Where is the brotherhood?
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God through the Qur'an taught us patience, especially toward our fellow believers.
I've been reading this forum for a while, but only very recently have started posting. And I have to be honest, some of the things I read here depress me just as much as what I read on the Sunni/Shia forums.
If we claim to be bearers of the truth, the absolute truth that is God alone, then why do I see people saying things such as they don't want to be called Muslims, or they don't want to call their religion/belief system/deen/way of life Islam? Have we not read the Qur'an? Has God not defined such things for us already?
And that's not even my biggest complaint. My biggest complaint is this seeming sense of elitism that some -- not all, but some, seem to have about following God alone through the Qur'an, and the Qur'an only. Yes, it is a great shame that our brothers who label themselves sunni and shia and sufi and so on seem to believe that without hadith you cannot have Islam, but does that not mean it falls to us to try and show them the light?
And when I say show them the light, I don't mean just throw a bunch of illogical hadith in their faces and tell them it doesn't make sense. Ask them questions, 'Why do you need more than the Qur'an?' 'How can a hadith abrogate the Qur'an?'. If we do not know the answers to these questions already, and are incapable of proving the answers through Qur'an then we must go back to the drawing board and educate ourselves.
When I hear about these two things, it makes me think that a large amount of Qur'an alone Muslims don't care about their brothers. We'd rather just sit around on our high horses and poke them from afar, rather than walk up to them and help them remove the blindfolds from their eyes.
And yes, it is immensely painful when you have this discussion with someone and they say you have fallen into kufr. If it doesn't hurt you emotionally when your brother truly believes that about you then we are losing part of our imaan. Why? Because at the end of the day, you may have disagreements about some things, but you're still both Muslims. And when your Muslim brother or sister thinks that you are no longer worthy of that title it should hurt you because this isn't just that brother/sister's opinion, you know inside of yourself that others will hold that same opinion.
To come back to my first point, and to finish, we need to have patience. Patience is one of the most beautiful attributes of God, and although we can never be 'like' God, we can share in his attributes as he has blessed us the ability to exhibit them, if we let them, that is.
Please don't give up on the Ummah. Please. If we all just seclude/separate ourselves then nothing will change, and the Ummah will only become more and more blinded.
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The main point being discussed was about 'sectarianism'.. it doesn't matter what name one call themselves, it's their deeds and attitude that count. I consider those with 'good heart and soul' as my brothers and sisters.. regardless of what name they call themselves or which sect or religion they belong to. Again "Islam and Muslim" in it's truest sense is not a sect or religion...
There are stories in the Quran on how Moses 'defend his own people / those who share the same social identity as him' by killing an egyptian, apparently 'his own people' is the trouble maker.. as thus he made a mistake.. (Quran 2815-22)
Just because somebody shared the same 'label name' / 'social identity' doesn't really mean you need to be 'bonded with him/her' let alone defend him/her at all cost..
Salam / Peace
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Salaam,
Where is the brotherhood?
No mention of sisterhood (?
If we claim to be bearers of the truth, the absolute truth that is God alone, then why do I see people saying things such as they don't want to be called Muslims, or they don't want to call their religion/belief system/deen/way of life Islam? Have we not read the Qur'an? Has God not defined such things for us already?
Well, some people don't want to be "labelled", and some don't want to be associated with the traditional Muslims. It's their choice really. As long as they strive to do righteous deeds for the betterment of humanity. I personally take pride in calling myself a Muslims because I will get the opportunity to shed light on (my interpretation of) Islam if others happen to ask about my belief system. It may be a "label" or "religious" title, but the term "muslim" itself means someone who surrenders, so what can be more beautiful than being able to be (or at least, strive to be) someone who surrenders to God, and be at Peace?
Don't fret about it. At the end of the day, you will be testifying for what you personally have done ).
And that's not even my biggest complaint. My biggest complaint is this seeming sense of elitism that some -- not all, but some, seem to have about following God alone through the Qur'an, and the Qur'an only. Yes, it is a great shame that our brothers who label themselves sunni and shia and sufi and so on seem to believe that without hadith you cannot have Islam, but does that not mean it falls to us to try and show them the light?
And when I say show them the light, I don't mean just throw a bunch of illogical hadith in their faces and tell them it doesn't make sense.
Trust me, not all are like that. The good ones, who exercise modest speech and not ridicule others, are often the quiet ones. Most of them prefer not to argue, and just walk their talk. So they are being overshadowed by the loud ones, but believe me, a good number of people here don't have the sense of elitism =).
It is in human nature to want to feel reassured that they are the right ones, the superior ones. I suppose why ridiculing a bunch of silly hadiths satisfies and makes them feel good. I agree with you, that's not the right approach as the ones being criticised will be defensive and will be unlikely to listen. Spread wisdom through good words.
Ask them questions, 'Why do you need more than the Qur'an?' 'How can a hadith abrogate the Qur'an?'. If we do not know the answers to these questions already, and are incapable of proving the answers through Qur'an then we must go back to the drawing board and educate ourselves.
I believe the best approach is leading others by example. Why do we need to "educate" them about the Qur'an? So that they believe the same way as we do? I mean, it will be much better if we can be good muslims ourselves. That way we will be able to educate them of Qur'aanic way of living (Insha Allah) through our actions, and inspire them.
When I hear about these two things, it makes me think that a large amount of Qur'an alone Muslims don't care about their brothers. We'd rather just sit around on our high horses and poke them from afar, rather than walk up to them and help them remove the blindfolds from their eyes.
Through my experience though, talking directly to traditional muslims won't work much. That is because once people are questioned about their belief systems, they get defensive. Most of them do, even if they are not even religious. People don't like being told that they are wrong. "Removing the blindfold" can be done through your own actions.
I personally don't fancy walking up to the traditional muslims and opening conversation about Qur'aan only Islaam, unless I am asked first. I have done it so many times in the past, and to no avail. It will be much more productive to walk the talkm, because "arguing" or "showing them the Truth" may only be glorified way of saying "satisfying my insecurity".
Some may be mocking, some do not. As I said previously, there are others who are humble and modest whom you can't hear. Ignore the loud ones.
And yes, it is immensely painful when you have this discussion with someone and they say you have fallen into kufr. If it doesn't hurt you emotionally when your brother truly believes that about you then we are losing part of our imaan. Why? Because at the end of the day, you may have disagreements about some things, but you're still both Muslims. And when your Muslim brother or sister thinks that you are no longer worthy of that title it should hurt you because this isn't just that brother/sister's opinion, you know inside of yourself that others will hold that same opinion.
In the end, let God be the judge. Ideally, what others say about you should not matter to your spiritual progression. It's part of the test. Even the messengers in the past have endured harsh words from their community, and even from their loved ones. The thing is, you cannot please everyone. There will always be people who think that you are astray. I can be seen as the perfect Muslim by every muslim individuals, and I betcha there will be Christians/Jews/etc etc who said that I am bound to hell because I don't practice the way you do. Human's words can only hurt you in this world, but when we depart, ultimately it is up to God. Don't think too much about it.
So who henceforth will give the lie to thee about the judgment? Is not Allah the most conclusive of all judges? (957-
Please don't give up on the Ummah. Please. If we all just seclude/separate ourselves then nothing will change, and the Ummah will only become more and more blinded.
Agreed. Unfortunately some will feel that they are more superior, and I guess there is not much you can do. Even within the so-called "Qur'aan-only muslim" community, people will always find a way not to be united. But do note that unity is not about agreement on every single thing, and not having any disagreements. It is more about striving for things that we all share in common.
I should stop rambling now. May Peace be with you.
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We have tried to explain Sunnis but they keep insulting us instead, and let's just be realistic here ok, most of them are simply stupid. Calling Sunnis muslims is going against every single bit of reasoning I have, so there's no way I can believe something like that to be true.
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i don't know how can muslim brotherhood be achieved when all the traditional sects believe that their sect is going to heaven and rest are to hell brickwall
Brotherhood/sisterhood can be acheived when people learn to first evaluate themselves and then apply same rules to other in other words do not wish for others what you would not like for yourself
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i don't know how can muslim brotherhood be achieved when all the traditional sects believe that their sect is going to heaven and rest are to hell brickwall
The basic nature of sectarianism, they think heaven is monopolized by the member of certain religion or sect..
Thus the joke
A Protestant who dies and is met by an angel at the pearly gates for a tour of heaven.
As the tour goes on the angel points out all the different religions and sects, Zoroastrians, Shintoist, Orthodox, Judaists, Taoists, Buddhists and so forth. As they come to a certain group way off to themselves, the angel draws the man closer and whispers, "Now, for this next group, we need to be really quiet. They are the Catholics and they think they're the only ones here.? -
Thanks for your reminder.
I have tried to discuss with Sunni Muslims about following the quran alone and I got pretty much negative reactions also. brickwall One was that I didn't "respect the prophet enough" and others treated me like a lost little child who will find the correct path soon.
I try to respect the beliefs of others even if I don't agree with them and I hope others will treat me the same.
Again Ruuube thanks for the reminder.