Recently Ive been asked to clarify my stance surrounding various events involving Islam, Muslims and the Middle East. Ive had to articulate that I am not a supporter of various terrorist organizations and that my Islam, the true Islam, is not violent and oppressive, but forgiving, freedom inducing and peaceful. It is ridiculous that I have to vocalize that 9/11 was an atrocious and barbaric act performed by an ignorant and hyper-politicized faction of Islam and that I in no way condone the tragedy. That is a given. My having to prove that I should not be expected to act and think according to outrageous stereotypes and misconceptions is an unfortunate reality and frankly, very exhausting. So today is the day I go against my minimalist Facebook policy and attempt to clarify some things. It is unfounded and inaccurate to allege that Islam teaches Muslims to murder or even seek revenge on anyone who verbally abuses or mocks Muslims. On the contrary, Islam mandates that its adherents show patience under provocation and disregard any and all abuse. If the abuse contains allegations against the prophet or God then Muslims are to verbally refute the allegations. The Holy Quran tells Muslims: -Many of the followers of previous books wish that they could turn you back into disbelievers after you have believed, but you should pardon and forgive. (2:109) -Bear patiently what they say. (20:130 and 50:39) -Disregard their hurtful talk. (33:48) -Hold fast to forgiveness and enjoin goodness and turn away from the ignorant. (8:198-199). -Pardon and overlook. Do you not love that God should forgive you? (24:22). Muslims who argue and fight over ignorant or unfounded cartoons or television broadcasts are petty. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself visited a dying woman who used to throw trash at him each day from her window to ensure that she was all right. If the Prophet held no grudge against those who threw broken glass at his feet or spread malicious rumors about his wife, who are modern Muslims to seek revenge via murder? Id like to express my sincerest condolences to the families of the victims of todays shooting in Paris. Their lives were unjustly lost. My religion has been betrayed by these ignorant and profoundly hated men. If it were up to me, I would not call these men Muslims. However, I am not God and only He knows the secrets of all hearts (64:4). The Charlie Hebdo cartoons were hurtful, frustrating and wrong, but despite all of that, today #JeSuisCharlie
Posted on: Thu, 08 Jan 2015 01:46:17 +0000
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