The Prophet (pbuh) set an example of a selfless decision-maker and a noble leader. This unselfish character in the highest office of the ummah was illustrated by both Abu Bakr and ‘Umar before ‘Uthman with the proviso that they themselves admitted; i.e. they are imperfect and vulnerable as are all human beings.
While only a million pilgrims will be allowed to perform Hajj this year—an improvement on the last two years—the Saudis have sourced out the system to a Hindu fascist outfit. It will be a “lottery” system, akin to gambling. This is forbidden in Islam. Saudi policies clearly show they are unfit to administer the affairs of Hajj.
Relations between Imam Ali and the Khulafa were always cordial. The Ahlul Bayt also maintained a good attitude towards them, contrary to some sectarians. While sectarianism exists on both sides, there are prominent Shi‘i scholars who have shown respect for the khulafa and urged their followers to do likewise.
The demise of the US-led unipolar world order is crumbling before our eyes. A multipolar world order is emerging. Muslims must strive to find their rightful place in this emerging new order since it is largely through their sacrifices that America’s military machine has been defeated.
Contrary to common-held misconceptions among some segment of the Muslim population, Imam Ali had maintained very cordial and warm relations with the Khulafa. Muslims need to remove their blinkers and view their history correctly in order to overcome prejudices of sectarianism
Power has once again fallen into the hands of thieves and murderers in Pakistan. This is the direct result of American conspiracy carried out through the support of local collaborators among the politicians, media, judges and the military.
In his continuing series on the early history of the emergence of Islamic leadership after the Prophet (pbuh), Abu Dharr highlights the circumstances that led to such decisions. He also exposes the deep-seated prejudices of Muslims wedded to their sectarian outlook.
As Muslims begin another month of fasting in Ramadan, they should turn to the noble Qur’an for guidance. A new, distinctive contemporary translation by Imam Muhammad al-Asi would help them understand its pristine message much better.
In his regular column, Abu Dharr invites readers to rise above their sectarian prejudices and see the cordial interaction between Abu Bakr, Umar and Imam Ali (may Allah be pleased with them all) soon after our beloved Prophet (pbuh) left this world. Our prejudices are preventing us from creating genuine unity among Muslims.
It is important for Muslims to consider the totality of the Seerah of the noble Messenger (pbuh) and not look at it anecdotally. Establishing the Islamic State in Madinah was a very important part of the Prophetic Seerah. This is the goal that Muslims must strive for if they want to live the message of the Qur’an fully.
That the imperialists would want to undermine Islam and its pristine values is understandable even if unacceptable but what should one make of Muslims that deliberately distort Islam’s teachings. Their assault on the necessity of establishing the Islamic State is part of this dangerous project.
In his continuing series, Abu Dharr highlights the close relationship between Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali (may Allah be pleased with them all), striking a blow at the sectarians of all stripes.
Hindutva ideology (not to be confused with Hindu religion) is based on hatred and violence. Its ideologues openly call for genocide of Muslims. To deal with this hate-filled ideology, India needs to undergo some geographical surgery. India is an artificial state and such changes would usher peace in the region.
The meeting convened by the Ansar at Saqifah immediately after the Prophet (pbuh) joined Heavenly company was not based on malice. The meeting led to the appointment of Abu Bakr as Khalifah of the Muslims to avert chaos. Unfortunately, sectarians (both Sunnis and Shi‘is) have turned this into a contentious issue. It shouldn’t be.
That the US lost the war in Afghanistan is not in doubt. Unfortunately, it is not done yet and continues to inflict more harm on the Afghan people, this time through starving the most vulnerable: children and women. It reconfirms US rulers as mass murderers and war criminals.
Tackling the sensitive issue of succession of Muslim leadership after the Prophet (pbuh) joined heavenly company, Abu Dharr guides readers through the ground realities at the time and peels away the layers of prejudices that have shrouded those events in early Islamic history.
Every Saudi policy relating to Hajj or Umrah is not only against the tenets of Islam but also a disaster for the Muslim Ummah. The Saudis’ latest restrictions allowing pilgrims of only 18-60 years age to perform Umrah is completely idiotic.
Unfortunately, most Muslims are trapped in peripheral disputes relating to Fiqh while completely ignoring the much more important issues of Islam and proper understanding of Islamic history. Such dereliction has caused unnecessary problems and conflict.
The noble Messenger (pbuh) was sent not only to communicate the message of Islam but also to implement it in society. This was also the message of all the earlier Prophets of Allah. The last and final Prophet (pbuh) was able to both communicate the message and transform people organized in a state.
There are sectarians among the “Sunnis” and there are sectarians among the “Shi’is”. Both must be confronted in order to establish a genuine Islamic ethos in the Muslim world where regrettably many “Islamists” seem not to be able to develop a clear understanding of the challenges facing them.
