Proclaiming and Defending Islam: Upholding the True Teachings

By Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi, New Age Islam 16 January 2025 Navigating the Distinction between Proclaiming and Defending Islam: Clarifying Misconceptions and Upholding the Faith's True Teachings ---- After reading the comments of Mr. Rasheed under my recent article, titled “Misuse of Quran's verse 9:111 in the New Orleans Terror Attack: Uncovering the Motivations behind Shamsud-Din Jabbar's Violent Act”, it became clear that there are misunderstandings regarding the concepts of "proclaiming" and "defending" Islam. These terms are simple but important, and I feel it necessary to clarify them, not only for Mr. Rasheed but also for others who might have similar misconceptions. First and foremost, Mr. Rasheed needs to understand that quoting or sharing someone else’s statement does not necessarily imply endorsement of that statement. This is an important distinction to make. In my article, I quoted a statement made by U.S. President Joe Biden regarding the New Orleans Terror Attack. My intention was not to express agreement with his views, but rather to address the potential confusion that his statement might create in the minds of the general public. I focused objectively on the broader issue of the misuse and misinterpretation of Quranic verses. Mr. Rasheed suggested that there is an agenda to defame Islam or divert attention from the grave injustices and violence faced by Gaza civilians. While I do acknowledge the existence of a significant agenda behind the misuse of Islam, which no one can deny, my article was written to correct the misinformation spread through media reports. In a world marked by diversity, freedom of expression, and the right to practice religion, every individual has the right to proclaim and defend their beliefs. For Muslims, proclaiming Islam means publicly declaring their faith in its foundational principles, while defending Islam goes beyond mere proclamation, striving to clarify, explain, and stand firm in the face of opposition, injustice and misrepresentation. Proclaiming Islam: A Right, Not a Crime To proclaim Islam means to openly declare one's identity as a Muslim, accepting and believing in the core tenets of the faith, which include belief in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Day of Judgment, and the divine decree (both good and bad). This declaration of faith is simple and clear-cut: "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger." It is the basis of what it means to be a Muslim. In the United States and elsewhere, proclaiming Islam is not only legal but also a fundamental human right, as enshrined in the universal principles of religious freedom. Just as individuals are free to openly practice Christianity, Judaism, or any other religion, Muslims too have the right to declare their faith without fear of persecution. This right is crucial to the functioning of a democratic society, and Muslims, like followers of all faiths, are able to practice their religion openly without fear of backlash or legal ramifications. However, when a person hides their true identity or publicly denies their faith, they are considered to be engaging in hypocrisy. In Islamic terminology, hypocrisy (or “Nifaq”) refers to the act of pretending to have faith or outwardly showing Islam while secretly disbelieving or acting in contradiction to its teachings. Islam abhors hypocrisy (or "nifaq") in clear terms, as it is seen as a betrayal of one's beliefs. This highlights the importance of openly proclaiming one's faith and remaining true to one's principles, even when faced with challenges or societal pressure. Defending Islam: A Duty to Uphold the Truth While proclaiming Islam is a declaration of faith, defending Islam means to actively protect and preserve the true teachings of the religion, especially in the face of misrepresentation and false accusations. Over the years, many individuals and groups—both Muslim and non-Muslim—have sought to distort the teachings of Islam for their own gain, often using violence and manipulation to further their agendas. Islam has been misused by certain individuals or groups in a misguided effort to achieve political, social, or economic goals, often at the expense of innocent civilians. These extremists may use Islam as a cover to justify violence, persecution, and oppression, all in the name of gaining power and wealth. Such actions are in direct contradiction to the peaceful and just teachings of Islam. It is therefore the duty of every Muslim to defend the true teachings of Islam. This defence involves correcting the misinterpretations of the religion, removing misunderstandings, and clarifying misconceptions that have been spread about Islam, often through the media or by those who have wilfully distorted the message. When false ideas are propagated, whether intentionally or out of ignorance, it creates confusion and division among the general public. In these times, it becomes essential for Muslims to engage in dialogue, answer questions, and share the true message of Islam, to prevent the spread of falsehood and concocted history, and to promote peace and understanding. If we fail to address these misconceptions, the consequences may be dire. The divide between people can deepen, and enemies of peace and unity may exploit the situation, furthering their own interests and causing harm to innocent people. The Importance of Unity and Truth The beauty of Islam lies in its simplicity and its message of peace, justice, and respect for all human beings. Yet, like all religions, it is subject to misinterpretation and misuse by those with ulterior motives. As Muslims, we have a responsibility to ensure that the world sees Islam for what it truly is—a religion that promotes peace, justice, and compassion. We must work to dispel the myths surrounding Islam, offering clarity and guidance to those who are curious or misinformed. When a Muslim engages in criminal acts such as family violence, sectarian violence, or actions driven by extremist ideologies—especially those who falsely claim to follow a puritanical version of Islam while attacking the sacred shrines and graves of the Awliyā of Allah—it not only tarnishes the reputation of the individual but also casts a shadow over the entire Muslim community and the faith itself. These acts, which are often motivated by ignorance, misinterpretation, or a deliberate agenda to sow discord, stand in stark contrast to the teachings of Islam that emphasize peace, compassion, and respect for all. Such behaviour provides ammunition to those who seek to misrepresent Islam as a religion of violence and intolerance, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and deepening misunderstandings about the faith. For Muslims like me, it becomes not just a choice but a moral obligation to stand against these distortions. It is essential to actively counter these misdeeds by showcasing the true essence of Islam, which is rooted in love, mercy, and harmony. By promoting the principles of justice, respect for humanity, and reverence for the righteous figures like the Awliya of Allah, we can work to repair the damage caused by these extremists. Moreover, defending the true image of Islam involves educating others—both within and outside the Muslim community—about its values and teachings, while firmly denouncing those who exploit religion for divisive and destructive purposes. In doing so, we fulfil our responsibility as Muslims to preserve the integrity and beauty of our faith and to demonstrate its relevance as a source of peace and guidance for all of humanity. Moreover, it is not only the duty of scholars or religious leaders to defend Islam; it is the responsibility of every Muslim to stand up for the truth. Whether through discussion, education, or simply living according to the principles of Islam, every individual Muslim can play a role in defending their faith and correcting misconceptions. Conclusion Proclaiming Islam is not just a declaration of identity; it is a manifestation of one's belief in the oneness of Allah and the teachings of His Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is a right that must be protected and exercised freely in every part of the world. On the other hand, defending Islam goes beyond proclamation. It involves standing firm in the face of distortion, misinterpretation, and misinformation. By defending the true teachings of Islam, we ensure that the message of peace, justice, and mercy reaches those who are in need of understanding, and we prevent the exploitation of our faith for nefarious purposes. In these challenging times, it is essential for Muslims to proclaim their faith with sincerity and defend it with wisdom, patience, and knowledge. Through these efforts, we can foster understanding, bridge divides, and work towards a world where the true teachings of Islam are understood and respected by all. ----- A regular Columnist with NewAgeIslam.com, Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi Dehlvi is a Classical Islamic scholar with a rich Sufi Madrasa background and expertise in English-Arabic-Urdu translation. Throughout his career, he has emerged as a prominent figure in the realm of Islamic scholarship, consistently contributing valuable insights and analysis on a wide range of crucial topics. Through his regular writings, he has delved into multifaceted subjects, including but not limited to deradicalisation strategies, the promotion of moderation within Islamic teachings, counter-terrorism efforts, and the vital mission of combating Islamophobia. Moreover, he extensively addresses the urgent need to challenge radical ideologies through well-reasoned arguments and scholarly discourse. Beyond these critical issues, his work also encompasses in-depth discussions on human rights principles, the significance of safeguarding religious rights, and the profound exploration of Islamic mysticism. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-terrorism-jihad/proclaiming-defending-islam-true-teachings/d/134348 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