All we need to do, at least those of us who say they believe in the Qur’an, is to turn to the Qur’an for answers – and for words to say: whenever we need to say them, whatever the occasion and whatever the context.
For, the Qur’an has words – and ideas – to fit all occasions.
Here are some clues as to what those words could be that people should be saying. Let us start with Alhamdu Lillah! There is no better or finer set of words for anyone to utter – in any context or situation, regardless of time or place.
Alhamdu Lillah! means “All Praise Is to God!” That means, among other things: “Thank You, God!”
And now what excuse or right context or situation do you need to say “Thank You!” to your maker, considering everything you have is from him, and everyone of those things -- whether it is your hand, foot, tongue or eye -- was given to you free?
So, next time you think you are speechless, or short of things to say, just say “Alhamdu Lillah!” and get on with your life. It will cover all situations and meet all your needs.
578
Damaged People
Islam and Muslims have always had enemies. It is the nature of the thing: You do something good, something really noble and outstanding, and bad people will resist, oppose and fight you and fight what you are doing. That, as I said, is the nature of the beast.
But what is new is that the curve has jumped to unprecedented heights in more recent times. At least it would appear so. Because in every age, the assessment by the Good Guys of that period, like Nuh, Alaihis Salam, for example, was: Wa Makaroo Makran Kubbaara -- meaning, in broad paraphrase of course: The enemies of truth and justice and goodness resorted to the worst and the most terrible and deadly kind of conspiracies and plotting and treachery.
So, the Testimony of Time -- Wal 'Asr, as the Qur'an puts it -- is that apparently the Bad Guys always had a field day of lies, deceit and propaganda against the doers of Good and speakers of Truth.
So, the ongoing rampage of hate and prejudice against Islam and Muslims, and the barrage of the most vicious anti-Islam and anti-Muslim propaganda around the world within our lifetime, are stunning to say the least. The question is has anyone ever considered the psychological and social impact of this unrelenting wave upon wave of hate and hostility on its targets: the Muslims.
What does all this negative characterizing and all this vicious name-calling do to Muslims as individuals and families, and as groups, communities and societies? To generation after generation after generation of them? The answer is simple and straightforward: damage -- incalculable and unpredictable damage.
Psychological damage and social damage and every other kind of damage of the worst proportions you can think of.
The miracle is that in the midst of all this hate and hostility directed at them, Muslims and Islam not only survive but also continue to grow and multiply and spread -- in their own way of course. This is no less than direct evidence -- proof if you will -- that Islam is from God and Muslims are God's People, no matter how messed up they may appear to be in their head and in their behavior. And as People of Haqq -- Keepers of Truth if you will -- in this world, Muslims are inexorably and unstoppably on their way to Paradise!
So let me say what any decent and civilized person in the world should be saying:
"May God Almighty bless and guide and help the Muslims!
And may God Almighty forgive Muslims their sins!"
"And may God Almighty replace the hate in the hearts of the enemies of Islam and Muslims with genuine love and respect for Truth and Justice -- and for Islam and Muslims!"
577
Muslims in Action
Seeing Muslims in action -- more of them, in more action in more of their old homelands, whatever that means -- shows how tangential the connection often is between Islam and Muslims.
In many cases, many may say, if this is Islam, who wants it?
Except that Islam, in many instances, is not what Muslims do, but what Allah so clearly states in the Qur'an and Rasulullah, Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam, showed so completely and beautifully in action.
And the world is in more desperate need of that Islam today -- the real Islam if you will -- than it ever was!
576
What a Beautiful Thought, Even When the Moment Is So Sad!
A former neighbor passed away. A couple of years ago.
Got to learn about it only moments ago.
Wonderful people, both husband and wife. And great neighbors.
Good Christian people.
Mid-fifties. That is how old or young Doug was when he died. That was his name: Douglas.
Death comes to all: Muslim and non-Muslim. Good people and bad people.
Here is what his obituary said -- then, two years ago:
"In lieu of flowers, please be kind to everyone you encounter,
forgive someone who has hurt you,
beg forgiveness from someone you have hurt,
or hug someone close and tell them you love them."
What can Muslims learn from this?
Does it remind them of anything someone may have taught them 1400 years ago: Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam?
And they may be a bit rusty on right now?
May God bless the survivors, keep them and be with them.
