Know Your Deen

Q: Can you comment on the following and how it is impacting muslims: A Chicago-area landlord was arrested and charged with murder and hate crimes after authorities said he stabbed and killed a 6-year-old boy and seriously wounded his mother, allegedly because the tenants are Muslim. Ogden. JAK

Answer: This unprovoked attack is a clear and tragic outcome of unfair reporting surrounding this conflict, which has undeniably played a role in motivating this heinous act of hate and violence. It’s deeply distressing to witness how biased reporting can significantly impact individuals, families and entire communities.

I am grateful that the legal authorities are rightfully categorizing this incident as a hate crime, in line with its true nature. The perpetrator must be held accountable and face the full consequences of the law for this grievous offense.

This incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of accurate and unbiased reporting and its impact upon society. It highlights the urgent need to address and combat hate crimes at every level. It underscores that the media’s responsibility is not merely to placate or sensationalize but to report with a clear conscience, fostering understanding and unity rather than division and animosity.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

Q: You are a human living indispicale disgrace to every living human. Why did you not cover in ur khutba on Palestine? Are your bosses muslims or jewish? Please answer yes or no. May Allah humiliate you. You may be an imaam but not my imam. All for a paycheck! Thank you for not standing for the umaah. Thank you salary man!

A: Asalamualikum,

Thank you for your inquiry, it appears that you are talking from an emotional point of view, you are setting aside your understanding or what you really heard. If you were not present, your friends LIED to you. Here is portion of what was written for my Friday English talk that pertains to what you are seeking:

Part 1) Completed my talk on Yunus (AS) as promised in my previous week.

Part2) (The following is from the speech I wrote and covered in an extemporaneous manner:)

Before delving into the tragic and heart-wrenching events in Palestine, including the recent mass massacre and genocide attempt, as distressingly articulated even by the Harvard student letter, which has sent shockwaves through academic circles with repercussions such as Bill Ackerman calling for the dismissal of Harvard employees involved and the sanctioning of those who signed the document, seemingly in opposition to Israel, let me provide some context. It’s essential to understand that while the current situation is indeed grave, it’s not an isolated incident; the roots of this conflict run deep into history.

Throughout history, our Ummah has confronted numerous trials and tribulations across the globe. We have borne witness to struggles and egregious human rights violations in various corners of the world. In China, our Muslim brothers and sisters have faced persecution and discrimination. India, too, has witnessed riots and the demolition of homes belonging to Muslims. Pakistan grapples with financial constraints, while its neighbor, Afghanistan, has endured a tumultuous past, from dealing with European colonialism to the Russian invasion and, more recently, the challenges posed by allied forces. Bangladesh, despite its Muslim-majority status, continues to face numerous trials, and Kashmir remains embroiled in conflict, with territorial disputes and severe mistreatment of its citizens. Egypt, under its leadership, wrestles with issues of abuse and control over its population. Throughout Somalia and various African regions, we’ve witnessed humanitarian crises and indescribable atrocities. Even in Bosnia, there were instances where UN officials were embroiled in heinous acts. The loss of life resulting from these issues surpasses the numbers of some well-known historical tragedies. So, when we encounter the question, “Why should we prioritize Palestine?” – it’s essential to acknowledge that this matter is profoundly intertwined with our history, faith, and our shared human conscience.

First and foremost, among the myriad challenges faced by our Ummah, one place shines as an unparalleled symbol of our faith and history—Masjid al-Aqsa in Palestine, and indeed, the land of Palestine itself. This sacred land holds a profound significance highlighted in Hadith and underscored by a specific Quranic ayah. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) embarked on a remarkable journey during the Isra and Mi’raj, a miraculous night voyage and ascension to the heavens, which encapsulates the Prophet’s spiritual odyssey. This journey bestowed upon us the divine gift of Salah and provided a glimpse into the realms of heaven and hell. In Surah Al-Isra (Chapter 17), Allah proclaims, “Exalted is He who took His Servant by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to al-Masjid al-Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Seeing.”

This verse underlines the significance of Masjid al-Aqsa and the miraculous journey that connected it to the Haram in Mecca. It is a land where many prophets have walked and prayed, including Prophet Ibrahim (AS)(Abraham) and his blessed family, Prophet Isa (AS) (Jesus), the likes of Musa (AS) among others. This alone should sensitize us to be kinder and more compassionate as humans. If compassion is what we should practice, how can one even think about embargoes, starving Palestinians, bombing and machine-gunning elderly men, women, children, and non-military civilians indiscriminately? Let us not go into how each citizen in Gaza has to abide by a calorie count, not to forget the ban on coffee and spices like cumin. As humans, not just as Muslims or non-Muslims, but simply as humans, we should support anyone undergoing such oppression, and without a doubt, anyone who is part of the Holy Lands. Such is the sentiment not just of Muslims but of non-Zionist Jews as well.

In addition to its religious and historical significance, this sacred land also carries political weight, given the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This issue draws the attention of the international community and serves as a constant reminder of the challenges faced by the Palestinian people. It serves as a reminder of the unity among the Muslim Ummah, transcending geographic borders and cultural differences. Muslims from all corners of the world direct their prayers, hopes, and dreams toward Masjid al-Aqsa. Afterall, it was also our first Qibla, thus all these actions rightfully done.

As humans, regardless of our religious beliefs, we cannot condone, support, or endorse cruelty to animals or the burning of vegetation. How, then, can any person, driven by compassion and empathy, turn a blind eye to fellow human beings who are not only enduring immense suffering but are also the subjects of United Nations violation reports against the military regime oppressing them? The term “oppression” scarcely conveys the magnitude of their suffering. We are confronting a reality where individuals are used as perpetual targets, subjected to bombings, enduring relentless displacement, kidnappings, imprisonments, and witnessing unimaginable horrors.

In these challenging times, it is essential that we stand in solidarity with our Palestinian brothers and sisters. The least we can do is pray for peace, justice and the well-being of all those affected by the ongoing conflict. May we strive to uphold the values of empathy, compassion, and justice that our faith teaches us.

Part 3) South African black suffering should make us realize that oppressors have the power of turning victims into villans.

The above is an exert from of my written speech on Friday 10/13/2023.

The two-state solution faces significant challenges, with one key aspect being the perception of historical injustice. It’s like a situation where someone has been present in a particular space for an extended period, and this presence has led to a sense of entitlement or ownership. In the Israeli-Palestinian context, this perspective reflects the sentiment among Palestinians and their supporters that the prolonged Israeli presence in the West Bank and other occupied territories has created a belief that they have legitimate rights and claims to the land.

From this viewpoint, the argument goes that Israel cannot simply maintain its occupation, establish settlements, and then dictate the terms of a solution without addressing the historical and ongoing grievances of the Palestinian people. This includes negotiations on territorial boundaries, refugee rights, and shared access to Jerusalem, among other complex issues.

It’s important to note that while this perspective emphasizes the challenge of historical injustice, there are various narratives and viewpoints on the conflict. Achieving a resolution will require acknowledging these complexities and engaging in constructive dialogue to find a path forward that addresses the legitimate concerns and aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians.

Allah Certainly Knows.