Navigating the Crisis: Upholding the True Principles of Islam

 

As-salamu alaykum, my beloved religious brothers and sisters. I want to discuss with you today the issue of how Islam has become confused. This is a subject that has received a lot of attention lately, especially in light of the actions of extremist groups, how Islam is currently perceived negatively, and recent comments made by French President Emmanuel Macron addressing the alleged crisis inside Islam.

It is claimed in an article by Pervez Amir Ali Hoodbhoy that it is untrue that Islam is a religion of peace that was perverted by zealots. All religions are said to have the capacity for violence and the desire to impose their own interpretation of reality on others. The trauma that Islam endured was also well over seven centuries ago, yet the Muslim world today is ruled by corrupt elites and lacks both a stable democratic political structure and a functional educational system. Furthermore, it is claimed that the Muslim world has lost its rational edge and is rife with pseudoscience.

But was Macron's statement accurate or not? Muslims around the world are experiencing a crisis and believe they are the victims of widespread Islamophobia, as evidenced by the response of Muslim leaders from powerful and populous Muslim nations. It is crucial to remember that Muslims' failure to respect Islam's basic values and Muslim leaders' failure to establish stable, democratic societies are the real problems, not Islam itself.

In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 256, the Quran instructs us, "Let there be no compulsion in religion." This verse focuses on the value of religious freedom and the idea that no one should be coerced into adopting a particular faith or set of beliefs. Islam is a religion that encourages compassion, justice, and peace. "The best of you is the one who is best to his family, and I am the best of you to my family," the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have remarked in a hadith. This hadith underlines the value of upholding the fundamental Islamic virtues of kindness, compassion, and love.
Furthermore, Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 8 of the Quran instructs us "O you who have believed, stay steadfast in your belief in Allah, be witnesses of justice, and do not let the hostility of a group of people stop you from doing what is right. Being just will bring you closer to righteousness." This passage serves as a reminder to Muslims that we must always work to act in a fair and reasonable manner and refrain from letting bias or hatred cloud our judgement.

These teachings make it very evident that the conduct of extremist organisations like ISIS are not consistent with the authentic beliefs of Islam. These organisations have severely harmed both Muslims and non-Muslims alike by hijacking the religion for their own sinister purposes. We must actively strive as a community to oppose their ideology and advance the authentic teachings of Islam.
Furthermore, it is crucial for Muslim leaders to put their people's welfare first and seek to build affluent and stable societies. This can be accomplished by effective government, improved education, and growing the economy. We can only expect to get out of the predicament we're in now by banding together and advancing the fundamental ideals of Islam.

In conclusion, it is our responsibility as Muslims to work to defend the real teachings of Islam and advance global peace, justice, and compassion. We must make a concerted effort to advance the authentic teachings of Islam and combat the mentality of extremist organisations. Additionally, it is the duty of Muslim leaders to put the welfare of their people first by fostering stable and successful communities through effective government, quality instruction, and economic growth. Ameen. May Allah lead us all down the right road.