Veterans of the heritage presevation struggle have informed me that although our petition is well intentioned, petitions only serve to provoke the authorites to further eradication of these sites. I am therefore closing the petition.
I do however encourage all Brothers and Sisters to continue creating awareness. Our lack of awareness is part of the problem.
If permission is received, I shall post the correspondence I received.
Thoughts of Sulayman al-Kindi. An attempt at discussing matters, as a Muslim living in the West
Thursday, 1 November 2012
Tuesday, 30 October 2012
Save the endangered Haramayn Heritage!
Update 2: Veterans of the heritage presevation struggle have informed me that although our petition is well intentioned, petitions only serve to provoke the authorites to further eradication of these sites. I am therefore closing the petition.
I do however encourage all Brothers and Sisters to continue creating awareness. Our lack of awareness is part of the problem.
Update: Brother Ibrahim Musa will be hosting me on Channel Islam International to discuss this topic. Tuesday 30 Oct 2012, 21:15 Central African time.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
A poet described his reason for kissing al-Hajar al-Aswad (the Black Stone at the Ka'bah) as an attempt to kiss "the kiss" of Allah's Beloved Rasūl صلى الله عليه و سلم who had placed his lips on it.
Of course, such poetic fancy has neither juristic basis nor real application. The Stone had split asunder centuries ago. Some people lose their rewards by violently shoving others aside to reach the Stone, all to merely kiss the casing which encloses the remains of the Stone.
That aside, as lovers of Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم we can surely understand the emotions of the poet. The love a Muslim feels for Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم cannot be understood by non-Muslims. Such is his miracle, that centuries after his uttering a Hadith, interacting with some object or passing by some place, that Hadith, object or place can reduce his follower to tears; affect his tiniest actions such as the way he eats; or can be the cause of changing his entire life. (On the other hand, I still feel disgust at the phoney relics I saw at the Shaahi Masjid in Lahore. People who sell their religion for a few bucks... urgh!!!)
Abdullah bin Umar رضي الله عنه paused during his journey because that was the place where Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم stopped to relieve himself. A jurist of the level of Ibn Umar رضي الله عنه certainly understood far better than us, that the essence and priority of the Sunnah lies in the beliefs, deeds and character of Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم not the place where he performed an action. Yet those who were in the blessed company of Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم demonstrated their love to those places associated with Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم even if it was just the place of his toilet!
Allah, the Knower of the unseen, knew full well that there would be major logistic difficulties in fulfilling the Hajj after 14 centuries. In His infinite mercy He could have granted the Ummah license to perform the same rituals of Hajj in their own homelands, or at least in their own continents. Allah however insists not only on commemorating the deeds of His friend Ibrahim alayhis salaam in the Hajj, but the place of the deeds of Allah's Khaleel is also beloved unto Allah.
Your deeds are your rulers
The Haramayn (Makkah and al-Madinah) have seen many rulers over the centuries, including Rawaafid (Shi'ah). Yet at no point in history has the Ummah demonstrated such apathy to the heritage of Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم as we do at present. The Ummah is more capable of proudly rattling off Manchester scores and which actor is fornicating with which actress, than being able to mention the wives and children of Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم . Hence in line with the Hadith, "Your deeds are your rulers," Allah has placed such rulers over the Haramayn since 1923, who have systematically demolished all physical traces of Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم.
For example, the house of our Mother, Khadijah رضي الله عنها , is now a toilet! Let me spell it out. The house Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم went to immediately after receiving his first revelation is now a place of urine. The house he would go to after being abused by the idolators and there receive the comfort of our Mother, is now a place of excreta. The house all his children were born in, except one, is now a place of filth, sewage and stench. It is to be hoped that this saddens a Muslim more than if Barcelona lost a match.
Makkah or New York?
The rulers of the Haramayn may have in mind that they have millions of pilgrims to serve, and they require the space occupied by these heritage sites. Such may be their good intentions but consider the following:
Masjid al-Ghamaamah
We have recently performed our Eid Salaah. Are we aware that the new expansions in the Haramayn are putting the last sites associated with Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم at risk, including Masjid al-Ghamaamah where Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم performed his Eid Salaah. once these last vestiges are removed, what trace of Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم will remain in the Haramayn. It is long overdue that the Ummah awakes to its responsibility and save what's left of the Haramayn heritage. If the ongoing New Yorkification of the Haramayn continues, future generations already imbued with Western culture, will find it impossible to identify with an Islamic past.
Call to Action
Ultimately nothing can change except through the command of Allah. Yet if we act, Allah's mercy might be drawn and He will change matters.
May Allah grant us success in our endevours to link ourselves to Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم.
[polldaddy poll=6647725]
I do however encourage all Brothers and Sisters to continue creating awareness. Our lack of awareness is part of the problem.
Update: Brother Ibrahim Musa will be hosting me on Channel Islam International to discuss this topic. Tuesday 30 Oct 2012, 21:15 Central African time.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
A poet described his reason for kissing al-Hajar al-Aswad (the Black Stone at the Ka'bah) as an attempt to kiss "the kiss" of Allah's Beloved Rasūl صلى الله عليه و سلم who had placed his lips on it.
Of course, such poetic fancy has neither juristic basis nor real application. The Stone had split asunder centuries ago. Some people lose their rewards by violently shoving others aside to reach the Stone, all to merely kiss the casing which encloses the remains of the Stone.
That aside, as lovers of Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم we can surely understand the emotions of the poet. The love a Muslim feels for Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم cannot be understood by non-Muslims. Such is his miracle, that centuries after his uttering a Hadith, interacting with some object or passing by some place, that Hadith, object or place can reduce his follower to tears; affect his tiniest actions such as the way he eats; or can be the cause of changing his entire life. (On the other hand, I still feel disgust at the phoney relics I saw at the Shaahi Masjid in Lahore. People who sell their religion for a few bucks... urgh!!!)
Abdullah bin Umar رضي الله عنه paused during his journey because that was the place where Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم stopped to relieve himself. A jurist of the level of Ibn Umar رضي الله عنه certainly understood far better than us, that the essence and priority of the Sunnah lies in the beliefs, deeds and character of Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم not the place where he performed an action. Yet those who were in the blessed company of Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم demonstrated their love to those places associated with Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم even if it was just the place of his toilet!
Allah, the Knower of the unseen, knew full well that there would be major logistic difficulties in fulfilling the Hajj after 14 centuries. In His infinite mercy He could have granted the Ummah license to perform the same rituals of Hajj in their own homelands, or at least in their own continents. Allah however insists not only on commemorating the deeds of His friend Ibrahim alayhis salaam in the Hajj, but the place of the deeds of Allah's Khaleel is also beloved unto Allah.
Your deeds are your rulers
The Haramayn (Makkah and al-Madinah) have seen many rulers over the centuries, including Rawaafid (Shi'ah). Yet at no point in history has the Ummah demonstrated such apathy to the heritage of Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم as we do at present. The Ummah is more capable of proudly rattling off Manchester scores and which actor is fornicating with which actress, than being able to mention the wives and children of Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم . Hence in line with the Hadith, "Your deeds are your rulers," Allah has placed such rulers over the Haramayn since 1923, who have systematically demolished all physical traces of Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم.
For example, the house of our Mother, Khadijah رضي الله عنها , is now a toilet! Let me spell it out. The house Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم went to immediately after receiving his first revelation is now a place of urine. The house he would go to after being abused by the idolators and there receive the comfort of our Mother, is now a place of excreta. The house all his children were born in, except one, is now a place of filth, sewage and stench. It is to be hoped that this saddens a Muslim more than if Barcelona lost a match.
Makkah or New York?
The rulers of the Haramayn may have in mind that they have millions of pilgrims to serve, and they require the space occupied by these heritage sites. Such may be their good intentions but consider the following:
- Millions of Catholics visit Rome. They are catered for without demolishing the Roman heritage sites, which are pagan, not Catholic.
- 95% of centuries old heritage sites in Makkah have been demolished in the past two decades alone. Why cannot the authorities consult with Ulama, architects, engineers, archeologists etc as to the best way to create utility without destroying the last few sites related to Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم ?
- We have to be pragmatic. Change is a reality and a necessity. However, what is not necessary is to turn Makkah into another NewYork. Are there no Muslim architects who can help new developments blend into an Islamic Makkah instead of New York? As the Saudi architect Sami Angawi said about the Haramayn, " Both are historically almost finished. You do not find anything except skyscrapers."
Masjid al-Ghamaamah
We have recently performed our Eid Salaah. Are we aware that the new expansions in the Haramayn are putting the last sites associated with Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم at risk, including Masjid al-Ghamaamah where Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم performed his Eid Salaah. once these last vestiges are removed, what trace of Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم will remain in the Haramayn. It is long overdue that the Ummah awakes to its responsibility and save what's left of the Haramayn heritage. If the ongoing New Yorkification of the Haramayn continues, future generations already imbued with Western culture, will find it impossible to identify with an Islamic past.
Call to Action
Ultimately nothing can change except through the command of Allah. Yet if we act, Allah's mercy might be drawn and He will change matters.
- More serious than buildings is our blatant ignorance and apathy in regards the biography of Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم. Let us study the Seerah with the importance it deserves.
Please sign this petition which will be sent to the Ministry of Culture.- Kindly forward this article to other Muslims.
- Discuss the situation and create awareness amongst the Ummah. Utilise whatever platform you have at your disposal.
- Please leave your comment below. There are surely ideas you can present and your words as an Ummati will be appreciated as well.
May Allah grant us success in our endevours to link ourselves to Rasūlullāh صلى الله عليه و سلم.
[polldaddy poll=6647725]
Monday, 29 October 2012
Save the endangered Haramayn Heritage
Please click to read on my new blog
Update: Brother Ibrahim Musa will be hosting me on Channel Islam International to discuss this topic. Tuesday 30 Oct 2012, 21:15 Central African time.
سليمان الكندي
Update: Brother Ibrahim Musa will be hosting me on Channel Islam International to discuss this topic. Tuesday 30 Oct 2012, 21:15 Central African time.
سليمان الكندي
Thursday, 18 October 2012
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....
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.
Tuesday, 18 September 2012
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"?
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"?
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
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