Abusing Jesus - NO Innocence of Muslim leaders

Say: We believe in Allah and what has been revealed to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob and the tribes; as well as what has been given to Moses and Jesus and what the Prophets received from their Cherishing-Lord. We do not discriminate against any of them. Unto Him do we submit.

[I use "Jesus" in this article instead of the Arabic Isa alayhis salaam. An explanation will be given later.]

Just for a moment imagine that a Muslim is free to allow others to abuse  Jesus (peace be upon him), let alone actually abusing him.  The average Muslim – I hope – cannot conceive of such a notion. He or she is raised to revere not only this sacred personality, but his family as well. The uneducated Muslim might not know of the many verses  and entire chapters of the Quraan devoted to them, but he will never utter their names without adding 'alayhis salaam - peace be upon him. He might not be able to quote extensive commentaries of the Quraan, but he will name his children after those about whom he is thoroughly convinced that Allah loves them. Thus I have a nephew called Isa and a cousin called Imraan (Mary's father) and that is indeed nothing unusual amongst Muslims.

A simple love that the common Muslim demonstrates, yet it is not always followed to its rightful conclusion by those who assume leadership of the masses. The enemies of Allah stoop to the lowest of levels in insulting Jesus, Prophet of Allah, but I have yet to hear a squeak of protest from Muslim leaders worshiping their own trinity of power, fame and wealth. it's as if they are saying, "Who's going to cheer for me and donate funds to me for defending the honour of Jesus peace be upon him? Nah! Not my problem!"

Corpus Christi

A play which abuses as a homosexual that sacred personality whom the Quraan calls Allah's Word and Spirit.  His Disciples are depicted in the same manner. When this American filth made its appearance in Athens in October 2012, some Greeks had the decency to be upset. Google this story and see the focus on lambasting the protestors as Nazis and Fascists. So what if they are Nazis? See how twisted man's mentality has become. Attack the protestors and act as if accusing Allah's friends of sodomy is a non-issue!

From an Islamic perspective we believe that we are the true inheritors of Jesus's legacy - peace be upon him. It should be us defending his honour. Corpus Christi is not new. A few years back I mentioned this play to a man with great political clout and who acts as a leader of Muslims. His reply? We can't look at every small little thing. In other words, "Who's going to cheer for me and donate funds to me for defending the honour of Jesus peace be upon him? Nah! Not my problem!"

"Small," the Muslim leadership says. Were the accusation of sodomy made against their fathers, would it be a "small, little thing"?

Piss Christ

Supposedly a work of art. A miscreant sub-human fills a glass with his urine. He places an image of Jesus peace be upon him in the urine. He takes a picture of this and what does the anti-Christ regime of America do? It contributes to his US$ 15,000 prize! Naturally some Christians are upset, but where's the protest from the servants of Islam?

Nah! Not my problem!We can't look at every small little thing.

Some even try to console themselves that this is only in regards "Jesus" NOT "Isa alayhis salaam", so it's not an Islamic issue. I'm not going down the path of even bothering to address such convoluted logic. I therefore acknowledge responsibility by using "Jesus".

Yet even if a Muslim deludes himself into thinking that  this does not concern us, surely those who are more political minded and not so sentimental can at least comprehend that if we support the Christians in their righteous grievance, they in turn will be more sympathetic to our grievance in regards the next Innocence of Muslims? Unfortunately when the heart is clouded the mind becomes clouded as well.

Jewish Comedians

The Jews simply cannot wait for the second coming of Jesus peace be upon him. They have already fired the opening salvos for the Battle of Lud. Jewish "comedy" is one of their weapons of choice. The following is supposed to be a "joke" of Sarah Silverman:

“I hope the Jews did kill Christ! I’d do it again! I’d f…’n do it again in a second!”

Haha???

The "comedian" Seinfeld has Larry David splash urine on the eye of a painting of Jesus peace be upon him. It's then supposed to be  joke that the Christian lady in the comedy thinks it's a miracle and the drop of urine is a tear-drop!

Do you find this funny or does your Islamic feelings call you to revolt against such a Satanic world obsessed with dumping Allah's beloveds in their toilets?

Nah! Not my problem!We can't look at every small little thing.

Once you allow these dark forces to mock the Prophets, they are free to mock Allah. How can a Muslim remain silent?

The same Silverman has sex with a man portrayed as being ALLAH in her 2011 feature, "The Morning After." "Allah" declares what a wonderful time he had with her and begs her to come with him!!!! I am fully aware that there will be those who will condemn me for even mentioning this and will sanctimoniously pronounce, "Quoting disbelief is also disbelief." Well, what are these pious folk doing when Allah and His Messengers are so filthily reviled? I'll tell you what, they are saying .......Nah! Not my problem!We can't look at every small little thing.

The above filths are but common examples of how demonic the media and western culture are. Those who wish to conduct further research will not be at loss for further examples. For me, even one of the above is enough.

Concluding remarks

• The fact that only a tiny percent of Christians express horror at the reviling of Prophets is proof in itself that Islam has inherited the legacy of Allah's Messengers. Christians have abdicated their role as slaves of Allah.


• At the same time, let us take lesson from the dignified approach of the sincere Christians, for that is supposed to be our way. Did the Christians kill an innocent ambassador for any of the above the way we did?


• The average Muslim loves the Prophets and would be furious if he knew of their ill-treatment. He is just not informed enough of what is happening.


• Our leaders have not fulfilled their duty, be it Muslim countries, political parties, community forums or scholars. Groups such as Hamas and the Taliban should remember that if they truly espouse an Islamic state, an Islamic state is responsible for treating its Christian inhabitants with dignity. Blasphemy is not limited to insulting Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam.  If opposing abuse of Jesus peace be upon him is intolerance, then I'm proudly intolerant.


• If any of the above Muslims have actually defended the Prophets then do inform me, a retraction is in order, but I'm not holding my breath on that one.


• I thank two Christian gentlemen for having the guts to defend the dignity of one of Islam's Prophets, Jesus peace be upon him. It is my sincere hope that Nathanael Kapner and Commander Joseph Cortina be blessed with belief in the Final Messenger, Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, as well.

                                                                                                                    [polldaddy poll=6619509]

Abusing Jesus – NO Innocence of Muslim leaders

as salaamu alaykum

This article is posted in my new blog, please click  to read. I am giving wordpress a shot. With more than 12,000 hits, somebody is definitely reading this blog, but only TEN comments (which includes my replies)? Feel like I'm speaking to myself.

Well, wordpress is supposed to be more interactive for the reader, so here goes.....




سليمان الكندي

-------------------------------------------------

update 18 March 2013:

Seems wordpress is not reader friendly....

Say: We believe in Allah and what has been revealed to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob and the tribes; as well as what has been given to Moses and Jesus and what the Prophets received from their Cherishing-Lord. We do not discriminate against any of them. Unto Him do we submit.

[I use "Jesus" in this article instead of the Arabic Isa alayhis salaam. An explanation will be given later.]

Just for a moment imagine that a Muslim is free to allow others to abuse  Jesus (peace be upon him), let alone actually abusing him.  The average Muslim – I hope – cannot conceive of such a notion. He or she is raised to revere not only this sacred personality, but his family as well. The uneducated Muslim might not know of the many verses  and entire chapters of the Quraan devoted to them, but he will never utter their names without adding 'alayhis salaam - peace be upon him. He might not be able to quote extensive commentaries of the Quraan, but he will name his children after those about whom he is thoroughly convinced that Allah loves them. Thus I have a nephew called Isa and a cousin called Imraan (Mary's father) and that is indeed nothing unusual amongst Muslims.

A simple love that the common Muslim demonstrates, yet it is not always followed to its rightful conclusion by those who assume leadership of the masses. The enemies of Allah stoop to the lowest of levels in insulting Jesus, Prophet of Allah, but I have yet to hear a squeak of protest from Muslim leaders worshiping their own trinity of power, fame and wealth. it's as if they are saying, "Who's going to cheer for me and donate funds to me for defending the honour of Jesus peace be upon him? Nah! Not my problem!"

Corpus Christi

A play which abuses as a homosexual that sacred personality whom the Quraan calls Allah's Word and Spirit.  His Disciples are depicted in the same manner. When this American filth made its appearance in Athens in October 2012, some Greeks had the decency to be upset. Google this story and see the focus on lambasting the protestors as Nazis and Fascists. So what if they are Nazis? See how twisted man's mentality has become. Attack the protestors and act as if accusing Allah's friends of sodomy is a non-issue!

From an Islamic perspective we believe that we are the true inheritors of Jesus's legacy - peace be upon him. It should be us defending his honour. Corpus Christi is not new. A few years back I mentioned this play to a man with great political clout and who acts as a leader of Muslims. His reply? We can't look at every small little thing. In other words, "Who's going to cheer for me and donate funds to me for defending the honour of Jesus peace be upon him? Nah! Not my problem!"

"Small," the Muslim leadership says. Were the accusation of sodomy made against their fathers, would it be a "small, little thing"?

Piss Christ

Supposedly a work of art. A miscreant sub-human fills a glass with his urine. He places an image of Jesus peace be upon him in the urine. He takes a picture of this and what does the anti-Christ regime of America do? It contributes to his US$ 15,000 prize! Naturally some Christians are upset, but where's the protest from the servants of Islam?

Nah! Not my problem!We can't look at every small little thing.

Some even try to console themselves that this is only in regards "Jesus" NOT "Isa alayhis salaam", so it's not an Islamic issue. I'm not going down the path of even bothering to address such convoluted logic. I therefore acknowledge responsibility by using "Jesus".

Yet even if a Muslim deludes himself into thinking that  this does not concern us, surely those who are more political minded and not so sentimental can at least comprehend that if we support the Christians in their righteous grievance, they in turn will be more sympathetic to our grievance in regards the next Innocence of Muslims? Unfortunately when the heart is clouded the mind becomes clouded as well.

Jewish Comedians

The Jews simply cannot wait for the second coming of Jesus peace be upon him. They have already fired the opening salvos for the Battle of Lud. Jewish "comedy" is one of their weapons of choice. The following is supposed to be a "joke" of Sarah Silverman:

“I hope the Jews did kill Christ! I’d do it again! I’d f…’n do it again in a second!”

Haha???

The "comedian" Seinfeld has Larry David splash urine on the eye of a painting of Jesus peace be upon him. It's then supposed to be  joke that the Christian lady in the comedy thinks it's a miracle and the drop of urine is a tear-drop!

Do you find this funny or does your Islamic feelings call you to revolt against such a Satanic world obsessed with dumping Allah's beloveds in their toilets?

Nah! Not my problem!We can't look at every small little thing.

Once you allow these dark forces to mock the Prophets, they are free to mock Allah. How can a Muslim remain silent?

The same Silverman has sex with a man portrayed as being ALLAH in her 2011 feature, "The Morning After." "Allah" declares what a wonderful time he had with her and begs her to come with him!!!! I am fully aware that there will be those who will condemn me for even mentioning this and will sanctimoniously pronounce, "Quoting disbelief is also disbelief." Well, what are these pious folk doing when Allah and His Messengers are so filthily reviled? I'll tell you what, they are saying .......Nah! Not my problem!We can't look at every small little thing.

The above filths are but common examples of how demonic the media and western culture are. Those who wish to conduct further research will not be at loss for further examples. For me, even one of the above is enough.

Concluding remarks

• The fact that only a tiny percent of Christians express horror at the reviling of Prophets is proof in itself that Islam has inherited the legacy of Allah's Messengers. Christians have abdicated their role as slaves of Allah.
• At the same time, let us take lesson from the dignified approach of the sincere Christians, for that is supposed to be our way. Did the Christians kill an innocent ambassador for any of the above the way we did?
• The average Muslim loves the Prophets and would be furious if he knew of their ill-treatment. He is just not informed enough of what is happening.
• Our leaders have not fulfilled their duty, be it Muslim countries, political parties, community forums or scholars. Groups such as Hamas and the Taliban should remember that if they truly espouse an Islamic state, an Islamic state is responsible for treating its Christian inhabitants with dignity. Blasphemy is not limited to insulting Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam.  If opposing abuse of Jesus peace be upon him is intolerance, then I'm proudly intolerant.
• If any of the above Muslims have actually defended the Prophets then do inform me, a retraction is in order, but I'm not holding my breath on that one.
• I thank two Christian gentlemen for having the guts to defend the dignity of one of Islam's Prophets, Jesus peace be upon him. It is my sincere hope that Nathanael Kapner and Commander Joseph Cortina be blessed with belief in the Final Messenger, Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, as well.

                                                                                                              

  

Innocence of Muslims - how would Rasūlullāh react?

That any true Muslim feels hurt at this latest assault on the honour of the Beloved Nabī صلى الله عليه و سلم needs no elucidation. The same would hold true for any honest person that the West has double standards when it comes to freedom of speech. Attack Islām, that’s fine, but question “the holocaust,” Darwinism or the claim that human civilisation is only 6000 years old, you could face a range of punishments from imprisonment, academic character assassination or loss of a job.

Now let us stop imitating the Jews as we do with so many other things. Stop moaning, “Oh! The world is against us and we are so helpless and innocent!” Let us ask what does the faith we profess to follow ask us to do in these trying situations.

1       Respond to slander with facts, not emotion

When we are attacked, we always respond emotionally and forget the actual argument. This is contrary to the principles of the Qurān. For example, when the Quraysh accused Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم of acquiring the Qurān from a monk, not Allāh, the response was not, “How dare you accuse me, when you know I am truthful!” Instead, the reply was a clear logical statement that the monk was a foreigner who could not possibly compose the fluent Arabic of the Qurān.

Indeed We know that they say, “A man teaches it to him!” The tongue of him to whom they wickedly refer is foreign, whilst this is a clear Arabic tongue. [an-Naḥl: 103]

2.       Adversity is an opportunity to increase  good deeds

Indeed We know that your chest is constricted because of what they say. But you should instead recite the purity and praise of your Lord and be amongst those who prostrate. [al-Ḥijr: 97-98]

Thus if adversity and grief led Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم to increase in good deeds, how are we exempt? Let us do some soul searching and ask if running around screaming, “Death to America,” benefits the image of Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم in any way. Is it not embarrassing that the West can smugly say, “See! We accuse their Prophet of violence and they respond with violence!”


If I truly love Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم should I not act in the light of the above verse and increase my recitation of salutations [Arabic: Ṣalawāt; Persian: Darūd] upon Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم ? The Hadith teaches us that angels convey our greetings to him. Would that prove more profitable to our relationship to him when we meet on the Day of Qiyāmah or would “Death to America"?

Practically, how does my life and appearance conform to the man I claim to be honouring with my protests? Does my lifestyle resemble his, or that of the filmmakers? Condemning others is always easier than trying to reform oneself.

3.       No soul bears the burden of another [az-Zumar: 7]

Did the US ambassador make the film, or even know about its production? Please pray tell how we justify such killings in the name of the religion of peace. Perpetuating disbelief is worse than the shedding of blood. May Allāh save us from such acts which serve no purpose other than to tarnish the image of Islām and repulse people who might otherwise have been inclined to it. 

4.       There are etiquettes to dialogue

Uncouth behaviour from others does not excuse us from obeying the Qurān, especially when we are directing our response at parties innocent of the movie, “Do not debate the People of the Book except in a better way, except for those amongst them who do wrong.” [al-‘Ankabūt:46].


When the Jews, thinking themselves to be smart, greeted  Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم with a blurring between, "as-salaamu alaykum," (peace be upon you) and "as-saamu alaykum" (death unto you) our Mother, Aishah رضى الله عنها became furious. Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم however remained calm and replied, "And on you." Whatever they intended was replied to without resorting to their manners. 

Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم courteously addressed foreign dignitaries including the Byzantine Emperor, Heraclius Caesar, whom he addressed as, “Heraclius, great of Rome.” Make no mistake - Heraclius was a far greater enemy of Allāh than George Bush could ever dream of.  Rasūlullāh  صلى الله عليه و سلم clearly declared that by rejecting Islām, Heraclius was to condemn his Empire to disbelief. The burden of the rest of Europe, the Americas, Australia etc is the eventual result of him rejecting the truth despite knowing it. Yet he was not deprived of due courtesy.

Not only have we shamed Islām in the murder of a foreign dignitary, we have helped erase the accomplishments of our forefathers. There are academics in the West who are honest enough to admit that the entire concept of International Law and certain of its specifics were born from Islāmic jurisprudence. Would those jurists have justified the slaying of an innocent diplomat? The fruits of their labours have been erased.

5.       Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم was practical and looked at the bigger picture

When they were about to sign the Treaty of Ḥudaybiyah, the Quraysh objected to the phrase, “Muḥammad, the Messenger of Allāh.” They would only consent to, “Muḥammad, son of ‘Abdullāh.” The Muslims were most upset, and refused. Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم  however personally erased the phrase. He knew that there were bigger issues at hand.

Muslim historians record that as a result of his foresight, obstacles to preaching Islām were removed and more people entered Islām in the following two years than in the previous 19 years of Islām. That would not have been achieved had Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم been stubborn over the wording of the Treaty. He had vision and looked at the bigger picture.

The bigger picture for us is that even this filth could have had one positive aspect of creating curiosity amongst disbelievers. We could have seized the opportunity to explain the beautiful character and teachings of Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم to our friends, colleagues, neighbours and the media. Instead we reveal our ignorance about the greatest personality who has the most detailed biography ever in human history. How many Muslims can describe this personality to their neighbours for even 5 minutes?


The words,  “Muḥammad, Messenger of Allāh,” holds a special place in the heart of every Muslim, but let emotion not cloud our judgement and make us lose our opportunity of Ḥudaybiyah and the deeper message of Muḥammad صلى الله عليه و سلم

To negate Jihaad is disbelief, but remember that there are various forms of Jihaad. Feel hurt, but follow his example.

سليمان الكندي

Innocence of Muslims - how would Rasūlullāh react?

That any true Muslim feels hurt at this latest assault on the honour of the Beloved Nabī صلى الله عليه و سلم needs no elucidation. The same would hold true for any honest person that the West has double standards when it comes to freedom of speech. Attack Islām, that’s fine, but question “the holocaust,” Darwinism or the claim that human civilisation is only 6000 years old, you could face a range of punishments from imprisonment, academic character assassination or loss of a job.

Now let us stop imitating the Jews as we do with so many other things. Stop moaning, “Oh! The world is against us and we are so helpless and innocent!” Let us ask what does the faith we profess to follow ask us to do in these trying situations.

1       Respond to slander with facts, not emotion

When we are attacked, we always respond emotionally and forget the actual argument. This is contrary to the principles of the Qurān. For example, when the Quraysh accused Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم of acquiring the Qurān from a monk, not Allāh, the response was not, “How dare you accuse me, when you know I am truthful!” Instead, the reply was a clear logical statement that the monk was a foreigner who could not possibly compose the fluent Arabic of the Qurān.

Indeed We know that they say, “A man teaches it to him!” The tongue of him to whom they wickedly refer is foreign, whilst this is a clear Arabic tongue. [an-Naḥl: 103]

2.       Adversity is an opportunity to increase  good deeds

Indeed We know that your chest is constricted because of what they say. But you should instead recite the purity and praise of your Lord and be amongst those who prostrate. [al-Ḥijr: 97-98]

Thus if adversity and grief led Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم to increase in good deeds, how are we exempt? Let us do some soul searching and ask if running around screaming, “Death to America,” benefits the image of Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم in any way. Is it not embarrassing that the West can smugly say, “See! We accuse their Prophet of violence and they respond with violence!”


If I truly love Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم should I not act in the light of the above verse and increase my recitation of salutations [Arabic: Ṣalawāt; Persian: Darūd] upon Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم ? The Hadith teaches us that angels convey our greetings to him. Would that prove more profitable to our relationship to him when we meet on the Day of Qiyāmah or would “Death to America"?

Practically, how does my life and appearance conform to the man I claim to be honouring with my protests? Does my lifestyle resemble his, or that of the filmmakers? Condemning others is always easier than trying to reform oneself.

3.       No soul bears the burden of another [az-Zumar: 7]

Did the US ambassador make the film, or even know about its production? Please pray tell how we justify such killings in the name of the religion of peace. Perpetuating disbelief is worse than the shedding of blood. May Allāh save us from such acts which serve no purpose other than to tarnish the image of Islām and repulse people who might otherwise have been inclined to it. 

4.       There are etiquettes to dialogue

Uncouth behaviour from others does not excuse us from obeying the Qurān, especially when we are directing our response at parties innocent of the movie, “Do not debate the People of the Book except in a better way, except for those amongst them who do wrong.” [al-‘Ankabūt:46].


When the Jews, thinking themselves to be smart, greeted  Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم with a blurring between, "as-salaamu alaykum," (peace be upon you) and "as-saamu alaykum" (death unto you) our Mother, Aishah رضى الله عنها became furious. Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم however remained calm and replied, "And on you." Whatever they intended was replied to without resorting to their manners. 

Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم courteously addressed foreign dignitaries including the Byzantine Emperor, Heraclius Caesar, whom he addressed as, “Heraclius, great of Rome.” Make no mistake - Heraclius was a far greater enemy of Allāh than George Bush could ever dream of.  Rasūlullāh  صلى الله عليه و سلم clearly declared that by rejecting Islām, Heraclius was to condemn his Empire to disbelief. The burden of the rest of Europe, the Americas, Australia etc is the eventual result of him rejecting the truth despite knowing it. Yet he was not deprived of due courtesy.

Not only have we shamed Islām in the murder of a foreign dignitary, we have helped erase the accomplishments of our forefathers. There are academics in the West who are honest enough to admit that the entire concept of International Law and certain of its specifics were born from Islāmic jurisprudence. Would those jurists have justified the slaying of an innocent diplomat? The fruits of their labours have been erased.

5.       Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم was practical and looked at the bigger picture

When they were about to sign the Treaty of Ḥudaybiyah, the Quraysh objected to the phrase, “Muḥammad, the Messenger of Allāh.” They would only consent to, “Muḥammad, son of ‘Abdullāh.” The Muslims were most upset, and refused. Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم   however personally erased the phrase. He knew that there were bigger issues at hand.

Muslim historians record that as a result of his foresight, obstacles to preaching Islām were removed and more people entered Islām in the following two years than in the previous 19 years of Islām. That would not have been achieved had Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم been stubborn over the wording of the Treaty. He had vision and looked at the bigger picture.

The bigger picture for us is that even this filth could have had one positive aspect of creating curiosity amongst disbelievers. We could have seized the opportunity to explain the beautiful character and teachings of Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم to our friends, colleagues, neighbours and the media. Instead we reveal our ignorance about the greatest personality who has the most detailed biography ever in human history. How many Muslims can describe this personality to their neighbours for even 5 minutes?


The words,  “Muḥammad, Messenger of Allāh,” holds a special place in the heart of every Muslim, but let emotion not cloud our judgement and make us lose our opportunity of Ḥudaybiyah and the deeper message of Muḥammad صلى الله عليه و سلم

To negate Jihaad is disbelief, but remember that there are various forms of Jihaad. Feel hurt, but follow his example.

سليمان الكندي

Surah Saad - Sad state of the separated Ummah

 عن أبي سعيد الخدري رضي الله عنه قال :

  غزونا مع رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم لست عشرة مضت من رمضان ، فمنا من صام ومنا من أفطر ،فلم يعب الصائم على المفطر ، ولا المفطر على الصائم

Abu Saeed al-Khudri (radiyallahu anhu) narrates:

 “We waged battle at the side of Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم when 16 days of Ramdaan had passed. Some of us fasted and some did not. Neither did those who fasted find fault with those who did not fast; nor did those who did not fast find fault with those who fasted.” [Muslim]

Another Ramadaan has passed, and inshallah we have all achieved our aims. Major themes of the month are of course Taqwa, empathy for one's fellow human being, patience etc


The above incident of respect for difference of opinions at the Battle of Badr might not be  a primary objective of the month,  yet the fact is that  occurred during Ramadaan as well, in the sacred presence of Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم. No aspect of his sacred life is insignificant. As such, Ramadaan should also be a time when the Ummah  renews their commitment to respecting each others' opinions, as long as the view expressed is not clearly opposed to the principles of Shari'ah.

Sadly, we all know that this is not the case. Every Muslim country, school of thought, organisation, tribe, family and individual is  an authority unto themselves, in effect ignoring the ultimate sovereignty of Allah. If I declare myself to be correct and perfect in all matters, "my way or the highway" have I not claimed partnership with Allah al-Haqq as-Subbuh? 

An incident this Ramadaan demonstrated to me how incurably petty the Ummah still is. As a practitioner of Shafi'i Fiqh, I do not prostrate at the recitation of Surah Saad. Herewith link to the juristic discussion with a brief translation.

I have practised according the school I observe and never imposed this issue on others. This Ramadaan a Hanafi Imaam of a Masjid discussed the issue with me, mentioning a ruling he had received. He declared that he would announce this ruling in order to educate the Shafi'i members of the community.  

I reflected that if a Hanafi is willing to educate others, my silence in the face of theological chauvinism was not justified.  I mentioned the matter to the Hanafi Imaam at the Masjid I was observing Taraaweeh and asked would he felt about him making a similar announcement. He said that I should make the announcement and I did so.

He later informed me that some Hanafi "Ulama" had approached him. They were upset and insisted that they had never heard of something like this before.

Whether one prostrates or not during Saad is a juristic discussion, which might or might not hold significance to some. What should however concern all of us are the facts this incident brought to light:

•  This Ummah has some  scholars who have such fossilised mentalities that they can paraphrase the idolatrous Egyptian response to Musa 'alayhis salaam as a proof, "We have never heard of this from our forebears of old!" [al-Qasas: 36]
• They regard such an attitude as a virtue!
• They are not content with stifling opinion in their own school, but consider it the greatest act of worship to impose their will and views on other schools as well.
• Scholars are apparently exempt from seeking proof for rulings and can substitute query with gossip. 
• Tolerance was for the Sahaabah radiyallahu anhum. Our opinions are apparently so elevated that all must toe the line.
• Ramdaan is all about the individual. Nobody has the foresight to ponder how detrimental the effects of our intolerance are upon the already fragmented Ummah.

There are chauvinists and tolerant folk amongst all groups. If the article creates the impression that I am targeting a specific group, then I seek Allah's forgiveness. The aim is to draw attention to a disease which must be remedied. If we cannot train ourselves to behave as Ummatis of Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم, even during Ramadaan, what does this pose for our future?











سليمان الكندي

Surah Saad - Sad state of the separated Ummah

 عن أبي سعيد الخدري رضي الله عنه قال :

  غزونا مع رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم لست عشرة مضت من رمضان ، فمنا من صام ومنا من أفطر ،فلم يعب الصائم على المفطر ، ولا المفطر على الصائم

Abu Saeed al-Khudri (radiyallahu anhu) narrates:

 “We waged battle at the side of Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم when 16 days of Ramdaan had passed. Some of us fasted and some did not. Neither did those who fasted find fault with those who did not fast; nor did those who did not fast find fault with those who fasted.” [Muslim]

Another Ramadaan has passed, and inshallah we have all achieved our aims. Major themes of the month are of course Taqwa, empathy for one's fellow human being, patience etc


The above incident of respect for difference of opinions at the Battle of Badr might not be  a primary objective of the month,  yet the fact is that  occurred during Ramadaan as well, in the sacred presence of Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم. No aspect of his sacred life is insignificant. As such, Ramadaan should also be a time when the Ummah  renews their commitment to respecting each others' opinions, as long as the view expressed is not clearly opposed to the principles of Shari'ah.

Sadly, we all know that this is not the case. Every Muslim country, school of thought, organisation, tribe, family and individual is  an authority unto themselves, in effect ignoring the ultimate sovereignty of Allah. If I declare myself to be correct and perfect in all matters, "my way or the highway" have I not claimed partnership with Allah al-Haqq as-Subbuh? 

An incident this Ramadaan demonstrated to me how incurably petty the Ummah still is. As a practitioner of Shafi'i Fiqh, I do not prostrate at the recitation of Surah Saad. Herewith link to the juristic discussion with a brief translation.

I have practised according the school I observe and never imposed this issue on others. This Ramadaan a Hanafi Imaam of a Masjid discussed the issue with me, mentioning a ruling he had received. He declared that he would announce this ruling in order to educate the Shafi'i members of the community.  

I reflected that if a Hanafi is willing to educate others, my silence in the face of theological chauvinism was not justified.  I mentioned the matter to the Hanafi Imaam at the Masjid I was observing Taraaweeh and asked would he felt about him making a similar announcement. He said that I should make the announcement and I did so.

He later informed me that some Hanafi "Ulama" had approached him. They were upset and insisted that they had never heard of something like this before.

Whether one prostrates or not during Saad is a juristic discussion, which might or might not hold significance to some. What should however concern all of us are the facts this incident brought to light:

•  This Ummah has some  scholars who have such fossilised mentalities that they can paraphrase the idolatrous Egyptian response to Musa 'alayhis salaam as a proof, "We have never heard of this from our forebears of old!" [al-Qasas: 36]
• They regard such an attitude as a virtue!
• They are not content with stifling opinion in their own school, but consider it the greatest act of worship to impose their will and views on other schools as well.
• Scholars are apparently exempt from seeking proof for rulings and can substitute query with gossip. 
• Tolerance was for the Sahaabah radiyallahu anhum. Our opinions are apparently so elevated that all must toe the line.
• Ramdaan is all about the individual. Nobody has the foresight to ponder how detrimental the effects of our intolerance are upon the already fragmented Ummah.

There are chauvinists and tolerant folk amongst all groups. If the article creates the impression that I am targeting a specific group, then I seek Allah's forgiveness. The aim is to draw attention to a disease which must be remedied. If we cannot train ourselves to behave as Ummatis of Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم, even during Ramadaan, what does this pose for our future?











سليمان الكندي

Do you use Tech, or does it use you?

 And if you do not find anyone in [their homes] do not enter until permission has been granted unto you. If you are told to go away, then go away. That is more pure for you and Allah knows well what you do. [an-Nur: 28]

Mufassirun have discussed whether one verse of the Quraan can be said to have greater virtue than others, or whether they are equally virtuous as the Speech of Allah. In either case what cannot be denied is that various parts of the Quraan have had differing impacts in various circumstances.

Consider the incident which Thabit bin Qays رضي الله عنه narrates, as recorded by Abu Dawud. Umm Khallad al-Ansariyah رضي الله عنها rushes to Rasulullah صلى الله عليه و سلم, her mind greatly unsettled with the probability that her son has been killed. A man confirms that her son has indeed been martyred, but asks how did she have the presence of mind to cover her face when entering the presence of Rasulullah صلى الله عليه و سلم despite her obviously perturbed state. There is not enough gold in the world (or perhaps I should say iPads) to equal the value of her words. The venerable lady replies, "I may have lost my son, but I shall never lose my modesty."

Allahu Akbar!

What is still more amazing is that that lady belonged to a generation and culture which a short while earlier had been walking around with uncovered heads and exposed breasts (or am I confusing this with contemporary Muslimahs?). These ladies were the products of Surah an-Nur, a Surah which laid the foundation for the edifice of modesty and social interaction in Islamic civilisation. To add yet another amazing aspect of these ladies. The males had had three previous verses to wean them off the primarily masculine activity of drinking wine, before the final fourth prohibition was revealed. On the other hand, the ladies submitted the instant Allah commanded them to dress modestly. They tore down old and ugly curtains to cover themselves. They had no concern for their appearance. Their only concern was to obey Allah. Were I to live for a century, I would prefer that single act to all my good deeds.

Now let us examine some other aspects of Islamic etiquette directly or indirectly derived from an-Nur:

• A Muslim does not enter another person's home without permission.
• Permission can only be sought thrice, thereafter leave.
• If there was no appointment made, one is not obliged to let others enter the privacy of one's home.
• When two people are speaking, a third should not butt in without permission.

Now let us ask ourselves in all honesty, if I am not obliged to respond to one who is physically at my door, how can I possibly be obliged to answer a cell phone?

The manners of Muslims are absolutely deplorable when one looks at how they deal with just this one aspect of technology. Whether one is speaking to a friend, spouse, teacher or parent, as soon as the mobile rings, 14 centuries of Islamic culture and etiquette succumbs to the demands of Nokia, Apple, Blackberry etc. The rights of the gathering are forgotten as well as the respect for seniors. Conversation is immediately cut off. Everyone is forgotten and the cell phone answered. I have even witnessed Ulama teaching a Hadith, breaking away from the lesson to answer the call. Yet one finds Western businessmen first seeking permission from each other before taking a call. That is supposed to be our way. They are using technology, not being used by technology.

We always say that technology cannot be good or bad in itself, it is how you use it. It is rather sad that a Raafidi, Ali al-Alawi, pointed out that a product of a society must innately include the values of that society, it cannot be neutral. On the other hand, scholars born of Sunni households, happily endorse everything the West churns out, without considering the impact on Sunnah values and culture.

I am not saying that we become Luddites and smash all technology. After all, how did I write this message, if not by the use of technology? What I mentioned is just an example. Answering your phone might not be a sign of Qiyaamah, but let us not be mindless drones. Consider carefully, are you are using technology, or is technology using you? The next time your Samsung rings, ask, "Am I being used to eliminate Surah an-Nur from the Ummah?"

Just a thought, and I would like to hear your thoughts. In just over a year this blog has reached 6,000 hits from all over the world. Not much some would say, but considering that I haven't promoted this blog, I never expected this readership. But no comments? Come on guys! If you got something positive out of this, let me know so that I know what you want to read. If I've erred it's your duty to tell me.

سليمان الكندي