November 23, 2001
Presenting Islam to Non-Muslims – The Role of the Masjid
Section: WRITINGS | 593 reads
November 23, 2001
Section: WRITINGS | 593 reads
The very first thing the Muslims must know is that they are a people with a mission.
And, even though at present we are talking mostly about North America, this mission really transcends geography – as well as time.
That means, no matter where the Muslims are geographically, and no matter at what particular point they are in history, this was, is and always will be their mission.
The essence of that mission is this: To treat the people around them in the most wonderful, helpful, courteous, caring and respectful manner and, in the process, show a better way of life.
A cleaner, healthier and more wholesome way of life altogether. A way of life whose foundations are peace within oneself; peace with God; and peace with God’s creation all around.
And – as a result – a way of life that creates peace on earth.
And justice.
And fairness.
And compassion.
And, above all else, truth – what the Qur’an calls haqq.
For one and for all.
For friend as well as for foe.
For Muslims as well as for non-Muslims.
Muslims cannot escape this mission, regardless of where they are.
Or at what point in history they are.
And Muslims must carry out this mission through both practice and precept.
Through personal example as well as through teaching and explanation. But no matter how they do it, it must be done in a manner that is user-friendly.
For, that is the way of Islam: user-friendliness. Islam is the ultimate user-friendly system of thought, belief and behavior in the world.
As a result, the way of life advocated by Islam is based on genuine love, respect and concern: not only for self but also for others.
And on endless patience and perseverance.
And it embodies a spirit of great gentleness, and kindness, and tact.
And great sensitivity.
Always taking the high road.
Always saying the good word.
Always using the nobler style and approach.
As the Qur’an requires people to do. All people in general, and Muslims in particular.
And as the Rasul, peace be upon him, showed them how.
One way to do this is to bring to as many people as possible knowledge and understanding.
For, knowledge is a key requirement of human life on earth. For, knowledge is a fundamental human need, on the fulfillment of which the satisfactory fulfillment of all other needs depends.
Knowledge is the light that illumines the path of life that people must travel. It is the power that enables them to do it.
Knowledge is also the compass that determines their direction and guides their steps.
As a result, without knowledge people are blind, powerless and lost.
Muslims, therefore, have a mission – a universal and eternal mission – to bring to people the simple, direct and accurate knowledge of two things:
a) What Islam is, and how it is directly, immediately and in a compelling manner related to what people are and do in their daily lives?
b) Who and what the Muslims are, both here and globally?
There are numerous ways to do this.
The exact method and means of doing this would change from place to place, situation to situation and from time to time. But what would remain unaltered across time and space is the basic nature and importance of this mission This is an enormous burden that Muslims carry on their shoulders. This, in a sense, is the debt Muslims owe to all others in this world – right here in North America and all over the world.
This is the mission of Islam and Muslims on earth.
Next Article: Dr. Pasha’s All-Day Islamic Camp and Community Clean-up at Oldham – 1
Previous Article: What Are We Doing With These Words Anyway?
Home | Writings | Audio | Quote of the Day
Related:
Home | Writings | Audio | Quote of the Day