The ulama are supposed to be successors to the Prophet. They can only perform this role if they follow the teachings of the Qur’an and the Prophetic Sunnah and Seerah. If they follow taghuti powers for short-term worldly gains, they betray the trust of the masses.
The Islamic movement is the natural platform to pursue and advance the Islamic agenda in all spheres of life: political, social and economic. It needs the building of trust but this will not be possible if Muslims play politics with Allah’s Deen.
There is a tendency among some Muslims to misinterpret the role of women in society. This is based on a misreading of a Prophetic hadith and ignoring the teachings of the Qur’an. Islam does not prohibit women in leadership roles.
When some Muslims mention power, they only think in terms of human beings having power on earth. Allah is not part of their thinking. This leads them to deviant behaviour and results in endless suffering here as well as the punishment of Allah in the hereafter.
Muslims today suffer from the “Israeli mentality” that the noble Qur’an describes (2:47). This has to do with the characteristics of a leader. Just like the Bani Israel, Muslims think of a person qualified to be leader who has wealth and the means. This explains the Muslims’ plight today.
What qualifies a person to assume leadership position among Muslims? Knowledge is necessary but not sufficient. Qualities such as sense of justice, self-sacrifice, care for Muslims and the oppressed people around him are also required to fulfill the responsibilities of leadership.
Given the domination of un-Islamic systems in the world, Muslims have fallen into an inferior complex syndrome trying to fit within it. Muslims must turn to the divine message (the Qur’an) and the Prophetic Sunnah and Seerah to establish our position in life.
Some of the leading charities in the world are run by Muslims. While Islam encourages giving charity, there must be a context. Mass suffering, death, destruction and displacement have increased. It is imperative to understand why and how to prevent these recurring disasters.
Muslims living as minorities in non-Muslim societies are caught on the horns of a dilemma. The choice is always between the lesser of the two evils. This is an illusion. Muslims should open a debate among themselves and non-Muslims that follow the scripture to chalk out a way forward based on Divine guidance.
Muslims continue to be confused by Imams that promote American Islam. It is not by following this brand of Islam but by remaining faithful to teachings of the Qur’an and the Prophetic Sunnah that Muslims will make progress.
Ulul amr is an important Islamic concept. Its correct understanding is essential in order to understand who qualifies to be called ulul amr.
The question of land ownership lies at the root of most conflicts in the world. In North America, the European settler colonialists were highly successful in decimating the indigenous population. In South Africa, Black racism is driving its policies disregarding the rights of other people.
Most Muslims in South Africa and around the world have a positive view of the African National Congress-led government. The reality is very different. It is time to have a more realistic assessment of the ANC and see its Black African nationalism for what it is: racism.
The late Dr Kalim Siddiqui was an intellectual and activist. This month marks 27 years since he passed away on April 18, 1996. His legacy lives on in such institutions as the Institute of Contemporary Islamic Thought and Crescent International.
Every Muslim has deep attachment to the noble Qur’an. In Ramadan, Muslims intensify their reading of the noble Book. It is, however, meant to be understood to implement its teachings in life. The new, contemporary translation by Imam Muhammad al Asi will help them achieve this objective.
Among many trouble spots in the world, two stand out: Kashmir and Palestine. People in both locales face a ruthless enemy hell-bent on wiping out their identity. The people of Kashmir have been struggling for their basic rights for more than 70 years. They need our support.
For most Muslims, Umrah is a ritual that they perform without realizing its broader significance. Our Editorial Board member narrates a very different experience that should give everyone food for thought.
That Muslims are undergoing much suffering is well known. How to change this grim reality is the real challenge. Unless Muslims begin to think within the framework of Islamic principles, they will not achieve the result they desire.
Long-time human rights activist explains the tragedy of the Kashmiri people and the fascist ideology that has gripped India.
Most Muslims are unhappy with the Saudi occupation of the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah but they do not know how to change the situation. We speculate on what could happen if three countries were to take action…
