Are you afraid of Muslims and Islam because of what you see in the news? It is perfectly understandable, but let us talk a bit.
What really is Islam, the faith that I and many others ascribe to? The gist of Islam is the belief that as human beings we have been created by God and thus He deserves our ultimate love, adoration, and obedience. Based on my deeds, I will one day be judged and either rewarded or punished.
Muslims believe that as slaves of God we try our best to live our lives as He wants, as detailed in His book the Quran, and in the example of a man He sent to guide us— Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). You could say that the Quran is the theory, and Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is the practical application of the theory.
My faith requires that I try my utmost to worship God. Worship involves ritual: we pray five times a day, give a portion of our wealth in charity, fast from dawn to dusk at particular times of the year, make daily remembrances of God, etc.
Worship also includes more communal acts— smiling, being good to our neighbours, taking care of the needy, being good to our parents, etc. In short, worship is any good that God is pleased with and that is done to please Him.
So in general, we try to make much of our lives into worship. Even the seemingly mundane things like taking care of one’s family, earning a living to keep oneself self-sufficient, and helping one’s parents, family can all be acts of worship if done with the right intention.
Muslims make up a large part of the British society that I have been in for four years (and also many other non-Muslim majority societies). Muslims in this country give the most charity out of any faith group, according to Prime Minister Cameron himself.
Since I have been in this country, I have been seen by Muslim doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers. I have been on buses and taxis that have had Muslim drivers. Many food shops are Muslim-owned, and many Muslims are in the security services as well. I have met police officers who are Muslim and lawyers and politicians too.
Muslims are in the slog race as much as anyone else. They want a good life, enough food to feed the family and to lead a life that is in keeping with God’s commands. And yes, there are bad apples in Muslim societies too, and that has nothing to do with Islam. Islam is perfect. Muslims, though, are human beings and thus imperfect.
It is very understandable that you are afraid. We are too. We fear going out on the streets, markets, and airports as well. We are in as much danger of being hurt as anyone else. It is perfectly okay that you are absolutely apalled at what has been going on around the world— we are as well. After all, over 98% of the victims of ISIS have been Muslims themselves. Oh, and also the victims of Western drone attacks and air strikes too. We are human and we suffer as well.
Do not let politicians who profit from war drive a wedge between us. Do not let people wearing suits who benefit from chaos make us hate one another. We are all human beings trying our best to make sense of a mad world and trying to find our way in here.
We are simple people who worship God. Do not let others make you believe otherwise, neither those who hijack our faith nor those who demonize all of us for the actions of a handful.
Let us learn about Islam. Learn about why Muslims believe in God, in the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and what Muslims believe is the purpose of our lives. Only through learning about one another can we achieve peace.
by Raiiq Ridwan
I think we are playing along with the kafers with their set rules. This way, we might never reach the desired destination. Kafers given is, jihad = terrorist, hijab = oppression etc. They are trying to make these words taboos. And we are playing alone. Let me ask you, just for debates sake, if people in a country, with their culture and set of believes do something or want to establish something makes them terrorist then why are you people doing business with China. Do you know that more people died in china for their internal clash than in second world war. Why do you not bomb India, where honour killing in parts of India is so much naturalised that even the government can not intervene. Still they worship cows. Rape is everywhere. FYI, ISIS now is no more an organization. They have a Khalifa. Let them settle down. It is going to be a peaceful country.
Very well said, only through learning about one another we can achieve peace, because just with the help of knowledge it is possible to understand the true nature of Islam. It is really sad, that people believe all they see or hear somewhere without ever question anything or try to learn more about it and understand the context. As non-Muslim I really appreciate your efforts to increase the knowledge and understanding of human beings in connection with the Quran.
Thank you,sir,for your thoughtful expression on an Important Issue especially related to muslims & In general to all mankind! I believe ISIS (to me still a mystery) act Is totally against the philosophy of Islam that guaranteed an Ideal society based on high moral values & co -existence.The message of Islam Is not meant for those who recite kalama & become Muslim but for all mankind from the All Mighty Creator for their own benefits!! In all ages of the history of mankind It,s the evil forces equipped with hatred,all kind of prejudices & disobedience to the most kind & beneficent of All Mighty lord! I believe a muslim may be a bad person,a non muslim may be a better person but the master of the whole kingdom demand first obedience than to be a good person! The Muslim scholars need to let people know Islam Is not like a proprietorship that belong to a particular piece of land or race! Last but not the least one can understand Islam through Quran but It can,t accomplished you until one can contemplate & use the power of his own common sense God has endowed with all human being! I am not a scholar not even a well educated person but a humble man always need to learn more!
Honestly speaking we have gone tired,tired of explaining our Religon /ourselves, its been decades we learn each other and still we can’t understand that if some evil happens its not from a Jews or christen or Muslim ,it’s an evil person/group with an evil mindset behind it,why this confusion all the time? Sometimes I think to myself if a situation comes when some life is on target what would I do…my heart replies at once that I will give my life to save that life wheather watever race he/she is ,and its not me its my Religon that teaches us to care about others more than ourselves, the most precious thing for a Muslim is his/her eemaan how can they loose it by taking anyone’s life ,Islam makes you mild,humble,calm,patient , wonderful article a need of this critical time ,I wish our non muslim brothers and sisters can understand through it.
Jazak Allah Khair brother for your thought on our today’s issues. I agree with you we should invite & promote every one to study Islam without accusing anyone. Because Allah Said in Surah Al Isra 17/81, Insha Allah they will come to know what is right & what is wrong.
17:81
And say: “Truth has come and Batil (falsehood) has vanished. Surely! Batil is ever bound to vanish.”
JAZAKUMUL LAHU KHAIR YA IKHWÀNÎ.
What I want you to know is, all people in the world (both Muslims and non Muslims) are aware about the truth of Islam.But some of the people hind this what they realy know in the back of their mind. However,No matter how long one day the true will be displayed in the world.