Transcript islam - Family Issues Roundtable

About Islam
and on being Muslim in York, and
generally, in the U.S.
11/30/2012
Goals 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?
• There have been increasing hate crimes, antiMuslim 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”
ISLAM
• 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 – “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)
• 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 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—
History 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 Pillars
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Shahadah = There is only one God, Allah, and
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is His final
messenger
Salah – Daily 5 prayers
Zakah – the poor tax
Saum – Fasting during the Holy month of
Ramadan
Hajj – the once in a lifetime pilgrimage to
the holy land of Makkah, to visit the Ka’aba
ISLAM—Articles of Faith
A Muslim has faith (iman) in:
1. Allah
2. 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 Judgment
6. Divine Destiny
Qur’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)
• 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) (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 Hadith
(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 believe:
(peace be upon them all)
Adam
David
Noah
Joseph
Job
Jacob
Jonas
John
Isaac
Jesus (from Virgin
Abraham
Aaron
Moses
Muhammad (the last)
Mary)
Common 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 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 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 Terminology
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Islamist?
Islamic?
Muhammadan
Fundamentalists
Extremists
Terrorists
Foreigners
MUSLIM (spelled Moslem by some)
Common 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’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’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 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 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 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 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 permissible
This 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 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 looks
Even men practice hijab—they are expected to lower
their gaze out of respect
What do you see?
• Oppression? or Freedom?
• Freedom? or
Oppression?
Islam 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 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 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 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 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
• 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 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 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 Responsibility
•
•
•
•
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 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?
• 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 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 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 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 9/11
• 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 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 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 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?
•
•
•
•
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 York
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
not
DIFFERENCES
• 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
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
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?
• 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 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 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