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Let them meet us on our terms
By Hadhrat Moulana Abdul Hamid Is’haq Saheb (Daamat Barakaatuhum)
Bi Ismihi Ta'ala
In recent times, we find the development of utilizing the television and other video channels, as a medium to spread the message of Islam. Unfortunately and sadly, we even find some Scholars of Islam choosing to spread the teachings of Dien in this way. They host various programmes on television, or are interviewed on television, or they have their talks and lessons videoed and circulated via the Internet.
Despite the substantiation given, that this is required for the propagation of Islam and for the defence of Islam, not only is this a great compromise on Dien, it opens the doors to fitnah[1] and sin, and has us unwittingly playing right into the hands of the enemies of Islam. We now even have our women choosing the same methods of propagation, via television, YouTube, etc.
Despite the fact that the Ulama are a fortification for the Dien of Islam, the measures of protection and security they employ for Islam will have to be in conformity with the requisites of Islam. This is a must.
Whilst it is plainly evident that the disbelievers are utilizing television and films in their attack against Islam, and even use their women in their war against Islam, this does not justify following suit in repelling their attacks. They even sketch filthy cartoons in their hatred and attack against our Beloved Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), but it is understood that we cannot and will not counter and respond in the same way.
… Whereas their assaults and condemnation are via immoral and corrupt ways, we cannot adopt the same course of action, in defence. As Muslims, and as Ulama, there is a demand to maintain the dignity of Islam, and not debase ourselves by taking on the same line of attack - that is, of immorality and vice.
Let them meet us on our terms, instead of us meeting them on their terms. Why should we compromise?
During the era of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) and the Khulafa-e-Raashideen (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum), in Makkah Mukarramah and thereafter in Madina Munawwarah, Islam witnessed the greatest of threats and attacks that shall probably ever be made against it.
However, the answer to these attacks was always given on our (Islam’s) platform and not on the platform of the Kuffaar – that is, Islam counter-attacked all those assaults and objections solely on the basis, and with the aid of the Qur’aan Sharief.
The work of the Kuffaar and hypocrites was to object – and even today, many object just for the sake of objecting and creating doubts; not to understand or wanting to understand. …The Qur’aan Sharief presented and presents answers to all the objections levelled against it. At the same time, Allah Ta’ala explains that these answers will only satisfy those who believe and those who are truly searching for the truth.
From the fact that Ayaat (verses) were revealed in answer to the objections of the disbelievers, we learn that it is our prime duty to provide answers to the doubts that the enemies of Islam attempt to create within the minds of Muslims. Thus, we should be more concerned about removing doubts from the Muslims and making them strong.
To do this however, there are more than enough permissible avenues that could be utilized; viz. the Masjid Mimbar - especially on the Day of Jumu’ah, pamphlets and literature, the talks of the Ulama-e-Kiraam, etc. The Internet is now being used by thousands of Ulama and other Muslims, to spread the message and teachings of Islam, within the parameters of Islam.
When we have sufficient means available, we just cannot allow ourselves to become followers of the enemies of Islam in choosing those methods of propagation which go against the grain of Islamic principles, and which open doors of fitnah.
Those who are interested in Islam will always be able to find their road to Islam, without us adopting impermissible means and methods of Da`wah (Inviting to Islam). Over the centuries, millions have entered the fold of Islam without the means which are available today.
Allah Ta’ala is Al-Haadi (The Guide). And Allah Ta’ala uses some of His servants as mediums for the guidance of others. However, in the efforts made to guide or invite others, the means to the end have to be legitimate and acceptable to Allah Ta’ala. We cannot go the route of sin to win people over to Islam.
Today, to a great extent, the enemies of Islam are giving more and more publicity to Islam, which becomes the means of more and more people enquiring about Islam, learning about Islam and accepting Islam. Inadvertently, they are doing a service to Islam, with their own resources.
May Allah Ta’ala grant us sound understanding and the ability to do the work of inviting others, on Allah Ta’ala’s terms, without any compromise and without conceding to the terms of the disbelievers.
