Shaykh Hamza Yusuf
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I went to see him once.
He is a brilliant and eloquent speaker.
However, he writes off any form of islamic reform and derides the very concept and those who are involved in it.
He is uncompromising in his sunni stance and I have listened to many of his talks about hadiths that are nonsensical.
I remember him quoting a hadith saying that the prophet's body sweat was like perfume and that once when he was asleep someone was wiping his brow of sweat because they wanted some of his body sweat as it smelt of sweet perfume.
He believes that traditional classical islam is the only way and quotes hadiths extensively and also believes that some Quranic verses abrograte others.
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true, what you say is valid.
my issue is when he clearly says reformers such as ourselves on this website are to be ignored and uses negative language about people like us.
He doesn't compromise on issues such as stoning people to death which is an anti Quranic belief.
He also claims the Quran has abrogration between several verses, this something that God refutes in the Quran.
I find he says some good and eloquent things, but he is so wedded to traditional sunni scholars thinking that he is willing to overlook a lot of the Quran.
That is something i find hard to overlook.
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peace bro haroon
yes that is true.... i suppose like any thing in this world we dont have to go all or nothing - if he has some valid points, then accept them and learn from them to benefit yourself in your own journey .... and as for his stance on other things - well each to their own - let him convince God of abrogation when the time comes!
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Peace Haroon,
I was given a Hamza Yusuf video back in the day and was instantly charmed by his passion and eloquence - to the point where I really thought about flying out to Cali to check out his Zaytuna institute. There were quite a few others from ISNA that I thoroughly enjoyed - one imam in particular who ran a mosque in Brooklyn, though the name escapes me, was quite enchanting as well.
But once I veered off of the sunni path, I could no longer overlook the inconsistencies in their perspectives. You summed it up perfectly by stating
he is so wedded to traditional sunni scholars thinking that he is willing to overlook a lot of the Quran
Peace,
Tay -
Just wondering what your thoughts are on Shaykh Hamza Yusuf?
Am interested to hear people's views.
He is very eloquent, but he is very dismissive of people endeavouring for reform in Islam.
Peace
He is a hippy who has the amazing ability to talk for hours, but say next to nothing. People confuse this ability with insight.
Roshan
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Peace haroon
Respect has to be mutal and not one sided .In Hamaza Yusuf's case he is prepared to respect you when you agree with his way of thinking, but if you diffe'r he says you have to be ignored and uses negative language against People like you. These seem to be prime Traits of an Oppressor.
Peace Salim
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peace salim,
yes respect should go both ways - but in this case we should be the better person and do the right thing - in time he may (or may not) come to also learn to show respect. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you - isnt that how it goes?
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peace salim,
yes diaglogue should be with mutual respect - however if you find yourself in a dialogue where the other person is not respecting you - i would personally make sure to show them respect - so that when they are done with disrespecting you/your opinion - it is that person who will walk away feeling deflated and small... and you will have made your point crystal clear.
have you ever been convinced of someones points when they are being rude? i certainly have not - but if you are in a dialogue and people see the way you react and behave in a respectful they will be more likely to listen to you rather than the other person who shows no respect right?if you just stay away from these people then they will never learn respect because they always get away with not having to show any because noone will challenge them - demand respect by being respectful not by staying away.
of course there are always some who are too stubborn to ever learn respect - and in that case yes maybe it is the right thing to do to give up and stay away! lol
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this verse should always be kept in mind!
"Invite to the path of your Lord with wisdom and kind enlightenment, and debate with them in the best possible manner. Your Lord knows best who has strayed from His path, and He knows best who are the guided ones." (16125)
Also
"Not equal is the good response and the bad response. You shall resort to the nicest possible response. Thus, the one who used to be your enemy, may become your best friend." (4134)
i never listen to peeps when they're rude to me, so sister ay, you're right.
occasionally i have been rude myself and it's gotten in the way of being listened to or taken seriously!
we all have a lot way to go in improving ourselves
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yes bro haroon - i also dont always practice what i preach! its much easier to talk about being polite and respectful when you are not face to face with someone who is not giving you your due respect!
its something i have to work on personally as i feel it really is the best way to get a point across!peace
