Letter From the Editor

MWL Supreme Council: new session and new prospect

The 44th session of the Muslim World the major authorities together with denounc- League’s Supreme Council marked the is- ing the Turkish intervention in Libya. Re- suance of important decisions on contem- garding contemporary Islamic issues, the porary Islamic issues and launched two an- council renewed its firm stance towards the nual prizes of Islamic Fiqh (jurisprudence) pivotal issues of Muslims, most notably the and Makkah Charter. The meetings of the Palestinian Cause and Al-Aqsa Mosque. council held in the Great Mosque of Makkah Moreover, the council put spotlight on is- have received considerable attention, where- sues of Muslims, especially those who suf- as dignitaries and high-ranking personalities fer from discrimination and persecution in from 82 countries worldwide representing Myanmar and Turkestan. their peoples and communities were invited At the end of the session, the council de- to attend this event. clared the launching of prizes of the Inter- On this occasion, the council released national Islamic Fiqh Academy and Makkah a statement in which it supports what was Charter. This declaration received the sup- issued by the historic summit meeting of port of the members of the council. It is Islamic unity held by the Muslim World noteworthy that Secretary-General of the League in Makkah in Rabi Al-thani 1440 Muslim World League Sheikh Dr. Muham- H. The participants from the Islamic nation mad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa made clear that called for abiding by the meanings of unity the one who conceived the idea of Makkah together with warning against division and Charter is Crown Prince Muhammad bin its risks. The statement clearly highlighted Salman who supported all phases of the the council’s keenness to enhance the role Charter until it was released by Muftis and of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation scholars of the Islamic nation. representing the umbrella of the Muslim In the name of all the members of the counties, stressing that these countries are Council, Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa extended grati- looking forward to more cohesion and co- tude to His Highness the Crown Prince for operation in this critical period. The coun- his arduous efforts with regard to issuing cil also extended gratitude to the Kingdom Makkah Charter, expressing the wide and of Saudi Arabia and its key Islamic and in- enlightened prospects of Islam that calls for ternational role in the service of Islam and dialogue and civilized communication in the Muslims. It thanked Custodian of the Two face of evil thoughts, extremist ideas, hatred Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz and civilized clash. At the end of event, the Al Saud and his Crown Prince Muhammad council praised granting King Faisal Prize bin Salman who developed many initia- for Service to Islam this year. In addition, tives promoting peace and harmony efforts the session saw an increased number of the around the world. members of the Fiqh Academy, to accom- The council strongly condemned the at- modate the high-ranking scholars of the Is- tempts to divide Muslims and work against lamic Ummah. PB lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 1 No.5

Muslim World League offers prizes worth SR1M of “Fiqh Academy” and “Makkah Charter”

Jumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 Al-Ula 1441/January Jumad 4

MWL launches training programs to 12 raise awareness of religious discourse Vol.48 2 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 3 Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa values selection of Makkah Charter for King Faisal Prize 10

“Open Mosque Day”… an initiative to integrate Muslims into German society 30

2 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 3 MWL offers prizes worth SR1M of “Fiqh Academy” and “Makkah Charter”

Makkah - MWL

The Supreme Council of the Muslim World League reit- erated its support for the resolutions made in the historic summit meeting of the Islamic unity held by the Muslim World League in Makkah in 1440 AH.

4 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 5 Muslim scholars from around the world attended the meeting to discuss the Charter of Makkah

This declaration was made during the Su- the interference of some countries in the preme Council’s 44th session, held in the internal affairs of some Arab countries or Great Mosque of Makkah, in which high- the occupation of any part of their lands ranking figures, scholars and dignitaries under any flimsy pretexts, condemning the from 82 countries participated. Turkish intervention in Libya. The coun- The council reiterated the call of the Is- cil stressed that raising awareness of Mus- lamic nation for abiding by the principles lims of their civilized role is an important and values of the Shari’ah including the demand, commending the sincere efforts meanings of brotherhood, unity together exerted by the Islamic counties concerned with warning against the risks of division with the unity of the Islamic rank. that had led to dividing the Islamic World. The council extended gratitude to the The meeting, considered the most sincere and strenuous efforts of Custodian important and influential in the Islamic of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman World, called for promoting the key role bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal of the Organization of Islamic Coopera- Highness Prince Muhammad bin Salman tion that brings together all Islamic coun- bin Abdulaziz, pertaining to the joint Is- tries and exerts arduous efforts to bridge lamic action initiatives and supporting the gaps among countries of the Islamic efforts of peace and harmony around the world. The meeting also stressed that the world. During the meeting, prizes worth Muslim Nation is looking forward to more one million Saudi riyals were declared for cohesion and cooperation in this sensitive the International Islamic Fiqh Academy juncture. affiliated to the Muslim World League and In addition, the council condemned the Makkah Charter.

4 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 5 The Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the Prominent members of the Supreme Council

At the beginning of the meeting, the cere efforts. Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi The Secretary General of the Muslim Arabia, head of the Council of Senior Re- World League, Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin ligious Scholars, President of Academic Abdulkarim Al-Issa said,”While being in Research and Ifta, and Chairman of the the Great Mosque of Makkah, we com- Supreme Council of the Muslim World mend the great Islamic and humanitarian League,Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah efforts of the Custodian of the Two Holy Al Asheikh, delivered a speech. He un- Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al derscored the Kingdom’s key role that has Saud and the sincere efforts exerted by defended and sought to unify the Islamic Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman. nation and cared for all Muslims for de- The most notable of all these efforts are cades. He also highlighted the arduous ef- serving the Two Holy Mosques, the Holy forts exerted by the Supreme Council on Qur’an and Sunnah together with defend- directing events and programs of the Mus- ing the Islamic issues”. lim World League and extended gratitude Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa added, “The King- and appreciation to the Kingdom that has dom carried out many humanitarian ac- further supported and promoted these sin- tions around the world and sought to

6 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 7 HE Dr. Al-Issa recieves the guests

unify the moderate Islamic discourse and He commended the meeting for announc- launched world platforms to fight the ex- ing a prize of the International Islamic tremist thought. All this has curbed the Fiqh Academy, founded 44 years ago. This Islamophobia discourse”. He said Crown ancient academy issued great juristic opin- Prince Muhammad bin Salman is the ions that tackled most Fiqh problematic is- owner of the idea of the Makkah Charter sues in modern times. He made clear that and the staunch supporter and follower the Fiqh Academy touched on the general of all its phases. This charter, he said, issues of contemporary jurisprudence and expresses the moderate principles and clarified ambiguity and confusion in many values of Islam that call for civilizational jurisprudential cases. dialogue and communication in face of Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa said, “Fiqh Academy the ideas of extremism, hatred and civi- will declare an annual prize for those who lized clash. offer great services to the Islamic Fiqh Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa said Islam invites all (jurisprudence) and deal with the latest to the way of thy Lord with wisdom and Islamic developments”. He explained that beautiful preaching and arguing with them the prize will be awarded to individuals in ways that are best and most gracious. and institutions, at a value of SR 50,000,

6 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 7 A part of the meeting of the Supreme Council

with a certificate and a medal having the Binbayyah, delivered a speech in which logo of the Muslim World League and the he spoke highly of the Muslim World Academy. League’s initiatives aimed at tackling and Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa noted that there will dealing with all Islamic issues, whereas be an award in the name of the “Makkah the Muslim World League exerts efforts to Charter” that will be given to individuals promote peace and harmony among com- and institutions for influential activities munities. and deep scientific studies. The prize is The Grand Mufti of Egypt and mem- at a value of SR 50,000, with a certificate ber of the Supreme Council of the Muslim and a medal having the logo of the Muslim World League, Shawky Allam, thanked in World League and the Makkah Charter. He his speech the Muslim World League for announced an increase in the members of its arduous and sincere efforts in serving the Fiqh Academy to accommodate senior Islamic issues and fighting extremist ide- scholars of the Islamic nation, taking into ologies. consideration their distinguished scientific Egypt’s Minister of Endowments and personalities without their official job de- a member of the Supreme Council of the scriptions. Muslim World League said that Muslims Chairman of the Fatwa Council of the are in a dire need to work on strengthen- United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Abdullah ing their relationship with their Creator

8 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 9 Ulama, and member of the Supreme Coun- cil of the Muslim World League touched on problems and issues of Muslims through this platform that works to discuss and solve is- sues that face Muslims. Yemen’s Minister of Endowments and member of the Council, Ahmad ZebinAtti- yah, delivered a speech in which he praised the Kingdom’s efforts in the service of Islam and Muslims, stressing that the Organiza- tion of the Islamic Cooperation and Muslim World League are the Islamic world’s fore- most authority and the core reference for all Muslims. Sheikh Muhammad Al-Hafiz Al-Nahawi, Chairman of the Forum of African Schol- ars, affirmed that the Kingdom is leading the Islamic world in all aspects. It is also a leading country in the sphere of spreading the values of moderation and tolerance un- der the leadership of Custodian of the Two (Allah) and rejecting extremism. Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Dr. Ahmed Abbadi, the Secretary General Al Saud, and Crown Prince Muhammad bin of the Muhammadiah League of Moroccan Salman.

A group picture of the meeting

8 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 9 Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa values selection of Makkah Charter for King Faisal Prize

Makkah - MWL Faisal Prize for service of Islam this year. Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa thanked the Secretary-General of the Muslim 1,200 muftis and scholars who ap- World League (MWL) Sheikh Dr. proved this charter at a historic con- Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa ference last Ramadan in Makkah,and has, on behalf of Muftis and scholars who represented 27 doctrines and of the Makkah Document, expressed sects from 139 countries under his deep praise after the Makkah the umbrella of the Muslim World Charter has been awarded the King League.

10 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 11 Prince, Deputy Premier and Minis- ter of Defense for his arduous efforts to support this Charter. The Crown Prince is the one who conceived the idea of the Makkah Charter that was issued by Muftis and scholars of the entire Islamic World. The Islamic discourse, Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa said, is characterized by authenticity and contemporary. Makkah Charter has proven that the religious discourse takes into consid- eration the current conditions of the Islamic Nation. He pointed out that a general secretariat of the Charter had been formed to undertake all its executive affairs, stressing that the MWL that represents all Arab and Islamic nations is considered an ex- tension of the message of Islam re- The MWL Secretary General ex- vealed more than 1400 years ago. tended gratitude to Custodian of the The MWL Charter was formed about Two Holy Mosques King Salman sixty years ago as a form of an in- bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for his gra- stitutional framework in accordance cious patronage of the conference of with its modern governance under this document and his speech at the the auspices of the Kingdom of Saudi opening session. He also thanked His Arabia, which is considered the key Royal Highness Prince Muhammad pioneer and guardian of the Islamic bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown action all over the Islamic world.

10 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 11 MWL launches training programs to raise awareness of religious discourse

Makkah– MWL portant role to promote the enlightened re- ligious discourse. The Muslim World League (MWL) has The Secretary General of the Muslim launched training programs to raise aware- World League, Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin ness of the religious discourse,characterized Abdulkarim Al-Issa, made clear that such by its originality and authenticity. The pro- training programs focus on a raft of topics grams come in line with the efforts to ac- that are included in the terms of Makkah tivate the Makkah Charter, described as Charter. an important road map for contemporary Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa stressed that Makkah religious discourse by a raft of high-rank- Charter, arising from its international con- ing scholars and intellectuals. The Muslim ference organized by the Muslim World well-informed scholars should play an im- League under the auspices of Custodian of

12 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 13 The Council witnessed a very important meeting

the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Makkah Charter and International Islamic Abdulaziz Al Saud last Ramadan, was the Fiqh Academy. The Supreme Council of idea of Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Min- the Muslim World League declared this af- ister and Minister of Defense Muhammad ter holding the extraordinary meeting in the bin Salman. More than 1,200 muftis and Great Mosque of Makkah in 1441 AH in scholars attended this conference from 27 the presence of high-ranking scholars and schools representing all Islamic schools Islamic dignitaries representing members and sects in an unprecedented Islamic gath- of the Council together with senior Islamic ering. Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa said the Crown figures invited to the launching ceremony Prince is the one who came up with the idea of the two awards. of the Charter and supported this great his- Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa noted that the MWL torical Islamic project until it saw the light paid more attention to renewing the reli- of day. gious discourse that portrays the true image Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa pointed out that the of Islam, whereas it calls for the right path Muslim World League General Secretariat with wisdom and gentle exhortation. He looks forward to the contributions of schol- also said that the religious discourse should ars and intellectuals from the Islamic na- go beyond the repeated themes of forums tion to raise awareness of the paramount and conferences in the past years and should importance of this charter together with be translated into a concrete practical real- highlighting its meanings and substance. ity that takes into account the conditions of This led to launching two awards of each environment in which Muslims live.

12 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 13 Renowned scholars hail Islamic Fiqh and Makkah Charter prizes

By Qais Bajaifer

The two prizes launched recently by the Supreme Council of the Muslim World League in Makkah have come at a critical juncture of the Islamic history with one main objective in mind: highlighting the key values of moderation, tolerance and coexistence based on the Shari’ah. Both priz- es have received the admiration and praise of prominent scholars who unanimously agreed that the prizes come in line with the Kingdom’s con- tinuous and sincere efforts to unify Muslims and enhance Islamic soli- darity, and above all dispel the misconceptions promulgated about Islam.

14 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 15 The Islamic Fiqh (Jurisprudence) Prize and the Makkah Charter Prize - both worth one million Saudi riyals -have been launched to prove that the Shari’ah message is suit- able for contemporary times and all times and also to reflect the enormous responsi- bility the Muslim World League shoulders towards Muslims all over the world. More- over, they underscore the efforts it continues to exert to portray the real image of Islam to the entire world.

Islamic Fiqh Prize The Islamic Fiqh Prize will be awarded time the supremacy of the Islamic Fiqh over to anyone who has rendered valuable and human-made laws. It should dispel miscon- exceptional services to the Islamic Fiqh and ceptions and suspicions raised because of Is- shown how the Shari’ah is capable of han- lamophobia. dling all emerging matters and challenges in The prize, which will be awarded to in- all times and how it deals with a Fiqh issue dividuals and institutions, is comprised of from an enlightening perspective while tak- a check of SR500,000, a certificate and a ing the conditions and circumstances of the medal bearing the logo of the Muslim World current times into consideration. League and the Islamic Fiqh Academy. One is considered qualified to win the prize if they show how the Shari’ah accom- Makkah Charter Prize modates all evolving matters and challenges The Makkah Charter Prize will be offered based on its core values of wisdom, mercy, to individuals and institutions that have pro- tolerance and moderation. The work submit- moted the Makkah Charter globally or con- ted for this prize should be written using a ducted an influential study or research on it. contemporary language and most important- The work should emphasize and demonstrate ly should bring out the identity of Islamic the values promoted by the Makkah Charter Fiqh. The work should highlight the differ- including coexistence among the followers ence between understanding a text and ap- of different religions and cultures while at plying it in reality. the same time enhance the foundations of co- Furthermore, the prize will shed light on existence among members of civilian society prominent Fiqh scholars who can highlight with all its ethnic components. through their works the renewed meaning of The work should highlight the principles the Islamic discourse and how it can address of the Makkah Charter, the most important of issues of present times and find contempo- which is that religious and cultural diversity rary solutions to today’s problems. The work in human societies does not justify conflict should elucidate how the Shari’ah handles and clashes but it should act as a catalyst for the problems and calamities Muslims around a positive civilizational partnership and ac- the world face while proving at the same tive communication. More clearly, diversity

14 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 15 unify the Islamic nation and promote the val- ues of coexistence, tolerance and peace. Al- Ashikh, who is also the head of the Council of Senior Religious Scholars and the Presi- dent of Academic Research and Ifta, thanked the Supreme Council of the Muslim World League for the role it has played in launch- ing both prizes. The MWL Secretary General said the prizes will definitely enhance the efforts exerted by the Kingdom towards promot- ing moderate Islamic discourse around the Sheikh Abdullah Binbayyah is arriving the meeting world to eradicate all forms of extremism and terrorism. He noted that the prizes will should be understood as a bridge for dialogue help also curb the proliferation of Islamo- and understanding for the benefit of all hu- phobia, especially in Europe and emphasize mankind. the values of Islam calling for civilizational The prize is worth SR500,000 and the dialogue and communication. He noted that winner will receive a certificate, and a medal the prizes will also clarify ambiguity and with the logo of the MWL and the Makkah confusion in many of the jurisprudential is- Charter. sues. Sheikh Abdullah Binbayyah, Chairman Scholars commend the prizes of the Fatwa Council of the United Arab Prominent scholars in the Islamic World Emirates, said the prizes will spur scholars have commended both prizes. The Grand on to focus on contemporary Islamic is- Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Sheikh sues while the Grand Mufti of Egypt Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Asheikh said both prizes come Shawky Allam, described the prizes as ef- in line with the Kingdom’s sincere efforts to fective instruments for fighting extremist ideologies. In his opinion, Dr. Ahmed Abbadi, the Secretary General of the Muhammadiah League of Moroccan Ulama, said the prizes will act as a platform tackling and handling contemporary issues that touch upon the life of Muslims around the world. Ahmad Attiyah, Minister of Endow- ments, Yemen and Sheikh Muhammad Al- Nahawi, Chairman of the Forum of African Scholars, agreed that the prizes will promote the values of moderation and tolerance in the whole world and accentuate the great values of Islamic Fiqh.

16 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 17 The MWL is well equipped to deliver the core values of Islam

Mohammad Zakir Hossain

PROF. DR. WAKAR UDDIN, DIRECTOR GENERAL OF “ARAKAN RO- HINGYA UNION” and Rohingya American, is a Professor at the Pennsyl- vania State University, a Supreme Council Member of the Muslim World League. He is actively seeking a political solution to the problems faced by the Rohingya ethnic minority in Burma and advocating for the protection of Rohingya and peaceful coexistence among fellow ethnic minorities in Burma. He was recently in Makkah to attend the 44th Session of the Su- preme Council of the Muslim World League (MWL), which was held under the auspices of the MWL. Muhammad Zakir Hossain, Editor of the MWL Journal, spoke to him on the sidelines of the conference on a range of is- sues concerning Islam and Muslims in the world as well as the Ummah. Following are the excerpts of the interview:

16 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 17 Q. How productive and effective did ations affecting Muslims in various parts of you find the very important meeting orga- the world. nized by MWL? Q. The conference passed some impor- A. The meeting organized by MWL was tant resolutions on issues related to Mus- very productive. His Excellency Secretary lim unity and peace. How do you see their General delivered a powerful speech that is practical implementations? very compelling and relevant to the current A. The resolutions passed at the meeting affairs in the Ummah. Honorable speakers were landmark for the Muslim Ummah. also made a strong case on how the Ummah The meeting and the resolutions came at can make more collective efforts to address a very critical juncture when greater unity issues faced by Muslims across the globe. It within the Ummah is becoming a top pri- is crucial that The MWL sustains such meet- ority. The practical implementation of the ings in response to the newly emerging situ- resolution will require a series of steps

18 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 19 exist some instability and disunity in certain regions. My view is that there are elements behind such instability, manipulated through geopolitical maneuvering. Apparently, the MWL’s dynamic engagement motive behind creating the turbulence in the with various national and Ummah is a distraction tactic. Of course, the problems have been directed towards our international civic societies, communities/nations and they became the will pave the way for reach- spectators. I believe that we have the think- ing out to grassroots com- thanks in the Ummah that can effectively munities that are blind-sided play central roles in finding solutions in nar- rowing the gaps within the Ummah. by negative stereotyping of Q. What are the other issues facing the Islam and Muslims by media Muslim Ummah? and extremist groups A. Other issues facing the Muslim Ummah are Muslim minority issues, the development of some third world Muslim countries, and Dawah for young generations. Issues faced by Muslim minorities in non-Muslim coun- tries such as Myanmar, India, China, and through short-term and long-term strate- several other countries are of tremendous gic planning. Our communities/nations in magnitude. For example, genocide faced by the Ummah should formulate the strategy Rohingya Muslims of Myanmar – the crisis based on what brings us together, rather has caused a domino effect in other countries than what separates us. That is clearly the with the refugee crisis and human-trafficking common denominator in the Ummah based issues. Also, there are certain Muslim coun- on the teaching by our Prophet (peace be tries that are least developed due to a lack upon him). That is the place where all of us of infrastructure. Prosperous Muslim coun- unequivocally agree and follow the prin- tries should increase aid to these countries. ciples and values that we are taught in our Alhamdulillah, Muslim communities in the faith. An important initiative I envision is West continue to flourish and there are new that the MWL can further assert its role generations advancing educationally and through the designation of ambassadors of professionally. Most of the young genera- peace for specific regional issues affect- tions have been able to sustain their culture ing the Ummah due to the newly emerging and religion through practice; yet we have trend in the international political climate. tremendous needs for assisting those that Q. What do you think are the main are lagging behind. There are various tools causes for the state of instability and dis- available to provide Islamic education to unity facing the Ummah today? young generations in countries where ac- A. I believe that the perceived instability cess is limited. Our communities should take and disunity is not as wide as it is portrayed advantage of the online Islamic education by certain media and hostile sectors that are available today. May Allah bless the scholars against Islamic values. Nonetheless, there from Pakistan and other countries that have

18 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 19 MWL Journal Editor interviewing Dr. Wakar Uddin during the Meeting of the Supreme Council

made a significant impact on Islamic educa- al, social, political, ethnic, and geographical tion through online teaching. attributes as the secondary. Q- How do you think the Muslim Um- Q- The MWL initiative on the religious mah can be united? and civilizational dialogue has received A-The Muslim community worldwide is great attention in the West. How could the culturally diverse, and that tends to cause dis- global culture of dialogue among civiliza- tinct and indistinct clusters within the Mus- tions be built up and improved? lim Ummah into groups orienting towards its A-The basic ingredient for building a own community or nationality. The Ummah global culture of dialogue among civiliza- can be united through continuous efforts by tions is mutual respect, understanding, tol- all of us by narrowing the gaps and building erance, and accurate insights to the values strong bridges culturally, socially, political- of the other side. Extremism in any society ly, geographically, as well as through other can be a major hindrance in bringing civi- attributes that will inspire us to adhere to a lizations together; therefore, the MWL may common vision for the unity in the Ummah. use its rigorous outreach programs and dia- We all have to place our Islamic faith first as logue to serve as the catalyst in increasingly the common denominator, leaving the cultur- building the bridge of mutual understanding

20 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 21 Aggressive media coverage by all of us as an Ummah and educating the West through various media establishments and social me- dia outlets can deliver the positive message Muslim communities in the about our great Islamic jurisprudence, which West continue to flourish is no threat to any society in the West or the East. The basic message to the skeptics and there are new genera- should be that there is no such thing called tions advancing education- Shari’ah law because Shari’ah itself means ally and professionally. law in Arabic, and it is a law, a set of rules for the governance of the people of the Islamic faith. It is a guide, a path that helps a Mus- lim find resolutions with regards to property, marriage, charity, family, social norms, and others. Shari’ah is a set of religious princi- ples that form a part of the Islamic way of and peaceful coexistence. MWL’s dynamic life. The skeptics should be educated that the engagement with various national and in- Islamic jurisprudence is based on the core ternational civic societies, religious institu- value of Islam, which is most modest and tions, government ministries, and even head moderate. of states will pave the way for reaching out Q- Islamophobia is a growing concern to grassroots communities that are blind- for several governments. It is a major is- sided by negative stereotyping of Islam and sue today on a global level. How can we Muslims by media and extremist groups. tackle this phenomenon? One good example of this will be tri-lateral A-It can be tackled at least in two ways. engagement through the formation of a faith- First, we, the Islamic society in Muslim and based informal or formal alliance (Has the non-Muslim countries, should set the exam- Vatican ever been an ally to Muslims? I think ple of what Islam actually is. Many people this answer should be reviewed by the MWL do not know Islam well and they come in journal staff) with the Vatican. Building contact with Islam through us. If we can bridges between Christian groups and the adhere to our core Islamic values and ef- Muslim Ummah through MWL’s outreach fectively expose them to the non-Muslim dialogue efforts. Bringing Islam closer to communities, particularly in the West, the Christian communities through MWL’s out- perception can change. Second, the Muslim reach dialogue efforts. Ummah should have a unified strategy to ag- Q- Critics of political Islam consider gressively counter the negative stereotyping Shari’ah law as a threat to their society. of Muslims in the West and some countries How can we change this stereotyped im- in East. Any rift developing within our Mus- age of Islam and its vital institutions? lim Ummah or between countries or regions A- Shari’ah law is not a threat to any so- provides a boost to the Islamophobic media ciety, but it has been manipulated by certain and elements. extremist media groups and Islamophobic Q- What could possibly be the best political adventurists for their personal gains. global mechanism to create a congenial

20 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 21 Dr. Wakar Uddin during the meeting

atmosphere that can facilitate civiliza- leadership in all civilizations. The MWL is tional interactions and bring about peace well equipped to deliver the core values of and security in the world? What role the Islam through its global outreach programs MWL can play in this regard? aiming at Islamophobic establishments in A- I believe that the best global mecha- the United States, Europe, China, India, nism to create a congenial atmosphere that Myanmar, and other countries. The current can facilitate bringing about peace and secu- outreach programs of the MWL can further rity is fundamentally through a meaningful extend its conferences (a seminar is similar interfaith and intercultural engagement that to a symposium), symposiums, scholarly can educate the core values of each civiliza- lectures to universities and religious institu- tion to the other. The notion of superiority tions worldwide. Greater efforts should be and higher values of one civilization over the made to market the success of the outreach other that exists in various parts of the world activities through the broadcast, print, and must be abolished. The growing nationalism electronic media. Such programs should also and religious intolerance in some countries aim at our own Islamic communities to pro- in the West and the East should be confronted mote moderation and to educate those who through education and outreach by moderate hold extremist views.

22 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 23 A- Overall, the contents in the MWL Journal and website are very good. Nonethe- less, there is always room for improvement. Aggressively delivering the message of the Increasing the efforts of core values of Islam such as peace, tolerance, solicitation of articles from kindness to all humankind, generosity, open- ness, etc., is central to shaping the views of Muslim and scholars or con- other societies on Islam. Increasing the ef- tributors for the MWL jour- forts of solicitation of articles from Muslim nals will be of tremendous and scholars or contributors for the MWL benefit. journals will be of tremendous benefit. The media division of MWL should maintain stronger ties with world’s major broadcast and print news media outlets. For example, the relentless travels globally by MWL Sec- Q- What is your opinion regarding the retary General and meetings with religious situation of Muslim minorities all over the dignitaries and world leaders should be more world? widely advertised. A- Situation of Muslim minorities varies Q- Will you say something about the with countries in regions. Despite some neg- situation of Islam and Muslims in the ative rhetoric by certain political leaders in United States of America? the West, there is no serious negative impact A-The situation of Islam and Muslims in on Muslim communities in the West. Iso- the United States remains overall favorable, lated incidences infrequently emerge. How- despite some infrequent and isolated nega- ever, the situation of Muslim minorities in tive development. Muslims and the people the East such as China, India, and Myanmar of all other faith in the United States fully is a major concern. All forms of violations enjoy the freedom of religion, and the gov- against Muslim minorities in those countries ernment has established policies on freedom are evidently widespread and deeply insti- of religion as well as anti-discrimination and tutionalized. The violations clearly appear hate-crime laws. In response to some nega- to be based on religious intolerance, rather tive rhetoric in certain political circles in the than mere cultural or communal disharmony. country in recent years, there is a growing The isolated and shallow negative environ- trend of a major shift in the views of re- ment in the West may be moderated through nowned media establishments on Islam and rigorous outreach and engagement. On the Muslims that is creating a more positive en- contrary, tremendous challenges exist in the vironment. There is still a major gap in ur- countries in the East as these violations are ban and rural societies of the United States institutionalized through government poli- in their views of Islam; however, the gap cies and legislations. is likely to narrow in favor of Islam when Q- How do you find our content pub- the political environment begins to change lished in the MWL Journal and its web- – and it will, Insha Allah. The United States site? How do you suggest us to improve remains one of the countries where the core them? values of Islam can thrive.

22 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 23 MURAD HOFMANN (1931 – 2020): An Obituary

By Ahmed Kamaleldin M. H. Izzeddin

Born into a Catholic family on July 6, 1931 in Germany, Dr. Mu- rad Wilfred Hofmann reverted to Islam. Upon his decease on Janu- ary 13, 2020, following a long struggle with illness, he left behind a legacy of informed works on Islam and his personal experience of it, with his “Islam as an Alternative” being among the most influential. It was initially written in German but was translated into the Arabic language as Al Islam ka-Badeel.

24 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 25 Murad Hofmann went to Union College in Schenectady, New York, in 1950, and later he studied German law at Munich University, graduating in 1957 with a doctorate in juris- prudence. He also obtained a master’s degree in American law at Harvard Law School, in 1960. His work experience included serving with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) at Brussels, Belgium, between 1983 and 1987 as Director for Information. He had by then already embraced Islam in 1980 and performed Umrah (the lessor pilgrimage to Makkah) in 1982. Later, in 1992, he would perform full pilgrimage, or Hajj. Ironically, he assumed such a rather prominent office at NATO despite the vicious antagonism which he faced on the German media following his exercise of free choice relating to his spiri- society, and whether it should be restricted, tual conviction, but he experienced no prob- as in the case of Christianity for example, lems exercising his career duties. within the domain of private life, or it may Dr. Hofmann also served as diplomat for also extend to guide the collective public be- his country, focusing on nuclear defence is- haviour within the arena of governance and sues, posted as attaché in 1961 then ambassa- political discourse. However, the approach dor in 1987 in Algeria up to 1990. From then taken by Dr Hofmann was confined to the until 1994 he served as German Ambassador function of introducing the message initially, to Morocco. He resigned his foreign service leaving the comprehensive role of Islam- voluntarily in 1995 and took residence in Is- ic guidance intact. To Dr Hofmann, Islam tanbul with his Turkish wife, Neeuz Bulben. should be relevant in all places and for all He published his book, Diary of a German times. His work, Islam 2000, goes into detail Muslim, in German language in 1985. This to describe where the Muslim World is at the was also translated into Arabic by the Cairo- threshold of the current times, i.e. some two based Al-Ahram Centre for Translation and decades ago, and the conditions necessary Publishing. for the faith to establish its full and sustain- Four years after his reversion to Islam Dr able relevance. Hofmann received the Order of Merit of the Dr Hofmann’s reversion to Islam was Federal Republic of Germany, which was predicated by several events and experi- awarded to him by German President Dr. ences. His service as a diplomatic attaché Carl Carstens. from 1961 and over a decade and a half later His seminal work, Islam as an Alterna- as Ambassador to Algeria exposed him to tive, was addressed to “Westerners who seek the vicious liberation struggle by Algerians to understand Islam on a personal level”. against the French colonial rule, a struggle This is most interesting, as it touches deep which had already started some years back into the current debate on the role of Islam in in the early 1950s. He carefully monitored

24 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 25 the collective and individual behavior by this and because of the slogan “murder without Muslim people. warning” raised then. After a long delay, we Dr. Hofmann wrote, “I witnessed the pa- were on our way to the doctor’s office, and tience and resilience of the Algerian people my wife thought, in the meantime, that she in the face of extreme suffering, their over- would lose consciousness, so, in anticipation whelming discipline during Ramadan, their of the emergency, she started telling me that confidence of victory, as well as their hu- her blood type was negative O RH, and the manity amidst misery”. Dr Hofmann related Algerian driver heard her talk, offering to such vehemence by the Algerians in the face donate […] some of his blood that is of the of cruelty and suppression to their religion, same blood type. Here is a Muslim who do- which attracted him to the study of their holy nates his blood, in the midst of war, to save a book, the Quran, which “I have never stopped foreigner from his religion.” reading it, to this very day”. One particular Dr Hofmann recorded in a 12-page manu- incident, however, remained carved in his script what he considered unquestionably true memory and, among other things, signifi- from a philosophical viewpoint, and then he cantly affected his spiritual course in life: presented this to Muhammad Ahmed Ras- “I realized their humanity in its most sin- soul, a Muslim Imam of Cologne, for his re- cere form, when my wife had an abortion view. Imam Rassoul’s remark having read the under the influence of the current events,” manuscript was that if Dr Hofmann believed says Dr Murad Hofmann of an experience in what he had written, then he was a Muslim! that dug into the morals of the Algerian A few days later, on 25 September 1980, Dr. people. “She started bleeding at midnight, Hofmann declared, ‘I bear witness that there and the ambulance could not come to us be- is no divinity besides Allah, and I bear wit- fore 6 o’clock, am; because of the curfew, ness that Muhammad is Allah’s messenger’.

26 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 27 I began to see Islam with its own eyes, hostels into the market and living quarters. as the unadulterated, pristine belief in the What I experienced is so blissfully Islamic one and only, the true God, Who does not in so many places … is the tangible effect beget, and was not begotten, Whom noth- which Islamic harmony, the Islamic way of ing and nobody resembles. In place of the life, and the Islamic treatment of space leave qualified deism of a tribal God and the con- on both heart and mind.” structions of a divine Trinity, the Qur’an Furthermore, Dr Hofmann was allured showed me the most lucid, most straightfor- by the Islamic concept of basic freedom, or ward, the most abstract – thus historically emancipation of man, especially for some- most advanced and least anthropomorphic one from a Judo-Christian background of concept of God. The Qur’an’s ontological notions such as the “original sin”, and the statements, as well as its ethical teachings, need to get someone other than man to be impressed me as profoundly plausible, ‘as tortured and crucified for mankind to be ab- good as gold’, so there was no room for even solved of their burden of sin. He found relief the slightest doubt about the authenticity of in the Quranic verse, “… no bearer of bur- Muhammad’s prophetic mission. People dens shall bear the burdens of another”. To who understand human nature cannot fail to Dr Hofmann, embracing Islam was rather appreciate the infinite wisdom of the ‘Dos a path towards real liberty and emancipa- and Don’ts’ handed down from God to man tion of the soul. Islam provided a spiritual in the form of the Qur’an. regime in which Jesus does not have to suf- As he was already devoted to art and fer or offer sacrifice. Hofmann realised the beauty, Dr Hofmann was fascinated with existence of God, through analysis of works Islamic art, especially in the Spanish cities by several philosophers, including Wittgen- of Granada, Cordoba, and Seville in south stein, Pascal, Swinburn, and Kant, then he Spain and Andalusia. He wrote, “Its secret thought about the medium whereby God seems to lie in the intimate and universal would communicate guidance to His crea- presence of Islam as a religion in all of its tures. He then came to believe in revelation artistic manifestations, calligraphy, space as such medium. The next step was to shop filling arabesque ornaments, carpet patterns, around for the most authentic revelation mosque and housing architecture, as well as among the various narratives under differ- urban planning. I am thinking of the bright- ent religions. The aforementioned verse of ness of the mosques which banishes any the Quran not only caused him relief, but mysticism, of the democratic spirit of their also provided him with vision in relation to architectural layout.” “I am also thinking of individual responsibility, and liberty from the introspective quality of the Muslim pal- intercession by saints or the domination of aces, their anticipation of paradise in gardens man by the clergy. Prayers are to be said or full of shade, fountains, and rivulet; of the offered directly to God the Almighty who intricate socially functional structure of old can hear all individuals without any neces- Islamic urban centres (madinahs), which fos- sary mediation or intercession. Dr Murad ters community spirits and transparency of Hofmann Wilfred Hofmann who, like all of the market, tempers heat and wind, and as- us, came from God, is back unto Him. Inna sures the integration of the mosque and adja- Lillahi wa Innaa Ilayhi Raji’oon: Unto God cent welfare centre for the poor, schools and we belong, and unto Him we shall return.

26 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 27 Global Climate Strikes: An Islamic Perspective

Jawzi Lardjane

Since the last week of September 2019, massive international pro- tests on climate change have been taking place in more than 150 countries in response to the United Nations Climate Summit on Sep- tember 23rd in New York City. The worldwide protests are the larg- est climate strikes in history. Swedish schoolgirl Greta Thunberg inspired the strikes by taking off since a year ago time from her class every Friday to stage a protest outside the Swedish parliament; hence the name of the movement Friday for Futures.

28 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 29 Regardless of the climate change controver- by in this temporary life, our God-designated sies, it is a reality that received different in- mission is to serve and protect the environ- terpretations by deniers and believers, which ment by following our natural disposition caused much confusion to the public. There (fitrah) and by achieving stewardship on the are many consequences of environmental earth. Humans are vicegerents of Allah on degradation such as pollution, genetically- earth and are supposed to preserve the earth modified food effects, and global warming, with which they have been entrusted. Catas- which is just an aspect of climate change. trophes caused by modern man are the result Whether with or without the occurrence of of forgetting God; without the belief in God, climate change, humans are obligated to deal men are like unconscious children hurting with the consequences of their anti-environ- themselves and leading themselves astray. mental activities sooner or later and take care The Islamic worldview on the environ- of their environment and tackle the issues at ment was one of the principal causes of the any time and place. rapid spread of Islam. Non-Muslims could To get someone persuaded about climate notice the sincerity of Muslims in their rela- change, we have to point at the victims of tionship with the environment, and this made environmental change: animals and plants. them wholeheartedly join the religion of Is- According to the Global Assessment Report lam. Social justice was at its peak not only on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services of among those governed under Islam but also the United Nations released in May 2019, among animals and plants in Muslim lands. the entire biodiversity of the earth has suf- Islam has a strong position in every issue, fered a catastrophic decline unprecedented in and it is the first religion and constitution history; an estimated 82% of wild mammal that declared the rights of the earth through biomass and 50% of plants have been lost. It the texts of the Qur’an and Sunnah and in- is also estimated that half of the forests cov- troduced laws and regulations to serve and ering the earth had been lost between 1852 protect the environment. and 1947. Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, declared Makkah and Madinah the first na- Islamic Worldview of the Environment ture reserves in history. Their residents and Allah said in the Holy Qur’an: It is He who visitors are explicitly forbidden to hunt, cut has produced gardens, both trellised and un- flora, and misbehave. Not only these two ho- trellised, and date palms and field crops, all liest cities but also all of the earth because varying in taste, and the olive and the pome- Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, granate, both similar and dissimilar. Eat their said: ‘The earth is your mother.’* He also fruits when they bear fruit and give away said: ‘The entire earth is a Mosque’, and He what is due to them on the day of their har- said: ‘If anyone cuts a tree, Allah brings him vest. And do not be wasteful. Indeed, Allah headlong into Hell.’ does not like those who commit excess. (Su- Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, rat Al-An’am, Verse, 141) encouraged Muslims to walk barefoot in Earth is a Masjid (Mosque). When a Mus- their daily walks to nurture in them down- lim treats the earth like a Masjid, it will be to-earth attitudes and simple living. He clean and peaceful like a Masjid. As passers- taught his followers the true meaning of the

28 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 29 environment and living in harmony with all supplications with green aspirations. Prophet creations. Omar bin Al-Khattab, one of the Muhammad, peace be upon him, once said close companions of Prophet Muhammad, to Abu Huraira, may Allah be pleased with may Allah be pleased with him, said: “If a him: “Whoever says Subhan Allah il ‘azeem lost sheep under my care were to die on the wa bi hamdihi (Glory and praise be to Allah, banks of the Euphrates, I would expect Allah the Almighty), a palm tree will be planted for the Exalted to question me about it on the him in Paradise.’ He also said: ‘If the Day Day of Resurrection.” Another student and of Judgment comes to you, and you have a companion of Prophet Muhammad, peace be shoot in your hand, so plant it!’ upon him, Uday bin Hatim Al-Ta’i, may Al- Down-to-earth attitudes teach humans to de- lah be pleased with him, used to feed bread- crease their material attachment and ambitions crumbs to the ants next door and when asked that ruin the environment. When people know why he was doing so, he answered those ants this worldly life is insignificant like a wing of a are our neighbors, and they have the rights fly, they will understand that the beautiful side of neighbors. of it is just a branch hiding the tree of the here- Environmental awareness is a crucial as- after. Stewardship could be achieved by the pect of Islam that reflected in urban planning combination of sincere faith and good deeds; and architecture with styles designed to re- hence, there should be harmony between the mind its residents of the gardens of heaven. spiritual and physical aspects of life. Observ- Islam teaches us to live in harmony between ing the peaceful balance between animals and the spiritual and physical aspects of life by their intuitive praise and glorification of Allah reminding its followers to conduct a life of teaches humans the skill of meditation, which

30 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 31 in the modern language means understanding the brink and men should stop using conven- the language of nature and its objectives. tional and classical means in their protests for the environment. Some developing countries Environmentalism around the World understood this and are saving and produc- Global warming temperature rise comes ing cleaner and less expensive energies. For from continued carbon dioxide releases example, Brazil has changed its economic predominantly from the developing world policies since the 1970th oil crisis and im- such as China and India as they need more plemented renewable energies that helped energy to improve the standard of living of the country save 85 % of electricity thanks their people and to hasten the civilizational to sugarcanes ethanol fuel (one of the most pace of their nations. One and two centuries important and successful alternative fuel to- ago, it was the developing West that used to day), and ethanol fuel-based or “flex-fuel” release more carbon emission, and now it is consumed by cars counts 90 % of fuel used the Asian continent, and probably in the fu- in Brazil despite that the country is oil-rich. ture, South America and Africa could join the The roots of contemporary environmen- race. If sustainable and alternative energies talism date back to the early days of Islam are not massively implemented, there will be when Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon disastrous consequences on the earth unable him, founded the first nature reserves in his- to fulfill humanity’s false needs. tory and issued legislations and teachings The world economic order made the road to preserve the environment and its compo- of development for the non-developed coun- nents. In the course of history, Muslim schol- tries deadlocked because of the impossibility ars and rulers elaborated on these teachings to realize a balance based on the existing civ- and turned them into an accomplished field ilizational process and resource exploitation. of ecology, such as Al-Sakhawi in his Trea- The resources of the earth are not sufficient to tise on Animal Rights. The efforts made by satisfy all people on the planet and to make consecutive Muslim states are carefully ex- them all live the same lifestyle of the minor- amined by western researchers such as Yale ity, which is controlling the world economy. University professor of history Alan Mikhail Statistics reports show that this minority in his works Under Osman’s Tree, and Water alone exhausts most of the resources of the on Sand: Environmental History of the Mid- earth, which will cause them to perish by dle East and North Africa. the end of this century unless practical solu- The first contemporary work on Islamic tions are soon implemented. If resources are ecology entitled “Islam and Ecology” was consumed moderately and equally, the earth published in 1992 by Fazlun Khan, a re- could easily suffice twenty billion people for tired British-Pakistani Air Force officer, who many centuries, but at the current consump- founded in 1994 the first Islamic environ- tion rates, it will not last more than a century mental organization named ‘Islamic Founda- to end all the natural resources. tion for Ecology and the Environment’. Its Most of the political and economic prob- activities focus on presenting the teachings of lems in the world will be resolved if envi- Islam on the environment, raising awareness ronmental and sustainable energy policies among Muslims, producing and disseminat- are implemented. A post-industrial age is on ing learning materials. Its founder has been

30 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 31 described for many years by fellow environ- reverse argument against its very claimants mentalists as “the single most active environ- because in all cases the disclaimer already mentalist alive today”. In 2010 in the United states that religion has been a foundation States, a new wave of Islamic environmental- stone for new cultures and civilizations; ism was inspired by ‘Green Deen’ of Ibrahim therefore, the world still needs a unique re- Abdu-al-Matin, which received a foreword ligion to launch a new civilization. More- by Keith Elison, the first Muslim member of over, most environmentalists do not tackle the congress. environmentalism as a road for global wel- On the states level, Morocco has become a fare based on the principles of the universal leading country in the field of eco-Mosques, neighborhood in Islam. and it has been greening around 600 mosques Islam has a rich intellectual and scientific yearly since 2016. Turkey ranks first in the tradition on the environment and ecology, Muslim World and fifth globally in foresta- starting from the Qur’an and Sunnah, to the tion despite having high and diverse flora, contributions of Islamic civilization. These Is- and it is also considered worldwide one of the lamic teachings have been translated into ac- leading countries in sustainable energies. Be- tion during the daily life of Muslims during tween 2014 and 2017, Pakistan’s Khyber Islamic civilization. Islam is the only religion province finished planting more than -a bil and civilization that has given impetus to the lion trees under the initiative of a Billion Tree cause of the environment. One of the examples Tsunami and vowed to plant 10 billion trees of scientific responsibility motivated by faith in a five years project ongoing between 2018 and God-fearing morals is the story of Ibn Al- and 2023 called Plant for Pakistan project. Haythem, the father of modern optics, who went on hiding from authorities to avoid build- Faith and the Environment ing a giant dam for a Fatimid ruler who intend- Considering religion as a mere historical ed to use it to control water and excise water phase or generator might just be used as a monopoly over the neighboring countries.

32 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 33 Relations between the environment and knowledge they are remembered for, but they man deteriorated during the same period that had disappeared because of an imbalance be- the mind-body problem emerged in secu- tween mind and soul that, therefore, reflected lar academia. It is said that a healthy mind in their unbalance with the environment. is in a healthy body, while the truth is that a Instead of arguing why environmental- healthy mind is in a healthy spirit or heart. ism failed, we should search for the deep Ancient civilizations had advanced forms of reasons that the majority of human beings

32 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 33 are unwilling to change, and are just passive in this sense, many criminals had also been watchers instead of being active stewards. spiritual. Technological and scientific progress failed True spirituality teaches men to take re- for decades to predict environmental issues sponsibility as stewards on the earth while that resulted from frivolous development; false spirituality teaches us to watch narcis- and therefore, failed to prepare and educate sistically at nature while thinking it is part of man to preserve the environment. Humanity us, while in reality, we are part of it. Nature is is facing the most challenging environmental like an ark taking us to the other world, and crisis in history, which it has caused with its we should protect this ark that could sink if own hands. Human immigration and move- not taken care of. The fruit of true spirituality ment are no longer solutions to avoid natural lies in knowing that the truth about this life disasters. The genuine reasons for the envi- is a cultivation for the hereafter, and acting ronmental crisis are individualism and disbe- responsibly out of commitment without the lief. The notion of God is dead has cut love fear of laws and scientific speculations. of nature from us, and the spiritual cord be- The role of faith is indispensable for the tween human beings and nature. preservation of the environment. Einstein is Nature and the environment play two es- thought to have said: science without religion sential roles in the life of a Muslim. One that is lame. One of the founders of modern envi- is to realize servitude to God through true ronmentalist Ernst Friedrich Schumacher was spirituality, and the other to use nature mod- born and raised a dedicated atheist, but later erately to provide livelihood without excess- rejected materialism, atheism, and became a es and wasting. True spirituality is not sitting devout Christian. His works on environmen- down in a canoe in the middle of a lake or on talism in the 1970th became cornerstones in a top of a mountain to feel tranquility; it has the history of the movement, particularly in nothing to do with protecting nature because, the fields of alternative economics and green

34 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 35 science. However, he did not live long to global balance, peace and prosperity, which witness that Islamic economics and finance are Shari’ah-compliant and have their place are environmentally friendly and compliant within the framework of Maqasid Al-Shari’ah more than other legal and economic systems. (preservation of the five faculties of man in Shari’ah: intellect, faith, health, wealth, and Preservation of the Environment in Islam- family). To mention but a few examples of the ic Law role of Shari’ah in the preservation of human Science and religion should reconcile the re- and environmental health, is its position on lationship between man and the environment the prohibition of smoking in the 16th cen- before more disasters occur. Science needs tury before modern-day medical findings on a legal and spiritual framework with divine smoking in the 1950s, and before anti-smok- guidance and prophetic experience. Islam ing regulations began to be implemented in came with the best spiritual laws and legal the 1970s. guidelines to perpetually guide humanity to Due to the importance of environmental a positive change. Problems cannot be solved management, there is an urgent need for con- with the same thinking used when creating temporary scholars and thinkers to incorpo- those problems. A real change shall happen rate the preservation of the environment as when a cultural renaissance is based on genu- the sixth purpose of Islamic law. We live in an ine concepts: Monotheism or Tawhid, Ubudi- interconnected and hyperactive world, which ya or Servitude, Excellence or Ihsaan, Natural needs to consider the conservation, legisla- Predisposition or Fitrah, Moderation or Wa- tion, and management of the environment as satiyya, Simple living or Zuhd, Preservation the sixth maqsad because, in the actual devel- of the Faculties of Shari’ah, Justice or Adl, oping pace of humanity, one country’s plans Responsibility or Amanah, and Stewardship. affect the others. In mid-2010, Charles Prince of Wales and Islam, as its name implies, is a religion heir apparent to the British throne delivered of peace and prosperity. It is a universal and a speech at Oxford University on Islam and historical experience that has always demon- the environment in which he stressed that Is- strated its competencies in solving various lam is the best way for the environment, and global issues, including the environmen- called the world to pursue Islamic morals and tal crisis. Islam is relevant for all times and models on the environment. He concluded places. It is also the only hope for humanity his conference quoting a famous Arabian to restore environmental balance and peace. saying “the best of all Mosques is Nature her- When a man is in peace with himself, he is self.” Moreover, a UN Environment Program in peace with the rest of the world. Thou- report published recently said that the Islam- sands of references to nature and environ- ic worldview represents a unique model for a ment are found in the Qur’an, and the Sunnah transition to sustainable development. of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, Renewable and alternative energies, green who said that Arabia will return meadows technologies, as well as faithful scientism, are and rivers as it was before. not just solutions for reducing climate change *This hadith is evaluated by most schol- and restoring the environment. They are ars as a weak narration, but its meaning is also a way to comprehensive development, relevant.

34 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 35 “Open Mosque Day”… an initiative to integrate Muslims into German society

By Nizar Abdulbagi Ahmed

Open Mosque Day has become an annual event for Muslims in Germany to integrate into society, establish their loyalty to their country and connect their children to the countries in which they live. To ensure this, they have dedicated the day of unity between the two parts of Germany, corresponding to October 3rd annually for this event, to ensure that Islam is an integral part of this unity as well.

36 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 37 The main objectives of this event are to ex- plain the principles of the Islamic religion, invite others to identify these principles, The program aims to verify encourage cultural exchange among fol- the reality of Islam and its lowers of different religions, correct stereo- rejection of violence types and ideas prevailing in the minds of some, respond to the accusations leveled by the followers of the extreme right, and to motivate Muslims to Integrate into German society. Around 1,000 mosques across Germany are open to visitors of all religious and ethnic ence, in addition to highlighting the cus- backgrounds. Religious and cultural semi- toms and traditions of Muslims, such as nars and lectures are held. There is a direct generosity and magnanimity, honesty and dialogue among all where many Muslim good neighborliness, and provide examples scholars answer questions and queries from of the ancient civilization that character- the audience. They are keen to clarify the ized the Arab and Islamic countries and the reality of the Islamic religion, which calls unique monuments they boast. Some reli- for dialogue and coexistence, and refuses to gious books and the translation of the Holy coerce others to follow, and does not rec- Qur’an into German are distributed free of ognize violence as a means of understand- charge as gifts to visitors. ing, and supports the right of the offender to obey the religions he or she wants, and Confronting Extremism guarantee all of their civil and religious Imam and preacher of the mosque of the rights. city of “Chemnitz”, Sheikh Abdulsalam The events also feature recreational activi- Atefi, told (Deutsche Welle Newspaper) ties including the concept of art and culture that their mission as Islamic bodies and in Islam, and the contribution of Muslims institutions is now doubled because of the to the march of human civilization and sci- far-right, pointing to the demonstrations in

36 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 37 Chemnitz, which were organized by the and good reception”, he said. followers of the extreme right to protest against the existence of refugees. This rais- Letters Against Racism es fears that extreme right may challenge “This event is an important occasion to con- the rule of law, especially after the arrest vey a message to the extreme right, which is of some extremists suspected of forming trying to intimidate Muslim minorities and a terrorist organization under the name of spread fears among their members, which the Chemnitz Revolution. This organiza- we will not allow them to achieve. We will tion, according to the competent security assure them that mosques continue to per- authorities, planned to carry out attacks on form their functions in society with full the same date of the “Open Mosque Day” force and that we are part of this society, to consolidate the misconceptions that link and will not be scared of their actions or Muslims with terrorism. He points out that threats. We live in a state of law and stand they focus in their activities on the renun- with it. We also want to convey a voice of ciation of racism and xenophobia to stress thanks to the majority in this society, who that mosque is a part of society and Mus- have taken positive attitudes, stood by us lims love this community and cling to meet and communicated with us. It was their ini- violence with love. “The idea that anyone tiative where they invited us to go out with in the city of Chemnitz is welcome in our them in peaceful demonstrations against mosque is in itself a kind of rejection of racism, and their voice was heard in reject- racism, as we take care of the hospitality ing all forms of hatred. We are in touch with

38 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 39 most of those who are keen to attend each year and participate in the Open Mosque Day and give us all forms of support. These Muslims open their mosques wonderful people deserve our thanks”, At- to everyone on the day of efi said. German unity Wide-scale interaction Many academics and community leaders admire the program of the Open Mosque Day and affirm that they benefit from it in identifying the Islamic religion from real and reliable sources, but they demand more initiative is an important step in correct- steps so that the true image of Islam reach ing concepts and combating racism, but all segments of society. Professor Holger it remains insufficient in Nellin’s opinion Nellin, a professor of comparative religions because some cannot abandon prejudices. at the University of Bonn, says such initia- Muslims should keep the doors of dialogue tives are important for opening up interfaith open with others and introduce themselves dialogue, especially for those who do not and their religion on every occasion in Ger- know anything about Islam. However, it is many through similar initiatives. not enough because a person who goes to a particular mosque may recognize only a Collective efforts certain aspect of Islam. Interfaith dialogue Nabil Shabib, a German thinker of Syr- is important and the Open Mosque Day ian origin, stressed that the Open Mosque

38 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 39 Islamic organizations and unions, which moved the program from an initiative on Various programs to reflect behalf of one of the organizations to a joint the universality of Islam and initiative, which resonated and elicited a its acceptance of the other response from the leaders of mosques and chapels in all German cities, and became a model for cooperation in the Joint initia- tives and activities, after many of them were moving in isolation, although perceptions and goals did not differ. The response from the public and the German media has also contributed to the search for more means to foster a spirit of integration”. Day contributed to the positive integration of Muslims in the German society and that Culture of diversity there is an unparalleled response from all According to Deutsche Welle Newspaper, segments of the German society. He said, Secretary General of the Supreme Council “This merger was made on the basis of co- of Muslims, Abdul Samad Al-Yazidi, said existence without melting, acquaintance that many Muslims in Germany are afraid with mutual respect, and gave a strong im- that attacks on them and their mosques petus to increased coordination between might increase. He stresses that the “Open

40 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 41 Mosque Day” has a great role in presenting the true image of Islam and affirming that it is not related to terrorism, and it criminal- Germans heavily attend izes all kinds of aggression against the hu- mosques to learn more man soul, regardless of religion or gender. about Islam Yazidi stressed the importance of establish- ing a culture of diversity among children and school students, to ensure a new gen- eration free of hatred. He calls on the re- sponsible authorities not to tolerate the fol- lowers of the far-right who cling to attack Muslims and push them to leave the coun- efforts to rebuild Germany after the war, try, and claiming myths that Islam does not and these efforts cannot be underestimated fit the European values. Yazidi concludes at all. These are well known. There has al- his statement that Muslims in Germany fo- ways been interfaith cooperation and will cus on retaining the gains they have made remain so.” and that they take seriously the issue of in- He underscored the feasibility of such ac- tegration into society and positive interac- tivities in confronting the followers of the tion with all public issues. extreme right, at the same time extremists living among refugees and carrying out Appreciation and gratitude some terrorist acts, stressing that such ef- Manfred Lucha, Minister of Social Affairs forts remain the only way to support mod- and Integration in Baden-Württemberg, eration and coexistence among the follow- praised the role played by mosques for de- ers of different religions. Lucha stressed cades in bringing together the concepts of that Germany remains a homeland for all humanity and religious values and its quest and its government deals with all citizens to confirm the conditions of integration into regardless of their religious affiliations and German society. He said in his speech to the that the only criterion is the extent of com- Muslim community, “You have made great pliance with the conditions of citizenship.

40 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 41 The cultural pulse of Tunisi

By Aftab Husain Kola

If we delve into Islamic history and look into the contributions made by Muslims, one place that would stand out strikingly is Kairouan (Qairawan) in North Africa, which is considered Islamic North Africa’s first point of culture in terms of religion, science, academics, law and architecture. A culturally fascinating city in the northwestern inland desert of Tunisia, a small North African country on the Arab world’s western shores, Kai- rouan became a powerful trading hub and center of Islamic scholarship in the 9th century when Aghlabid emirs ruled the city and built many of its monuments. Kairouan still conjures up images of Arab folklore.

42 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 43 and imposing minarets, that dates from this period, and is a major cultural center. In citing the city’s “universal value” as a World Heritage Site, UNESCO enumerated a total of 36 monuments in Kairouan, an “ex- ceptional witness to the civilization of the first centuries of Islam in NorthAfrica.”

Origin of nomenclature The history of Kairouan is as fascinating as the city itself. Sidi Uqba bin Nafi, the nephew of Arab general Amr bin Al-‘As, who was de- puted to take over the reign of Alexandria in 643 CE, 11 years after the death of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), chose the inland plain far away from the sea to keep the Byzantine navy at bay, and named the place Al Kairouan, which is an Arabized Persian word for ‘caravan’. Today it carries an Eng- lish meaning as well, something close to ‘gar- Considered the first capital of the Maghreb, rison camp’. Kairouan, according to Al-Idrisi, the cel- ebrated Moroccan Arab Muslim geographer The Great Mosque and cartographer, is the “mother of all cities, Uqba ibn Nafi, in the course of laying the and is the capital of the land, the greatest city foundation of the city, erected the mosque be- in the Arab West, being the most populated, tween 670 and 680 CE, which happened to prosperous and thriving one with the most be the first mosque in the Maghreb. Rebuilt perfect buildings…” several times and ostentatiously embellished Little wonder then that Kairouan was, for over the course of time, the Great Mosque, more than four centuries, North Africa’s hub locally known as Jami Uqba, is the pride of where ethnic groups such as the Berbers from the people of Kairouan. The structure, with the west met Arabs from the east to form a its graceful prayer hall with adorned 414 pil- powerful bedrock of North African Arab cul- lars supporting horseshoe arches, breathes the ture that endures even today. Berbers now spirit of ancient Islam and makes for a strik- constitute the populations of Morocco, Tuni- ing photograph, thrilling the onlooker with sia, Algeria, Mauritania, northern Mali and a the intricacy and artistry that many hands got small part of western Egypt. together to create it. Its buttressed walled ex- Situated 112 miles south of Tunis, the coun- terior has Aghlabid design. Its huge, marble- try’s present capital, Kairouan is known paved courtyard, surrounded by an arched col- mainly for its old university, as a pioneer in onnade and the courtyard designed for water developing hospitals, and its extremely splen- catchment, and the paving slopes towards an did Great Mosque, with its antique columns intricately decorated central drainage hole that

42 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 43 delivers the collected rainwater into the 9th- became a thriving settlement with market- century cisterns below are feast for the eyes. places, agriculture imported from surround- At the northwestern end of the courtyard a ing towns, cisterns supplying water, and tex- square three-tiered 32-meter-high minaret tile and ceramic manufacturing areas. It was dominates the skyline. a political capital, a pilgrimage city, and in- Another famous mosque is the Mosque of the tellectual center, particularly for the Maliki Three Doors, known as Ibn Khayrun Mosque, school of Sunni Islam and the sciences. built in 866 AD. It has a decorated façade in Is- lamic art and includes the whole Kairouanese Scientific accomplishments decorative repertoire of the Aghlabid period. Among the scientific contributions of Early Arab settlers have narrated that the site Kairaoun to the world was the most well- was previously occupied by both the Romans known doctor-pharmacist, Ibn al-Jazzar and the Byzantines, but later it fell into ruins. (known in Latin as Algizar), and Constantine, It can now safely be said that the reach of Is- known as Constantine, the African, who is lam and the cultural influences that followed credited with introducing medical science exceeded those of any former civilization. in Europe through the universities of Saler- no and Montpellier.” Of Ibn al-Jazzar’s 43 Golden era known works, 10 have been preserved, most A golden chapter dawned on the city in the notably his general therapeutic manual Zad 9th century. In 800 AD, Ibrahim bin Aghlab, al-Mussafir wa-qut al-hadir (Traveller’s Pro- an Algerian Arab, conquered the city and vision), translated into Latin by Constantinus thereby half of North Africa. His Aghlabite Africanus as Viaticum peregrinantis, which dynasty laid out an extensive irrigation sys- was used in Europe through the 16th century. tem that brought water from the mountains to Abode of eminent scholars encircle the city in a green belt of parks and Kairouan produced scores of distinguished gardens. By the mid-tenth century, Kairouan scholars. Names like Abu Muhammad ‘Abd

44 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 45 Allah b. Abi Zayd ‘Abd al-Rahman al-Qa- Basins that supplied water for the Aghlabid yrawani (310-86/922-96), head of the Maliki palace. school of Kairouan, Al-Abhari, Ibn abi Zayd The Sidi Amor Abada Museum is f a vast al-Qayrawani are quite notable. architectural complex crowned with seven ribbed cupolas in a style. Hospital development Like many inventions and discoveries, Mus- The museum of Raqqada lims’ contribution to medicine is humun- Outside south-west of Kairoun, about ten ki- gous. The hospital institution in its rise reflects lometers from the city center, is the museum the glory of Islamic civilization. The hospi- of Raqqada. Here, a royal palace royal retreat tal was one of the great achievements of me- built and later abandoned by the Aghlabids dieval Islamic society. As early as 830AD, has been converted into a museum and a cen- Prince Ziyadat Allah I (817-838) built a hospi- ter specializing in research on the Islamic tal near the Great Mosque in Kairouan and was civilization in Tunisia. Ceramics, coins, pre- called the Ad-Dimnah hospital. Consequently cious glass, lead and bronze objects are fea- other hospitals which were erected thereafter tured in this museum. Al-Idrissi wrote that in Tunisia were likewise called ad-Dimnah “the castles of Raqqada rose up, so high and instead of Bimaristan as they were called in well built, surrounded by so many gardens the East, which is a Persian word meaning a and orchards.” hospital. Though ad-Dimnah in Kairouan was not built on grand scale but it served the then Warp and weft population adequately. It included halls with In Tunisia, carpets have their roots planted in waiting rooms for visitors; spacious separate Kairouan. Weaving deep-pile and short-nap wards, a mosque for prayers and teaching, and carpet as an offering for the city’s mosques a bath. The hospital had nurses from Sudan to was tradition here in the past. The tradition look after the patients. continued making Kairouan the carpet capital of Tunisia. Kairouan’s carpets are more closer Walled old town to Oriental carpets. The most classic have an Kairouan’s medina (old town), protected overpowering crimson red, or alternatively by walls is a complex of narrow meander- the natural white and brown colors of sheep’s ing streets and alleyways is the city’s heart. wool. In Kairouan, women do the weaving, The Kairouan Rehabilitation Program has chatting as their deft fingers ply the shuttle. restored the place retaining all its traditional They craft two types of carpet—pile and features and is now a place where the town- short-nap. The latter are subdivided into mer- folks and visitors meet, shop, eat and roam goums, which have a diamond pattern worked around. The Barber’s Mosque Complex (also into a neutral ground, and klims, formed called the Zaouia of Sidi Sahab) is highly rec- by alternate strips of natural-colored wools. ommended. The complex includes a mauso- Most sought after are the zerhiyas, which are leum, mosque, and madrassa (Islamic school pile rugs. Their traditional design of a cen- of learning) and was built between 1629 and tral motif bordered by an arabesque pattern 1692. To the north of the medina, beyond the is largely responsible for the widespread ap- Avenue de la République, are the Aghlabid preciation of Kairouan carpets.

44 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 45 FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION: IN THE LIGHT OF THE NOBEL QUR’AN

By Dr. Sumaiya Ahmed

Introduction: Freedom of expression does not simply protect individual liberty from state interference. Rather, it protects the individual’s freedom to com- municate with others. The right of the individual is to participate in a deeply social activity that involves socially created languages and the use of community resources such as parks, streets, and broadcast stations.

46 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 47 Yet the structure of constitutional adjudica- ated man. Taught him eloquence.(Surat Ar- tion, reinforced by an individual rights cul- Rahman, verse 1-4) ture, tends to suppress the social or relational Fundamental Human rights: character of freedom of expression and its Freedom of expression is an important and distributive demands (concern about the indi- fundamental human right in Islam. Qur’an vidual’s effective opportunity to communicate discusses it briefly. There are many verses with others). Recognition of the social charac- of Qur’an, which describe freedom of ex- ter of freedom of expression is critical to un- pression, its importance, and principles. The derstanding both the value and potential harm basic principle of Qur’anic conversation is of expression and to addressing questions good talking. As Allah says in the Nobel about the freedom’s scope and limits. Free- Qur’an: dom of expression is valuable because of hu- And (recall) when We took the covenant man agency and identity emerge in discourse. from the Children of Israel, (enjoining upon According to the Nobel Qur’an: them), “Do not worship except Allah; and to In many places in the Nobel Qur’an, there parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and are verses that can be interpreted as recog- the needy. And speak to people good (words) nizing aspects of freedoms of religion and and establish prayer and give Zakah.” Then expression. Generally, the spirit of the Nobel you turned away, except a few of you, and Qur’an is not inconsistent with freedom of you were refusing. (Surat Al-Baqarah, verse thought and expression. In the view of Mus- 83) lims, the Qur’an is the revelation (wahy) The important objectives of human rights to where the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be freedom of expression in the Qur’an; Allah upon him,) of Islam was connected to Allah gave the freedom expression to all human the Almighty. According to the Muslim be- being. lief, the Qur’an is the Book of guidance (Hi- Kinds of Freedom of Expression: dayah) from darkness to light and salvation. Freedom of Religion: Such a Book, with its significant effect on The Qur’an ensures the rights and freedoms the creation and development of one of the of belief, thought, and worship of the mem- most significant human civilizations, would bers of all religions and forbids all sorts of be- not block freedom of expression and fearless haviors restricting these rights and freedoms. exchange of information and thoughts. Provided that the meaning of the concept of One of the most important verses relating to secularism, today manipulated to imply athe- freedom of expression in the Qur’an: ism, is to respect the freedoms of religion, There is no compulsion in religion. Distinct belief and worship,it would be clear to any- is the way of guidance now from error. He one that this concept is a teaching prevalent who turns away from the forces of evil and in the Qur’an. believes in Allah will surely hold fast to a There are many relevant verses identified in handle that is strong and unbreakable, for Al- the Qur’an that mandate the freedom of what lah hears all and knows everything (Surat Al- to believe and worship. The first one, which Baqarah, verse 256) clearly defines the concept of religious free- Another important verse: dom, is in Surat al-Kafirun: The Most Merciful. Taught the Qur’an. Cre- I do not worship what you worship. Nor are

46 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 47 you worshippers of what I worship. Nor will [the benefit of] his soul, and whoever is blind I be a worshipper of what you worship. Nor (does harm) against it. And (say), “I am not will you be worshippers of what I worship. a guardian over you. (Surat Al-An’am, verse For you is your religion, and for me is my 104) religion.(Surat al-Kafirun, verse 2-6) Freedom of Thought: The Qur’an excludes compulsion in choos- There are innumerable verses in the Nobel ing what to believe. If one accepts the truth, Qur’an in which the principle of freedom of it is for his or her good, and if he or she thought has been expounded and the use of sticks to error, it is to his or her detriment. reason emphasized. In Qur’an: Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and There is no compulsion in religion. Distinct earth, and the alternation of the night and is the way of guidance now from error. He the day, and the [great] ships which sail who turns away from the forces of evil and through the sea with that which benefits believes in Allah, will surely hold fast to a people, and what Allah has sent down from handle that is strong and unbreakable, for Al- the heavens of rain, giving life thereby to lah hears all and knows everything (Surat Al- the earth after its lifelessness and dispersing Baqarah, verse 256) therein every [kind of] moving creature, and Allah also says: [His] directing of the winds and the clouds There has come to you enlightenment from controlled between the heaven and the earth your Lord. So whoever will see does so for are signs for a people who use reason.(Surat

48 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 49 Al- Baqarah, verse 164) only freedom of speech but also fairness, ab- Then do they not look at the camels - how solute justice and the right of disagreement. they are created? And at the sky - how it is The Qur’an also encourages the people for raised? And at the mountains - how they are freedom of speech to explore and search the erected? And at the earth - how it is spread Truth. out? (Surat Al-Ghashiyah, verse 17-20) Indeed, we offered the Trust to the heavens It is He who has sent down to you, [O Mu- and the earth and the mountains, and they hammad], the Book; in it are verses [that are] declined to bear it and feared it; but man [un- precise - they are the foundation of the Book dertook to] bear it. Indeed, he was unjust and - and others unspecific. As for those in whose ignorant. (Surat Al-Ahzab, verse 33:71) hearts is deviation [from truth], they will fol- Your Lord is most knowing of you. If He low that of it which is unspecific, seeking wills, He will have mercy upon you; or if He discord and seeking an interpretation [suit- wills, He will punish you. And We have not able to them]. And no one knows its [true] sent you, [O Muhammad], over them as a interpretation except Allah. But those firm in manager.(Surat Al-Isra, verse 54) knowledge say, “We believe in it. All [of it] And [recall] when We took your covenant, is from our Lord.” And no one will be re- [saying], “Do not shed each other’s blood or minded except those of understanding(Surat evict one another from your homes.” Then Al-Imran, verse 7) you acknowledged [this] while you were Freedom of speech: witnessing. (Surat Al-Baqarah, verse 84) Qur’an gives the freedom of speech to any If [instead] you show [some] good or con- person with some conditions and limitations. ceal it or pardon an offense - indeed, Allah is Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom ever Pardoning and Competent. (Surat An- and good instruction, and argue with them in Nisa, verse 149) a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most With Islam’s guidance to purify our inten- knowing of who has strayed from His way, tions, it promotes free speech when we in- and He is most knowing of who is [rightly] tend to serve a good purpose, promote peace, guided (Surat Al-Nahl, Verse 125) bring people closer to Allah and unite hu- Or do you think that you will enter Paradise mankind. while such [trial] has not yet come to you as Freedom of Consultation: came to those who passed on before you? Freedom of consultation is an important right They were touched by poverty and hardship of a person in an Islamic society. No doubt, and were shaken until [even their] messen- through consulting with others many person- ger and those who believed with him said, al and social problems can be resolved. The “When is the help of Allah?” Unquestion- combination of two thought patterns acts like ably, the help of Allah is near. (Surat Al- the coming together of two wires of different Baqarah, Verse 2:214) charges, which give light to the environment. To unite humankind, Islam instructs us to Since consultation has a significant effect in only use speech to be truthful, do good to resolving problems, the Nobel Qur’an orders others, and be fair and respectful. It attempts the Prophet (peace be upon him) to consult to pre-empt frictions by prescribing rules with others in finding solutions: of conduct that guarantee for all people not So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad],

48 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 49 you were lenient with them. And if you had ness over you. And We did not make the been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they Qiblah which you used to face except that would have disbanded from about you. So We might make evident who would fol- pardon them and ask forgiveness for them low the Messenger from who would turn and consult them in the matter. And when back on his heels. And indeed, it is difficult you have decided, then rely upon Allah. In- except for those whom Allah has guided. deed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him]. And never would Allah have caused you to (Surat Al- Imran 159) lose your faith. Indeed Allah is, to the peo- And those who have responded to their lord ple, Kind and Merciful.(Surat al-Baqarah, and established prayer and whose affair is verse 143) [determined by] consultation among them- Some Form of limitation: selves, and from what We have provided Do not be rude in Speech: them, they spend. (Surat Ash- Shuraa, verse So by mercy from Allah, (O Muhammad), 38) you were lenient with them. And if you had Thus, both wisdom and narrations combine been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they to indicate the sensitive position and the sig- would have disbanded from about you. So nificance of consultation. Muslims should pardon them and ask forgiveness for them make use of this great Islamic command, and consult them in the matter. And when which is the very basis of prosperity and so- you have decided, then rely upon Allah. In- cial improvement. deed, Allah loves those who rely (upon Him). Limitation: (Surat Al-Imran, verse 159) Islam is a religion of rights and duties; where Restrain Anger: Islam declares human rights freely and vol- Who spend (in the cause of Allah) during untarily then it also bounds this freedom for ease and hardship and who restrain anger and public welfare, Because Islam and the Mus- who pardon the people – and Allah loves the lim Ummah are justly balanced. According doers of good. (Surat Al-Imran, verse 134) to the Nobel Qur’an: Be good to Others: And thus we have made you a just com- Worship Allah and associate nothing with munity that you will be witnesses over the Him, and to parents do good, and to rela- people and the Messenger will be a wit- tives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor,

50 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 51 the neighbor farther away, the companion at There is no compulsion in Religion: your side, the traveler, and those whom your There is no compulsion in religion. Distinct right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not is the way of guidance now from error. He like those who are self-deluding and boast- who turns away from the forces of evil and ful. (Surat An-Nisa, verse 36) believes in Allah will surely hold fast to a Do not be Arrogant: handle that is strong and unbreakable, for Al- (Allah) said, Descend from Paradise, for it lah hears all and knows everything (Surat Al- is not for you to be arrogant therein. So get Baqarah, verse 256) out; indeed, you are of the debased. (Surat Conclusion: Al-A’raf, verse 13) According to Islam, freedom of expression Stand out firmly for Justice: and information is a basic human right. Islam O you who have believed, be persistently condemns spreading lies and false stories as standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, well as passiveness and reluctance when the even if it be against yourselves or parents truth should be spoken and highlighted. and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, And do not mix the truth with falsehood or Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not conceal the truth while you know (it) (Surat [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. Al Baqarah, verse 42) And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse In this perspective, Qur’an appeals to so- [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with ciety because Qur’an is closely related to what you do, Acquainted. (Surat An-Nisa, the social issues of humankind and because verse 135) Qur’an grants the freedom of expression due Avoid Assumption to human dignity and honor exploring truth. O you who have believed, avoid much (neg- Qur’an considers the freedom of expression ative) assumption. Indeed, some assumption as a fundamental human right. This should is sin.(Surat Al Hujurat, verse 12) also be kept in mind. Qur’an does not sup- Stay away from Corruption port the absolute freedom of expression but Eat and drink from the provision of Al- describes its limits and principles for social lah, and do not commit abuse on the earth, betterment. Therefore, we should adopt the spreading corruption. (Surat Al- Baqarah, Qur’anic principles of conversation for a verse 60) peaceful and humble society.

50 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 51 Germany helps its Muslims integrate into society

Alwaleed Jaafer Elias

To help Muslims to coexist positively in society, support their full integration, and remove misunderstandings that some people have of Islam, the German government is moving to establish a non-governmental association, in Lower Saxony, for the education and training of imams and preachers.

52 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 53 The government is moving also to Blume said it was inconceivable that pass a law requiring learning German speeches would be delivered in a lan- for those wishing to enter the country guage other than German, when many for the purpose of working as imams listeners could not speak that language. or preachers, as well as being familiar The security authorities also want to with a sufficient level of information on be fully aware of what is being said in the nature and culture of German soci- all places of worship so that they can ety, to the extent that they can perform determine whether they involve incite- their work as required. ment or have unauthorized meanings. The German Interior Ministry said In addition, Berlin wants to achieve a in an official statement that the aim is positive integration of Muslims living “to strengthen the religious services on its territory. provided by the clergy by learning Ger- man, and the draft law stipulates that Integrating Muslims these imams can only succeed in their The Minister of the Interior, Horst work if they are fluent in speaking Ger- Seehofer, affirmed that this initiative man, which facilitates the process of presented by his Ministry provides an communication with the members of important contribution to the success- the community and their social envi- ful integration. He pointed out that “it ronment. It added that the draft law has is indispensable to know some of the been submitted to the parliament for German information to make the inte- a vote before it is adopted. Under this gration successful, especially when the new procedure, sufficient knowledge of clerics serve as a reference for many information about Germany is a condi- immigrants.” tion for religious scholars from outside He added the fulfillment of this con- the country to obtain residence. dition would help to fully integrate The Bavarian Christian Social Party Muslims in society and enable compe- announced its support for the new draft tent authorities to provide adequate pro- law.”It is very clear that imams work- tection for Muslims and stimulate com- ing in our country must speak German, munication with them. Zihofer stressed because language is the key to coexis- that the decision can not be interpreted tence, and the integration of clergy and as negative discrimination against Mus- Muslims into society can only be suc- lims, or confirmation of accusations cessful if they are fluent in language. against them, stressing that his minis- We want to be familiar with the sermons try is in full contact with most of the and sermons delivered in the mosques”. Islamic actors in society, and that there party secretary-general Marcus Blume is a great deal of coordination and un- said in remarks quoted by the German derstanding between the two sides, to Press Agency. overcome emergency problems, and

52 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 53 provide the required support when nec- priests and rabbis, so that it is not seen essary. as a veiled accusation against Muslims Muhannad Khorshid, an Islamic ac- and discrimination against them. tivist in Germany, welcomed the gov- He stressed that most of the imams ernment move, describing the decision and preachers are already familiar with as “a real step that would help Muslims the German language and serious in introduce themselves correctly to Ger- mastery, and the majority of members man society, at the same time, response of the Muslim community in Germany to allegations made by many parties are graduates who entered the country related to the extreme right”. Khurshid for the purpose of education and work, stressed that Muslims of Germany have and not linked to terrorism. always shown their desire to integrate into their society, and reject marginal- Training and support for mosques ization and isolation. Khurshid demand The German Ministry of Interior, in also that the decision be circulated to all cooperation with the Central Council

54 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 55 of Muslims, has launched a project to because these courses do not provide train imams and preachers, including how to perform prayer and other prac- introducing community values and tical tasks performed by the imam of laws, linking them more to the com- the mosque, so a separate and practi- munity in which they live, and remov- cal education was therefore needed. ing cultural barriers, in an attempt to The Lower Saxony Ministry of Sci- reduce external influence that preach- ence and Culture said the plan includes ers who come from many countries “the establishment of a registered as- and different cultural backgrounds sociation in cooperation with Islamic may be exposed organizations and mosque communi- Central Board Chairman Ayman- ties interested in the program, and that Mezik described the new approach as Islamic studies experts will be part of “a concrete step and a positive devel- the new association.” opment, which should have been done The German Interior Minister for decades. He said many were con- Horst Seehofer, has revealed govern- tent with complaining about the pres- ment support for mosques, provided ence of foreign imams in Germany, over the next three years, with about who might commit irregularities and seven million euros. Support will go act inconsistent with the constitution, to about 50 mosques. but did not initiate solutions and had The ministry said that the pilot proj- no positive proposals to put an end to ect, called “Mosques for Integration”, that. He added that authorities and all will be organized and supervised by Germans will be able to identify the the Federal Commission for Migra- sermons delivered inside the mosques. tion and Refugees, with the help of Because the German constitution an advisory board comprising experts prohibits the government from inter- from Islamic organizations, scientific fering in the religious affairs of soci- and civil society departments. She ety, it was agreed that the association stressed that the project aims to sup- would be independent and non-gov- port the programs of guidance and so- ernmental, drawing on an earlier expe- cial work and measures to strengthen rience to train Jewish rabbis, under the communication between mosques and name “Abraham Geiger Program” at the surrounding area. According to the the University of Potsdam. Although ministry, it seeks to support commu- many academic institutes in the cit- nity solidarity and help Muslims inter- ies of Münster, Tübingen, Osnabrück, act positively. The ministry added that Giessen and Erlangen Nuremberg are it will continue to provide all kinds of currently teaching Islamic studies, support for the project, which intends students studying in these institutions to circulate in the coming period to a will not be able to work as imams, larger number of mosques.

54 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 55 Muslim heroes who prevented terrorist incidents in the West

Nizar Abdul Baqi

Numerous Western newspapers have reported that the par- ticipation of some Muslims in the hunt for the terrorist who stabbed a number of people at the London Bridge, December 2019, recalled the contribution of many Muslims to prevent- ing massacresby confronting terrorists who were trying to cause the largest number of victims.

56 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 57 The newspaper reports noted that these he- roic deeds were not limited to Britain only, but also in many European countries. The German newspaper Deutsche Welle said that these people clearly demonstrated their loy- alty to their homelands, interest in their citi- zens, and thus presented a bright picture of their religion and stressed that there is no link between Islam and terrorism because Islam is a religion that calls for coexistence and peace. An attacker carrying a knife and a false explosive vest had wounded several people. Many video clips taken by surveillance cam- eras on the scene showed a group of people grappling with the suspect on the ground be- Naeem Rashid-Norwegian fore he was shot by the police. The videos showed that there were a number of Muslims carrying a large knife, which they took from the attacker’s hands, to prevent him from attacked passers-by at the underground sta- causing further harm, and then surrounded tion in East London, after he repeated phras- the suspect, and helped police officers -re es alleging that his attack was in response to strain him. what was happening in Syria.A British Mus- In an official statement, the Mayor of lim confronted him in an attempt to stop his London, Sadiq Khan, praised the “astonish- harmful attempt and shouted at him, “You are ing heroism” of those who wrestled with the not a Muslim... you are a shame”, denying suspect, saying, “I would like to thank those that such an attack had anything to do with heroes who risked their safety for the sake Islam.This sentence quickly spread on Twit- of protecting others, and clearly say they are ter and a number of users of the site quoted the best among us”. British Prime Minister Qur’anic verses rejecting terrorist actions Boris Johnson praised the police and what and threatening militants who use Islam to he described as the “exceptional courage” of justify their attacks on unarmed civilians and the public who participated in the incident. recruiting followers. “They represent the best of our society and The British Prime Minister, David Cam- thank them on behalf of all of our country,” eron, made a press statement saying, “Let me Johnson said. “Those who helped to stop the pay tribute to the person who confronted the suspect in his tracks are good citizens who terrorist and made this remarkable statement have shown extraordinary courage,” he added on the phrase you are not a Muslim. If the credit goes to the police officers who arrested Not a Muslim the terrorist, it is the same to that Muslim who On December 6, 2015, one of the extremists refused to link his religion and terrorism.”

56 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 57 care of humanity,” Khurshid Alam, Rashid’s brother, said in press statements. The Paki- stani Prime Minister, Imran Khan, also awarded him the Order of Courage and said that Rashid was martyred while trying to stop the gunman and provide protection to others.

Rapid Intervention In August 2019, Muhammad Rafeeq, a Nor- wegian of Pakistani descent, became a hero who won praise and appreciation, after he showed great courage in confronting an armed man who wanted to commit a mas- sacre against worshipers who were near an Oslo mosque during Eid Al-Adha. Rashid saw the terrorist, Philip Mansus, prior to the implementation of his attack. Quickly he decided to confront him. He threw the at- Muhammad Rafeeq-New Zealand tacker on the ground and disarmed him with the help of people who were near the place, Great courage an intervention that prevented an impend- Naeem Rashid, a Pakistani, did not hesitate ing catastrophe. He held him to the ground to confront the terrorist Brenton Trent who and took away his weapons with the help of opened fire on worshipers at Al Noor Mosque people who were near the place, stopping a in the New Zealand city of Christ Church on real disaster. Friday 15 March 2019 and threw himself “I heard gunfire coming from outside. on him to prevent killing more after he took The terrorist fired at two people and without the lives of 50 people. Videos showed how thinking I ran after him and put him on the Rashid courageously confronted the mur- ground. He tried to get rid of me by insert- derer and tried to take his weapon, and when ing his finger completely in my eyes, but I re- he realized his inability to do so, he threw sisted all of this and clung to him to paralyze himself on him, after he received a barrage of his movement before others came and helped deadly bullets. me,” Rafik said. The British newspaper “Daily Mail” said The Norwegian police praised the work that Rashid died shortly after the death of his done by Rafik and his companions and said in son Talha, who was less than 21 years old, a statement, “There is no doubt that the swift during the brutal attack. and decisive response from the people inside “My brother was a brave man who died to the mosque stopped the attacker. They have save others. His death showed how he took shown great courage.”

58 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 59 The Reverter to Islam Tanago Sami Qasdullah, (Ahmad Sami Abdullah)

By: Munqidh Ben Mahmoud Assaqar, PhD

It’s a Cheap Price to Pay for Allah’s Paradise. In the mid-twentieth century, and in one of the villages of southern Egypt, Tanago Sami Qasdullah saw the light. It has been predes- tined that this young man’s life will never exceed more than thirty years on this earth. He has been assassinated treacherously. He has become -God willing- a martyr for the sake of his chosen religion.

58 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 59 Since the child’s mind has started to blos- som, he refused intuitively the stories he has heard echoing in the church. He has come in contact with ambiguous teachings similar to intractable puzzles. The matter has become so difficult to fathom for a young mind. These have been called “the secrets of the Church.” In contrast, the adolescent Tanago saw in the religion of his Muslim peers the clarity of the faith and splendor of worship. No sooner his young head started to com- pare the Church rituals to the Muslims wor- from the lofty heavens to eat at Abraham’s? ship. He also compared the church mass to Would Allah- the Exalted - embody Him- the recitation of the verses of the Qur’an. self into the image of a weak human being? Every day, Tanago and the village boys, What’s the matter with the school supervi- Christians and Muslims used to take the trek sor?! What is he babbling about? Is it pos- to the next village where they frequent the sible that the Bible is saying this? intermediate school there. They spend the In contrast, Tanago noticed that the Bible journey talking about religion and creed as speaks about the Messiah as a human being. much as their young minds allow them to He was a mere messenger sent by God no understand. Tanago will keep silent, listen- more. In his gospel, John tells about Jesus ing to their talk, recording notes in his mind that he has informed the Jews about his hu- and drawing conclusions. manity. In John (8/40), Jesus said: “But now Tanago has gotten rid of some of his you seek to kill me, a man who has told you (religious illiteracy); he has joined Sunday the truth, which I have heard of God.” In school. However, he has been shocked of another chapter, he called to believe in his what he has heard from the school super- message: “Then Jesus, still teaching in the visor telling them the story of the guests temple courts, cried out, “Yes, you know of Abraham (peace be upon him). He has me, and you know where I am from. I am already heard the story from his Muslim not here on my own, but he who sent me is friends. Conversely, the supervisor was true. You do not know him, but I know him narrating it from the Bible point of view, because I am from him, and he sent me” in a manner strange to him. His heart has (John7/28-29). Christ, the messenger man, rejected the story outright. He has remem- according to the Holy Gospels, has never bered the story in Genesis, that the guests claimed divinity. of Abraham, peace and blessing of Allah be Following a fierce struggle between pure with him, were God himself and two of his instinct and the teachings of the church, Tan- angels. They have eaten, drank and rested at ago reached a compromise. He will distance Abraham’s. himself of any matters his mind rejects. He Tanago’s instinct denied, and his mind will get rid of all polytheistic words that refused this assumption; he asked himself: stained the liturgy and hymns he used to Is this possible? Would Allah come down chant during mass. By coming to this con-

60 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 61 clusion, Tanago thought he would make person speaking in hieroglyphic or Sanskrit. peace with his mind. However, no sooner There are no men of religion in Islam. has this idea settled in his mind, that it was This is another advantage that made Tanago met with outright rejection. He rejected half- prefer Islam to Christianity. He despises the solutions. His conscience prodded him to re- idea of a mediator between Allah and his think his decision. It encouraged him to do servants. He asked himself: would Allah ap- more study and apply more seriousness in point these pastors sinners as His agents to the search for truth that Allah loves and ac- forgive people’s sins? Where are those of cepts for His servants. the morality and humility of Christ? Throughout his studies of religions, the He felt disgusted and shocked at the boy embarked on a mission to seek the truth. scenes of the people of the church bowing The boy recorded a number of observations to the monks and priests. These wouldn’t be on his faith comparing it to Islam. Among called except with the highest and fanciest these, the difference between the congre- titles. They have been called His Eminence gational prayers the Muslims perform in the Prelate or His Holiness the Pope. Ac- their mosques, and that of the Christians in cording to many Biblical texts, however, the a church. Christians listen only to hymnals most common and well known title of the read in the Coptic language. Tanago doesn’t Christ (peace be upon him) among his dis- understand the language. It was similar to a ciples has been “teacher.”

60 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 61 In 1968, Tanago Sami Qasdullah decided long at the verses speaking of the messiah to embrace Islam secretly, and choose the (peace be upon), that mention his human- name Ahmad Sami Abdullah. He wasn’t yet ity and his devotion to Allah. “And behold! fourteen years of age. He has been drawn Allah will say: “O Jesus the son of Mary! to Islam through the accuracy of its follow- Did you say unto men, worship me and my ers in performing their faith. These have mother as gods in derogation of Allah’?” been restricted by time, space and manners. He will say: “Glory to You! Never could I Hence, each act of worship has its proper say what I had no right (to say). Had I said time, the way it should be performed, and such a thing, you would indeed have known sometime the place where it should be per- it. You know what is in my heart, though I formed. Such detailed accuracy covers all know not what is in Yours. For You know in aspects of human life. Christianity, how- full all that is hidden. “Never said I to them ever, lacks such an order. Neither prayers aught except what You did command me nor fasting are regulated within the Church. to say, to wit, ‘worship Allah, my Lord and Furthermore, its edicts have lost religious your Lord’; and I was a witness over them, commitment. Here, Tanago was faced with whilst I had dwelt among them; when You an inescapable question: “If Mohammad did take me up You were the Watcher over (peace be upon him) was a liar the way they them, and You are a witness to all things”. claim he is, then, from where has this illit- Surat Al-Maida, verses 116/117. erate man brought such detailed and accu- Ahmad Sami has also studied different rate rulings, that those doubters themselves Christian denominations and reflected their lack?! responses to each other. He realized that Tanago has been drawn to Islam’s lofty when “you ask any of these sects: Where is principles and its great structure. To this he the evidence? None of them will utter a word has said: “Islam has won me over because the way they always do.” He has been sur- of its recognition of the oneness of the Al- prised at the protesters who support their be- mighty Creator. Allah will not be compared liefs and sayings with testimonies of monks to anything else, and full praise is due only and fathers. However, they do not attribute to Him. This pure monotheism has been the texts to God or Christ. Furthermore, the characterized by its clarity and convenience. sayings of these priests shouldn’t be used as It’s far away from complexity and ambigu- evidence, but must be subjected to scrutiny. ity and no effort is needed to substantiate it. Ahmad never spared any effort to hide his Islam is for the Lord of the worlds means: reversion to Islam in fear of his family’s ret- docile obedience and submission to Allah ribution. He kept his prayer and fasting se- alone. It’s the surrender of the mind, the cret from his brothers’ preying eyes. Indeed, heart the soul, the existence, the senses and he used to accompany them to the church to feelings, the wealth and actions are to the dispel their doubts. Ahmad’s certainty about Almighty Allah.” his good choice increases with every pass- Accepting Islam has been a new starting ing day. He has abandoned Christianity and point in the life of the young Ahmad Sami. its churches that are filled with pictures, im- He started reading the Qur’an during his high ages and icons. People jostle each other to school and university years. He would stop kneel and prostrate to them. They seek the

62 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 63 es of Islamic law. He went back to school and received a degree from the faculty of law. He was fed up hiding his conversion to Islam; he wanted to announce it openly. However, he knew that such step will cost him his life. Listen to what he has once said, as if he was reading the unseen of his destiny: “I wish they’ll get from me what they are after; the most they could achieve will be my assas- sination. It won’t be a killing, but martyrdom for the sake of Allah. Only patient fighters will ever be granted such a wish. As much as I firmly believe in Allah, I know there is no power on earth that would shorten my pre- destined life one single moment.” In 1984, and in the Al-Azhar mosque, Ahmad declared his conversion to Islam. Later, in February 1986, he announced it to his family. He tried to escape his folks abroad. However, a treacherous hand was blessing of these stone and wooden idols, faster. Eight months later, while going to and fearing their curse. Watching this sight, work to Souhage, his brother shot him dead. Ahmad murmurs to himself: woes are unto We ask Allah to grant him abode in para- to you, are there any harm to be feared or dise. We implore Him to count him among gains to be had from these deaf statues or the martyrs, like Yasser and Sumaya, who paper images? In Surat Al-Anbiya, verses have died for the sake of their religion. We 66 and 67, the Qur’an states the following: supplicate Allah to please them and others “(Abraham) said, “Do ye then worship, be- among the Muslim believers’ martyrs. Allah sides Allah, things that can neither be of any granted the martyrs in his sake the highest good to you nor do you harm?”Fie upon you, ranks. The verses 169 and 170 –among many and upon the things that ye worship besides others- are clear testimonies to such an honor. Allah! Have ye no sense?” “Think not of those who are slain in Allah’s With each passing day, Ahmad Sami’s way as dead. Nay, they live, finding their sus- conviction about his religion grew stronger. tenance in the presence of their Lord. They He said, “The Qur’an has been the main fac- rejoice in the bounty provided by Allah: And tor in keeping steadfast on the faith. It orga- with regard to those left behind, who have nizes human life in such a unique way un- not yet joined them (in their bliss), the (Mar- like any other in all the books and all other tyrs) glory in the fact that on them is no fear, religions.” nor have they (cause to) grieve. They glory Ahmad received a Bachelor from the fac- in the Grace and the bounty from Allah, and ulty of commerce, at Asyut University. Now, in the fact that Allah suffered not the reward he longed to know more about the advantag- of the Faithful to be lost (in the least).”

62 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 63 Heads of OIC News Agencies convene in Jeddah

Jeddah-UNA nomination of director general of the UNA, administrative and financial situa- The First Extraordinary Session of the tion of the Union, further cooperation of General Assembly of the Union of OIC the news agencies with the Union. Be- News Agencies ( UNA) kicked off in Jed- sides, the participants will approve and dah, Saudi Arabia. discuss the Executive Council decisions The meeting brought together heads and and the final account for 2017-2018 bud- representatives of news agencies from get and other issues related to the Union’s the Organization of Islamic Cooperation activities. (OIC) states-members. The Union of OIC News Agencies is a H. E. Saudi Arabia’s Media Minister. specialized organ of the Organization of Chairman of UNA Executive Council Islamic Cooperation publishing news in Turki Al-Shabanah opened the session Arabic, English and French and focusing with his keynote speech. on the news related to the Islamic world The participants of the extraordinary and Islamic affairs. The headquarters of session will discuss the resignation and the UNA is located in Jeddah.

64 lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l lJumad Al-Ula 1441/January 2020 l 65