Thursday, June 27, 2013

PSYCHOLOGY WARS

PSYCHOLOGICAL WARS

What is war? War is an organized, armed, and often a prolonged conflict that is carried on between states, nations, or other parties typified by extreme aggression, social disruption, and usually high mortality. War should be understood as an actual, intentional and widespread armed conflict between political communities, and therefore is defined as a form of political violence. The set of techniques used by a group to carry out war is known as warfare. An absence of war, (and other violence) is usually called peace. 

What is the opinion of Islam about wars?Islam forbids the Muslim to join the wars except for defending themselves. Allah has said in Surah Al-Baqarah ayah 190: “Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loves no trangessors”(2:190) 

Professor Maqsood Jafri, who is the Islam’s scholar has wrote in article about Islamic view on war. Islam emphasizes on the need of peace and avoids war.  If war is thrust upon Muslims, then they are asked to defend themselves.  Islam does not permit transgression and aggression in any case.  In Sura Mumtahana (The woman to be Examined) the Quran says: “Allah does not forbid you, with regards to those who do not fight you for (your) faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loves those who are just – Allah only forbids you, with regard to those who fight you for (your) Faith, and drive you out of your homes and support (others) in driving you out, from turning to them (for friendship and protection).  It is such as turn to them (in those circumstances), that do wrong.” (60:8-9) 

If we can look into the past, our Prophet, Muhammad s.a.w. never begin a war except the opponents disturb the Muslim’s peacefulness. There are some examples wars happened in Islam such as battle of Uhud.
On my opinion, we should not fighting each other as it can promote all of us to begin the war. However, if the opponents harm our securities, we can make the counter attack to them. This situation has be allowed in Islam. This is called Jihad. But the most important aspect is the inner Jihad. What is inner Jihad? It means we fight against our desires or lust and evil’s negligence as it can attract us to do the bad deeds and Allah’s prohibitions. 

Wars is not only for physical but it also involve psychology. Nowadays, Muslim are not only being attacked by physically only, but also psychologically. Who are the opponents? Surely the opponents are come from other religions who are very hate Islam and its followers especially Christians and Jews. So, Muslim need to be aware of their surroundings as the non-Muslims are trying to destroy Islam. The non-Muslim want to weaken the Muslim’s mind by variable method, then it will be easier to convert the Muslim’s religion to their religion. This is called apostasy.

What is apostasy? Apostasy in Islam (Arabic: irtidād or ridda‎) is commonly defined in Islam as the rejection in word or deed of one's former religion (apostasy) by a person who was previously a follower of Islam. The Qur'an itself does not prescribe any earthly punishment for apostasy; Islamic scholarship differs on its punishment, ranging from execution – based on an interpretation of certain hadiths – to no punishment at all as long as they "do not work against the Muslim society or nation. The majority of Muslim scholars hold to the traditional view that apostasy is punishable by death or imprisonment until repentance, at least for adult men of sound mind. However, a number of contemporary Muslims, including influential Islamic reformers have rejected this, arguing for religious freedom instead. According to Islamic law apostasy is identified by a list of actions such as conversion to another religion, denying the existence of God, rejecting the prophets, mocking God or the prophets, idol worship, rejecting the sharia, or permitting behavior that is forbidden by the sharia, such as adultery.  "Allah's Apostle said, "The blood of a Muslim who confesses that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that I am His Apostle, cannot be shed except in three cases: In Qisas for murder, a married person who commits illegal sexual intercourse and the one who reverts from Islam (apostate) and leaves the Muslims."Sahih al-Bukhari, 9:83:17 

The previous studies on the phenomenon of apostasy  in Malaysia revealed that the numbers of apostasy cases are on the increase year by year. This can be seen from a research done by Waheeda Kamalam Ambigay Bt. Abdullah. Waheeda discovered inher thesis Conversion and Apostasy in the Context of Freedom of Religion  that the records at the National Registration Department from 1995 to August 1998 show that 609 Muslims applied to adopt non-Muslim names. that is fast growing.” Till the 1980’s, Muslim Law Enactment in several states recognized apostasy by imposing simple registration requirement on all who enter the faith and exit from it. But in the 80’s with Islamisation catching on, the unilateral right to register a renunciation was repealed. In some states, legislation was enacted to require anyone seeking to convert out of Islam to be subjected to compulsory counselling and rehabilitation procedures for certain prescribed durations. 

  What is the opinion of Islam about the punishment for the person who commit apostasy? Allah’s Appostle has said: "Whoever changed his (Islamic) religion, then kill him" Sahih al-Bukhari, 9:84:57  Allah also has said: They but wish that you should reject faith, as they do, and thus be on the same footing(as they): but take not friends from their ranks until they flee in the way of Allah(from what is forbidden). But if they turn renegades, seize them and slay them wherever you find them; and(in any case) take no friends or helpers from their ranks-(4:89) 

The other religions use their propaganda to weaken their enemy’s strength. This method will influence the minds, attitudes and emotions of enemies. So, this method is only a strategy, but aslo as a weapon. In history, European or Christian followers had used the propaganda namely ‘GOLD, GOSPEL, GLORY’ to colonize the eastern countries. Besides that, Japan also use their propaganda namely ‘ASIA FOR ASIA’ to change the perception and expectation of the citizens from other countries to them from their enemies to their friends. Besides that the concept of ‘Racist Country” had destroyed Muslim’s bonds. When the Turkey Uthmaniyah went down, its empires had been divided to a lot of countries.

Now the most obvious sides that always try to destroy Islam are American and Jews. We must realise and be aware to surrounding as the psychology are happening and it was made by them. How did they make?

The first one is the entertainment which include music and movies. American has created a lot of superstars such as Madonna, Lady Gaga and Tom Cruise. Besides that, American also has produced movies such as Mission Impossible and Transformers. Moreover there are a lot of television programmes such as American Idols and American’s Next Top Model. In Malaysia, we can oberve there are many concerts have been held everywhere and a lot of Muslim more likely to attend and watch the concerts rather than attending the talk about Islamic teachings. Not only that, Muslims also make the superstars as their idols. They like to follow what the artist do. If the celebrities show their aurah, the Muslim also do that deeds.

Besides that, the music also has neglected a lot of Muslims to become far away from Allah. Muslim spend most of thei time to hear the neglected songs rather than to read Al-Kitab Al-Quran. The situation then become worse when the Muslim put the superstars as their first idol and they put their love more to their beloved celebrities than to Allah and Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. .

Hadhrat Anas (ra) narrates that Rasulullah (saws) said: "Whoever has in him three things, will experience the sweetness of Imaan: (These are): i. His love for Allah and His Rasool is more than that for all and everything . ii. His love for another (person) is motivated by only the love of Allah. (i.e. His love and friendship with people are not for worldly motives. He befriends people because they happen to be pious men of Allah). iii. A man who, after having been saved by Allah from kufr, abhors returning to kufr as much as he abhors falling into a fire." (Bukhaari and Muslim) 

On other hadith, Hadhrat Anas (ra) narrates that Rasulullah (saws) said: "You cannot have total Imaan as long as you do not love me more than your father, children and all people." (Bukhaari, Muslim-Mishkaat) 
The next one is sport. A lot of sports have been created such as football, rugby, swimming, athletics and others. Moreover, these sports have their own big events such as Olympics, Football World Cup and ASEAN Games which can attract millions of people to watch these sports. Moreover, these sports can be watched by people from all over the world as there are many sources media such as television and Internet. Sometimes Muslims spend their night to watch the football match via television but not doing qiyamulail which Allah loves His slave to do that. Abu Hurayra (Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him, his family, and companions) said, “The best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer.” [Muslim]  Allah also has said: “And the servant of (Allah) Most Gracious are those who walk on the earth in humility and when the ignorant address them, they say “Peace!”. Those who spend the night in adoration of their Lord Prostrate and standing;(25:63-64) 

Besides that, this will affect the productivity of Muslims as they will become sleepy on next morning and no energy to spend for working and studying.

Besides that, some of the sports are not suitable to be watched such as gymnastics, swimming and others especially when they are involving the girls or ladies as their player. Usually the aurah not to be closed and it promotes others to watch them. Allah does not like people who forget about His prohibitons just because the worldly matter.

The next one is food. We can observe there are lot of food comes from American in our country such as Mac Donald, A&W and others. This will incline their economy’s prospect as their food industry has generated a lot of income for their countries. When we buy their food, automically wa are giving the income to America. So, we must ask to ourselves, why we are still buying their products rather than our own products? 

Besides that, our laws are based on the concept of secularism. What is secularism? Secularism is the principle of separation between government institutions and the persons mandated to represent the State from religious institutions and religious dignitaries. In one sense, secularism may assert the right to be free from religious rule and teachings, and the right to freedom from governmental imposition of religion upon the people within a state that is neutral on matters of belief. (See also Separation of church and state and Laïcité.) In another sense, it refers to the view that human activities and decisions, especially political ones, should be unbiased by religious influence. (See also public reason.) Some scholars are now arguing that the very idea of secularism will change. 

For example, when someone commit stealing, according to the laws in our country, in Act 574(no.379), whoever commits theft shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years or with fine or with both., and for a second or subsequent offence shall be punished with imprisonment and shall also be liable to fine or to whipping. 

But according to Islamic laws, the one who commit stealing, his or her hand must be cut. Allah has said: “As for the thief, male or female,  cut off his or her hands; a punishment by way of example, from Allah, for their crime: and Allah is Exalted in Power, Full of Wisdom.(5:38)  The Prophet  said: “The hand (of the thief) should be cut off for (the theft of) a quarter of a Dinar or more.” [Al-Bukhaari]  

So now, what is the implication of the psychology wars on the Muslim? First, it will cause the Islam spirit will not be in Muslim’s heart, mind and soul. Muslim will less believe that Allah will help and protect them but they will more rely on the new technologies to solve their problems and keep them safely. Second, Muslim’s productivity will decline as their lifestyles have been affected by the entertainment and sports.This will affect the competition between Muslims and other followers in economy’s prospects where the other religion country will keep dominate the world economy.

Third, there will be a lot of crimes happen in future as the country not practice Islamic and Shariah laws in all matters. The people will not afraid to involve in crimes. However, Islamic laws is the best solution to reduce the crimes. It will make people who commit sins to turn their way to Allah and repent to Him. It must be practised by all Muslims.

One of the serious crimes that always happen at our surrounding is illegal sex. This crime always happen in group of teenagers. The teenagers do not have enough knowledge about religion’s believe. They need to be guided by parents and all people at their surroundings. Parents should take care of their sons and daughters and avoid them from joining the bad activities such as vandalism. Illegal sex also will cause abortion. According to Federation of Reproductive Health Association, Malaysia, Taking into consideration that 38 out of every 1,000 women aged between 15 and 49 years old go for abortion in Malaysia and the rate of illegal abortions is 0.1% or 500 per 500,000 live births yearly, Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, the wife of the previous Prime Minister, in opening the Safe Motherhood Conference: Saving Mother's Lives - The Health Impact of Unsafe Abortion, said "The best way to prevent unsafe abortions is to prevent unintended or unwanted pregnancies.  We have to address family planning, provide education on dangers of unsafe abortions and post-abortion counselling" (source: The Star, 10 October 2003) 

Now we as Muslim must take an action to prevent us from being attacked by non-Muslim continuously. First, we need to conquer the world economy. We also need to stop from making the superstars and celebrities as our idols as they are not beneficial to us. We need to put Allah and Rasulullah as our first love.We need to buy Muslimun product as we need to support to their economy. Second, we need to follow all the advices given by Rasulullah. Lastly, we need to set out as we need the pleasure of Allah. Without the pleasure from Allah, our life will be miserable and the chance to go to Heaven become less.

The most important is the how to counter to those peole who disturb our happinsess. This is called ‘Jihad’. Even not physically, it still can harm other’s members. So,we must prepare our mind, body and soul to ward all psychology. Abu al-Yaman from al-Zuhri from Sa'id ibn al-Musayyab narrated from Abu Hurayrah: The Prophet said: "By Him [God] in Whose Hands my soul is: Were it not for some men amongst the Believers [Muslims] who dislike to be left behind me and whom I cannot provide with means of conveyance, I would certainly never remain behind any Sariyah [battalion, military unit] going out for jihad [struggle, in this case armed struggle] in the Path of God [as ordained by God in the Qur'an]. By Him in Whose hands my soul is: I would love to be martyred [fighting] in the path of God and then come back to life and be martyred again, and then come back to life and be martyred again." 

For the conclusions, we as Muslim must realise what really happening to us, to our friends and to our surroundings affected by psychology wars. So, we need to avoid from doing bad actitivities. Muslim also should not fighting and quarrel each other as the bond will get destroy. The Muslims will get strong when their bonds are very strong and like to work together(jamaah) to fight against the opponents. Lastly, I want to write-off my essays with a hadith: Abu Hurairah related that a man came to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and said, “O Messenger of Allah, show me a deed that is equal to jihad,” The Prophet (PBUH) told him, “I do not find such a deed.” Then he told him, “Can you, while the Muslim fighter is in the battlefield, enter your mosque to perform prayers without cease and fast and never break your fast?” The man said, “Who could do that?” The Prophet (PBUH) told him, “The one who makes jihad is rewarded even for the footstep of his horse while it wanders about for grazing while tied on a long rope.” (Recorded by al-Bukhari) 




RELIGIOUS PLURALISM

RELIGIOUS PLURALISM


                In the last few years, religious pluralism has spread to the entire world including in our own country Malaysia. Recently, a lecture on religious pluralism by Opposition Leader of PKR (PartiKeadilan Rakyat) or People’s Justice Party at the London School of Economics, expounded the concept of religious pluralism which he proposed to be adopted by Malaysia.  This issue have made a big deal for Malaysian government for as Islam isthe official religion in Malaysia.

The term pluralism can be diverse into many meanings, politic pluralism, religious pluralism, cosmic pluralism, and cultural pluralism. The root word in pluralism is actually ‘Plural’ which means many or more than one. Thus, religious pluralism means the acceptance of the concept that all religions with mutual exclusive truth claims are equally valid. As the name of worldview according to which one’s religion is not a sole and exclusive source of truth and making it at least some truths and true values exist in other religions.  For example, those who believe in pluralism would probably say that Judaism, Buddhism, Islam and Christianity have the same purity in their religions in terms of access to truth and effectiveness in salvation.

 To make it clearer on the meaning of pluralism, this is a view illustrated beautifully by an ancient story of ten blind men trying to describe an elephant after touching different parts of its body for the first time. As they announced their conflicting discoveries, a heated argument ensued. Awakened by the quarrel, the king corrected all of them by saying, “The elephant is a huge animal and each of you touched a part. In order to know the whole truth about what the elephant looks like, you must put together all the parts!” The moral of the story is that no religion has privileged access to the whole truth. Each religious view is a partial experience of the same reality from its own culturally-conditioned perspective. This view is popular because tolerance towards all religions is needed to ward off violent fundamentalism in the wake of post-911 ‘war on terror’. 
The history of religious pluralism existed in medieval Islamic law and Islamic ethics, as the religious laws and courts of other religions, including Christianity, Judaism and Hinduism, were usually accommodated within the Islamic legal framework, as exemplified in the Caliphate, Al-Andalus, Ottoman Empire and Indian subcontinent. 

In medieval Islamic societies, the qadi (Islamic judges) usually could not interfere in the matters of non-Muslims unless the parties voluntarily choose to be judged according to Islamic law, thus the dhimmi(non-Muslim subject of a state governed in accordance with sharia law) communities living in Islamic states usually had their own laws independent from the Sharia law, such as the Jews who would have their own Halakha courts. Islamic empires allowed non-believers to have their own laws and courts in exchange for a Jizya poll tax.

Dhimmis were allowed to operate their own courts following their own legal systems in cases that did not involve other religious groups, or capital offences or threats to public order. Non-Muslims were allowed to engage in religious practices that was usually forbidden by Islamic law, such as the consumption of alcohol and pork, as well as religious practices which Muslims found repugnant, such as theZoroastrian practice of incestuous "self-marriage" where a man could marry his mother, sister or daughter. According to the famous Islamic legal scholar IbnQayyim (1292-1350), non-Muslims had the right to engage in such religious practices even if it offended Muslims, under the conditions that such cases are not presented to Islamic Sharia courts and that these religious minorities believed that the practice in question is permissible according to their religion. As the time move on, some of the people in that community have made to a conclusion that pluralism can be used in Muslim community.  And yet, until today there are still few Muslims believe the concept of pluralism can be used in Islam. However, the true Islam does not approve this concept.

There are many reasons why pluralism has been accepted by few people in this world. One of it is that pluralism has followed the flow of modernisation and globalisation. In this modern and global era, peace and harmony are the most important goal that all countries trying to achieve amongtheir public and also among the countries. Pluralism can be used to avoid conflict thus will vanish the differences and identity between religions.So, the country that used this concept will have benefits to interact with other country and also can avoid any conflict or wars.

 Other than that, politics is one of the reasons that pluralism has spread. Struggles for power and wealth inflect the course or religious pluralism in world politics. Pluralism is often considered by proponents of modern democracy. Some of the politicians are willing to use the concept of pluralism in order to win the election in their country. Usually the politicians are from the country with different religions among the citizens such as Malaysia and Indonesia. In Indonesia, pluralism has already been accepted by their government and the whole citizens. Which means this three major religions Islam, Christian and Hinduism in Indonesia are equally valid in terms of truth and purity.

 Many religious believers believe that religious pluralism should entail not competition but cooperation, and argue that societal and theological change is necessary to overcome religious differences between different religions, and denominational conflicts within the same religion. For most religious traditions, this attitude is essentially based on a non-literal view of one's religious traditions, hence allowing for respect to be engendered between different traditions on fundamental principles rather than more marginal issues. It is perhaps summarized as an attitude which rejects focus on immaterial differences, and instead gives respect to those beliefs held in common.

The concept of religious pluralism somehow is also said to be relevant to human service professions, such as psychology and social work, as well as medicine and nursing, in which trained professionals may interact with clients from diverse faith traditions. For example, psychologist Kenneth Pargament has described four possible stances toward client religious and spiritual beliefs, which he called rejectionist, exclusivist, constructivist, and pluralist. Unlike the constructivist stance, the pluralist stance to recognizes the existence of a religious or spiritual absolute reality but allows for multiple interpretations and paths toward it. In contrast to the exclusivist who maintains that there is a single path "up the mountain of God," the pluralist recognizes many paths as valid. Although both the exclusivist and the pluralist may agree on the existence of religious or spiritual reality, the pluralist recognizes that this reality is expressed in different cultures and by different people in different ways. Because humans are mortal and limited, a single human religious system cannot encompass all of the religious or spiritual absolute reality. 

There are few religions took the concept of pluralism and one of it is Hinduism. The Hindu religion is naturally pluralistic. A well-known Rig Vedic hymn says that "Truth is One, though the sages know it variously." (Ékam sat viprabahudāvadanti).  Similarly, in the Bhagavad Gītā (4:11), God, manifesting as an incarnation, states that "As people approach me, so I receive them. All paths lead to me" (ye yathāmāṃprapadyantetāṃstathāivabhajāmyaham mama vartmānuvartantemanuṣyāḥpārthasarvaśaḥ).  The Hindu religion has no theological difficulties in accepting degrees of truth in other religions. Hinduism emphasizes that everyone actually worships the same God, whether one knows it or not. Just as Hindus worshiping Ganesh is seen as valid by those worshiping Vishnu, so someone worshiping Jesus or Allah is accepted. Many foreigndeities become assimilated into Hinduism, and some Hindus may sometimes offer prayers to Jesus along with their traditional forms of God.

A famous Buddhist named Dalai Lama give his point of view on religious pluralism. When asked, “Don’t all religions teach the same thing? Is it possible to unify them?” the Dalai Lama said: “People from different traditions should keep their own, rather than change. However, some Tibetan may prefer Islam, so he can follow it. Some Spanish prefer Buddhism; so follow it. But think about it carefully. Don’t do it for fashion. Some people start Christian; follow Islam, then Buddhism, then nothing. In the United States I have seen people who embrace Buddhism and change their clothes! Like the New Age. They take something Hindu, something Buddhist, something, something… That is not healthy. For individual practitioners, having one truth, one religion, is very important. Several truths, several religions, is contradictory. I am Buddhist. Therefore, Buddhism is the only truth for me, the only religion. To my Christian friend, Christianity is the only truth, the only religion. To my Muslim friend, Islam is the only truth, the only religion. In the meantime, I respect and admire my Christian friend and my Muslim friend. If by unifying you mean mixing, that is impossible, useless.”  From his statement, he was saying that all religionshave their own ways toward salvation and all religions are not the same. 

Within the Jewish community there lies a common history, a shared language of prayer, a shared Bible and a shared set of rabbinic literature, thus allowing for Jews of significantly different world views to share some common values and goals.Traditionally, Jews believe that God chose the Jewish people to be in a unique covenant with God, described by the Torah itself, with particular obligations and responsibilities elucidated in the Oral Torah. Sometimes this choice is seen as charging the Jewish people with a specific mission — to be a light unto the nations, and to exemplify the covenant with God as described in the Torah. This view, however, did not preclude a belief that God has a relationship with other peoples — rather, Judaism held that God had entered into a covenant with all humankind, and that Jews and non-Jews alike have a relationship with God.

In Christianity, some Christians have argued that religious pluralism is an invalid or self-contradictory concept. Maximal forms of religious pluralism claim that all religions are equally true, or that one religion can be true for some and another for others. Some Christians hold this idea to be logically impossible from the Principle of contradiction. 

However, other Christians have held that there can be truth value and salvific value in other faith traditions. John Macquarrie, described in theHandbook of Anglican Theologians (1998) as "unquestionably Anglicanism's most distinguished systematic theologian in the second half of the twentieth century,"  wrote that "there should be an end to proselytizing but that equally there should be no syncretism of the kind typified by the Baha'i movement".  In discussing 9 founders of major faith traditions (Moses, Zoroaster, Lao-zu, Buddha, Confucius, Socrates, Krishna, Jesus, and Muhammad), which he called "mediators between the human and the divine," Macquarrie wrote that:I do not deny for a moment that the truth of God has reached others through other channels - indeed, I hope and pray that it has. So while I have a special attachment to one mediator, I have respect for them all. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also teaches a form of religious pluralism, that there is at least some truth in almost all religions and philosophies.

In contrast, Islam does not approve at all the concept of pluralism. In fact, if any Muslim follows the concept of pluralism, it will ruin their aqidah. Reference to Islamic views on religious pluralism is found in the Quran. The following verses are generally interpreted as an evidence of religious pluralism:

Surah Al-Ma'idah: If Allah so willed, he would have made you a single People, but his plan is to test each of you separately, in what He has given to each of you: so strive in all virtues as in you are in a race. The goal of all of you is to Allah. It is He that will show you the truth of the matters in which you dispute. Surah Al-Ankabut:And dispute not with the People of the Book, except with means better than mere disputation, unless I be with those of them who inflict wrong and injury, but say to them: "We believe in the revelation which has come down to us and in that which came down to you; Our God and your God is one; and it is to Him that we bow." 

Surah Al-Baqarah: "Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands outs clear from Error"  . Surah Yunus: "If they charge you with falsehood, say: 'For me are my deeds and for you are your deeds! You are free from responsibility for what I do, and I for what you do' ".  Surah Al-Khaf: "Say, 'The Truth is from your Lord' Let him who will, believe, and let him who will, reject (it)' " Surah Al- Kafirun: "To you (non-believers) be your Way (Religion), and to me mine"  .

 All these verses in Quran proved that there is no other God except for Allah. He is our Lord and for He only we must worship. The verses also state that Islam is the only religion that is true, complete and comprehensive. That is why pluralism in Islam is very dangerous. Allah forbidden pluralism because when you believe in pluralism you will also committed Syirik. Which will ruin the Aqidah of a Muslim and in the end it will result to apostasy. Pluralism can also cause destructions among the Muslims.

              In Malaysia, the action of pluralism is not as extreme as in Indonesia. There are only few cases in Malaysia involving pluralism and one of it involving a Muslim, the Opposition Leader of PKRDatuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He proposed that Malaysia should adopt the concept of religious pluralism because the Malaysian citizens consist of different religion, races and cultures. He said, “thank God. I did not say thank Allah” . Unfortunately, the Malaysian authorities instead of welcoming his proposal they are threatening to punish him saying his ideas may result in the diminution of the status of Islam. This statement of his has sparked the anger within the Muslim in Malaysia. 

To resolve this problem, the government have instructed Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) to investigate his statement. JAKIM is actually an organization under the government of Malaysia. The functions of JAKIM are to improve and standardise the legal and administrative aspects relating to Islamic affairs, laws and education within the country.To ensure that the policies and national development plans are smoothly implemented in any Islamic activities.To holdDa’wahIslamiahprogrammes and activities for Muslim citizens   . JAKIM  also to hold programmes and activities for the implementation of the Islamic Absorption Values into Administration Policy and activities in Federal Government Department and Statutory Bodies.

Moreover, JAKIM also have to make efforts to contribute towards the enhancement and strengthening of the position of Islam and its followers in Malaysia and to control and maintain the purity of faith and the teachings of Islam in the country and to solve the problems of theummah that are related to current issues. They also have toevaluate and provide recommendations on Islamic activities that are implemented by the Government and private agencies and to ensure there are no conflicts between national and Islamic interests. And last but not least, they have toplan activities to assist the state Islamic authorities in theDa’wahIslamiahfield. Thus, this issue regarding Islamic religious matter is put under JAKIM so that they could investigate clearly on Anwar Ibrahim. They have to make sure whether the Aqidah that Anwar holds are true or not in Islam. 

Besides that, there are also others Non-Government Organizations (NGO) that have the same objective as JAKIM. The NGO are Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (ABIM) and Muslim Welfare Organization of Malaysia (PERKIM). These NGO also contribute to Muslim citizens by giving speech or trying to prevent any misunderstood of Islamic concept. Thus, the issue regarding pluralism is at concern for both organizations.

In conclusion,religious pluralism is an ideology that says all religions are the same and pure even the Gods are the same. In other religions, there are few that accept the concept of pluralism and there are few religions that might have different views on pluralism among themselves. However, in Islam, religious pluralism is forbidden because it justifies other religions but plurality in the sense that people believe in different religions is allowed, as such, we have to respect each other and coexist peacefully.

CELEBRATING NEW YEAR – IS IT FORBIDDEN?

CELEBRATING NEW YEAR –  IS IT FORBIDDEN?


Nowadays, New Year celebrations have increasingly become the custom of all people, including Muslims. According to the Oxford dictionary, celebrations means the act or occasion of doing something enjoyable because something good has happened or because it is a special day. Meanwhile, celebrating means to mark (a happy occasion or religious ceremony) by engaging in some pleasurable activity. On the other side, according to   Wikipedia, New Year is the time at which a new calendar year begins and the calendar year’s count is incremented. The New Year of the Gregorian calendar, today in worldwide use, falls on 1 January. There are numerous calendars that remain in regional use that calculate the New Year differently. For example, Islamic calendar ( Hijri calendar ) and Jewish calendar ( Hebrew calendar ).  The Western calendar ( Gregorian calendar ) is perhaps the most popular.

     According to the Islamic calendar, the New Year falls on the month of Muharram, which is the first month in Islamic months. More details about Islamic New Year will be discussed later.   Meanwhile, the first month of the Jewish calendar is the month of Nissan, in the spring when Passover occurs. However, the Jewish New Year is in Tishri, the seventh month, and that is when the year number increased. Rosh Hashanah (head of the year) occurs on the first and second days of Tishri.  Rosh Hashanah or commonly known as the Jewish New Year. This name is somewhat deceptive, because there is little similarity between Rosh Hashanah, one of the holiest days of the year, and the American midnight drinking bash and daytime football game. There is however, one important similarity between the Jewish New Year and the American one, many Americans use the New Year as a time to plan a better life, making resolutions. Likewise, the Jewish New Year is a time to begin introspection, looking back at the mistakes of the past year and planning the changes to make in the new year . No work is permitted on this day. Much of the day is spent in synagogue, where the regular daily liturgy is somewhat expanded. In fact, there is a special prayer book called the machzor used for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur because of the extensive liturgical changes for these holidays. Another popular observance during this holiday or eating apples dipped in honey, a symbol of our wish for a sweet new year. Another popular practice of the holiday is Tashlikh ( casting off ). They walk to flowing water, such as a creek or river, on the afternoon of the first day and empty their pockets into the river , symbolically casting off their sins. Small pieces of bread are commonly put in the pocket to cast off. This practice is not discussed in the Bible, but is a long-standing custom. Tashlikh is normally observes on the afternoon on the first day, before afternoon services. When the first day occurs on Shabbat, many synagogues observe Tashlikh on Sunday afternoon, to avoid carrying ( the bread ) on Shabbat.

With most countries using the Gregorian calendar, the New Year is assume to fall on 1 January every years, which is often celebrated by fireworks at the stroke of the midnight as the new year starts.   The Romans dedicated this day to Janus, the god of gates, doors, and beginnings. After Julius Caesar reformed the calendar in 46 BC and was subsequently murdered, the Roman Senate voted to deify him on the 1st January 42 BC in honour of his life and his institution of the new rationalized calendar. The month originally owes its name to the deity Janus, who had two faces, one looking forward and the other looking backward. This suggests that New Year's celebrations are founded on pagan traditions. Some have suggested this occurred in 153 BC, when it was stipulated that the two annual consuls (after whose names the years were identified) entered into office on that day, though no consensus exists on the matter.  Most countries in Western Europe officially adopted January 1 as New Year's Day somewhat before they adopted the Gregorian calendar. In England, the Feast of the Annunciation on March 25, was the first day of the new year until the adoption of the Gregorian calendar in 1752. The March 25 date was known as Annunciation Style; the January 1 date was known as Circumcision Style, because this was the date of the Feast of the Circumcision, considered to be the eighth day of Christ's life, counting from December 25 when his birth is celebrated.  This day was christened as the beginning of the New Year by Pope Gregory as he designed the Liturgical Calendar.

 On New Year Day 1577 Pope Gregory XIII decreed that all Roman Jews, under pain of death, must listen attentively to the compulsory Catholic conversion sermon given in Roman synagogues after Friday night services.  On New Year Day 1578 Gregory signed into law a tax forcing Jews to pay for the support of a “House of Conversion” to convert Jews to Christianity.  On New Year 1581 Gregory ordered his troops to confiscate all sacred literature from the Roman Jewish community.  Thousands of Jews were murdered in the campaign. Throughout the medieval and post-medieval periods, January 1 - supposedly the day on which Jesus’ circumcision initiated the reign of Christianity and the death of Judaism - was reserved for anti-Jewish activities: synagogue and book burnings, public tortures, and simple murder.

The Israeli term for New Year’s night celebrations, “Sylvester,” was the name of the “Saint” and Roman Pope who reigned during the Council of Nicaea (325 C.E.).  The year before the Council of Nicaea convened, Sylvester convinced Constantine to prohibit Jews from living in Jerusalem.  At the Council of Nicaea, Sylvester arranged for the passage of a host of viciously anti-Semitic legislation.  All Catholic “Saints” are awarded a day on which Christians celebrate and pay tribute to that Saint’s memory.  December 31 is Saint Sylvester Day - hence celebrations on the night of December 31 are dedicated to Sylvester’s memory.

The question now, are we Muslims are allowed to participate in the celebration of the New Year according to Gregorian calendar which is on 1 January every year? This has become a major celebration in these times, which is celebrated by Christian countries. TV broadcasts of these celebrations are transmitted live to all parts of the world, they appear on the front pages of newspapers and magazines, and they occupy a large part of the news broadcasts on satellite channels. The Christian have many false beliefs and myths about New Year’s Eve, as is the case with all their festivals  According to Islamic Syariah, a Muslim is not allowed to participate in any religious aspect of a celebration that is related to non-Muslim. However, we should not forget that we still have a role in society. Islam urges us to be kind to everyone without any kind of discriminations due to the differences in faith and race. It is also one of the ways to attract non-Muslim converted to Islam. It is also following the concept of ‘birr’ that Islam has emphasized when it comes to Muslim-non-Muslim relations , which is congratulating non-Muslim on their feasts and exchanging gifts as a part of the good relations that we are commanded to keep.

  The Director of the Islamic Center of South Plains, Lubbock, Texas, named Sheikh Mohamed El-Moctar El-Shinqiti states that most jurists ( ulama that specialized in fiqh of Islam minorities ) tend to agree that celebrating non-religious feasts, such as Independence Day and Labour Day is not forbidden. However, most scholars forbid celebrating religious feasts, such as Christmas. While Sheikh Ahmad Kutty and Dr. Jamal Badawi, permit new converts to attend their family celebrations without participating in anything that is purely religious related to these celebrations. Dr. Usama Abdul Samie believes that Islamic Syariah does not forbid Muslims celebrating happy events as long as their faith is not affected by these celebrations. In order to tighten our faith, we must follow and believe all the characteristics of Islam which are, Rabbaniyyah ( Godliness ), Insaniyyah ( Humanity), Syumul ( Comprehesiveness) , and Wasatiyyah ( Moderation ).  Gamal Al-Banna, the Islamic writer said that celebrating New Year’s Day give people a good chance to evaluate what they did during the bygone year and plan for what they wish to do in coming year. 

On the other side, there are several hadith that show us that it is forbidden for us to participate in the New Year’s celebrations such as the hadith that   Al- Bukhari narrated from his saheeh through Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri that Rasulullah S.A.W said, “ You shall follow the practises of those before you, inch by inch, and mile by mile, to the degree that if they enter into the hole of a lizard, you will follow them” He was asked, “O messenger of Allah, are they Jews and Christians?” He replied, “who else?”In this hadith, Rasulullah scoffed people who imitate the kuffaar. It is an evidence that celebrating New Year is haram (repulsive), because joining in the ceremonial celebration of the kuffaar  means imitating them and Islam rejects it.  At-Tirmidzi narrated from Ibnu Umar that Rasulullah SAW said, “Not from us (Muslims) those who imitate a people, do not imitate the Jews and Christians.”

Besides, celebrating New Year is repulsive for Muslims who had their own feast days, which are Eidul Fitri and Eidul Adha.   Al- Baihaqi narrated from his ‘sunan’ from Anas bin Malik who said,“Rasulullah S.A.W arrived in Madinah at the time when the people of Madinah had two days in the time of jahiliah ( pre-Islam) which they celebrated, then he S.A.W said ‘ I come to you when you have 2 days from the time of jahiliah that you celebrate, and Allah S.W.T has replaced these two days with two better days : the feast day of Qurban and Fitri.’”

  Another hadith related to Eidul Fitri and Eidul Adha narrated from Imam Ahmad from ‘Uqbah Ibnu Amir that Rasulullah S.A.W said,“ And we have the day of Fitri, the day of Qurban, and the day of Tashriq as the big days of ours, the Muslims,”This indicates that we should not celebrate and participating in other religious ceremony when God had already gave us the biggest two-day celebration, Eidul Fitri and Eidul Adha. 

Whereas, Dr. Abdul Aziz Muhammad Farag, Islamic Jurisprudence professor on the faculty of Syariah and Law of the Azhar University states that a Muslim should not take part in spreading heresies. Celebrating New Year be a ban to Muslims because most of them tend to celebrate it by doing the bad things such as random mixing of men and women who are not mahram which can lead to zina and  may also lead to abortion and abandonment of innocent babies. They are also prefer to jumbled up with entertainment that is contrary to Islamic requirements.  In Ibn Taymiyah’s words, is that nothing should be done at all. This means that we, as Muslims should not do anything we do not usually do on such days.it should be just another day with nothing special about it, as if they ( people of the book ) are not celebrating. In this way Muslims make themselves different . 

Shaikhul Islam Ibn Taymiyah has proved the prohibition of celebrating others festivities by stating that they all come under same ruling. Since we should not imitate them in festivities, Muslims who do this must be forbidden from doing so, let alone approve and support them. We should not answer invitations from Muslims who invite us specially on such occasions. If a Muslim holds an unusual celebration that coincides with one of the People of the Book’s festivities we do not have to answer the invitation although otherwise a Muslim should answer an invitation from a fellow Muslim as in the Prophet ( pbuh) ‘s tradition.

  In light of the guidance of the Quran and the Sunnah, the jurors in Islam have listed four categories which would make the participation of any celebration forbidden. Firstly, the celebration should not be a pagan religious festival. Secondly, the celebration should not involve any syirik. Next, the celebration should not involve or encourage  indecency or any of the things absolutely forbidden in Islam (alcohol, gambling, etc.). Lastly, the celebration should not indulge in excess spending.

In addition, in the Islamic calendar itself there is a “New Year’s celebration” which is on 1 Muharram since it is the first month in Islam. Muslims do not traditionally "celebrate" the beginning of a new year, but we do acknowledge the passing of time, and take time to reflect on our own mortality.  The New Year itself is known to Muslims as Maal Hijra. Compared to Western calendars, the Islamic year goes 11 days backwards every year. The marking of the beginning of the new year is usually quiet, unlike New Year's celebrations associated with other calendars. Muslims gather in mosques for special prayers and readings. A major part of the holiday is the telling of the hijra, Muhammad's flight from Medina to Mecca. Muslims also reflect on the passing of time and their own mortality.  Muharram is one of the four sacred months of the year in which fighting is prohibited.  Since the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, Muharram moves from year to year when compared with the Gregorian calendar.  Some Muslims choose to fast during this month, although fasting is not obligatory. Many Muslims engage in voluntary prayer, including evening prayer, in Muharram.

The Muharram is the first month in the Islamic year and a time of mourning and peace. It is forbidden for Muslims to fight during this month. A number of important events in Islamic history have occurred during this month. These include, The Battle of Karbala (currently in Iraq) in the year 680 CE, which enabled Husayn ibn Ali, a grandson of the Prophet Muhammed, and his army to enter the city on the first day of the month. Next, the restriction of Husayn ibn Ali's access to water on the seventh day. Last but not least, the death of Husayn ibn Ali and the defeat of his army on the 10th day of the month. The Shi'a and Sunni denominations of Islam attach different weights to these events and mark them in different ways.

 As for celebrating the New Year according to the Islamic calendar which begins with the month of Muharram, this is also not permissible from a number of perspectives. First and foremost, if one does so believing that it is pleasing to Allah to do so, thereby transforming it into an act of worship, it becomes a  Bid‘ahor cursed innovation in the religion about which the Prophet (pbuh) said, “Every innovation in religion is misguidance and all misguidance leads to the Hellfire.” If one does so merely as a custom, it is still impermissible as it falls under the prohibition of imitation of pagan customs about which the Prophet (pbuh) said, “Whoever imitates a people becomes one of them.”

Some of us tend to celebrate New Year by just setting new goals and resolutions for personal transformation and improvement.  Although, setting resolutions and goals is a powerful tool to help you potentially shape your destiny, you should note that there is no concept of “New Year Resolutions” within the teachings of Islam. Instead, as Muslims you should constantly be assessing your lives and setting goals and making resolutions, rather than waiting for special days during the year to perform the exercise.

 If a non-Muslim greets a Muslim, “Happy New Year”, the Muslim is not allowed to respond in a similar manner or say, “Same to you.” Instead, in order not to offend or hurt the feelings of non-Muslim friends or acquaintances, one may say instead, “Happy holiday.” As conclusion, it is difficult to categorize certain feasts like Thanksgiving and New Year as religious. Generally speaking, we can say that it is forbidden for the Muslim to participate in any religious aspect of a celebration, except the Islamic celebrations of the two `Eids, and it is allowed to take part in the general, non-religious aspects of the celebrations of other feasts


REFERENCE

1. WEBSITE
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Year

http://www.jewfaq.org/calendar.htm

http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday2.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Year's_Day

http://www.simpletoremember.com/articles/a/newyearshistory/

http://www.onislam.net/english/ask-the-scholar/dawah-principles/dawah-to-non-and-new-muslims/176329-celebrating-the-new-year-an-islamic-perspective.html?New_Muslims=

http://theunjustmedia.com/Islamic%20Perspectives/Dec11/It%20Is%20Haram%20To%20Celebrate%20Christmas%20&%20New%20Year.htm

http://sachiidosti.com/forum/islam-hadith-quran/115718-forbidden-celebrating-christmas-new-year-islam.html

 http://www.makepakistanbetter.com/why_how_what_forum.asp?GroupID=3&ArticleID=4674

http://dmhblogging.weebly.com/2/post/2012/01/what-does-the-new-year-mean-to-me-and-from-an-islamic-perspective.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muharram

http://islamgreatreligion.wordpress.com/2011/12/31/celebrating-the-new-year-not-for-muslims/

http://www.iqrasense.com/muslim-character/new-year-1429-hijri-message-setting-goals-for-personal-transformation.html

Clash of Civilization between Islamic and Western

Clash of Civilization between Islamic and Western


The word civilization is come from the latin word ‘civilis’.  ‘Civilis’ in latin means ‘civic’ which also the root word for citizen and civil.  From Encyclopedic World Dictionary ; an  advanced stated of human society in which a high level or art and science religion and government has been reached  Civilization comprises of body and soul.  The body of the civilization is all that is related worldly life such transportation, educational, institutions, technology achievements and any of the material achievements.  While the soul of the civilization is the ideologies, traditions of a society, the behavior and thought.  That is why the term tamadun in Arabic language which means religion is referred as a civilization.  Here means that, any civilization that is not embedded or attached to din is not declared as a civilization from the Islamic perspectives as the civilization as only the body but the soul.  This perspective is much differs from the western thinkers as they viewed the civilization as the achievements that are made by man in the past.There are various individuals that contribute their idea to the mold of western civilization. These most three influence person are Caesars, Julius and Augustus and Jesus Christ. They contribute with different ideas to different aspect. Until now we still use his idea of reformation on the taxes, land, calendars, and the governments’ reforms in region. He also reforms the ideas. To reshape the western civilization which includes the rule that until now the rules still apply with it. This ideas is from Caesar Julius. Next is Caesars Augustus who is took the religions as Rome’s ruler. He is the one that create the peace by providing a security to other people in other states and expand the Empire Rome and carry on the reformation of the Caesar Julius of his contribution. Lastly is the Jesus Christ had a heavenly kingdom who has faith to life after death  .In this world, there will be a positive and negative affects same goes to the story of growth of cities which in known as civilization.  There are a few positive aspects of western civilization that can be seen within it.  First is the scientific exploration such as the stages of human creation, universe and natural disasters and material progress.  In material progress we can see that they contributed their ideas in advancing technologies such as solar and hybrid car.  Other than that, in western civilization they also give a good example on how the manage a good organization such as in their political system.  Their society also practices the freedom of speak where they respect with the individual opinion.  Lastly, the western civilization never stops to new things to rebuild a new phenomenon.  

There are other problem that we can see as negative aspect that contribute to the western civilization such as confusion, competence and representation of democracy, and equality of outcomes.    We can see in the western civilization they are having the confusion problem which there are still cannot solve the problem with things that they bear. They are suffering with many problems such as economic problem that include employment, inflation and other stagnation of the economy. Next is due to the terrorism that felling of competence and rejection of democracy which is not accepted by people.  Technology that they invented also contributes to the confusion as the success of the invention contributes to the environment pollution and destruction. With the technology too, we will felt unsecure and there is no privacy because public and private sectors can easily access to our data information. Other negative aspect is competence and representation democracy. They still configure who can join the competence of democracy? Is age, education, race, sex, income and other possibilities that it might be consider them to join in the democracy. They cannot give an answer because all people have their capabilities that maybe we cannot figure it out. So with this problem always be repeated and it lead to the contradictions, tension and also the problem that occur in the western civilization nowadays. During the democracy, we cannot get an absolute result because a small sample group of people will not give an overall result of a population of people which will is an inherent problem.  Next is the equality of outcomes, it is when there is difference from each other it must be adjusted because it will become more ‘equal’ outcomes to every individuals. We take an example of taxes, people should pay the taxes with the according rate given when it comes to the equality of outcomes. There is no acceptance or different based on our income. 

In Islam, they allow us to socialize. But Islam has its own way to socialize unlike the non believers. For the non believers, they don’t have limitations during socializing such as see each other in dark place, hold each other’s hand, see into each other’s eye until one of them have a desire to do something that is prohibited such as having intercourse with their partner and so much more. They don’t really care what they are doing; they may do anything that is impropriate in front of the public without thinking others perception. As for Islam, when we want to see each other which involve other gender, we have to see in the public so that there will be no backbiting or ‘fitnah’ occur. In Islam, socialize is something good but we have to follow the quran and sunnah; ways to socialize. As for the evidences relating to the free mixing of the sexes then they are numerous in the Quran and sunnah and prove that generally this is not allowed. As for this hadeeth, it did not say that "....do not be alone with a woman unless another woman is present" rather it said ".....unless she is with a mahram"....... This indicates the disapproval of the mixing of the sexes. When we look to the texts we see that this is because the shari'ah cuts off the harms of unlawful sex and that which leads to it and that which is associated with it. Jaabir reported that Rasool Allah (saw) said “A man must not spend the night in the house of a woman unless he is her husband or a mahram” (MUSLIM, Bulooghul Maraam [no.960 p.396]) A'bdullah ibn U'mar reported that Rasool Allah (saw) said "A woman is one to be kept indoors. Surely when she emerges from her house the devil eyes her and it is certain that a woman is nearest to Allah when she is inside her home" (TABARAANI in Mu'jam al Awsaat) and U'mar reported that the Prophet (saw) said "When a man is alone with a woman then the third with them is Shaytaan" (TIRMIDHI) and it is reported that the Messenger (saw) said "The glance is a poisoned arrow of Shaytaan. Whoever lowers his gaze for Allah, He will bestow upon him a refreshing sweetness which he will find in his heart on the day that he meets Him" (TABARAANI, AL HAAKIM, AHMAD) Allah (swt) says "And tell the believing men to lower their gaze and protect their private parts. That is purer for them. Verily Allah is All Aware of what they do" (an Noor 24:30) and Jareer ibn A’bdullah reported “I asked Nabi (saw) about the glance at a non-related woman and he (saw) commanded me turn away my glance” (ABU DAWOOD) So these evidences prove the prohibition of socialising with the opposite sex as they prohibit what is less than that. If we are allowed to unrelated men and women are allowed to speak with each other and entertain each other and mix freely then what is the meaning of prohibiting a glance at them? Abu Hurayrah reported that Nabi (saw) said ".....The eye does zinaa by the looking, and the ears do zinaa by the listening, and the zinaa of the tongue is to talk and the adultery of the hand is to touch and the zinaa of the legs is to go to (the forbidden place) and the heart desires and the private parts confirm or contradict that" (BUKHAARI, MUSLIM). So this proves there is the prohibited speech, listening, touching and mixing withj regards to women. And this is when the mixing is just socialising and for jaahil motives etc.However there are situations and reasons which make social contact between them permissable, but this is not allowing khalwah [seclusion] some examples are;  Trading, Medical need,  Da'wah,  Commanding ma'roof and forbidding munkar, Studying the deen,  The education which is of the nature of fard kifaayah e.g. Arabic language, administration, science etc;  Fulfilling the needs e.g. to ask someone for directions to aquire your needs and rights, Proposal of marriage and  To convey the Islamic greetings.There are also other reasons and Allah knows best. However, the general ways of socializing with women, free mixing and flirtation is not from the Islamic way of organising society. However some have also gone to extremes in these affairs and have fabricated a rigid situation that did not exist in the time of the prophet (saw) and in the period of the first three generations, and this must be avoided as it can make society unworkable, Islam actually gives us the best laws and methods and we should not add to them nor should we take away from them.  

As they rely on the modern science, the divine rules diminish. They are openly making maksiat, having sexual intercourse as early as in the teenage age. Not to include the case of single mother, looking at the number from the statistics of abortion, we can see that the number is rising from years to years. It seems to be impossible to make the number decrease. The problems arise when there is unrestricted free intermingling of the sexes universally practiced in modern Western society. The western as they do not believe in god, they do not have the feeling of shame while doing the sin. As long as there is no other person, they freely enjoying making sin. The other factor that makes sex life in western open is the role of parenting. In western, parents allowed their children for having partner or girlfriend or boyfriend. This situation is actually contributing large percentage of risk of pregnancy before marriage. Some of the parents make a simple decision for their son and daughter to get married when the girl is confirm to have a baby and let their children to divorce after the delivery of the baby. Other types of parent who do not want their daughter to commit an illegal act, abortion, they decided to have the baby and placing it to for adoption as the rational solution that they can think of.  Islam is strictly prohibited all the Muslims to have sex before marriage. This is because, when the girl is pregnant, she will deliver a wedlock child. As a result, the girl will bring a shame to her family as well as to Islam. As some Muslims don’t even bother about this, the non believers will said that Islam is a religion that is not good and cannot be trusted. 

Fear Allah, for that is the best earning and obeys Him. Be dutiful to Allah and hope for the reward on the Last Day and commit no mischief on the earth.“O you who believe! Fear Allah as He should be feared and die not except in the state of Islaam.” (Aal ‘Imraan: 102).Fellow Muslims! We are nowadays confronted with a relentless war waged by the materialistic western civilization and culture that burns its producers and afflicts them with calamities, misery, immorality, disruption, suicide and all kinds of evils. It is in fact, a civilization that turns their conducts upside down, disorganizes their affairs, exposes them to toil and corrupts their minds. It is a civilization that knows no difference between lawful and unlawful, useful and harmful. It is full of useless markets, clubs and vacant minds! A civilization that is incapable of protecting individuals’ honor nor capable of providing them with meaningful sense of happiness in their life. Such is the reward of those who turn away from the Lord of all the worlds. Theirs is a civilization that is destroyed by its own products. It is a civilization that races towards creating all means of trouble, disturbance and destruction. Allah says what translates as, “They destroy not but their own selves, yet they perceive (it) not.” (Al-An‘aam: 26).He also says what translates as, “Or do you think that most of them hear or understand? They are only like cattle nay, they are even farther astray from the path (i.e. even worse than cattle).” (Al-Furqaan: 43).He also says what translates as: “They know only the outside appearance of the life of the world and they are headless of the Hereafter.” (Ar-Room: 7).The above are some of the characteristics of the disbelieving (Kaafir) societies and their immoral cites. 

Without realizing that they are worshipping a new religion, the Muslims accept the concept of modernization blindly. Without exploring the consequences of the idea these fanatical followers insist that economic achievement and technology progress has to set as the aim and goal of their countries. The leaders of Muslims countries belief that it is completely neutral and harmless from an ideological point of view, as the concept of modern science and technology promises nothing but benefits in terms of political and military power, health, wealth, and welfare of the people. Islam does not forbid taking the useful of modern inventions and technology. It only rejects its negative aspects.What is the benefit of a civilization in which man’s standard falls and he himself degenerates so much so that he worships other beside Allaah, that he becomes a slave of his money, lust and desire thereby falling into misery and decay. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: “Wretched is the slave of gold coins, wretched is the slave of silver coins; wretched is the slave of money and luxurious clothes. If he is given of these things he is pleased but is he is denied them, he becomes displeased. Let such a person perish and relapse and if he is pierced with a thorn, let him not find anyone to take it out for him.” (Bukhaari). ’

Nationalism, exists in Islam. Nationalism is a bond, or a number of bonds, between a group of people which makes them a political entity. Probably the most popular bonds in many nations are blood tie and language tie. Nationalism, like the family entity, is a natural step in the history of human evolution. Nationalism was not born in the nineteenth century as some students of modern history claim, for nationalism in various forms existed from ancient times.Islam did not come to destroy nationalism; it recognized nationalism, but avoided its evils. The verse in the Holy Qur’an: “O mankind! Surely We have created you of a male and a female, and made you nations and tribes so that you many know each other; surely most honorable of you with Allah is (he who is) most righteous; surely Allah is Knowing, Aware.” (The Chambers, 49:13) is a clear recognition of nationalism, and it sets a high ideal for the relationship between nations and states. Moreover, Islam made the Arabs, the Persians, the Turks, and all Muslims brethren by saying: “the believers are but brethren …” (The Chambers, 49:10). Islam did not change the nationality of the Arab or the Persian or the Turk, etc., for there is no contradiction between the existence of various nations, while, at the same time, brotherhood exists among all; for Islam is a League of Nations and does not deny the existence of its constituent nations. In short, we wish to emphasize here that nationalism, which is the most important phenomenon in western civilizations today, exists in Islam, but in a higher form which removes it far from dangers and horrors. Muslim nations today have only to struggle hard to build their national structure on the foundations of Islamic principles. 

  Teenagers and all people nowadays really look up to fashion because they want to look nice when they go out. Fashion is not something new as a lot of designers compete with each other to put their name in international so that people around the world know the existence of the brand as well as the designers want their clothe to be wear by everyone. There are a lot of brands today such as Vior, Roxy and tons more brands. The question is, are all clothes can be worn by Muslim? For the disbelievers, they may wear whatever they like because they don’t have consequences on what they are wearing. As for Islam, the women they have to cover their aurah by wearing clothes that cover their hair which they have to wear hijab and the hijab that they wear, they have to cover their chest. For the clothes, it is more appropriate if one use a clothe which cover their back. The trousers that they use must not tide. This is because, women’s aurah can only be seen by their husband. Men attire is quite simple as they only have to cover up until their knee. 

Sports are important to keep us healthy. Sports also is an activity which one may involve in an international sports such as swimming, running, tennis, football as kinds of more. For the disbelievers, they may not have any difficulty for their attire. Have they ever thought for Muslim, what should they wear so that they can cover their aurah? For the swimmers, they may cover their head, but they wear a suit that really tide and fit to their body until all the public’s can see their figure. For the footballers, the males wear shorts above the knees which male’s aurah is below the aurah. Other athletic use short shirts and pants so that they can move or do their sports easily. What the attire that they use for sports is not allowed in Islam because the attire is too fit until we can see the athletics’ body figure which is aurah. There is obviously a clash between Islam and western civilization which may affect the Muslims. 

As for the Muslims, they have generally been very slow to carry our social reforms. Men of religion in Islam, instead of undertaking the call to such reforms, and profiting from religious teachings to implement them, waste their time in verbal polemics. Furthermore, a matter which causes deep regret is the closing of the door of ijtihad (authentic induction) by the majority of the Muslims. As for the minority who recognize ijtihad, they are not profiting by it.Since the days of the disintegration of the Abbasid Caliphate there have been only a few great imams. One question why imams like Abu Hanifa should not rise again, and why religious scholars should not write books that fit our modern conditions on land affairs like the book al-Karaj by Abi Yusuf. We find imams like Ibn Taymiyya and Sheikh Muhammad Abduh who opened the door of ijtihad anew, and we find Sayyid Muhsin al-Amin al’-Amily using the ijtihad in calling for reform and liberation from many superstitions and worn-out traditions. But such men are rare and too few. In young Turkey today a religious group has appeared, led by SaidHakim Pasha, who calls for opening the door of ijtihad and profiting from the noble teachings of Islam in the new life of Turkey.I wish to say that the door of social reform in Islam is a wide one. Why don’t the honorable learned men of Islam pass through it today? Why do our learned men, Allah support them, try to follow the mobs in their views and traditions and have no courage to call for reform? I believe that ijtihad in Islam will make it a permanently living religion by adapting its teachings to each age and generation in accordance with the requirements of that age and generation. 

In conclusion, as they reject religion to be part in their life, they do not follow the rules and regulations that God has outlined to them. If we played back to the history, initially they are the extremist in the past too, not as an atheist, but as the people who believe in trinity, multiple of supreme power, rejects science, and church as the only holy source and place. However today, as time gone by, they slowly reject religion, becoming other extremist, atheist, and worshipping new religion that the basis is a form of the idea of modernism, materialism or secular and thus, making science as the tool of accepting something which is not against the empirical test. The adoption of the Western forms of life and social practices is fraught with the gravest consequences for the Muslims society. Today, the West is confronting with the affliction of moral leprosy, brittle parenting and the uninhibited inter-mixing of the two sexes . If we adopt the Western civilization into the system of Islamic countries without examine, exploring and filtering the negative impact of the concept and idea, the Islamic countries will have no different with the West. Other countries will never respect Islamic countries as though they already know how we control the system of the government. They will try to avoid having a connection with the Islamic countries even though we have an excellent administration. Western civilization might not see as good as we see it, but there are many problems that we might do not know. So with problem that they occur, we should take it as an example so we can enhance our civilization to be a better one.  As we can see, there are a lot of difference between Islamic civilization and western civilization. There are a lot of improvement to be made for Muslims nowadays. We as Muslim have to appreciate because we are born as Muslim, the one and only religion that Allah approve hereafter. May Allah bless us all. Amin.






Islam and Terrorism

Islam and Terrorism

If anything is mentioned in the news about an attack, people are quick to assume that it was an Islamic terrorist attack. We once had a big issue linking to the phenomena of people labeling Muslims as horror people after the attack of World Trade Centre on September 9, 2001. The whole non-Muslim world is against Islam due to the attacks when the rumors spread like a wind that Muslims were the attackers. Even the attacks gave the government of United State (US) of America to declare war against terrorist. Although this was not good for the Muslim Nation and many innocent lives were lost, it was only a small group of extreme, non-practising and brainwashed 'Muslims' who carried out the attacks. These so called Muslims were ignorant and not afraid of Allah as they would have known that commiting suicide is forbidden in Islam, and the punishment is eternal torment in the hell fire. Allah says in the Quran, “Thou wouldst only, perchance, fret thyself to death, following after them, in grief, if they believe not in this message.” In another chapter, Allah says, “O ye who believe! Eat not up your property among yourselves in vanities; but let there be amongst you traffic and trade by mutual good-will; nor kill (or destroy) yourselves, for verily Allah hath been to you Most Merciful.” 

Do you realize what the media have done? They have implanted a seed in everyone's head that Islam and the people who practice it are 'terrosists'. They have intentionally created fear in the general public for some reason. Until at one moment, non-Muslims were afraid of Muslims people and this situation is known as ‘Islamophobia’ . Because of that, there were lots of cases that show Islam is in a danger so seriously. For instance, Muslims students at France are prohibited to wear hijab during school. On the other side, Gottschalk, a professor of religion at Wesleyan University, and his former student Greenberg in their book entitled ‘Islamophobia: Making Muslims the enemy’ analyze what Islamophobia is and how it is manifested through political cartoons, many of which are included with revealing results.  

But if people were able to wake up or the covering on their eyes and hearts were lifted, they'd realized that it is not only Muslims who kill people. It is all people from all religions. Christians, Hindus, Jews and so on, they've killed people, whether it be by bombing, shooting, random shooting, and car bombs. There are so many events that show terrorism made by non-Muslims country all over the world; America takes one million lives in Iraq for oil, Israel kills 10,000 Lebanese civilians due to two missing soldiers, Russians kills 200,000 Chechens in bombings and so on. All of the disasters were made by non-Muslims and nobody calls them as terrorists. If people used their own intelligence to decide on an attack that has taken place, instead of agreeing with everything thrown at them and conforming to everything in the media, there would be more people with sense in the world. Saying this, there are many people who don't just jump on the bandwagon and understand that Islam is not a 'violent religion'. As an example, many researchers and scholars from the West convert to Islam when reading and studying the Qur'an. Some of the exegetes is Cat Stevens or now known as Yusuf Islam, and many more.  Hence, we can see that people who are really interested in Islam will never associate Islam with terrorism manner.

  On the other side, there are websites who pretend to be Islamic websites with translations of the Quran, but the chapters and verses have been translated to mean something totally different. So when blind and heartless people go onto these websites and read 'kill anyone and everyone you see around you', they believe it and think bad of Muslim people, and also think that generally Muslims are hiding things. If you really knew a genuine, fully practicing the regulation guide in Quran, normal Muslim who follows the religion according to the Holy Quran, then people will begin to understand that Muslims are not 'terrorists', and they haven't been told by Allah to kill non Muslims or hurt them in any way. In fact, Muslims are told in the Quran to respect, help, support, visiting and share things with their neighbours whatever their religion may be. Allah says in the Quran, “Serve Allah and join not any partners with Him; and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbours who are near, neighbours who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer(ye meet), and what your right hands possess, for Allah lone not the arrogant, the vainglorious.” 
When a Muslim person does kill someone, then it is all over the news with 'Muslim' highlighted, but if someone else kills who is from another religion, then their religion does not get brought up. Does anyone ever wonder why? The whole world is against Islam, because Islam is the true religion. Allah has not told any Muslim in any book to kill non Muslims, it is the Almighty God who gives life and takes life. Any Muslim who kills another human being will taste the hell, no doubt, and Allah knows best. Quran quotes about this in Chapter 5 verse 32, “On that account We ordained for the Children of Israel that if any one slew a person; unless it be for murder of for spreading mischief in the land, it would be as if he slew the whole people, and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people. Then although there came to them Our apostles with clear signs, yet, even after that, many of them continued to commit excesses in the land.” Only true, honest Muslims fear Allah and are on the straight path. These types of Muslim people pray for everyone in the world. So after all this, how can Muslims be bad people? 

Let’s look to the other factor. When people hear the word 'Jihad', they think such a 'Holy War'. In some cases this is correct, but in reality, every single Muslim person carries out Jihad in their lives until the day they die. How? We will find out, but what we need to understand first is that Jihad is a religious duty of every Muslim person.  Jihad means to struggle and strive in the way of Allah. Jihad also means to defend Islam and to improve the Muslim society. These can be broken down into several types such as to do pilgrimage, saves a plant from dying, jihad in struggle to become a better Muslim, help persons in need, increase knowledge about Islam, to promote peace, harmony or cooperation and assisting others and commited to work and reach the goal of life is also call as a jihad in Islamic perspectives. Jihad also means, which is the 'big one', is to defend Islam. Jihad is warfare when Muslims have to defend their religion, wars against unbelievers, apostates, rebels, highway robbers and dissenters renouncing the authority of Islam. Jihad does not mean to either forcefully or unforcefully convert non-Muslims to Islam. Islamic Server of MSA said that jihad is not a war to force the faith on others, as many people think of it. It should never be interpreted as a way of compulsion of the belief on others, since there is an explicit verse in the Qur'an that says: 'There is no compulsion in religion' Al-Qur'an.”  Instead, a Muslim must be respectful of other religions. By extension, an Islamic government is not allowed to compel anyone to be a Muslim.

There are lots of evidences that show Islam is not spread by sword or any action of terrorism. Just look for the past, we know that history has recorded that Muslims ruled Spain for about 800 years. In addition, the Muslims in Spain never used the sword to force the people to convert. Later the Christian Crusaders came to Spain and wiped out the Muslims. There was not a single Muslim in Spain who could openly give the azan that is the call for prayers. Another story is Muslims were the lords of Arabia for 1400 years. For a few years the British ruled, and for a few years the French ruled. Overall, the Muslims ruled Arabia for 1400 years. Yet today, there are 14 million Arabs who are Coptic Christians which means they are Christians since generations. If the Muslims had used the sword there would not have been a single Arab who would have remained a Christian. Furthermore, India has been governed by Muslims for about thousands years. Yet, more than 80 percents of the population of India are non-Muslims live in India today. If people labeling Muslims as a terrorists, then in that case, all Indian now has been converted to Islam just like their leaders. 

On the other hand, an article in Reader’s Digest ‘Almanac’, year book 1986, gave the statistics of the increase of percentage of the major religions of the world in half a century from 1934 to 1984. This article also appeared in ‘The Plain Truth’ magazine. At the top was Islam, which increased by 235 percents, and Christianity had increased only by 47 percents. May one ask, which war took place in this century which converted millions of people to Islam? In addition, the fastest growing religion in America and Europe today is Islam.  Therefore, which sword is forcing people in the West to accept Islam in such large numbers? Moreover, in Islamic teachings, men and women are to be respected equally. Under Islamic law, women have always had the right to own property, receive an education and otherwise take part in community life. The Islamic rules for modest dress apply to women and men equally. In the Islamic world, at the beginning of Islam, there were no restrictions or prohibitions toward women to seek knowledge and education. There were many women scholars in the fields of religion, literature, music, education and medicine. In addition, women can seek employment and work in professions such as medical care, teaching, civil and justice professions. These rights remain the same before and after marriage.  According to data, there were 774 million illiterate adults in 2005, 64 percent of whom are women, many of them are Muslims. Furthermore, 72 millions primary school age children were not enrolled in the same year. This is an indication that more work has to be done to accomplish Islamic and international commitments in the area of education such as the ‘Education for All’ declaration and the universal primary education goal as part of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The international commitments indicate that there is widespread recognition of the importance of education as a key tool for development. Moreover, Muslims are encouraged to support education for disadvantaged sections of society. This can be observed through some forms of charitable giving to promote education projects for the disadvantaged and the marginal. Islam has a holistic view of human development, which views education and knowledge as central. Furthermore, the principles of justice and equity are important in Islam. This entitles acquiring knowledge and skills to apply such principles.

Nevertheless, why should people condemn that Islam and even Muslims are always related with such a terrorism act yet in the same time, Islam is applied the law of justice in each matter of life? This has been proven in the Holy Quran, the sacred scripture of Islam that considers justice to be a suprime virtue. It is a basic objective of Islam to the degree that it stands next in order of priority to belief in God’s exclusive right to worship (Tawheed) and the truth of Muhammad’s prophethood.  God declares in the Quran, “We sent Our Messengers with clear signs and sent down with them the Book and the Measure (of right and wrong) in order to establish justice among the people..”  The divine judge stands over the human judge, observing all that he does, and human justice even at its best can never be more than a poor imitation of divine Justice. The Prophet Muhammad himself when he was called upon to adjudicate in civil actions warned the litigants that one of the might be more eloquent in putting his case than the other and thereby achieve an unjust settlement. “In such a case,” said Muhammad, “I will have given him a portion of hellfire.” This is clearly a grave matter indicating that those who seek justice must themselves practice it without deviation even to their own hurt. Under all and any circumstances a victory which is contrary to justice is a poisoned chalice.  With regards to relations with non-Muslims, the Quran further states, “God does not forbid you from doing good and being just to those who have neither fought you over your faith nor evicted you from your homes.”  The Muslims scholars have concluded that these rulings apply to all nations, followers of all faiths, as a matter of fact to all humanity.  In the view of Quran, justice is an obligation. That’s why the Prophet was told, “…if you judge, judge between them with justice..”  However, the Qur'an also places great emphasis on commutative justice. God commands us, “Do not be moved by partiality to discriminate in meting out divinely legislated punishments.”  The Prophet Muhammad mentioned that one of the reasons behind the ruination of a nation is a lack of commutative justice. In this context, he mentioned that if his very daughter were to steal, he would not hesitate to punish her to the full extent of the law.  

If people want to know about the true Islamic religion of life, try to get to know one who lives nearby and make your own mind up if you think they are 'Islamic terrorists'. People may find that Muslims are very generous, welcoming, warm hearted and overall honest people. Unfortunately, there are Muslims out there who are try to promote the religion which is not according to the teachings of the Quran and not in line to the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Hence, be aware of some Muslims who are or may be brainwashed and only talk about politics, power, who are against other religions and seem unapproachable. This is where brainwashed Muslims misunderstand the message in the Quran and Traditions of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). They take it upon themselves to improve the world without considering the innocent people. To be more clear, if non-Muslims were watching the news, they would know that the media is very quick to assume that any attack in any part of the country was carried out by 'Islamic terrorists'. This is because the Islamic group, Al-Qaeda, have given Islam a very bad name, and it is them who are confused with the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and people then finally give very bad impressions about Islam regarding to this wrongdoing action people. 

To correct this concept, Muslims themselves should make a return back to the true Islamic teaching. Allah has give humankind a very special brain that can think wisely and rationally in whatever we do in our life. According to Hamka, an Islamic scholar in his book of al-Azhar Translation, state that Allah’s knowledge is over the angel’s. Allah has created the human being different compared to the animals. Human’s creation is also different compared to the angels. Animals just follow their instincts and desires whereas the angels are always obey Allah without any doubt. While human have both, instincts and desires as well as a brain to think. Unfortunately, there are several human being that cannot think rationally thus doing very bad thing even disasters on this land. That’s why Allah sent His Messengers to guide them and teach them the morality of being a human.  Allah has stated in the Holy Quran, “Mankind was one single nation, and Allah sent Messengers with glad tidings and warnings; and with them He sent the Book in truth, to judge between people in matters wherein the differed, but the People of the Book after the clear signs came to them, did not differ among themselves, except through selfish contumacy. Allah by His Grace guided the believers to the truth, concerning that wherein they differed, for Allah guided whom He will to a path that is straight.” In the other chapter, Allah says, “Mankind was but one nation, but differed (later). Had it not been for a word that went forth before from thy Lord, their differences would have been settled between them.” 

Hence, we as a Muslims should have a very clear in mind about what Islam has teach the followers regarding the manner in this life. Muslims have to make The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as a role model in all perspectives of life as he is the best, perfect Muslim ever. The Holy Quran and the Sunnah are the complete guidance how to implement the Islamic law in our daily life so that all people around the world know that Islam is a religion of peace today and hereafter.