|
How to be a Muslim in America's Brave New World
By Thameenah Muhammad
20/11/2001
There is no doubt that the events of September 11 made a permanent impression on the nation's psyche. America remains forever changed.
Today the country rallies unanimously behind a president who less than a year earlier won victory in a contested election amidst jeers
and possible foreign policy goofs. Heroes stand tall to defend America's homeland. Diametrically opposed interest groups stand as one to ensure that America will not bow down to terrorism. The nation's schools, businesses, cars and homes are decorated with Old Glory, the American flag. Any display of anti-war sentiment is equated with anti-American sentiment. A hitherto divided country is now miraculously unified by a common tragedy and perceived threat. The thirst for quick and targeted vengeance, known in its politically correct form as the "War on Terrorism", has identified Ossama bin Laden and the al-Qa'eda network as Public Enemy Number One. President Bush has vowed to hunt down this "evil, evil man" with the intent of destroying "terrorists and those that harbor them."
For many Muslims in America, myself included, identifying how we fit into this new national image is difficult, if not outright perplexing. Questions that appear to have no forthcoming answers plague us. Frequent repetition of the horrific images of that day, along with the realization of the tremendous loss of life, saddens us as it saddens the nation. After all, as Muslims we are taught to cherish and respect life. We commiserate with others in our attempts to grasp the reality of that day's events and ask - as others do - why did this happen? Yet, we are no strangers to this type of pain. We have suffered before as we followed the plight and victimization of Muslims in Palestine, Chechnya, Iraq and other parts of the world. Today we watch as innocent civilians in Afghanistan die in retaliation for a crime to which they are wholly unconnected. Can we ever condone the killing of innocent Muslims? Are others to pay for our misfortune?
U.S. President George W. Bush, in his attempt to assuage the fears of Muslims in America, has assured the nation and the world that this is a war against "terrorists not Muslims." Despite this oft-repeated claim, the number of reported hate crimes against Muslims continues to rise. This does not include the venomous glares, suspicious looks, curious stares, and verbal abuse all of which I as a Muslim woman have been greeted with during my encounters with the general public. Muslims and Arabs are increasingly the victim of hate and/or suspicion and will very soon, I believe, be the target of the pending anti-terrorism legislation.
Given the current political climate, Muslims in America find themselves in a difficult situation. Although America has long prided herself on tolerance and respect for diverse ideas and cultures, a strong undercurrent of hostility and distrust for Muslims is quickly gaining momentum. An obvious dichotomy is occurring between those who support America's current action relative to the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and those who do not. Those who do not are perceived as the outsiders that do not make or support the fabric of American society. Just as President Bush called on the international community to either "be with us or be against us," so too has the American public drawn an invisible line in the sand - "for us or against us". Many national Muslim organizations have scampered to condemn the attacks and list themselves among America's supporters. The discerning Muslim, however, may find him or herself condemning the "attacks on America" without being able to support the ensuing action by America against Afghanistan. Should there be a conflict? Does the need for independent thought come secondary to the fear of a national security breach? How can a Muslim maintain his or her Islam while remaining supportive of his or her country? How are Muslims to practice the religion of Islam amidst growing, albeit silent anti-Islamic feeling? Unfortunately there is no one answer to these questions. Muslims must make individual or family-based decisions according to the teachings of the Qur'an and the wisdom of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
The following 10 tips may help us in our quest to resolve a desire to be a part of the general society while maintaining our Islam.
Remain true to Al-Islam. We are Muslims. We make no apologies for that nor do we have any desire to change or hide that fact. All praise is due to Allah, who allowed us to be among those that subscribe to the principles and behavior of Islam. Recent events should not weaken our determination to please Allah. It is imperative that Muslims follow the guidelines and rules sent as guides by the Qur'an and Sunnah. "And obey Allah and His Messenger and do not dispute [with one another] lest you lose courage and your strength departs, and be patient. Surely, Allah is with those who are patient" (8:46). In the wake of recent events, our strict adherence to Islamic teachings will ease our transition. Just as President Bush and other national leaders are calling for normalcy in American lives, Muslims must also strive for normalcy in following the principles and practices of Islam. We must continue our day-to-day functions - attending the
masjid (mosque), participating with Muslim civic organizations, and continuing Islamic scholarship. The fear of reprisal must not deter us from worship or common Islamic practices. Muslim men should continue to wear their beards and Muslim women should continue to wear their
hijab (modest covering). After all, this is not the first test Muslims have had to endure. It is important to remember that our beloved Prophet (pbuh) suffered far greater challenges in the early periods of Islam. Surely we cannot shirk our identities as Muslims based on popular misconceptions on who we are and what we believe.
Fear Allah Alone. Allah alone is worthy of unwavering loyalty and complete dedication. Our every act should be to please Allah (swt). The purpose of our very existence is to worship Him. "Say: O my slaves who believe, be afraid of your Lord and keep your duty to Him" (39:10). Although Muslims should be conscious of our situation and take necessary precautions, once we understand that we are here by the will of Allah with the express purpose of serving him our decisions become easier. In the presence of God-consciousness, being considered loyal Americans becomes secondary to being upright Muslims. This helps us to keep our current situation in proper perspective.
Constantly Strive To Increase Islamic Knowledge. As we struggle with outside forces, we must also attempt to replenish and purify our personal understanding of Islam. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) urged us to: "Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave." Every Muslim should constantly strive to increase his/her understanding of Islam. A heightened understanding of Islam will prove invaluable in answering our own questions and the questions of non-Muslims. For instance, a proper understanding of our religion will help us to explain at great length why Islam does not promote any attack on women, children, the infirm or other Muslims and thus does not condone the September 11 events.
Exhibit Islamic Behavior. Islam is more than a religion; it is a way of life that demands a strict code of moral and social conduct. Recent events have placed all Muslims in the spotlight. Espousing Islam is not sufficient. The Prophet (pbuh) said, "Say: I believe in Allah-and thereafter be upright." Leading a righteous life is an essential part of being a Muslim. Our excellence in character should supersede all others. Muslims are honest, clean, neat and trustworthy. We love each other, treat our families with kindness, and respect our neighbors. We are mindful of the poor and stand on the side of justice in the face of injustice.
Da'wah (Invitation). The current climate presents a unique opportunity for the spread of Islam. Reflection on the uncertainty of life and the purpose of being abound. Many search for a spiritual identity as others cling to their understanding of God. Yet, metaphysical and ethical questions remain unanswered. Islam is the answer to any moral or spiritual dilemma. It explains the purpose of human life and ensures that nothing happens but by the will of Allah. As Muslims we can utilize the current focus on Muslims and Islam along with our increased knowledge to call people to Islam. Our efforts may be confined to our coworkers or individuals with specific questions but nevertheless the possibilities are infinite. Attempts to address a larger sector of the population are best done in small groups.
Tips: distribution of Islamic brochures, university sponsored dialogue/info sessions, addressing local community organizations, anti-hate coalition building, Islamic Q&A sessions, etc.
Challenge the Misinformation & Misrepresentation of Muslims. As Muslims we should always be aware of and concerned with the status of Muslims, not only in America but worldwide. In order to fight misinformation we must first be informed. It is crucial that we have a variety of news sources. Question and be aware of anti-Muslim or anti-Islamic propaganda. Information detrimental to Muslims and our faith cannot go unchecked. To oppose wrong we must be able to identify it. Think about the bigger picture. Ask relevant questions without fear. Why do people hate America? Why is Islamic fundamentalism wrong? Did religious fundamentalism not bring the Puritans to America and the Jews to the state of Israel?
Tips: Use alternative sources of news: www.islam-online.net;
www.aljazeera.com; www.bbc.com; etc.
Take Action. It is incumbent upon every Muslim to take action on some level in the presence of wrong. "Whosoever of you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand; if he is not able to do so, then with his tongue; and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart - and that is the weakest of faith." We cannot sit idly while our brothers and sisters, and on a subliminal level - our way of life, are attacked. The laws of this country guarantee freedom of speech and freedom of religion. According to the first amendment of the U.S. Constitution, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech or the press; or the right of people peaceably to assemble and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances" (U.S. Constitution, 1st Amend.) As taxpayers (if you go to the store and make a purchase you pay taxes on some level) in America, we have the right to not only practice our religion freely without fear of discrimination but also the right to oppose governmental policy when we find them unjust or in opposition to our best interest. These constitutionally guaranteed rights, coupled with prophetic injunctions, compel us to take action. Muslims must join the many secular and religious voices in the struggle to be heard through effective interest groups. We should write newspapers and magazines by submitting editorials and correcting misinformation. We should send concise and articulate letters to our elected representatives stating that Muslims will not be marginalized. We must act.
Tips: petitions; host an interfaith dialogue in your community; contact local community/civic organizations requesting time to address their members; contact school administrators to insure Islamic issues are treated fairly and with sensitivity; discuss peace-building efforts with community leaders; request spotlight of qualified Muslim guest speaker on local cable and radio shows; inundate local media with letters and phone calls requesting fair representation of Muslims.
Build Strong Islamic Communities. We must support each other. "None of you [truly] believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself." A Muslim helps his/her brothers and sisters. We are eternally joined by faith. Far too often, however, petty differences divide us. Obsessed with the particulars of practice, we lose sight of our shared objective - pleasing Allah. Community necessitates unity or a consorted effort to work as one. This involves pulling periphery members into the fold of the community and establishing common goals and common means by which to achieve them. The goal of all Muslims having been established (pleasing our Lord), we are left only to plan how we can best work together in achieving it.
Tips: attend the mosque; develop and create productive Islamic chat lines; exchange information; develop a buddy system; create a community watch; create a formidable means for redressing grievances; provide jobs for other Muslims; support Muslim business and trades people; develop strong community network.
Charity. "Every person's every joint must perform a charity every day the sun comes up: to act justly between two people is a charity; to help a man with his mount... is a charity; and removing a harmful thing from the road is a charity." These words spoken by our beloved Prophet are self-explanatory. If we can in some way provide another person with assistance, we should do it. There is no specific manner in which charity must be done. The present condition of society lends numerous opportunities to perform charitable acts - be it a hug to a grieving co-worker, a smile to a neighbor or participation in a local food drive. It is important to remember, however, that charity begins at home. First, we protect and take care of our families, then our local Islamic community and next Muslims at large. As I write, millions of Muslims in Afghanistan are without basic human needs. We can help.
Seek the Assistance of Allah. Can there be any greater helper than Allah? Allah is
Al-Hafeez (The Protector). He knows and controls all things. We can only live our lives in accordance to the commands of Allah and ask for his assistance when we encounter difficulties that seem insurmountable. Muslims will increasingly be in situations where only the help of Allah can protect us - we need to ask for that help. "No one offers a supplication [to Allah] without receiving a response." Allah hears the call of the believer.
Although our first responsibility is to Allah, it is not impossible to serve Allah and serve our country simultaneously. In fact, by being better Muslims we become better citizens. Over seven million Muslims have made their home in America. Since America is a country of the people, for the people and by the people, Muslims in America must unite in making our voices heard and respected. As a significant percent of the population we must take part in shaping not only the face but also the values of this country. We must adhere to a higher moral principle in our daily actions and responsibilities. By clearly understanding who we are and by being true to ourselves we can get through this period with the help of Allah.
|
