Interfaith discussion: Islam, Terrorism, America
Jawad Khaki
(1)
What are the basic teachings/tenets of your faith tradition?
Islam
is the same truth that God revealed to all His prophets throughout history. It
is not a new religion. The Arabic word "Islam" means
"submission" and it is derived from the Arabic root meaning
“peace”. In a religious context it means attainment of peace, inward and
outward, through voluntary submission to the will of God.
"Allah" is the Arabic equivalent name for God,
which is used by Arab Muslims and Christians alike. Islam is a religion of peace, mercy, justice, forgiveness,
tolerance, inclusiveness and human dignity for all.
Muslims believe in One, Unique, and Incomparable God. They believe in the Day of Judgment and individual accountability for actions. Muslims believe in a chain of prophets beginning with Adam and including Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses, David, Solomon, and Jesus (peace be upon them all). God's eternal message was reaffirmed and finalized by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him). One becomes a Muslim by affirming, "There is no deity but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God."
The Qur’an is the record of the exact words revealed by God through the Angel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad. It was memorized by Muhammad and then dictated to his companions. The 114 chapters of the Qur’an have remained unchanged through the centuries and are still memorized and read by Muslims all over the world.
The
Qur’an talks about the mankind in the following way:
“O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other [not that ye may despise (each other)]. Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of God is (he who is) the most God-conscious and socially responsible. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).” (Quran 49:13)
It
defines the mission of the prophet as:
“We
have sent you forth as a blessing and mercy to mankind.” (21:107)
It
further explains:
“Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects evil and believes in God hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And God heareth and knoweth all things. “(2:256)
When
Prophet Muhammad was asked: “What
is Islam?” His reply took less than a minute, showing the simplicity of
the religion and its accessibility by all. He said:
“Obedience to God, and kindness and compassion to humanity.”
He
has also explained:
“Islam is that you bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped other than God and that Muhammad is the messenger of God; that you observe prayers; you pay Zakat (obligatory charity); fast during the month of Ramadan; and perform pilgrimage to the House, provided you have the resources to do so.”
The
Qur’an reads affirming our belief in all of God’s Prophets without
distinguishing among them:
“Say ye: "We believe in God, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to (all) prophets from their Lord: We make no difference between one and another of them: And we bow to God (in Islam)." ( 2: 136)
In
addition to believing in the Qur’an, Muslims also believe in the Bible (the
Torah and the Gospel).
“It is He Who sent down to thee (step by step), in truth, the Book, confirming what went before it; and He sent down the Law (of Moses) and the Gospel (of Jesus) before this, as a guide to mankind, and He sent down the criterion (of judgment between right and wrong).” (3:3)
People
of the Scripture are further granted a special consideration in Islam.
(2)
What does your tradition teach about violence, pacifism, self-defense? Is
the use of force ever justifiable?
A
strong emphasis in the teachings of Islam is around Mercy, Compassion, Peace and
Justice.
Every
Muslim starts any new beginning “In
the name of God, the beneficent the most merciful”.
This is a constant reminder to compassion and mercy in our day to day
dealings.
Every
Muslim greets another by saying As
salaamu alaikum - Peace be upon you.
There
is also encouragement to fight evil with good. The Qur’an says:
Nor can goodness and Evil be equal. Repel (Evil) with what is better: Then will he between whom and thee was hatred become as it were thy friend and intimate! (41:34)
One
can not return good for evil, for
there is no equality or comparison between the two. You repel or destroy evil
with something which is far better, just as an antidote is better than poison.
You foil hatred with love. You repel ignorance with knowledge, folly and
wickedness with the friendly message of Revelation. The man who was in the
bondage of sin, you not only liberate from sin, but make him your greatest
friend and helper in the cause of God! Such is the alchemy of the Word of God!
Equally
emphasized in Islam is the notion of Justice.
Justice here is meant for all mankind. Qur’an talks about justice in
several places:
O ye who believe! stand out firmly for God, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to piety: and fear God. For God is well-acquainted with all that ye do. (5:9)
God forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for God loveth those who are just. (60:8)
There is a lot of reference in the media lately to Jihad. This is very much a misunderstood term and worth clarifying. Contrary to what you might hear/read, "Jihad" does not mean "holy war." Literally, jihad means to strive, struggle and exert effort. The notion of jihad, in its primary signification has to do with a personal struggle against one’s own evil inclinations and passions (jihad-un-nafs). In the prophetic tradition, this type of jihad is referred to as the primary struggle or the major struggle (jihad-ul-akbar). Thus, any effort made towards self-purification and subjugation of one’s ego constitutes a major jihad. The second type of jihad, referred to as minor jihad (jihad-ul-asghar), may take the form of military engagement at the battlefield provided all the conditions are fulfilled and all peaceful avenues to resolve the conflict have been exhausted. This type of warfare can only be activated in the case of self-defense and self-preservation. Other forms of human struggle that have been mentioned in the hadith literature are as follows:
Jihad
is a central and broad Islamic concept whose primary signification is in
reference to spiritual purification that includes struggle against evil
inclinations within oneself; struggle to improve the quality of life in society,
struggle in the battlefield for self-defense or fighting against tyranny or
oppression.
Fight
in the way of God against those who fight against you, but begin not
hostilities. Lo! God loveth not aggressors. (2:190)
War
is only permissible in self-defense, and under well-define limits. When
undertaken, it must be pushed with vigor, but not relentlessly, but only to
restore peace and freedom for the worship of God. In any case strict limits must
not be transgressed; women, children, old and infirm men should not be molested,
nor trees and crops cut down, nor peace withheld when the enemy comes to terms
The
Prophet's Companions followed his noble tradition, ordering their armies never
to touch women, children or the elderly and never to use force against recluse
monks, farmers or merchants.
"Do
not start the fight, do not mangle [the enemies' corpses], do not uproot trees,
do not demolish houses, do not slay sheep or cows save for eating"
was the order given to Muslim armies on the way to the battlefield.
Even
though self defense against wanton violence and terrorism is incumbent upon
Muslims, Muslims are guided in the Qurán to prefer peace, if genuine peace is
offered.
"But
if the enemy incline towards peace, you should also incline towards peace and
trust in God: for indeed God is He who hears (all things, everything) and knows
(all things, everything)". (8:61)
Muslims
are to take the path of moderation. Our moderate approach is neither outright
pacifism nor outright retaliation. There is a clear provision for retaliation
and there is clear virtue shown in Sabr or patience, the middle approach is
forgiveness. This is considered a charity in Islam. God reveals:
"
We ordained therein for them: "Life
for life, eye for eye, nose or nose, ear for ear, tooth for tooth, and wounds
equal for equal." But if any one remits the retaliation by way of charity,
it is an act of atonement for himself. And if any fail to judge by (the light
of) what God hath revealed, they are (No better than) wrong-doers.”
(5:45)
When
Muslims fight amongst themselves, Qur’an
says:
If
two parties among the Believers fall into a quarrel, make ye peace between them:
but if one of them transgresses beyond bounds against the other, then fight ye
(all) against the one that transgresses until it complies with the command of
God; but if it complies, then make peace between them with justice, and be fair:
for God loves those who are fair (and just). (49:9)
(3)
How does your tradition respond to the extremist who uses scripture and
tradition to justify terrorism or wanton violence?
The
answer to this question is simple. Islam is a religion of peace, mercy,
compassion, justice. There is Islam and there is terrorism. They are
incompatible. Therefore I would like to request my fellow citizens, end
especially all those of good faith to stop using the words "Muslim"
and “Islam” in conjunction with terrorists. Doing so aids and abets those
who have hijacked Islam for their misguided cause. Neither the Qurán nor the
tradition in Islam justifies terrorism and wanton violence. The extremists who
misuse and exploit Scriptures to justify their evil deeds are totally misguided.
Fanatics and extremists exist in every nation and in the “followers”
of every religion and usually their cause is related to non-religious factors.
It is necessary to have a unified stance in facing unjust powers and fanatics.
It is really a public duty where all of us have to co-operate and participate.
The
fanatics were dealt with in early Islam during the Caliphate of Imam Ali (Peace
be upon Him). Interestingly, in Islam they are given the name "Khawaarij",
that is to say, "those who are outside the pale of Islam".
Sanctity
of life is underlined in the following Qur’anic verses:
“Whoever
killed a human being, except as a punishment for murder or other wicked crimes,
should be looked upon as though he killed all mankind;
and that whoever saved a human life should be regarded as though he has
saved all mankind.”
(5:32)
“Nor
take life - which God has made sacred - except for just cause. And if anyone is
slain wrongfully, we have given his heir authority (to demand qisas or to
forgive): but let him not exceed bounds in the matter of taking life; for he is
helped (by the Law).”
(17:33)
Haphazard
killing where the rough is taken with the smooth and where innocents are killed
along with wrongdoers is totally forbidden in Islam. No one, as far as Islam is
concerned, is held responsible for another's actions.
Even
in times of war, Muslims are not allowed to kill anybody save the one who is
indulged in face-to-face confrontation with them. They are not allowed to kill
women, old persons, children, or even a monk in his religious seclusion.
Also, suicide in Islam is a "grave" sin. The life given to us is a blessing from almighty God. It is a Gift from God. Denying the gift is tantamount to disbelief. Taking own life is prohibited in the Qurán and in Tradition of the Prophet.
“He
who kills himself with anything, God will torment him with that in the fire of
Hell.”
Quran
also says:
"O
you who believe! Do not eat up you property among yourselves in vanities; but
let there be amongst you traffic and trade by mutual good-will: NOR KILL
YOURSELVES for verily God has been to you Most Merciful". (4:29)
No
nation can be judged because of the existence of fanatic elements in it. If so,
Western civilization could be judged by the Nazi and fascist elements that were
harbored and for the tens of millions that died during its wars. Undoubtedly,
this goes beyond reason and logic.
Such
extremist elements cannot have a dialogue because they do not believe in it.
Rather, they worship power and have staunch belief in hatred and animosity.
The
moderates however are those who can bring dialogue and mutual understanding into
the future and have tolerance in what we differ in.
One of the topics of discussion that often comes up around is crime and punishment. Islamic teachings advocate justice both for the victim and the defendant. Reform is always preferred to punishment. Punishment can not be inflicted to the slightest doubt.
(4)
What is your vision for America?
No
words of denouncement and condemnation of the perpetrators of the horrific
terrorist attack on Tuesday 11th September 2001 or of condolences and prayers
for the victims, can adequately express the anguish and feelings of all those
who are deeply struck by this cataclysmic event. This deliberate attack,
chillingly executed before the whole world, had the sole aim of killing and
maiming innocent human beings. Nearly 6000 died, victims of atrocity from almost
70 countries. Among them were wives, husbands, sons and daughters, Christians,
Jews, Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists, from all races and many ethnicities. This
is a tragedy of our time that can only be felt in the hearts of all upstanding
human beings who inhabit our world. In this time of national anguish in America,
good people of all faiths must come together to do all they can to assist the
survivors of the tragedy, as well as to the families of those innocent men and
women who lost their lives.
As
we continue to participate in the international effort to bear this tragedy and
help rebuild not just the buildings but the very foundations of liberty and
freedom, the lasting values for all times, Muslims in America have an added
responsibility to reach out to rest of America and tell their neighbors, school
friends, workmates that Islam does not advocate terrorism in any form.
We
must also remind ourselves that a long-standing right of an oppressed people
does not become invalid over time and must be addressed. If we find restrictions
and hardship in dispensing justice because of our self-interest, we should know
that the path of injustice and oppression is harder and even more restricted.
Just as most Americans look at the realities of Islam many a times through
misinformed and biased sources that regurgitate historical prejudices, by and
large; across the globe, Muslims have great difficulties in distinguishing the
bivalent American foreign policy from Americans – the variety of people,
religion and culture who make up the civilization, the progress and pluralism.
According to the journalist, Abdul Malik Mujahid,
“How many Muslims in the world know that there are more Christians in
America going to Churches on Sunday then there are Muslims attending Friday
prayers in Pakistan. Contrary to popular belief more than half of the graduates
of high schools in America do not indulge in sex and most women in America don't
drink. There are Christians who have been thrown into prison for civil
disobedience opposing US foreign policy. Kathy Kelly and her group Voices in the
Wilderness have done more against sanctions on Iraq than any Muslim country.
This is a thinking nation with a capacity for change.”
This capacity for change provides an opportunity for Islam to be a positive
component within the American multicultural, multi-ethnic and multi-faith
milieu.
The cataclysmic event of the 11th of September 2001 is a defining moment of our
time that requires introspection by all who inhabit this world.
We live in a great country which has time and again demonstrated the capacity to change. Justice and opportunity today is much better than it was when the country was founded. Women can vote. Civil rights legislations have opened up doors to many. We have made progress towards the dream of great people like Martin Luther King Jr. when he said I see the day when my great grandchildren are not judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. Today as I appear in front of you inspired by those who have come before me. I envision America with its rich tapestry of pluralism to incorporate all ethnic and religions which have allowed it to be a great nation and to continue to allow this richness to contribute to its greatness to an even newer heights and to inspire not those just within its boarders but all those who inhabit this global village and this trouble planet of ours. I see a time when Americans are not just associated with a nation that is know for it’s economic wealth and military might but Americans are looked upon as moral examples for others around the world to emulate. I see a time when my fellow American Muslims are not treated with suspicion, doubt, harassment nor regarded as backward, illiterate, terrorists, foreigners but respected as doctors, lawyers, engineers, businessmen, janitors, drivers, teachers, nurses, doctors, pilots, students, retired people etc. in others words hard working sincere dedicated members of society. I see a time when nations around the world refer to America not with slogans of death and destruction but slogans of life and longevity. I call upon all those who believe in one God to be in a spiritual union together against wickedness and evil and for righteousness, peace and justice every where. Long live America and God Bless America!
Back to articles, lectures All Khutbahs A to Z Khutbahbank Homepage