About Islam

1. About Islam and on being Muslim in York, and generally, in the U.S. 11/30/2012

2. Goals of Today’s Discussion • Serve as a brief primer on Islam to help understand something that is sometimes misunderstood • Understand a bit of what it is like to be a Muslim, practicing Islam in York, and in the U.S. in general, to educate and avoid prejudice and alienation • We will avoid concrete political discussion, because those are not the topic of today’s discussion

3. Why is this topic timely? • There have been increasing hate crimes, anti-Muslim sentiment around various topics, including 9/11, the building of an Islamic Cultural Center near Ground Zero, as well as against other mosques • There is some conspiracy theory-like claims that Muslims are trying to “infiltrate” and take over the U.S. by intolerance and establishing religious law • Acts such as “National Qur’an Burning Day”, which never came to fruition—to condemn Islam as a religion “of the Devil”

4. ISLAM • A religion of peace and forgiveness • A way of life practiced by over 23% of the world’s population • Multicultural in its practice on all continents of the World – from the Americas to Europe, the Middle East/ Africa, and Far East

5. ISLAM—Common Terms (1) • ISLAM – “submission”, derived from the word peace • MUSLIM – one who follows Islam • ALLAH – a proper name for the universal God in Arabic • Assalaamu Alaykum – Muslim greeting (may peace be upon you) • Salallahu alayhi wassalaam: “peace be upon him,” respectfully said after mentioning the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) name • (or alayhi salaam – may there be peace on him/them, said after mentioning any prophet’s name)

6. ISLAM—Common Terms (2) • QURAN – the holy book of Islam • SUNNAH – the traditions and practices of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) • HADITH – the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) • Both hadith and sunnah are used as the code of conduct in Islam • MOSQUE or MASJID – where Muslims go for congregational prayer and other gatherings • SHARIAH: Islamic law based on the teachings of the Qur’an and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

7. ISLAM—The Basic Belief • There is one God, who has created and controls the universe, and that all deeds are answerable and judged by Him, and this belief permeates all acts and all parts of one’s life. • Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is His messenger, and the final seal of prophethood.

8. ISLAM—History and Classification • One of the major world religions, one of the 3 major monotheistic faiths (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) • From the same origins as Judaism and Christianity, starting with Prophets Adam, including Abraham

9. ISLAM-5 Pillars • Shahadah = There is only one God, Allah, and Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is His final messenger • Salah – Daily 5 prayers • Zakah – the poor tax • Saum – Fasting during the Holy month of Ramadan • Hajj – the once in a lifetime pilgrimage to the holy land of Makkah, to visit the Ka’aba

10. ISLAM—Articles of Faith A Muslim has faith (iman) in: • Allah • His Angels (including Gabriel/Jibreel) • His Holy Books (Scrolls (Abraham), Psalms (David), Torah (Moses), Bible/New Testament (Jesus), Qur’an-the final book/the word of Allah • His Messengers (prophets) • The Day of Judgment • Divine Destiny

11. Qur’an • Holy book • Word of Allah transmitted to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in small pertinent revelations through Angel Gabriel (Jibreel) • Memorized in small pieces, recited and recorded by many at once to preserve authenticity • Stories, but also handbook for daily affairs

12. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) • Born in 570 CE • His father passed away months before he was born, and his mother during his childhood • A Christian monk (Bahira) met his uncle and told him that his young nephew would be the last prophet • Illiterate • Well respected and known in his time for his truthfulness and moral character • Struggled against persecution

13. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) (2) • At age 40, was first revealed the words “READ in the name of your lord who created you” when in isolation/spiritual meditation, looking for the truth • The Qur’an was thus revealed over 23 years, until his death at the age of 63 • In 622 CE, persecution was so significant, that he was guided to emigrate from Makkah to Madinah, marking the beginning of the Muslim calendar, which is lunar

14. Following the Sunnah and Hadith (practices and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad) • Only authentic if there is a long line of sound individuals who witnessed the act • Outlines manners and etiquette • Deeper understanding of ideas • Specific circumstances--stories

15. A few of the prophets in which we believe:(peace be upon them all)

16. Common Islamic Practices • Starting everything with “in the name of Allah” (Bismillah), which puts a blessing in and increases the good of that which we are doing Even the most mundane work (washing the dishes) or the tiniest gesture (smiling at your coworker) becomes a charitable good deed if done with the right intention • Ending every “plan” or “desire” to do something with “if Allah wills”/”God-willing” (InshaAllah)

17. Concept of Halal • “Halal” means permissible • It is frequently used to refer to the food Muslims eat, particularly meat— • Pork, carrion, and alcohol are never halal. • “Halal” meat would refer to meat slaughtered in the Islamic practice in which the animal is not permitted to know he is being slaughtered (cannot see the blade, etc), killed in the swiftest way possible, with a prayer said to Allah over the animal, as it is a living thing, and all the blood possible drained from the animal.

18. Our Religious Festivals • Holy Month of Ramadan • The month of fasting, where good deeds and prayers are multiplied in number • Eid-ul-Fitr • Marks the end of Ramadan • Eid-ul-Adha • Celebrates the sacrifice of Prophet Abraham (Ibraheem), and marks the end of the Hajj

19. Confusing Terminology • Islamist? • Islamic? • Muhammadan • Fundamentalists • Extremists • Terrorists • Foreigners MUSLIM (spelled Moslem by some)

20. Common Misconceptions • Oppresses Women • Muslims need many accomodations • Encourages violence • Concept of “Jihad” • “Old School”/old ways of thinking/not progressive or modern • No concrete social responsibility

21. Women in Islam (1) • Women’s Rights – specific rights over husband and children • They are NOT considered property • Social interactions between men and women --hand-shaking • “The most perfect in faith amongst believers is he who is best in his manner and kindest to his wife,” Prophet Muhammad • Women are not required to change their family name

22. Women in Islam (2) • Women’s Status • Mary is considered one of the best people of all time – an entire chapter in the Qur’an is devoted to her, as well as one titled “women” • Women’s rights • Inheritance – prior to the Qur’an, women traditionally were considered property of their husband or father and not included in inheritance—in the Qur’an, there are specific requirements for an amount to be left for daughters.

23. Muslim Women and Education • Education – Women are strongly encouraged to educate themselves, as they are the first and most important teachers of the future generation, their children • Occupation and Income – a woman’s income is her own to do with as she wills and women are permitted to work, but they also have a very important responsibility to care for their families • Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) first wife, Khadijah, was a successful businesswoman, who hired Muhammad (pbuh) for his excellent character and honesty, and eventually asked him to marry her

24. Muslim Children and Education • Idea that education is an obligation and responsibility, and to do your best work is expected • Public School: • Religious holidays • Christmas and other religious practices (assignments) • Prayer times and spaces • Dress code (gym requirements, scarf) • Clubs, class dances/parties • Acceptance – by school, by colleges, no judgment based on name or dress Islamic Schools : curriculum-based or religious

25. The Status of the Mother in Islam • The status of the mother is considered the highest • There is a saying of the Prophet (pbuh) (hadith) that states:, "Paradise lies at the feet of mothers." • Another hadith reports that a man asked the Prophet (pbuh), "Who is most worthy of my love and respect?" The Prophet (pbuh) replied, "Your mother." The man asked, "And then who?" The Prophet (pbuh) again answered, "Your mother." The man asked one more time and received the same answer. When the man asked the question a fourth time, the Prophet (pbuh) answered, "Your father."

26. Women and Marriage There is no compulsion in marriage– women have to be in full agreement and sign the marriage contract with their own family witness Polygamy – was ordained permissible This was practiced prior to Islam by other prophets and peoples, and still exists in other religions and culture, so is not a new concept, although in Islam there are specific guidelines. The requirement is that each wife must be treated absolutely equal, and each wife must be in agreement with the arrangement. The full responsibility is on the husband’s shoulders, and he will be questioned on the Final Day for any unfairness– thus, assume, with human nature, this is a rare occurrence.

27. Women and Hijab • Hijab – means to protect one’s gaze (eyes/heart/humility) Head scarf and/or face veil (niqab) Protects a women from being looked upon as simply an object of physical beauty and thus exploited or abused Modesty is a VIRTUE, that is sometimes forgotten. Women have the right and are due dignity to be recognized for their work and faith, not their looks Even men practice hijab—they are expected to lower their gaze out of respect

28. Oppression? or Freedom? Freedom? or Oppression? What do you see?

29. Islam in the Workplace • Handshaking/greetings/discussions • Cultural competence opportunities • Need to have time and small space for prayer • Friday prayer times should be respected • Respect dress, within reason • Expectation of good work ethics, as they are part of being a good Muslim

30. Islam and Violence • Not encouraged at all • Only in defense of one’s life, family, and possessions • Always protect the civilians and children and respect rules of war, including protection of crops, trees, and animals • Kindness to prisoners

31. Concept of Jihad • Jihad simply means STRUGGLE in the name of your faith—can be your inner struggle • Jihad does NOT mean physically fighting people that do not believe or practice what you believe • War is a last resort • All Muslims do Jihad daily!—fasting even when working, offering 5 daily prayers, women who wear a scarf daily, trying not to use bad language, trying to be patient with our children

32. Islam and Tolerance • There is no coercion in Islam • No one is forced to convert • Even under Muslim rule in the time of Prophet Muhammad, the Jews and Christians chose to stay under Muslim rule because Islam requires Muslims to allow other religions to practice their beliefs • Islam and other religions

33. Islam and Human Rights “There is no compulsion in religion” (2:256) Protection of property and life, whether Muslim or not, of all citizens of an Islamic state No class/caste system or racism Responsibility to enjoin good and forbid wrong. Importance of controlling anger to protect human rights

34. Islam and Equality • Women = Men in spiritual weight, but are not the same • Poor = Rich in spiritual weight, but the rich have a responsibility toward the poor • All races are = in spiritual weight, but are not the same (nations and tribes were created to recognize and learn from one another) • Equal requirements for all • Daily prayers, Hajj and death – equalizing times

35. Islam and Family • Exaltation of the mother • Rights and responsibilities of parents and children • Extended family – caring for the elderly • The innocence of children – protected until of pubertal age, where they take responsibility for their actions • There is a social/community responsibility to protect the family unit by encouraging family counseling and “working things out” before any separation is ever considered using representatives of both sides of the family.

36. Muslims in the Community • Muslims are expected to be useful, contributing members to their community and society • Caring for orphans, widows, and the elderly • Keeping good relations with your neighbors “He who eats to his fill while his neighbor goes without food is not a believer,” hadith

37. Islam and Social Responsibility • Community and charity • Not encouraged to live in isolation • No celibacy nor compulsion to marry • “Even meeting your brother with a cheerful face is charity,” hadith • The rights of a Muslim over another (to be greeted, to be recognized when sneezing, to be visited when ill, right to a funeral prayer and burial, no grudges or anger more than 3 days)

38. Islam and Citizenship • Muslims are required to follow the laws of the land in which they live (unless it is in direct conflict with the religious faith, i.e. being forced to worship an idol, etc) • To be a good citizen is expected (paying taxes, following traffic laws, etc.) • It is encouraged to become part of the society in which you live

39. Is Islam Caught in the Past? • The Prophet said, “Seeking knowledge is an obligation for every Muslim man and woman” • Research and contemplation is encouraged!—the truths are all there, even beyond our earth– it is our job to seek them out • Easy/adaptive

40. Islam and Rationality • Evidence based – even the recorded knowledge is not taken at face value—anything written that is said to be from the Prophet Muhammad has to have been recorded unchanged via several witnesses who are all agreed upon to be mentally sound and stable ( no weak links) • Logical – nothing based on simple superstition (not allowed) • The Holy Book has truths we are now discovering (embryology, the fact the there are worlds beyond this one)

41. Islam and Health Care • Men/Women • Access – a problem in any religion! • Medical therapies go hand in hand with Spiritual healing • Mental Health through prayer and reflection • The body is a trust from Allah—it is a Muslim’s responsibility to keep it clean (cleanliness is an act of worship), healthy, and free from harm

42. Islam and Moderation MODERATION is key – Prophet Muhammad described Islam as “the Middle Way” To be extreme is discouraged, as it leads to intolerance Unfortunately, rule-following has fallen out of fashion—people think its cool and shows individualism to break all rules People think someone who sticks to the rules is an extremist, Rules set limits and guidelines, just like with children, and promote orderliness and cohesion, but individual variations are accepted and expected (scarf/hijab example)

43. Repercussions of 9/11 • Growing anti-Muslim sentiment • Our own experiences living in NY at the time . . . • Muslims forced to hide their identity out of fear (removing scarves, changing names), or struggle against “terrorism” amongst their own neighbors

44. Our Current Situation • Are we passing through ethnic cleansing? • Groups like SIOA (Stop Islamization of America) • If you look on Amazon under SIOA it is shocking to see the sorts of things that are written there This goes against everything we as Americans stand for! • Creating terrorism amongst ourselves • Creating our own personal fears (educated progressive people being “blacklisted” without due process)

45. Media Bias • We are taught (and want) to trust the news as unbiased reporters of the truth, but media presentation can create bias, intentional or not • Examples: • NPR – interview with a terrorist who “couldn’t even look at her (the interviewer)” • “Peace, Propaganda, and the Promised Land” documentary on YouTube

46. VIDEO CLIP • Discussion • What was scary? • The most scary was the fact that the majority did or said nothing This is the greatest problem – this is how our nation suffered its many shames Slavery, segregation, injustices to women/voting, etc The silent followers are just as much to blame if they know injustice is being done

47. Why such discord? • Lack of understanding and knowledge • Assumptions • Using a few to represent many • Opinions creeping into what should be objective news • Lack of seeing both sides to a story or situation

48. Our Experiences in York

49. What do we all want? All major religions believe in many common things: • Protecting and serving the poor and needy • Protecting children • Citizenship and social obligations • Institutions of family and education • Environmental responsibility • Social harmony and tolerance

50. SIMILARITIES not DIFFERENCES • This is the ONLY humane way to be progressive as a culture • Each in our own ways, all bow and bring our hands together in some sort of prayer