VULGARITY: A response to Raza MPACUK Pt 3

Some aspects of fiqh may appear trivial to one but may be fundamental to another. No doubt, that is the reason behind them discussing it in detail to establish its ruling. Many of these ‘trivial’ aspects of the Shariah have greater principles behind them that serve society well, and neglecting them would in the long run have adverse effects on the community. For instance, the appropriate length of the trousers stems from the principle of embedding humility in our lives. We don’t need to look far to witness the lack of humility in society. Most of us compete to not only have, but be seen to have the best education, career, attire, car, home etc. This competition leads to many social ills.

What is the principle behind miswak? It’s cleanliness. We know how important hygiene is particularly with all the health advice flying around with the spread of swine flu. Therefore, although these matters may appear insignificant, they are not. They all have a part to play in the overall pursuit of harmony in life. In society, we have many experts in innumerable fields. From a doctor to a refuge collector; they are all indispensible for the maintenance of a civil society. If people want answers to something related to the legality of a certain matter, however big or small, the lawyer has to be in a position to answer; so too the faqih. 

You are in effect complaining that Muslims are not politically active enough. If you look at the wider society, you will witness a similar pattern of behaviour. Though man may be a political animal in Aristotle’s theory, it does not mean all will be involved in high politics. If you observe society around the globe and through time it is evident that it’s just not in the nature of all people to be that way. There are other aspects to life, which evidently some of the people are more focused on. There are certain duties that every Muslim is individually liable for and there are other duties that the community as a whole is accountable for, and as long as some members of the community dispense these duties the rest are guiltless.

Forgive me, but to say, ‘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’, is entirely wrong, offensive and highly corrosive. Since when have the experts on Islamic law decreed that the definition of a Muslim incorporates the above? In spite of your above comments I am giving you the benefit of the doubt and understanding it to be merely rhetorical. However, guaranteed, many would not. This kind of highly charged rhetoric needs to be controlled for the benefit of all Muslims.