November 05, 2001
SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 – THE Muslim Story and A strategy for Coping – Part Two
Section: WRITINGS | 167 reads
BENEFITS OF AN OPEN HOUSE
If it is done systematically and following the basic Islamic principles of honesty, integrity and respect for self and others, an Open House would serve a number of purposes for both Muslims and non-Muslims in a community.
It would:
(1) Provide an opportunity for Muslims to meet their non-Muslim neighbours and get to know them.
(2) Boost the confidence of the Muslims through positive interaction with non-Muslims in the neighbourhood.
(3) Give Muslims a better and clearer understanding of the larger community in which they live and operate.
(4) Make conditions better for Muslims in and around the mosque as well as at broader levels in society.
(5) Help reduce prejudice, suspicion, hostility, hate, racism and xenophobia against Muslims among non-Muslims.
(6) Contribute to the safety and security of mosques and Muslims.
(7) Generate goodwill for Muslims and Islam on a wider basis.
(8) Introduce non-Muslims to Islam and its teachings.
(9) Provide an opportunity to non-Muslims to get to know and evaluate the teachings of Islam firsthand.
(10) Help Muslims to discharge their fundamental obligation of reaching out to their non-Muslim neighbours with Qur’an and with hadith, the twin foundations of the Deen of Islam.
Therefore, an Open House needs to be organized in every single mosque throughout the United States and Canada.
And elsewhere in the Americas. Without exception.
In all 2000 or more of the mosques in North America.
And in the United Kingdom.
And throughout Europe.
And in the rest of the world.
This much the Muslims owe to their non-Muslim neighbours and friends. In fact, they owe it to the societies that are their hosts in North America – and Europe – and to the place that they now call their home.
Temporary or permanent, but a home nonetheless. As permanent as any home would ever get on this earth. And in this life.
The Muslims owe this to their own children and families. And they owe it to themselves.
And they owe it to that most wonderful man. That most gentle, noble, compassionate, caring and sharing of humans.
That timeless leader, teacher and guide to humanity – Prophet Muhammad, Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam. God’s messenger of mercy and love to humanity and to the world.
And, above all, the Muslims owe it to God almighty himself.
To Allah, the one and only maker and master of the worlds, the true and only God of all, on whose boundless compassion and mercy every part of creation has claim:
Whether Muslim or non-Muslim.
Whether human or nonhuman.
Whether living or nonliving.
The fact is that everyone in this world owes it to Allah to try and make this world a better place for all.
But more so the Muslims. The Muslims owe it more than anyone else. As a result, the Muslims must be aware of this responsibility more than anyone else.
And they must do more to fulfil this responsibility – the responsibility to make this world a better place, a more peaceful place, a more honest and truthful place, and a more just and a fairer and kinder place.
For all of Allah’s creation.
The mosque Open House program is a link in this chain, a step, and a very important one, in this direction.
PREPARATION
Thoroughness and careful attention to detail are the key to preparation. They are also part of the basic teaching of Islam.
The Prophet, Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam, laid great emphasis on the principle that whenever Muslims embarked on an undertaking, they must do it well and thoroughly.
Like everything else, purity of intention – doing things solely to please Allah – is a vital part of this process.
That means, in every thing they do, Muslims must seek the pleasure of their creator and not do it merely to gain some worldly gain or benefit. The mosque Open House project is no exception in this regard.
While, an Open House has many practical benefits for Muslims and non-Muslims alike, its primary objective should be to please the creator and not just his creation.
The key to this whole thing, therefore, is to make as thorough a preparation as possible for the project.
And here is how it can be done:*
(1) Before you do anything else, appoint an Open House committee.
(2) Make sure that the Open House committee would consist of people who have a number of key qualifications:
a. First, these people must be willing, motivated and excited to do the work. Often, people get thrown into committees in which they do not want to participate. As a result, after appointment they begin to drag their feet and show other signs of lack of motivation.
b. Second, make sure that you only appoint people who have excellent People Skills – skills needed to treat others with the same respect and consideration which one expects for oneself.
Islam is, among other things, a people culture. At every turn and with regard to everything, Islam places great emphasis on the way people treat people.
c. Third, they must be people who can work with others in a harmonious, positive, cooperative and constructive manner.
This is one of the things that congregational prayer – Salatul Jama’ah – teaches Muslims on a daily basis.
d. Fourth, these must be results-oriented people who know how to get things done.
They must be the kind of practical, pragmatic, common sense driven type, who are good at working toward negotiated, mutually advantageous solutions and compromises to practical problems on hand.
e. Fifth, make sure you seek the consent of these people before you nominate or appoint them to your committee.
Islamic culture is rooted in freedom and independence. Individual’s will plays a determining role in Islamic thought and practice.
So, don’t take people for granted. First ask them if they were willing and available, then go ahead and appoint or nominate them.
Next Article: Conferences and Speakers: A Partial Primer
Previous Article: SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 – THE Muslim Story and A strategy for Coping – Part One
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