Prophet Muhammed said “It is better for anyone of you to take his rope and to go to the mountain and bring a bundle of wood on his back, sell it and cover his needs, than to ask people, either they give him or refuse.” [Bukhari] COMMENTARY: The Prophet of Mercy reminds all of us that we should not be stretching out our hands and begging from people. We need to make every effort possible to take up whichever occupation we can to earn our own livelihood. If that means that we have to take up the most menial of jobs, then we should in the interest of not living off other people’s money. How can people still in their young age not work on their own and expect other people to look after them? Accepting the lowest paying jobs is much better than begging or continuously living off the government and people’s taxes. This is not to say that the Prophet did not believe in social security or the bolstering of society with social services. It is simply to state that the Prophet wanted able-bodied and able-minded people to make every effort to make a living for themselves. This instills self-reliance, self-esteem and confidence in the people and makes them self-sufficient. When the people do fall on genuinely hard times, it is then that the community should come together to help. == As a Christian pastor, I cringe when extremists incite violence or inflame hatred in the name of Christ. What I have learned from the Muslim community here in Western New York, is that they are grossly misunderstood when judged solely by the acts of extremism done in the name of Islam. Imam Nazim Mangera has taken an important step by writing this wonderful book, a commentary on 100 sayings of the Prophet Muhammed, which reveal the heart of the Prophet, and which help non-Muslims to understand just how far from authentic faith the extremists we hear so much about, have strayed. But even more importantly, Imam Mangera reveals, in an accessible and understandable way, the virtues and values of the people who claim Islam as their spiritual path. And what I discovered, as I read his book, is that the virtues and values of Islam are not so very different from the virtues and values I hope my own parishioners would espouse. This is a bridge-building book which promotes understanding between our country’s Muslim and non-Muslim citizens. I encourage you to take some time to read and understand this needed perspective. Pastor Timothy Madsen St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Williamsville, NY
Posted on: Sun, 22 Sep 2013 14:25:15 +0000
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