Sheikh Salman al-Oadah
-----------------------------
www.islamtoday.com
Moral integrity and upright conduct are held in high esteem by all people and all religions. They are a fundamental part of the Message of all the Prophets (peace be upon him), so much so that the last of the Prophets – Muhammad (peace be upon him) – said: “I was only sent to perfect good moral character.”
There is no need to speak at lengths on this point, since it is something about which all people agree. You find that even those who campaign against moral character and act immorally and unscrupulously invariably speak highly of moral character and admit to its virtue.
A person might adopt good manners under certain circumstances, simply because they are prevailing or he might do so little by little. Even this is something good. Abû al-Dardâ said – and some narrations have him attribute the words to the Prophet (peace be upon him): “Knowledge is attained only through learning and gentleness is attained only through being gentle. Whoever is intent on attaining goodness will be given it and whoever keeps away from evil will be spared it.” [Târîkh Baghdâd and Târîkh Dimashq]
However, it is not at all praiseworthy for a person to make a show of good character in order to take advantage of others or win them over for some personal benefit or ulterior motive. The true test of a person’s moral fiber is constancy. This is why the old Arabic saying goes: “You see the true character of men when you travel with them.”
A person’s true character shows forth when he is at home in how he deals with his wife through the long years, in hardship and ease, when things are going well and when things go wrong. This is where has to hold himself together and where his patience is tested. His ability to keep clear of vanities, to remain clement and tolerant, and to exhibit good conduct are all tested by his married life and his family life.
The same can be said regarding friendships when a person is constant and sincere regardless of the changing circumstances. How often does a person see his friend as the one who he can rely on in need, only to find that “friend” adds to his hardships when that time of need arrives?
May the lives of those who are faithful and sincere be beautiful and blessed, those who resolve within themselves not to be fickle when circumstances change and not to turn their backs in times of misfortune. How rare such people are.
Long acquaintance and association reveal how substantial or superficial a person’s moral character really is.
There is another important test of moral character that shows how true or false a person’s morals are, and that is the test of power. A person who is weak might exhibit good moral conduct and a present a passive, subdued disposition. He does not do so because it is part of his nature, but simply because he does not have the power to behave any other way.
The Arabic poet al-Mutanabbî said:
"Oppression is human nature, so if you findSomeone abstain from it, there is some reason why."
Perhaps al-Mutanabbî borrowed these words from Aristotle who said: “Oppression is part of human nature. Only one of two reasons withholds people form it: religiousness or fear or reprisal.”
When a person is in a position of strength, then his true moral character shows forth. If a person who attains power, wealth, or prestige continues to uphold his moral values, maintains his affection for others, remains humble, and shows clemency to those who ill treat him, this is a sign of the true nobility of his character and the true goodness of his person.
Alas, how often do we find people who are not corrupted by power, fame, and sudden wealth?
A third test of moral character is disagreement. Most people exhibit good conduct with those who agree with them and share their way of thinking, on account of their common interests. However, when differences arise, whether ideological or material, people tend to expose their true selves.
A person of dignity and good character will remain composed and sensible. He will articulate his disagreements in a clear and precise manner. Moreover, he will be respectful when doing so and avoid accusative, insulting, and offensive language. His moral character will prevent him from conducting himself in a mean and lowly fashion, so he will be able to retain his composure while talking to others, in spite of his disagreement with them. He will not react emotionally in a way that detracts from his character and merely demonstrates his inability to prevail on the strength of his opinion.
Another person, in the same situation, will start cursing and hurling accusations at his opponents, acting as if only he is right and everyone else is by necessity wrong. His misplaced anger will destroy the edifice of his good character. He may go so far to concoct lies and make false claims. He might resort to deceptive arguments to make his opponents stumble and deliberately take the words of others out of context.
People like to say that disagreements do not spoil their interpersonal relationships and it is good that they say so, but what really counts is how they conduct themselves in actual practice, not just in theory. I have observed many young, religious people in their disagreements amongst themselves, and have encountered them applying to one another statements so horrid and injurious that it grieved my heart made my eyes well up with tears. They would call each other idiots, insult each other, and accuse one another of deception, heresy, immorality, and unbelief. I would ask myself: When will these sick disputes come to an end? When will they attain a level of moral character suitable for the community that Allah has chosen and favored? When will they put into practice the values set forth by the Qur’ân and Sunnah that teach us how to deal with others, even our enemies, in a decent manner? “And do not let the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just. That is nearer to piety.” [Sûrah al-Mâ’idah: 8]
When will we come to realize that sometimes our motives stem from our own temperaments and emotions, though we might mistake them for religious conviction?
Then I would turn my attention to some writers who were regarded as being educated and intellectual, and not just part of the common folk. However, I found them to be the same, if not worse in their double standards and their shamelessness.
There are aggressive, predatory tendencies and feelings of enmity latent in the hearts of people, lurking in wait. Sometimes, with the mere appearance of a disagreement in ideology or politics, outward appearances of civility are often cast aside and people fall upon one another with the greatest possible ferocity.
When will we learn to preserve our amicable relationships with others when we disagree? When will we keep up the level of decorum that we want people to see from us? When will our moral values and principles translate from theory into a practical way of life, into something that endures throughout our lives and throughout our relationships, no matter how long they last? They must be values that stay with us even if we become powerful or attain to high administrative office, or a prominent media spot, or social prestige, or success in business. They must endure even when we disagree with one another, so we do not have to be always faced with the choice of either destroying our relationships or remaining silent whenever we disagree or see someone making a mistake.
Frankly, though I write all this, I do so with a pen that is hesitant and slow. It is as if it turning to me and asking: “Do you really live up to all of this?” I have to reply: “No, but I promise you that I will try to live up to it, and no matter how often I might stumble, I will keep trying…”
Tuesday, 8 May 2007
Wednesday, 2 May 2007
FOSIS Blogs for Jan and Feb
You can read my Jan and Feb blogs on the archive on the fosis website. Just click on the links below:
Monday, 30 April 2007
A Neglected Report from Europol
Kristoffer Larsson
The Islamic Threat to Europe: By the Numbers
Some things interest the media, others don't. Since the fall of the USSR, the United States has sought another menace to designate as the ultimate evil, a world threat the Americans desperately need to take on. The 9/11 attacks gave them that enemy. And when the White House speaks, the media listens obediently.
Over the last number of years the "Islamic threat" has become one of the favourite issues for media coverage. It's all over the news--Muslims leaders pronouncing threats against the countries participating in occupying Muslim land.
While America is the Western country most succumbed to the fear of Islamism, things aren't much better in Europe. Its media is highly Americanised and thus eager to reiterate U.S. governmental positions towards the non-Western world. Islamic terrorism is subsequently a theme close to the hearts of European journalists as well.
Following this, you might think the journalists would be beside themselves with joy when the European Police Office (Europol) releases its first report on terrorism in the EU. I can assure you they weren't. In fact, to my best knowledge, not a single Swedish paper or news-channel has paid any attention to it whatsoever. I haven't seen it receiving much attention in other EU countries either (kudos to the EUobserver for having the decency to report on it). The report is namely a grave disappointment for the anti-Islamic campaigners.
There were 498 incidents in eleven EU countries last year labelled as "terrorist attacks." The Basque separatist group ETA did best (136 terrorist attacks) and was responsible for the only deadly attack, killing two in Madrid. The remaining 497 fortunately cost no human lives.
How about the Islamic terrorists then? Considering the perpetual warnings in our daily papers, the findings in the Europol report is, to say the least, surprising. The truth is that Islamists only carried out one out of the 498 terrorist attacks in the European Union in 2006. Don't believe me? The entire report is available on Europol's website. Had Islamic fundamentalists been behind a higher number of attacks-say 136-it would have been front page news at every big daily. One attack is simply too few--it won't do if the image of an "Islamic threat" is to live on.
The Europol report devotes several pages to Islamist terrorism, despite the low number. Except for the one attack in Germany this group was responsible for (which, by the way, failed and resulted in no victims), also Denmark and the United Kingdom reported that Islamists plotted to carry out one attack in each country respectively (incidentally, all three countries are accessory to the illegal occupation of Iraq). However, since these plans in both cases were exposed before they were set to work, they were not included among the 498. Either way, even after taking these plots into account, the report proves the genuine magnitude of Islamic terrorism in Europe--it's not exactly a huge threat.
If we look at the people arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences, the figures are rather disproportionate; about half of them arrested were Muslim. In plain English: Muslims are a group causing very little terrorism in Europe, while at the same time much more likely to be arrested on suspicion of it. The constant media coverage of Muslims being arrested creates the false image of a serious threat in order to benefit the imperialist world-view Washington wants us to adopt. Meanwhile the Americans and their accomplices are carrying out genocide in Iraq. Clearly, something needs to be done about the media.
Kristoffer Larsson lives in Sweden. He can be reached at: kristoffer.larsson@sobernet.nu
Posted April 21, 2007, Counter Punch
http://www.counterpunch.org/larsson04212007.html
Kristoffer Larsson
The Islamic Threat to Europe: By the Numbers
Some things interest the media, others don't. Since the fall of the USSR, the United States has sought another menace to designate as the ultimate evil, a world threat the Americans desperately need to take on. The 9/11 attacks gave them that enemy. And when the White House speaks, the media listens obediently.
Over the last number of years the "Islamic threat" has become one of the favourite issues for media coverage. It's all over the news--Muslims leaders pronouncing threats against the countries participating in occupying Muslim land.
While America is the Western country most succumbed to the fear of Islamism, things aren't much better in Europe. Its media is highly Americanised and thus eager to reiterate U.S. governmental positions towards the non-Western world. Islamic terrorism is subsequently a theme close to the hearts of European journalists as well.
Following this, you might think the journalists would be beside themselves with joy when the European Police Office (Europol) releases its first report on terrorism in the EU. I can assure you they weren't. In fact, to my best knowledge, not a single Swedish paper or news-channel has paid any attention to it whatsoever. I haven't seen it receiving much attention in other EU countries either (kudos to the EUobserver for having the decency to report on it). The report is namely a grave disappointment for the anti-Islamic campaigners.
There were 498 incidents in eleven EU countries last year labelled as "terrorist attacks." The Basque separatist group ETA did best (136 terrorist attacks) and was responsible for the only deadly attack, killing two in Madrid. The remaining 497 fortunately cost no human lives.
How about the Islamic terrorists then? Considering the perpetual warnings in our daily papers, the findings in the Europol report is, to say the least, surprising. The truth is that Islamists only carried out one out of the 498 terrorist attacks in the European Union in 2006. Don't believe me? The entire report is available on Europol's website. Had Islamic fundamentalists been behind a higher number of attacks-say 136-it would have been front page news at every big daily. One attack is simply too few--it won't do if the image of an "Islamic threat" is to live on.
The Europol report devotes several pages to Islamist terrorism, despite the low number. Except for the one attack in Germany this group was responsible for (which, by the way, failed and resulted in no victims), also Denmark and the United Kingdom reported that Islamists plotted to carry out one attack in each country respectively (incidentally, all three countries are accessory to the illegal occupation of Iraq). However, since these plans in both cases were exposed before they were set to work, they were not included among the 498. Either way, even after taking these plots into account, the report proves the genuine magnitude of Islamic terrorism in Europe--it's not exactly a huge threat.
If we look at the people arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences, the figures are rather disproportionate; about half of them arrested were Muslim. In plain English: Muslims are a group causing very little terrorism in Europe, while at the same time much more likely to be arrested on suspicion of it. The constant media coverage of Muslims being arrested creates the false image of a serious threat in order to benefit the imperialist world-view Washington wants us to adopt. Meanwhile the Americans and their accomplices are carrying out genocide in Iraq. Clearly, something needs to be done about the media.
Kristoffer Larsson lives in Sweden. He can be reached at: kristoffer.larsson@sobernet.nu
Posted April 21, 2007, Counter Punch
http://www.counterpunch.org/larsson04212007.html
Saturday, 28 April 2007
FOSIS Blog March/April '07
Admittedly this blog is a bit late and past the submission
I ask Allah SWT that this finds you all in good health and Iman,
It’s ISOC election season again. Moving on from ISOC can be quite an emotional experience; one feels as though they’re leaving their family to embark upon a far journey. What’s crucial is that the experiences and skills acquired from Islamic Society do not go to waste, and that they are developed and invested back in to the community through other voluntary schemes and projects. I invite all the brothers and sisters who’ve just left ISOC to seriously consider joining FOSIS to help us in our continuous endeavour to serve and represent Islamic Societies in the UK and Ireland.
The highlights of fosis in the late period, as far as I’m concerned, are:
Let the ISOC’s speak. This endeavour by ISC to proactively engage with Islamic Societies on the ground proved extremely valuable and successful. The brothers and sisters from ISC and Islamic Societies discussed key issues of concern, held fosis to account and offered invaluable ideas and suggestions that will help us determine our future priorities and direction. Most certainly you will find a more in depth review of the tour in Br Zahid’s blog (Head of ISC).
NUS Conference. I won’t dwell too much on the politics as the news must have reached all corners of the UK Student World Already. But what I do want to mention is the brotherhood/sisterhood experienced at the conference will be memorable. Many from around the country came together and worked as one solid team solely for the sake of Allah, despite not knowing each other beforehand. They’re experiences such as this which keep one driven to excel further in this field of work.
Imam Ziaullah Khan’s tour. This tour was concluded just this last Tuesday. Of course there’s always room to improve our work, but by the grace of Allah 2 people came in to the fold of Islam during the Imam’s tour. Adding to the 2 whom embraced Islam during our earlier tour with Idris Tawfiq 4 people (that we know about) have come to Islam in total, by Allah’s Grace and Mercy first and foremost, through the work of Muslim Students. We ask Allah SWT to reward Imam Zia, Br Bilal from the Midlands (tour coordinator), and everyone else who contributed to making this tour a success.
I’d like to keep this blog brief and concise and you’ll find greater detail in the others.
I ask Allah SWT to continue to reward the great brothers and sisters who are carrying the banner of da’wah in every Islamic Society, Islamic organisation or individual endeavour …
Wsalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah
I ask Allah SWT that this finds you all in good health and Iman,
It’s ISOC election season again. Moving on from ISOC can be quite an emotional experience; one feels as though they’re leaving their family to embark upon a far journey. What’s crucial is that the experiences and skills acquired from Islamic Society do not go to waste, and that they are developed and invested back in to the community through other voluntary schemes and projects. I invite all the brothers and sisters who’ve just left ISOC to seriously consider joining FOSIS to help us in our continuous endeavour to serve and represent Islamic Societies in the UK and Ireland.
The highlights of fosis in the late period, as far as I’m concerned, are:
Let the ISOC’s speak. This endeavour by ISC to proactively engage with Islamic Societies on the ground proved extremely valuable and successful. The brothers and sisters from ISC and Islamic Societies discussed key issues of concern, held fosis to account and offered invaluable ideas and suggestions that will help us determine our future priorities and direction. Most certainly you will find a more in depth review of the tour in Br Zahid’s blog (Head of ISC).
NUS Conference. I won’t dwell too much on the politics as the news must have reached all corners of the UK Student World Already. But what I do want to mention is the brotherhood/sisterhood experienced at the conference will be memorable. Many from around the country came together and worked as one solid team solely for the sake of Allah, despite not knowing each other beforehand. They’re experiences such as this which keep one driven to excel further in this field of work.
Imam Ziaullah Khan’s tour. This tour was concluded just this last Tuesday. Of course there’s always room to improve our work, but by the grace of Allah 2 people came in to the fold of Islam during the Imam’s tour. Adding to the 2 whom embraced Islam during our earlier tour with Idris Tawfiq 4 people (that we know about) have come to Islam in total, by Allah’s Grace and Mercy first and foremost, through the work of Muslim Students. We ask Allah SWT to reward Imam Zia, Br Bilal from the Midlands (tour coordinator), and everyone else who contributed to making this tour a success.
I’d like to keep this blog brief and concise and you’ll find greater detail in the others.
I ask Allah SWT to continue to reward the great brothers and sisters who are carrying the banner of da’wah in every Islamic Society, Islamic organisation or individual endeavour …
Wsalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah
Sunday, 1 April 2007
Introduction ...
In the name of Allah we begin,
For long I've resisted the concept of migrating from the real world to join the cyber realms of facebook and blogspot. Many soldiers fell under pressure and drifted with the tides before my eyes until I surrendered to the old saying "if you can't beat them, join them".
Anyways, I've not got all that much time on my hands right now, but watch this space for daily updates on the life of Ali Alhadithi!
Yours,
Ali
For long I've resisted the concept of migrating from the real world to join the cyber realms of facebook and blogspot. Many soldiers fell under pressure and drifted with the tides before my eyes until I surrendered to the old saying "if you can't beat them, join them".
Anyways, I've not got all that much time on my hands right now, but watch this space for daily updates on the life of Ali Alhadithi!
Yours,
Ali
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