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Social and political
activism are religious duties for all Muslims
By Prof. Mohamed Elmasry*
Social and political activism are religious duties for all Muslims and are
regarded as importantly as praying, or giving to charity, all of which are
rewarded by God Almighty. For example, the Qur'an clearly states: "The
believers, men and women, are protectors one of the other. They enjoin what
is just, and forbid what is evil. They observe regular prayers, practice
regular charity, and obey God and His Messenger. God, who is exalted in
power and All-Wise, will pour mercy on them." (9:71)
I. ACTIVISM AGAINST EVIL:
The following Quranic teachings illustrate specific evils against which
Muslims are to practice activism.
1. Injustice -- "God commands justice, the doing of good, and liberality to
family and relations, forbidding all shameful deeds, injustice, and
rebellion. God instructs you, that you may receive admonition." (16:90)
2. Corruption -- "Do not consume your property among yourselves for vanity;
nor use it as bribes for judges, intending to knowingly and wrongfully
consume the property of others." (2:188)
3. Deception and fraud -- "Woe to those who deal in fraud; who exact full
measure when receiving goods from others, but give less measure or weight
than is due, when others receive from them. Do they not think they will be
called to account?"
(83:1-6) "Ignore those despicable people who are always free with their
oaths, who slander and trade in calumny, and who, being deep in sin,
habitually hinder the good and transgress beyond bounds." (68:10-13)
4. Lying -- "Truly God does not guide the person who transgresses and tells
lies!" (40:28)
5. Bigotry, stereotyping and discrimination -- "O you believers! Do not let
not some men among you laugh at others, for those who are made fun of may
well be worthier than those who mock them. Likewise, do not let some women
among you laugh at others, for the same truth may prevail. And do not defame
or be sarcastic, or call one another by offensive nicknames. Ill-seeming
names that connote wickedness are especially offensive when applied to a
fellow believer. Those who persist in such behaviour are indeed doing
wrong." (49:11)
6. Abortion -- "Do not kill your infant children out of fear that poverty
will prevent you from nurturing them. God will provide sustenance for them,
as well as for you. Truly, it is a very great sin to kill your children."
(17:31)
7. Drinking and gambling -- "When people ask you about drinking and
gambling, say, 'In them is both great harm and some profit... but the harm
is greater than the profit.' And when they ask you how much one should
spend, say 'What you can spare, not beyond your means.' In these things God
provides clear signs for your guidance." (2:219)
8. Over-consumption -- "O you believers! Do not deprive yourselves of the
good things that God has provided for you, but do not consume them to
excess. God does not love those who transgress the bounds of moderation."
(5:87)
II. ACTIVISM FOR GOOD:
The following Quranic teachings illustrate specific positive values toward
which Muslims are encouraged to work.
1. Freedom of religion -- "Let there be no compulsion in religion, for Truth
on its own will stand apart from error. Whoever rejects evil and believes in
God has grasped a trustworthy anchor that can never fail, for God hears and
knows all things." (2:256)
2. Social justice -- "O you believers! Stand up firmly for God and be
witnesses for fair dealing. Do not let the hatred of others persuade you to
do wrong or depart from justice. Being just is next to piety and the fear of
God. For God knows well all that you do." (5:8)
3. Progressive social change -- "Truly God will not change the condition of
a people until they change it themselves." (13:11)
4. Sharing Islamic teachings with others -- "(God) did not send you,
Muhammad, to only one people, but as a universal Messenger to humanity,
giving glad tidings as well as warnings against evil. But most people do not
understand this." (34:28)
"(God) sent you, Muhammad, to be a Mercy for all creatures." (21:107)
5. Traditional marriage -- "Among God's signs to you is that mates were
created from among yourselves, so that you may dwell in tranquillity with
them. And God placed love and mercy between your hearts. Indeed, these are
signs of God's benevolence for those who would reflect on them." (30:21)
6. Rights of husband and wife -- "O you believers! It is forbidden to
possess women against their will. Nor must you treat them harshly in order
to acquire part of their rightful dowry, except where they have been openly
indecent. Rather, live with them in a relationship of kindness and equality.
For if one should take a dislike to the other, it may be God's plan through
this to bring about good." (4:19)
7. Marriage counseling -- "If you fear a marriage breakdown has happened,
then appoint two mediators for the couple, one from his family and the other
from hers. If the couple truly wishes to restore peace in their
relationship, God will ensure that they become reconciled. For God knows all
things and is aware of all human doings." ( 4:35)
8. Rights of parents, neighbours, the poor, and others -- "Do good to your
parents, relatives, orphans, the poor and needy, your close neighbours,
strangers passing through, your close companion, the traveller you meet on
the road, and all those for whom you are officially responsible. For God
does not love arrogance and self-centredness." (4:36)
"Your Lord has decreed that you worship no other gods, and that you treat
your parents with kindness. Whether one or both of them grow old during your
own life, never speak contemptuously to them or reject them from your
company, but always address them in terms of honour." (17:23-25)
9. Social assistance for the poor and needy -- "Behold the unbeliever who
turned away from God the Most High and would not assist in feeding the poor!
That person is friendless on Judgment Day." (69:33-34) "Therefore, do not
treat an orphan harshly, or reject the needy one who asks you for help."
(93:9-10)
10. Good education -- "Are those who have knowledge equal to those who >do
not?" (39:9)
11. Preserving a clean and beautiful environment -- "Ask (the unbelievers),
'Who has forbidden us to use the beautiful gifts, the clean and pure
provisions, that God has produced for the sustenance of humanity?' Then say,
'These gifts are for the believers to use in their earthly life, and will be
wholly theirs on Judgment Day. This is how God explains it in detail for
those who understand'." (7:32-33)
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*Dr. Mohamed Elmasry is a professor of electrical and computer
engineering at the University of Waterloo, and is national president of the
Canadian Islamic Congress. He can be reached at
np@canadianislamiccongress.com Source:
http://www.cicnow.com |
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