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Reading Islam
» Ask About Islam
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Last Update: 11:58 GMT, Sunday, Dec. 06, 2009
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| Question and
Answer Details |
| Name of Questioner |
Murad
- United States
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| Title |
The Muslim Reluctance to Do the Most Obvious Jihad |
| Date |
09/May/2004 |
| Question |
As-salamu `alaykum.
In Islam, jihad is one of the most important concepts. In many verses, Allah Almighty instructs all people to strive for justice and abolish tyranny and oppression. How come we don't see this happening? Why aren't Muslims standing up against their own dictatorial governments?
I always hear a lot of wars waged by extremists (for example, Bin Laden) against America for its support of Israel, for instance, but hardly ever against tyrants in their own countries, who pose a real problem and who rarely give any aid to the suffering Palestinians. At times, it seems as if Muslims are simply waiting for the United States to come and save them from dictators (for example, Saddam).
What I find striking is why Muslims, of all people, have been tolerating tyranny and not really struggling against it all these years. What would Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) do if he was still alive today? Also, could this period be our “Dark Ages”?
Jazakum Allah khayr.
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| Topic |
Politics & Economics
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| Name of Counselor |
Shahul Hameed
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| Answer
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Salam, Murad.
Thank you very much for your question.
As you have said, jihad is one of the key concepts in Islam, and there is no doubt that Allah Almighty has commanded us to fight against oppression and strive for justice.
We read in the Qur’an what means: *{O you who believe! Stand out firmly for God as witnesses to justice; and let not the hatred of a people cause you to swerve from justice; be just; that is the closest to piety.}* (Al-Ma’idah 5:8)
And again, the Qur’an says what means: *{Fight in the cause of Allah against those who fight against you, but do not transgress limits. Lo! Allah loves not aggressors... And fight them until persecution is no more, and religion is for Allah. But if they desist, then let there be no hostility except against transgressors.}* (Al-Baqarah 2:190-193)
There is a very relevant saying of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that says:
“Whoever among you sees an offensive or evil act, he must change it with his hand. If he cannot, then [he must change it] with his tongue. If he cannot, then [he must feel it] with his heart, and that is the weakest of iman (faith)” (Muslim).
Also, when he was asked “What kind of jihad is better?” the Prophet replied, “A word of truth in front of an oppressive ruler!” (An-Nasa’i).
Thus, we can see that Islam insists on the establishment of justice, for which, if need be, force can be used. But then the question arises, as you have mentioned: Why is it that the Muslims are quiet in the face of grievous injustices in Muslim lands?
Maybe the reasons are as follows:
First of all, there is no open or blatant oppression in many of these countries; and if ever something untoward happens somewhere, nobody knows about it, as there is no free media. Secondly, these countries are rich in oil and prosperous; so generally the people are leading a life of luxury, which diverts their attention from what actually goes on in higher circles. Most people are uneducated and are unaware of their own rights; and besides they have sufficient freedom to lead their lives in their traditional manner, so long as they do not try new ideas. In other words, the concept of freedom in the minds of the people of these countries is different from what it ought to be.
Now about the question of extremists who attack the West: for one thing, no Muslim country—let alone Muslim groups whether extremist or moderate—has either the power or the will to attack the West. The WTC attacks were obviously stage-managed by forces who are reaping the enormous benefits accruing from them, and not by the so-called “Al-Qaeda”. Because nobody in the Muslim world has the means or the technical know-how necessary for such a sophisticated attack on such a superpower as the United States. It is unbelievable that someone who lived in primitive conditions in the caves of Afghanistan could have masterminded the whole operation, even if he had all the means of communication at his disposal. But the Western propaganda machinery is so powerful that anyone who asks the most obvious questions is simply dismissed as “a conspiracy theorist,” against all odds. This points to “our Dark Ages” you have quite pertinently mentioned.
Of course, it would be enlightening to imagine what Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him) would have done now, if he were to come back now. And when we indulge in the luxury of imagination, should we impose any limits to it? And I firmly believe that he would put his own house in order before going out to teach others a lesson or two.
And Allah knows best.
Thank you again for your question and please keep in touch.
Salam.
Useful Links: Rights of Citizens in an Islamic State Overthrowing an Oppressive Ruler
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