So the other day at one of our community classes, someone brought up the issue of us muslims not contributing to the society in ways to bring up the muslim community, such as helping at masjid fundraisers, volunteering there, organizing social programs, etc.
How do you think we as muslims living in a non muslim country can help in the development of our community?
Are we obligated to do that?
Re: Social obligations as a muslim
In our city there are lots of activities like that. Doing all kinds of good deeds is an obligation on every Muslim. As a Muslim our obligation is not limited to just those activities.
Re: Social obligations as a muslim
As muslims are people who believe in Islam and Islam is for all mankind, naturally we should realize that the benefits of us doing good has to extend beyond just our community or ummah of muslims. We are to be examples of honesty, justice and humility not only aomngst ourselves but to all humanity.
However reform starts with our self first and then extends to wherever possible. We should strive to be the benefactors instead of choosing to be the beneficiary all the time. Once you agree with this concept, the next step is to contribute in whatever capacity possible not only to your own community but wherever it propagates the cause of Islam.
While I wholeheartedly agree with the first part of your post, I would disagree with the second part of your post wherein you say that it is necessary to do whatever it takes to propagate the cause of Islam. This is the exact reason why the community is not progressing. Different people have different opinion about what is actually needed to propagate the casue of Islam.
Osama truly believes that he is propagating the true cause of Islam. It is essential that people reform themselves and keep the reform to themselves not instigate others to follow the path.
Re: Social obligations as a muslim
muslims living in muslim countries have much thicker skin than muslims in non muslim communities. may be it is being isolated that bring them together or the fact that they have escaped from country that is in tatters. Either way take pakistan for example, no such thing as civic sense let alone social obligations. Very few people in my experience are considerate without any ulterior motive being involved. Jis ki lathi uski bhains is the filosofy.
While I wholeheartedly agree with the first part of your post, I would disagree with the second part of your post wherein you say that it is necessary to do whatever it takes to propagate the cause of Islam. This is the exact reason why the community is not progressing. Different people have different opinion about what is actually needed to propagate the casue of Islam.
Osama truly believes that he is propagating the true cause of Islam. It is essential that people reform themselves and keep the reform to themselves not instigate others to follow the path.
That is because you believe Islam has elements not good for humanity (or teaches to control and suppress many bestial human desires by way of worship, perseverance and humility) whereas that is not the case. I do not believe I said that muslims should do whatever it takes to promote Islam, that in itself is a contradictory statement because Islam does not endorse any means necessary. When I say cause of Islam, it means causes initiated by non-muslims which are compliant and considered legitimate within the confines and laws of Islam. Muslims should not back away from supporting a cause sprearheaded by non-muslims as long as the objectives promote Islamic principles as well. What is your confusion with this statement of mine.
Re: Social obligations as a muslim
The clarification makes it more clearer. I personally feel that it is important to not give religious overtones to whatever is happening in society.
Take for e.g the town council agrees to screen historic movies on some event. Should the muslims support the decision. From a pure Islamic perspective the muslims should not support the decision since watching movies is bad. (Pictures of living beings are being used).
Hence I think it is important that to progress a holistic view of the situation is taken.
The clarification makes it more clearer. I personally feel that it is important to not give religious overtones to whatever is happening in society.
Take for e.g the town council agrees to screen historic movies on some event. Should the muslims support the decision. From a pure Islamic perspective the muslims should not support the decision since watching movies is bad. (Pictures of living beings are being used). Hence I think it is important that to progress a holistic view of the situation is taken.
This is a very bad example in my view. Maybe because I have different views on the imagery in Islam. However this reflects your narrow-minded view about Islam and your willingness to accept only that which can be used against muslims as part of Islam. IMHO imagery is haram for the purpose of religion and worship. Imagery is different today and has different aspects. Movies is not imagery everytime. Islam already encapsulates a holistic view provided you understand all the principles and also realize that their is flexibility and difference based on situations.
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How do you think we as muslims living in a non muslim country can help in the development of our community?
Are we obligated to do that?
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I think its curcial for Muslims to be contributing members of their society, both within their own local Muslim community and their larger community where they live. Yes things like volunteering at the masjid, participating in fundraising etc is important and will help our communities to develop and grow, but other things are also very important like volunteering at the hospitals, soup kitchens, being involved with our children's schools (like PTAs), cancer research and whatnot. Islam teaches all these beautiful values, like kindness, compassion, caring for others, helping the needy etc, so we should live these values in our everyday life. Through our actions, those around us should see what a beautiful religion Islam is. In the end, with the right intention, serving the creation can be a means for us to serve our Creator
This is a very bad example in my view. Maybe because I have different views on the imagery in Islam. However this reflects your narrow-minded view about Islam and your willingness to accept only that which can be used against muslims as part of Islam. IMHO imagery is haram for the purpose of religion and worship. Imagery is different today and has different aspects. Movies is not imagery everytime. Islam already encapsulates a holistic view provided you understand all the principles and also realize that their is flexibility and difference based on situations.
It was just an example. I think you have missed the wood for the trees. My point was that if you give Islamic perspective for every thing you do, there is a chance that your actions might be misinterpreted.
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How do you think we as muslims living in a non muslim country can help in the development of our community?
Are we obligated to do that?
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As far as obligations go... no.. we are obliged to visit the sick, take care of our neighbours... Most people do not do this and emphasise dawah.
Hijrah in some cases is more worthy to be called an obligation. but this would be different issue. getting back to social aspects of islam
There are two types of dawah.. One is by example and one is word of mouth. The first part should be completed without any need for say so.. (by completing our obligations to our neighbours and to the sick and keeping our tongues in check)
The second issue of dawah is compulsory also but jihad is part of dawah (Dawah is a sub section of jihad)
I do not like people who emphasise fundraising etc as being dawah as it is not a substitute for the above two types of dawah.
It was just an example. I think you have missed the wood for the trees. My point was that if you give Islamic perspective for every thing you do, there is a chance that your actions might be misinterpreted.
And it is our job to explain it so it is not misinterpreted. We have nothing to hide. A muslim strives to be the beacon of good. Assault on our beliefs is not new and neither should we be afraid of it. As a muslim I believe everything God has prescribed for us is good and it is our job to endeavor to spread it peacefully and repel attacks on us intelligently, tactfully and logically.