What Should Muslims Do In A Hostile Environment?

By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam 12 May 2023 Challenge Extremist Viewpoints to Create a More Peaceful Environment Main Points: The Qur'an provides guidance in the face of persecution. The Quran encourages people to be patient, repel evil in a nice manner, and not repay evil with evil. Muslims should show good conduct towards their Muslim and non-Muslim brothers. Muslims should treat their opponents with kindness and good manners in hostile environments too. ----- Today's world is filled with an increasing amount of hatred towards Islam and Muslims, as well as cruelty and violence directed at them. False information has aided in the rise of Islamophobia by inciting unrest. Islamophobia has undoubtedly contributed to the promotion and spread of extremist ideologies, which are undoubtedly to blame for the escalation of the hostile atmosphere. On the other side, there are a number of radical so-called Muslim organizations that have generously supported this cause. In this situation, more so than in other situations, it is important to challenge extremist viewpoints. Those who have propagated untrue information about Islam and Muslims have a long history. In the course of history, Muslims have encountered numerous instances like this. As soon as the stage of public invitation began, accusations, incorrect information, and dissent were heard throughout Makkah. Muslims started to become the focus of numerous brutal persecutions. The Qur'an contains the best advice in these circumstances. Allah Ta'ala says: "And whose words are better than someone who calls [others] to Allah, does good, and says, "I am truly one of those who submit."? Good and evil cannot be equal. Respond [to evil] with what is best, and then the one you are in a feud with will be like a close friend. But this cannot be attained except by those who are patient and who are truly fortunate. And if you are tempted by Satan, then seek refuge with Allah. Indeed, He [alone] is the All-Hearing, All-Knowing." (41-33-36) These verses discuss one element of the state of fully obedient Muslims. This is because they not only practice their own good deeds and have faith, but they also encourage others to do the same. Who can speak better than one who summons others to Allah, according to the Quran? As a result, we are aware that a man's best and most perfect conversation is his appeal to the truth in others. This encompasses all means of calling towards Allah, including verbal, written, and other forms of communication. The one who removes misconceptions and extremist thinking is also included in this category because he calls others towards the truth. The Quran also provides guidance for those who are calling people to Allah and His truth. The essential takeaway from these directives is not to repay evil with evil, but to be patient and to repel evil in a nice manner. Without a doubt, it's a good thing to forgive someone who has wronged you. After you have forgiven the evildoer, it is far nicer to repay the favour. The guidance in this verse, according to Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him), is to be patient with the person who is expressing his rage against you, to be tolerant and forgiving with the person who is acting ignorantly towards you, and to forgive the person who has caused you pain. According to some narrations, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (may Allah have mercy on him) was maligned or insulted by someone, who then reportedly stated to him, "If what you are saying is true, that I am guilty and bad, then I pray to Allah Almighty to forgive me, and if you have told a lie, then may Allah forgive you." Verses 41–33–36 contain important guidance for Muslims in the current situation. This guidance has been given by God, who is the Creator of man and the Creator of the universe. The recipe for removing unnecessary enmity, hatred, and persecution of human beings from other human beings is mentioned, which can never fail unless an exceptional situation occurs. The most important details are that for a positive change in these situations, it is necessary to create a positive change within Muslims. To do this, all Muslim parties, organizations, institutions, mosques, trusts, and political parties must prepare an answer to the misunderstandings spread about Islam. Muslims should avoid hate for hate, persecution for persecution, enmity for enmity, counter-nationalism for counter-nationalism, and extremism for extremism, as Satan will try to make this happen. Allah Ta'ala has given reformers a high status and the privilege of performing a great duty. When they remove misconceptions about Islam from the hearts of the people, Allah's help, favours, and rewards will start raining. Muslims must feel that Allah is with them and that they are not alone. Muslims should follow the guidance of the Qur'an and follow the divine prescription of making enemies and friends. This was given by Allah to His Messenger, who was successful in both Makkah and Madinah. The prescription is to supersede evil with a higher degree of goodness. Challenging Islamophobia The campaign of Islamophobia is in full swing and is affecting all our brothers and sisters in our homeland. IT cells are spreading propaganda against Islam and Muslims, spending millions of rupees on thousands of people, the best brains, and talented youth. Muslims are being isolated in many cities, towns, and villages, and brotherhood is polarizing. This is extremely dangerous for the Muslims and the entire country, and national integrity, unity, and solidarity will be shattered. It is only the responsibility of the Muslims to save this great country from these dangers and not let it fall victim to the wrath of Allah. Muslims should have good morals and show a high level of good conduct towards their Muslim brothers and non-Muslim brothers. It is clear from the Qur'an and Sunnah that good cannot be equal to evil. The creed of the believer should be not to respond to evil with evil, but to deal with evil with good. If someone speaks harshly to him or treats him rudely, then he should adopt a behaviour that is better than his own. Muslims should be patient in response to anger, civil and polite in response to abuse, and gentle and kind in response to harshness. Some individuals and organizations in our nation are stoking the fires of prejudice, bigotry, oppression, and violence in the name of misinformation and nationalism. They are taught to think that it will be advantageous to a specific sect or community. This is a serious misunderstanding. If this fire is not put out, everyone will be destroyed. Nobody is going to gain from this. Muslims should be loving and benevolent even in such a hostile environment and treat their opponents with kindness and good manners. Fire is extinguished with water and cold air, and cold drinks are used to avoid it in hot weather. No one lights a fire to escape the heat, as this is the general rule of the world. ----- Kaniz Fatma is a classic Islamic scholar and a regular columnist for New Age Islam. URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-society/muslims-hostile-environment/d/129759 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism