MMA Strive Remove Misconceptions Abroad
By Lt Col (R) M Zaman Malik

ALTHOUGH Islam is similar in many ways to Judaism and Christianity, most Americans and Europeans think of Muslims as strangers, foreigners and frightening; invariably linked to terrorist events. This state of affairs needs to change and can change with better information and deeper understanding. We must put an end to the spiral of fear, hatred, and violence, spawned by ignorance, that no longer only afflicts other countries but has come home to America. (John Eposito, Islam: The straight path ( New York, Oxford University Press, 1991)

The author has succeeded in giving answers that are at once sympathetic, comprehensive and lucid. The answer relate to a host of questions under the following titles which form the chapters of the books:

a. General Information b. Faith and Practice. c. Islam and other religions. d. Customs and Culture. e. Violence and Terrorism. f. Society, Politics, and Economy; and g. Muslims in West. However, there are some preposterous assertions by the author regarding the Muslims Women. The book consists of 4 chapters: “ The making of Modern Terrorist” (PP 3-25), “Jehad and Struggle of Islam” (PP. 26-70), “The Armies of God” (PP 71-117) and “Where do we go from here” (PP 118-160). The author attempts to analyze the phenomenon of terrorism alongside studying its roots, philosophical foundations, historical developments, and contemporary manifestations. The book has been written with the clear purpose which says:

“ I have written this book for the vast majority of people in the West, non Muslims as well as Muslims, whose lives and communities in the 21st century are inextricably intertwined. The Muslim world is no longer “out there”. Muslims are our neighbours, colleagues and fellow citizens, and their religion, like Judaism and Christianity, rejects terrorism. Never before have soft phrases like “ Building bridges” been more critical in a war that ultimately can be won simply by military power. Understanding and action go hand in hand for Muslims and Non-Muslims alike. All of us are challenged to move beyond stereotypes, historic grievances, and religious differences, to recognise our shared values as well as interests, and move collectively to build our common future”.

Unfortunately, there is another set of people who are bent upon creating misconception about Islam. No doubt, Evil and Good were born simultaneously. Robert Spencer’s Islam Unveiled: Disturbing Questions about the World’s Fastest Growing Religion, writes somewhat opposite of what Esposito has given. For instance: He subtly integrates 3 Quranic Verses that permit Muslims to kill Pagans: (“ When you meet the unbelievers in the battlefield, strike of their heads and when you have laid them low, bind your captives firmly” (Qur’an 47:4), (See also 9:5 and 2: 190-191). Again ‘Fight against such of those to whom Scriptures were given as they believe neither in God nor the Last Day….” (9:29).

Spencer presents numerous arguments in a carefully deceptive style, disguising them for the English- only apprentice reader to trace, understand within their proper context, and rebut. Infact, every Verse in every Surah of the Holy Qur’an has been ordained by Allah in some most relevant context pertaining to some particular event or problem.

For instance, Qur’an - 47:4 says “ Now when you meet in battle who disbelieve, then it is smiting of necks until, when you have routed them, then making fast bonds; and afterward either grace or ransom till the War lays down its burden. That (is the Ordinance). “And if Allah willed He could have punished them (without you) but (thus it is ordained) that he may try some of you by means of others at those who are slain in the way of Allah. He rendereth not their actions vain”. In Surah 9:5 the Holy Qur’an says: “ Then when the Sacred month has passed, slay the idolaters whenever you find them, and take them (captive), and besiege them, and prepare for them each ambush. But if they repent and establish worship and pay the poor- due, then have their way free. “Lo! Allah is forgiving and merciful”. About Surah 2:190-191 the Holy Quran says: “Fight in the way of Allah against those who fight against you’ but begin not hostilities. Lo! Allah loveth not aggressors. And slay them wherever ye find them, and drive them out of the places whence they drove you out, for persecution is worse then slaughter. And fight not with them at the inviolable place of worship until they first attack you there, but if they attack you (there) then slay them. Such is the reward of disbelievers”.

Again in Surah 9:29: “Fight against such of those who have been given the scripture as believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, and forbid not that which Allah hath forbidden by His Messenger, and follow not the religion of truth, until they pay the tribute readily, being brought low”. Now, the reader can make a comparison better and more easily. The Verse 47:4, in nutshell, lays down some important rules about the ethics of war and its conduct and incidentally deals a death blow to slavery: Briefly, these are: When they are engaged in regular battle in defence of their faith, honour, lives, or property, Muslims are enjoined to fight bravely and relentlessly (8:12-16). The Verse 9:5 clearly establishes the fact that War with the idolaters was not undertaken in order to force them to embrace Islam, because, according to it, even when a state of war existed, idolaters were permitted to come out to the Muslim’s camps or Headquarters, if they desired to investigate the truth. After that they were safely conducted to their place of security.

Qur’an 2:190-191 pertains to the subject in which permission to fight was given to the Muslims. The very first word revealed in this context relates to 22:40 (Please do read 22:40). The Verse under comment contains the gist of the conditions, which should govern the religious wars. Stress has been laid to wage war against those who first take up arms against Muslims. Verse 191, relates to conditions when war has actually broken out. Obviously, it enjoins believers to fight against only such disbelievers as are the first to take up arm against them.

All the Quranic Verses suggest to fight in self-defence, and fight fiercely when the battle has started. The Judaism or Christianity never especially crossed the minds of believers. It is the great Mr. Huntington’s (The Clash of Civilizations), which has moved the Jews and Christians against (as though Muslims were a separate Civilization) the Muslims, according to the plan of Judaism.

The Jews were made to flee out of their home-land in 65 A.D by Romans, and then by Christians from every European country for nearly 2000 years terming them (The Jews) as conspirators and aliens. Muhammad (PBUH) was born in Mecca in 570 A.D, 500 years after the ‘Aliens’ were made to run for their lives, from country to country. What then is the fault of the Muslims? Most of the Surahs in Quran pertain to the behaviour of the Pagans who used to go back from or never fulfilled written promises with Muslims. Why do the Jews and Christians equate themselves with Pagans by taking their sides whether they were wrong or right.

‘Mustaqil Mahaz Arai’ (MMA) should concentrate to remove the misconception being spread about Islam by the Judeo-Christian civilization. They control the media, press/ electronic which sweeps the world like a cyclone, day in and day out. MMA should better not be a party to political ascendancy in the name of Islam, and refrain themselves from committing excesses against the citizens of Pakistan.

Islam is not in danger here in Pakistan. For God sake, go out and preach the truth abroad in the language they understand in order to efface misconceptions which they have developed due to the virulent propaganda campaign which is launched by them to sharpen their dagger of terrorism against Islam. Those who don’t go out to preach Islam at this decisive moment, they are hypocrites trying to use religion in order to obtain political authority.●

The writer is an Abbottabad-based columnist, noted analyst and a regular contributor to 'Pakistan Times'.
E-mail: mzamanmalik19@hotmail.com

© 2004 Lt Col (R) M Zaman Malik