muslims – Islam A Closer Look http://islamacloserlook.com Breaking The Cycle of Fear Wed, 07 Feb 2018 01:08:47 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.1 Islam and Terrorism http://islamacloserlook.com/islam-and-terrorism/ http://islamacloserlook.com/islam-and-terrorism/#respond Thu, 07 Jun 2012 16:20:45 +0000 http://islamacloserlook.com/?p=971
Overview

In his 23 year mission, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) fought 9 major battles. The total time it took to fight those battles was about one week. Roughly 138 Muslims and 616 non-Muslims died. The Prophet passed away in the year 632 CE. At the time of his death he controlled an area of some 3 million square kilometres. A land mass about the size of Europe (minus Russia) was conquered with less than a thousand casualties. What was the secret to the Prophet’s military success? Simply this: he stormed hearts not walls.

The Prophet always emphasized peace as his first and foremost priority but when he had no other choice, he fought to protect his faith and followers. Despite winning almost every major battle he fought, the Prophet instructed Muslims not to go about seeking conflict:

“Do not look for a fight with the enemy. Beg God for peace and security. But if you do end up facing the enemy, then show endurance and remember that  Paradise is under the shadow of the swords.”

Throughout the Quran Muslims are told not to initiate hostilities; that God does not love aggressors; and to conclude treaties of peace even if they suspect treachery from the enemy (see Quran 2:190; 4:90; 8:61 etc.).

The Quran gives hope to Muslims that enemies can one day become beloved friends through God’s Grace and that no one should deal unkindly or unjustly toward those who have not caused them any harm.

“It may be that God will ordain love between you and those who are now your enemies. God is All-Powerful. God is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. God does not forbid you from being good to those who have not fought you for your faith or driven you from your homes or from being just towards them. God loves those who are just.” (Quran 60:7-8)

In 7th century Arabia there were no rules of warfare, no protection for non-combatants and no prohibitions against heinous practices such as cutting off the ears and noses of those who died in battle. Muhammad, peace be upon him, made it unlawful to attack any civilians or clergy, to destroy crops or houses of worship, to kill animals or to mutilate the dead. If war was to take place, its only theatre was the battlefield. Even then, if an enemy solider decided to accept the message of Islam, it was unlawful to kill that person. They were to be treated as a member of the faith.

The Quran staunchly opposes the killing of innocent lives and God reminds Muslims that the sacredness of human life was taught to other faith communities before them.

“We decreed to the Children of Israel that if anyone kills a person – unless in retribution for murder or spreading corruption in the land – it as if he kills all of  mankind, while if any saves a life it is as if he saves the lives of all mankind.” (5:32)

The root meaning of Islam – and related words like Muslim – in the Arabic language is peace, safety and security. The Quran mentions 99 Most Beautiful Names of God. One of them is “As-Salaam” which means “The Source of Peace” (59:23). The Quran refers to paradise as “the home of peace” (6:127). Each and every day hundreds of millions of Muslims greet and say goodbye to another by saying, “May God’s Peace be with you.”  These words are also the last words Muslims utter when they conclude each of the five daily prayers. It is often said that Islam was hijacked on September 11, 2001.Terrorism is simply murder by another name; murder is one of the gravest sins in Islam.

In the sequel to this article, we will look at some of the root causes of terrorism and extremism.

Further Reading

Nothing excuses the killing of innocent people. The devastation and anguish that such violence causes is often beyond description. Ask the families who lost loved ones in 9/11 or 7/7 or the terrorist attacks in Madrid. Their agony is mirrored a world away by families who have seen relatives torn apart by air strikes in Afghanistan and Gaza or by suicide attacks in Iraq and Indonesia. The cultures and languages may be different but the emotional and psychological impact is very similar. Islam condemns the killing of all innocent people no matter if the killings were committed by an individual or a group or by a state. All of these crimes must be condemned.

To end any cycle of violence its root causes must be properly examined. Although Muslims die in greater numbers from terrorist acts than any other group, it is often their religion that is held up as the cause. But according to the University of Chicago’s Dr. Robert Pape, the world’s foremost expert on suicide terrorism, “The root cause of suicide terrorism is foreign occupation”[1] and “over 95% of all suicide attacks are in response to foreign occupation.”[2] Pape heads the Chicago Project on Security and Terrorism (CPOST) which maintains the world’s largest database on suicide terrorism dating back to 1981. He’s authored two books – Dying to Win and Cutting the Fuse – that back his claims with meticulous research and analysis. In Dying to Win he states the presence of “tens of thousands of American combat troops on the Arabian Peninsula from 1990 to 2001” made the probability of Al-Qaeda attacking America “from five to twenty times more likely.”[3] Al-Qaeda and its proxies were willing to use any means necessary to get foreign troops out of Muslim countries after the first Iraq war. The ensuing sanctions against Iraq led to an estimated 1.5 million civilian deaths – half of them children.[4]

CPOST’s research shows the largest Muslim nations that do not have a foreign army presence have produced suicide terrorists “on the order of 1 per 71 million people”; but in Persian Gulf countries, where American combat troops are stationed, the rate is “1 per million, or 70 times more often.”[5]

Since the horrific attacks of 9/11, millions of innocent Muslims have suffered throughout the world.

  • Civilian deaths from the current war in Iraq are estimated to be anywhere from more than 850,000[6] to over 1.4 million[7]
  • The UN’s Refugee Agency (UNHCR) estimates that about 10% of the population (over 3.3 million people) are either refugees outside of Iraq or displaced within the country[8]
  • Over 500,000 American Muslims[9] have been under some sort of surveillance or have been interrogated by their own government since 9/11
  • 37,000 people in Pakistan have died from air strikes and terrorism[10]
  • The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) estimates 12,793 civilians[11] were killed from 2006 – 2011. A Boston University professor estimates the total number of civilian deaths since 2001 to be around 45,000.[12]

Thousands of “special forces” are operating in countries like Yemen, Somalia, Chad, Niger etc. To add further injury, a sophisticated network of propagandists are making millions of dollars posing as “experts” and stoking fear and hatred against Muslims.[13]

But has all this death, destruction and constant fear mongering made the West safer? Pape answers yes and no. Although there have been no more attacks on the American homeland, extremism is on the rise and there are more incidents of suicide terrorism against American and NATO military targets overseas. Simply put: “the more occupation, the more suicide terrorism.” CPOST’s analysis is that foreign occupation actually increases the risk of another 9/11.[14]

What is the way forward? Are we locked in a permanent cycle of war, terrorism and death? Is the suicide rate of 6500 American soldiers a year[15]an inevitable by-product in this global blood feud? Fortunately, public opinion in the U.S. seems to be slowly changing. A Zogby poll in 2010 “found that 27% of Americans now believe that the `most important factor’ motivating terrorists to attack the United States is that they `resent Western power and influence,’” while 33% still believe the terrorists want Islam to dominate the world.[16] For the 33% it may be helpful to note that, according to CPOST, groups like Al-Qaeda, Hamas and Hezbollah are not working and conspiring with one another like a fascist monolith  – “what stands out is that each is driven by essentially nationalist goals to compel target democracies to withdraw military forces from their particular homeland.”[17]

The solutions Pape offers may not endear him to either of America’s main political parties. To protect America’s oil interests, he argues for working with national armies and local militias to oppose terrorist groups and for keeping U.S. air and naval forces “over the horizon” in case they are needed. He also advocates for energy independence, tougher immigration controls and a 1,951 mile long “fence” along America’s border with Mexico.

Whatever the demerits of his recommendations, Pape’s data on three decades worth of suicide terrorism by people of various faiths and nationalities is impossible to dismiss. Occupation harms both the occupied and the occupier. In Cutting the Fuse he notes, “Since Israel withdrew its army from Lebanon in May 2000, there has not been a single Lebanese suicide attack.” [18]The conclusion is inescapable. A just and lasting peace is the key to safety and security.



[1] Dying to Win The Strategic Logic of Suicide Terrorism p. 245, published 2006 by Random House

[2] Cutting the Fuse the Explosion of Global Suicide Terrorism and How to Stop It, page 329, published 2010, by University of Chicago Press

[3] Ibid p. 242

[5] Dying to Win The Strategic Logic of Suicide Terrorism p. 242, published 2006 by Random House

[13] “Fear, Inc. The Roots of the Islamophobia Network in America” http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2011/08/islamophobia.html

[14] Cutting the Fuse the Explosion of Global Suicide Terrorism and How to Stop It, pages 329-331, published 2010, by University of Chicago Press

[16] Cutting the Fuse the Explosion of Global Suicide Terrorism and How to Stop It, page 329, published 2010, by University of Chicago Press

[17] Dying to Win The Strategic Logic of Suicide Terrorism p. 243, published 2006 by Random House

[18] Cutting the Fuse the Explosion of Global Suicide Terrorism and How to Stop It, page 329, published 2010, by University of Chicago Press

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Muslims Good Citizens? http://islamacloserlook.com/muslims-good-citizens/ http://islamacloserlook.com/muslims-good-citizens/#respond Tue, 05 Jun 2012 15:02:07 +0000 http://islamacloserlook.com/?p=961
Overview

Islam has always stood for communities living in harmony and for Muslims to exemplify the highest standards of care and concern toward others. One of the most emphasized of all the Prophet’s teachings was being good to people.

“A person is not a believer who fills his stomach while his neighbor is hungry.”

“The best of neighbors in the sight of God is the best towards his (or her)   neighbor.”

According to Islamic scholars a “neighbor” is not merely someone living next door; in fact, a neighbor can be anyone who lives in the same vicinity. The rights of neighbors must be honored regardless of their faith, ethnicity or economic status.

“And help one another to do what is right and good; do not help one another toward sin and aggression.” (Quran 5:2)

Muslims are duty bound to work for the common good not only with fellow Muslims but all those in society with whom they share a common goal. In addition, Muslims are not permitted to harm to their communities. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, warned his followers against harming their neighbors in any way.

“A person whose neighbors are not safe from his evil will not enter paradise.”

Even before he received revelation from God, the Prophet was known throughout his hometown of Makkah for his generosity and helping people in need. In premodern times there were no law enforcement agencies and the weakest members of society often had no place to turn. The Prophet made a pledge along with leading people of his tribe to protect the rights of the poor and vulnerable as well as victims of fraud and deceit. He said that, even after Islam, he readily would have joined such a pact again. Throughout his life, the Prophet encouraged Muslims to do good.

“The best of you are the best in character.”

Historians tell us that the concept of national citizenship didn’t take root until the French Revolution in 1789. When Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) founded the city state of Madinah almost 14 centuries ago, he created a charter that described the Muslim and non-Muslim residents of the area as being “one nation.” The noted expert on international law, Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah, referred to this charter as “the first written constitution of the world.”

Further Reading

A recently published book[1] written by an Indian professor makes an important contribution to the biographical literature on the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Professor Yasin Mazhar Siddiqi focuses on a single aspect of the Prophet’s life: his role as a minority in a non-Muslim society.

Citing numerous classical texts and reference works, Professor Siddiqi draws the following conclusions for current day Muslim minorities based on the Prophet’s own life example:

  • The faith of Muslims must be reflected in doing good works and serving other members of society in need
  • It is a religious duty for Muslims to excel in all areas of endeavor – faith, finance, education and so forth
  • Muslim minorities must engage in political and civic participation
  • Muslims need to work with non-Muslims for the preservation of civil liberties and fundamental rights
  • Muslims must share their faith proactively and celebrate their identities

As a religious minority the Prophet did not have a carefree life. He and his followers and their families faced physical, psychological and economic persecution for over a decade. Even though they were victims of torture and murder they continued to return evil with good; to treat others with compassion and respect; and to help the poor and downtrodden. When he was forced to leave his hometown to save his life, the Prophet appointed his cousin Ali to stay behind so that the possessions people had left with the Prophet for safekeeping could be returned to their rightful owners. When the Prophet established his own community with its own volunteer army, he still preferred to live in peace with his neighbors. In an era when blood feuds lasted generations he would say, “Hate your enemy mildly; he may become your friend one day.”

Giving back to your society, helping others, working for the good of all are not exclusive to Muslims. That it is even necessary to point these values out as being part of Islam speaks to how far purveyors of Islamophobia have succeeded in spreading their bigotry. It also speaks to the need for Muslim minorities to live by Islamic norms. The Prophet taught that Muslims are not true to their faith until they wish for others what they wish for themselves. To achieve this standard is the highest level of citizenship.



[1] The Prophet Muhammad A Role Model for Muslim Minorities, Islamic Foundation UK, 2006

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Honor Killing http://islamacloserlook.com/honor-killing/ http://islamacloserlook.com/honor-killing/#respond Fri, 01 Jun 2012 19:44:48 +0000 http://islamacloserlook.com/?p=945
Overview

There is a saying that used to be in vogue in the Indian subcontinent. Loosely translated it goes something like this – “wealth can be sacrificed for life; life can be sacrificed for honor.” It is not an exaggeration to say that for many societies and cultures, individual and familial honor is held in greater esteem than life itself. The United Nations Population Fund estimates that approximately 5000 women are killed each year for the sake of someone’s “honor.” The sad reality is that this barbaric practice is found among many races, cultures and faith groups.

Experts tell us people often commit such murders thinking that, by shedding the blood of the “dishonorable” person , they are somehow atoning for the sin and salvaging their reputation. It is almost as if they feel compelled to offer a human sacrifice to appease a shadowy pagan deity who is the custodian of honor and stature.

There is no room in Islam for anyone to be judge, jury and executioner. Whether the alleged offender is a relative or not, no one has the right to commit murder. Islam stands in absolute opposition to all notions of conceit, pride and arrogance.

“Do not turn your nose up at people, nor walk about the earth arrogantly, for God does not love arrogant or boastful people” (Quran 31:18)

The Quran describes God as the “King of Kings” and the Lord of the Universe. For any human being to ascribe honor to themselves before God is simply delusional.

“all honor is with God.” (4:139)

“If anyone desires glory and power, to God belong all glory and power” (35:10)

Similarly God is the only Being capable of bestowing honor upon others.

“You honor whoever You will and humble whoever You will” (3:26)

“anyone disgraced by God will have no one to honor him.” (22:18)

The Quran clearly teaches that every sane, adult is responsible for his or her own actions.

“no soul will bear another’s burden” (17:15)

 “even if a heavily laden soul should cry for help, none of its load would be carried, not even by a close relative” (35:18)

Another disturbing issue is associated with this form of murder. By ending an alleged sinner’s life, an odious assumption is made by the killer that the victim could never repent nor would s/he be forgiven by God. This is a clear violation of the Islamic concept of God’s Limitless Mercy and Forgiveness.

“Say: O my Servants who have transgressed against their souls! Despair not of   the Mercy of God: for God forgives all sins; He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (39:53)

There is no “honor” in murder. Unfortunately, some Muslims steeped in ignorance and beholden to distorted notions of honor and piety are flouting the laws and norms of Islam. To kill a person unjustly is one of the gravest sins in Islam and must never be taken lightly.

Further Reading

The news profession is full of quaint aphorisms like “if it bleeds, it leads.” A pithy way of saying that if there’s blood on the ground, the story will have prominence. Muslims may wish to coin an adage of their own when it comes to reporting the news: “Islam = extremism.” To be fair, some stories about Islam and Muslims are not extreme at all but far too many stories present the faith and its followers through a bloodied lens.

There are currently around 1000 honour killings per year in India alone … Crimes against women motivated to maintain or restore ‘honour’ can be found in a variety of cultures and historical periods; a law that allowed for ‘honour’ killing was part of the Italian penal code right up until 1980. (Source: http://honour-killings.com/faq/#fourteen)

The issue of honor killing is not limited to Muslims and is totally rejected by Islam . In fact, Muslims have publicly condemned this heinous practice in various countries around the world. Public campaigns have been mounted in Jordan (2001), Turkey (2005) and Canada (2012).  Islamic scholars, Muslim leaders and organizations in Canada issued a call to eradicate domestic violence asking members of all communities to raise awareness around this issue and calling upon the Muslim community to ensure that it is “equipped with the necessary resources and training so that they can offer mediation, conflict resolution, and domestic violence counselling in a manner that reflects professional standards, contemporary research, and religious scholarship.”

Still, news coverage of Muslims involved in so-called honor killings seems intent on presenting the issue as “Islamic.” Would any of us take a news organization seriously if a story about a man killing his girlfriend for flirting with someone was presented as a “western” problem? Does the west somehow have a monopoly on homicidal boyfriends? To make matters worse, what if media trotted out anti-western “experts” who tell us that the remedy for this situation is to force all the westerners to live by eastern standards or else send them home?

Even more disturbing is the lack of focus on the motive behind the murders. Was there family dysfunction at play? Was mental illness or substance abuse involved? Can mainstream social services work with newer communities to raise awareness and resources to prevent these crimes from happening again? It seems that this information is of no real value to most news organizations. Dramatic music and shrill commentary on the evil deeds of “the other” seem to be enough.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has witnessed some of the most horrific and deplorable atrocities against women in recent times. A study in the American Journal of Public Health stated that over 400,000 women and girls were raped in a single year (2006 – 2007). About 85% of the population is Christian. Could you imagine the headlines if they were Muslim?

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Women in Islam http://islamacloserlook.com/women-in-islam/ http://islamacloserlook.com/women-in-islam/#respond Tue, 29 May 2012 15:58:52 +0000 http://islamacloserlook.com/?p=934
Overview

To appreciate how far the treatment of Muslim women today is from the Islamic norm, we need to understand the situation of women in 7th century Arabia.

In an age when women were treated like chattel, baby girls were routinely buried alive and where the leading cultures of the world debated whether a woman had a soul or not, Islam’s revolutionary message tossed established social norms aside in unprecedented fashion within a span of 23 years. Some of the new “norms” that Islam established included:

–  Refuting the concept that God is a man. In Islam God has no gender!

–  Women not only have a soul, they receive the same rewards for their faith as men

–  A person who cares for two daughters and raises them well is guaranteed paradise

–  Women have the right to be educated

–  A woman has the right to own property and conduct their own businesses

–  It is a woman’s right to choose whom she wishes to marry and to seek divorce

–  A woman does not have to share her wealth with her husband

–  Paradise lies at the feet of a mother

–  Women did not have to change their names when they were married

–  A woman had the legal right to fixed shares of inheritance from her husband, children, grandchildren and brothers. She could not be disinherited either.

Islam’s message of a God without gender, of God’s love and honor for women, Islam’s call to end injustice and oppression of women and to uplift their status transformed the Prophet’s community. The first believer in the Prophet’s message was a woman – his wife Khadija. She was also a major financial supporter of her husband’s message. The first person to be martyred in Islam was an impoverished woman by the name of Soumayya who was publicly executed for believing in One God. Some of Islam’s greatest scholars, even some of its bravest soldiers, were women.

After the Prophet’s death, his wives were an immense source of knowledge for the nascent Muslim community. One of the most prolific narrators of the Prophet’s sayings, his habits, his likes and dislikes was his wife, Aisha. In fact, it was agreed by consensus that the Prophet’s wives were the sole authorities when it came to providing guidance on how he conducted his marital life. This knowledge was passed down from generation to generation and is still studied by Muslims interested in how to conduct their marital relationships with love, wisdom, spirituality and understanding.

In the sequel to this article, we will take a look at how the situation for Muslim women began to change as the Muslim world grew in size and influence.

Further Reading

“And the believing men and the believing women are protectors and supporters of one another …” (Quran 9:17)

“In God’s eyes, the most honored of you are the ones most mindful of Him: God is All-Knowing, All-Aware.” (Quran 49:13)

The sweeping changes in the status of women brought about by the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the 7th century continued even after the Prophet’s death.

Women’s endorsement and allegiance was sought by the community during the  nomination of the successors to the Prophet. They played very prominent roles in advising Muslim rulers on issues such as military leave for solidiers or even admonishing them if a particular policy contravened the spirit of the Quran. Men and women from near and far flocked to learn the sciences of the faith – Quranic commentary, Prophetic traditions, jurisprudence, grammar and morphology, history and so forth – from renowned women scholars. Complex and difficult legal dilemmas were often brought to the Prophet’s wife Aisha for resolution.

The early Muslim community recognized and honored a wide spectrum of women’s roles and responsibilities. A mother was considered the first school for her children. The Prophet taught that an honest and trustworthy business person would occupy the highest ranks of paradise. An essential characteristic of faith was to provide sincere and informed advice to leaders in the community. No role was considered insignificant or unworthy of God’s appreciation and acceptance.

This progressive state, however, would not remain the same. Various political and social trends were responsible.

  1. Political leadership among Muslims devolved from a representative system based on public consultation to a dynastic monarchy. The military began to play a more assertive and aggressive role in society to ensure compliance. “Old school” patriarchy began to erode the political gains made by ordinary Muslim women.
  2. As Islam expanded throughout the known world, various cultures began to intermingle pre-Islamic customs with the faith. With the passage of time, these customs were considered “Islamic.” The ancient Persian practise of “purdah” or total segregation between men and women is an example.
  3. Certain verses of the Quran or statements of the Prophet were selectively emphasized or taken out of context by people within these cultures as proof of men’s superiority.
  4. Legal provisions and dispensations for women in the sharia were either ignored or discarded. For example, the right of a woman to initiate a divorce in the same manner as her husband.

Despite these changes we consistently see brilliant examples of achievement by Muslim women throughout Islamic history and across the Muslim world. Women from Africa to India to the Persian Gulf distinguished themselves as major Islamic scholars, controllers of gargantuan public endowments and even as ruling queens of their countries. Their legacies would at times acquire global stature. A female Muslim scholar by the name of Fatima Al-Fihri was responsible for creating the world’s first university in 859 CE. The Qarawiyyin (also spelled Karouine) University still exists in the city of Fez.

During the Industrial Age, most of the Muslim world was overrun by European colonial powers. Muslim women suffered not only death and economic deprivation, they were often victims of systematic rape and sexual abuse. The colonial powers created a societal “elite” that acted as grassroots watchmen of empire. These homegrown loyalists were often scathing in their rejection of their own people’s faith, values and customs. Many of them formed the political power bases of their countries after the colonial masters left. Corruption, poverty, illiteracy and a lack of safety and security became the hallmark of numerous countries across the Muslim world.

Enormous economic and educational challenges continue to confront the global Muslim community. These issues are often left unstated by those who criticize the treatment of Muslim women. If they are mentioned, Islam is typically made the scapegoat. The fallout from colonial rule and totalitarian rulers in the post colonial era has been conflicts, wars and deprivation for millions. Fifty-six Muslim majority countries make up a quarter of the world’s population but account for less than five percent of its economy. Muslims comprise the world’s largest refugee population. Without access to education, health care and social services, people trapped in narrowly defined notions of faith and culture face monumental odds against changing their circumstances. To blame Islam for decades and even centuries of repression and misrule is both ignorant and short sighted.

And yet a shift toward Islamic ideals is discernible throughout the Muslim world. Muslim women have been at the forefront of popular freedom movements across the Middle East. A Muslim woman from Yemen – Tawakkul Karman – was a co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011. Women Islamic scholars have once again begun to make important contributions to legal and spiritual discourses. Women are also making greater inroads in various fields of education and employment. The west has a potentially critical role to play in this progress. Not as condescending “west knows best” task masters but as concerned citizens of the global village that help foster dialogue, debate and development in a spirit of mutual compassion and respect.

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Islam and Muslims http://islamacloserlook.com/islam-and-muslims/ http://islamacloserlook.com/islam-and-muslims/#respond Thu, 24 May 2012 00:39:54 +0000 http://islamacloserlook.com/?p=919
Overview

The word “Islam” comes from the Arabic roots sa-la-ma, meaning peace and submission. In the religious sense, Islam means “actively achieving peace through submission to God (Allah).” Based on this definition, all of the great Prophets and Messengers, such as Adam, Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus and Muhammad (peace be upon them), and those who believed in them were followers of Islam.

Islam therefore is not an ethnic religion but a way of life expressed in all parts of the world. Islam, in essence, is a qualitative term that values submission to the Supreme Being above the ideas and whims of humanity. A Muslim is one who seeks that peaceful existence through submission to the Creator. This does not mean that a Muslim gives up his own culture but merely conforms his lifestyle to the universal principals of Islam for the love of God and to live in peace with all beings.  A Muslim can live in any climate and in any part of the world.  Muslims are Asian, European, African, Middle Eastern, Chinese, Aboriginal, Native American and so forth.

There are more than a billion Muslims in the world today. They live in virtually every country and are represented in every race.

Islam is not an organization, cult, secret order or fraternity. Even a person living in the Amazon rainforest who believes in One God and lives a righteous life in harmony with nature is in essence a Muslim. There is some Islam in all of us but not all of us have learned to recognize it and implement its lifestyle.

For Muslims, this Divinely revealed way of life is the most important knowledge that people can acquire. Given the unprecedented attention that is paid to Islam, it could benefit every person to take some time and investigate what this way of life is truly all about.

Further Reading

Meeting Muslims, face-to-face, and hearing about Islam from its original sources leaves a much different impression of Islam than what is generally portrayed in movies or shown in mainstream media. In this globalized world where we are likely to meet a variety of individuals from disparate backgrounds, it is important that we not rely on misrepresentation and stereotypes. It is necessary to be educated about the people around us.

Islam is based on five important foundations that act as pillars of the faith.

  • Monotheism (or “tawheed”): All actions of a Muslim should be based on sincere submission to the One God, the Creator and Sustainer of life who initiated creation and has no physical needs or earthly desires. This concept can be found in many religions and even the word, Allah, is used for Jehovah (God) by Christian Arabs in the Bible.
  • Prayer (or “salaah”): The most important expression of faith for a Muslim is prayer. This takes place at least five times per day. Muslims also pray in weekly congregation each Friday. The call to prayer can be heard daily from local mosques but personal prayer can be performed at home, school, on the job in any clean place.
  • Charity (or “zakaat”): Giving to the poor and needy is considered to be one of the most important duties in the life of a Muslim. Special emphasis is also given to orphans, travelers, debtors, the weak, and those who have recently embraced Islam.
  • Fasting (or “sawm”): Fasting to gain the consciousness of God and freeing ourselves from our unhealthy appetites and desires. One month per year (called “Ramadan” in the Islamic lunar calendar) is dedicated to abstinence from eating, drinking and marital relations during the daylight hours. Children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, travelers and the sick are exempted from fasting.
  • Pilgrimage (or “hajj”): Pilgrimage to Makkah takes place in the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is required of every mature, capable Muslim once in a lifetime if health and finances permit. Great respect is shown to those who have completed this duty for they have witnessed the whole of humanity in united expression of love and worship of the Divine.

Muslims are exhorted to live life based on sincerity, love, mercy, honesty and forgiveness. These teachings put them on the path of all of the prophets and righteous people from the beginning of time.

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