what the Islamic Imam had to say

Question

I received the e-mail below from a non-muslim person and would please like your response to the question posed to the Imam.

I am a fellow Muslim, and as far as I know and what I was taught, is not in accordance with the response the Imam gave (if this is true in terms of this mail).

I was taught to respect all religions and that innocent people cannot be harmed because they have a different belief.

Could you please shed light on this article as I have received questions from non-muslims regarding it and would like to give them a response based on fact.

I received the e-mail below and was just wondering if what the man says about Islam commanding all followers to kill all infidels is true. I don’t believe everything I read and I am hoping that you are open-minded enough not to let this create a problem between the two religions, but rather rectify any misunderstandings if there are any

The Muslim religion is the fastest growing religion per capita in the United States , especially in the minority races!!!

Allah or The Lord Jesus Christ? … By Rick Mathes

Last month I attended my annual training session that’s required for maintaining my state prison security clearance. During the training session there was a presentation by three speakers representing the Roman Catholic, Protestant and Muslim faiths, who explained each of their beliefs.

I was particularly interested in what the Islamic Imam had to say.  The Imam gave a great presentation of the basics of Islam, complete with a video.

After the presentations, time was provided for questions and answers.  When it was my turn, I directed my question to the Imam and asked: “Please, correct me if I’m wrong, but I understand that most Imams and clerics of Islam have declared a holy jihad [Holy war] against the infidels of the world and, that by killing an infidel, (which is a command to all Muslims) they are assured of a place in heaven.  If that’s the case, can you give me the definition of an infidel?”

There was no disagreement with my statements and, without hesitation, he replied, “Non-believers!”

I responded, “So, let me make sure I have this straight.  All followers of Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of your faith so they can have a place in heaven. Is that correct?”

The expression on his face changed from one of authority and command to that of “a little boy who had just been caught with his hand in the cookie jar.”

He sheepishly replied, “Yes.”

I then stated, “Well, sir, I have a real problem trying to imagine Pope John Paul commanding all Catholics to kill those of your faith or Dr. Stanley ordering all Protestants to do the same in order to guarantee them a place in heaven!”

The Imam was speechless!

I continued, “I also have problem with being your ‘friend’ when you and your brother clerics are telling your followers to kill me!  Let me ask you a question.  Would you rather have your Allah, who tells you to kill me in order for you to go to heaven, or my Jesus who tells me to love you because I am going to heaven and He wants you to be there with me?”

You could have heard a pin drop as the Imam hung his head in shame.

Needless to say, the organizers and/or promoters of the Diversification’ training seminar were Not happy with Rick’s way of dealing with the Islamic Imam and exposing the truth about the Muslims’ beliefs.

In twenty years there will be enough Muslim voters in the U.S. to elect the President!  I think everyone in the U.S. should be required to read this, but with the Liberal justice system, liberal media and the ACLU, there is no way this will be widely publicized.

This is a true story and the author, Rick Mathes, is a well-known leader in prison ministry.

The Man who walks with God always gets to his destination. “If you have a pulse you

have a purpose.”

Answer

Muhtaram / Muhtaramah

In the Name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāh wa-barakātuh.

Islam is a religion that encourages peace and harmony. There is no other religion that emphasises on good character and good conduct more than the religion of Islam. The books of Hadith are replete with advices regarding good character and pleasant conduct.

1) It is narrated on the authority of Abu Dharr (Radiallahu Anhu) that the prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “Deal with the people (Muslims and non-Muslims) in a good manner”. (Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith # 2115).

عن أبى ذر قال قال لى رسول الله -صلى الله عليه وسلم- « اتق الله حيثما كنت وأتبع السيئة الحسنة تمحها وخالق الناس بخلق حسن » (سنن الترمذي، الحديث رقم:2115)

2) It is narrated on the authority of Ibn Umar (Radiallahu Anhu) that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “The most beloved of people to Allah are those who benefit people (Muslims and non-Muslims) the most. (Majma’uz Zawaa’id)

أحب الناس إلى الله عز وجل أنفعهم للناس (مجمع الزوائد)

These are just two examples from the treasures of Hadith that are brimming with advices on being kind to people.

Allah Ta’ala states in the Holy Qur’aan, “Allah does not forbid you from doing good and justice to those (non-Muslims) who did not fight you because of faith and did not expel you from your homes. Surely Allah loves those who maintain justice. (Al-Mumtahinah, Verse: 8)

The great commentator of the Holy Qur’aan, Mufti Muhammed Shafee (Rahimahullah) states the following in the commentary of this verse:

“The verse directs that justice and good behaviour should be maintained with those unbelievers who did not fight the Muslims. As for justice, it is obligatory to maintain with every non-Muslim, whether he is a citizen of an Islamic state or the Muslims have a peace agreement with him or the citizen of an un-Islamic state even though he is at war with Muslims. Rather, Islam enjoins upon Muslims to do justice even to animals. We are not allowed to lay a burden on them more than they can bear. We need to take care of their fodder and comfort. The focus of the verse, therefore, is upon the direction that they should be treated, not only with justice, but also in a good and courteous manner”.

“Ruling: This verse proves that optional charities may be spent on non-Muslim citizens of an Islamic state and on non-Muslims with whom Muslims have a peace pact. It is however, forbidden to spend on non-believers who are at war with Muslims”. (Ma’ariful Qur’aan, Pg: 419, Vol: 8)

It is evident from the abovementioned texts that it is not permissible to interfere with the lives of those non-Muslims who are not at war with the Muslims.

And Allah knows best.

Darul Iftaa

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