What Should Muslims Do In A Hostile Environment?
By
Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam
12
May 2023
Challenge
Extremist Viewpoints to Create a More Peaceful Environment
Main
Points:
- The Qur'an provides guidance in
the face of persecution.
- The Quran encourages people to be
patient, repel evil in a nice manner, and not repay evil with evil.
- Muslims should show good conduct
towards their Muslim and non-Muslim brothers.
- Muslims should treat their
opponents with kindness and good manners in hostile environments too.
-----
Today's
world is filled with an increasing amount of hatred towards Islam and Muslims,
as well as cruelty and violence directed at them. False information has aided
in the rise of Islamophobia by inciting unrest. Islamophobia has
undoubtedly contributed to the promotion and spread of extremist ideologies,
which are undoubtedly to blame for the escalation of the hostile atmosphere. On
the other side, there are a number of radical so-called Muslim organizations
that have generously supported this cause. In this situation, more so than in
other situations, it is important to challenge extremist viewpoints. Those who
have propagated untrue information about Islam and Muslims have a long history.
In the course of history, Muslims have encountered numerous instances like
this.
As soon
as the stage of public invitation began, accusations, incorrect information,
and dissent were heard throughout Makkah. Muslims started to become the focus
of numerous brutal persecutions. The Qur'an contains the best advice in these
circumstances. Allah Ta'ala says:
"And
whose words are better than someone who calls [others] to Allah, does good, and
says, "I am truly one of those who submit."? Good and evil cannot be
equal. Respond [to evil] with what is best, and then the one you are in a feud
with will be like a close friend. But this cannot be attained except by those
who are patient and who are truly fortunate. And if you are tempted by Satan,
then seek refuge with Allah. Indeed, He [alone] is the All-Hearing,
All-Knowing." (41-33-36)
These
verses discuss one element of the state of fully obedient Muslims. This is
because they not only practice their own good deeds and have faith, but they
also encourage others to do the same. Who can speak better than one who summons
others to Allah, according to the Quran? As a result, we are aware that a man's
best and most perfect conversation is his appeal to the truth in others. This
encompasses all means of calling towards Allah, including verbal, written, and
other forms of communication. The one who removes misconceptions and extremist
thinking is also included in this category because he calls others towards the
truth.
The
Quran also provides guidance for those who are calling people to Allah and His
truth. The essential takeaway from these directives is not to repay evil with
evil, but to be patient and to repel evil in a nice manner. Without a doubt,
it's a good thing to forgive someone who has wronged you. After you have
forgiven the evildoer, it is far nicer to repay the favour.
The
guidance in this verse, according to Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased
with him), is to be patient with the person who is expressing his rage against
you, to be tolerant and forgiving with the person who is acting ignorantly
towards you, and to forgive the person who has caused you pain.
According
to some narrations, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (may Allah have mercy on him) was
maligned or insulted by someone, who then reportedly stated to him, "If
what you are saying is true, that I am guilty and bad, then I pray to Allah
Almighty to forgive me, and if you have told a lie, then may Allah forgive
you."
Verses
41–33–36 contain important guidance for Muslims in the current situation. This
guidance has been given by God, who is the Creator of man and the Creator of
the universe. The recipe for removing unnecessary enmity, hatred, and
persecution of human beings from other human beings is mentioned, which can
never fail unless an exceptional situation occurs. The most important details
are that for a positive change in these situations, it is necessary to create a
positive change within Muslims. To do this, all Muslim parties, organizations,
institutions, mosques, trusts, and political parties must prepare an answer to
the misunderstandings spread about Islam.
Muslims
should avoid hate for hate, persecution for persecution, enmity for enmity,
counter-nationalism for counter-nationalism, and extremism for extremism, as
Satan will try to make this happen.
Allah
Ta'ala has given reformers a high status and the privilege of performing a
great duty. When they remove misconceptions about Islam from the hearts of the
people, Allah's help, favours, and rewards will start raining. Muslims must
feel that Allah is with them and that they are not alone.
Muslims
should follow the guidance of the Qur'an and follow the divine prescription of
making enemies and friends. This was given by Allah to His Messenger, who was
successful in both Makkah and Madinah. The prescription is to
supersede evil with a higher degree of goodness.
Challenging
Islamophobia
The
campaign of Islamophobia is in full swing and is affecting all our
brothers and sisters in our homeland. IT cells are spreading propaganda against
Islam and Muslims, spending millions of rupees on thousands of people, the best
brains, and talented youth. Muslims are being isolated in many cities, towns,
and villages, and brotherhood is polarizing. This is extremely dangerous for
the Muslims and the entire country, and national integrity, unity, and
solidarity will be shattered. It is only the responsibility of the Muslims to
save this great country from these dangers and not let it fall victim to the
wrath of Allah.
Muslims
should have good morals and show a high level of good conduct towards their
Muslim brothers and non-Muslim brothers. It is clear from the Qur'an and Sunnah
that good cannot be equal to evil. The creed of the believer should be not to
respond to evil with evil, but to deal with evil with good. If someone speaks
harshly to him or treats him rudely, then he should adopt a behaviour that is
better than his own. Muslims should be patient in response to anger, civil and
polite in response to abuse, and gentle and kind in response to harshness.
Some
individuals and organizations in our nation are stoking the fires of prejudice,
bigotry, oppression, and violence in the name of misinformation and
nationalism. They are taught to think that it will be advantageous to a
specific sect or community. This is a serious misunderstanding. If this fire is
not put out, everyone will be destroyed. Nobody is going to gain from this.
Muslims
should be loving and benevolent even in such a hostile environment and treat
their opponents with kindness and good manners. Fire is extinguished with water
and cold air, and cold drinks are used to avoid it in hot weather. No one
lights a fire to escape the heat, as this is the general rule of the world.
-----
Kaniz
Fatma is a classic Islamic scholar and a regular columnist for New Age Islam.
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-society/muslims-hostile-environment/d/129759
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