Reflections on 2014: 'It is high time that Muslims look inwardly rather than blaming the other'

Reflections
As 2014 comes to a close, it is high time that Muslims look inwardly rather the blaming the "other" and endeavour to resolve the frustrations and exasperations that exist in Muslim societies.

There was a time when Muslim countries had an air of indiscreet mystery, were vibrant melting pots of ethically diverse cultures and colourful landscapes, full of rich history coupled with lively and sparkling atmospheres.

However, numerous besieged cities across the Muslim world are now wrapped in a fog of absolute terror and afflicted by devastating and horrific massacres; there are no words that can describe what has been lost in those cities and countries.

Foreign hands may be involved, to some extent, in destroying peace in Muslim lands, but the lack of unity amongst Muslims, the lack of justice and tolerance, and the lack of visionary leadership amongst Muslims are also some of the key causes for the spread of bloodshed and hatred in the Muslim world. 

There is no magic wand that can be waived to solve all the problems of the Muslim communities.

The following are some suggestions, which if implemented in sincerity, can restore the dignity and liberty of Muslim communities, and bring about sustainable peace amongst Muslim communities. 

Unity 
Muslims have suffered at the hands of violent extremists more than any other community and Muslim countries have born the scars of terrorism more than any other countries. This calls for unity amongst Muslims.

Only unity and solidarity can defeat extremism and terrorism. Unity refers to agreement in beliefs; harmony in behaviour; unanimity in practice and union in manners. Allah says “Hold tightly to the rope of Allah and let nothing divide you.

Remember the favours he has bestowed upon you. How he united your hearts when you were enemies, so that you are now brothers by his grace.

And how he saved you from the brink of fire” [Qur'an 3: 102]. Unity will only be achieved if there is creative cooperation, diversity is embraced, and Muslims attest, confirm and ratify goodness whether seen amongst themselves or others.

Embracing Diversity
The practice of excommunication, one Muslim declaring another Muslim an unbeliever (takfir) must not be taken lightly.  The practice of takfir is a cancer that is breading hatred and alienation.

It is preventing peace and stability amongst the Muslims. Allah is a sufficient Judge and therefore the matters of the heart should be left to Him.

Faith leaders must work towards reconciling hearts and enhancing harmonious coexistence of humanity. Muslims must learn to manage differences and embrace diversity in religious and political ideology; co-existence between different communities and schools of thought is part of the Divine plan.

Learning to tolerate and accept 'the other' is the chosen path of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Lack of tolerance towards others, disregard for pluralism and cultural differences, are all breading hatred amongst young people. 

Eliminating Injustice  
The majority of time, violence is committed because an individual / a group of people feel aggrieved because of injustices that they see in their society or affecting their brothers and sisters around the world. Inept governments must take account of their actions.
 

Muslim governments must address economic, political and social injustices and inequities that exist in their countries.

This will also require re-thinking the extent of foreign influence in their internal policies.  

Poverty, lack of job opportunities, corruption, nepotism, loss of dignity and liberty, racism, discrimination, abuse and lack of justice and equality are all contributing to violence and revenge in the world. Every injustice in this world causes grief, it crosses the line between what is known as right and what is wrong.

Education 
Muslims need to have in-depth understanding of their religion in order regain the glory of their community.

This must be done through knowledge and wisdom.

If attention is not paid to the struggling education systems in Muslim countries, generations to come will be left with a mangled future. 

There are two aspects of education that require immediate attention of the Muslim leadership. 
i) Muslim leaders must re-affirm their community's belief in education and its sacredness. Every single male and female should be provided with the opportunity to acquire knowledge.     “Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim" says Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) [Sunan Ibn Mâjah (224)]. In Pakistan and parts of Africa schools have become     sites of horrific terror instead of temples of learning. 
ii) The religious narrative amongst certain groups must change. Hate filled clerics, funded by certain governments, are indoctrinating generations of young Muslims     with hatred. Their version of Islam is rejected by all well-informed Muslims because the Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him) has warned about their twisting of Islamic teaching.     "Verily, they take verses that were revealed about unbelievers and use them against the believers" [ Bukhari 6531].

There is a need for one religious education system, which is based on orthodox teachings as interpreted by traditional scholarship, and is equipped with the ability to deal with modern challenges.

Through regulation and reform, the Muslim leadership can enhance its oversight over the madrasa sector and what is taught in  schools.
A formal mechanism for inter-action and coordination between public or private madrasas and the government or among the various madrasas themselves, must also be developed.

Such a network would also create a positive image of madrasas and also remove the criticism that some madrasas are breeding grounds for religious hatred and recruitment bases for militants.  

A lack of the requisite resources, including teaching materials, school buildings and equipment, and teachers’ salaries are also issues that need to be dealt with in order to standardise religious education in madarasas.

Such reform requires a consultative and inclusive process conducted with sensitivity and respect for diverse interests.

However, respect for 'diverse interests' should not dilute the objective, which is to get rid of such interpretations of Islam which are not backed by the overwhelmingly majority traditional scholarship. 

The proposal for madrasa reform should not be seen as one of government interference and control over religious education or governments creating 'moderate' or 'tamed' Muslims.

This reform in religious education should be lead by Muslim scholars of the highest calibre. Such reform will only take place once Muslim scholars realise their responsibilities to build castles of peace in people's hearts and minds, and not caves of hate and detestation.

There will need to be continuous engagement between various stake-holders in a process of dialogue, consultation and collaboration. 
 
This proposed reform is not about creating 'moderate' Muslims, as opposed to fundamentalists or extremists; rather Islam is the moderate way and extremism, hatred and intolerance has no place in our faith. 

We must build institutions for youth and preachers which train them in different forms of dialogue and learning. Compassionate dialogue with youth and the application of proper legal reasoning in sharia will prevent hatred and extinguish the darkness of extremism. There needs to be consolidation of peaceful values, security and brotherhood through dialogue and educational programmes for the youth so peaceful practices become the natural choices in the daily lives of the new generations.

Re-thinking our strategy  
Injustice occurs in this world. However, those who tell themselves that war is all about standing up for what one believes in need to understand that taking up a gun for what is right, does not  right the wrongs committed. The call to warmongering by some Muslim leaders and activists is an invitation to the annihilation of humanity. Islam is a religion of co-existence and not destruction. Without a conciliatory mindset our world will forever remain full of pain and suffering, full of heartache and sorrow, because as one enemy is defeated another will sprout back in its place.
In order to achieve peace, the narrative of some Muslim leaders and activists seeking "full rights" by any means necessary will have to be put aside in favour of reconciliation. The Prophet's approach in Makkah highlights that when you are powerless, non-violence is the best way to approach your challenges and enemies.
We must bear in mind that change will need to come from within. The Qur'an asserts, 'Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is within themselves.' [Qur'an 13:11]. It is encouraging to note that initiatives are already underway to make peace happen in Muslim societies. Prominent spiritual leaders and religious thinkers such as Shaykh Abdullah bin Bayyah (head of the Global Centre for Renewal and Guidance), Professor Dr Mehmet Görmez  (President of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) Turkey), Shaykh Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb (Grand Imam of al-Azhar al-Sharif) and Shaykh Amin-ul-Hasnat Shah (State Minister for Religious Affairs, Pakistan),  are astute role models, and are leading the way in bringing peace and reconciliation to the hearts and minds of other scholars across the globe so that peace may prevail in the world. 
It is hoped that 2015 will be a year of peace, where every human beings' precious life is safe, every man's honour and dignity is preserved, everyone's freedom, so long as it is exercised with due responsibility, is respected.

Dr Qari Muhammad Asim is Senior Imam, Makkah Masjid (Leeds, UK)
@QariAsim