Politics of Provocation, Unity, Sharing Pain
Issue 300 » November 12, 2004 - Ramadan 29, 1425
General
| Living the Quran |
Ibrahim (Abraham)
The enemies of Islam determined very early on to prevent its gaining currency by whatever means they deemed necessary. Had those means included a point for point debate on the relative merits of each religion, Islam would gladly have welcomed the opportunity to explain itself, secure in the knowledge of the ultimate result. But no. The matter went the way of the politics of arrogance and provocation; the only kind of politics in which the powerful seem to have any proficiency. These were the politics which left the Prophet, for all his patience, no alternative but to stand up in defence of his mission and of those oppressed souls who were forced to suffer along with him because they dared to believe. Suppose that you were walking outside at night with a torch in your hand to light the way for you, or for anyone else who wanted to go your way. If there happened to be still others for whom it was somehow distasteful to follow you, or walk by your light, then they would certainly be welcome to take any direction they wished, avoiding the pitfalls and obstacles as best they could. But what is one to do if those who prefer to remain in the dark attempt to break your torch, and put out its light? Have you not, then, the right to defend the light that guides you and so many others along with you? Muhammad, upon him be peace, never did anything more than that. Indeed, those who advocate the politics of torch-breaking are the most virulent of all people in their loathing of Muhammad and in the abhorrence of the message he brought to mankind. These are the people who know in their hearts that that light is their greatest enemy because it reveals their deception. Source: |
| Understanding the Prophet's Life |
| Unity in all aspects Muslims should strive their best to achieve their unity in all aspects, not only in the beginning and end of Ramadan and celebrating the Eids. It is against the spirit of Islam to see Muslims in the same country divided in their rituals and their Islamic dates and events. The Islamic spirit is against division and disunity. The new moon is difficult to sight and may be invisible due to atmospheric conditions. It can appear on different days in different countries, especially when two countries are very far apart. Regarding the dates of the beginning and end of Ramadan, a Muslim should follow the decision of the Muslim authorities in the country of his residence. It is not his concern what others, especially those on the other side of the globe, do. In such matters you should follow the decision of the congregation, for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said, "Fast with people, break your fast (i.e., celebrate `Eid Al-Fitr) with people, and celebrate sacrifice with people." So we are not to make such kinds of decisions based on our own personal preferences or inclinations. We should not be creating dissensions in the community on this issue. Let us seek to focus instead on far more important issues that are crucial for the survival of Muslims in this time and age. Source: |
| Blindspot |
What kind of Eid Noor Muhammad will have this year?The young Afghan boy, hardly 12 years old, lost his eyes and both arms during US bombing strikes on villages southwest of Jalalabad, Afghanistan. Will he be celebrating in the hospital, as he seeks to put together the shattered pieces of his life, now as a blind and disabled person? What will he be thinking on Eid day as other children his age receive gifts, hugs and visits from relatives and go outside to play with friends on this happy occasion? Noor will probably never be able to play the way he used to. And what about the Fatimahs and Alis in Chechnya, Kashmir, Palestine and elsewhere people suffer throughout the year, with littlerepreive? How will they be celebrating this year? These people are probably the last ones on our minds as we rush to finish our last minute gift shopping, pick out our outfit or decorate the house for the special occasion. While much of Eid is focused on how to make the holiday happy and special, especially for our children, we cannot neglect to share the pain of others on this day. These are the people for whom Eid will mean settling into a refugee camp not decorating their homes. For thousands of them, Eid will mean trying desperately to find food for the day, not preparing a special meal for the family. One way to share the pain is by simply having a discussion with family and friends about the situation of people suffering the world over. There are hundreds of "hot spots" where men, women, and children are regularly killed, oppressed, raped, tortured and subjected to all kinds of oppression and humiliation. Sitting together as a family or with friends to discuss the situation, even if it's in just one specific place, will help share information, while developing sympathy and concern. Another way is through Dua (supplication). After Eid prayers, following the sermon, most Imams make Dua for the oppressed everywhere, usually pinpointing specific areas which are in worse condition or more prominent. If you normally leave Eid prayers before the Khutbah, this year, make a special effort to stay and be part of the Dua of the Imam and the rest of the congregation. Also, don't forget to make Dua as an individual on Eid day, thanking Allah for His blessings while praying for people suffering everywhere. Another way of sharing the pain and trying to help is by arranging to send gifts and sweets. Some relief organizations have programs in place to provide orphans, for instance, with new clothes, a gift and sweets on Eid day. Others may have a program to provide a family with a meal of meat or some other special food. Finally, you can share the pain by meeting with those who are from one of the "hot spots". Invite them over, ask them about their relatives and offer to help in any way you can. Doing this will allow you to see an in-person example of a suffering person who may have escaped the fate of his or her brothers and sisters, but is still naturally concerned for family abroad. He or she can be your window into the daily struggles of those suffering in one part of the world. Sources: |
