Politition gets earful for seeking to amend blasphemy law in pakistan

MULTAN: Strongly deploring Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for demanding amendments to blasphemy law, the Tehrik Tahaffuz Namoos-e-Risalat (TTNR) declared on Thursday that it will mark Friday as condemnation day (Youm-e-Muzammat) against all those demanding changes in or abolition of the law.

Addressing a news conference here, the leaders of TTNR Qari Ahmad Mian, Dr AShraf Ali Attiq, Dr Tahir Khakwani, Allama Khalid Mahmood Nadeem and others said that the demand raised by PTI President Javed Hashmi, Shirin Mazari and Dr Arif Alvi in the parliament for amendment to Blasphemy Law unveiled the real face of PTI. “This demand has made it clear that they are working on the agenda of jews. We strongly condemn them,” they maintained.

They declared that the clerics would pass resolutions in juma sermons against the PTI leaders and encircle them. They expressed their resolve that the TTNR would not let any conspiracy succeed against the blasphemy law and the Muslims of Pakistan would not flinch from offering any sacrifice for the protection of this law. They demanded Hashmi and all others to withdraw their statements otherwise the workers of TTNR would not let them move in the society.

Indonesia no faith in the system

Last year, a civil servant from West Sumatra, Alexander Aan, was charged with blasphemy for Facebook posts stating that “God does not exist” and “derogatory” cartoons and comments related to the Prophet Muhammad.
Atheists in Indonesia, who have gained little acceptance in a deeply religious society, often find themselves on the wrong side of the law

It’s late on a muggy Sunday afternoon in a dimly lit coffee shop in south Jakarta. Many among those sipping cappuccinos use pseudonyms. The talk is about “coming out” to their parents, the challenges of leading a double life, the fear of discrimination at work, and dealing with threats of violence.

In many countries, these are conversations typically associated with the gay community. But, sexual orientation has nothing to do with this particular group. The stigma they suffer comes from their beliefs, or rather, their lack of belief. For they are all members of Indonesian Atheists, a community of “unbelievers” in what is a deeply religious country.
Rising intolerance in Indonesia, a country that has a long tradition of syncretism, has been in the news in recent months. Earlier this year a Human Rights Watch report lambasted the Sunni Muslim-majority country for failing to protect minorities. But, the attention is usually focused on religious minorities, with atheists rarely getting a mention. Yet, these are precisely the people least protected by the Indonesian state.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Mr. Zubaidi (who only uses one name), made this clear. “We welcome every religion here,” he beamed. Indonesia only recognises six religions officially: Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Protestantism, Catholicism and Confucianism. I asked if religions not covered under these categories were also legally protected. “Of course,” he replied, before adding a caveat. “But, if you are an atheist then it’s different. Perhaps Indonesia is not the right country for you.”

Indonesia is not a Muslim theocracy, but nor is it a “secular” state in the usually accepted sense of the word. The Constitution declares that the state is based on belief in the “One and Only God.” However, it stops short of identifying this god and goes on to guarantee freedom of religion and worship. Atheists are left on precarious legal ground.

Blasphemy law

“Our beliefs can always be accused of contravening the law,” explains Karl Karnadi, a 29-year-old software engineer who co-founded the Indonesian Atheists Facebook page in 2008. In a Skype interview from Germany, where he currently lives, Karnadi said that any statement that questions the existence of god can be interpreted as blasphemous given the broad ambit of Indonesia’s 1965 blasphemy law.

Last year, a civil servant from West Sumatra, Alexander Aan, was charged with blasphemy for Facebook posts stating that “God does not exist” and “derogatory” cartoons and comments related to the Prophet Muhammad. He was eventually sentenced to 2.5 years in prison, and convicted under a separate electronics communications law that seeks to control defamation on the internet.

Paths to atheism

Prosecutions for statements made on the internet, have left atheists feeling more vulnerable than ever. Indonesian Atheists is now a closed group on Facebook. Its 1,600-odd members try and meet in person, rather than risk getting on the wrong side of the internet law.

Most of the dozen-odd atheists assembled in the coffee shop are in their twenties and thirties. They are all well educated, white-collar workers. But their paths to atheism have been varied.

A journalist from the city of Bandung who asks to be identified as “Sophie,” grew up in a liberal Muslim household. Her father was a university lecturer in philosophy and took it quite calmly when she “came out.” Theo, a graphic designer, comes from a deeply religious, Christian background. He became an atheist after learning about Darwinian evolution, something that was not taught to him in school. He has never formally come out to his parents, although he believes they suspect his leanings.

Neither Sophie nor Theo broadcast their atheist beliefs at work, preferring to “pass” as religious. In Indonesia it is compulsory to list religion on ID cards, and Sophie’s says she is Muslim. Although it is technically possible to ask for this space to remain blank, in practice it can prove difficult. Administrative officers often refuse point-blank to accept such requests.

“It’s easier to say I’m a Muslim,” Sophie sighs. “It’s easier for my work. And it’s safer to be in the majority.”

But Karina, who works in the finance department of a company is “out” and doesn’t care who knows. She grew up in Tasikmalaya, a small town in West Java known for its conservatism. All the girls in her school wore hijabs. But, on hearing her Junior High religious education teacher proclaim that no one except Muslims could go to heaven, Karina found herself questioning, and later, rejecting Islam. When she stopped wearing her hijab and was queried about the reasons by her teachers, she chose to smile innocently and claim. ‘My heart is wearing a hijab. Isn’t that enough?”

After spending years in intellectual isolation, Karina felt an acute sense of liberation on discovering the Indonesian Atheists group online.

When she told her parents she was an atheist, during the Idul Fitri holidays last year, her mother cried and her father, a postal worker, tried to reason with her, but she stood firm. A year on, her father has come to accept Karina and her friends to the extent that he recently drove them to an atheist meet in Bandung.

“I am happier now than I’ve ever been before,” says Karina and the others nod. Yet, they remain frightened about the future. From getting married — a religious official is mandatory at wedding ceremonies — to bringing up atheist children in a deeply religious country, the future is a confusing, and potentially dangerous place for them.

Threats

“The moment someone hears you are atheist, they accuse you of being communist,” explains Sophie. In Indonesia, over a million suspected communists were killed in purges by the army in 1965, a fact that these youngsters are well cognisant of. Theo recalls having received death threats for simply having “liked” the Indonesian Atheist page, when it was still an open group.

Many are now hedging their bets. Sophie says she tries to ensure she’ll stay out of trouble online. “I make sure that on Facebook I’ve clicked “like” on not only the Atheists page, but also those of Islamic and Christian groups. You can never be too careful.”

Three men booked for blasphemy in Karachi pakistan

Karachi: Police registered a case against three men, under blasphemy laws, in the aftermath of violent protests in Karachi, a day after suicide attackers blew up a Church in Peshawar killing more than 80 Christians.

The attack on All Saints Church last Sunday led to countrywide protests.

During the protest, a brawl and scuffle took place between Christians and Muslim youth after some miscreants threw stones on a mosque at Zaman Town in Korangi area. A Muslim man also died in the brawl after he got hit in the head, the police said.
Some of the Christians houses were set on fire by the miscreants last Monday but the situation was controlled by the police.

The police on Friday said that Nazir Ahmed, who is the member of administrative committee of the Khulfai Rashideen mosque registered a report against three men namely Babar, Ilyas and Robert for committing blasphemous acts.

He accused the three men of hitting the names of the pious caliph with stones and sticks that is considered desecration.

Police officer Mohammad Khan told Gulf News that the three men were arrested yesterday but were released on bail on Friday.

The case was registered under section 298-F that is a lenient clause of the law as the maximum sentence under this act was three year imprisonment.

Under the main clause of the blasphemy law the maximum punishment is death here.

Murder case against three other men was also registered but they were absconder, the police said.

Angry Christians protested across Pakistan the next day of the attack on the Church to demand better protection. They demonstrated in twos and cities around Paksitan including Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and Peshawar.

Worship Allah Not People Lessons from Islamic Leadership

It is part of our nature as human beings to develop an attachment to those we love. From leaders to role models, to our family and friends; it’s hard to imagine a world without those dear to us. The strongest and most powerful form of this love is the love we should feel for our beloved Prophet Muhammad ? (peace be upon him) who said, “None of you will have faith till he loves me more than his father, his children and all mankind.” (Bukhari) That said, keep in mind that the foundation for this love stems from our love for Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala – exalted is He) and our obedience to Him. The Messenger ? also said, “Whoever loves for Allah [swt] and hates for Allah [swt], and gives for the sake of Allah [swt], then they have completed their faith.” Our love should be characterized as love for the sake of Allah (swt) and for the pleasure of Allah (swt), Who never dies and never disappoints.

A major test of this characteristic, and how deeply it has settled into our hearts, is when there are changes in leaders or figures that garner a deep sense of admiration and trust from people. Unintentionally, and often times unknowingly, mere admiration becomes excessive and borders ‘worship.’ This is a very serious test and an important struggle that most of us face. When we tie our belief to people other than the Messenger ? and the righteous that have passed before us, we run the risk of facing their inevitable demise. In the end, our faith is tied to the living and ultimately imperfect.

This is best illustrated in the incident that followed the death of the Prophet ? (peace be upon him). Umar (radi Allahu `anhu) was claiming that the Prophet ? had not died out of complete shock and disbelief. He was so bewildered and affected by the hysteria of losing the Prophet ? that he was barely able to control himself, threatening anyone who accepted the devastating news. In the moment of Umar’s fury, Abu Bakr (ra) came to address the people. He told them, “O People! Whoever among you was worshipping Muhammad, know that Muhammad is dead, and whoever among you was worshipping Allah know that Allah is alive and will never die.” Then he recited the verse:

“Muhammad is not but a messenger. [Other] messengers have passed on before him. So if he was to die or be killed, would you turn back on your heels [to unbelief]? And he who turns back on his heels will never harm Allah at all but Allah will reward the grateful.” [Qur’an 3:144]

When the companions heard this they said that it was as if they heard the verse for the first time.

This was a great lesson for the believers at that time, and continues to be an important lesson for us today in whatever hardships we may face concerning those we love or look to as a source of hope and guidance. We must always remember that we do not worship people or positions, but that we worship Allah (swt), The Beginning, The End, and The Everlasting.

Walking the Prophetic Walk for a Pathway to Citizenship

Over the last 30 years, I have worked on many different social justice issues as a central passion in my life. This call to work for social justice is deeply rooted in my faith as a Muslim, and it is this call I have tried to serve since 2005 as the executive director of the Shura Council of Southern California, which is an umbrella association of Mosques and Muslim organizations serving Muslims living in Southern California and society at large.

For more than a millennium, my faith has taught that “when you see a wrong, right it.”

This mandate is without an option for neutrality, let alone apathy.  The choices to right the wrong includes, “action,” “speech” or “empathy,” in that order. Action is considered to be the strongest demonstration of faith while empathy, though admirable is considered as the weakest expression of the faithful.  A central part of our history as Muslims is the migration of the Prophet Muhammad, where he was forced to leave his home and family to seek freedom, justice and peace for all. These teachings, urging me to right wrongs with action and to seek peace by leaving behind home and homeland give me incredible peace as a Muslim.

Central to this call to work for social justice has been my own journey as an immigrant to the United States. I came from India in 1985 and ever since, by watching the journeys of my friends and family members, and through my work in the interfaith community, I have seen the ways that our current immigration system tears families apart. This is especially true for the 11 million aspiring Americans living in this country whose status is uncertain –people of diverse national origin and religious backgrounds, who are often exploited by corporations and often the law with very little if any recourse. They are hardworking people who are forced to live in constant fear of being separated from their families.

For almost two decades, our nation’s indifference toward these undocumented Americans who are freely exploited from the valleys of California to the shores of Maine has left me agitated, unable to be at peace. During these last 20 years, the poor and those without legal status have become poorer and more powerless while the rich have become richer and more indifferent. I saw this wrong; I struggled with how to right it. Peace eluded me. Indeed I have also seen how the policies of this countries broken immigration system have also affected the Muslim community unfairly, as was recently revealed in an ACLU report which exposed the previously unknown national security program known as the “Controlled Application Review and Resolution Program,” where the government purposely and illegally excludes many applicants from Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim and South Asian communities from these opportunities by delaying and denying their applications without authority.

My agitation as a naturalized United States citizen and as a person of faith, I believe now morally binds me to the more than 11 million mothers, fathers, daughters, and sons of myriad faiths and diverse traditions who are aspiring Americans and all those who suffer from unjust immigration policies. Following the legacy and example of the Prophet Muhammad, I decided that I too must become a Pilgrim for the sake of freedom I decided to join the Pilgrimage for a Pathway to Citizenship and walk 111 miles in solidarity with and dignity for the 11 million aspiring Americans yearning for full citizenship and enfranchisement in our great nation.

I walked with my fellow Pilgrims, learned their stories, and shared mine with them.  We are all immigrants, all Americans. Together, we walked, prayed and broke bread. We sang and sometimes, we wept. But for the 10 days on the Pilgrim for a Pathway to Citizenship, rain or shine, we walked as one—walking for respect and dignity, demanding equality and fair treatment.

Walking is prophetic. On this journey it was my prayer, that we walked in the tradition of Moses who walked out of Pharaoh’s land to free the oppressed. We will walk in the tradition of Jesus who walked to Jerusalem and protested oppressors. And, I will also walk in the tradition of Muhammad who walked from his birthplace to a city afar, for a better tomorrow of his people.

The Qur’an Our Lifelong Companion

One of the reasons many of us have difficulty connecting with the Qur’an is because we simply see it only as a Holy Book.

But what if we realized the Qur’an is more than a book? What if we realized the Qur’an is a lifelong, passionate relationship that we simply have not yet experienced?

In this workshop, we discuss barriers to establishing a relationship with the Qur’an and ways through which we can successfully move forward, build that passionate relationship, and make a life-long commitment to the best partner in the world.

Meaningful Life and its Foundation

Recently, after a long time, I bought something I was really pleased with. It was a dress. I was so happy to possess it that I wore it (as trial) at least thrice the very day I bought it. Realizing that I could not have had it if God, subhanahu wa ta`ala (Exhalted is He), had not given me the provisions to afford it, I looked myself in the mirror and said out loud, “Thank you Allah.” Upon hearing this, my younger sister (aged 15), who was sitting close, gave me a you-are-weird look, laughed a sarcastic laugh and asked me, “What was that about? You bought it with the money you have earned yourself, why would you bring Allah in here?”

Her question dumbfounded me, and I did not know exactly how to respond. Though I tried explaining to her that nothing good can ever come to us, except by the mercy of Allah (swt), but she did not look satisfied with my answer.

As someone who does not miss an opportunity for reflection, her question got me thinking. Thinking as to where the foundations of her beliefs went so wrong that even at such a young age, she is unable to agree with such a basic fact.

My sister is not the only teenager who has skewed beliefs. I happen to be a teacher and teach the same age group as my sister. Various class discussions have led me to believe that even my students (if not all, most of them) have confused ideas about God (swt) and this life. Now some may argue that they are very young, and it is okay for them to have weak beliefs, but what worries me is the possibility of them never being able to realize the truth. For whatever is adopted or learned firmly at this age becomes part of a person’s lifestyle.

To tell you the truth, as a child even my belief in Allah’s (swt) might and control was not that strong, nor did I understand what it actually means to be a Muslim. The struggle I had to go through to tame my nafs (inner self) was quite arduous. It took many painful experiences to get me to realize what it means to have God (swt) as the central focus in life.

Now as an adult, I feel one of the reasons why this journey had been so difficult for me was the way God (swt) was introduced to me in my initial years. I do not remember my parents telling me that everything they give me was actually given to them by God (swt). I do not remember my parents telling me that the way they take care of me is because of the love Allah (swt) has put in their hearts for me. I do not remember anyone telling me that God (swt) is the basis of life and everything I do, and everything I will do should be with Him as my focus.

Don’t get me wrong. My intention here is not to blame my parents (I love them dearly). But it is to highlight the fact that parents play a very important role in shaping our basic beliefs. If a child, right from the beginning, is taught to be socially acceptable only, he only learns how to win people’s approval, and God takes second place to the extent that a point comes when all he does and says is to please people and win their recognition. For such a child, it becomes very difficult to understand that God is not a distant entity who only keeps a track of our sins and good deeds but He is “The Nearest,” and all we have to worry about in this life is strengthening our relationship with Him (swt)—the rest will follow.

It is interesting to note that every family has a bunch of elders who make sure that the children know everything there is to know about their immediate ancestors. That is done so that these children carry the legacy of the family, and the values established by the immediate ancestors are carried on without any change. People grow up holding their family values very dear, to the extent that they often forget about the right path in order to safeguard them.

Everything we have in this life is “a trust”. A trust in a way that we will have to explain how we treated and used everything we were blessed with. In the same way, children are also a trust. What we teach them and what we do not teach them affects their entire lives. So instead of taking them as our possession and preparing them to carry on our so-called legacies, we should realize they belong to God (swt) (just like everyone and everything else), and having Him (swt) as the core of their existence, all their lives, is what they need to be prepared for. We need to realize that providing our children with food, shelter, and other comforts is not the only way to deem ourselves successful; we must also help them understand the real meaning of life, and that is how we can be successful parents and guardians

God Guides Whom He Wills

At least 17 times a day, we have been commanded to call upon our Beloved Guide:

“Guide us to the straight path; the path of those whom you have favored, not the path of those who have earned your displeasure or those who have gone astray.”  (Qu’ran, 1:6-7)

Why do we have to repeat that prayer so much every day? How do we know if that prayer is being answered? Should we just assume that we are guided and we are guaranteed a place in Heaven? Why are we guided and others are not?

The Holy Qu’ran has all the answers of life that we are looking for, and these are some of the questions that all people ask at some point in life. It is imperative that we all have a thorough understanding and thus be readily able to answer them. Unfortunately, many Muslims have a quite distorted view of the meanings of verses which state that God  subhanahu wa ta`ala (exalted is He) guides whom He wills and “misguides” whom He wills. This misunderstanding stagnates the faith and practice of many Muslims since it can move them away from God (swt).

So the literal meaning is that He chooses to guide some and “misguide” others from Himself. If so, then why?

First, we must realize that it is unacceptable to define God (swt) according to one of His many descriptions without relating all of them together as many interconnect and overlap. Let us take a look at the other descriptions of Him—The Just, The Wise, The All-Aware, The Knower of what is in the depths of the hearts. He guides who deserves His guidance. He guides those whose hearts incline to Him. If we look at what the Qur’an says:

“[...] Whoever has faith in God, then He guides their heart. God’s Omniscience encompasses everything.” (64:11)

“He guides to Himself whoever turns to Him.” (13:27)

“God will increase in guidance and piety [to] those who strive to attain it.” (47:17)

According to the previous verses, if one changes his/her inclination inside the heart then not only will the seal/veil be lifted, but guidance will soak into the heart and become quite natural to the person. This is evident in so many reverts.

We find the same causal relationship to God “misguiding” people in the following verse:

“Indeed those who have disbelieved… (Consequently) God has set a seal upon their hearts and upon their hearing and there is a veil drawn over their sight…” (2:6-7)

“When they deviated, then God caused their hearts to deviate. God does not guide the deviant rebels.” (61:5)

Perhaps the best depiction of the reason God guides a person is in Sura Al-layl:

“As for the selfless pious one who has affirmed the bliss of the Hereafter, then We will facilitate their path to Heaven. On the other hand, the greedy self-sufficing one who doesn’t affirm the bliss of the Hereafter, then We will facilitate their path to Hell.” (Qur’an 92:5-10)

The parable of divine guidance is like a school that chose to expel one student or make another skip a grade or get a scholarship. Yes, the school does that and has full authority to do so, but it is based on what the student has done. Similar is the system of either promoting or firing in a business!

Many people incorrectly believe that God has made us like puppets. We have even heard Imams say that God chose us to be believers as if He made us believers and others disbelievers and as if we have not done anything to earn it. The verses that talk about Him choosing Prophets and others are surely related to something He knows of them that makes them qualified. He is the only one who knows what is in our hearts and who is truly pious.

“Indeed the best among you to God are those who are most pious. Indeed God is Omniscient and All-Aware.” (Qur’an 49:13)

At the end of the day, the Qur’an shows how we make our own choices:

“So whoever wishes, let him believe and whoever wishes let him disbelieve…” (18:29)

But some people take issue with God’s Omniscience and how He knows our future actions and final abode in the Hereafter. In philosophizing our faith let us be careful; let us not forget the overarching principle of full faith in things beyond our perception which are clear in scripture. There are obviously things beyond our perception, and Ayat al-Kursi is clear:

“…People do not encompass of His knowledge except what He wills…”

It is like seeing our reflection in a mirror. The mirror captures it all; the good and the bad, but it does not cause us to look a certain way. The same goes for God’s knowledge. He knows all about us, but our reflection is our own doing. Remember God is also The First and The Last who is not existing in nor is He (Glory be to Him) governed by time! Never forget that He is Greater than anything you can imagine or fathom.

He has guided all of creation to what is best for it:

“Moses said to Pharaoh, Our Lord is the One who created everything and guided it.” (Qur’an 20:50)

This is the innate instinct of all creation in how it is made into its own distinguishable reality with certain intrinsic functions and inclinations that support its existence. It is why your brain, heart and digestive system are programmed to do such complex systematic organized function. It is why a baby knows to look for its mother’s breast. In fact, among life forms, humans rely least on instinct as they get older. Throw a 6-year-old cat or dog in the water, and it swims to safety!

(If you haven’t seen it and are interested in a huge faith boost, then watch Disney’s documentary “Wings of Life”.)

Non-human life forms are instinctually in submission to the will of God, and thus their very existence glorifies His Perfection. This is their purpose and it gives them a state of peace in fulfilling that daily innately inspired program.

In contrast, we were blessed and tested with conscious, morally aware, intelligent reasoning and creativity. Going back to swimming, some are scared to learn while others achieve amazing skill in diving/swimming techniques as good as and better than the best dolphins and seals.

To achieve conscious peace as individuals and as a society, we must embrace the guidance of revelation by choice and effort. The purpose of our life for us is to use our creative intelligence to make choices that lead to divinely guided action.

God is The Guide who shows us guidance, but for us we must choose:

“By the soul and He who created it, then inspired it to know that which is harmful to it and that which will protect it. Surely the one who purifies and nurtures their soul has succeeded (aflaha) while the one who corrupts it has failed (khab).” (Qu’ran 91:7-10)

The word here used to refer to the success of the one who nurtured their soul is rooted in the meaning of cultivating crops. It is like the relationship between the farmer (fallah) and growing his crops. It is all there; soil, seeds, water and sunlight. But it has to be done right and proportioned properly. The farmer has been given the ability to figure it out, and the harder he works at it, the better the crops he will grow. If he learns from those who have worked at it, it will be much easier! Still, at the end of the day, it is Divine providence since He gave the materials and made the system.

On the other hand, the word used to refer to failure is the same root that refers to a miscarriage, which means there was either an infection, a lack of proper nutrients or the wrong environment for that fetus for it to grow and thrive in life.

Guidance is about a give and take relationship with God. The more you put into faith the more you get out of it! When we seek and follow it, praying for His help in understanding, then he supports us and facilitates our preservation and growth in it. On the other hand, if we are heedless, not very concerned about our soul, then as a result, He will misguide us. This is why the Prophet so often supplicated:

“Dear Controller of the hearts, stabilize our hearts upon Your religion and move our hearts to Your obedience.” (Tirmidhi 3522 , Muslim 2654)

When we incline toward arrogance and believe ourselves to be “the chosen” without continuous effort from ourselves, then we lose it and go astray. It is a lifelong struggle. In fact, it is the purpose of life. No action can be righteous unless it is purely for the sake of God and in accordance with a proper understanding of guidance in our scripture.

“He is the One who created death and life and all in between for the purpose of testing us to seek perfection in our choices of action.” (Qur’an 67:2)

Depressive Da`wah Style

Of the many Friday sermons that I have attended since my adolescence, one in particular stuck with me. I thought the speaker made a shocking statement to the people who left their businesses, homes, families, and busy life schedules in order to devote this hour to Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala – exalted is He). I bring up this story not to belittle the speaker but to draw our attention to a particular style of preaching that seems to have made its way across our Islamic history. The speaker was giving an example about our inherent weaknesses as human beings, and how that should foster a state of humility. He said: “Remember – O slave of Allah – that you are none but a decaying rotten body, full of remnants of eaten food [i.e. waste], that came from a filthy drop of semen!”

The first “visceral” reaction that I have as I recall this memory is a verse from the Qur’an about the creation of humans: “And We have certainly honored the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference,” (Quran, 17:70).

Reflecting on what that Imam said, and studying the verses in the Qur’an, I can’t help but ask, did Allah (swt) ever call the nutfa (drop of semen) filthy? Did Allah (swt) ever describe the decaying nature of our existence by the words that the speaker used? My humble review of the topic suggests this is not the case.

The rhetoric used by the speaker is not completely alien to the process of tazkiya (self-purification), but the scholars of this discipline know what spiritual treatment should be used for the respective spiritual ailments. This treatment however, can be repelling when used for the masses, especially when this style keeps recurring over time in a pattern which I like to call “Depressive Da`wah Style.”

I am in no way, shape, or form implying that da`wah (outreach) should be all about cheerleading and tree-hugging; but a more balanced approach should be taken. The Qur’an above all is balanced in calling people to worship Allah (swt), to enter into His Jannah (Paradise), and to be saved from the torment of Hellfire (may Allah [swt] save us all). “What would Allah do with your punishment if you are grateful and believe? And ever is Allah Appreciative and Knowing.” (Quran, 4:147)

Moreover, da`wah should address our daily problems and struggles; our emotions; our behaviors; our intellects, and many other aspects of our lives that are naturally disheartening. Nevertheless, this does not validate a style of da`wah that is gloomy, subduing, and domineering. I say this to myself before anyone else, because I am guilty of the depressive da`wah business before. May Allah forgive our mistakes and our shortcomings.

That said, I have realized that depressive preachers’ da`wah is characterized by the following:

Belittling the listener and destroying their self-esteem. Depressed people might fall for this style more easily since they may come in with low self-esteem. Depressive Da`wah Preachers (DDPs) often project their own issues of insecurity, in an attempt to fill the listener’s emptiness with unquestionable fear. This fear would then facilitate blind following, or a cultish-like practice of religion.

Comparing our current state to the state of the sahaba (companions of the Prophet ?, peace be upon him), or the righteous predecessors, without clarifying the difference in context. They neglect to clarify the drastic environmental difference such as common knowledge of Arabic, proximity to the time of the Prophet ?, having a predominantly Islamic environment, etc.

An emphasis on how insignificant our deeds and efforts are in contrast to Allah’s blessings. They implicitly suggest that nothing we can do will get us close to Allah (swt) or our desired goal, yet they neglect to mention the forgiving nature of Allah (swt) and His name Al-Shakoor (the One who accepts good deeds—obligatory pillars included—from a servant who tries hard, even though the deeds are not perfect.)

Focusing on the torment of the grave and the punishment of the hereafter without mentioning the beautiful rewards Allah (swt) has prepared for His righteous servants. In contrast to this, the Qur’an uses both to motivate us to do the good deeds and refrain from the bad.

Attributing all the catastrophes in our ummah (community) to the sinful behavior of Muslims. Talk about sustained guilt! I say there was never a time in history when the whole ummah was free of sin; not even during the time of our beloved Prophet ? .

Now why am I saying all of this? Well, during the life of the Prophet ?,  there were examples of sahaba who, while well-intentioned, had to learn the wise way of giving da`wah because they were not cognizant of important details while dealing with people. I see the same thing happening again with DDPs; while they mean good, they may be repelling people. If you’re not sure what I mean, watch Baba Ali’s Episode on the “Haram Police”: haram, haram, haraaaam!

There are many stories that we can use to give evidence of why a gentler and kinder style of da`wah is more encouraged and indeed even more fruitful, such as:

The story of the ignorant Bedouin man who was almost jumped by a sahabi for urinating in the middle of the masjid before the Prophet ? intervened with his kind wisdom, asking the sahaba to let the man finish, then clean his mess, then educated him about the sacredness of the masjid.

The story of Moath bin Jabal (radi Allahu `anhu – may Allah be pleased with him) who was prolonging his recitation while leading the people in prayers until someone complained to the Prophet ?, which made the Prophet ? summon him. He then taught him that he might be repelling people by doing that and that he should read shorter surahs, especially if there are babies crying during the salah (prayer).

The story of the confrontational Tofayl Ibn Amr Al Dawsi (ra) who was threatening to his tribe when calling them to Allah (swt). After failing, he returned to the Prophet ? and asked him to ask Allah (swt) to destroy them! Then the Prophet ?, a man of gentleness and mercy, taught him how to be kind when giving da`wah until they all became Muslims.

My message is: Don’t fall for it!

Islam is a balanced religion and calling people to Allah (swt) thus has to be balanced. We need to be reminded of Jannah and of Nar (Hellfire), of reward and of punishment, of hope and reverence of Allah (swt). We need to boost the belief in Allah’s mercy and forgiveness, while not setting the ego free. We need to present the facts of Islam in a context-specific way without changing a single atom of the sacred teachings of our beloved deen (religion). We need to smile more often in the faces of people (when appropriate of course, lest we should be thought crazy!), and introduce hope into their lives, lifting them up—with the help of Allah (swt)—from the misery of worshipping the dunya (this life), to the transcendence of worshipping its Creator. People come to the masjid longing to feel closer and more connected to Allah (swt) and the speech that they hear at the masjid can be a turning point towards Allah (swt) if we learn to be wise in delivering our da`wah.

No one summarizes this principle better than Allah (swt) in His holy book as He praises the great kindness of His mercy to humankind, His beloved Prophet ? :

“So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].” (Qur’an, 3:159)

Chained by the Syrian Regime

In this series, Syrian refugees share their stories of being displaced as a result of the current atrocities occurring in that region. All accounts are factual, but may be written by a family member or a friend.

by Isa

I am at a loss for words after my grandmother passed away.  The sudden events that took place as my brother and I were simultaneously placed in jail by the Syrian regime may have caused her the traumatic strokes that ended her life. Am I to blame for causing her stress? Am I the one that should have been placed upon her deathbed? These are the questions that often circulate through my head. I can’t help it though. I long for the freedom that neither I nor my parents had.

It all started when Syrian citizens of all ages took to the streets. We peacefully protested the Syrian Regime, because we lacked basic human rights,  a stable economy, and freedom at any level. We were sick of an authority that was brutal, a dictatorship that needed to be replaced with a government who benefited the citizens of this country and looked out for their best interest. At 24 years of age, I wanted to be out there, I wanted the future generations to experience the freedom and justice that we missed out on.

I faced many challenges by taking this route, internally and externally. I have six aunts and four uncles. Three are pro-regime, and the rest are against, but they do not take a public stance or do anything about it. I have one aunt who freely expresses her disgust with the regime, but that naturally happens since she lives in America.  My mother is pro-regime, because she was one of Hassoun’s students1 ; she believed the government can do no wrong and blamed it on foreign interference. I often argued with her about everything I did to oppose the government. I did not have much support from the family. I lost a lot of friends and cousins due to my position.  Some of them called me a sell-out and a shame to the family. They tried me and tested me with questions: How dare you defy the regime and put yourself out there with the scums that are protesting along your side?

Who are you to decide that the regime is corrupt and give our family a bad reputation?

I was picked up at a protest and held in jail for three months. It was the most horrid, terrifying experience of my life. I was fed rotten bread, just so I can live to bear the abuse in every inhumane way possible. Sometimes the rotten bread was flavored with urine; the attempt of the regime was to put our morale down as much as possible. This was the best case scenario for there was worse. We were sometimes urinated upon along with our food. We were beaten with wires so badly that maps were engraved onto our backs to tell our stories forever. They stripped us down, electrocuted our private parts and tongues. AlhamdulilLah (Praise be to God), I was finally let go three months later after my family begged and pleaded and paid 500 USD.

The dismay I experienced provided me with determination to move forward and demand change regardless of the consequences. I continued to protest by helping those hurt by the attacks of the regime. I took them to hospitals and documented everyday experiences through words, pictures, and videos. I was caught for the second time at a protest. I swallowed the SIM card and threw the phone on the floor because I did not want any of my contacts to get hurt or interrogated. My friends informed my mother that it was a peaceful protest. We had our cameras, phones, and flowers as we chanted, “Freedom, freedom!” I was finally bailed out after my family paid 1200 USD, but at this point I was broken.  They got to me and took away any sense of dignity I had—that is the purpose of prison—but I will not back down.

At this point, my family decided to ship me out to Lebanon. I was taking too many risks and they wanted me out of their sight, because I was causing them too much trouble. I stayed in Lebanon for three months where I was active through Facebook in exposing the atrocities committed by the Syrian regime. I kept in touch with my fiance Amal who I loved dearly. I decided to sneak my way to Idlib and marry her because it seemed that the conflict was dragging longer than expected.

While I was away, the regime was unhappy with my virtual activism and they habitually visited my parents’ home asking for me.  They were frustrated with the fact that I was absent and took my older brother instead. Ahmad was 28 years old, married with a daughter.  His experience in jail was much worse than mine. It made me feel guilty that they took him on my behalf. He endured the same experiences I did, but to a greater level.

The regime specialized in ways to break each person who went through the jail experience, male or female. Ahmad spent three weeks in jail, he was fed meals that contained a type of substance that made people act irrationally. They forced the men and women in jail to strip naked and rape each other. He was defiantly scared. The problem with our culture is that we do not talk about these experiences to get over them or seek help, we just bring shame to the family and it ends there. We continue our lives as broken individuals who are not healed and do not know how to heal.  I wanted to turn myself in so that my brother may be let go. My aunt convinced me out of it, because she knew that the regime had no mercy and would keep us both instead. My family was able to collect 1000 USD and bail Ahmad out after three weeks of his hellish experience.

I lived in Almarra for some time with Amal and her family, until I had to leave because it was getting attacked. We fled to Aleppo, but my parents’ house was shelled and therefore, we relocated to a village in the outskirts of Aleppo.  My wife is pregnant, and we will be expecting any day now. I am grateful for the supportive family that I have, someone to rely on in times of hardship. I pray that my child experiences a Syria that is free, able to operate in a democratic fashion. I pray for her to enjoy a life my grandmother never imagined or fathomed. I pray for a victory very soon insha’Allah (God willing).  For I want the upcoming Eid to be a holiday of true celebration and lack of bloodshed. Ameen

Bab- The door

Once a student sat with a teacher to read a text. As he opened the book, the teacher turned to him and said, “Have you ever asked yourself why the scholars use the word bab (door) to title what you call chapters in English?” The student responded, “Yes, but I did not give it a lot of thought.” What followed was one of those special moments that can only happen when knowledge is passed from one heart to another:

“The word bab is used because it reminds the student that he is entering a new realm. The realm of knowledge; that he is leaving a place of ignorance and entering into a place of understanding. Thus, he needs to have the proper character so the knowledge will touch his heart and mind.

“The word bab is used because it reminds the student that, just as you enter a person’s home and are careful to make sure you have the right location, to knock with respect, to enter with humility, to sit gracefully, not complain about the food, if served, or the home, he has to seek knowledge, approach his teacher with humility and be satisfied with whatever is given to him, being thankful for what is given, polite and kind to his hosts.

“At the same time, it reminds the Shaykh to be gracious to his student, to treat him like his own, welcome him with a large heart and serve him the best he can, seeking God’s pleasure alone. In short, this one word contains every adab (etiquette) that al-Ghazzali mentioned in the etiquette of the student and the etiquette of the teacher. Amazing!

“Finally, it reminds that student to be sincere, seeing God alone, since the bab in the book reminds him of the doors (abwab) of Paradise! You see, there are gems to be found in these old works. Be patient and God will show you more!”

Next time you read a book with a master, be sure to ask him/her about those things; you will learn to see the prophetic light found in the texts, the symmetry of tauhid (oneness) in its lines.

Where Do Babies Come From

I personally faced same question when I came back home from hospital with my cute angel, my new born baby girl. Three year’s nephew of my husband asked me “Aunty! Where does she come from?” I got little confused and merely replied, “God gifted me.” But I got really shocked when his eight year’s elder sister said him, “Brother! You are too small right now, you don’t know the truth”.

That situation was so embarrassing for me at that time. Moreover when I visited my sister’s home and her four year’s daughter asked me, “Aunty! From where, you get her? ” I suddenly replied, “From market” and she started to persist her mother to buy a baby brother for her. I know after being parents you also experienced same kind of questions either asked by your own child or from others. After my experience I discussed this question asking from kids to some of my married friends and got help in answering this question.

First try to know what the kid actually wants to know:

I will not recommend you to answer your child detailed production procedure of baby after love making. First try to know by asking question instead of answering your child to know what exactly he/ she want to know and at what level. May be a kid just wants to know either from big hospital near to his/ her house or the other one near to his/ her friend’s house.

For example: When the child asks the question, “Where do babies come from?” You may reply by further question as “What do you think, Where do babies come from?” If he/ she gives you answer as “I think babies come from paradise”. It means he/ she just want reconfirmation of his/her believe. May be he/ she replied, “I think from tummy of a mummy” than just gets agree of what your child thinks and replies, if he/ she gets satisfied on your “Yes!” gesture.

Answer according to their age:

Every child has different level of maturity. Not every child wants detailed mechanics of fertilization that how man and woman makes love, how women conceive and delivery procedure etc. A toddler normally wants simple and easy answers instead of long detailed explanation. In our society we have some limitations in every relationship. We are not as open as western people. I am not agree with “to be true with your child” in every case as may be some kind of knowledge not matches the child’s maturity level and make him/ her more disturb  and raises more difficult questions in their mind rather than gets satisfy with the truth.

If your child already has been little bit aware of pregnancy and child birth. May be he/ she got information through any media program relates to it,  he/ she saw in your absence or may be from his/ her friend or from any magazine than its time to get open and clear his/her to remove more curiosity from your child’s mind.

Don’t intimidate your child and answer his/her each and every question calmly and in an easy manner but forbid him/ her to spread this information to anyone else, friend or teacher, cousin or elders. Tell him/ her that may be other will feel bad and take him/ her as indecorous and shame less as this kind of advance knowledge is not acceptable in our society in an open manner.

Check your child’s response:

After giving answer of his/her question of where do babies come from look the child’s face and note his/ her expressions, either satisfactory or getting more confuse. Be careful don’t give too much information which fly over yours  kid’s  head and he/ she starts giggling and  move away by making complicated faces. So answer him/ her step by step in light way and when you notice that your child get satisfy now then stop telling further detail.