Don't talk to me about Muhammad...

It would be such a pleasure to have you come along with me
I accept your gracious offer
Kindness and company
But as we walk along young man
And as you help me with my load
I've only one request as we travel down this road

Don't talk to me about Muhammad
Because of him there is no peace
And I have trouble in my mind
So don't talk to me about Muhammad
And as we walk along together
We will get along just fine
As we walk along together
We will get along

That man upsets me so
So much more than you could know
I hear of his name and reputation everywhere I go
Though his family and his clan once knew him as an honest man
He's dividing everyone
With his claim that God is One

So don't talk to me about Muhammad
Because of him there is no peace
And I have trouble in my mind
So don't talk to me about Muhammad
And as we walk along together
We will get along just fine
As we walk along together
We will get along

He's misled all the weak ones
And the poor ones and the slaves
They think they've all found wealth and freedom
Following his ways
He's corrupted all the youth
With his twisted brand of truth
Convinced them that they all are strong
Giving them somewhere to belong

So don't talk to me about Muhammad
Because of him there is no peace
And I have trouble in my mind
So don't talk to me about Muhammad
And as we walk along together
We will get along just fine
As we walk along together
We will get along

Thank you now young man
You've really have been so kind
Your generosity and smile are very rare to find
Let me give you some advice
Since you've been so very nice
From Muhammad stay away
Don't heed his words or emulate his way

And don't talk about Muhammad
You will never have true peace
And trouble is all you will find
So don't talk about Muhammad
And as you travel down life's road
You will get along just fine

Now before we part and go
If its alright just the same
May I ask my dear young man
Who are you, what's your name
Forgive me what was that?
Your words weren't very clear
My ears are getting old
Sometimes its difficult to hear
It's truly rather funny though I'm sure I must be wrong
But I thought I heard you say
Your name is Muhammad
Muhammad

Ashaadu allah ilaha illalla
Wa ashadu ana muhammadur rasululla

O talk to me, Muhammad
Upon you I pray for peace
For you have eased my troubled mind
O talk to me, Muhammad
And as we walk along together
We will get along just fine
As I travel down life's road
I will get along
Just fine

Dawud Wharnsby Ali

This song has been written based on hadith (stories or saying of the prophet). It is one of the nicest examples I have come across of kindness, compassion and humility in the face to abject criticism and hostility.

Initially I was completely unaware of the story behind this song. Still the message of the song captivated me. The song even without the hadith, shows how our actions are the greatest form of da'wa to Islam. Instead of preaching about the goodness of Islam or Muhammad our best form of da'wa would be to be good and worthy human beings. To act in a compassionate and kind manner no matter what the circumstances. I know, it is easier said than done. Even as I write this right now, I remember earlier this morning, I had a fervent argument with a close friend over the impact of the hijab, leading to an unpleasant amount of animosity. Ultimately, it was futile, because really both of us. If I had behaved with humility and kindness there would not have been a fowl after taste from the interaction. Over the next couple of weeks I am determined to deal with everyone with kindness, compassion and humility even in the face of criticism and hostility. That is the example of Muhammad (pbuh). Of course I shall update on how that goes.

Lastly, enjoy the song....

Is Muhammad the most important Messenger in Islam?

Muhammad (pbuh) is important, not superior or inferior to the other messenger but an equal. He is particularly important in today's world since much is documented and known about his life and his sayings. There is a strong collection of Hadith available that deals with everything from how to brush one's teeth, eat, pray, give, resolved disputes etc. Unlike many messengers before him, his life in a large part an open book. Thus in a practical manner, the example of Muhammad (pbuh) would be far easier to follow than that of Jesus or Noah or any of the other messengers, simply on the basis that much more of his life is known and his actions documented.

However, Muhammad (pbuh) is one of the messengers of God. He is an example and  much is known about his life and actions. Due to the oral and written tradition during his life, we have tremendous knowledge of his day to day existence and his practice of faith, unlike the many of the previous messengers.The Quran mentions several messengers of God. These include, Moses, Noah, Jacob, Abraham, Joseph amongst others. In addition it mentions that there are many more messengers who have brought the same message but have not been mentioned in the Quran. 

"So (you believers) say, ' We believe in God and what was sent down to us and what was sent down to Abraham, Ishmael, Issac, Jacob and the Tribes, and what was given to Moses, Jesus and all the prophets by their Lord. We make no any distinction between any of them and we devote ourselves to Him.' " 2:136

Thus the Quran makes it crystal clear that there have been numerous messengers of God that have come to humanity and there is no hierarchy amongst them. Each of the messengers are equally important. Each of them have come here to spread the same message. Each of them are part of the tradition of Islam. Thus when Muslims in conversations Christians or Jews or any people of faith should have high regard for the teachings therein, for all the messengers that have come before have brought the same message that is in the Quran. Since only some of the messengers are mentioned in the Quran and others are not, we must assume that there are many who are rightly guided by the messengers that have come to their community. This is further substantiated by the Quran. " The Muslim believers, the Jews, the Christians and the Sabians- all those who believe in God and the Last Day and do good- will have their rewards with their Lord. No fear for them, nor will they grieve." 2:62


Thus we can further infer that not only is there no hierarchy between the prophets or messengers of God, but furthermore God is not brand conscious. He is not concerned with the worldly labels we hold, whether we are Christians, Jews or of another label, the key point is that we do good, not for the sake of worldly gains, but for the sake of God alone and remember that we will be held accountable on the Last Day. The Quran brings a unifying message without labels, focused on good deeds alone.

How to be good

The Quran and other scriptures across different religions repeatedly ask us to do good deeds. We all have our general notions of what is it is to be or do good. In many ways, we know good deeds because we know good intentions. Each of us have a radar, a conscience, a feeling in our gut that tells us when we behave in a good manner and when we do not. Haven't you had a slight pang in your gut when you walked past the person trying to carry the large suitcase up the stairs? Or not given up your seat to someone needed it more? Or walked past without even acknowledging a homeless person? We may ignore it but it is there, silently trying to guide us in the right direction.

If you read the Quran, it repeatedly urges people to do good deeds and for a while I have asked, what are these good deeds? I kept thinking, why does the Quran not spell out what it means? As it turns out, of course it does! " Goodness does not consist in turning your face towards East or West. The truly good are those who believe in God and the Last Day, in the angels, the Scripture, and the prophets; who give away some of their wealth, however much they cherish it, to their relatives, to orphans, the needy, travellers and beggars, and to liberate those in bondage; those who keep up the prayers and pay the prescribed alms; who keep pledges whenever they make them; who are steadfast in misfortune, adversity, and times of danger." 2:177

First and foremost, I think it is important that the Quran mentions that it does not matter which direction you pray. That is to say that it doesn't matter what religion you belong to. Bearing in mind that at this point the Jews and Christians were praying towards Jerusalem and the Muslims were too until they were instructed to change and pray towards Mecca. Thus, the first line makes it clear, that goodness does not automatically result from what religion you belong to. Now if that is not the case, what is goodness?

It is those who believe in God and the last day. This is important because it means that those who do good deeds, have good intentions and realize that they are accountable for all their actions. The part with regards to believing in God points out the good actions that are for the sake of worldly gain, or the sake of recognition, status or for praises of others does not a good deed make. Good actions are for their own sake and for the sake of God alone, not for material gain in this world. The last day is about accountability for all action.  So goodness is in doing good only for God's sake and not for worldly gain and remaining accountable for one's actions.

Belief in the angels, the Scripture and prophets draws our attention to the realm outside of the seen worldly realm. It also makes a point of unifying all the scriptures and prophets. Not only are we supposed to believe in the Quran but also other Scriptures that have come before it. Not only are we to believe in Muhammad (pbuh) but all prophets who have come throughout history. The aim here is to unify, to see the connections throughout time accept and all the knowledge we have received from God. To accept all of it wholeheartedly and not create a hierarchy.

The ayah, then goes into specific action with regards to goodness. In this, the first of all good action is giving. Giving of one's wealth to relatives, orphans, the needy, travellers, beggars and those in bondage (ie. slaves). Make note, there is no mention of giving only to other Muslims. Even though it starts off with those closest to you (ie. relatives), the instruction to give, is to give, it does not state any affiliation to a nation, religion or location. The final part in giving to liberate those from bondage, which is an important and over looked aspect of giving. During the revelation of the Quran there may have been bonded slaves as a part of the slave trade which this may be referring to. However, in today's day and age there is the bondage by credit card debt and sadly, not much in done to help those who are bonded by it.This overlooked part of giving needs a revival.

The second set of actions are keeping up prayers and paying the prescribed alms. Keeping up prayer is an aid to humility and in keeping mindful of God and our actions. Paying the prescribed alms goes back to giving, however, this is more compulsory and tax like in nature. There is also no specific recommendation in terms of who to give alms to unlike the last part specifying relative, orphans etc.

Next, the Quran identifies goodness with keeping pledges. To keep one's promises. It does not specify what promises, thus essentially it means any promises made. It is to make sure that our mouth and deeds are in synch. Keeping our pledges, make us accountable not only for our actions but our words. It also means that we are less likely to say things we do not mean out of spite or anger. Or make empty promises for worldly gains.

Finally, it states goodness as being steadfast in misfortune, adversity and times of danger. This is the anti-dote to the scaremongering attitude we see in the world often. Keeping calm and steady in the face of difficult situation is an act of goodness. It is also a test of faith. If we have faith in God, then what is there to fear or worry about. Misfortune or adversity should not therefore be not be a point of worry but a aid to strengthen our faith in the Almighty.

Thus, goodness does not come from simply being a part of a particular religious group or saying prayers in  particular directions, it comes from our beliefs, motivations and actions. Our beliefs and motivations in the unifying and all encompassing nature of the world. Our actions in giving, praying and remaining true.  

 

Minimalism in Islam

Today I want to discuss Islam and a minimalist approach to life. In this day and age I find that the practice of Islam (surrender to God) has taken many convoluted turns and in fact is a far cry from the simple, minimal approach to life. We, the Muslims of today have not taken on the simple approach that Muhammad (pbuh) had. We also seem to ignore the parts of the Quran that specifically address this.

One of my favourite suras (section of the Quran) is called Sura Al-Takatur, Striving for more. This sura spells out the mistake we make as humans in striving for more in the world. This means striving for more wealth, more status, more things. The Quran goes straight to the point, " Striving for more distracts you, until you go into your graves"(102:1,2).  It distracts us from what is the real value of the life that we have been blessed with. Distracts us not only from perceiving the presence of God in everyday life, but from each other. If we are constantly striving for me we are so focused on getting more that we cannot perceive the enjoyment of what is around us right now. We get so distracted with competing with each other, keeping up to date with the news, looking for the best and latest gadgets that we miss out on the beautiful sky or the neighbour who needs a hand or friends who needs kind words. We miss the sunrises and sunsets. We work longer hours to get less done. We are meet up with friends and are checking our blackberries every few minutes. What is all this for?

For contentment? For peace? Happiness? Have we ever found any of those in striving for more? Peace and contentment come from within us. The other world cannot provide it to us. The new ipad will not make you happy. The next promotion and pay rise will not make you happy. A bigger house, car will not make you happy. The thing is, with such things there is always the next new gadget, the next promotion, the even bigger car. Where does it end? How many bedroom does a house require to end in happiness? If it doesn't matter then you may as well be happy with your one room. If it doesn't matter then you can enjoy what you already have to a fuller extent. You can enjoy those around you. The love and affection that surrounds you. Since it doesn't matter, you are no different from the King. Since it doesn't matter, you are no different from the slave. All that matters is good action and intention during the days of your life. At any rate, that is what you will be left with in the end. The empires built, the mansions, the jewels, the riches, all will be left behind on the day that you meet your end in this world. You can't take it with you when you go. Unless you plan to be buried like the Pharaohs of Egypt. Even then your things will only be in your grave while your soul will fly away.

I shall leave you with a song that inspires me and keeps the minimalist Muslim in me alive and well.