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Brothers in Humanity or Brothers in Islam
Muslims of today are presented with many specious concepts by our oppressors and their helpers which are designed to keep the Ummah day dreamy, confused and thus subdued. Unfortunately, some Muslims, due to lack of information, misunderstanding, and misplaced awe, have fallen into their trap and adopted these ideas. Furthermore, they erroneously believe these alien ideas to originate from within Islam itself. One such concept is Pluralism. For example, a statement taken from a press release of a large well known US based Muslim organisation clearly reflects this grave error. It claims that "...Muslims will pray for tolerance and for the pluralistic beauty of America to shine through during this dark period of our history." What exactly are these Muslims promising? And is there a place for pluralism in Islam? To answer these questions, let us first define Pluralism. The definitions are several and vary based on disciplinary perspective, so I will list only the ones that are relevant to our topic. Pluralism is: ( i ) "a theory that there are more than one or more than two kinds of ultimate reality;" ( ii ) "a state of society in which members of diverse ethnic, racial, religious, or social groups maintain an autonomous participation in and development of their traditional culture or special interest within the confines of a common civilization;" ( iii ) "a theory or system of thought that maintains there is no single meaning or truth; meaning varies as the consequences vary for the individual, and truth is the expedient way of thinking" (Epistemological pluralisrn as presented in William James' "Pragmatism"); ( iv ) "the view that decision-making in contemporary liberal democracies is the outcome of competition among several interest groups in a political system characterised by free elections, representative institutions, and open access to the organs of power" (political pluralism); and ( v ) "the assertion that public interest emerges from the democratic competition of diverse and changing elite groups, none of which are dominant" (democratic pluralism).
The definitions of pluralism, based on these definitions are hypothetical and have no practical reality in America itself. An evidence is the current feud between Multi-culturalists and the Traditionalists. Multi-culturalists are calling for an American culture which is represented by an gorgeous mosaic of separated cultures. Traditionalists want all other cultures to leave their cultures at the American border and to adopt the Western American culture. Multi-culturism is still not part of the American cultural diet.
Once this concept or any concept is introduced, and before it begins to manifest itself among Muslims, it must be evaluated- How? By the Islamic yardstick, namely the Aqeedah (point of view) and the Ahkaam Shar'iyah (Halaal & Haraam) which have been provided to us by Allah out of His infinite mercy. In this way, we will be able to judge any idea that we may encounter throughout our individual and collective lives. Referring everything back to the Legislator is what distinguishes us as Muslims since we recognise our Creator and accept His rule over us. Unfortunately, unIslamic concepts are presented to Muslims either due to lack of education or due to improper study of these ideas. One such manifestation is painfully obvious and can be seen in the statements made by some of today's Muslim organisations. For example, "...act of terror is aimed at damaging the most precious asset of America, which is the American tolerance and pluralism. We pray that this unique quality of American society stays intact." The quote in the introductory paragraph is another example. These statements say many things about their source but focusing on our topic, it would seem that this organisation would have the Ummah believe that pluralism is a beautiful and "precious asset." While not stated directly, the presumption seems to be that the Ummah should look up to America as a source of inspiration in this regard. This is truly a shallow thinking. Based on the definitions of pluralism listed earlier and upon the Ummah's yardstick (Islamic Aqeedah &Ahkam Shar'iyah i.e Halal & Haraam) for judging new ideas, this notion is unequivocally false and should be rejected for two reasons. First, pluralism does not emanate from Islam and second, it does not exist in Islam. Allah made his Deen complete and valid for all time to come.
"This day I have completed your Deen for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your Deen. "
(EMQ 5:3)
Thus, there is no need for Muslims to look at other ideologies for guidance or to solve their problems even if it appears that parts of these ideologies coincide with Islam. In fact, this is strictly prohibited.
"And Whatsoever the Messenger of Allah gives you, take it. And Whatsoever he forbids you, abstain from it. "
(EMQ 59:7)
Understanding of the opposite of the Ayah [in Usool ul-Fiqh, it is called Mafhoom ul-Mukhalafah] prohibits taking anything other than that which the Messenger (SAW) brought to us. This includes the things that would appear to coincide with Islam which do not directly emanate from the Islamic Creed. We are restricted to Islam and Islam alone.
Pluralism does not exist in Islam because there are not "more than one or more than two kinds of ultimate reality." The only reality is Islam and all other forms of Taghuut (ideologies and religions) such as Idol Worshipping, Christianity, Judaism, Secularism, Hinduism, etc. are rejected by Allah. The falsehood of Epistemological pluralism should be especially obvious. Allah Ta'ala says:
"And whosoever desires a Deen other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter, he will be one of the losers."
(EMQ, 3:85)
Islam allows diverse ethnic, religious manifestations to exist in its civilisations. For example, people's foods, drinks, and clothing are all allowed. Furthermore, non-Muslims are allowed to worship, drink; marry, as they like.
The Islamic society is bound to adhere to the Islamic culture. Culture (hadhara) deals with the ideas one carries about life. The Western culture is established upon the basis of detaching religion from life's affairs whereas the Islamic culture is established on the belief in Allah, that He has assigned a system for man, life and the universe to proceed along and that He sent our master Muhammad (SAW) with Islam as a Deen. Furthermore, there is no "common civilisation" between Islam and that which is outside Islam. Allah Ta'ala says:
"After the Truth [Haqq] there is nothing but going astray [Dhalal]"
(EMQ, 10:32)
Peoples of different cultures are permitted to live within the Islamic society but they must publicly concede to the authority of the Islamic State and they are not permitted to be in positions of ruling. For these reasons, the concept of pluralism as per definitions (iv) and (v) i.e. William Jame's "Pragmatism" must also be rejected.
Yet another dangerous manifestation of this concept can be seen in the statement - "Pluralism, according to Islam, obliges the recognition of the 'other' and requires the psychological and intellectual readiness to accept what truth, good or benefit others may possess..." In this case, the word "other" was being used to refer to non-Muslims.
Interfaith Dialogue: an implication of Pluralism.
One result of the acceptance of this notion is reflected in the efforts taken by some Muslims to find and establish the "common bond among Abrahamic religions." The idea being propagated here is that all three religions spring from the same source so we are all brothers together and we should learn to benefit from each others cultures with no one religion dominating the other. This notion is completely baseless and is propagated based mainly on convenient misinterpretations of the following Quranic Ayah:
"Those who believe (in the Qur'an) and those who follow the Jewish (Scriptures) and the Christians and the Sabians and who believe in Allah and the last day and work righteousness shall have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear nor shall they grieve."
(EMQ, 2:62)
But this Ayah, among others, refers to the just and honest people who were given Allah's revelation before the coming of Islam and who were not involved in treachery, disbelief and the changing of their texts. After the coming of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) on the earth, no other religion except Islam will be accepted from anyone (see Tafsir AtTabari). To put this matter in proper perspective, other Ayahs of the Quran should also be consulted.
"And whosoever desires a Deen other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter, he will be one of the losers."
(EMQ, 3:85)
"O you who believe! take not the Jews and the Christians for your friends and protectors: they are but friends and protectors to each other. And he amongst you that turns to them (for friendship) is of them verily Allah guide not a people unjust "
(EMQ, 5:54)
"The Jews call Uzair a son of Allah and the Christians call Christ the son of Allah. That is a saying from their mouths; (in this) they but imitate what the unbelievers of old used to say. Allah's curse be on them: how they are deluded away from the truth!"
(EMQ9:30)
"Surely, they have disbelieved who say: "Allah is the Messiah (Jesus), son of Mary." But the Messiah (Jesus) said: "0 Children of Israel! Worship Allah, My Lord and Your Lord." Verily whosoever sets up partners in worship with Allah, then Allah has forbidden paradise for him and the Fire will be his abode."
(EMQ, 5:72)
Based on these evidences, the Ummah must reject all attempts of our oppressors and their helpers to infiltrate and confuse the pure Deen, that is Islam. Pluralism is just one in a long list of tools being used for this purpose. As long as we hold fast to Islam and use it as the yardstick for measuring the validity of ideas, we'll never go astray. But before we can use Islam as our yardstick, we must be in a position where we understand this Deen. The only way to do that is through effort and persistent study. And as soon as we revive Islam as a way of life i.e. its ruling system, we as an Ummah will be able to repel such ideas propagated by the enemies of Allah.
"It was We who revealed the law (to Moses); therein was guidance and light. By its standard have been judged the Jews by the Prophet who bowed (as in Islam) to Allah's will by the Rabbis and the doctors of Law: for to them was entrusted the protection of Allah's Book and they were witnesses thereto: therefore fear not men but fear Me and sell not My Signs for a miserable price. If any do fail to judge by (the light ot) what Allah hath revealed they are (no better than) unbelievers. "
(EMQ, 5:47)
The above Ayaat unequivocally establishes their Kufr and animosity to the Muslims. The notion of Abrahamic Religions is not only wrong but also very dangerous because it dilutes the distinguished Islamic Identity and attributes Shirk (associating partners with Allah) to Ibrahim (A.S.) If all religions have some "truth" and some falsehood to them since none is the ultimate truth, then where is the truth in Buddhism, Hinduism and present day Christianity and Judaism? More importantly, where is the falsehood in Islam? If no way of life is to dominate the other", then why is secularism and Capitalism dominating? And what are the Muslims supposed to do with the saying of Allah:
"It is He who has sent His Messenger with the Guidance and the Truth to make it dominate over all other ways of life, even if the Idolaters detest it?"