By Geoffrey Cook, Muslim Media News Service (MMNS)
Today is a hot (unusually muggy day from a hurricane a [thousand miles south] off the Pacific Coast of Mexico). I am looking back to a discussion documented in my notebooks in Berkeley with Nathan Brown and Mohammed Hafez–Brown is not Muslim, but he is a great scholar of Islam. Professor Brown spoke to those present on understanding Islamicist politics and their electoral opposition to the often corrupt parties in power in their nation states.
Islamist Arab Parties – especially in Egypt – have had great successes in elections, but they almost never win.
Mainstream “democracy†is manipulated by Arab leaders. This is why Islamist Parties mostly refuse to take part in elections and often react violently by resisting against their rulers and their pseudo-“Parliaments.†On the other hand, examples can be had in the victory of the Islamic Parties in Algeria which the Party in power refused to recognize the results leading to a protracted civil war. Another instance can be found in the Gaza 2006 election that Jimmy Carter and his observation team described as the fairest that they had ever witnessed, but both Israel and the United States and Egypt refused to recognize!
Outside the Islamic world political Islamicism is equated with Nazism, but “It is more like [European] ‘Christian’ Democracy in that it, too, makes a religious reference to its politics.†The slogan of the Muslim Brotherhood is “Be prepared!†which resonates from the Koran itself, and is on the visual crest of the Party. The Brotherhood began as a secular movement to help individuals to become better Muslims, but later its philosophy flowed into politics.
Dr. Brown maintained that “Elections in the Middle East have predicable results, but uncertain rules.†For the most part they are designed for the government to win. Those Islamists who contend find it advantageous for them (see my article on Da’wa and Democratic Politics in a back issue of this publication) although they are “not recognized as a full political party†by the establishment. Yet they are able to weather a harsh political climate.
They are “highly ideological, and enforce their principles;†so, that they “will not rupture into discordant fissures although debate and schism has arisen over minute issues.â€
Hard decisions have to be made over elections. Elections can raise the primacy of politics over religion which is always a concern amongst devout people.
June 8, 2009–Swat valley is one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world and is known for its splendid natural beauty and legendary hospitality. The people are somber yet innocent however, reluctant to care about the worldly affairs due in part because of inherent poverty, government’s innate laxity towards general education and welfare of the citizens; and mistreatment of tribesmen. The ordinary people are hardworking and steadfast in fundamental aspects of religious duties. They flout deep political dogma in favor of performing religious duties and often defer chores of utmost necessity to fulfill their routine spiritual desires – prayers. Subtly, the ultimate warriors so they claim to be the guardians of ultimate fate and fraternity betraying all rules of shariah went fervently assailing with full thrust, wit and will, destroying all dwellings of the in-candy poor citizens leaving with plight to ponder their fate and fathom. Something is happening there, and I’m getting a little worried. To organize my discussion, I suggest that we take one step back in the causal chain and protect our peace, privacy, and wellbeing.
All the deals that The Taliban’s make or desire are strictly one-way. They get all the rights, and the other party gets all the debit and obligation to the society. This seems to be their ultimate demand. Their cock-and-bull legends are becoming increasingly parochial. They have already begun to goad muddle-headed grizzlers into hurling phantoms. Now fast-forward a few years to a time in which the society might have enabled the Talibans of Pakistan to create a world without history, without philosophy, without science, without reason—a world without beauty of any kind, without art, without literature, without culture, without freedom of even religion but theirs. If you don’t want such a time to come then we all must subject the so called Taliban’s belief systems to the rigorous scrutiny they warrant. Help me focus on the major economic, social, and political forces that provide the setting for the expression of a corrupt agenda.
Though many people agree that we must work together against anti- pluralism, resistentialism, etc. The Talban’s really struck a nerve when they claim to be the guardians of shariah. That’s why the so called “Taliban’s†are trying so hard to prevent themselves from full exposure that they think we want them to paint people of different races and cultures as inarticulate alien forces undermining the coherent national will.
Do we not, as rational men and women, owe it to both our heritage and our posterity to present another paradigm in opposition to their boisterous posture? I think we do. Should we sit back and let them exert more and more control over innocent individuals, or should we unmask their true faces and intentions in regard to Stalinism? That choice sure sounds like a no-brainer. The “Talibanism†has lost what little credibility they once had by helping to unravel normal citizens from their own towns and cities by fear and plight. And that’s why I say to every one of us with a little wit and will: Have courage. Be honest. Be a true follower of the true fundamentals of our noble religion and refrain from supporting or adopting stern and extreme views that lead the whole of society to a path of mischief and misfortune. And reinforce the contentions of all reasonable people and confute those of irascible, wicked fence-sitters. The implementation of Shariah law does not have to take a start from Swat or NWFP, it must start from within-and by first adhering to its own demands of treating everyone equally and with respect. Woe to those who indulge themselves in shameful acts of hurting the children of all ages, women and the sick and the flaky wise elderly in the name of religion.
However, the quandary that remains a cancer of our society is that billions of dollars in foreign aid has disappeared or consumed by few (or perhaps evil-one) which no-one dares to question and not single penny has seen towards helping the deprived homeless. At least international media has no reporting on that. Perhaps the entire society and media has become immune to treachery, infidelity and corruption. Haven’t we really become a nation of vindictive scumbags with no conscience or dignity for our own apathy? Look around the misery and sufferings of those living in make-shift tents; those who once lived with grace and dignity in their own moderately built pithy sanctuaries, have been left out under the scorching sun in misery and plight; and a majority of them feel humiliated to seek public aid. What is their fault? What have they done wrong? Isn’t it the government’s full responsibility to provide maximum protection and comfort from elderly to the infant! Instead, hundreds of private organizations and NGOs are playing the key role of taking care of their needs and desires. Those who once lived with grace and pride are being humiliated in the open-air with no guards to protect their modesty, security or creed. Where are those who are hiding their faces cowardly behind the black scarves pretending to be the lieutenants of the lords? If they are true to their cause, they must face the reality like Spartans and create an environment of trust in order to advocate and defend their scrutiny with poise.
Once Talibans realize that they have in fact inflicted atrocious wounds to the naive citizens, maybe then they will see, and I deeply believe that it will be within our grasp to honor our nation’s glorious mosaic of cultures and ethnicities. Be grateful for this first and last tidbit of comforting news. The Talibans like to disguise the complexity of issues, the brutality of class, and the importance of religion and culture in the construction and practice of conformism. Such activity can flourish only in the dark, however. If you drag them into the open, Talibans and their cronies will run for cover, like cockroaches in a dirty kitchen when the light is turned on suddenly during the night. That’s why we must push the envelope on our knowledge of the world around us. As this letter draws to a close, I want to challenge you, the reader, to recognize and respect the opinions, practices, and behavior of those with wisdom, will and resort. That’s what is left to do.
Unless there is one single Central Islamic Authority, the dream of implementing Islam as a System, or as an alternative to secular democracy, can never be realized. Without a stable government and an honest leader, Islam may exist, as it is today, like a downgraded ritualistic religion, in which every individual or faction may keep on living on the inane desire of pleasing Allah or rendering Him worship in its own way and in its own right but it can never become a truly Islamic way of life to bring forth its pledged remunerations. And that means the transfer of power from individual provinces, as they exist today; to the Central Authority which itself would work under the Ultimate Sovereignty of Allah, i.e. The Shreah Law. Moreover, this also means the end of the authority of the Ullema and the Muftis of today. The interpretation of the Laws and the formulation of by-laws will be done by the “Central Authority†alone, within the bounds of the Quran. There will be no party or cult, no religious or political parties, not even an opposition party within the Islamic System of governance. That’s the patriotic thing to do, and that’s the right thing to do, to defeat fundamentalism and to adopt the ways of those who render themselves for the sake of tranquility, sovereignty and contentment.
May Allah SWT guide us in the right direction and help us understand true lessons of religion Islam; and may peace be upon those leading a positive change intended to cultivate an environment of peace and tranquility and justice for all.
Muslims are 1/3 of the world. How can they contribute to saving the earth? I am trying to focus on world’s one third population who are not paying attention about their claim in associating themselves with their beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) while He was the staunch advocator for the cause of environmental protection. According to Prophet (s) (hadith-by Al-Bukhari) “There is none amongst the believers who plants a tree, or sows a seed, and then a bird, or a person, or an animal eats thereof, but it is regarded as having given a charitable giftâ€[for which there is great recompense].
On various occasions, it’s been reported that the Prophet (s) had given plenty of importance toward cultivation of land…
See better treatment for animals; special concern for the preservation of water, plant and birds.
Importance of Planting a Tree in Islam
Citing the Prophet’s (s) concern about plants, Qumruzzaman Azmi-Secretary General of the World Islamic Mission, Manchester(UK), said that Prophet (s) says, if a person is dying and he or she gets the chance to plant a tree then do it before dying. Azmi further quoted the Prophet (s) “if the people knew the importance and benefit of planting a tree, there wouldn’t be a single place on earth left treeless.â€
According to a prominent Muslim scholar, Dr. Al-Qaradawi, Prophet (s) said “He who cuts a lote-tree (without justification), God will send him to Hellfire.
(this is a much needed tree found in the desert area with scarce vegetation)
This Hadith gives value to even one tree so we can figure out that how much destructive it is in destroying millions of trees; spoiling the earth’s resources; causing destruction for ozone layer etc.
Encouraging to Cultivate Wasteland
In order to protect the natural resources and preserve the balance existing between the diverse elements of nature in the environment, Al-Qaradawi further quotes the Prophet (s) who not only encouraged the sustainable use of fertile lands, He also told his followers of the benefits of making unused land productive: planting a tree, sowing a seed and irrigating dry land were all regarded as charitable deeds. “Whoever brings dead land to life, that is, cultivates wasteland, for him is a reward therein.â€
Essentially, it is prohibited by Islam to let the land set idle for a long time without working it out, quoted by Iqbual Nadvi from ICNA(Islamic Circle of North America).
Water Conservation
For the purpose of saving water, the Prophet (s) strictly abstained His followers from wasting a single drop of water while making Wadu( a ritual of removing impurity) . He also recommended repeating each thing not more than three times while performing Wudu, even if they are sitting near lake, river or a flowing spring.
In fact, there are innumerable instances which substantiate the intimate relation of the Prophet with Earth, Water, Land and Animal.
In the context of treating birds, He says “If anyone wrongfully kills even a sparrow, let alone anything greater, he will face God’s interrogation†[Mishkat al Masabih].
Reducing Animal Cruelty
Prophet Muhammad (s) taught his followers to be gentle and cautious at the time of slaughtering animals. He advised to use sharp knives following a civilized method in slaughtering the animals so that it could minimize the risk of hurting and facilitating them to die quickly with little pain.
However, He forbade sharpening the knives and slaughtering any animal in the presence of other animals which, essentially, shows the dignity toward the animal. Prophet used to give special consideration to camel and horses as the most useful animal for journey and battle.
Obama’s View
Addressing in Cairo, US President Barack Obama inspired the Muslim World by inculcating them:†As a student of history, I also know civilization’s debt to Islam. It was Islam – at places like Al-Azhar University – that carried the light of learning through so many centuries, paving the way for Europe’s Renaissance and Enlightenment.â€
The Qur’an says, mankind holds a privileged position among God’s creations on earth: he is chosen as khalifa (vice-regent), and carries the responsibility of caring for God’s earthly creations. Each individual is given this task and privilege in the form of God’s trust. But the Qur’an repeatedly warns believers against arrogance: they are no better than other creatures.
“No creature is there on earth nor a bird flying with its wings but they are nations like you
[Qur’an 6:38]
“Surely the creation of the heavens and the earth is greater than the creation of man; but most people know not.â€
[Qur’an 40:57]
Protecting Eco-System
In the thesis, submitted into UNO, Professor Dr. Farooq Hassan-President
Pakistan Ecology Council, says: protecting the environment and eco-systems of the earth are a major concern of the Islamic Faith. If the situation of the environment keeps deteriorating at the present rate, there will ultimately be no life, no property and no religion left.
As we face the effects of pollution and water scarcity in some parts of the world and floods and violent storms elsewhere, now it’s time for the world
community as a whole, Muslims, Christians and Jews, Hindus and Buddhists, atheists and agnostics, to take a leaf out of the Prophet’s book and address the current environmental crisis seriously and wisely.
1. A usually green, flattened, lateral structure attached to a stem and functioning as a principal organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in most plants.
2. A leaflike organ or structure.
1. Leaves considered as a group; foliage.
2. The state or time of having or showing leaves: trees in full leaf.
3. The leaves of a plant used or processed for a specific purpose: large supplies of tobacco leaf.
4. Any of the sheets of paper bound in a book, each side of which constitutes a page.
1. A very thin sheet of material, especially metal.
2. Such leaves considered as a group: covered in gold leaf.
5. A hinged or removable section for a table top.
6. A hinged or otherwise movable section of a folding door, shutter, or gate.
7. One of several metal strips forming a leaf spring
The foliage leaf is the chief photosynthetic organ of most vascular plants. Although leaves vary greatly in size and form, they share the same basic organization of internal tissues and have similar developmental pathways. Like the stem and root, leaves consist of three basic tissue systems: thedermal tissue system, the vascular tissue system, and the ground tissue system. However, unlike stems and roots which usually have radial symmetry, the leaf blade usually shows dorsiventral symmetry, with vascular and other tissues being arranged in a flat plane.
Stems and roots have apical meristems and are thus characterized by indeterminate growth; leaves lack apical meristems, and therefore have determinate growth. Because leaves are more or lessephemeral organs and do not function in the structural support of the plant, they usually lack secondary growth and are composed largely of primary tissue only. See also Apical meristem; Root (botany); Stem.
The internal organization of the leaf is well adapted for its major functions of photosynthesis, gas exchange, and transpiration. The photosynthetic cells, or chlorenchyma tissue, are normally arranged in horizontal layers, which facilitates maximum interception of the Sun’s radiation. The vascular tissues form an extensive network throughout the leaf so that no photosynthetic cell is far from a source of water, and carbohydrates produced by the chlorenchyma cells need travel only a short distance to reach the phloem in order to be transported out of the leaf (Fig. 7). The epidermal tissue forms a continuous covering over the leaf so that undue water loss is reduced, while at the same time the exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen is controlled.
