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Forget About “Not In My Name,” Think Of Your Own Name
Although contrary to popular belief, it isn’t through some incredible display of patience, forgiveness or even ambivalence that the majority of us in the West don’t respond with anger to inflammatory and abusive attacks via media/video/cartoons/whatever upon the Prophet Muhammad (upon whom be peace).
It’s actually because we just don’t find out about these things (I spend half my day reading about news and topical issues and I never heard a whisper about any video) due to the fact that they are often the work of a tiny number of sick bigots who most people utterly ignore. And why wouldn’t we ignore them? We’re talking about comparing mighty Prophets and irritating bugs. “The mountains are never shaken by the wind,” especially when it comes out of the backsides of such racist, xenophobic individuals. That was, until, you turn on the news channels to see Muslims in their own countries perhaps not feeling the same way about their own “mountains” of faith and belief, which seem to be rocked to the core every time a non-Muslim opens his or her mouth.
The Prophets of God particularly Muhammad and Jesus (may peace be upon them) have always been under a continual barrage of attacks and insults from the beginning of them being sent to mankind, to especially such times as now where the world operates on new levels with respect to “free speech”. Such insults are part and parcel of the price we pay in living in such democracies, and no we’re not happy about it but we certainly cannot accept the outrageous actions of those who would respond with wanton violence and murder against those who are utterly innocent or indeed those who are living under the protection of the Muslims regardless of their own personal and political beliefs.
Let me be clear: I do not condemn the atrocities such as the murder of the American Ambassador to Libya so that it makes the lives of Muslims in the West that bit easier, and to avoid revenge attacks on us or because it is the politically correct thing to do. No, absolutely not.
I condemn it because the religion of Islam doesn’t allow such an action. Common sense and a call to revise sensibilities clearly have failed with such people. So we have to focus on the only thing that might speak out to them: their religion. These militiamen have not just insulted themselves, but they’ve insulted their Prophet, the same Prophet who stated authentically and unequivocally, “Whoever kills a person who is granted protection by the Muslims shall not smell the fragrance of Paradise even though its fragrance can be smelt from a distance of forty years of travelling.”
In another narration the Prophet Muhammad (upon whom be peace) authentically stated that the Muslim who killed such a person had “betrayed God’s covenant” i.e. that he had broken his covenant and committed treason.
Let there be no doubt whatsoever in any Muslim’s mind: a non-Muslim entering upon a visa is under the protection of the Muslims, by Islamic law, by state law, and by international law. Indeed even a person residing under the country without a visa and simply believing that he is as protected as any other citizen would be, is under that same legal protection. And as for a member of a diplomatic corps? These individuals are afforded the very highest level of protection, security and guarantee from the Muslims. An attack on such embassy and diplomatic staff is completely and utterly prohibited.
It is embarrassing for me to have to write such a childishly obvious statement when it comes to murder but these are the times we live in. It is even more unbelievable that any practising Muslim should not reflect on this before they act on their anger. Yet with the amount of ignorance we see these days from “practising” Muslims, we are sadly no longer shocked to read the sad headlines as we are seeing today of more destruction, murder and chaos all on Islam’s tab.
Forget the PR reasons. Forget the PC reasons. Forget common sense. Forget the fact that Muslims are now seen internationally to be as pathetic as the ignorant racist bigots who initiate such situations – actually, more pathetic. Forget the fact that the Muslims live 2nd rate lives in their own countries. Forget the other priorities.
Just don’t forget this: these responses of violence and chaos have nothing to do with Islam and for that, shame upon you for trying to claim it as such. May God forgive you. To any non-Muslims reading this, please forgive us for the actions of the murderers for they indeed know not.
Omar
When will the day come when we no longer have to keep apologizing for the actions of stupid Muslims? When will our ummah grow up and stop committing these crimes?
And every time we stand up and yell “this is not Islam” … slowly but surely, the world will stop believing us …. unless we address the root cause within our culture.
Um Sumayyah
Well said, ma sha’ Allah.
It’s sad that this even has to be said but well said none the less.
Observer
.. But what if this attack was in fact linked to USA’s military intervention in Libya?
Child of God
Your final point: “these responses of violence and chaos have nothing to do with Islam” is not true.
I believe you’re saying the violence has nothing to do with true and pure Islam, but clearly true and pure islam is not prevailing.
The violence has everything to do with the version of Islam terrorists and jihadists are following nowadays. A version of Islam that deserves to be condemned forever.
Nina
These thugs are NOT following a “version of Islam”. They’re simply ignorant of Islam… This happens in every religion, remember the KKK??? and other awful groups who did horrible things in the name of Christ??? Who exactly would you like an “official” statement from condemning this?? Saudi Arabia? unlike other religions, we don’t have a headquarter’s office we can dial into and ask for a press release. If you look on Facebook and other online forum, Muslims are posing their strong condemnations, who else would you like a statement from?
Manz
Is it fair that there are over a billion Muslims in the world who condemn actions they disagree with peacefully, yet “…true and pure islam is not prevailing”? How is the small, miniscule fraction that continuously makes it into the news is considered to be winning? It’s not fair and it doesn’t make sense.
Rather, you should realize and praise that the vast vast majority of Muslims continuously condemn and reject this methodology, and continuously speak out against them despite a lack of access to media outlets.
A billion Muslims are peaceful, while a small amount (thousands maybe?) create chaos. How is this winning over while “…true and pure islam is not prevailing”?
RZ
Narrated ‘Aisha: (the wife of the Prophet) A group of Jews entered upon the Prophet and said, “As-Samu-Alaikum.” (i.e. death be upon you). I understood it and said, “Wa-Alaikum As-Samu wal-la’n. (death and the curse of Allah be upon you).” …
Allah’s Apostle said “Be calm, O ‘Aisha! Allah loves that one should be kind and lenient in all matters.”
I said, “O Allah’s Apostle! Haven’t you heard what they (the jews) have said?” Allah’s Apostle said “I have (already) said (to them) “And upon you!” (Bukhari Book #73, Hadith #53)
We need to learn from this and learn to respond according to the Sunnah!
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Abdullah
Should I as a muslim apologise for what people do in the name of Islam?
Why? What the terrorists do and believe has nothing to do with me, they are a million miles away from what I believe.
Why should the muslim majority be so apologetic?
Yes condemn the violence, but i don’t see why I have to apologise for the actions of people who I have very little in common with
Yahya Ibrahim
Bismillah,
Well written, as always my dear brother. You said everything I wanted to say.
Yahya Ibrahim
http://Www.facebook.com/yahya.adel.ibrahim
Musleh Khan
Excellent, Clear and well-articulated.
I’m sure this has been on the minds of many.
Musleh
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Ifeta Redzovic
This has nothing to do with Islam. This is pure ignorance of few hot heads. Islam is religion of peace. It does not support violence in any shape or form. It never did and it never will. If you want proof get a translation of Koran.by Abdullah Yusuf Ali new edition by Amana publications. You deserve to know the truth if you want to know it.May God save us all from ignorance.
Laura
A very well written article. Try to understand that we are giving 1.5 BILLION dollars to Egypt, and they had a duty to protect our embassy. It is not easy to breach the interior of an embassy and clearly the president of Egypt was aware of the mob. It could have been prevented. Then you have that pig Karzai condemning a film that appears to be produced by high school students, all while our children are dying and coming home limbless and with devastating injuries, while trying to protect the innocent Afgani’s AND giving that crook billions of our tax dollars. No matter what we do for muslim countries, it seems they turn on us at the drop of a dime. However, we welcome YOU with open arms to come and live amonst us, in freedom and peace. Thank God. I hope someday you will be able to organize and fight this scourge of radical Islam. There are more of them than you think. Peace and love to you all. God Bless.
nigerian corper
in as much as i would condemn the killing of the US ambassador,i would also love 2 point it out 2 u that in a way ,your country is reaping the whirlwind of crisis you sowed,common,you shut down MEGAUPLOAD,but couldn’t prevent that FILM ,from being made,citing ‘FREEDOM OF SPEECH’,did you also think about 1.5 billion people’s FREEDOM OF ACTION.i wouldn’t blame the author of thee article since he lives in an environment of FEAR AND HATE ,so he’s fearing reprisals,but can’t you smell a rat,maybe your country wants a legitimate reaon to invade another muslim country,and for your information,in ISLAMIC HISTORY,there have been cases when those who blasphemed the prophet have been KILLED. GET THAT STRAIGHT.AND who cares what you did or do for afghanistan,who sent you there in the first place
Eva
You said everything well for me
Alima Ashfaq
Salaam ‘alaykum,
Beautifully put mashaAllah. JazakAllahu khayrun for writing this piece Sh. Abu ‘Eesa.
Safdar Khwaja
There is still a significant residue of intolerance among Muslims, which will take more than a generation of education and enlightenment to overcome. Among poor people, religious emotions are the only ‘possession’ they cherish, which is exploited by politicians to incite a mob. There are ‘religious’ groups preaching deliberate intolerance and ignorance, which is un-Islamic. The majority of Muslims need to develop the courage to stop acting deferentially to these intolerant people (otherwise intolerance and violence will own us all).
Muhammad
@Laura
“…all while our children are dying and coming home limbless and with devastating injuries, while trying to protect the innocent Afgani’s..”
You gotta be kidding! Honestly now! Why dont you keep your kids at home and stop killing innocent afghanis and your kids wont get hurt…
You watch way too much CNN!
Fauzia Mohamed
Changing the ummah one article at a time…jazakallah kheyr sh. Abu Eesa for this eloquent article.
Abdulbasit
who are under Islamic state and needs Islamic protection!!?????? because as far as is known there is NO ISLAMIC STATE IN THE WORLD FOR NOW!!!!!! so please even if you condemn the act lets not pic something is not there……
Zak
@Abdul Basit: Another ignorant Takfeeri/Hizb At Tahriri idiot posting his ignorance on the internet.
The fact is that after the four rightly guided caliphs there has been no ”Islamic State”; so obviously the hadith of the Prophet peace be upon him is applicable across all times.
Go and learn how do recite Surah Al Fatihah properly and make tuabah for your takfeeri ideas and humble yourself and learn Islam at the feet of the scholars.
Sometimes I wish there was an ”Islamic State” as you and your brethern keep ranting about so that Takfeeris like yourself and Abu Qatadah, Abu Hamza, Bin Ladin, Awlaki and other riff raff would have been executed before they had a chance to poison the world with their filthy ideology.
Follow the manhaj of the Salaf As Salih, the way of the Prophets alaihum salaam.
Iman Asim
The reading, interpretation and implementation of the teachings of Islam, I think, will depend on how you have been brought up and the kind of environment you are in. For those in the middle-east, it is important to understand if it is the religion or the culture that is perpetuating the act of violence. Perhaps, that’s why most Muslims in the West hold a rather romanticized view of Islam, where violence is condemned. When you live in a country blessed with so much freedom and a lawyer at your disposal on a slightest nuisance, violence becomes an act that needs a lot of thoughts. However, for those who have suffered continuous spells of humiliation and indignation, violence is something that has become a litmus test for one’s loyalty to his religion and community. Not that I am condoning this hideous act, but just trying to understand how easy it is for someone in the West to apologize and the other in the desert to slaughter.
Raghib
As Salaamu Alaykum to all peace loving and God fearing people everywhere, the article was well put together, JAK.
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Yasin
brother abu essa so the prophet pbhu never used violence? so no battle of Uhud, badar, khyber etc never took place?
Btw you can’t fool everyone, what’s the name of your m15 handler?
Zak
@Yasin: If I could, I would report Takfeeris like you myself. I consider it an act of Ibadah and in line with the sayings of the scholars of the Salaf.
May Allah rectify you and guide you towards Tawheed. Ameen.
faysal
Condom the act but Stop been apologetic, you will never be able to make them happy even if you apologized a billion times. If the west wanted to stop the film from been realised they could of done so but it suits there objectives, so let it be.
Ask yourself this question,
What would you do if you where walking down the street and someone started to abuse you an your family without you provoking them In anyway, how would you respond?
What has the Prophet SAAW done to the people of the 21st century, for them to abuse him in this manner???
We all forget sometimes that we are the balanced nation to ever walk in this earth!
The Old Testament
AN EYE FOR AN EYE, TOOTH FOR A TOOTH!
The New Testament
If he slaps you on the left cheek give him the right cheek.
The Last Testament
An Eye for Eye or you forgive, but it’s an individual choice.
So stop been apologetic and in believing what you see in the media, reality may be different…
Haris Sheikh
I refer friends to watch my documentary film, “The Blastphemy”, to dig into the Muslim’s non- rationale furor over the curdely made film , “The Innocence of Muslims”, by a fraudster named Nakoula Basseley Nakoula, which portrays the Prophet Mohammed as a drinker and philanderer who persecuted Christians”, and the resulting furor across the Islamic world that killed the American ambassador Christopher Stevens and three of his staff”. I am sad when we all shall get out of this vicious circle of revenge by using religion and the hateful speech ?
RCHOUDH
Good article brother. I would just like to add that since violence is never the answer to these types of situations, we as Muslims should learn to channel our energies towards more productive endeavors. Like other groups that have been/are still being the target of hatred/intolerance, we should learn to 1). immediately disputer intellectually the hate speech directed at us 2). lodge peaceful protests en masse 3). boycott the individuals/organizations promoting the hatred 4). bring the individuals responsible for this hatred to account (for example by citing that the person responsible for creating this movie is charged with 2nd degree manslaughter for the death of the ambassador).
Wazir Ahmed
I strongly differ with the point that the writer is trying to tell,in muslim named country when a non muslim comes with a visa,he (non muslim) gets protection from the muslims of that country….very very funny logic,no one comes & goes to any country as a muslim or non muslim,people take visa as a citizen of a country,the visa holders are known as the citizen of certain countries,they are not known and they do never want to be known as a follower of any particular religion,So question of ‘Breaching muslim protection’ is completely not & never applicable in this regard…no one attacked anyone as muslim protected non muslims,so far should be thought…mr abu essa is indirectly inspiring world muslims to tolerate all & any humiliating things in the name of sunna & sabr type advices…but in one point we should unite that if any reaction or revenge someone wants to take..it has to be taken or applied on that particular criticising criminals…
norliza
So, how is this justify the killing of the peaceful Ambassador in Libya? Don’t get me wrong, I’m a Muslim and I do support whole-heartedly for Muslims to be united in such matter, only killing innocent lives is not part of the deal. You want to at least be able to get a whiff of smell of Jannah, would you? Ihsan is a really important aspect in Islam.
norliza
my previous post is a reply to Mr. @Wazir Ahmed
Wazir Ahmed
“These
militiamen have not just insulted
themselves, but they’ve insulted their
Prophet, the same Prophet who stated
authentically and unequivocally, “Whoever
kills a person who is granted protection by
the Muslims shall not smell the fragrance of
Paradise even though its fragrance can be
smelt from a distance of forty years of
travelling.”
In another narration the Prophet
Muhammad (upon whom be peace)
authentically stated that the Muslim who
killed such a person had “betrayed God’s
covenant” i.e. that he had broken his
covenant and committed treason.”…….THESE HADITHs ARE NOT APPLICABLE HERE SO BY THE KILLING OF US ENVOY IN LIBYA NO ONE INSULTED PROPHET MUHAMMAD(SM) & THE WORLD MUSLIMS for sure.
By the grace of this sort of Sabr type writings of mr abu eesa niamatulla,the non muslims will be utterly inspired to insult Prophet Muhammad (SM) MORE FURTHER.
Mr eesa,
please dont inspire non muslims to insult Muhammad (SM)
Maryum
Since I just cannot let that go unrefuted- for the sake of future readers:
Do not misunderstand, or allege to misunderstand what was ‘Mr.’ Abu Eesa’s point,- those Hadith were completely applicable and CANNOT at all incite more insults on Islam. This is such a blatant lie and tenuous accusation that I am internally shocked at you even thinking of writing that.
Little kid- stop embarrassing yourself and spreading corruption. Good bye.
Maryum
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RCHOUDH
Here is another good response I saw posted online about freedom of speech and how Muslims should behave: Here are some of my reflections concerning the recent insults against our beloved Prophet Muhammad (upon whom be peace). [We have prepared a formal response and it will be sent out soon.]
* Self-defeating: Freedom to Insult *
The 19th century British philosopher and thinker, John Stuart Mill argued that the main basi
c justification of freedom of speech is that truth is advanced in the competition of ideas, and that the competition of ideas can only occur within liberty. From this justification the following objectives of freedom of speech have been discussed by thinkers:
- acquisition of knowledge,
- acknowledgement truth,
- accounting governments and individuals,
- intellectual and scientific progress.
Conversely, neo-liberal thinkers seem to deny their own tradition, and exclaim that insults, bad language and degradation is necessary for the achievement of the objectives of freedom of speech. Under scrutiny, this perspective is self-defeating and is uncivilised.
Taking the recent disgraceful insults and degradation of the Prophet Muhammad (upon whom be peace) as an example, it can be argued that it defeats the very justification and objectives of the liberal notion of freedom of speech. Freedom to insult which includes the use of degrading language and visual obscenities actually contradicts the very foundation of freedom of speech. For example, in order to acquire truth and facilitate progress good argumentation is required, and this argumentation must be couched in human language. Insulting and using degrading language or imagery does not facilitate truth and progress. Imagine, the physicist Stephen Hawking explaining String Theory using pornographic imagery or President Obama swearing during his inaugural address.
Accounting governments and individuals also requires good argumentation. If I were to go up to Tony Blair or George Bush and use vile language would I successfully bring them to account? Of course I wouldn’t. In order for me to do so I would need to articulate a positive case against their crimes and injustices. With these, and there are many other examples, insults and degradation defeats the very objectives of speech.
Therefore, if freedom to insult actually negates the objectives of freedom of speech, then shouldn’t freedom to insult be restricted? [Obviously there must be conditions to this and it is in the context of achieving the objectives of speech. Also, there are many restrictions to speech in secular liberal nations, for example there are libel laws, product defamation laws, hate speech laws, noise pollution etc. So logically freedom of speech doesn't really exist! What exists is speech or expression in the context of law and society's values - this is a more coherent definition.)
The recent video of the Prophet Muhammad (upon whom be peace) has not achieved any of the objectives of freedom of speech. It has just gone against the very moral norms of both traditions, East and West. It is a pathetic display of immorality, an explicit unwillingness to engage in intellectual discussion and an expression of unjustified hatred.
* The Values of Islam *
The values of Islam emanating from the Qur'an and Prophetic traditions pave the pathway to progress, truth and accountability while maintaining good etiquette and upholding the best of all manners. The Islamic values evokes the search for truth,
"And do not mix up the truth with the falsehood, nor hide the truth while you know it." Qur'an 2:42
"…and enjoin on each other truth." Qur'an 103:3
"Do they not examine the realm of the heavens and the earth and whatever God has created?" Qur'an 7:185
"O Mankind, We created you from a male and female and made you into different tribes and nations in order to know one another…" Qur'an 49:13
"When it is said to them: Follow what God has revealed, they say: No we follow the ways of our fathers – What! Even though their fathers understood nothing…" Qur'an 2:170
Concerning accountability Islam promotes accounting the unjust ruler and preventing evil,
“The best of all jihad is a word of truth to a tyrant ruler” Prophet Muhammad (upon whom be peace)
"Let there be among you people that command the good, enjoining what is right and forbidding the wrong. They indeed are the successful." Qur'an 3:104
When the Islamic values were implemented in the Muslim lands progress was an inevitable product of the Islamic civilisation, for instance the historian Robert Briffault in "The Making of Humanity" explains how progress was not only evident in Islamic history, but European growth was facilitated by the Islamic civilisation,
“For Although there is not a single aspect of European growth in which the decisive influence of Islamic Culture is not traceable, nowhere is it so clear and momentous as in the genesis of that power which constitutes the permanent distinctive force of the modern world, and the supreme source of its victory, natural science and the scientific spirit.”
In the Islamic paradigm, all of these objectives of freedom of speech are achieved within a framework of morality and decency. The Qur'anic values speak for themselves,
"…and they shall enjoy honour and dignity" Qur'an 37:42
"O believers, let not people ridicule other people…nor insult one another…" Qur'an 49:11
"Spy not and defame not others…" Qur'an 49:12
"God does not love the public utterance of evil speech…" Qur'an 4:148
“Do you not see how God sets forth a parable? A good Word is like a good tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches reach to the heavens - It brings forth its fruit at all times, by the leave of its Lord. So God sets forth parables for mankind, in order that they may receive admonition. And the parable of an evil Word is that of an evil tree: It is torn up by the root from the surface of the earth: it has no stability.” Qur'an 14: 24-26
* An invitation to intellectual debate and dialogue *
The Islamic tradition is no stranger to debate and dialogue. Islamic scholarship has produced volumes on theologically sensitive issues. The foundation for Islamic scholarship, the Qur'an promotes debate and dialogue,
"Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best." Qur'an 16: 125
Throughout the medieval period intellectual debates were the norm. For instance, the practical application of astrology was subject to deep philosophical debate by Muslim scholars and scientists. In the 8th century a group of people labelled as the Dahriyya emerged (the modern equivalent of what we now call Atheists), and the famous jurist and founder of the Hanifi school of thought, Abu ?anifa is supposed to have refuted such Dahris in public discussions.
In this light an invitation to intellectually discuss the life of the Prophet Muhammad (upon whom be peace) is open to anyone who is sincere. However, judging by the recent degrading video, it already seems that the authors have lost the debate, as those who resort to immorality and degradation usually have no argument at all.
* A final note to the Muslims *
Any Muslim whose heart is filled with love, love of God and His Prophet (upon whom be peace), will naturally hate such manifestations of evil. We must speak out against any insults to our Prophet (upon whom be peace), this applies to all Prophets (and we must not harm or kill!). We must use this opportunity to tell the world who our beloved Prophet (upon whom be peace) was, and invite them to his message,
"Alif, Lam, Ra. This is a Book which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], that you might bring mankind out of darkness into the light by permission of their Lord – to the path of the Exalted in Might, the Praiseworthy.” Qur’an 14:1
“And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.” Qur’an: 21:106-107
Please read the paper by Adnan Rashid “Islam’s War on Terror” that clearly shows how the teachings of our beloved Prophet (upon whom be peace) is one of the best things that happened to mankind. It highlights the effective security, justice and tolerance the world enjoyed for centuries. Here is the link http://www.iera.org.uk/research4_6.html
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Zahra
I agree with the sentiment and indeed the statement but by apologising on behalf of the ignorant minorities who commit such atrocities, are we not holding ourselves as a Muslim ummah ‘collectively’ responsible, just as we claim those who purport the myth of Islam being a terrorist religion do?