Bismillaah was-salaatu was-salaamu ‘alaa Rasoolillaah
 
I have recently read an article titled Muslim Scholars—West’s Natural Allies in Fighting Scourge of Terrorism and was very disturbed at what I found in it. It appears to me that many of the du’aat (Islaamic workers) in the West feel a need to water down the teachings of this deen in an attempt to “protect” it from the politicians. It is my view that this is a huge mistake and only strengthens the ranks of the “modernists” and other deviants.
 
I also have been raised in the West and live here and face many of the challenges faced by the writer of the article and other du’aat. The only reason for me saying this is that I don’t want some individuals to claim that I wouldn’t understand what the writer is saying because I don’t live in the West and that I am out of touch with the reality of life here and so forth. In any event, the writer explains to us whom he was addressing so that we could better understand what he said in that gathering. Guess what, I also was in a gathering where there were representatives from security agencies and other police agencies (all of whom qualify as “anti-terrorism chiefs and prevention of extremism experts.”) Again, I mention this so that no one will claim I speak with lack of understanding or experience.
 
There are quite a few problems I have with the article/speech. For the sake of ease, let me enumerate a few of them (in no certain order):
Since the Shaykh was well aware of who the audience was, then why did he not first define for them whom he was speaking of when speaking of terrorists and extremists? Or are we to assume that he agrees with them that (practicing) Muslims are by nature terrorists and extremists? I think it is extremely important to be clear in these matters. Especially in this situation as I can guarantee you that to these people (i.e. the audience and their ilk) those who insist on the five daily prayers, hijaab, validity of jihaad and so forth are indeed extreme and terrorists. Frankly, one who does not realize this yet is truly out of touch with reality.
Being allies of these “experts” is not a possibility. If we simply take the time to examine their agenda and their view of the Sharee’ah, it becomes abundantly clear that these “experts” are totally opposed to Islaam. What they want is another religion for us that they call Islaam. In addition, we all know what Allaah tells us about them; basically that they will not be pleased with us until we follow their ways. As well, that they will continue to oppose us until they turn us away from our way (Islaam).
(Real) Muslim/Islaamic scholars, irrespective of whether they are independent or not, are the ones who truly oppose and act proactively in deterring terrorism and extremism because Islaam opposes these things. They have no need to partner up with or be the allies of the “experts” being addressed in the speech. In fact, those “experts” are the ones who behave in a manner that fosters extremism and terrorism.
Whether you like it or not, if you call to (true) Islaam, then you will be alienated and looked upon as a stranger. Imagine, if “Muslims” look at you that way for being true to the Quraan and Sunnah, then what about non-Muslims?!
From the strategies suggested in the article/speech is that the war be fought with Muslim scholars who understand the language and refer to the same evidences and jurispudential sources, those who understand…. My question is, who will identify and pick these “scholars” for the experts? Please, let’s be realistic!
I understood from the proposed proactive strategies that perhaps the author does not feel or believe that the majority of scholars have been doing their job fighting terrorism all along and thus these “experts” need to use independent scholars to do so. Again, what is the message going to be and who will dictate what that message must be?
 
In all honesty, the article/speech in plain English is telling us that we have to sell our faith to the “experts” if we want to be able to preserve even a part of it. That disturbs me a great deal because this is the same attitude of the modernists who are misleading the Muslim masses. It is important for those who possess sound Islaamic knowledge to speak the truth today more than ever before. Don’t speak with a twisted tongue, just tell it like it is! Listen, we are not extremists/terrorists, never were and do not have plans on being so. So why do we have to sound so defeated? When speaking with these “experts,” be strong and firm and keep your dignity and honour. Tell them you see through their plots and tell them straight to their faces that you don’t trust them. Wallaahi, I have done so myself!
 
I am certain the Shaykh meant well, but I urge him to reconsider what he’s written and said. He is sliding down a very slippery slope indeed. If we cannot teach the masses the rules of al walaa and al baraa through our actions then we are not doing our part in countering terrorism. What we need to do is ignore the barking of these “experts” and teach the deen in its pure and pristine form without watering it down. Teach them that they have to hate the kuffaar, but teach them how and why to hate. Support the mujaahideen and let the masses (of Muslims) know that this is their duty too, but show them how and why to support them.
 
In conclusion, I ask Allaah to guide us all aright. I beg of Allaah to keep us firm on the straight path and to protect us from being intimidated by His enemies as the writer of the aforementioned article seems to have been intimidated. Aameen
 
*Younus Kathrada
Victoria, BC, Canada
 

*Sheikh Younus Kathrada is from Dar al-Madinah Islamic Society of Vancouver, Canada