said in the press conference that:

-the suicide bombers are out of the pale of Islam.
-those who want to impose the Islamic order on others by means of force belong to the group of Khawarij who, during the Caliphate of Ali, took up arms and initiated rebellion against the Islamic state in the name of enforcing the Divine Order. The terrorists of today also belong to the same breed of Khawarij.

Read an article about the conference HERE

*Sheikh Qardawi, the head of the European Council for Fatwa and Research, an Islamic scholarly entity established in Ireland and the chairman of International Union for Muslim Scholars has denounced the attacks against civilians and encouraged Muslims to donate their bloods for the victims of 9-11 attacks. He said;

-"Our hearts bleed for the attacks that has targeted the WTC, ..."
-"haphazard killing where innocents are killed along with wrongdoers is TOTALLY FORBIDDEN in Islam"

Read an article about the fatwa HERE

Read Fatwa in Arabic HERE

-If we will add names of Muslim preachers we will say; Amr Khaled, Dr Tarek al-Suwaidan, Moez Masoud, etc and many other famous Muslim talkers.

When an extremist commits a crime, we will blame him .. not his faith.

When a driver makes an accident, we will blame the driver .. not the car!!

Good Belief, Bad Believers

If anyone asked me; Did Islam tell Muslims to kill non-Muslims? A direct answer will be "No", but many wouldn't be satisfied by such one word answer for such question when they witness violent attacks being committed by the name of Islam, and many of those who commit these violent attacks pretend to be Muslims, and even use Qur'anic verses to justify their crimes. Many non-Muslims who don't have actual knowledge about Qur'an and Islamic texts would have a wrong perspective that Islam told Muslims to kill non-Muslims when they witness such violence being committed by the name of Islam and by persons who pretend to be Muslims, specifically when those criminals use Qur'anic verses.

That's why I'll focus through this article on the answer of the question; Did Islam tell Muslims to kill non-Muslims? and will try to clarify the confusion about some verses that maybe wrongly thought to contradict the true essence of Islam.

Islam and Muslims are just like any other religion or philosophy and the believers in it. The religion or the philosophy may preach the best morals, but the believers themselves maybe "bad believers". They will think that they are good persons, applying the principles of their religion or philosophy, they will even find some text or historical incident in their ancient books to justify their personal beliefs, but they are actually contradicting what their religion really preaches.

Christianity and Crusades for example. Christians were fighting by the name of the Bible, since 1096 until 1270 there were several military campaigns by Christians generally against Muslims. They burnt many cities over their way from Europe to Jerusalem, thousands of civilians were killed by the name of the cross, many massacres were committed. The final result was the blood of many children and innocents were spilled on the "Holy Land", and many wars broke out by the name of the Christian belief. Other famous massacres were committed by the name of Christianity like; St. Bartholomew's Day massacre comitted by Catholics in 1572 when tens of thousands were murdered in Paris. Inquisitions during the 15th and 16th centuries when hundreds of thousands were burnt alive and tortured in Europe just because they were suspected of "Heresy", plus the Inquisition in Andalusia (Spain) when Millions of Muslims were forced to be baptized or executed or evacuated. Pope Gregory IX, Pope Sixtus IV, Pope Paul III, Pope Alexander II, Pope Urban II, Pope Innocent III are names of religious leaders who used Christianity to motivate the believers to war or to torture and execute hundreds of thousands.

If we just asked ourselves after witnessing all these bloody wars and all the blood spilled by the name of Christianity; Did Christianity tell Christians to do that? A quick and direct answer from a Christian believer will be; "No". His answer may appear unconvincing when the popes themselves were motivating soldiers to kill, and Inquisition soldiers to burn people alive and torture them, and when we hear Biblical verses used to justify these bloody wars like; "And when the LORD thy God delivereth it into thy hand, thou shalt smite every male thereof with the edge of the sword; 14. but the women, and the little ones, and the cattle, and all that is in the city, even all the spoil thereof, shalt thou take for a prey unto thyself; .. 16. Howbeit of the cities of these peoples, that the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance, thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth, 17. but thou shalt utterly destroy them:" Bible: Deuteronomy, Chapter 20. We'd be more puzzled about the true essence of Christianity.

Christianity in its true essence preaches love and peace. "Love your enemies" is the message that Jesus came by and invited to all his life. Crusades and corrupted popes used their belief to achieve political goals and to gain more power and domination over peoples. Those "bad believers", if we were to call them like that, are not the true examples of Christianity, they are just examples for themselves.

It's not so different with Islamic religion and the bad believers in it. Islam in its essence preaches love, peace, justice, coexistence, respect for the other and good morals. But there are "bad believers" in Islam who pretend to be "good believers", who think that they are executing the principles of Islam. They blowup themselves in civil places, they spread threat messages, they kill by the name of Islam and use Islamic texts to justify their crimes. Does that necessarily mean that Islam tell Muslims to do that? Absolutely no.

Islam invited Muslims to treat non-Muslims as human beings, to deal kindly and justly with non-Muslims, and to provide safe shelter for their lives, property and their worship places. The following are verses from Qur'an (The Holy Book for Muslims) and Hadith (Sayings of Prophet Muhammad) about how Shari'a (Islamic law) regulated the relation between Muslims and non-Muslims..

*Allah has created all mankind, Muslims and non-Muslims, all are sons of Adam and Eve, and Islam tells that all humans are honored. About sons of Adam, Allah says in Qur'an: "We have honoured the sons of Adam; provided them with transport on land and sea; given them for sustenance things good and pure; and conferred on them special favours, above a great part of our creation." 17:70

*Islam tells Muslims that they should respect the feelings of non-Muslims. In debates, Islam tells Muslims to: "And dispute ye not with the People of the Book, except with means better (than mere disputation), unless it be with those of them who inflict wrong (and injury): but say, "We believe in the revelation which has come down to us and in that which came down to you; Our Allah and your Allah is one; and it is to Him we bow (in Islam)." 29:46

In another Qur'anic verse, a very high example of equity, justice and respect to the beliefs of non-Muslims. Allah has said in Qur'an:"Say (O Muhammad to polytheist, pagans): "Who gives you sustenance, from the heavens and the earth?" Say: "It is Allah. and certain it is that either we or ye are on right guidance or in manifest error!"" 34:24 The verse is ended by highlighting that which is known (the Muslims following guidance, while the unbelievers are in error) as if it were a matter that could be doubted. In doing so, Allah emphasizes the truth by allowing the reader to draw his own conclusion. He does not state in this verse who is the group following guidance and who is not. This use of language is a means of treating the opponent in debate with justice, by presenting the argument, and allowing the listener to judge.

Allah ordered Muslims not to insult non-Muslims: "Revile not ye those whom they call upon besides Allah, lest they out of spite revile Allah in their ignorance. Thus have We made alluring to each people its own doings. In the end will they return to their Lord, and We shall then tell them the truth of all that they did." 6:108

*Islam doesn't force anyone to be a Muslim. Allah says in Qur'an to His Prophet: ".. thy duty is to make (the Message) reach them: it is our part to call them to account." 13:40 It's not the duty of the Prophet to make people convert to Islam, all his duty is to make the message and words of Allah reach them. A duty to make others listen to the Prophet, not to force them to believe in what he says.

In another verse Allah has said: "If it had been thy Lord's will, they would all have believed,- all who are on earth! wilt thou (O Muhammad) then compel mankind, against their will, to believe!" 10:99.

And of course the great verse: "There is no compulsion in religion." 2:256 This verse was revealed concerning some of the Muslim men of the Medina; when Islam came to them, they had adult children who were Jews or Christians. They tried to compel them to embrace the new religion, so this verse was revealed to prevent them from doing so. So, it's not permissible for any Muslim to force anyone, even his children the dearest to his heart and the the ones whom they want the best for, to embrace Islamic religion. The American scholar, Edwin Calgary explained this verse by saying: "There is a noble verse in the Qur'an that is filled with truth and wisdom, and it is known to all Muslims. Everyone else should know it as well; it is the one that says that there is no compulsion in religion."

*Under Islamic rule, Islamic law not only gives freedom of the choice of religion for non-Muslims, but in addition it facilitates practicing religious duties and preserve their worship place. Allah said in Qur'an: ".. Did not Allah check one set of people by means of another, there would surely have been pulled down monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques, in which the name of Allah is commemorated in abundant measure. Allah will certainly aid those who aid his (cause);- for verily Allah is full of Strength, Exalted in Might, (able to enforce His Will). " 22:40

*Islamic regulation requires that Muslims should be just with everyone even the enemies: "O ye who believe! stand out firmly for Allah, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to piety: and fear Allah. For Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do." 5:8

*And about the security of non-Muslims' lives, Allah says in Qur'an: "On that account: We ordained for the Children of Israel that if any one slew a person - unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land - it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people. ..." 5:32

And "Nor take life, which Allah has made sacred, except for just cause. And if anyone is slain wrongfully, We have given his heir authority (to demand Qisas or to forgive): but let him not exceed bounds in the matter of taking life; for he is helped (by the law)." 17:33

And it's narrated in Sahih Bukhari that Prophet Muhammad said: "Whoever kills a person whom we have a treaty will not even come closer enough to Paradise to smell its scent, and its scent can be found at a distance of forty years travel."

*And about protecting their property, it has been narrated in Musnad al-Imam Ahmed that the Prophet said: "You must know that it is not lawful for you to take the property of the People of the Covenant unless it is [in payment] for something."

Thinking of it, both the people "whom we have a treaty" and "People of the Covenant" include -in our modern history- all the states around the world, when it is a fact that 192 of the 203 states of the world are members in the United Nations. In other words, Islamic law forbids killing (bombing, suicide bombing, shooting) of civil non-Muslims in all states of the world, and stealing their property. A suicidal bomber in civil places -according to what Prophet Muhammad said- will not even come closer enough to Paradise to smell its scent.

*In war times, if a non-Muslim whom Muslims are fighting against asked for asylum, Qur'an tells Muslims to grant him asylum: "If one amongst the Pagans ask thee for asylum, grant it to him, so that he may hear the word of Allah. and then escort him to where he can be secure. That is because they are men without knowledge." 9:6

*About how to deal with non-Muslims in general, Allah said: "Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loveth those who are just. * Allah only forbids you, with regard to those who fight you for (your) Faith, and drive you out of your homes, and support (others) in driving you out, from turning to them (for friendship and protection). It is such as turn to them (in these circumstances), that do wrong." 60:8,9 In his interpretation for this verse, Imam al-Qurafi defines "dealing kindly" as follows: "Gentleness towards the weak, fulfilling the needs of the poor, feeding the hungry, providing clothing to cover them, and soft speech with them. This must be done with affection and mercy, not in a spirit of intimidation and degradation. [Further], tolerating the fact that they may be noxious neighbors whom you could force to move, but you do not, out of kindness towards them, not out of fear or economic motives. Also, praying that they receive guidance, and join the ranks of those blessed with eternal reward, advising them virtuously in all worldly and spiritual matters, protecting their reputation if they are exposed to slander, and defense of their property, families, rights and concerns. They must be assisted in resisting oppression and getting access to their rights." Imam al-Qurafi was one of the Maliki Imams who lived in Egypt -with Copts- and died in 84th Hijri year.

Well, if Islamic principles are that good, just, merciful and reasonable .. an honest question would arise that need an honest answer; Why Islam looks so bad nowadays?

Personally, I think there are three major factors that generate the bad propaganda about Islam..

The first of these factors is the Bad Believers in Islamic religion. Extremists who kill by the name of Islam, those who do not understand Islamic principles of mercy and justice, who follow what their regional custom says not what Islam says. They originally grow up in an environment that doesn't really understand Islamic true principles, and consequently they don't understand true Islamic principles too. They don't actually represent Islam, but only represent themselves. Extremists exist in every religion, Islam too has extremists.

The second factor is Extremist Media of the West. Focusing on the bad examples, ignoring the good examples, that is what I am talking about. It is widely common to hear in the American and European news about an individual Muslim who killed so-and-so, but it's so uncommon to hear about a Muslim group that organized a coexistence conference. One thing that always made me wonder that a guest of my blog always tell about a lunatic father who killed his daughter, or an extremist who killed random victims, but he is amazed when I tell him about "A Common Word" conference that gathers Muslim and Christian religious leaders in Washington to discuss about ways of understanding each other, or a wonderful experience of coexistence among Muslims and Jews in Virginia. It's well known for many that Muslims, after the crisis of Danish cartoons on 2005, that angry Muslim demonstrations around the world broke out and Danish flags were burnt and the embassy in Beirut was attacked, but very few in the West hear about the peaceful talk conference in Denmark lead by Amr Khaled, Tarek Swidan and Habib Gafri, the three Muslim scholars who have wide fame among Muslim Arab youth, with Danish youth. A Western citizen will hear in the news headlines about the fanatic Muslim who blow himself up in a crowded place and will watch many TV shows about the "coming danger" and will hear analysts talking about why he did that, but will a Western citizen hear about a Muslim scholar who made a discovery or a Muslim woman who wrote a good book? The common Muslim names in Western Media are: Bin Laden, Zawahri, Zarqawi not Ahmed Zewail, Farouk el-Baz, Naguib Mahfouz, Aisha Abd al-Rahman, Qaradawi, Muhammad al-Ghazaly, Ali Gomaa. For all of that, through all this bias, Western Media is an effective factor in generating hatred against Muslims and forming a corrupted perspective about Islam.

The third factor is strongly related to the second one and is the one I stated in the beginning of the article, i.e. the misunderstanding of some verses of the Qur'an. There are extremist Western writers who twist the verses of Qur'an, sayings of Prophet Muhammad and historical incidents to present a corrupted perspective about Islam. Many websites over the web are involved in that.

In general, the verses that extremist Western writers present as "the absolute evidence about Islamic terrorism" are the verses that talk about fighting. There are various reasons for fighting or for making Jihad according to Islamic law;

a) As response to a act of aggression, as stated in Qur'an: "Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loveth not transgressors." 2:190

b) As a penalty for those who break a treaty or violate a truce, as mentioned in Qur'an: "But if they violate their oaths after their covenant, and taunt you for your Faith,- fight ye the chiefs of Unfaith: for their oaths are nothing to them: that thus they may be restrained." 9:12

c) As a deterrent to those who prevent missionaries of the faith from travelling to the people, as stated in Qur'an: "And fight them on until there is no more Tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah. but if they cease, Let there be no hostility except to those who practise oppression." 2:193

d) To assist people who are being oppressed, with the goal of reliving their oppression, as Allah said: "And why should ye not fight in the cause of Allah and of those who, being weak, are ill-treated (and oppressed)?- Men, women, and children, whose cry is: "Our Lord! Rescue us from this town, whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from thee one who will protect; and raise for us from thee one who will help!"" 4:75

e) Enforcing peace against the transgressor when two parties conflict, as said in Qur'an: "If two parties among the Believers fall into a quarrel, make ye peace between them: but if one of them transgresses beyond bounds against the other then fight ye (all) against the one that transgresses until it complies with the command of Allah; but if it complies then make peace between them with justice and be fair: for Allah loves those who are fair (and just)." 49:8

The five reasons of making Jihad are the main reasons that any state in our recent age would make an action for. a) Self-Defense when attacked, b) Response to violating truces among states, c) Fighting against states that restrict freedom of religion, d) Providing the help for people under oppression from other stronger states, e) Fighting against conflicting states that refuse to make peace.

There are some verses in Qur'an that maybe misunderstood if read out of their textual and historical context..

One of the famous verses is 191th verse of the 2nd Chapter of Qur'an that says: "And slay them wherever ye catch them"

First of all, and a basic rule in reading any religious text, we must read it in its both textual and historical context. If this didn't happen, the religious text will be misunderstood. Consequently, I'll state here the whole verse and few verses before and after this verse to focus on the real context of this verse..

"Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loveth not transgressors. * And slay them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where they have Turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter; but fight them not at the Sacred Mosque, unless they (first) fight you there; but if they fight you, slay them. Such is the reward of those who suppress faith. * But if they cease, Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. * And fight them on until there is no more Tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah. but if they cease, Let there be no hostility except to those who practise oppression. * The prohibited month for the prohibited month,- and so for all things prohibited,- there is the law of equality. If then any one transgresses the prohibition against you, Transgress ye likewise against him. But fear Allah, and know that Allah is with those who restrain themselves." 2:190-194

Do these verses give a free permission for Muslims to kill non-Muslims wherever Muslims catch them? These verses were revealed by Allah to Prophet Muhammad at the time when Muslims were attacked by the pagans of Makkah on a regular basis. They were frightening the Muslim community of Madinah. They tortured and killed tens of Muslims and expropriated their property when they were in Mecca. One may say, using the contemporary jargon, that there were constant terrorist attacks on Muslims, and in this situation Muslims were given permission to fight back the "terrorists". This can be easily realized when noticing in more than part of these verses the mention of the attacks make by the pagans and that Muslims are just fighting back. It's noticed in: "turn them out from where they have Turned you out" and "fight them on until there is no more Tumult or oppression" and "but if they cease, Let there be no hostility". These verses are not a permission for "terrorism", but a warning against "terrorists". But even in these warnings, one can readily see how much restraint and care is emphasized. It is important that we study the religious texts in their proper context. When these texts are not read in their proper textual and historical contexts, they can be easily manipulated and distorted. It is true that some extremist Muslims manipulate these verses for their own goals. But this is not only with Islamic texts, it is also true with the texts of other religions (as mentioned above).

On the other hand, one can see how the verses give restrictions on fighting back those who attack and terrorize Muslims. a) "Fight .. those who fight you" b) "Do not transgress limits" c) "Fight them not at the Sacred Mosque" d) "If they cease, Let there be no hostility except to those who practise oppression.".

Conclusion:

Islamic religion did not come to oppress and terrorize, but it came to spread safety, justice, love and mercy. Those extremists who kill by the name of Islam have the same logic of those who killed over the centuries by the name of Christianity or Judaism. Judaism, Christianity and Islam are all three divine messages revealed from the One God, the Creator, Most Gracious and Most Merciful. God who created all mankind and made them all equal but according to piety. He created all of us; Jews, Christians, Muslims Buddhists, atheists, etc and only ordered us to be kind and merciful to each other according to our human relationships. It is only the extremists who distorted His true words to achieve their personal corrupted desires. Those are not just the enemies of Jews, or just the enemies of Christians, or just the enemies of Muslims, instead, they are the enemies of all of us .. enemies of humankind.

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Resources:

-IslamOnLine.net

-"The Rights Of Non-Muslims In The Islamic World" by Saleh Hussain Al-Aayed, translated by Alexandra Alosh (WAMY)

Farewell Sermon Of Prophet Muhammad

In the same day, 1420 ago, Prophet Muhammad leaded hundreds of thousands of Muslims in the performance of Hajj (Muslim Pilgrimage) in Mecca. It was a very touching scene. The Prophet was witnessing his followers, the fruit of his continuous call along 23 years for the path of truth in front of his eyes. The last days of the Prophet were approaching. He (PBUH) has fulfilled the task that was put upon him. It was the time of the last will and testament. Prophet Muhammad climbed the Mount of Mercy in Arafat outside of Mecca face to face with the silent hundreds of thousands crowd, and said;

"O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present here today.

O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. Allah has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. Allah has Judged that there shall be no interest and that all the interest due to Abbas ibn 'Abd'al Muttalib (Prophet's uncle) shall henceforth be waived...

Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.

O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah's trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.

O People, listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, say your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.

All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.

Remember, one day you will appear before Allah and answer your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.

O People, no prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the QURAN and my example, the SUNNAH and if you follow these you will never go astray.

All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness, O Allah, that I have conveyed your message to your people".

If we just followed these great principles of Humanity, Justice, Equity, and Mercy, how would the world be?

MUSLIMS & NON-MUSLIMS | What Did Prophet Muhammad Tell Muslims To Do?

How should Muslims treat non-Muslims? Are they required to deal kindly and justly, or hate them? Are Muslims required to smile in their faces, or stab them in the back?

I believe, many non-Muslims are eager to hear an answer to such questions from the mouth of Islamic resources. Particularly under the big wave of Islamophobia in the Western world, and the number of violent incidents made allegedly in the name of Islam. So, it's important to talk about the basis of Islamic perspective about non-Muslims. Hatred or Love? Marginalizing or Merging? Fighting or Cooperation? Separation or Coexistence?

The best way to understand Islamic perspective about the relation between Muslims and non-Muslims is to follow what Prophet Muhammad said and practiced. This way we can focus on the theoretical principles set for Muslims to treat non-Muslims, and in the same way see a practical application of these principles.

It's important at first to clarify that everything that Prophet Muhammad say or do, is considered to be a legislation for all Muslims. If Qur'an is the first source of Shari'a (Islamic legislation), then sayings and deeds of the Prophet are the second source. Qur'an says; "Ye have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a beautiful pattern (of conduct) for any one whose hope is in Allah and the Final Day, and who engages much in the Praise of Allah." 33th chapter: 21th verse. Subsequently, when the Prophet do something or say anything, all Muslims are required to do the same as he did and apply what he said. All Muslims consider Prophet Muhammad as the best example for them..

When the message of Islam started to spread in its early beginning, the people of Mecca started to murder new Muslims, torture them, besiege and boycott them, and expropriate their properties. This sufferance lasted for 13 years. The atmosphere in Mecca has not become suitable for Muslims to live, so they had to immigrate to another place away from the reach of Meccans. The choice was Medina, 450 KM away from Mecca. Medina was a place where Jews settled long time before. The first thing Prophet Muhammad did after he migrated to Medina was to sign a treaty, including all tribes of Medina beside Jewish tribes. The main clauses of that treaty were;

*The Jews will profess their religion, and the Muslims theirs.

*If attacked by a third party, each shall come to the assistance of the other.

*Neither shall commit sins to the prejudice of the other.

*The wronged party shall be aided.

*Each shall contribute to defending Madinah, in case of a foreign attack, in its respective area.

*This treaty shall not hinder either party from seeking lawful revenge.

There are major values seen in these clauses such as; Freedom of religion, Merging Jews in community instead of marginalizing them, Setting the basics of justice and equity, Supporting the right regardless of faith. Prophet Muhammad practiced these values 14 centuries ago!

In Qur'an, 60th Chapter, 7th & 8th verse say;"It may be that Allah will grant love (and friendship) between you and those whom ye (now) hold as enemies. For Allah has power (over all things); And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. * Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loveth those who are just." In addition, Prophet Muhammad -God bless him- said about Dhimmis (non-Muslims living under Islamic protection); "He who hurts a Dhimmi hurts me, and he who hurts me annoys Allah." Reported by Al-Tabarani. The two verses and the Hadith (Saying of the Prophet) show very clearly the main frame of how a Muslim should treat non-Muslims.

If we started by the Hadith we can realize that it's a big sin and a forbidden thing to hurt non-Muslims. What is a "hurt"? This include everything that would annoy any human; mistreat, transgression and oppression. We aren't talking here about bombing civilian places and random shooting. If Prophet Muhammad considered hurting, just the hurt at any level, as hurting for himself and subsequently to God (Which devout Muslim would dare to do something that hurt the Prophet and annoy Allah?), then, higher levels of hurt like attacking and killing them is an unforgivable crime.

The two verses maintain the peace that must be achieved between Muslims and non-Muslims who don't aim at fighting and driving Muslims out of their homes. Peace for peace, that's it. These verses include all non-Muslims; Christians, Jews, and even the infidels. "Kindly and Justly", a very clear order. Smiling, Giving a present, Exchanging friendly visits, Sharing the food, Volunteering in social projects, Selling & Buying, Medical treatment, Sharing in social occasions, Helping the needy, Giving the poor, .. there is so much other to say, it's simply; "Dealing Kindly and Justly"!

Another short incident that Prophet Muhammad did, but, I believe, it has much to tell Muslims about treating non-Muslims. One day a funeral procession passed by and the Prophet (PBUH) stoop up. The people objected. "But it is the funeral of a Jews." and he responded, "Is he not a human being?"

I asked myself "What is the message out of that?", "What did Prophet Muhammad want to tell his companions?". I think the message is clear. Prophet Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam is telling Muslims that when we treat non-Muslims kindly, it's not about cheating them, but it's all about respecting them .. just because they are human beings. It's about respecting their souls and their dignity, whatever they believe in.

In another occasion, a delegation of Christian Yemenis arrived to Medina to meet Prophet Muhammad. The Prophet welcomed them in the mosque of Medina. When the time of their prayer came, they prayed at the mosque, and the Prophet allowed them! Prophet Muhammad is not just telling Muslims that we should give non-Muslims the freedom of practicing their faith, but in addition, we might share them our worshiping places, our mosques, to practice their worshiping. So open-minded, so civilized!

When the Prophet was migrating from Mecca to Medina secretly, the people of Mecca was chasing him to assassinate him, they even sent 10 strong young men with sharp swords to his house to kill him, but God saved him (PBUH). The situation was so risky, any mistake would lead to the death of the Prophet, the messenger of God, and the receiver of the revelation. When the Prophet needed a guide to show him the way to Medina through the desert without being seen by the Meccans, he choose Abdullah Ibn Urayket, one of the Meccans, a good guide, and .. a non-Muslim!

Thinking of it, the Prophet of Islam trusted a non-Muslim in that critical situation. He would easily reveal the secret to the Meccans, and win the 100 camels prize that Meccans made for anyone who tell them about the place of the Prophet. But the Prophet didn't looked at him that way, instead he looked at how good he was as a guide who knows the secret roads to Medina and how honest and trusted he was so not to reveal his secret. The Prophet trusted him i.e. trusted a non-Muslim! This tell all Muslims very clearly that working with a non-Muslim, is no thing bad.

One of the most important Hadith (Sayings of the Prophet) about the security of the non-Muslims' lives is the following. The Prophet of Islam said; "Whoever kills a person whom we have a treaty will not even come close enough to Paradise to smell its scent, and its scent can be found at a distance of forty years travel." Reported by Bukhari

No thing would be more clear. All those who bomb themselves in civil places thinking that they are dying as "martyrs" who will go to paradise, all those who kill randomly by the name of Islam thinking that they are practicing the noble Jihad, and all those who terrorize the safe non-Muslims, all of them must hear that saying of the Prophet. The Prophet is telling them that they will not even approach to paradise after their death.

An application of that Hadith was made in the life of the Prophet. It has been recorded in more than one source that one of the Muslims killed a man from the People of the Covenant, and the case was brought before the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), who said; "I am the one most obliged to fulfill his covenant" and ordered the murderer to be executed. A Muslim was executed because he killed one non-Muslim! That's Shari'a!

These were few examples of how Prophet Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam, treated non-Muslims. In fact, that's what are we, Muslims, required to be with non-Muslims, those who live with us in the same place, and share us the same planet. We're required to love them not to hate them, to make peace with them not to terrorize them, to coexist with them not to kill them. That's what my religion, Islam, tell me to do.

Why Islam?

A young American Muslim, talking about Islamic religion..

Quotes from the video;

"I think Islam is the most misunderstood religion in the world, not just by non-Muslims, but by Muslims as well."

"And unfortunately their actions and behaviors reflect their lake of understanding. And finally you have people who twist the verses of Qur'an. The in result is a lot confused people and a lot of confusion about what Islam really teaches."

"Prove to me that this book is perfect, just like its creator, and then I'll follow it. Otherwise if the book has even one error, it proves this has been edited or written by men."

"I became Muslim before 9-11, before all this propaganda. If you watched TV long enough, you'd believe this religion is a religion of fanatics. With actions that are not based on reason or rationality."

"Islam teaches you to think, and reflect. To observe the world around you."

"Have you ever tried memorizing a book cover to cover?"

"And the Qur'an challenges men to write a book like it if he's in doubt that this book is actually from the Creator, to prove it's a book cannot be written by a human being."

"What Islam really teaches? What Muslims really believe in? Well, first of, delete everything you've heard in the Media, because Muslims are not nonsense. And all these people who try to spread hatred by copying&pasting texts out of context, those people have no idea what thy're talking about. I'll tell you what we Muslims really believe in."

"What is the meaning of the word "Muslim"? He's the one who submits to God."

"And not even Muslims have a free ticket to paradise. Each person will be judged for their intentions and their actions."

"Now, all the stuff I've been talking to you about maybe some different of what you've seen or heard about Muslims. Maybe as because of the actions of some Muslims out there. Some who are just Muslims by name, representing Islam, and if you compared their actions to what Islam really teaches, you'll notice that they have nothing to do with each other."

"Thanks to God, Allah showed me Islam before He showed me Muslims."

"Five to eight Million Muslim live here in the United States. If Islam really preaches violence, then ask yourself "Where is the violence?" "

"So all the "kill all of the infidels" stuff is nonsense, because if they were true, how it was used in Christians who lived generations after generations for 1400 years in the middle east, .. and they still live in the middle east. Think about it!"

Climate Change .. An Islamic perspective

Today is 15th of October. It's not just a normal day, but it's the day when more than 7,000 blogs are going to unite their efforts to talk about only one subject .. Climate Change. It's Blog Action Day.

As a religious blog, I must talk about the subject as a religious blog. I'll do all my best to reveal the perspective of Islam about protecting surrounding environment..

Reading the 41th verse of the 30th Chapter in Qur'an we can notice that Qur'an is paying our attention to the essential subject of Environmental Pollution being caused by the hands of human themselves..

"Mischief has appeared on land and sea because of (the meed) that the hands of men have earned, that ((Allah)) may give them a taste of some of their deeds: in order that they may turn back (from Evil)."

In another verse, we can see an obvious confirmation that God created nature in a perfect balance among all its factors, that we must keep that balance..

"And the earth We have spread out (like a carpet); set thereon mountains firm and immovable; and produced therein all kinds of things in due balance." 15:19

When we follow the sayings of prophet Muhammad we can find out all his invitations encouraging all members of Islamic community to spread the trees, reclaim the desert lands..

Allah's Apostle said, "There is none amongst the Muslims who plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person or an animal eats from it, but is regarded as a charitable gift for him." Sahih Bukhari

The Prophet said, "He who cultivates land that does not belong to anybody is more rightful (to own it)." Sahih Bukhari

On the other side, we can also find out when we follow the verses of Qur'an and sayings of the prophet the continuous confirmation to keep the resources of nature and to use them in a balanced way away from any extravagance..

In verses 26 and 27 in the 17th chapter we can find that Qur'an is confirming that we should keep our resources, and not to waste them..

".. But squander not (your wealth) in the manner of a spendthrift. * Verily spendthrifts are brothers of the Evil Ones; and the Evil One is to his Lord (himself) ungrateful." 17:26, 27

In chapter 6, verse 141 we can find the verse paying our attention to the nature, ending with an inhibition to waste the products of nature..

"It is He Who produceth gardens, with trellises and without, and dates, and tilth with produce of all kinds, and olives and pomegranates, similar (in kind) and different (in variety): eat of their fruit in their season, but render the dues that are proper on the day that the harvest is gathered. But waste not by excess: for Allah loveth not the wasters." 6:141

In another verse we can see a direct inhibition to mischief on earth that has been reformed..

"Your Guardian-Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth in six days, and is firmly established on the throne (of authority): He draweth the night as a veil o'er the day, each seeking the other in rapid succession: He created the sun, the moon, and the stars, (all) governed by laws under His command. Is it not His to create and to govern? Blessed be Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds! * .. * Do no mischief on the earth, after it hath been set in order, but call on Him with fear and longing (in your hearts): for the Mercy of Allah is (always) near to those who do good." 7: 54, 56

It's recorded too in the books of Sunnah, that the prophet inhibited extravagance in using water even when on the side of a river.

Islamic perspective of protecting environment depends on the following points;

a) Respecting Nature.

b) Keeping The Natural Resources From Wasting And Misuse.

c) Increasing The Amount Of Trees.

d) Increasing The Suitable Lands For Agriculture Through Encouraging Reclaiming Dead Lands.

If governments of the world followed that Islamic protocol, the world will be a better and safer place.

Muslims & Christians .. "A Common Word"

At Georgetown university in Washington, a wonderful experience of cultural talk is going on. A conference among senior Muslim scholars including the Grand Mufti of Egypt, Dr. Ali Gomaa, and Amr Khaled, the famous Muslim preacher who have wide fame among Muslim youth, and senior Christian scholars. Political personalities are attending the conference from among them are Tony Blair, Professor John Esposito and Anwar Ibrahim. This two-day conference will take the "Common Word" initiative to the next stage by focusing on global issues and initiatives for change. Global political and religious leaders, scholars, media, and community representatives will discuss and develop concrete proposals to advance global peace and security between Muslim and Western societies.

This bright experience started 3 years ago, when Pope Benedict XVI offered a speech offending Muslims around the world. An action that was faced by a wise reaction from 38 Islamic authorities and scholars from around the world, representing all denominations and schools of thought, joined together to deliver an answer to the Pope in the spirit of open intellectual exchange and mutual understanding. The number expanded a year later to be 138 Muslim scholars, clerics and intellectuals coming together to declare the common ground between Christianity and Islam. All major Muslim countries were represented in the message that is addressed to all Churches and indeed all Christians all over the world. The uniqueness of this initiative is that it depends on the teachings of the two great prophets, Muhammad and Jesus (Peace Be Upon Both of Them).

In a related event at Johns Hopkins University organized by US Institute of Peace, Dr. Ali

Gomaa will discuss the challenge of moderation in Islam. Dr. Gomaa has been a regular critic of violence being practiced in the name of Islam, and has written extensively on spirituality, prevention of violence, human rights, women's equality and peacemaking. Dr. Gomaa has a wide fame among Muslims and particularly in Egypt.

Following is the Summary of the introduction to the initiative..

Muslims and Christians together make up well over half of the world's population. Without peace and justice between these two religious communities, there can be no meaningful peace in the world. The future of the world depends on peace between Muslims and Christians.

The basis for this peace and understanding already exists. It is part of the very foundational principles of both faiths: love of the One God, and love of the neighbour. These principles are found over and over again in the sacred texts of Islam and Christianity. The Unity of God, the necessity of love for Him, and the necessity of love of the neighbour is thus the common ground between Islam and Christianity. The following are only a few examples:

Of God's Unity, God says in the Holy Qur'an: "Say: He is God, the One! / God, the Self-Sufficient Besought of all!"(Al-Ikhlas, 112:1-2). Of the necessity of love for God, God says in the Holy Qur'an: "So invoke the Name of thy Lord and devote thyself to Him with a complete devotion"(Al-Muzzammil, 73:8). Of the necessity of love for the neighbour, the Prophet Muhammad said: "None of you has faith until you love for your neighbour what you love for yourself."

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ said: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One. / And you shall love the Lord

your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment. / And the second, like it, is this: 'You shall love your neighbour as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:29-31)

In the Holy Qur'an, God Most High enjoins Muslims to issue the following call to Christians (and Jews—the People of the Scripture):

"Say: O People of the Scripture! Come to a common word between us and you: that we shall worship none but God, and that we shall ascribe no partner unto Him, and that none of us shall take others for lords beside God. And if they turn away, then say: Bear witness that we are they who have surrendered (unto Him)." (Aal 'Imran 3:64)

The words: "we shall ascribe no partner unto Him" relate to the Unity of God, and the words:"worship none but God", relate to being totally devoted to God. Hence they all relate to the First and Greatest Commandment. According to one of the oldest and most authoritative commentaries on the Holy Qur'an the words: "that none of us shall take others for lords beside God", mean 'that none of us should obey the other in disobedience to what God has commanded'. This relates to the Second Commandment because justice and freedom of religion are a crucial part of love of the neighbor.

Thus in obedience to the Holy Qur'an, we as Muslims invite Christians to come together with us on the basis of what is common to us, which is also what is most essential to our faith and practice: the Two Commandments of love.

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The full introduction is available on the Official Website of A Common Word