Islam is essentially a peaceful religion.  However, many people do not know that – because it is impossible to write about Islam and Muslims without recalling the terrible events of September 11th 2001.  The two seem to have become inextricably linked and that has, understandably, damaged the public perception of what it really means to be a Muslim.  So, before we take a look at Islam, let’s clear up some misunderstanding about 9/11.  The dreadful terrorist attack is believed to have been orchestrated by Osama Bin Laden, who claimed responsibility.  But is Bin Laden a Muslim and what do other Muslims really think about that tragic day?

Osama Bin Laden’s religion

Bin Laden was born to a wealthy family and was raised to be a Muslim – but his family were devout followers of Wahhabi Muslim.  This is a breakaway group that is believed to have been started by Muhammad ibn Abd-al-Wahhab who wished to purge Islam of ‘unwelcome innovations’.  Wahabis didn’t just disapprove of non-Muslims – they also committed violent acts against other Muslims, who they saw as not strictly following the religion.  In 1801 – 1802, they took over the holy Iraqui cities of Karbala and Najaf, slaughtered many of the people and destroyed holy tombs.  This is the way of thinking that Bin Laden was brought up to believe in – not the peaceful path of Islam.

Muslim reaction to 9/11

Virtually all leaders of Islam and Muslim organizations spoke out to condemn the terrible events of that day.  The Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia (the highest official of Muslim religious law), said that  “…hijacking planes, terrorizing innocent people and shedding blood, constitute a form of injustice that cannot be tolerated by Islam, which views them as gross crimes and sinful acts.”

Reprisals

Following 9/11, there were many attacks on Muslims living in America, many who had been born there.  On September 17th, six days after the Towers fell, George W. Bush visited the Islamic Center in Washington DC and spoke out against reprisal attacks, saying “…those who feel like they can intimidate our fellow citizens to take out their anger don’t represent the best of America, they represent the worst of humankind, and they should be ashamed of that kind of behavior.“

Prince Charles speaks up for Islam

On December 13th 1996, Prince Charles gave a speech in Sussex, England, which he titled “Building Bridges between Islam and the West”.  He said “…I start from the belief that Islamic civilisation at its best…has an important message for the West in the way it has retained an integrated and integral view of the sanctity of the world around us.  I feel that we in the West could be helped to rediscover the roots of our own understanding by an appreciation of the Islamic tradition’s deep respect for the timeless traditions of the natural order.”

So what is ‘Islamic Fundamentalism’?

Muslims say that Islam itself has no concept of ‘fundamentalism’.  They say that this term was originated by the media in the west, to include those who wish to follow the ‘fundamental principles’ of Islam and live their lives according to those principles.

They go on to say that a practicing God fearing Muslim can not be a fanatic or an extremist because Islam is a religion of moderation.

What does the word ‘Islam’ mean?

It has two meanings, peace and a conscious and willing submission to the one Almighty God, Allah.  This submission requires Muslims to act on Allah’s Holy word (as written in the text of the Qur’an) and also on what Allah’s Prophet, Muhammad, entreated followers to do.

Peace is achieved by getting rid of one’s ego and submitting to Allah.

What about Muslim Sects?

Muslims do not have sects but there are two major ‘groups’ of followers within Islam.  These are the Shia (15% of Muslims) and the Sunni (85% of Muslims).  Both groups follow the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad, pray five times a day, fast for the month of Ramadan and make the pilgrimage to Mecca, called the hajj.

How the Sunni and the Shia differ: The Sunni follow the Prophet Muhammad.  The Shia (who mostly live in Iran and Iraq) follow the Prophet Muhammad and the teachings of Ali, who was the Prophet Muhammad’s son-in-law.

Who was Muhammad and what is the Quran?

The Prophet Muhammad was born into a noble tribe in Mecca, Arabia, in 570 AD.  He was  descended from the Prophet Ishmael who was the son of Abraham.  Muhammad’s father died before he was born and he lost his mother at six years of age.  He was raised first by a nurse (which was customary in those times) and then by his grandfather and an uncle.  In his youth, he liked to meditate in a cave and at the age of 40, he became a Prophet because the Angel Gabriel appeared to him in that cave.  For the next 23 years, the Angel gave him the revelations which were compiled into the Quran.  This book, which Muslims believe is the word of God, has been kept in its’ original form.  Muslims say that it confirms the words of the Torah, the psalms and the holy gospels.

Do Muslims worship Muhammad?

No they don’t.  They believe in all prophets and that includes Adam, Abraham, David, Noah, Moses and Jesus.  Muslims simply believe that Muhammad was the last of all of the prophets.  They don’t worship any human being – believing that only God (Allah) is to be worshipped.

What is the Muslim opinion of Jesus?

Many people don’t realise that Jesus is held in very high regard in the Islamic faith.  Muslims believe him to be the promised Messiah, born of the Virgin Mary to bring the word of God.

What are the ‘pillars of Islam’?

There are five main pillars of Islam, which all Muslims are required to follow.  They are:

1.  The belief in one God (Allah) and the belief that the Prophet Muhammad is his messenger.

2.  Praying to Allah five times each day.

3.  Fasting during the month of Ramadan.

4.  Charity

5.  Hajj – the once in a lifetime pilgrimage to Mecca (if one can afford it financially and one is physically fit enough to make the journey).

These are called pillars because Muslims liken them to a building, which needs all of the pillars to be of an equal height and strength.  Therefore, it is necessary to follow all of the pillars of faith.

In addition to the pillars, the moral codes of Islam demand truthfulness, honesty and many other qualities which make a ‘good’ human being.  Once all of these are in place, the ‘building’ is complete and perfect.

Are there things that Muslims can’t do?

Yes.  The Quran teaches that it is forbidden to eat pork or any product derived from pork.  Muslims may not eat meat from an animal which died before it was slaughtered.  They mustn’t eat any animal that is carnivorous or drink blood.  They are also forbidden to use alcohol or recreational (i.e. non medical) drugs.

What is Sharia?

This is the Muslim law which comes from two sources, the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad.  Islamic laws exist to protect the basic human rights of each individual.  This includes a right to life, property laws, political freedom, religious freedom and upholding the rights of women and minority groups.  In areas where Muslims are devout, there is a very low crime rate.

But isn’t Islam oppressive to women?

Muslims don’t believe that it is.  Over 1400 years ago, Islam gave women the right to divorce, the right to be financially independent and Hijab – the right to be recognized as dignified women.  Under Islam, married women can keep their maiden name.  They can also keep any money that they earn and spend it how they choose.  One of the Prophet Muhammad’s teachings was “…the best among you is the one who is best to his family.”  However, it is true, that some Muslim men do oppress women – but this is not due to Islam.  It is because of cultural habits that are non-Islamic or because of an ignorance regarding their religion.

But the women have to cover up so much…

Islam believes in modesty and that no-one (women or men) should be viewed as a ‘sex object’.  For both sexes, the rule is that garments should not be too thin or too tight – to avoid showing the shape of the body beneath.  Men have to cover at least from their knee to their navel.  In general, Islamic women cover all of their body apart from their face and their hands.  However, this is due to choice and respect, not oppression.

Muslims are not all terrorists – but peaceful people with a strong faith and a good sense of morals.  It is such a pity that they are not often viewed with that in mind.  We hope that this has helped to spread a little understanding.

Filed under: Religion

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