Islamdale
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In a previous issue (Islamdale vol3, Jan 2001), we explained why we are not legally respon- sible for the governmental aspects because of our condition here. Given that, what becomes our responsibility? Two aspects have to be considered. The first aspect concerns the relation- ships that we have with one another. These relationships have to be based on brotherhood and love. Since we are minorities we need to have solidarity. To achieve this solidarity, we must understand about our legal structure, which is the jurisprudence of difference of opinion: fiqh al-khilaaf. We have to look deeply into this because if we understand it, it will be a way in which we can be united and have good feelings towards each other and not negative feelings based on our understandings of valid differences of opinion amongst us. (page 2)
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Part. 2: Relationships of Muslims with Other Muslims
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Now more than ever we need to gain clear understanding of our faith, consistent belief in Allah and strong conviction to our goals.
Many of us lead their life by waiting for something to happen or someone to take care of them. Muslims can not afford to do that especially in the light of their current conditions. Muslims possess the inner drives that compel their behav- iors. Without these drives, we would miss the honor of being a servant of Allah the Almighty. What a dreadful loss! My dear brothers and sisters let's be one body and never leave any chance to the evil to make his path within us. Because if we do, the opportunities to give up will look too tempting and we could easily take the path of least resistance and quit. How can we strengthen our faith in Allah? And how can we maintain fervor in pursuing our goals? Opportunities prevail. I say this because if we carefully look to Allah's laws governing this universe, we will find them more in hardship and tough incidents than in normal situations because struggle builds stronger faith. Allah says " And we will surely test you with something of fear, hunger and loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tiding to the patient people who, when disaster strikes them, say, 'Indeed we belong to Allah and indeed to Him we will return.' Those are the ones upon whom are blessings from their Lord and mercy. And it is those who are the guided." [2:155-157]. What a striking clarity! Those who persevere in difficult situations have a better chance in emerging stron- ger in faith and peace of mind. The gates of repentance and hope are wide open and I am always amazed to see new brothers and sisters coming to Islam bringing their passion to seek the truth and to spread the word of Allah.
Dawah is a crucial project that every Muslim should look at seriously. Indeed, Islam is the most rapidly expanding religion in America. In the state of Illinois, a growth of about 25% in the Muslim population is due to conversion. How- ever, about 41% of these new Muslims in Illinois and 61% in the State of New York leave Islam within a few years. So, where are we ? How can we face Allah the Almighty?
We allow our ignorance to prevail upon ourselves and make us think we can survive alone, alone in patches, alone in groups, alone in races, even alone in genders.
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Volume 4, March 2001
Freelanz Waiter
Youz Corner (page 4)
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