Understanding Islam

Home , A Message of Peace, Justice in the Quran, Muezzin, Shahada

A publication of the INTERCOMMUNITY PEACE & JUSTICE CENTER NO. 116 / FALL 2017

Islam “It is important to intensify Understanding Islam dialogue among the various religions, and I am thinking particularly of dialogue with A Simple Introduction to a Complex Topic Islam.” –Pope Francis, March 23, 2013 By Sr. Susan Van Baalen, OP Countless obscure denominations We hear a lot about Islam and grounded in geographic and cultural Muslims from news media and ho are the Muslims? What is differences comprise only 3-8% of Mus- politicians these days. As of 2015, Islam all about? To become a lims. Salafism, an 18th century Sunni there were 1.8 billion Muslims in Muslim, one need only sin- fundamentalist movement, arose when the world, roughly 24% of the Wcerely confess the Muslim profession of there was a concern for the purity and global population, according to faith three times in the presence of two integrity of the Muslim tradition. Wah- Pew Research Center. witnesses: “There is no God but Allah, habism is the militant arm of Salafism But how much do non-Muslims and Muhammad is his Messenger.” that justifies violence and militant jihad know about the practice of Islam? Sunni Islam embodies the system to restore the purity of Islam as professed How can we seek to “love our of beliefs and practices for almost 90% by Muhammad and his followers. neighbor” before we understand of the world’s Muslims. Sunnis believe where they’re coming from? In Beliefs this issue of A Matter of Spirit, themselves to be the only authentic Mus- we invite you to step outside of lims and the protectors of the message Notwithstanding religious and tribal your comfort zone to learn about of the Qur’an. Shias, the second largest differences, Muslims share basic beliefs another Abrahamic tradition and denomination, make up approximately and practices. Similarities among Islamic gain new insights from faith ex- 10-13% of global Islam. Differences and Judeo-Christian traditions converge perts and practicing Muslims. between these major groups are more in the sacred myths of Abraham, bind- Sr. Susan Van Baalen, OP shares political than religious. Sunnis main- ing the Abrahamic religions together the basics of Islamic tradition, tain that religious and secular leader- while simultaneously highlighting their Afeefa Syeed offers insight about ship belongs to the person most faith- incongruities. The Qur’an which was re- how Islam shapes her work for ful to the teachings of Muhammad. vealed by God over a twenty-three year social justice, Sr. Cecilia Ranger, Ancient Sunnis recognized Abu Bakr period ending in 632 CE, affirms six SNJM, Ph.D., educates Catholics on our call to interfaith dialogue as the rightful heir to leadership. Shias generally accepted Islamic beliefs, but with Muslims, Marwa Abdelghani declared that the leadership in every age there is no Islamic Creed per se. talks about the intersection of belonged only to direct descendants of Belief in One God is the core of Islam- Islam with race and immigra- Muhammad. They acclaimed Ali, the ic belief. Oneness of God is the only tion in the United States, Tahira cousin and son-in-law of Muham- indisputable truth in Islam. Daily, Zafar offers her personal story mad, as his le- at the outset as a Muslim woman living in the gitimate suc- of each of U.S, and Arsalan Bukhari gives us cessor. the pre- practical ways we can challenge stereotypes about Muslims. We hope that you gain new insights about Islam, and seek to understand a faith tradition that may have many similarities to your own. scribed prayers, and at the beginning divine revelation was sealed with the God’s mouth to Muhammad’s mind. and end of life Muslims acknowledge death of Muhammad. In each case, di- The Qur’an, a mystical teaching writ- God’s Oneness. Oneness is a particular- vine revelation through scripture end- ten down in seventh century Arabic by ly strong attribute that mystically draws ed for believers with the death of their early believers, is treated with the great- the community into God’s Oneness. founder/leader. est respect by even the weakest of be- While all three Abrahamic religions Belief in God’s Revelations, the lievers. profess monotheism, Muslims and Jews Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet. Belief in a Day of Judgment demys- reject the dogma of the Trinity defined The Sunnah contains a collection of tifies the manner in which Muslims will for Christians at the Council of Con- memories of the Prophet committed be held accountable for their actions. stantinople. to writing after his death by his closest Muslims, like Christians, will be eter- Belief in Angels and Demons is followers. The Sunnah is similar to the nally rewarded in paradise or damned easily grasped by Judeo-Christians be- Acts of the Apostles wherein the strug- to punishment. cause the Muslim understanding of the gling community looks back to their Belief in Predestination maintains existence and function of angels and experience of Jesus to give meaning that people are subject to God’s pre- demons closely parallels Judeo-Chris- to their beliefs and practices. Islamic ordained plan for them. Muslim belief tian beliefs. The angel, Jabril (Gabriel), belief in sacred revelation is broader in God’s foreknowledge is similar to the delivered the Divine Revelations from than Christian and Jewish belief, in that Calvinist belief that God determined God to Muhammad (Qur’an 2:96). The Muslims accept the Torah, Psalms and before all creation those who would be same Gabriel delivered the Divine saved by grace, and those who would Revelation of Mary’s virgin birth receive eternal punishment. Predes- (Luke 1:26-28). Mikail (Michael) THE FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM tination is held by Calvinists, but not manages humanity’s earthly needs, Testifying that there is no god a universal belief among Protestants. SHAHADAH but God and Muhammad inducing rain and safeguarding na- FAITH is the messenger of God. Religious Rituals ture. Nor does Islam forget individual guardian angels. Recording angels SALAH Offering prayer and Practices fi ve times a day guard and record an individual hu- PRAYER The Five Pillars of Islam are less man’s acts worthy of reward. “... and complex than the beliefs and may ZAKAT Giving alms or charity He sends guardians (angels guarding CHARITY strike even stronger chords of rec- and writing all of one’s good and bad ognition between your personal re- deeds) over you ...” (Qur’an 6:61). HAJJ Going to pilgrimage to the ligious practices and those of Mus- Demons are evil jinni led by Ib- PILGRIMAGE House of Allah at Mecca lims. Muslims are obligated to live by lis, the jinn who tempted Adam and the Pillars. Similar to other religions, Eve in the garden. Demons are lesser SAWM Fasting in the month the extent and intensity of individual FASTING of Ramadan beings existing somewhere between practices depend on the depth of angels and humans with preternatu- one’s spiritual connection with God. ral powers for either good or evil. Being Gospels as sacred revelation in addition Shahada, the first pillar of Islam, is anthropomorphic, demons sometimes to the Holy Qur’an. The Qur’an holds testimony to the one God and to the assume the characteristics of humans the cardinal position in the hierarchy prophethood of Muhammad. Initia- or animals. of Sacred Revelations; still, it is remark- tion into Islam, one’s acceptance of the Belief in God’s Prophets/Messen- able to note that Christian and Jewish call to Islam, is contained in the words gers. The Qur’an offers a subtle distinc- scriptures are revered as sacred, and “There is no God but Allah (God) and tion between prophets and messengers. that Jewish and Christian believers are Muhammad is His Messenger.” Mus- Messengers receive divine revelations called “the people of the book (5:68).” lims chant or hear the Shahada five of the law directly from God through The Judeo-Christian scriptures are sa- times daily during the call to prayer. It a mystical experience and are called to cred revelations, Islam teaches, but is said to be the first sound heard by a transmit the law to others. Prophets are through countless oral retellings and newborn and the last words heard or called to receive the revelation and to errors in translation the texts were un- proclaimed by the dying. The practice live by it. Islam’s prophets include all intentionally corrupted, making it nec- is so imperative that grieving fam- of the major Judeo-Christian prophets essary for God to re-reveal, once and ily members painstakingly whisper the and the Prophet, Muhammad. Just as for all in the Qur’an, the sacred truths Shahada into one’s ear at the very mo- Christianity asserts that Biblical revela- with accuracy. The Qur’an, on the other ment of death. tion was closed following the death and hand, is believed to be inerrant. It only Salat, or prayer, obligates Muslims resurrection of Jesus, Muslims aver that exists in the careful transmission from to pray daily at prescribed times. Min-

2 NO. 116 / FALL 2017 utes before the five prescribed times, the chanting of the adhan in Arabic re- minds all within hearing of the Muslim obligation to pray. The Muezzin chants the Shahada two times, after beginning with the phrase “God is greater (allahu akbar).” Salat can be recited anywhere. It is always prayed in Arabic, even if the person praying does not read or understand the language. This is so because of the description of the Qur’an provided above. If those in prayer were to pray in translation, there is always the pos- sibility that mispronunciation or poor translation might alter the meaning of the prayer. This poses a particular prayer burden on Western Muslims whose hearing and pronunciation of Semitic languages is very limited. Te- dious oral memorization often precedes understanding the full meaning of the prayer for those who are unfamiliar with Arabic. Not only is the wording and language of the prayer prescribed, but the rubric defines the pre-prayer purification ritual, direction one should face during prayer, and the gestures and sures one does not become so attached making the journey due to financial or prostrations prescribed in the Sunnah. to money that s/he neglects the needs health constraints. At a prescribed time On Fridays, the weekly day of ob- of others. soon after Ramadan, millions of Mus- servance, men congregate for the com- Sawm (fasting) is more rigorous lims from around the world make the pulsory afternoon prayer (Jumaah). than in Christian or Jewish traditions. five-day pilgrimage to Mecca. Oneness, Women are not required to participate, During Ramadan, the month during without regard to wealth or prestige, is because their household and family ob- which the Qur’an was first revealed to emphasized by prescribing that all Hajji ligations take precedence over congre- Muhammad, Muslims refrain from all dress exactly alike. A ritual stoning of gate prayer. Women who do congregate food and drink, every kind of selfish Iblis (shay-tan) renounces shay-tan and form rows in a separate chamber or desire, and wrongdoing from dawn to seeks forgiveness to conclude the Hajj. behind the rows of men, to protect the dusk. Smoking and all sensual pleasures An introduction to the religious be- modesty of men who may be distracted are prohibited. The breaking of the fast liefs and practices of Islam is merely in prayer by women making inclina- often occurs at a community supper a launching point from which one tions and prostrations in their line of called the iftar. After the meal the men begins to analyze the myths and half- vision. study 1/30th of the Qur’an, while the truths that often misrepresent the de- Zakat (almsgiving) is a ritual of Is- women clean up the kitchen! Sawm pu- vout faithfulness of more than a billion lamic life prescribed in the Qur’an rifies the body and spirit, cleansing ob- people who worship one God and ad- (7:156). Muslims contribute 2.5% of servers from impurities derived from here to practices that have nourished their annual worth after setting aside food, drink and sensual pleasures. The and sustained their faith in one God for funds for family obligations and debts. month-long fast of Ramadan ends with thirteen centuries. Donations are distributed first among a community feast, the Eid al Fitr. the local poor before reaching out to Hajj (pilgrimage) is a journey to Mec- cc Susan Van Baalen, OP, an Adrian Do- minican sister, began her study of Islam the global community. Donations are ca tracing the footsteps of the Prophet during her twenty-eight year tenure customarily offered during the holy Muhammad’s “farewell pilgrimage” as a federal prison chaplain. She later month of Ramadan, but other dona- in 632 CE. The rigorous pilgrimage is earned a Doctor of Liberal Studies from tions may constitute part of one’s Zakat required of adults once during their Georgetown University with a concen- obligation. Purification of wealth en- lifetime, unless one is prevented from tration in Islamic Studies.

A MATTER OF SPIRIT 3 What Would Muhammad Do? Social Justice from a Muslim Perspective

By Afeefa Syeed land. There, basic tenets of the faith he was teaching could be practiced freely while building a model society rooted in “Whosoever witnesses an injustice, he or she must try to principles of social justice. fix it with their hands. While Makkah had been his birthplace, Muhammad’s If they are not able, then with their tongues, own conscience and then divine revelations would lead him to question and then stand up to injustices being commit- if that is also not possible, then in their hearts – ted daily in Makkan society. Female infants were buried alive they should pray for it to be gone and feel the hurt of its to make room for males considered more desirable; women existence.” –Prophet Muhammad were relegated to property status with no rights. Slavery was not only a norm, it was recognized as a necessary institution “Oh you who believe! Be standard bearers for Justice, that kept people in their place. Racism and tribalism—the as witnesses to God, even as against yourselves, or your assertion that there was some inherent value in birthplace, parents, or own your kin, whether any be rich or poor. ethnicity, religion or appearance—made judgment accept- For God can best protect both. Follow not distracting able and kept individuals and families at war with one an- lusts, lest you swerve, and if you distort justice or other. Economic disparity was rampant with elite families decline to do justice, verily God is well-acquainted with and businessmen imposing untenable conditions in the form all that you do.” –Qur’an 4:135 of usury and unfair trade practices. And when a man, an orphan himself, named s a Muslim activist, educator, “Prophet Muhammad’s Muhammad, questioned and opposed policy maker and mother, I’ve saying about witnessing these injustices by naming them and been buoyed by social justice as injustice emphasizes work creating bonds between the underdogs Awell as pressed to make it a cornerstone as imperative and provides and underprivileged, those in power and of whatever I am engaged in. Besides a options so we have no keeping the tribal traditions intact felt calling, it has been a fundamental aspect excuse to not engage.” threatened. Muhammad and his follow- of my identity and I continue to explore ers were persecuted for thirteen years in the many spiritual connections across Makkah before the migration to Medina. faiths and traditions. I’m told through scriptures and tradi- Once in Medina, Muslims gradually built institutions tions that the poor, oppressed, discriminated, younger and geared towards creating and sustaining a social justice older, unjustly treated have rights over me in that I am obli- framework for society. American Muslims today learn from gated to serve them through my belief in the Divine. My faith this model and glean lessons on how we contribute to and is not complete unless I do. strengthen the work of social justice in our country. In 622 CE, Prophet Muhammad directed his fledgling This framework included these three elements: community to migrate from the bustling big city of Makkah Justice and Dignity. Muslims are compelled to have a to a smaller northern one called Yathrib and then later known personal relationship with God whose recurring name is The as Medina. Facing persecution, these early Muslims would Most Just. We seek justice, which is a form of dignity, for our make the journey to where they had been assured refuge, ac- own selves. This was the basis of migration from an unjust cepting that they may never go back again to their home- existence to Medina where God’s attribute could be practiced

4 NO. 116 / FALL 2017 Glossary of Common in human endeavors. We reject forms of injustice inflicted on us when our dignity is compromised. We also interrogate ourselves about justice in our own lives, in our actions towards others. Terms in Islam Social responsibility as way of life. In Medina, Muhammad’s Adhan: the call for daily ritual prayers (Salat). teachings became more focused on how tenets were practiced to- Allah: a Divine name of God. It is the perfect name for God wards the institutionalization of justice. One example is obliga- as it truly denotes the absolute Oneness of God. tory zakah or alms giving. The very essence of zakah is to ease suffering and build self-sufficiency. But it is also a right the poor Eid: an Islamic holiday. The four Eids are: Eid ul-Adha, have in society. The systematic collection and distribution of za- Eid ul-Fitr, Eid-e Ghadeer and Eid-e Mubahala. kah supports institutions addressing domestic violence, child Five Pillars of Islam: 5 central practices of Muslims to neglect, criminal justice, refugee support and basic education. help establish a spiritual relationship with God. They Every day actions also count towards ensuring social justice is are: shahada or profession of faith; salat or five daily established. Prophet Muhammad said to pay the laborer before prayers; zakat or mandatory donation; sawm or fasting in his sweat dries—be conscious of workers’ rights and our respon- Ramadan; and hajj or pilgrimage to Mecca at least once sibility to them. in a lifetime if one is able. Sanctuary and building community. The first mosque built Hadith: Sayings or actions of the Prophet Muhammad that in Medina served the poor and unprivileged by providing shelter were recorded by his companions and later collected and and food for anyone who needed it as well as refuge for those preserved for later generations. They help to elaborate suffering or threatened in any way. Schools were integrated into on certain teachings, beliefs and verses in the Qur’an. these to emphasize the role of education for all and Prophet Mu- Halal: something that is lawful and permissible to use/ hammad held daily council with citizens of the city to hear and consume in Islam. respond to concerns. Divine revelation further ordered that all houses of worship were considered sanctuaries from persecution, Hijab: the traditional covering for the hair and neck that is unjust treatment or inhumane conditions. worn by some Muslim women. When Medina was built, interfaith relations were prioritized Iftar: the breaking of the fast. and elevated both through community interaction as well as es- Imam: means Leader in Arabic. The term is generally tablishing agreements of rights and freedoms. The Prophet con- applied to religious leaders. scientiously paired individuals and families with one another as partners in building the community and in this manner, crossed Islam: the religious faith of Muslims including belief in lines that had previously separated them. He also ordered all Allah as the sole deity and in Muhammad as his prophet. blood feuds from pre-Islamic days be forgotten and forgiveness Jumu’ah: a congregational prayer that Muslims hold on made a priority. Even though the refugees fleeing Makkah had Friday. been the closest companions of the Prophet, he made it clear that Mosque: a building used for public worship by Muslims. all were on equal footing in the new land as far as spiritual work was concerned. Muhammad: the Last of the Messengers of Allah to Prophet Muhammad’s saying about witnessing injustice em- mankind. phasizes work as imperative and provides options so we have no Muslim: A follower of the religion of Islam. excuse not to engage. Even being against something in your heart Prophet: A person Muslims believe was chosen by God is work, it’s an active understanding of why something is wrong, to teach two core messages: 1) God alone should be that it must be corrected and that awareness is the first step. worshipped; and 2) people should strive to live ethically Fundamentally, as Muslims globally strive to live out tenets by treating others as they wish to be treated (The Golden of the faith in a social justice framework, Muslim Americans are Rule). faced with the challenge of engaging more conscientiously with inequality, racism, domestic violence, discrimination within their Qur’an: the Holy Book, the Living Miracle, revealed from Allah as a guidance to mankind. own communities as well as building alliances across faith and social justice efforts to address the larger US context. Salam: a salutation. It is also the last recitation at the end of Salat. cc As a cultural anthropologist, Afeefa Syeed has worked for the past 25 years in government and non-profits on areas of religion Shari’ah: the rules and regulations of Islam, the divine and development, educational innovation, social justice, gender in- Law. Shari’ah is the totality of of Allah’s Commandments clusion, countering extremism and integrating cultural context into relating to people’s activities. policy and programming. Afeefa is a founder and Head of School Sources: Al-Islam.org, Merriam-Webster, Islamic Networks for Al Fatih Academy, a nonprofit independent model school in Reston, VA with peace and civic education as its core curriculum. Group (ING)

A MATTER OF SPIRIT 5 Nostra Aetate took giant leaps forward from 1943, asking Catholics to Catholic Call to dialogue with our non-Christian sisters and brothers, among them Islam, the third Abrahamic tradition. Nostra Aetete continues with affirma- tion that the church has a high regard INTERFAITH for Muslims. They worship God, who is one, living and subsistent, merciful Dialogue and almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, who has also spoken to hu- Nostra Aetete begins with the rec- manity. They endeavor to submit them- By Cecilia A. Ranger, SNJM, Ph.D. ognition that in our day, when people selves without reserve to the hidden are drawing more closely together and decrees of God, just as Abraham sub- ith iPhone in hand we recall the bonds of friendship between dif- mitted himself to God’s plan, to whose our world as it was in Octo- ferent peoples are being strengthened, faith Muslims eagerly link their own. ber 1965. The vision of the the Church examines more carefully its Although not acknowledging him as WFathers of Vatican Council II in Nostra relations with non-Christian religions God, they venerate Jesus as a prophet; Aetate has become a clear 2017 neces- (Nostra Aetete 1-2). Humanity forms his virgin Mother they also honor, and sity—a call to Catholics and Muslims but one community because we all stem even at times devoutly invoke. Further, to dialogue with and work beside each from the one stock which God created they await the Day of Judgment and the other, especially in a USA where doors to people the entire earth (Acts 17:26), reward of God following the resurrec- are closing and violence increasing to- and also because all share a common tion of the dead. For this reason they ward our Muslim sisters and brothers. destiny, namely God. God’s providence, highly esteem an upright life and wor- For 52 years we Catholics have been evident goodness, and saving designs ship God, especially by way of prayer, urged to engage in interreligious dia- extend to all humankind (Wis 8:1; Acts alms-deeds and fasting (Nostra Aetete logue with non-Christian religions. 14:17; Rom 2:6-7; 1 Tim 2:4) against the 3). day when the elect are gathered togeth- Wajdi Said, President and Co- er in the holy city which is illumined by Founder of the Muslim Educational the glory of God, and in whose splen- Trust, and I have been friends since dor all peoples will walk (Rev 21:23 ff.). 1992 when we sat on an Ecumenical In a prior encyclical, Divino Afflante Board. For twenty-five years we have Spiritu, September 30, 1943, Pope Pius looked at and taught our communities XII had thrown open the doors to and students those spiritual elements Catholic biblical scholars, encourag- that we have in common which bring ing them in their research to engage in us, and keep us, together; especially we studies of ancient Hebrew and Greek, shared A Common Word Between Us archeology, and all sciences that would and You, written by 138 intellectuals, make them better able to break open Muftis and Muslim leaders from forty the Word of God. Catholic scholars three nations across all continents, who joined Jewish and Christian biblical scholars in interfaith dialogue about these pursuits.

6 NO. 116 / FALL 2017 wrote to Pope Benedict XVI an amazing necessity of love of the neighbour avoid the offering of divisive personal open letter on October 13, 2007. Their is thus the common ground opinions. Passages from the Hebrew interest was to try to establish a more between Islam and Christianity. and Catholic Bible might be: Deut 10:17, solid cooperation between Lev 19:33-34, Psalm 67:4, Eph Christians and Muslims, call- 2:14, Col 3:10-11, Acts 10:34- ing for peace, for working for “Nostra Aetate took giant leaps forward… 35. Selections of Qur’anic re- common ground and under- asking Catholics to dialogue with our flections might be something standing between Muslims non-Christian sisters and brothers.” like C.61. Surah 4 (“All human- and Christians. It did indeed kind are one, and mutual rights open a world-wide dialogue. must be respected. . . .”), C. 99, The President of the Pontifical Council Catholics have a firm ground on Surah 10 (“Glory to the One True Al- for Interreligious Dialogue, Cardinal which to base their dialogue with Mus- lah, Who made Humankind as One and Jean-Louis Tauran, told Vatican Radio lims, not only the Vatican II Docu- holds alone the secrets of the Universe that Pope Benedict XVI appreciated the ments and A Common Word but also in His Great and good Universal Plan.”). positive and non-polemical spirit of the theological commonalities. Theologi- Nostra Aetate, though written 50 text. The document began: cally, Catholicism and Islam are based years ago has never struck us as more on similar truths: Worship of the one alive than in this decade of unrest and Muslims and Christians together true God (in their case, with 99 names, violence. Catholics call the Holy One make up well over half of the but not a Trinity of one God in Three “God” and Muslims name this One Su- world’s population. Without Persons), a basic life stance of submis- preme Being “Allah,” Arabic for God. peace and justice between these sion to that God (Allah), veneration But all are called to listen to The Com- two religious communities, there of Jesus as Prophet (not as God) and mon Word and together help bring can be no meaningful peace in the Mary as Mother (Surah 19, Maryam, about a world of justice and peace. world. The basis for this peace Section 2), Prayer, Almsgiving, Fasting, cc Cecilia A. Ranger, SNJM, Ph.D. resides and understanding already exists. Pilgrimage, day of Judgment, Resurrec- at Mary’s Woods, a retirement center, It is part of the very foundational tion, a reward in Heaven. with 475 accomplished seniors from principles of both faiths: love Both Catholics and Muslims observe all over the USA and abroad. Though of the One God, and love of the that the Bible preceded the Qur’an, and much of her life she has served as the- neighbour. These principles are that Muhammad was no doubt familiar ology professor in seminaries, primarily found over and over again in to prepare ministers of many religious with those texts. Starting dialogue ses- traditions, she now provides spiritual the sacred texts of Islam and sions with familiar or parallel texts from direction, offering parish or group Christianity. The Unity of God, the the Bible and Qur’an could ground the retreats, and facilitating World Religion necessity of love for Him, and the sharing in the mutual Traditions, and classes for seniors of all faiths.

Visit to Mosque and Islamic Center, Shoreline, WA hosted by IPJC in 2011

A MATTER OF SPIRIT 7 A Muslim Woman’s Story By Tahira Afzal This discomfort then led to find- ing my inner voice and strength ctober 2008, a young girl again. I began to self-analyze and, ul- stepped on a foreign land, a timately, reconnect with my identity land she had never seen nor and beliefs. I started respectfully tell- Ofathomed the magnitude of. She was ing airport security personnel that I scared but was ready to take the bull by won’t take off my head covering or the horns. coat. Instead of feeling like I had to People told her she would be looked shake hands with men here in the upon as different just because she was a west, I started to respectfully smile Muslim and she wore a head covering and greet them without extending and an outer coat which she proudly my hand. strutted in the elegance of. What happened as a result was as- That girl was me, and this is my story. tounding! Soon after having my Nikah (a reli- Those who told me that I won’t gious marriage in Islam) in Pakistan, I be accepted in the west were incor- came to America. rect in their judgment. The more I was As a Muslim, I always respected and As a 22-year-old who had never confident in my faith, the more I could abided by the laws of the country where been outside Pakistan, I was excited engage respectfully and confidently I lived as that is part of my faith. Proph- yet nervous. I looked forward to this with people, the more people showed et Muhammad taught, “Love of one’s new chapter but somewhere between respect. People respected the authentic- country of residence is part of Faith.” coming to the States and starting my ity of who I am. They understood and But now, I fell in love with this coun- life here, whatever people had told me even admired my parda. They wanted try for what it was as well. started to influence me. I thought I The United States of America stands should listen and conform, as they say, for its diversity. As a member of the “when in Rome, do as the Romans do.” “People respected the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (Mus- From taking off my outer coat and authenticity of who I am.” lims who believe in the Messiah) whose head covering while going through motto is “LOVE FOR ALL, HATRED security, to feeling like I had to shake FOR NONE,” I am fortunate that I can hands with men when it was not my to know more about me, my culture put these words into practice in this comfort, what I perceived around me and faith. I received questions about country freely. Here, I can practice and made me believe that conformity was parda, my family and values. I started talk about my faith openly. the culture here and that’s what I should making friends and building a commu- I respect this country and this coun- do. nity. Sure, I was judged by some, but the try respects me. This was when I real- The more I tried to gain acceptance acceptance far outweighed judgment. ized this, that my true journey here had in this society by changing, the more That’s when I realized the true beauty begun and I looked forward to it. my discomfort grew. of America and I fell in love with this cc Tahira Afzal is a Muslim woman in This was not me! I was the confident country there and then. America, a wife to a born and raised girl who studied in a co-ed college in The beauty of the United States lies American Muslim, a mom to a 4 year Pakistan in full observance of parda in the acceptance of people from all old boy and expecting another child (the Islamic practice of modesty) and cultures, faiths and races. This beautiful by the grace of God. Tahira’s identity comes from her faith and she respects I never second guessed it. In fact par- country accepted me with open arms America for giving her the opportunity da, and every part of my faith, was my once I accepted myself from within and of practicing her faith freely, speaking pride and identity. became confident in my own skin, faith of it, and enjoying and evolving in it to Something didn’t feel right. and culture. the best extent.

8 NO. 116 / FALL 2017 The Intersection of Islam with Racism & Immigration

By Marwa Abdelghani Americans came together to resist, and After the Muslim Travel Ban was others tried to spread hate and fear. signed into an executive order, crowds here is no doubt that American At a time when color, faith and na- of people organized and banded to- politics has become heavily in- tionality are often the first identities we gether to stand outside mosque doors fluenced by race. As a country, see in each other, religious and ethnic across the country, holding signs of Tour defining values of equality and boundaries have become political ban- support and solidarity after every Fri- justice for all are being challenged by ners. Controversial issues like “Black day prayer. About a thousand demon- those that seek to divide us, some of Lives Matter,” a Muslim registry, the strators attended the “Today I Am a whom hold high public office and make Syrian refugee crisis, and the Muslim Muslim, Too” rally in New York City decisions that determine our policies. Travel Ban became platform issues holding placards of a woman in a Americans are now pitted against one upon which many Americans based headscarf. Airports across the country another in a clash of status, privilege their votes in the 2016 election. Im- were crowded with people protesting and cultural acceptance. Fear perpetu- migration, trade and national security the Muslim Travel Ban and fighting for ated by hate speech has been the driving became issues that many Americans the release of Muslims who were de- force behind racist policies, especially connected to their identity. For the first tained. on immigration. Recent catastrophes, time in U.S. history, American Muslims These acts of love and solidarity with including multiple terrorist attacks and were catapulted into national politics American Muslims provided a signifi- the refugee crisis, are major factors that like never before. Suddenly, Jews, Af- cant amount of support. However, it is have led to this political climate. rican Americans, Latinos, LGBT and important to address those on the other During the 2016 presidential election, other groups who have faced a long his- side who have not yet come to regard Donald Trump announced a campaign tory of discrimination in this country American Muslims, and other minor- promise to ban Muslims from entering felt compelled to defend their Muslim ity groups, as a part the U.S, violating our Constitution, ac- neighbors. For many, Islamophobia, a of this country’s cording to many court rulings. When political force used to spread hate fabric. Our own the Muslim Travel Ban (which sus- and fear of Islam and Muslims, be- President’s track pended immigration from six Muslim- came seen as unacceptable. Our record has shown majority countries) was signed into an identity as Muslims was being him trying to ban executive order in the first two months challenged, and numerous Ameri- an entire religious of Trump’s presi- cans took a stand against Islamo- group from com- dency, many phobic rhetoric and policies. ing into this CC Fibonacci Blue

A MATTER OF SPIRIT 9 “Islam…came as a message of peace to relieve a society from oppression, misogyny, and racism.”

country, and defending those who try and murder by the Burmese military. opportunities and a better education to divide us. There is fear that the Mus- Syrians are fleeing their country to es- streams alongside the challenges of Syr- lim Travel Ban paves the path for other cape the wrath of Bashar al-Assad. The ian refugees escaping war. The Trump policies that discriminate on the basis Syrian refugee crisis is the worst refu- Administration recently announced of nothing other than religion and na- gee crisis since World War II. Muslims plans to repeal the Deferred Action for tionality. all over the world are escaping hunger, Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, In June and September of this year, persecution, and death. a policy that is meant to protect young ACT For America set up over 60 anti- people who were brought to the United Muslim rallies across the country to 3. Violent extremists and people who States as children from deportation. push for “anti-Shariah” legislation. The call for the killing of all Muslims The Muslim Travel Ban, which has been Southern Poverty Law Center calls this are two sides of the same coin.1 Both debated in the courts since its sign- organization the “largest grassroots an- groups do nothing short of creating di- ing, was recently reintroduced by the ti-Muslim group in America.” Shariah, vision and spreading hate that perpetu- Trump administration with revisions one of the most commonly misinter- that will make it even more difficult preted Islamic terms, is a methodolo- for refugees to find a new life away gy by which Muslims understand the “Will we welcome those running from war. More countries were added Qur’an. Islamophobic groups have away from harm and create to the ban, as well as tighter restric- twisted the word and define Shariah a society that is inclusive?” tions on immigrants. as a tool that violent extremists use to Immigration has a foundational spread their ideologies. relevance to Islamic history, very sim- For Muslims all over the world, it is ates violence. ilar to the Jewish Diaspora, where Jews a difficult reality to grasp how their re- fled persecution and were exiled from ligion is being twisted and turned into 4. As a result of the anti-Muslim hate their homeland. In the year 622 A.D., a banner for evil. While only a fraction speech by some politicians during the Prophet Muhammad and his followers carry out extreme violence in the name 2016 election campaign, hate crimes fled to Medina after escaping persecu- of Islam, we often forget that there are against Muslims in America have tion in the city of Mecca, not unlike close to 2 billion Muslims living peace- risen sharply, nearly 44%.2 Muslims what we see today. Medina was where fully and coexisting with others. To put continue to be targeted, whether it is Muslims worked hard to create a soci- this into perspective, it is important to a woman wearing a headscarf getting ety of coexistence with preexisting reli- understand the following four points: attacked or a Muslim-owned business gious communities and to fight against being vandalized.3 And now, policies religious persecution 1. Islam, in its fundamental essence, like the Muslim Travel Ban force many Today, humanity is being tested with came as a message of peace to relieve Muslim families to be cut off from their the same task. Will we welcome those a society from oppression, misogyny, relatives. The ban is the result of a long running away from harm and create a and racism. Yet, it is currently being assault on the American Muslim com- society that is inclusive? People all over used as a banner, a tactic, and a tool munity. the world are looking for a new place to erase this message and promote one to call home, away from poverty, mass of supremacy and death by groups like In the same way that other minor- killings, and hunger. Recently intro- ISIS and Al-Qaeda. ity groups stood and continue to stand duced executive orders and immigra- alongside American Muslims, Muslims tion policies make it harder for people 2. Many refugees who are running themselves can connect with issues that to seek refuge in the United States. The from persecution are Muslim. The Ro- are affecting other communities. The words etched on Lady Liberty, “Give hingya, Burmese Muslims, are fleeing plight of undocumented immigrants me your tired, your poor...yearning to Myanmar in an attempt to escape rape who come to America to find more breathe free” are being challenged, and we must come together to uphold the foundation of America.

cc Marwa Abdelghani is the Media Fellow at the Muslim Public Affairs Council. She works to ensure an authentic and accurate representation of Muslims and Islam in the media.

* Download the footnotes at www.ipjc.org/ 10 NO. 116 / FALL 2017 a-matter-of-spirit

CC Gregory Varunum Bothell, WA Muslims march in 4th of July Parade. Courtesy of CAIR-WA Challenging Myths about Islam How you can change millions hile there are numerous myths of hearts and minds in just about Islam Wand American Muslims, it is important to remember that you have the power to 10 MINUTES educate millions of fellow Americans with fact-based By Arsalan Bukhari information and stories of the lives and contributions of American ry, own many businesses, among many Organizations and the Union of Islamic Muslims. Here are some common ques- more rights. Organizations of France.3,4 tions you might hear and some knowl- A 2009 Gallup Poll found that Furthermore, according to a 2010 edge worth spreading. American Muslim women are the sec- Gallup Poll, compared to other faiths, ond most highly educated religious American Muslims are most opposed What effect does religiosity and to attacks on civilians.5 mosque attendance have on Empirical research by American Muslims? “By taking just 10 minutes of your time, you Gallup Poll and Pew Re- According to a Harvard can educate millions, counter the hate and help search, consistently show University research study, the stop hate crimes, and may be even save a life.” that American Muslims more involved an American are not only middle class Muslim person is in mosque- and mainstream but in related activities and the more religious community in the U.S., and are just as Gallup’s words, “exemplify diversity, the person is, the more likely she/he is likely as American Muslim men to have potential.”6,7 to believe that Islam is compatible with a college degree or higher education.2 civic participation.1 Are American Muslims patriotic? How do Muslims view peace and vio- American Muslims uphold the Con- What roles do American Muslim women lence? stitution and the laws of the United play in society? Muslims believe that God favors States and share the same American Muslim parents often teach their the peaceful. American Muslims and values and freedoms that we all cherish, children Prophet Muhammad’s teach- Muslims worldwide have repeatedly knowing that we are all in this together. ing that Muslims, both women and condemned violence. Violence against American Muslims believe in the right men, should pursue high levels of edu- civilians is never justified. Major Mus- and freedom of all U.S. citizens to live cation. Islamic teachings, brought by lim leaders and organizations around and worship in their own way. Muhammad in the 7th century, provide the world have consistently condemned According to the U.S. Department women the right to enter into contracts, violence against civilians in clear terms, of Defense, between 10,000 and 20,000 inherit property, choose whom to mar- including the U.S. Council of Muslim American Muslims serve honorably in

A MATTER OF SPIRIT 11 to Muhammad; it therefore talks less about Muhammad than it does CC Azlan Mohamed to Muhammad about other sub- jects, including previous prophets such as Jesus. Muslims generally believe that Mary is the Virgin Mother of the Prophet Jesus. Multiple chapters in the Qur’an talk about Jesus and Mary. One entire chapter in the Qur’an is named after her. The chapter called Mary (Maryam in Arabic) and other verses in the Qur’an emphasize her pi- ety, righteousness, and status as an exemplar for all people. The Qur’an describes her as the greatest of all women: “God chose our nation’s armed forces, and many South around and preferred her above all the women made the ultimate sacrifice for our na- 2015. American Muslims responded to of the worlds.” (Qur’an, 3: 42) tion, including U.S. Army Specialist the Flint water crisis by donating more What you can do Kareem Khan, U.S. Army Major James than 100,000 bottles of water to fami- Ahearn, U.S. Army Specialist Rasheed lies and children in Flint, Michigan. Al- As you read the news of the day, Sahib, and U.S. Army Captain Huma- most 100 American Muslim volunteers or hear commentary about Islam and yun Khan.8,9 went to Louisiana to help with flood re- Muslims by political and other lead- Thousands more American Muslims lief. American Muslims are part of the ers, you might wonder, ‘what power do serve honorably in police and fire de- solution, building our nation, knowing my friends and I have to change fellow partments, the FBI, and the Secret Ser- that we are all in this together.12,13 Americans’ hearts and minds?’ vice. You have a lot more power than According to a Pew Research Cen- What do Muslims believe about Jesus you might think. Most of us have a ter study, American Muslims believe and Mary? cell phone or a computer with access America is a country where they can Muslims overwhelmingly revere Je- to e-mail. You can use that power so work hard, raise families, and pursue sus and believe that he was born to the your words, amplified through media, the American Dream. The study also Virgin Mary through an act of God, just educate millions, counter anti-Muslim found that 44% of American Muslims prejudice and help stop hate crimes. display the U.S. flag.10 Here are 3 easy ways you can educate “Muslims believe that hundreds, even millions well beyond What do American Muslims contribute God favors the peaceful.” your circles, with just 10 minutes of to our society? your time: According to a study by the Institute Write letters to the editor telling for Social Policy and Understanding as Adam is believed to have been cre- stories about American Muslims you (ISPU), there are approximately 50,000 ated by God without a father or mother. know and remind our fellow Ameri- American Muslim medical doctors The Qur’an describes his conception cans of our shared values. (letters@ across America, providing compas- and birth, as well as his many miracles nytimes.com; [email protected]; sionate care and saving lives everyday such as healings of the sick. The Qur’an [email protected]; wsj.ltrs@ across our nation.11 also emphasizes that Jesus was a great wsj.com; [email protected]; Tens of thousands of American Mus- prophet of God, as well as a messenger [email protected]) Even if your e- lims are IT professionals, creating the who received revelation from God, but mail is not published, your e-mail will latest cell phone and computer technol- that he was, like all other prophets, a impress upon powerful national editors ogy that we use every day. human being. the importance of incorporating cov- American Muslims raised more The Qur’an talks more about Jesus erage of American Muslims’ lives and than $150,000 to help rebuilding of the than about Muhammad. Most of the contributions in their news and feature churches that were burned across the Qur’an depicts itself as a text addressed articles. If it is published, you’ll educate

12 NO. 116 / FALL 2017 the millions of their daily readers. Resources on Islam Incorporate information about American Mus- lims you know, or some facts listed above, in your speeches and other public comments along with Discover Islam reminders about our shared American values of re- www.discoverislam.com ligious freedom. This six part documentary series was created by Muslims Ensure that your American Muslim neighbors for non-Muslims to learn more about the faith, the people, are treated fairly and equally. Ensure that your and the challenges of practicing Islam in America in the workplace and school have clear religious accom- 21st century. The purpose of these documentaries is to modations polices and that they’re applied to your dispel the most popular misconceptions about Islam and Muslim coworkers and classmates. Ensure that portray it, and American Muslims, as part of the Ameri- you call out anti-Muslim hate when you see it, and can mainstream. The films are all roughly 30 minutes long, publicly call on business and political leaders to covering some of the biggest topics with nuance and com- act against proposals like religious registries that plexity, all the while lifting up our diversity and unity as threaten our shared American values. humans seeking beauty. Available to borrow from IPJC. Here’s why it matters: Hate speech leads to hate crimes. When hate speech and conspiracy theories JustFaith Module: against an American minority are constantly spread publicly and go unchallenged, they foster an atmo- The Sultan and the Saint sphere that causes hate crimes. Throughout 2015, www.justfaith.org CAIR offices around the country received at least This eight-session JustMatters module brings Muslims and 1-2 daily reports of anti-Muslim hate crimes na- Christians together in dialogue. It aims to cultivate mutual tionwide. understanding and appreciation of what these faith tradi- As an ally, you’ll often be called on to answer tions hold in common, as well as the ways in which they common questions. The website islamfactcheck.org differ. By nurturing relationships across religious boundar- has a list of facts, which are hyperlinked for you to ies, participants will model interfaith cooperation as they use in class assignments, presentations, etc. In addi- live out a central tenet of both faiths: to love God and to tion, cairseattle.org/allies has ways to educate your- love our neighbor. Registration for the 2017-18 year avail- self and take specific actions. You can learn more able at JustFaith Ministries. about Islamic theology and its similarities with Christian teachings at ing.org/faq. The Sultan and the Saint Film In times like now, fair-minded people across our www.sultanandthesaintfilm.com nation have a duty to publicly and vocally affirm The Sultan and the Saint Documentary tells the story of St. American values of religious freedom, and publicly Francis’ visit to the Sultan of Egypt in the midst of the war- and vocally tell stories of the lives and contributions torn period known as the Fifth Crusade. Using dramatic of American Muslims they know. This can be done re-enactments alongside interviews with both Muslim and in simple ways including letters to editors and dur- Franciscan experts, UPF has developed a unique visual re- ing speeches at large public events. By taking just telling of this beautiful meeting. Learn more at sultanan- 10 minutes of your time, you can educate millions, dthesaintfilm.com. counter the hate and help stop hate crimes, and may be even save a life. Tent of Abraham: Stories of cc Arsalan Bukhari is Public Affairs Director at CAIR- Washington State, a chapter of the Council on Hope and Peace for Jews, American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), America’s largest Christians and Muslims Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Raised in a middle class American Muslim house- By Joan Chittister, OSB, Murshid Saadi Shakur Chishti, hold in North Seattle, Arsalan Bukhari’s strong work and Rabbi Arthur Waskow ethic, values, faith, and sense of responsibility to The Tent of Abraham is the first book to tell the entire community and country came from his upbringing story of Abraham and to reenergize it as a basis for peace. as a practicing Muslim, and as a member of a U.S. Written by three leaders belonging to different faiths, the military family. book explores in accessible language the mythic quality

* Download the footnotes ati pjc.org/a-matter-of-spirit and the teachings of reconciliation that are embedded in the Torah, the Qur’an, and the Bible. Available to borrow from IPJC.

A MATTER OF SPIRIT 13 ``Justice for Women A New Solidarity with Creation Catholics Acting on Laudato Si’ DACA Renewal Clinic and Q&A/Info Session Visit www.ipjc.org for information, events and resources for shared use. ``Season of Creation September 1, World Day of Prayer for Creation through October 4, Feast of St. Francis

Climate Science: Laudato Si’ & the Northwest, September 14, with Meteorologist Jeff Renner IPJC collaborated with the Washington Dream Coalition, North- west Immigrant Rights Project and Colectiva Legal del Pueblo to organize a DACA Legal Clinic with a concurrent bilingual Q&A/ Info Session on September 22 at Everett Community College to as- sist DACA recipients. A team of seven immigration attorneys gave free legal advice to thirty five young adults. Twelve DACA renewal applications were completed and fully funded. Three participants who didn’t qualify for renewal found other forms of relief.

Jeff with Laudato Si’ Leadership Team members Jesse Dye, Earth Ministry, Catherine Punsalan-Manlimos, Seattle University Institute for Catholic Thought and Culture, Patty Bowman, IPJC

Mass Celebrating the WW All Saints Parish, Puyallup, Human Trafficking Season of Creation WW Blanchet High School: Discerning our Call to Justice and Mercy

WW Holy Rosary Parish, Edmonds, Poverty in Washington: Taking Action; Corporate Responsibility on Environmental Issues WW Ignatian Spirituality Center, Ignatian Contemplation and Discernment For Such a Time as This WW St. John the Baptist, Covington, Parish Mission: Who is My Neighbor? The Face of Poverty in Washington State Laudato Si’ WW St. Michael Parish, Snohomish, Just War or Just Peace: A Mass celebrating the Season of Creation Catholic Social Teaching on War and Nonviolence

Saturday, September 30, 2017 10:30am WW St. Michael’s Parish School, Snohomish, WA and St. Francis

Lunch and Resource Fair to followat Xavier School, Phoenix, AZ, Human Trafficking Webinar for St. James Cathedral, 804 Ninth Avenue, Seattle Junior High Students W Join with Christians worldwide to commemorate the S�� C��, W Westside Interfaith Network, West Seattle, Human Trafficking the time between September 1 (World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation) and October 4 (feast day of St. Francis of Assisi).

14 NO.We invite all people of faith to celebrate the joy which the Ea 116 / FALL 2017 rth shares with us. Let us come together to thank God for the richness that is in the Creation which we share. Father Michael G. Ryan will preside at the Mass. In instituting theA lunch and resource fair will follow. All are welcome. World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, Pope Francis expressed the hope that it would “offer individual believers and communities a �itting opportunity to reaf�irm their personal vocation to be stewards of creation, to thank God for the wonderful handiwork which he has entrusted to our care, and to implore his help for the protection of creation as well as his pardon for the sins committed against the world in which we live.”