Prophet Muhammad: A Prophet Betrayed

Category: Faith & Spirituality, Featured Topics: Prophet Muhammad (S) Views: 20362
20362

Every year around 12 Rabi ul Awwal, the Muslim world once again wakes up from its slumber and starts the ritual of praises of Prophet Muhammad . Articles are published and speeches are delivered focusing on every aspect of the Prophet's life. 

People are inspired by the character and the wisdom reflected in his actions. Yet memory is short lived and after a few days of celebrations, he is once again forgotten only to be remembered during the Friday sermons and an occasional gathering.

The day of the Prophet's birth should be a day of joy where we can all produce results for a better humanity as a sign of our commitment to him.

Within a short span of 23 years, Prophet Muhammad succeeded in establishing a state run by a community that had disciplined itself in following the eternal principles of justice and equality in all aspects of life. In an age where mass communication was by word of mouth only, the mission of one Prophet had become the call of over a million people.

"We take great pride in recounting heroic tales of Islamic battles, but we must remember that the Prophet spent less than 20 hours in battles which cost less than 500 casualties, nearly half of them Muslims."

During his life time, the Prophet motivated a whole generation of people on the basis of the divine teachings and his character. Only 24 years after the death of the Prophet, believers, who were expelled from their own homeland, now extended from North Africa to Central Asia including present day Afghanistan. 

We take great pride in recounting heroic tales of Islamic battles, but we must remember that the Prophet spent less than 20 hours in battles which cost less than 500 casualties, nearly half of them Muslims. Yet he brought a peaceful world in existence where slavery was abolished, persecution of women was stopped and divisions on the basis of one's creed and color or status were destroyed.

He stood up for the rights of the neglected and marginalized and showed the utmost respect to those ordinary men and women who used legitimate means to earn their livelihood in a manner sanctioned by the divine guidance.

He was commissioned by the All Mighty to instill in humanity respect for character, sincerity and labor of all people. He worked to establish a culture where human resources would not be exploited by the powerful to serve their tribal and political interests. He visualized a world where people would rise about their sectarian and racial differences to identify with the concept of oneness of humanity. 

He wanted the bloodshed in the name of religion and tribalism to come to an end. He wanted people to accept the differences they inherited. He promoted the idea of free will and free inquiry in determining one's own course of life. His plea was simple. Every human being has the capacity to discover his humanity to create a better environment for each and every human being and to live a dignified life.

Some 1419 years after his physical departure from the world, the number of those who love him has increased by millions and the number of those who are willing to die for him has also multiplied. But not many are there to live for him and live according to his teachings. 

Against his teachings, the Umma is divided on sectarian lines, shia, sunnis, hanafis, shafais, malikis, tablighis, barelveis, deobandis and others. Every sect wants to own him and claims that it is following his path.

The Prophet was neither Shia or Sunni, shafai, or hanafi or Ismaili or Bori. Where is the sense of loyalty to him? What happened to his teachings that reminded people that you are one people and if one suffers than the others feel the pain. On the contrary, those who swear by his name take pride in killing each other in his name. If one just looks at the past 20 years, various sects and parties of Muslims have killed each other in millions and their leadership promises them a guaranty of paradise. How do these people celebrate the Prophet when they cannot even overcome their petty sectarianism? How do these people celebrate the Prophet when they are promoting bloodshed of the innocent?

With the example of his personal life, the Prophet encouraged a peaceful family life where love and compassion would dominate the behavior among spouses. Yet more than 40 percent Muslim women suffer from some kind of domestic violence. There are more than quarter of a million women who are bought and sold in black market all over the world every year by all kind of people including Muslims who claim their loyalty to Prophet Muhammad . How do these people identify with his life when they are violating every principle that he stood for?

The Prophet inspired the aspect of justice when he urged believers to give a labor his wages before his sweat is dried. But what an irony that the people who build mosques in his name, and monuments to civilizations give little concern to the rights of the laborer.

As the Umma of Prophet Muhammad we must take stock of our actions and make sure we work to build a model character within our selves and our families.

By (the Token of) Time (through the ages), - Verily Man is in loss, - Except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy. (Quran 103:1-3)

We should understand that his struggles and his teachings were not only meant to be marveled during public meetings but to be lived in every day life. The true respect to the Prophet is when the principles that he stood for are lived by his followers. Otherwise, whatever we say and do will be nothing more than a ritual.

The fact that the Prophet was chosen by the Divine to communicate His message for the last time to humanity should remind us of our responsibility to humanity.

Let us remember the Prophet by striving within ourselves to build a model character.

You have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a beautiful pattern (of conduct) for any one whose hope is in God and the Final Day, and who engages much in the Praise of God. (Quran 33:21)

Dr. Aslam Abdullah is editor of the Detroit based English weekly, Muslim Observer, director of the Islamic Society of Nevada, Las Vegas and the recently elected General Secretary of the World Council of Muslims for Interfaith Relation.


  Category: Faith & Spirituality, Featured
  Topics: Prophet Muhammad (S)
Views: 20362

Related Suggestions

 
COMMENTS DISCLAIMER & RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
The opinions expressed herein, through this post or comments, contain positions and viewpoints that are not necessarily those of IslamiCity. These are offered as a means for IslamiCity to stimulate dialogue and discussion in our continuing mission of being an educational organization. The IslamiCity site may occasionally contain copyrighted material the use of which may not always have been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. IslamiCity is making such material available in its effort to advance understanding of humanitarian, education, democracy, and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law.


In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, and such (and all) material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.


Older Comments:
AZ NOOR FROM UNITED KINGDOM said:
The sad truth is our beloved prophet a.s was betrayed even in life, by
so called muslims and companions and after his passing we had little
chance against the devil who has infiltrated our religion hence
divisions and strife. You only have to research what happened to the
likes of Ali and Fatima a.s to realize worldly gains were more
important to some of the first khalifs than truth, justice, peace,
love and the hereafter. Still Allah knows what is in every heart and
be warned muslims especially that Allah is most sever in retribution
so repent and seek his grace before it's your time.
2013-04-29

BASHARAT FROM INDIA said:
I beg to differ from your statement "...but we must remember that the Prophet spent less than 20 hours in battles which cost less than 500 casualties..."

What was Ghazwai Ahzaab (Battel of Trench ) then,that lasts for 2 months.
2009-03-23

KRIS MACPHERSON FROM MALAYSIA said:
Jazaku'Allah as well to Brother Babandi A.Gumel.

Thank you Brother for your learned views. Let me compliment that too.

Again I emphasise here, I'm concern about one who wrote in his/ her post that we are putting the maulidur rasul as a must. None of us here has ever done that. I entirely agree with Brother Babandi that whether or not a Muslim celebrates the maulidur rasul is entirely up to him / her.

But let this be known, Is it possible to know the entire Islamic faith without reference to our beloved Prophet ( s.a.w ) ? Can we not show our love to our Prophet (s.a.w ) by trying to emulate the principles of his sunnah ? And by remembering him ( s.a.w ) too ?

Remember the hadith, whether it is sunnah qauliyya, or taqridiyya or fi'liyya, these sunnah complemented the Sharia.

And the ulama muqtabirrin had performed the ijtihad and ijma, and therein lies the 4 mazhabs. Shafi'e emphasise the importance of the ibadah or fardh, Hanafi expounded the rules of good commerce, Maliki introduced al muwatta, and marsalah mursalah, these are useful codes of civil and criminal law, the recognition of imprisonment is made by the emphasis of Maliki for public interest ( mas'lahah ) and Hambali also introduce a system of reconnition of the al urf or customs.

These mazhabs complimented one another. It was the Hanafi mazhab that introduce the good commerce or the al muamalah fil Islam, the al mudrabah, the al syarikah, the al rehn. These are now the fundamentals in any Islamic coomerce and banking system. Even the Ottomons or Uthmaniah introduced a civi code of commerce or al mejelle, in Turkey in the late 19th. and early 20th. century.

While I agree that the door of Ijtihad should not be closed after the 4 great imams, but we must be wary of the standing of individuals who performs ijtihad. Any ijtihad is allowed AS LONG AS it does not contradict the principles of the Quran and Sunnah.

Wassalam,
2009-03-17

ASLAM ABDULLAH FROM USA said:
Is an expression of love to the Prophet an act of Bidaa? We read in the Quran that we should love our Prophet more than ourselves and our families.
Is reading the salawat and salam on the Prophet a bidaa? allah commands us to do so.
Is declaring our love to the Prophet openly and loudly a bidaa? Almost every companion of the prophet did that in his life time on the basis of his or her understanding of the Quran.
Is recognizing the day of the birth of a prophet a blessed day a bidaa. The Quran tells us that Prophet Isa and Yahya described the day of their birth as a blessed day.
Is reading nasheed and madeeh a bidaa> The prophet allowed his companion Hassan bin Thabit and Khansa to reciter poetry praising him in the Masjid.
Will the Mawlid ever lead Muslims to challenge monotheism and elevate the status of the Prophet above Allah? It has not happened in the last 14030 years. Every one who celebrates Mawlid expresses his or her gratitude to the Prophet for bringing him or her closer to Allah, the one and only God.
Is Mawlid a kind of shirk as stated by some people? Shirk is defined as associating a partner with Allah. Every one declares the shahada meaning that none other than Allah is worthy of worship and Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him is His messenger and servant.

2009-03-16

BABANDI A GUMEL FROM UK said:
My Dear Kris Mcpherson jazakallah for shedding more light on this trivial issue which some people take so seriously as if it is a matter of death and life.You celebrate Maulud or not is left to individual but unfortunately some of our brothers brothers take it to extreme as my brother Kris pointed out.We should not worry so much as to whether somebody celebrates the Maulud or not. What we should be worried if we see somebody is not praying five times we should be concerned or he has money but never been to Hajj or a person des not fast in the Month of Ramadan These are issues which we should concentrate and try to encourage the Ummah to go back to the Principles of Islam not finding time to criticise one another.What is more important we are all agreed on following the Sunnah of Rasulullah and we all love him but we never make him Divine such as Son of God He is Muhammadur Rasulullah.It is out of love some people Masha Allah wanted to celebrate the Maulid while others see it as innovation or Bid'a. There is no need for argument in favour or against. It does not matter to me whatever your views on this issue is not part of Ibadah such as Salah Zakah Hajj or Ramadan as mentioned.You celebrate Maulid well and good you don't well and good but all of us are unitd that definitely we all love Rasulullah and He was the best Model to follow 24 hours of our lives seven days in a week. We should stop castigating oe another criticising and condemning one another unnecessarily.Everyone is tryng to do Amaal and no body for sure knows whose Amaal Allah has accepted but we all hope for His Infinite Mercy, even the Prophet himself said no one will go to Jannh by his own Amaal but only by the Rahmah of Allah at which he included himself.Then who are we.We should remember we are the Middle Ummah not too extreme not so backward so that we give witness against mankind and the Prophet would give witness in our favour. May Allah make the Prophet to give witness all in our favour.
2009-03-15

SOFIA FROM USA said:
This is a brief response to some comments posted here regarding the four madhabs/schools of thought and interpretations of religious issues and similar religious scholarship prevalent amongst Muslims.

Inherant in human response to verbal or written communication is the fact that the brain categorizes, focuses on some aspects and ignores others, etc. Analysis such as that done via madhabs would be helpful so long as Muslims do not/did not zeroes in one one school of thought and eliminated others from their intellectual discussions. How many of us open up our minds to all ideas without comparing them? Not likely to happen, right? Because the human brain does not work that way. That is why this kind of analyzing and segregating impoverishes religious discussions and creates divisions amongst us. It's our attitude to scholarship and discussion that needs to be changed.
2009-03-15

IGE MUSA FROM NIGERIA said:
It is time muslims in the whole world should stop discriminating against fellow muslims.That way,the muslim world will be safe to tread.
2009-03-15

SALEEM FROM MACEDONIA said:
Assalamun Alejkeem Ve Rrah-metullahi Ve Berekatuhu dear brothers and sisters,

First Happy 12 Rabi ul Awwal, Muhammad's birthday, and I wish you to all of you peace, mercy and tolerance shown between people.

This is a great holiday for muslims, despite that in Prophet's time they haven't celebrated!
My reckon is that every muslim deserve to celebrate this holyday, no matter his sect!

Assalamun Alejkeem Ve Rrahmet-tullahi Ve Berekatuhu.
2009-03-14

KRIS MACPHERSON FROM MALAYSIA said:
Assalamualaikum,

For those taking too extreme a view, one that celebrating the Prophet's birthday is an innovation, or bida'ah, or that we are confuse with anything or that there should be no mazhab, let me just say this.

Firstly, our intention of observing the maulidur rasul is not, in any way breaching the tenets of Islam. We are not celebrating the birthday in a way that many people celebrate birthdays, we don't blow any candles, or indulge in any entertainment or we don't even think of committing any shirk of any kind. There is no innovation in all these. There is no element of satisfying the humans nafs here.

OUR Intentions are clear, we wanted to remember the Prophet ( s.a.w ) in order that we get benefits from our Prophet's dakwa', his wisdom, courage and examples as ALLAH Himself described the Prophet s.a.w as the " Rahmatan il alamin ", meaning the rahmah to the whole world.

In celebrating the Prophet s.a.w birthday, we increase our ibadah to ALLAH swt, we say salawat to the Prophet ( s.a.w ) as ALLAH mention that whoever say salawat to the Prophet ( s.a.w ) then ALLAH and His angels will says 10 times the salawat.

So what is so wrong about observing the birthday ? Infact I believe most Muslims, have in each day of their lives, had cited salawat to our beloved Prophet s.a.w. Is it wrong to try to learn from the Prophet's examples, to know how he ( s.a.w ) rule as a statesman, as a Judge, as an Imam, or is it wrong for us to learn on how the Prophet ( s.a.w ) had lovingly treated his wives ?

Please do not take any extreme view by equating the celebration of the birth day as a must or hukum. Everything falls on the question of intention, and ALLAH knows what our intentions are, when we observed the maulidur Rasul.

Secondly I say that I don't see any confusion here, who is confuse about anything ?

Thirdly on the question of maxhab, let me say this again, teh 4 imams never intended to divide the Muslims along sectarian
2009-03-14

MALINE HYDARA FROM UK said:
Assalamou Aleykum Brothers & Sisters

I have been reading most comments here, and I have a feeling that some Brothers and Sisters are confusing, the Celebration of our beloved Nabi, Muhammed's(pbh) BIRTHDAY and what has been an ORDER from ALLAH(swt), therefore putting it on an equal par with for instance the five daily prayers and that being:

(58) Allah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet: O ye that believe! Send ye blessings on him, and salute him with all respect.
( , Al-Ahzab, Chapter #33, Verse #56

Of course we should distance ourself from anything that will makes us look or sound like those who do not believe in Alah(swt); however we must observe the "SALATOU ALA NABI", it is paramount for catching the DIVINE FLAVOUR and FAVOUR. The name Muhammed(pbh) serves as a SHIELD a well as a MIRROR for reflecting that AWESOME LIGHT/POWER from the NAMES/Attributes of the MOST HIGH.

Anyone who does "jikr" of any kind, please make sure you do a lot of " Salatou ala Nabi" for your own good.

"Alahuma Sal'li ala Seyduna Muhammedin wa ala A'alihi wa As'haabi, wa Salimu Taslima"

Al'laahuma Amine Ya'Rabil A'alamina

Wassalam
2009-03-13

SOFIA FROM USA said:
To all those Muslims who claim the Sunna of the Prophet as their guide should call themselves Muslim just as Prophet Mohammad did.

Prophet Mohammad did not call himself Sunni, Shia, Salafi, Islamali, Qayadani, Islamist, Fundamentalist, etc. He strictly followed the ayat of the Qur'an, the Revealed Divine Word of the Almighty. The Qur'an gives a believer of Allah SWT the label of "Muslim" and the religion as "Islam." Muslims who claim any other title to define themselves end up violating other ayat of the Qur'an such as the one which states that Muslims should be united.

The enemies of Islam and Muslims are using this disunity to destroy the Muslim Ummah and to grab political power and to grab the natural resources of the world for themselves. Let me analyze it this way: As long as Muslims remain divided they will continue to suffer degradation, destruction, death on Earth.

For each and every ayah of the Qur'an will come to pass!

May Allah SWT have Mercy on us all!
2009-03-13

KEITH (JAMAL ISLAM) FROM UNITED STATES OF AMERICA said:
The Prophet[saw] himself didn't celebrate his birthday, not even during his life of the Jahiliya Period the Prophet[saw] didn't celebrate or innovate birthday celebrations. The Prophet[saw] was on a higher level in Philosopy and Spirtuality. The Prophet[saw] mentioned how the life after is more enduring, and he didn't want to paganise Islam as people have mistaken in the past. For example, to have people to pray to Muhammad how the some Christians pray to Jesus[pbuh] as if he's Allah, Even when Jesus [pbuh]himself prayed to Allah in the BIBLE. Celebrating the Prophets birthday is about as WORSE than before when it was allowed to pray to idols which led to the Jahiliyahian period, and the Kaba was filled with idols...celebrating prophets birthday is hidden idolism....It's amazing to me that the Prophet[saw]celebrated the Qur'ans Birthday than what he done in his whole entire life and the 23 years couldn't compare to verses of the Qur'an...Celebrating the Prophets Birthday is like every culture taking the Qur'an and translating it into their own language without a transliteration losing the Compassion and Eloquence of the Truth. Even if i find a book in the library that says Qur'an on Front and the Writing is only english....i know it's not the Qur'an, but It's the Qur'an when Arabic Script with English Transliteration.
All i'm saying is Focusing on Prophet Muhammad[saw]is a GREAT innovation, because The Prophet[saw]would expect us as muslims to focus on Qur'an and Allah,and understanding the Qur'an is Rememberance towards Allah that we stay on the right Path[Mustaqeen]....salaam alaykum rahmatullah wa barakatu
2009-03-13

IBRAHIM MUSLIM FROM NIGERIAN said:
Islam is a gift from GOD,let us make good use of it for human kind.This mail awake to all MUSLIM.
2009-03-11

KRIS MACPHERSON FROM MALAYSIA said:
Assalamualaikum,
My Dear Brother Babandi A.Gumel again,
It's always like finding a cool oasis in the desert whenever I read your opinion. My family feels the same too.

Yes, Brother, on many points I fully agree with you. Yes, the 4 mazhabs and the Imam Idris Shafie, Imam Abu Hanifah, Imam Maliki and Imam Hambali are one of ALLAH's gift to the Islamic world. After the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w, none can challenge them, or rival these 4 imams, they expounded the fiqh according to the time, place and circumstances in which they lived.

Whatever and where ever we are, we had and continue to have benefitted from their compilations of fatwas, knowledge, hukm which they developed. It doesn't matter whether we are followers of Shafi'e or Hanafi, or Hambali or Maliki, we are all Muslim Brothers. We have no sectarian lines as much as Christians have, we have no division of mosque. When I went overseas, I would be delighted to pray as a makmum in any mosque, it doesn't matter to me whether the Imam is a Maliki, or Hanafi, or Hambali or Shafi'e, and I would be equally grateful to ALLAH that whoever leads the prayer is an imam of full capability. And at the end of my prayers, I would like to shake my hands with all my Muslim Brothers, I won't ask them to which mazhab they belong to, they are all my Brothers in Islam.

In this manner, I would respectfully disagree with Dr. Aslam if he viewed sectarianism as a liability or disadvantage. In Islam, the differences among the true mazhabs are a blessing from ALLAH.

Our beloved Rasulullah s.a.w had also mention in one hadith that " The differences among my ummah is a blessing. "

Infact sometimes unconciously we follow other mazhabs, for instance before the rise of Aidil Fitr, Muslims in malaysia pays their tithe or fitrah in cash, emulating the Hanafi concept.

In times of war, Muslim armies may well follow the Maliki methods of winning, and of extracting confession from the enemies. I'll write more.

Wa
2009-03-11

ALLYSON FROM ENGLAND said:
Hi it is me again Allyson.

I was Horrified when I sent my comment and I had said I felt that not all Muslims lived by the Five Pillars of Islam and then forgot to put one of them down Faith please except my deepest apologies. But while I am here I wanted to add these to verses from the Quran as I feel they say so much in how we should conduct ourselves in our lives


Quran 16:125
Invite (all) to the Way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful exhortation; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for thy Lord knoweth best, who have strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance.
Quran 3:114
They believe in God and the Last Day; they enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong; and they hasten (in emulation) in (all) good works: They are in the ranks of the righteous.

and lets remember this last part of the article and it should be taken so very seriously

We should understand that his struggles and his teachings were not only meant to be marveled during public meetings but to be lived in every day life. The true respect to the Prophet is when the principles that he stood for are lived by his followers. Otherwise, whatever we say and do will be nothing more than a ritual.

The fact that the Prophet was chosen by the Divine to communicate His message for the last time to humanity should remind us of our responsibility to humanity.

Let us remember the Prophet by striving within ourselves to build a model character.

You have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a beautiful pattern (of conduct) for any one whose hope is in God and the Final Day, and who engages much in the Praise of God. (Quran 33:21)




2009-03-10

ALLYSON FROM ENGLAND said:
Thank you so much for this beautiful article. And how so very true, I have not been learning very long about islam but what I have learnt up to present day has taught me that a true Muslim is not about killing or who it the best Muslim community or your own interpritation of the Quran is but what the prophet heard himself he devoted his life to this and should be respected and revered for this. How we can help one and other love thy neighbour so to speak is a very good way to start only when we talk to eachother and try to understand one and other can we live as one. I recently came across a Muslim it seem to be very important to him that he told what a good Muslim he was and how the teachings of the Quran was the way he lived his life, however, part way through our friendship he decided if I could not become what he wanted me to be then he would not speak to me again because he said this was the way of the Quran and that he had read all of the Quran and the prophet taught that if a person does not do what you want them to do then you should never speak to them again. So I decided that I would search the Quran for this teaching but could not find anything that came close to what had been said to me. This person still does not speak to me but, I will not give up and I email him everyday to ask how he is and that I hope his life is going well and that he is happy.He never replys but,My understanding of the Quran and what the prophet is teaching is that we should never give up on our fellow man/woman I have learnt that not all Muslims live by the five Pillars of Islam, Prayer, Concern for those in need,Self- Purification and the Pilgrimage. If you are going to say you are something i.e Muslim, Christian etc, then live what you are but don't abuse what you you believe in by only living it when it suits you the Prophet Mohammed lived for what he belived in so if you do not truely believe then don't speak of it. I am at peace with myself because of the prophet Mohammed
2009-03-10

ZEBA FROM INDIA said:
Just before reading this mail...i had tears in my eyes because of what i witnessed right in front of my house...there were hundreds of muslims beating drums, dancing like hooliguns and taking out processions all in the name of our prophet and the worst part was that it was the time for prayer and instead of standing in the congregation for prayers, our people were dancing and rejoicing...surely our prophet Mohammed(saws) must have greived in his grave for this is certainly not what he thought of us to celebrate his birthday in such a heinous manner.
2009-03-10

RAMSEY JUDAH FROM USA said:
I agree with the fact that the life that the Prophet (PBUH) should be revered for the great life he lived. People should take examples of his choices and actions in life to better our lives and societies. But I am very much against the celebration of the Prophet's birthday.

Once we pay special attention to circumstantial aspects of the our Prophets, we risk the practice of idol worship. Only Eid was prescribed as times of celebration in Islam. Once we add new celebrations it will cause future generations to concentrate on them more, which will lead to new holidays that are not originally prescribed by Islam.

We should not pick a day to celebrate the greatness that the Prophet exhibited while he was alive, we should celebrate it everyday and be examples of it in our lives. The practice of celebrating the Prophets birthday should not be encouraged, and in fact should be stopped. We were chosen to lead humanity because our past religions have strayed from the original concepts that were brought down to them, let us not fall in the same boat.
2009-03-09

SAADIA FROM USA said:
Thank you for this beautiful article
Allahouma Salli Ala Sayedina Mohamed
2009-03-09

TARIK FROM USA said:
I grew up in a muslim country where poeple celebrated the prophet`s birthday it was just like a holiday. know I have children in a non muslim country I m confused do we need to consider this day as a holiday? or is it BID-AA?
2009-03-09

BABANDI A. GUMEL FROM U.K said:
My Dear Kris Mcpherson,I have accepted your proposal as I know you to be always sincere truthful and straight to the point but the only point I was trying to make was very clear.Instead of criticising the Mazahabs which majority of the Muslims find guidance from before since time immemorial we should find something that bind us together rather than separating the Ummah.The enemies would be very happy to see the Ummah being fragamented and destroyed.You know me very well I am always very positive at the same time constructive in both my approach as well as criticism.I have no intention of defaming my Muslim brother especially Brother Aslam. What would I gain by doing that? Nonetheless but I still stand by my views that the four Mazahibs Maliki,Hanafi Shafii and Hambali like Salafis another new Mazhab in disguise have different views and they are all right to hold their own views.We should not be confrontational r critical in approach.As far as I am concerned we are all Muslims trying to follow the Sunnah of the beloved Prophet and we all hope to be raised together with Nabiyin was Siddiquin wash Shuhada Was Saliheen as hey are the good company.My policy is no criticism nor condemnation no confrontation and no contradiction. Anyhow again Jazakallah Khair Bro kris for your sincere advice let us continue to advise one another is all our duty May Allah continue to guide us on the right Path and we become steadfast till we go and meet Him Amen.
2009-03-09

HALIMA KOKO FROM NIGERIA said:
it is purely true, we should support this, in other to follow our beloved prophet muhammad (saw) thank you very much i realy appriciate this mail, may Allah (swa) bless you
2009-03-09

DOUBTING THOMAS FROM USA said:
I just wish these words came from a country closer to center of religious conflict - the Middle East. I wonder how many people there belive in what is contained in this article??
If ee all could just follow the teachings of God and His prophets, this world would be 100 times better than it is. Alas, too many people find it easier to fight than learn and accept....
2009-03-09

IBRAHIM KHAN FROM INDIA said:
Excellent explaination which is summerised in minimum possible words. Jazakallah. may Allah give light of Deen Allah to entire muslim Ummah and lead others and bring others from darkness to the Light. Ameen.
2009-03-09

JUMA R.MFANGA FROM TANZANIA,EAST AFRICA said:
AS SALAAM ALEYKUM WARAHAMATULLAH WABARAKATUH,

THANKS FOR A NICE ARTICLE.IN ACTUAL MEANS THIS CRITICISM ILLUSTRATES A PRICISE WAYS IN WHICH WE MUSLIM WE HAVE ALWAYS AND CONSTANTLY OBEYING.IT IS WONDERFULL THAT NOWADAYS MOST OF US HAVE NEW WAYS OF LIFE WHICH ARE COMPLETELY DIFFERENT COMPARED TO SUNA,HADITH OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD S.A.W(PBUH) AND THE HOLLY BOOK QUR'AN!!!
MAY ALLAH MAKE US AS A SINGLE UMMAH WHICH OBEYS ISLAMIC ETHICS INSHAALAH.
JAZZAK LLAHU KHEIR Dr.ASLAM.

Wasalam.
2009-03-09

HANAN FROM ITALY said:
Thank you for awkening us all, not only Muslims but also other religions seems to have a bad memory - and as by enchantment we wake up on Fridays/Sundays and at the time of celebrations. We try to hide behind dumb excuses as "being to busy with our work" - tuly life has changed a lot but we should never forget stop up a few minutes every day and give thanks to our Lord. Once again thank you for the "reminder".
2009-03-09

JEREMIAH ROSS FROM USA said:
You wouldn't look at a work of art and marvel at
the work of the paintbrush. While I feel that it
is a good thing that we look to the life of the
prophet as a means of depicting how we should
strive to apply the Quran to every aspect of our
life, I must say that the celebration of his
birthday and the cannonization of his actions
seem somewhat contradictory to the teachings of
the Quran. I do not mean to offend, but I believe
that we all should look at our actions and make
sure that we are not exceeding the limits in some
of them.
2009-03-09

RAZI HASAN FROM USA said:
WHY IS IT THAT WE AS MUSLIMS ARE USUALLY IN SUCH A RUSH TO TRULY UNDERSTAND ALLAH (SWT) WITHOUT REALLY UNDERSTANDING THE CHARACTER OF OUR BELOVED PROPHET (PEACE BE UPON HIM)? AS FOR ME ,MY OPINION IS THAT MUSLIMS SHOULD TRY TO UNDERSTAND THE PIOUS CHARACTER OF THE PROPHET (PBUH),CONSIDER IT IMPORTANT TO RESPECT THE PROPHET (PBUH), AND LASTLY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EVERY OPPUTUNITY TO REMEMBER THE GREAT MERCY OF ALLAH (SWT)FOR MANKIND;OUR BELOVED PROPHET (PBUH).
2009-03-09

CHAOS THEORY FROM PAKISTAN said:
AOA,
I certainly agree with the article. On another note, I am under the impression that only Pakistanis celebrate 12 of Rabi Awal, prophets supposedly birthday/pass day. I have lived in US, Middle East, and UK and only found such traditions in Pakistani communities. No arab communities, or other muslim communities (black/white/hispanic/minorities) celebrate such a day. I am certain prophet (pbuh) wouldn't want anybody to spend as lavishly in celebrating such a day but rather give to poor. Your assistance would be highly appreciated. Any hadith would be great.

Thanks,
2009-03-08

KRIS MACPHERSON FROM MALAYSIA said:
Assalamualaikum,

My Dear Brother Babandi A. Gumel,

Dr. Aslam criticism of the Muslims may be harsh but he is presenting the hard faced reality of today's Muslim. He is constructive, yet he offers suggestions on how Muslims should emulate our beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.

Brother Babandi, if we to progress further, then we must allow room for constructive views, if they potrays reality. Dr. Aslam is not criticising our Prophet s.a.w., he is directing his disappointment with many Muslims who in spirit, are not following the sunnah of the Prophet s.a.w.

I certainly do not feel that it is wrong for Dr. Aslam to view the division and sectarian of the present day Muslims as a setback to the advancement of the ummah. When Dr. Aslam compares the loving of the wives by the Prophet s.a.w, to the present domestic violence in some Muslim household, I also do not see anything seriously wrong with that.

Please Brother Babandi, let us learn from criticism if they are factually true.

Wassalam
2009-03-08

ALAM FROM CANADA said:
An excellent article.

Alam Khan
2009-03-08

ASLAM ABDULLAH FROM USA said:
Professor Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah's book, The Battles of Prophet Muhammad, gives a detailed account of all the battles of the Prophet. Moreover,the number of hours mentioned are the number of hours spent in actual battlefield in a combat situaiton.
2009-03-08

ABDUL RAFIU FROM NIGERIA said:
This is indeed an inspiring artcle.I felt very excited with this and hope it will sink in the minds of the muslims. We cannot but preach Islam in totality by our deeds and urterances. If we do not, who will?
Prophet Muhammed had done the greatest part of the job and enjoined us, the Ummah, to complement his efforts in accordance with the QURAN and the HADDITH. If we derail from this we might end up derailing from ALLAH's commandmend. LET US REFLECT.
2009-03-08

HERYANTI ABDELWAHED FROM SANGHAFURAH (SINGAPORE) said:
Assalamu alaikum wa rahmtullahi wa barakatuhu

MashaAllah, it's a very good article. Brings tears to my eyes. We are very lucky to be the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) Alhamdulillah.

2009-03-08

JOYCE FROM USA said:
Thank you for such a wonderful and timely article. As a new revert, it disappoints me to see so much judging and fighting amongst people who call themselves Muslims. I agree that if they stop looking at how much or how little of what each other are or aren't doing, and instead focus on our wonderful Prophet (pbuh), the unity he desired for the Ummah would be stronger than ever. Let us focus on our Prophet (pbuh) and remember the example he gave us.
2009-03-08

SALEEM AHMED FROM USA said:
Congratulations for a well-written article.

Extremist Muslims such as Taliban quote "war inciting" Qur'anic verses (such as 5:51 and 9:5) and "war inciting" hadeeth (such as AbuDawood 2473 and Al-Muwatta 45 45.17)to spew their poison while claiming they are "following" these sacred texts. Rather than continuing to ignore these verses and hadeeth, Muslims much take the bull by the horn and emphasize these were superseded by "peace-inspiring" verses (such as 16:25, 2:256 and 5:1-3) and "peace inspiring hadeeth (such as Abu Dawood 1631 and 1328). Otherwise, we continue to live in not-so-peaceful co-existence.

My recent book "Islam: A Religion of Peace" discuses this "war and peace" situation in some depth www.IslamAReligionOfPeace.com).

Best wishes,
Saleem
2009-03-07

HUMA FROM CANADA said:
Very well written and so very true. I'm totally disappointed by the behavior of my fellow Muslims. It's very disturbing. There is very little sincerity to self, family, community and even for Allah left in our community. I feel this is due to reduced faith in God and having a very superficial relation with Him. I wish we'd realize. People read the Quran but it never reaches the heart, it stays stuck in the throat. This is reflected in the actions. May Allah soften our hearts and give us the strength to suppress our wicked desires in favor of being obedient to our Creator.
2009-03-07

MUHAMMAD FUAD FROM MALAYSIA said:
I need some clarification on the statement "Phropet spent less than 20 hours in the battles"
What are the sources stated that Rasullulah spent that amount of time in the battles?
2009-03-07

HILAL SHAH FROM USA said:
I agree with Br. Aslam Abdullah for said in his article. I will go even further to say that, we as today's Muslims do not even have any right to call ourselves Muslim Ummah.
2009-03-07

MALINE HYDARA FROM UK said:
Assalamou Aleykum Brothers and Sister.

Thank you very much Dr A.Abdullah for this brilliant article,indeed quite refreshing and May Allah(swt)the Most Gracious showers, you your family, friends and companions with His abundant GRACE and MERCY as well as those of us, not fortunate enough in doing such great work for the best interst of HUMANITY.

Of course, as I read some responses here, it has been take as a CRITICISM instead of a SELF EXAMINATION. The good Dr. can not possibly be other than a person who has a great deal of respect to those of our early fathers and mothers, from whom we have inherited these great legacies of Islamic teachings.

Human nature is very complex and its diversity is as much a challenge for us as Islam itself. From the first beings Adama and Awah( peace be upon them), to this day and most certainly till end time, mankind will display immoral behaviours, arrogance, ignorance, stuborness and contempt towards fellows human beings, in violating the rules set forth for our guidance.

Unfortunately, it is part of what we are and Allah(swt) is well aware of that and thanks to HIM(most Merciful), He(most Gracious) has never gave up on us.
The Ummat is indeed badly divided; a situation well inherited, starting soon after our beloved prophet Muhammed(pbh)left. The question most people ask is: is the division inevitable or could it be avoided? The answer is both YES! and NO!

Yes! if it has been decided straight from the begining to make away from all other scriptures other than Qur'an. As soon as that is agreed,unfortunately, another question is raised: as how will we understand Qur'an without the works of certain individuals, in its complex and difficult task to be interpreted?

No! even though the Islamic message is in a single and consistant frame work, but human beings are of a completely different nature with various frame works. There is no equal ground in terms of gaining knowledge and understanding the spiritual
2009-03-07

SHAIKH RAHMAN FROM USA said:
salamualaikum. This line was offending to me :
"The day of the Prophet's birth should be a day
of joy where we can all produce results for a
better humanity as a sign of our commitment to
him." This is straight up bida'a, who haS asked
you to celebrate the birthday of rasulullah???

Did the sahaba celebrate his birthday ??? bida'a
is innovation in religion and this is an example.
Stay away from bida'a and take this article down
asap. i understand the point of hte article is to
remember our beloved rasul's (saw) actions
throughout the year but lets not do it in this
way.

i hope i havent offended anyone.
jazakamullahukhair.
salamualaikum.
RSVP

2009-03-07

BRUCE WILLIAMS FROM USA said:
IT IS GREAT ARTICLE FOR SO LONG ON THE BIRTHDAYS WE CELEBRATE AND REMEMBER,BUT DO WE PRACTICE,WE KILL EACH OTHER BECAUSE HE OR SHE MIGHT BE DIFFERENT MUSLIM,NO WE KILL EACH OTHER BECAUSE OF THE DEVIL,IF WE USE ARE MIND THAT ALLAH HAS BLESS US WITH AND THINK FOR OURSELVES AND NOT BE LEAD WE WOULDNT HAVE THESE PROBLEMS.I AM ONE WHO TOOK SHAHADA 15 YEARS AGO,I BORN CHRISTIAN AND I READ AND SEEK ALLAH GUIDANCE THAT LEAD ME TO ISLAM,WE ARE ALL BROTHERS,SHIA-SUNNI,ALL BROTHERS,AND UNTIL WE ALL COME TOGETHER AND MUSLIMS ALL OVER THE WORLD DEMAN ONE VOICE THEN WE WILL ALWAYS BE LIKE THE WORLD AS A WHOLE FIGHTING WHILE THE WEST WATCHES AND CONTINUE TO DO THEIR DEMONIC DEEDS,I LOVE ISLAM,I AM MARRIED TO MUSLIM FROM IRAN AND HAVE DAUGHTER(ALHAMIDIALLAH),MY CHRISTIAN BACKGROUND HELPS ME TO FIGHT FOR A UNIFIED ISLAM AND ALL MY BROTHERS LIVE AS ALLAH HAS BLESS ALL MUSLIM TO LIVE,WORKING FOR EACH OTHER AND CARING FOR ALL BROTHER AND SISTERS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD.MY BROTHERS WHO DEMAND THAT THEIR WIVES AND DAUGHTERS WEAR HIJAB IN WESTERN COUNTIES THAT THEY LIVE ,I URGED YOU TO WEAR YOUR CAP UPON YOUR HEAD ALSO,OUR SISTERS FACE ALOT OF STRANGE LOOKS IN WORKPLACE IN STORES BUT WITH THEIR PRIDE OF ISLAM THEY KEEP DOING THE SHOPPING,THE WORK AT THE JOB.MY MUSLIM BROTHERS THE JEWS WEAR CAPS OUTSIDE OF THE HOMES AND I STARTING THIS DAY WILL WEAR MY CAP AS RESPECT TO MY RELIGION AND MY PROPHET.THE STRENGHT OF ISLAM IS THE SISTERS WALKING IN PUBLIC WITH HIJAB NOT FEARING MAN BEACUSE OF 9-11,BUT FEARING ALLAH,MUSLIM MEN YOU ARE SUPPOSE TO BE MUSLIMS THEN MY BROTHERS START WEARING THE CAP TO WORK AND IN PUBLIC,AND THANK THE SISTERS FOR BEING STRONG IN ISLAM.
2009-03-07

SABA NASIR FROM CANADA, TORONTO said:
An exceptionally condensed and relevant truth of our times...as I read I cried...Indeed there can be no greater betrayal then not practicing what our Prophet (S.W.A.) lived, and died for - ISLAM...Please wake-up from the slumber of ease and enter the realm of righteous practice...free from injustice in all its forms...Regards, Saba
2009-03-07

ALAM FROM BANGLADESH said:
Yes brother, it is very right. We remember our Prophet Muhammad (SM) only in words and only in the month of Rabiul Awal. Most of us are reluctant in following his Sunnah. It is very unfortunate for us and probably for this reason, we are being humilated and tortured by the non-Muslims, throughout the world.
2009-03-07

NASIR ALI AFSAR FROM PAKISTAN said:
The article is the need of the hour. Unless we muslims think for our standing in the world, we cannot get out of our troubles.
2009-03-07

QUEEN FROM USA said:
Thank you for the reminder. The truth has been revealed
2009-03-07

NIGAR M. KHAN FROM USA said:
Brother it is the truth that you write and i loved the article. The Prophet (PBUH) left us Islam and we have divided into so many sec. May Allah have mercy on the muslim ummah ameen
2009-03-07

ADNAN AHMAD FROM USA said:
I believe the author is alluding to those that exploit the teachings and interpretations of the scholars (I mean true scholars like Imam Maliki and such) to extract worldly profit; I do not get the sense that he is holding these scholars responsible for today's internal bloodshed.
2009-03-07

BABANDI A.GUMEL FROM U.K said:
It is so unfortunate even the learned Doctor himself has found time to criticise and classify the Ummah into various sects excluding or exhonarating himself as if he is not one of them.Im never so critical to Dr Aslam except this time. I know he lives in the Sin City therefore he should be doing much Istiggfar and more Zikr not criticism. The kind of criticism which destroys the Umma common among the intellctuals and other mordern scholars.How can we progress if we are so critical seeing nothing good among the people ?. Inna akramakum indallahi ataqakum we can comment or criticise others but we can not be better than those so called deviated sects in terms of practice.The Ummah is different and we must be proud of their differences.We are here to defend the Ummah not defame it. Sometimes I disagree with what some of our so called respected mordern scholars do finding faults with Hanafis Hambali Shafii's Malikis. Alhamdu Lillahi it was through these so called sects most of the Ummah got hidayah. We respect Imam Malik,Imam Ahmad Bin Hambal Imam Abu Hanifa and Imam Idris Shafii. These four Imams I am sure are better than our so called critiques the intellectuals who due to some reasons best known to them are always ready to find fault with our predecessors. We must act in a way that may help unite the Ummah rather than dividing them as I said our differences is Khair May Allah accept our little effort whatever we may do.The most important thing in our lives is amaal not words. They say actions speak louder than words.Either we say something good or we keep quiet as no one knows who is the most repected in the sight of Allah only Allah knows.
2009-03-06

JABRIL MUJAHID-ALEXANDER FROM USA said:
Al Humdulillah! I have always been told that it is easier to die for a cause than it is to live for a cause. Let's put down our petty difference and live Islam as it was lived by Prophet Muhammad (saw).
2009-03-06

NIZAM FROM INDIA said:
We all know the problem, that we are not living according to the teaching of islam. But the question is why people are not living according to the teaching of islam? Most of the ordinary muslims do not even know the meaning of the shahada and therefore no question of prayer except Eid-prayers!However, most of these muslims perform ramadan, every year! Besides the sectarian divisiion, main problem is the unawareness about their own identity. We need people to remind muslims their identity and what they are supposed to do! As long as, we fail to educate, there is no hope. Moreover, modern days technological advancement, and consequently, its idealogy are more attractive to the ordinary people. This has affected all the people in the world, muslims included, except some muslims who has knowledge and they know exactly what they are doing. Blind following of any ritual are difficult to continue, and therefore, ignorant muslims pray only the month of ramadan!
2009-03-06

ABDURAHMAN FROM USA said:
It is a good article for the most part except where I had hard time understanding how you classified the sunni madhabs (schools of jurisprudence) hanafis, shafis and malikis as one of misguided sects. you need to have a clear understanding of the definition islamic schools of thoughts (four madhabs)that exist under the sunni islam.
2009-03-06