Explore and engage with other people's views
through words, pictures or video.
Do I have a beard? Check.
Do I have a miswaak that is exactly 3.5cm long? Check.
Do I consider keeping my trousers above my ankles more important than helping my fellow human being? Check.
Alhamdulillah! Now I'm going to Heaven for sure! And shame on any Muslim that doesn't keep a beard/miswaak/trousers at ankle-length.
In case you can't tell, I'm being extremely sarcastic.
When I talk to Muslims they try to find all types of excuses to get out of their obligation of jihad, and the best excuse Muslims seem to use is Islam. They make it seem that there are things more important than taking a stand against falsehood, and that Islam isn't about helping the oppressed.
If anything, Islam is the complete opposite. It empowers us to be better people - it purifies us so that we can strive for truth, justice and be a beacon of light for those around us.
Islam was never as superficial as we make it out to be. I'm not saying that fiqh isn't important, but when you focus only on arguing about how black sisters' hijab should be or how long a miswaak should be and do not help those who are truly in need of it, then you are part of the problem. Islam illuminates our hearts and souls and this also manifests itself in our actions. Don't use Islam as an excuse for being lazy - because if you are a Muslim then you would be at the forefront of tackling Zionism, reforming our mosques to become beacons of light and hope rather than the black holes they are right now, and actively partaking in media and political lobbying.
If we don't act now and instead focus on petty things then how will we face Allah on the Day of Judgement? Our excuses of arguing about minor points of fiqh will not hold any weight in front of the Creator.
So next time you're about to go off on a fiqh-ey binge about the minimum number of hairs your beard should consist of, how black a hijab should be, or how long a miswaak should be, remember one thing - put your fiqh in context and get your priorities right.
And why should ye not fight in the cause of Allah and of those who, being weak, are ill-treated (and oppressed)?- Men, women, and children, whose cry is: "Our Lord! Rescue us from this town, whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from Thee one who will protect; and raise for us from Thee one who will help!"
The Glorious Qur'an, Surah 4 (Surah An-Nisa), Verse 75
Forgive me, but I don’t believe God conscious people should compromise decency to use such suggestive remarks as used in the title of this article in the name of wit. I believe French Connection U.K. are guilty of the same and that’s bad enough, but to be fair they never claimed to have anything remotely connected, French or otherwise, to God.
For a fuller response please see my post entitled: VULGARITY: A response to Raza MPACUK....I will be posting Part 2 shortly!! The 500 word limit is restrictive!
Salaam Im actually quite surprised at this article: Raza please note: 1.Firstly I agree that we can become consumed by petty arguments, that can lead to divisions amongst Muslims themselves. 2. However, I must assert that it is essential that we have a codified religion: that we don't become confused by what practises our Beloved Prophet lived by. 3. Essentially it is the reasoning behind the carefully examined sunnah which must be appreciated: as followers we want to show a level of devotion to the Prophet, by emulating the best we can his way of life. 4. To many Muslims fall into the trap of becoming politicised to such an extent that even the rahma and mercy that was given to them in their deen is lost upon them. 4.The examples of have cited in the article are always at two extremes: and that isn't always the case. 5. Previous religions have fallen due to the divergence of its followers to adhere to the sacred principles. Wasallam
I do not mean to sound rude or ignorant but I really feel that very poor use of imagery has been used in this article. Do you not understand that this man is a man who was assassinated in an attack on him when he returned to Iraq. He is a leader to millions and is held in high esteem yet you use his image in an derogatory fashion. I ask of the admins to remove the image. Regards
Assalamu Alaykum Br., Thank you for your comment and request. The intention was not to defame. The picture has now been removed. Please accept our sincere apologies for the insensitivities caused. Ws.,
Yes I do sometimes think our understanding is lacking in too many things...its a shame...modernity comes with its challenges...