Tag: Muslims

  • In the absence of affirmation or constructive criticism, it’s extremely difficult to maintain my bearings on whether I’m heading in the right direction or not. I’m inclined to believe that despite my best efforts, I simply do not fit in with the Muslim community. This despite the fact that I am a regular musallee and those salaah that I miss in congregation I perform in the privacy of my home. I pay my zakaah, but in private of course. I fast during Ramadaan and occasionally on days recommended by the Sunnah throughout the year, but I don’t advertise it to others when I do. I have tried to obtain my visa for Hajj twice now, but both attempts being unsuccessful because of quota restrictions from the Saudi government. And most importantly, I have no doubt that there is no god but Allah, and that Muhammed (SAW) is the last and final prophet and messenger of Allah.

    Yet none of this is sufficient to provide me with any level of peace or fulfillment in my engagements with the broader Muslim community. The lack of conviction to principles, the kowtowing to elitist social circles, the embellishment of kufr to make it acceptable, the condescension and rhetoric from the pulpits, the detachment of the scholars from the communities, the excess in lifestyles, not just materialistically, but also ritualistically, the condoning of suicide bombings and attacks on unarmed women and children, and so much more that just doesn’t seem to fit in with the value system that I see Islam teaching us. 

    We’re living the signs of the hour, yet we’re still looking outwardly to judge others for their contribution to these signs? I need to find the middle path in all this…Ya Allah, please guide me to the path of moderation and sincerity in all this. Please save me from myself, and save me from the allures of social acceptance when that acceptance demands insincerity and hypocrisy. 

  • Moon and Star (Part II)

    The following email exchange occurred between me and the Jamiatul Ulama of South Africa (KZN) in July/August 2010. This still leaves a bitter after taste because of the blatant double standards and evasiveness of their response. I’ve omitted real names of both the scholar that responded on their behalf as well as my own in order to avoid any unnecessary personal attacks regarding this post. Any thoughts on this will be most appreciated given how much this issue plagues me right now.

    At the time, there was a massive drive by Ulama across numerous organisations in South Africa to speak out against the wearing of the soccer tops by Muslims because the emblems of some of the countries contained crucifixes. I therefore raised the following concerns with the Jamiat.

    Me: I noticed the raging debates on the mosque boards and now on the CII site about the inappropriateness of the soccer tops, mainly due to the kufr signs that are displayed on them. Whilst I fully agree with the views expressed about the inappropriateness of the symbols emblazoned on these soccer tops, I’m particularly incensed by the statements about how this proves to be an insult to Allah’s majesty…the reason I’m incensed, and this is where I need to hear your views, is that there is such an uproar about these symbols that are entirely voluntarily worn or supported (apart from the irresponsible encouragement by some so-called leaders of the community), yet the symbols that are forced on the Ummah by being placed atop masaajid and numerous publications, garments, adornments, etc. are never challenged…and in fact, when it was challenged, I was told that as long as it doesn’t affect your Imaan, it’s acceptable because it’s simply an adornment! Isn’t this view blatant double standards, if not hypocrisy? (Whilst this may be an unfair generalisation, the adoption of this symbol across the vast majority of masaajid throughout the world, let alone South Africa, attests to the fact that it is widely accepted as appropriate).

    At least the crosses on the soccer tops are not purporting to be something other than symbols derived from the Christian faith, whereas the crescent and star have been ferociously adopted by so many Muslims throughout the world as a symbol of Islam, yet there isn’t a single shred of evidence that suggests it was ever hinted at, let alone used during the time of Rasulullah (SAW) or even many generations thereafter! So why is it that our Ulama and other leaders of the Muslim community are so incensed about this matter of the jerseys that are really an individual choice (albeit a misguided one), when they happily lead the salaah to worship none other than Allah Whose Majesty is now being insulted (according to the precedent set by their statements) by these soccer crosses, yet they’re standing directly below, in front of, behind and even on top of the crescent and star symbols which are steeped in pagan and Christian worship? 

    Please, explain this to me so that I can correct my views if I’m really missing the point here. I’m not for one second suggesting that the soccer tops with the questionable symbols should be condoned. But I’m finding it difficult to reconcile the effort and outrage about these soccer tops when compared to the complacency and open acceptance and support for the use of the kuffaar symbols of the crescent and star as being symbolic of Islam?

    Please view the links below for supporting evidence from various sources on the origins of the crescent and star symbols within the context of Islam:

    http://www.cyberistan.org/islamic/crescent1.htm

    “Incidentally, the ‘Golden Age of Islam’ that we all reminisce so passionately about came to a close about the mid-15th century with the fall of Spain and the invasion of the Mongols. This was about the same time that ‘the star and crescent’ started to be hoisted up as the banner or representation of Muslims. We’ve never been able to regain that greatness again. Coincidence? “

    http://islam.about.com/od/history/a/crescent_moon.htm

    “The crescent moon and star symbol actually pre-dates Islam by several thousand years. Information on the origins of the symbol are difficult to ascertain, but most sources agree that these ancient celestial symbols were in use by the peoples of Central Asia and Siberia in their worship of sun, moon, and sky gods. There are also reports that the crescent moon and star were used to represent the Carthaginian goddess Tanit or the Greek goddess Diana.”

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

    “The truth is that the crescent was not identified with Islam until after the appearance of the Osmanli Turks, whilst on the other hand there is the clearest evidence that in the time of the Crusades, and long before, the crescent and star were a regular badge of Byzantium and the Byzantine Emperors, some of whom placed it on their coins.”

    http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?pagename=IslamOnline-English-Ask_Scholar/FatwaE/FatwaE&cid=1119503544398

    The American Muslim scholar, Sheik Yusuf Estes, Director of islamtomorrow.com, and National Chaplain WAMY, adds: 

    “The symbol of Islam IS NOT the crescent moon and the star, but it was used by the last Islamic Dynasty, the Ottoman’s. The Ottoman Empire deemed it appropriate to use the star and crescent as their symbols, but not the symbols of Islam. I repeat, the star and the crescent moon are not a part of the religion of Islam. Because Islam is so strict on the concept of no other gods with Allah; and no images of any kind; it is a mistake to consider that Islam authorized the general use of such things. Additionally, Islam forbids the images (statues) of any kinds of humans, animals or any of Allah’s creations, so how about using a symbol for Islam?” 

    Me: (6 weeks later) May I please get a response to this email of mine. I would appreciate a clear response indicating the position of the Ulama on the use of the crescent and star symbols in Islam relative to the evidence I’ve provided below regarding the origins of these symbols. 

    Jamiat: We apologise for the overdue response. This was due to relocating at our new premises…

    Likewise, we have not found any evidence in the Qur’an and Hadith linking the Crescent and Star symbol to Islam. It is not part of Islam in any way. With regards to speaking out against it, we feel it best that people be gradually educated about it  to avoid contention. 

    Nevertheless, your input is much appreciated.

    Me: Jazakallah for your response. Would you be so kind as to clarify why such a vastly different approach is being adopted by the Jamiat on this matter? The approach on the issue relating to symbolism on the soccer tops was considerably more vociferous and at times blatantly contentious with open public debates on various radio stations, including posters in the Masaajid and discussions from the mimbar. So it’s somewhat confusing to note the comment ‘we feel it best that people be gradually educated about it to avoid contention’ for an issue that is excessively ingrained as a blatant bid’ah in the Ummah across the globe and not just limited to the South African community either. Surely something this serious and this prevalent requires an even firmer and deliberate approach than a gradual educational process?

    Jamiat: We do not consider it to be a Bid’ah for it is not considered as part of Deen itself. If a Muslim does not attach the symbol of the crescent and moon on his house, a Musallah or even a Musjid, it is not frowned upon nor does anyone consider it to be a sin if it is omitted. Thus, we feel that other matters of greater concern should be dealt with on the level of higher priority.

    Me: Jazakallah for taking the time to clarify your position. I appreciate your views on the status of the crescent and star not being a bid’ah, but I would still like clarification on the point I highlighted below. Please note that my original concern raised is about the imbalance in approach between the symbolism on the soccer tops versus this matter. The symbolism is similar, but the impact of the current use of the crescent and star so much more widespread and detrimental than the use of the symbols on the soccer tops especially given the specific origins of the use of the crescent and star in Islam, namely directly linked to paganism and/or Christianity.

    The approach on the issue relating to symbolism on the soccer tops was considerably more vociferous and at times blatantly contentious with open public debates on various radio stations, including posters in the Masaajid and discussions from the mimbar. So it’s somewhat confusing to note the comment ‘we feel it best that people be gradually educated about it to avoid contention‘…

    Apologies if it appears that I am labouring this point, because that is not my intention at all. I’m really just struggling to understand why something with such sinister origins is being treated so lightly after being well entrenched into Islamic culture so much so that it has become the default symbol to represent Islam. To my limited knowledge, Nabi (SAW) at one point prevented the Muslims from wearing specific items of clothing so as not to imitate the non-Muslims at the time, so how much more significant is this symbol that represents more than just a custom of the pagans or Christians?

    *P.S. To date I have received no further responses and numerous masaajid have since been opened in South Africa with many of them being adorned with the moon and star symbols or variations thereof. The Jamiat has yet to issue any public statement on this and have as yet (to my knowledge) not followed through on any educational process to inform the Muslims of South Africa about the harms of this practice. 

    Am I really making a mountain out of a molehill, or is there merit to my concerns?

  • I always admire those that chose Islam later in life more than those that were born with it, not because I’m ungrateful for the blessing that Allah has bestowed on me by raising me in a Muslim home, but because there’s a wisdom and a value in making a conscious choice that I may never realise.

    To me, being born in a Muslim home was like receiving the gift of Islam. And like most gifts that are treasured, they’re seldom questioned, or appreciated for more than just being gifts. So the inherent value of the gift often escapes most of us. Islam is more a blessing than it is a gift. And blessings, to be appreciated, has to be understood and valued based on the realisation of what life would be like without such a blessing.

    Someone that was previously employed and now has no work to earn a living can relate to this. That job when it was available, no matter how tedious or trying, was a blessing. But the realisation of how much a blessing it was only dawns when it is no longer there.

    I think it’s the same with Islam. When we’ve had it with us all of our lives, it’s easy to take it for granted. And given how insular the Muslim community has become, it’s nearly impossible to witness the gravity of this blessing unless we venture outside our communities and engage with those that are godless. Witness the lack of purpose, the hopelessness, the depression and the destitution of a life without meaning, and then realising the true beauty and blessing of the gift of Islam becomes a tangible reality rather than a just a gift that we received but didn’t earn.

  • It’s sad to see how much time we spend trying to decide who’s kaafir and who’s not, which sects are good and which are not, that we fail to notice our own dwindling Imaan. Whenever someone boldly states that so-and-so is kaafir because of doing such and such a thing, then I am immediately reminded of the Hadeeth (if I’m not mistaken) that when one person calls another a kaafir, then one of them are!

    We look for reason to create divisions, and to raise the status of one group above another, and I can’t help but wonder if at the bottom of all this might lie the simple vices of pride and arrogance of association? We have drifted so far from applying the principles of Islam, yet we’re ready to intellectualise the practices and beliefs of others and declare in our flawed wisdom the state of their Imaan?

  • Moon and Star (Part I)

    Look at the below image, then read the prayer that follows…consider it for a while, visualise it in your head, and then answer the questions that follow:

    Diana, goddess of the Hunt

    Prayer To Diana

    Lovely Goddess of the bow!
    Lovely Goddess of the arrows!
    Of all hounds and of all hunting
    Thou who wakest in starry heaven
    When the sun is sunk in slumber
    Thou with moon upon they forehead,
    Who the chase by night preferrest
    Unto hunting in the daylight,
    With thy nymphs unto the music
    Of the horn-thyself the huntress,
    And most powerful: I pray thee
    Think, although but for an instant,
    Upon us who pray unto thee!

    1. Would you, as a Muslim, pray to this woman for your needs?
    2. Would you bow to her, at her feet, or perhaps rest your forehead on her hands in worship?
    3. From a different perspective, would you perform your salaah in a church that is still decorated with statues and crucifixes?

    If you answered ‘No’ to all the above, and I pray that you did, then why are we so complacent about praying in a masjid that has the very same symbol of this same woman proudly placed at the top of the dome and minaret, incorporated into the logos and letterheads, embellished in sand blasted designs on the glass doors and windows, and intricately woven into the designs of our musallahs/carpets? 

    There is no doubt about the origins of the moon and star in Islam. It has no place. Period! It was never used during the time of the noble prophet (SAW), nor was it used for hundreds of years after his demise. It was first used by the Ottoman army after their conquering of the city of Constantinople and it was adopted as a symbol of the army, along with the star of King Richard who was celebrated in Constantinople before the Muslims took control. 

    Before the 14th century, the crescent and star does not seem to have been associated with Islam at all, and appears in Christian iconography.[20] [21] ~ Wikipedia

    Another article worth quoting states:

    Incidentally, the ‘Golden Age of Islam’ that we all reminisce so passionately about came to a close about the mid-l5th century with the fall of Spain and the invasion of the Mongols. This was about the same time that ‘the star and crescent’ started to be hoisted up as the banner or representation of Muslims. We’ve never been able to regain that greatness again. Coincidence? ~ Rafael Narbaez Jr.

    Yet, we now have this most despicable of symbols embellishing the minarets of the most sacred sites of Islam, namely the Harams, and we have ignorant Muslims from around the world using pictures of these designs as justification for the installation of these same pagan symbols on mosques that are being built today. And during all of this, our impotent Ulama are saying that they agree that it has no place in Islam, but that they would prefer to deal with the matter subtly so as not to upset the community!

    So I ask you again, would you bow down before a cross, or a statue of Mary or Jesus?

    Then why do you bow down before a pagan goddess? Or do you believe that in this case intention outweighs practice?

  • Today in the masjid at dhuhr time, one of the men forgot to switch their mobile phone to silent, so in the middle of the salaah it rang out with a very melodiously inappropriate tone. Given how long it rang, there obviously wasn’t much urgency on the part of the man to silence it. He eventually did, and in the next rakaah it rang again…and again with little urgency to silence it. And again, just before the salaah was completed, or perhaps moments after, it rang again. And again, no urgency to silence it.

    So it was inevitable that someone would feel the need to speak out against it, at which point an elderly man sitting on a chair in the last row performing his salaah shouted out at the man asking him to switch it off and to ‘get his head sorted out’. Some found this amusing, others didn’t notice, and perhaps others, like me, found this disappointing. I wonder if either of those men realised that at that point they both had become the personification of two of the signs of the hour? One I believe is the raising of the voice in the masjid, and the other being the playing of music in the masjid. 

    But here’s the clincher for me. Both men were fully adorned in the Sunnah dress code, including traditional ‘kurta’ or cloak, head covering as well as full fist-length beards. These are supposed to be ambassadors of Islam, and representatives of Rasulullah (SAW) given their choice to imitate his appearance as closely as possible. But instead, their behaviour was anything but that. Which further affirms my contention with Muslims as having become ritualistic followers rather than true believers. 

    The same kurta-clad men are the ones that drive horribly on the roads, park people in at the masjid during Jumu’ah salaah and swindle their way through business in trying to avoid paying legitimate taxes, or trying to under cut their fellow Muslim business owners. This is of course a generalisation, but unfortunately my experiences to the contrary has been the exception, and definitely not the norm.

    This is just one of the reasons why I have packed away my own kurtas, I’ve stopped wearing specifically Islamic dress on a Friday to the office, and I maintain my beard to a length that is beyond a designer ‘face’ beard, but not quite a fist length either. And I do this deliberately and with conviction in the hope that InshaAllah I may be able to realise the principles of the teachings of our beloved Messenger of Allah (SAW), rather than to succumb to the ritualistic mockery that has overtaken the actions of too many Muslims these days. 

  • On this day of Jumu’ah it will be my second Friday in which I will deliberately avoid attending salaah at my local masjid, and instead, go to another not far from me because it is one of the few mosques in the area that is not embellished with those pagan symbols. I used to be regularly stationed in the first row right in front of the mimbar at Jumu’ah time, and I wonder if my absence will even be noted?

    Wondering about that gives me fleeting feelings of insincerity, which is one of the reasons why I stopped attending the local masjid for salaah. I know that as a matter of principle, I cannot on one hand object to the placement of the pagan symbols on the masjid, and on the other continue to attend salaah with congregation just because I don’t want people in the community to think less of me. I stay four doors away from the masjid, so this is even more difficult than usual. 

    So I’ll carve my niche in the first row of another masjid where I’m not known personally and pray that they don’t also decide at some point to decorate their structure with that vile moon and star combination that has come to represent the ritualistic stupour of Muslims around the world. Even the Haram in Makkah and Madinah is defaced with those symbols without even a peep from the Ummah. 

    Reminds me of the hypocrisy of the masses in the Arab Spring! Chanting Allahu-Akbar with every rocket and every bullet fired, and then demanding a secular government! So let’s bow our heads in prayer when worshiping Allah, raise our hands to recite the takbeer, and then prostrate beneath a dome that is adorned with the symbol of Diana, goddess of the hunt, often accompanied by her fellow kaafir King Richard whose star is also emblazoned across the flags of many a ‘Muslim’ nation. 

    Seems we’re an Ummah of Muslims, but not many Mu’min’s. May Allah save me from complacency and excess in this matter. 

  • The day we question the sincerity, intention and motivation of our own leaders as much as we question this about the western nations, that is the day that the Ummah may arise from its slumber, Insha-Allah. Until then, we will continue to follow blindly, establish our identities ritualistically, and be oblivious to the principles and logic that Islam has blessed us with.