Concerning the notion that Islam is elitist, claiming a special, exalted status for itself, its leader(s) and its members:
Islam rejects elitism, and emphasises that truth is equally accessible to all people, regardless of race, class, or gender.
Allāh (subḥānahu ūta'āla) created human beings as equals, who are to be distinguished from each other only on the basis of their faith and piety. He tells us:
‘People, We created you all from a single man and a single woman, and made you into races and tribes so that you should know one another. In Allāh’s eyes, the most honoured of you are the ones most mindful of Him: Allāh is all knowing, all aware.’ (Al-Hujurat: 13).
Not only are human beings created as equals, they are given different paths to follow:
‘We have assigned a law and a path to each of you. If Allāh had so willed, He would have made you one community, but He wanted to test you through that which He has given you, so race to do good: you will all return to Allāh and He will make clear to you the matters you differed about.’ (Al-Ma’ida: 48). Med
The message is clear: Whatever path we happen to be on – whatever law we happen to follow – we are each of us called to do good.
Allāh (subḥānahu ūta'āla) says this:
‘For the (Muslim) believers, the Jews, the Sabians, and the Christians – those who believe in Allāh and the Last Day and do good deeds – there is no fear: they will not grieve.’ (Al-Ma’ida: 69).
Puritans claim that this verse has been abrogated by the following:
‘If anyone seeks a religion other than complete devotion to Allāh, it will not be accepted from him: he will be one of the losers in the Hereafter.’ (Al‘Imran: 85).
The expression ‘complete devotion’ is a rendition of ‘islam’; a word that is never capitalised in Arabic. This word can also be rendered ‘submission’.
Puritans take the word ‘religion’, and then capitalise ‘islam’; giving the impression that the verse refers to that particular Faith alone. They argue that Islam is the only religion acceptable to Allāh (subḥānahu ūta'āla). At the same time, they claim (correctly) that Islam is not merely a ‘religion’, but a way of life. But so are Christianity and Judaism (and all other religions, too, of course). And the best ‘way of life’ (for a believer) is one spent in complete devotion to the Beloved.
Al‘Imran: 85 can safely be rendered: ‘If anyone seeks a way of life other than complete devotion to Allāh, it will not be accepted from him: he will be one of the losers in the Hereafter.’
By the way, Al’imran was the 89th sūrah to be revealed. Al-Ma’ida was the 112th. Folk are invited to explain how it is possible for an earlier sūrah to abrogate a later.
All people, regardless of their religion – or none – are required to spread justice, compassion and mercy on earth; yes, and beauty too.
Allāh (subḥānahu ūta'āla) says this:
‘Spend in Allāh’s cause: do not contribute to your destruction with your own hands, but do good, for Allāh loves those who do good.’ (Al-Baqara: 195).
And this:
‘Allāh loves those who keep their pledges and are mindful of Him……who give, both in prosperity and adversity, who restrain their anger and pardon people – Allāh loves those who do good……. so pardon them and ask forgiveness for them. Consult with them about matters, then, when you have decided on a course of action, put your trust in Allāh: Allāh loves those who put their trust in Him.’ (Al‘Imran: 76; 134; 159).
And this:
‘Do not turn your nose up at people, nor walk about the place arrogantly, for Allāh does not love arrogant or boastful people. Go at a moderate pace and lower your voice, for the ugliest of all voices is the braying of asses.’ (Luqman: 18).
Allāh (subḥānahu ūta'āla) loves, or does not love, according to our actions, and quite regardless of how we feel about Him.
Khaled M. Abou El Fadl writes:
‘What triggers God’s love is certain acts and qualities that are appealing to God. God loves those who act in particular ways or possess certain qualities even if some of these people do not love God back.
‘(…) Muslims ought to cultivate and nurture an attitude of tolerance and forgiveness, and not seek confrontations with those who do not understand the moral worth of either value. Part of this process is to avoid escalating conflict or intentionally inciting hatred and ill will. Thus the Qur’an explicitly commands Muslims not to use foul language or curse their opponents, even if these opponents initiate the verbal abuse. The Qur’an justifies this prohibition by explaining that attempting to reciprocate verbal abuse leads to a dynamic that is essentially uncontrollable and that is bound to result in much ugliness.’ (‘The Great Theft: Wrestling Islam from the Extremists’).
The notion that Islam is elitist, claiming a special, exalted status for itself, its leader(s) and members is false.
Continued:
Islam rejects elitism, and emphasises that truth is equally accessible to all people, regardless of race, class, or gender.
Allāh (subḥānahu ūta'āla) created human beings as equals, who are to be distinguished from each other only on the basis of their faith and piety. He tells us:
‘People, We created you all from a single man and a single woman, and made you into races and tribes so that you should know one another. In Allāh’s eyes, the most honoured of you are the ones most mindful of Him: Allāh is all knowing, all aware.’ (Al-Hujurat: 13).
Not only are human beings created as equals, they are given different paths to follow:
‘We have assigned a law and a path to each of you. If Allāh had so willed, He would have made you one community, but He wanted to test you through that which He has given you, so race to do good: you will all return to Allāh and He will make clear to you the matters you differed about.’ (Al-Ma’ida: 48). Med
The message is clear: Whatever path we happen to be on – whatever law we happen to follow – we are each of us called to do good.
Allāh (subḥānahu ūta'āla) says this:
‘For the (Muslim) believers, the Jews, the Sabians, and the Christians – those who believe in Allāh and the Last Day and do good deeds – there is no fear: they will not grieve.’ (Al-Ma’ida: 69).
Puritans claim that this verse has been abrogated by the following:
‘If anyone seeks a religion other than complete devotion to Allāh, it will not be accepted from him: he will be one of the losers in the Hereafter.’ (Al‘Imran: 85).
The expression ‘complete devotion’ is a rendition of ‘islam’; a word that is never capitalised in Arabic. This word can also be rendered ‘submission’.
Puritans take the word ‘religion’, and then capitalise ‘islam’; giving the impression that the verse refers to that particular Faith alone. They argue that Islam is the only religion acceptable to Allāh (subḥānahu ūta'āla). At the same time, they claim (correctly) that Islam is not merely a ‘religion’, but a way of life. But so are Christianity and Judaism (and all other religions, too, of course). And the best ‘way of life’ (for a believer) is one spent in complete devotion to the Beloved.
Al‘Imran: 85 can safely be rendered: ‘If anyone seeks a way of life other than complete devotion to Allāh, it will not be accepted from him: he will be one of the losers in the Hereafter.’
By the way, Al’imran was the 89th sūrah to be revealed. Al-Ma’ida was the 112th. Folk are invited to explain how it is possible for an earlier sūrah to abrogate a later.
All people, regardless of their religion – or none – are required to spread justice, compassion and mercy on earth; yes, and beauty too.
Allāh (subḥānahu ūta'āla) says this:
‘Spend in Allāh’s cause: do not contribute to your destruction with your own hands, but do good, for Allāh loves those who do good.’ (Al-Baqara: 195).
And this:
‘Allāh loves those who keep their pledges and are mindful of Him……who give, both in prosperity and adversity, who restrain their anger and pardon people – Allāh loves those who do good……. so pardon them and ask forgiveness for them. Consult with them about matters, then, when you have decided on a course of action, put your trust in Allāh: Allāh loves those who put their trust in Him.’ (Al‘Imran: 76; 134; 159).
And this:
‘Do not turn your nose up at people, nor walk about the place arrogantly, for Allāh does not love arrogant or boastful people. Go at a moderate pace and lower your voice, for the ugliest of all voices is the braying of asses.’ (Luqman: 18).
Allāh (subḥānahu ūta'āla) loves, or does not love, according to our actions, and quite regardless of how we feel about Him.
Khaled M. Abou El Fadl writes:
‘What triggers God’s love is certain acts and qualities that are appealing to God. God loves those who act in particular ways or possess certain qualities even if some of these people do not love God back.
‘(…) Muslims ought to cultivate and nurture an attitude of tolerance and forgiveness, and not seek confrontations with those who do not understand the moral worth of either value. Part of this process is to avoid escalating conflict or intentionally inciting hatred and ill will. Thus the Qur’an explicitly commands Muslims not to use foul language or curse their opponents, even if these opponents initiate the verbal abuse. The Qur’an justifies this prohibition by explaining that attempting to reciprocate verbal abuse leads to a dynamic that is essentially uncontrollable and that is bound to result in much ugliness.’ (‘The Great Theft: Wrestling Islam from the Extremists’).
The notion that Islam is elitist, claiming a special, exalted status for itself, its leader(s) and members is false.
Continued:
'Sometimes, silence is the best answer for a fool.'(Alī ibn Abī Tālib)
