Islam

HOW DO MUSLIMS PRAY? Prayer in Islam is the most fundamental act of worship. It  is means of achieving closeness with the One that created us and facilitates Divine love. Significantly it fulfils our ultimate and most profound purpose in our lives: worship. Muslims do not believe in worshipping idols or making pictorial representations of God. These are considered sacrilegious. Rather, they believe in worshipping God alone without any intermediaries or saints. Worship is the essence of man’s nature, allowing man to fulfil his true purpose in this world.

In light of recent events, it is important to shed some light on what life under Islamic governance should look like as witnessed by over a thousand years of history. ISLAMIC VALUES IN PRACTICE Islamic governance is fundamentally based on justice and compassion. These are the central values of Islam that are expressed through a sincere belief in the existence of one God and by seeking to act in a way that is pleasing to Him. By singling Him out for worship and being conscious of one’s accountability, a Muslim is encouraged to act fairly and justly. The Qur’an clearly states in this regard: O you who believe, be steadfast in your devotion to God and bear witness impartially: do not let the hatred of others lead you away from justice, but adhere to justice, for that is closer to being God conscious. Be mindful of God: God is well acquainted with all that you do.[1] O you who believe, uphold justice and bear witness to God, even if it is against yourselves, your parents, or your close relatives. Whether the person is rich or poor, God can best take care of both. Refrain from following your own desire, so that you can act justly – if you distort or neglect justice, God is fully aware of what you do.[2] Mass murder, ethnic cleansing, sectarianism, intolerance, killing journalists, kidnapping and other evils are the very opposite of the compassionate and merciful behaviour that is the hallmark of a true Islamic state.  As the Qur’an states: What will explain to you what the steep path is? It is to free a slave, to feed at a time of hunger an orphaned relative or a poor person in distress, and to be one of those who believe and urge one another to steadfastness and compassion.[3] MINORITIES UNDER ISLAMIC GOVERNANCE In the past, when these values were practiced and internalised, the Muslims who had political authority created a society that was unmatched in history. Consider the treatment of minorities such as the Jews and the Christians. The prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the treaty of Medina said: It is incumbent on all the Muslims to help and extend sympathetic treatment to the Jews who have entered into an agreement with us. Neither an oppression of any type should be perpetrated on them nor their enemy be helped against them.[4] The popular historian Karen Armstrong points out how these values established an unprecedented coexistence: The Muslims had established a system that enabled Jews, Christians, and Muslims to live in Jerusalem together for the first time.[5] The Jewish academic Historian Amnon Cohen illustrates the practical application of Islamic values, and how the Jews of Ottoman Jerusalem were free and contributed to society: No one interfered with their internal organisation or their external cultural and economic activities…The Jews of Ottoman Jerusalem enjoyed religious and administrative autonomy within an Islamic state, and as a constructive, dynamic element of the local economy and society they could – and actually did – contribute to its functioning.[6]    ‘Umar Ibn al-Khattab, the companion of the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the second Caliph of Islam, granted the Christians of Palestine religious freedom, security and peace. His treaty with the Palestinian Christians stated: This is the protection which the servant of Allah, Amir al-Mumineen (Leader of the faithful), grants to the people of Palestine. Thus, protection is for their lives, property, church, cross, for the healthy and sick and for all their co-religionists. In this way that their churches shall not be turned into dwelling houses, nor will they be pulled down, nor any injury will be done to them or to their enclosures, nor to their cross, and nor will anything be deducted from their wealth. No restrictions shall be made regarding their religious ceremonies.[7] In 869 CE, patriarch Theodosius of Jerusalem confirmed the Muslims’ adherence to the treaty of Umar: The Saracens [i.e. the Muslims] show us great goodwill. They allow us to build our churches and to observe our own customs without hindrance.[8] These historical narratives are not historical accidents but are grounded in the timeless Islamic values of tolerance and mercy. FORCED CONVERSION Forced conversion is utterly forbidden in Islam and the Muslims are not allowed, under any circumstances, to forcefully convert anyone. This is due to the following Quranic verse: There is no compulsion in religion: true guidance has become distinct from error…[9] Michael Bonner, an authority on the history of early Islam, explains the historical manifestation of  the verse above: To begin with, there was no forced conversion, no choice between “Islam and the Sword”. Islamic law, following a clear Quranic principle (2:256), prohibited any such things: dhimmis [non-Muslim under Islamic rule] must be allowed to practice their religion.[10] One of the leading historians of Islam, De Lacy O’ Leary, exposes the myths attributed to Islamic teachings: History makes it clear, however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of the sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myths that historians have ever repeated.[11] NON-MUSLIM TAX: JIZYA The Islamic governing authority, based on various scriptural injunctions, would levy the non-Muslims a type of citizen tax. This tax – known asjizya – was not a burden, and it was usually less than what the Muslims had to pay as tax. The tax was incumbent upon all adult males, however, women, children, the ill and poor were exempt. It was payable at the end of each year and the wealthy non-Muslims would have to give 48 dirhams (which equates to around £500 per year), and the moderately wealthy non-Muslims would pay much less.[12] If anyone could not afford this tax, they would not have to pay anything.[13] In actual fact, it was incumbent on the authorities to ensure that the non-Muslim citizen had enough to feed their families and maintain a decent standard of living. For example, ‘Umar ibn ‘Abd

Islam doesn’t view ‘spirituality’ separately from everyday activities. In Islam everything is ‘spiritual’ because all actions must be in accordance with God’s pleasure. This view comes from the Islamic creed and the Muslim’s understanding of tawhid (the oneness of God). ‘There is no deity worthy of worship except God’ this conviction creates a world view, a perspective and a unique behaviour. It essential means that all actions – from having a shower to picking up litter from the floor – should be referred to the Creator. This establishes a constant awareness, mindfulness and consciousness of God in everything that the Muslim says or does. The understanding of spirituality in Islam is unlike the secular understanding. It is the constant reference to God and ensuring that everything he or she does is in accordance with God’s pleasure. This consciousness is not static, it is dynamic. The level of God consciousness is dependent upon how close the Muslim is with His Lord. This personal relationship is established and strengthened by following a unique programme of activities that have been prescribed by God Himself. This ‘spiritual’ programme is also an effective means to change the negative traits and habits of the Muslim. Some of these activities include remembrance of God, prayer, giving charity, fasting, reflecting on creation, meditation, reading and reflecting upon the Qur’an, memorising the Qur’an and daily supplications. The Prophet Muhammad (upon whom be peace) emphasised on developing a good character by engaging a constant practice of prayer, meditation, remembrance of God and other activities, as these actions change the heart and thereby bring one closer to God. Verily in the body there is a piece of flesh. If it is sound, the body is all sound. If it is corrupt, the body is all corrupt. Verily, it is the heart. God consciousness is an essential element in Islamic spiritual practice, without it, the Muslim’s behaviour and attitude are corrupted. The benefits of God consciousness as derived from the Qur’an are: Guidance: because of His words “guidance for the muttaqeen (the people of God consciousness)” Help: because of His words “Truly, Allah is with the people who have taqwa (God consciousness)” Closeness with God: because of His words, ”Allah is the close friend of the muttaqeen” Love: because of His words, “Truly Allah loves the muttaqeen” A way out from unhappiness, and provision from where one does not expect: because of His words, “Whoever has taqwa of Allah He will make a way out for him and provide him from where he does not expect” Facilitation of affairs: because of His words, “Whoever has taqwa of Allah He will make ease for him in his affair” Full covering over of wrong actions and magnification of rewards: because of His words, “Whoever has taqwa of God He will cover over his wrong actions and magnify a reward for him” Islam has a unique view on spirituality as it encompasses all aspects of the Muslim’s life. All actions that are referred to God are spiritual, and these actions include the supplications we utter before we go to bed to the type of bank account we hold. God has prescribed certain actions that develop positive characters as well as bringing the Muslim closer to God thereby attain God consciousness. This state achieves many things including God’s love, closeness and divine assistance.

GLOBAL WARMING Climate change is the most severe problem we are facing today- more serious even than the threat of terrorism. This is according to Sir David Anthony King, the former Chief Scientific Adviser to the British Government and Head of the Government Office for Science from October 2000 to 31 December 2007. The potential human suffering brought about as a direct consequence of the effects of global warming are catastrophic! The warming of the world’s oceans is expanding their volume, while polar ice sheets have started to melt and glaciers around the world are shrinking. The combination of these changes is increasing sea level. Coastal systems and low lying areas will increasingly experience adverse impacts such as submergence, coastal flooding and coastal erosion . Extreme weather events like heat waves, droughts, heavy rain and snow, storms and floods are becoming more frequent or more intense. In Europe the Mediterranean area is becoming drier, making it even more vulnerable to drought and wildfires. Northern Europe, meanwhile, is getting significantly wetter, and winter floods could become common and are expected to cause significant changes in the quality and availability of water resources. The lack of fresh drinkable water is set to become the major source of conflict on our planet, with the potential for untold levels of human suffering. Many poor developing countries are among the most vulnerable to climate change but also have the least resources to cope with its impacts. Global warming is likely to be the greatest cause of species extinctions this century. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says a 1.5°C average rise may put 20-30% of species at risk. If the planet warms by more than 3°C, most ecosystems will struggle. Some even believe that the rabid melting of ice sheets will have a dramatic knock on effect on the earth’s delicate crust and lead to an increase in earthquakes and volcanic activity. According to many media outlets you might imagine that the premise that humans have caused climate change and global warming is controversial or even imagined. This is not the position of the vast majority of scientists and experts in the field. From a scientific perspective we are as certain that humans are responsible for our recent climate change as we are that cigarettes kill. Climate scientists agree that climate change is happening here and now. Based on well-established evidence, around 97% of climate scientists have concluded that human-caused climate change is happening. The American Association for the Advancement of Science, has issued an uncharacteristically blunt call to action on climate change. As climatologist Lonnie Thompson explained back in 2010: Climatologists, like other scientists, tend to be a stolid group. We are not given to theatrical rantings about falling skies. Most of us are far more comfortable in our laboratories or gathering data in the field than we are giving interviews to journalists or speaking before Congressional committees. Why then are climatologists speaking out about the dangers of global warming? The answer is that virtually all of us are now convinced that global warming poses a clear and present danger to civilisation. Others have postulated that the whole issue of climate change is invented or exaggerated by governments as a pretext to raise “stealth” taxes and pass laws to reduce civil liberties and to impose further state control. Although many governments have done exactly that, it does not mean that the threat of global warming in not real. In fact the consequences of global warming are indeed likely to cause further world wide instability and unrest and itself act as a catalyst for increased government control, which should motivate all freedom loving people to try and halt it. There are two reasons why global warming is not likely to be some conspiracy. Firstly, the almost complete consensus of scientists in the field. Although science is not beyond being influenced and controlled, the method of peer reviewing theories and data and the general openness of the scientific community still makes this an unlikely scenario when applied to a virtual consensus. Secondly, the issue of climate change has been warned about for well over thirty five years, mostly by people who were often very much anti-establishment. In fact there is evidence that a well-coordinated, well-funded campaign by contrarian scientists, free-market think tanks and industry has created a paralysing fog of doubt around climate change. Through advertisements, op-eds and lobbying, the media attention has by and large been funded by the energy industry! Indeed, an analysis conducted by The Carbon Brief in 2011 found that 9 out of 10 of the most prolific authors who cast doubt on climate change or speak against it have ties to ExxonMobil. Greenpeace have said that Koch industries, a major player in the fuel industry and one of the largest private companies in America, invested more than US$50 million in the past 50 years on spreading doubts about climate change. This is hardly surprising since the major catalyst of man made climate change has been identified as the burning of fossil fuels. Changes in agriculture with extensive deforestation and increased desertification as well as the increase in livestock, are considered to be major contributors to the emission of greenhouse gases, particularly methane. SO WHAT ARE THE SOLUTIONS? I remember some years back when I was working as a cabbie in South London, I came to find out that one of my passengers was part of the senior management team of Greenpeace. I remember the conversation clearly: I have to say, I really respect you guys. Some of the stuff you do to raise awareness is amazing. Well, thanks, that’s nice of you to say so. No I mean it. The environment is such an important issue. The way our planet is being destroyed with Global warming, pollution of seas and atmosphere, destruction of species…it’s an issue we have to deal with. Of course, that’s what Greenpeace is all about! Yea, sure, but you know I actually think you guys are

The belief that all members of each race possess characteristics, abilities, or qualities specific to that race, especially so as to distinguish it as inferior or superior to another race or races: theories of racism. (The definition of racism, Oxford Dictionary) Take a moment to think back to your school days and see if you remember an incident when someone you knew was racially mocked. Most likely you do – maybe it was a gesture, a joke or even a physical attack. The reality is that this type of bullying can affect the life and self esteem of the victim for the rest of their life. But this behaviour doesn’t stop with children but continues on into adulthood with many people. The Independent recently highlighted a shocking poll which revealed that 1 in 3 Brits had thoughts and feelings which would be considered as racist [1]. What’s alarming is that previous such reports [2] have suggested that many people’s feelings of hostility towards foreigners was passed down from previous generations. This might seem obvious, since we know that racism isn’t genetic so it must be taught. Just like a child is taught manners, morals or right from wrong, a parent or carer can nurture feelings of racial resentment in a child. You may have witnessed very young children in playgrounds. Children too young to be tainted by such nurturing. When left with other children of a different colour, they will happily play together, as naturally as they would with children of their own colour. For such children, colour doesn’t come into the equation – because racism isn’t part of their natural disposition. Most people may think that we have moved into the 21st century without the racial tensions and prejudices that have plagued our world in the past. Following the victory of the second world war in the 40’s, the U.S. Civil Rights Movements of the 60’s, the disintegration of past apartheid states in the 90’s, and the appointment of a black U.S. president in the new century, we do see greater integration in the world today…but the disease of racism continues to dwell amongst us, as many will testify: “Racism is still with us. But it is up to us to prepare our children for what they have to meet, and, hopefully, we shall overcome.” Rosa Parks, American Civil Rights Activist So racism still exists in societies today. Maybe it’s more hidden and subtle but the effects of it are still present, requiring us to educate ourselves on how to deal with it. So please join together ‘Against Racism’. As one famous man once said; “To me the earth’s most explosive and pernicious evil is racism, the inability of God’s creatures to live as One, especially in the Western world.” Malcolm X – El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz ISLAM’S STANCE AGAINST RACISM There are many groups and individuals that still hold abhorrent views of other people who are of a different race or caste. An arrogant hatred stemming from feelings of racial superiority. We, as Muslims, are calling people to stand up against such views, whether held within our circle of friends, families, colleagues or communities – ‘Against Racism, Against Hatred’. ISLAM’S VIEW ON RACISM Islam teaches that all people are equal and the only difference between people is their level of piety and god consciousness. In the Qur’an, it clearly states: “Oh Mankind, We (God) created you from a single pair of a male and a female (Adam and Eve), and made you into tribes and nations so that you may know one another (not so that you despise each other). Verily, the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah (God) is he who is most righteous of you.” The Qur’an, Chapter 49, Verse 13 So all humans descend from Adam and Eve. In that sense, we are all essentially brothers and sisters. Our differing colours and diversity is not there to cause division but as a method of recognising one another. Such traits do not elevate a person’s status but rather our status with God is based on our level of piety and righteousness. In a further verse from the Qur’an: “And amongst his signs is the creation of heaven and the earth, and the diversity of your language and colours; Verily, in these are signs for those who have knowledge.” The Qur’an, Chapter 30, Verse 22 The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him – pbuh) is authentically reported to have said: “Allah does not look at your appearances or wealth but looks at your actions”. The Prophet (pbuh) also reiterated this point in his last sermon to the people, as can be seen from the following excerpt: “O people, Remember that your Lord is One. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a black has no superiority over white, nor a white has any superiority over black, except by piety and good action (Taqwa). Indeed the best among you is the one with the best character (Taqwa). The Prophet’s Last Sermon as reported in Baihaqi As can be seen from the above quote, Islam is the antidote to racism, since in Islam there is no tolerance for racism. Muslims feel it is a duty to convey these messages within our wider society and work towards the common good, both in word and deed. WHAT DO MUSLIMS BELIEVE? A Muslim means one who submits (in obedience) to God. The Muslim values are based around a firm belief in One God, a single Creator. Some essential tenets of a Muslim’s belief include: BELIEF IN ONE GOD Allah is the name used by Muslims for God. Allah is considered to be the same name used by previous Prophets of God and can be found in other semitic languages and past scriptures (old testament), often translated as Elah. The name itself does not directly translate as ‘God’ but is a much more comprehensive meaning referring to the all

Imagine this article began by calling you names. Actually, imagine it used the most vile language to curse you or the person you love most. Would you continue reading? Even if you did, would you take seriously what it had to say? Would you have an open mind to try and understand what was written? Of course you wouldn’t! You would probably throw this booklet in the bin. No human being should be expected to tolerate uncivilised, degrading language, deliberate abuse and repugnant expressions. As humans, we qualify ourselves through the use of our language, our manners and our sensibilities. We are careful about how others perceive us; what we say is how we present ourselves to the world. The philanthropist and anti-apartheid revolutionary Nelson Mandela once said: “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” No one prides themselves on the language of insults. Insults never appeal to anyone’s mind or heart. In reality, insulting behaviour and speech is a throwback to the worst part of our childhood. In the playground we would see bullies using abusive language to belittle others weaker than them. Good parents, teachers and communities expend great efforts to inculcate in children kindness, listening skills, empathy and teaching them not to be abusive or offensive. How then, and according to what logic, does it become a right to offend, and how can such behaviour be deemed in any way appropriate, let alone civilised? We only need to look back to the 1930’s when the free language of bigotry was used against a minority group to demonise them, which led to the horrific events of the holocaust. As shocking as this may sound, it highlights a very important point; whether we like it or not, what we say can make or break our world. Despite this, there are those who claim that we can say whatever we want in whichever way we want. Every free-thinking person will say that they believe in the freedom of speech. If we didn’t, we wouldn’t be free to discuss politics, religion, the evil of bigotry and racism, and much more. Our freedom to speak about these things is what makes us human – let’s not use that humanity to dehumanise others. THE HISTORY OF FREEDOM OF SPEECH When we examine the historical circumstances of freedom of speech, we will see that it emerged as a result of a specific problem. Christian Europe was under the control of the Church and the ‘Divinely chosen Kings’ and was subjugated to centuries of authoritarian rule, absent of transparency and accountability. This is why people demanded the freedom to take the oppressive state to account, establish justice and learn about the truth of the world. Hence, freedom of speech was a concept that was born out of the European Enlightenment in order to account those in power, establish justice in society, and as a means for seeking the truth and facilitating human progression. The inception of the modern concept of freedom of speech as we know it today, arose under this particular context. However, this notion of ‘freedom’ was never intended to insult, offend or defame any social group. This is why the 19th century British philosopher, and one of the founders of the free speech movement, John S. Mill, argued that for truth and justice we must be cautious with our language. FREEDOM TO INSULT AND DEGRADE? In light of the above, you’re probably thinking that something has seriously gone wrong. You’re right. We are now far removed from the civilised discourse of the likes of John S. Mill, Aristotle, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Winston Churchill and William Shakespeare. Think about it. There are many news outlets, publications, websites and other media corporations that have contradicted the fundamental objectives of freedom of speech by conflating it with the right to degrade, insult and defame. We have all seen and experienced the lies, hate and defamation of many in the media. Sadly, it has led to more lies, hatred and mistrust. It does not help form a harmonious society, where intellectual and rational dialogue between different communities can take place. The unfortunate reality today is that freedom of speech is politicised in practice, absent of the most basic human civility to respect others’ ideas, beliefs and values. Do we want to live in such a society? A society that is free to curse, rather than converse? The post-modern philosopher, Søren Kierkegaard, aptly said, “People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought which they seldom use.” Søren Kierkegaard To illustrate this point, here are some reasons why being free to degrade and insult actually goes against the objectives of free speech: Firstly, from the perspective of truth and progress: in order to acquire the truth and facilitate progress, reasoned and well mannered argumentation and discussion is required, and this must be couched in human language. Insulting and degrading language or imagery does not facilitate truth and progress. Imagine the prominent physicist Stephen Hawking explaining one of his famous theories. What would happen if he then used pornographic imagery to denounce others who opposed it, or continually swore at them during his presentation? Would that expressionism facilitate discussion? It is more likely to create a barrier to knowledge and understanding. Secondly, from the aspect of accountability and justice, accounting governments and individuals also requires good, polite and reasoned dialogue. If one was to approach a dictator, cursing them and using the most vile language, would one successfully bring them to account? That is very unlikely. In order to do so, it would be better to articulate a positive case against their crimes and injustices. These examples show that insult and degradation defeat the very objective of the freedom of speech. There is, however, a fine line between deliberate and unintended insults. After all, one person’s insults can be another’s form