What’s a True Muslim Image?
By Rafiq Ebrahim
Glen Ellyn IL
Let’s face it. Let’s acknowledge that a large number of Americans and peoples from other Western countries do not cherish a very good image about Muslims. That does not mean that they think that every Muslim is an extremist, a fanatic, or a potential terrorist, but they try to keep away from Muslims as much as possible because somehow it has been imprinted in their minds that Islam is a violent religion which has a zero tolerance for those who are not Muslims and urges Muslims to follow violent ways to deal with them.
There are two main factors that contribute to such an attitude in the Western mind. First, certain groups of misguided and sometimes brainwashed Muslims resort to violent acts like suicide bombings and explosions that kill even innocent people worldwide and cause incalculable damage. They not only carry out such acts against non-Muslims but also other Muslims who do not adhere to their views; thus we see that even mosques of the sects of Muslims other than their own become the target of bomb blasts that kill a large number of people who are praying.
The second factor is the writings and preaching of some western scholars who, being not very much knowledgeable about what the Qur’an actually says or what Islam really stands for, believe that Islam is a religion of violence. Their words are propagated widely and create false impression about Muslims and their religion. Also the Western media very often plays a part in conveying the wrong message about Muslims. Who is not familiar with the images of bearded Muslims with fire in their eyes and sometimes sword in their hands flashing on TV screen or some websites?
A typical example of such a writing is an article, WORLDWIDE WAVE OF TERRORISM, by a noted writer Scott Ashley which was published in the Nov/Dec 04 issue of GOOD NEWS magazine. The article convincingly lays bare the heinous acts of terrorism prevailing in the world today, but also conveys the message that all Muslims are taking part in the wave. As stated earlier, this is a far-fetched conception. People can easily misunderstand some of the matter contained in the Qur’an, as this Holy Book is in Arabic and not everyone can translate very accurately the verses in other language. Even those proficient in Arabic sometimes make a mistake because of the high poetic and literary contents. To understand the verses in their true sense, one has to refer to the context and also the genuine sayings of the Prophet. It is very easy to misinterpret any text if it suits one’s motives. And that is what some of the mullahs are doing. They propagate wrong messages, incite innocent minds to violence and thereby convey an entirely different image of Islam and the Muslims. The true Muslim image is thus tarnished. 1
It is rather unfortunate that those who are moderates, who try to practice their religion in the true spirit, are often targeted by both the non-Muslims and the fanatic Muslims.
The article in question points out some verses of the Qu’ran, which as per their misunderstood meanings advocate violence. For example, as quoted verse 5 of Surah 9 says: When sacred months are over slay the idolaters wherever you find them. Arrest them. Besiege them, and lie in ambush everywhere for them…
Now this verse obviously instigates the terrorists to engage in widespread killings, and gives the impression to the non-Muslims and the Western media that all Muslims are supposed to follow this.
What a wrong interpretation! Let’s clarify the meaning. In the early seventh century, the Quraish Arabs who were brutal and fierce idol-worshippers continuously harassed the new Muslim community under Prophet Muhammad. These people were after the blood of the Prophet and never hesitated to torture and kill any person who followed the teachings of the Prophet. The new Muslim community lived in constant fear till the time the Prophet migrated to Medina with his followers. Gaining strength gradually they were ready for the wars against the idolaters. It was during one of these wars that this verse was revealed to the Prophet. All the other verses quoted in the article refer to idolaters and unbelievers and not to the peoples of the Books – Christians, Jews or anyone who believes in one God.
Let me quote verse 62 of Surah 2. Verily, those who believe and those who are Jews and Christians, and Sabians, whoever believes in God and the Last Day and does righteous and good deeds shall have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
The Prophet repeatedly said to his followers that to kill one innocent person is like killing the whole humanity and to save the life of one person is like saving the whole humanity.
Verse 41:34 of the Qur’an says: Good deeds are not equal to evil ones. Repel other’s evil deeds with your good deeds. You will see that he with whom you had enmity will become your close friend.
This is what the Qur’an says and the Prophet taught. Those who do not follow such teachings cannot be termed Muslims. As such those who create mischief and indulge in mass killings and destruction are not Muslims in the true sense.
What then is the true image of a Muslim? Just visit any moderate Muslim household. The first thing that would hit you is the hospitality of the community. You would be simply taken aback. Then you will find out that the members of the family are law-abiding people, have cordial relations with their non-Muslim neighbors, friends, colleagues and class-mates, hard workers who adhere to the tenets of Islam.
Paul Findley, member of Congress for 22 years and author of five books, including SILENT NO MORE, says: “Muslim culture is based on honor, dignity and value of every human being, as well as tolerance and the quest for learning – standards that, he learned later, are deeply engrossed in the Islam religion.”
Such then is the true image of a Muslim.
