About IslamAbout Islam

and on being Muslim in York, and generally, in the U.S.

11/30/2012

Goals of Today’s DiscussionGoals of Today’s Discussion

• Serve as a brief primer on Islam to help understand something that is sometimes misunderstood

• Understand a bit of what it is like to be a Muslim, practicing Islam in York, and in the U.S. in general, to educate and avoid prejudice and alienation

• We will avoid concrete political discussion, because those are not the topic of today’s discussion

Why is this topic timely?Why is this topic timely?

• There have been increasing hate crimes, anti-Muslim sentiment around various topics, including 9/11, the building of an Islamic Cultural Center near Ground Zero, as well as against other mosques

• There is some conspiracy theory-like claims that Muslims are trying to “infiltrate” and take over the U.S. by intolerance and establishing religious law

• Acts such as “National Qur’an Burning Day”, which never came to fruition—to condemn Islam as a religion “of the Devil”

ISLAMISLAM

• A religion of peace and forgiveness

• A way of life practiced by over 23% of the world’s population

• Multicultural in its practice on all continents of the World – from the Americas to Europe, the Middle East/ Africa, and Far East

ISLAM—Common Terms (1)ISLAM—Common Terms (1)

• ISLAM – “submission”, derived from the word peace

• MUSLIM – one who follows Islam

• ALLAH – a proper name for the universal God in Arabic

• Assalaamu Alaykum – Muslim greeting (may peace be upon you)

• Salallahu alayhi wassalaam: “peace be upon him,” respectfully said after mentioning the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) name

• (or alayhi salaam – may there be peace on him/them, said after mentioning any prophet’s name)

ISLAM—Common Terms (2)ISLAM—Common Terms (2)

• QURAN – the holy book of Islam

• SUNNAH – the traditions and practices of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

• HADITH – the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

• Both hadith and sunnah are used as the code of conduct in Islam

• MOSQUE or MASJID – where Muslims go for congregational prayer and other gatherings

• SHARIAH: Islamic law based on the teachings of the Qur’an and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

ISLAM—The Basic BeliefISLAM—The Basic Belief

• There is one God, who has created and controls the universe, and that all deeds are answerable and judged by Him, and this belief permeates all acts and all parts of one’s life.

• Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is His messenger, and the final seal of prophethood.

ISLAM—ISLAM—History and ClassificationHistory and Classification

• One of the major world religions, one of the 3 major monotheistic faiths (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam)

• From the same origins as Judaism and Christianity, starting with Prophets Adam, including Abraham

ISLAM-5 PillarsISLAM-5 Pillars

1. Shahadah = There is only one God, Allah, and Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is His final messenger

2. Salah – Daily 5 prayers3. Zakah – the poor tax4. Saum – Fasting during the Holy month of

Ramadan5. Hajj – the once in a lifetime pilgrimage to

the holy land of Makkah, to visit the Ka’aba

ISLAM—Articles of FaithISLAM—Articles of Faith

A Muslim has faith (iman) in:1. Allah2. His Angels (including Gabriel/Jibreel)3. His Holy Books (Scrolls (Abraham),

Psalms (David), Torah (Moses), Bible/New Testament (Jesus), Qur’an-the final book/the word of Allah

4. His Messengers (prophets)5. The Day of Judgment6. Divine Destiny

Qur’anQur’an

• Holy book• Word of Allah transmitted to Prophet

Muhammad (pbuh) in small pertinent revelations through Angel Gabriel (Jibreel)

• Memorized in small pieces, recited and recorded by many at once to preserve authenticity

• Stories, but also handbook for daily affairs

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

• Born in 570 CE• His father passed away months before he

was born, and his mother during his childhood

• A Christian monk (Bahira) met his uncle and told him that his young nephew would be the last prophet

• Illiterate• Well respected and known in his time for his

truthfulness and moral character• Struggled against persecution

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) (2)(2)

• At age 40, was first revealed the words “READ in the name of your lord who created you” when in isolation/spiritual meditation, looking for the truth

• The Qur’an was thus revealed over 23 years, until his death at the age of 63

• In 622 CE, persecution was so significant, that he was guided to emigrate from Makkah to Madinah, marking the beginning of the Muslim calendar, which is lunar

Following the Sunnah and Following the Sunnah and Hadith Hadith

(practices and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad)(practices and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad)

• Only authentic if there is a long line of sound individuals who witnessed the act

• Outlines manners and etiquette• Deeper understanding of ideas• Specific circumstances--stories

A few of the prophets in which we A few of the prophets in which we believe:believe:

(peace be upon them all)(peace be upon them all)

Adam David

Noah Joseph

Job Jacob

Jonas John

Isaac Jesus (from Virgin Mary)

Abraham Aaron

Moses Muhammad (the last)

Common Islamic PracticesCommon Islamic Practices

Starting everything with “in the name of Allah” (Bismillah), which puts a blessing in and increases the good of that which we are doing

Even the most mundane work (washing the dishes) or the tiniest gesture (smiling at your coworker) becomes a charitable good deed if done with the right intention

Ending every “plan” or “desire” to do something with “if Allah wills”/”God-willing” (InshaAllah)

Concept of HalalConcept of Halal

• “Halal” means permissible• It is frequently used to refer to the food

Muslims eat, particularly meat—• Pork, carrion, and alcohol are never halal.• “Halal” meat would refer to meat

slaughtered in the Islamic practice in which the animal is not permitted to know he is being slaughtered (cannot see the blade, etc), killed in the swiftest way possible, with a prayer said to Allah over the animal, as it is a living thing, and all the blood possible drained from the animal.

Our Religious FestivalsOur Religious Festivals

• Holy Month of Ramadan– The month of fasting, where good deeds

and prayers are multiplied in number• Eid-ul-Fitr

– Marks the end of Ramadan • Eid-ul-Adha

– Celebrates the sacrifice of Prophet Abraham (Ibraheem), and marks the end of the Hajj

Confusing TerminologyConfusing Terminology

• Islamist?• Islamic?• Muhammadan• Fundamentalists• Extremists• Terrorists• Foreigners

MUSLIM (spelled Moslem by some)

Common MisconceptionsCommon Misconceptions

• Oppresses Women• Muslims need many accomodations• Encourages violence• Concept of “Jihad”• “Old School”/old ways of thinking/not

progressive or modern• No concrete social responsibility

Women in Islam (1)Women in Islam (1)

• Women’s Rights – specific rights over husband and children

• They are NOT considered property

• Social interactions between men and women --hand-shaking

• “The most perfect in faith amongst believers is he who is best in his manner and kindest to his wife,” Prophet Muhammad

• Women are not required to change their family name

Women in Islam (2)Women in Islam (2)

• Women’s Status• Mary is considered one of the best people of all

time – an entire chapter in the Qur’an is devoted to her, as well as one titled “women”

• Women’s rights• Inheritance – prior to the Qur’an, women

traditionally were considered property of their husband or father and not included in inheritance—in the Qur’an, there are specific requirements for an amount to be left for daughters.

Muslim Women and EducationMuslim Women and Education

• Education – Women are strongly encouraged to educate themselves, as they are the first and most important teachers of the future generation, their children

• Occupation and Income – a woman’s income is her own to do with as she wills and women are permitted to work, but they also have a very important responsibility to care for their families

• Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) first wife, Khadijah, was a successful businesswoman, who hired Muhammad (pbuh) for his excellent character and honesty, and eventually asked him to marry her

Muslim Children and EducationMuslim Children and Education

• Idea that education is an obligation and responsibility, and to do your best work is expected

• Public School:– Religious holidays – Christmas and other religious practices (assignments)– Prayer times and spaces– Dress code (gym requirements, scarf)– Clubs, class dances/parties– Acceptance – by school, by colleges, no judgment based

on name or dress

Islamic Schools : curriculum-based or religious

The Status of the Mother in IslamThe Status of the Mother in Islam

• The status of the mother is considered the highest

• There is a saying of the Prophet (pbuh) (hadith) that states:, "Paradise lies at the feet of mothers."

• Another hadith reports that a man asked the Prophet (pbuh), "Who is most worthy of my love and respect?" The Prophet (pbuh) replied, "Your mother." The man asked, "And then who?" The Prophet (pbuh) again answered, "Your mother." The man asked one more time and received the same answer. When the man asked the question a fourth time, the Prophet (pbuh) answered, "Your father."

Women and MarriageWomen and Marriage

There is no compulsion in marriage– women have to be in full agreement and sign the marriage contract with their own family witness

Polygamy – was ordained permissibleThis was practiced prior to Islam by other prophets and

peoples, and still exists in other religions and culture, so is not a new concept, although in Islam there are specific guidelines.

The requirement is that each wife must be treated absolutely equal, and each wife must be in agreement with the arrangement. The full responsibility is on the husband’s shoulders, and he will be questioned on the Final Day for any unfairness– thus, assume, with human nature, this is a rare occurrence.

Women and HijabWomen and Hijab

• Hijab – means to protect one’s gaze (eyes/heart/humility)

Head scarf and/or face veil (niqab)Protects a women from being looked upon as simply an

object of physical beauty and thus exploited or abused

Modesty is a VIRTUE, that is sometimes forgotten.

Women have the right and are due dignity to be recognized for their work and faith,

not their looksEven men practice hijab—they are expected to lower

their gaze out of respect

What do you see?What do you see?

• Oppression? or Freedom? • Freedom? or Oppression?

Islam in the WorkplaceIslam in the Workplace

• Handshaking/greetings/discussions• Cultural competence opportunities• Need to have time and small space for

prayer• Friday prayer times should be respected• Respect dress, within reason• Expectation of good work ethics, as they

are part of being a good Muslim

Islam and ViolenceIslam and Violence

• Not encouraged at all

• Only in defense of one’s life, family, and possessions

• Always protect the civilians and children and respect rules of war, including protection of crops, trees, and animals

• Kindness to prisoners

Concept of JihadConcept of Jihad

• Jihad simply means STRUGGLE in the name of your faith—can be your inner struggle

• Jihad does NOT mean physically fighting people that do not believe or practice what you believe

• War is a last resort

• All Muslims do Jihad daily!—fasting even when working, offering 5 daily prayers, women who wear a scarf daily, trying not to use bad language, trying to be patient with our children

Islam and ToleranceIslam and Tolerance

• There is no coercion in Islam• No one is forced to convert• Even under Muslim rule in the time of

Prophet Muhammad, the Jews and Christians chose to stay under Muslim rule because Islam requires Muslims to allow other religions to practice their beliefs

• Islam and other religions

Islam and Human RightsIslam and Human Rights

“There is no compulsion in religion” (2:256)

Protection of property and life, whether Muslim or not, of all citizens of an Islamic state

No class/caste system or racism

Responsibility to enjoin good and forbid wrong.

Importance of controlling anger to protect human rights

Islam and Equality Islam and Equality

• Women = Men in spiritual weight, but are not the same

• Poor = Rich in spiritual weight, but the rich have a responsibility toward the poor

• All races are = in spiritual weight, but are not the same (nations and tribes were created to recognize and learn from one another)

• Equal requirements for all• Daily prayers, Hajj and death – equalizing

times

Islam and FamilyIslam and Family

• Exaltation of the mother• Rights and responsibilities of parents and children• Extended family – caring for the elderly• The innocence of children – protected until of

pubertal age, where they take responsibility for their actions

• There is a social/community responsibility to protect the family unit by encouraging family counseling and “working things out” before any separation is ever considered using representatives of both sides of the family.

Muslims in the CommunityMuslims in the Community

• Muslims are expected to be useful, contributing members to their community and society

• Caring for orphans, widows, and the elderly

• Keeping good relations with your neighbors“He who eats to his fill while his neighbor

goes without food is not a believer,” hadith

Islam and Social Islam and Social ResponsibilityResponsibility

• Community and charity• Not encouraged to live in isolation• No celibacy nor compulsion to marry• “Even meeting your brother with a

cheerful face is charity,” hadith• The rights of a Muslim over another (to be

greeted, to be recognized when sneezing, to be visited when ill, right to a funeral prayer and burial, no grudges or anger more than 3 days)

Islam and CitizenshipIslam and Citizenship

• Muslims are required to follow the laws of the land in which they live (unless it is in direct conflict with the religious faith, i.e. being forced to worship an idol, etc)

• To be a good citizen is expected (paying taxes, following traffic laws, etc.)

• It is encouraged to become part of the society in which you live

Is Islam Caught in the Past?Is Islam Caught in the Past?

• The Prophet said, “Seeking knowledge is an obligation for every Muslim man and woman”

• Research and contemplation is encouraged!—the truths are all there, even beyond our earth– it is our job to seek them out

• Easy/adaptive

Islam and RationalityIslam and Rationality• Evidence based – even the recorded knowledge is not taken

at face value—anything written that is said to be from the Prophet Muhammad has to have been recorded unchanged via several witnesses who are all agreed upon to be mentally sound and stable ( no weak links)

• Logical – nothing based on simple superstition (not allowed)

• The Holy Book has truths we are now discovering (embryology, the fact the there are worlds beyond this one)

Islam and Health CareIslam and Health Care

• Men/Women • Access – a problem in any religion!• Medical therapies go hand in hand with

Spiritual healing• Mental Health through prayer and reflection• The body is a trust from Allah—it is a

Muslim’s responsibility to keep it clean (cleanliness is an act of worship), healthy, and free from harm

Islam and ModerationIslam and Moderation

MODERATION is key – Prophet Muhammad described Islam as “the Middle Way”

To be extreme is discouraged, as it leads to intolerance

Unfortunately, rule-following has fallen out of fashion—people think its cool and shows individualism to break all rules

People think someone who sticks to the rules is an extremist,Rules set limits and guidelines, just like with children, and

promote orderliness and cohesion, but individual variations are accepted and expected

(scarf/hijab example)

Repercussions of 9/11Repercussions of 9/11

• Growing anti-Muslim sentiment• Our own experiences living in NY at

the time . . .• Muslims forced to hide their identity

out of fear (removing scarves, changing names), or struggle against “terrorism” amongst their own neighbors

Our Current SituationOur Current Situation

• Are we passing through ethnic cleansing? – Groups like SIOA (Stop Islamization of America)– If you look on Amazon under SIOA it is

shocking to see the sorts of things that are written there

This goes against everything we as Americans stand for!

• Creating terrorism amongst ourselves• Creating our own personal fears (educated

progressive people being “blacklisted” without due process)

Media BiasMedia Bias

• We are taught (and want) to trust the news as unbiased reporters of the truth, but media presentation can create bias, intentional or not

• Examples: NPR – interview with a terrorist who

“couldn’t even look at her (the interviewer)” “Peace, Propaganda, and the Promised Land”

documentary on YouTube

VIDEO CLIPVIDEO CLIP

• Discussion• What was scary?

– The most scary was the fact that the majority did or said nothing

This is the greatest problem – this is how our nation suffered its many shames

Slavery, segregation, injustices to women/voting, etc

The silent followers are just as much to blame if they know injustice is being done

Why such discord?Why such discord?

• Lack of understanding and knowledge

• Assumptions• Using a few to represent many• Opinions creeping into what should

be objective news • Lack of seeing both sides to a story

or situation

Our Experiences in YorkOur Experiences in York

What do we all want?What do we all want?

All major religions believe in many common things:

• Protecting and serving the poor and needy• Protecting children• Citizenship and social obligations• Institutions of family and education• Environmental responsibility• Social harmony and tolerance

SIMILARITIES SIMILARITIES not not

DIFFERENCESDIFFERENCES

• This is the ONLY humane way to be progressive as a culture

• Each in our own ways, all bow and bring our hands together in some sort of prayer

What will happen if we don’t try to What will happen if we don’t try to learn the truth?learn the truth?

• We will create cultural and social chasms, tearing apart our social foundation, of all humankind

What will happen if we don’t try to What will happen if we don’t try to learn the truth?learn the truth?

• We will create fear, hate, and anger, promoting ignorance by polarizing “sides” based on emotions and associations, not facts and knowledge

--this results in hate groups and fundamentalists/extremists on all sides

Can be very appealing to the passionate young, in the wrong way!

So NOW what?So NOW what?

• Take charge of what we believe to be true!

• It is OUR responsibility to find out the truth and decide for ourselves.

• STOP focusing on differences and focus on common beliefs and common sense!

• Don’t fear the unknown (One nation under God, not one nation under Islam)

Next StepsNext Steps

• Educate based on facts• Ask don’t assume• Understand that information may have

biases, and to keep an open mind

• This applies to EVERYTHING—Christians, Jews, polytheists, blacks, whites, etc!

OUR HEARTFELT THANKSOUR HEARTFELT THANKS

For allowing us to talk

And for taking the first step toward social responsibility and love for

humanity by educating ourselves!

God Bless America