بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In Sickness and in Health
Typically, we find ourselves giving the negative qualities of a thing more attention than the positive. Why is that? Why should the negative action of an individual be more pervasive than the good action from that same individual? This may not be true for everyone, but I feel confident enough in saying that this is indeed true for most of us, including myself.
I took some time to reflect and try to see if I could logically and rationally convince myself that what I am doing, by critiquing all these khutbahs and khatibs is in fact right, morally. Well... The following is a discussion on the conversation I had with myself. To be clear, the two opposing voices in my mind represent Traditional Islam and Salafi Fundamentalist Islam.
I took some time to reflect and try to see if I could logically and rationally convince myself that what I am doing, by critiquing all these khutbahs and khatibs is in fact right, morally. Well... The following is a discussion on the conversation I had with myself. To be clear, the two opposing voices in my mind represent Traditional Islam and Salafi Fundamentalist Islam.
Salafi, bad.
Q: Why do you attack me all the time? Have I personally hurt you somehow?
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Traditional, good.
A: Well, to be honest, I respect you, simply because of your older age, but just because I respect you doesn't mean I should blindly accept everything you say. I don't agree with my own father all the time, but I show him love and respect.
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Q: Well, I understand that much, thank you for respecting me, but the manner in which you critique my khutbahs doesn't always come off as the most respectful. What do you have to say about that?
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A: You are right, however, my level of consideration for the khatib is directly dependent upon the impression he leaves on me. If he says a lot of nonsense but is somewhat cordial about it and not insulting, then I tend to be more kind in my critique of him. If he is blatantly blasphemous and unapologetic, I let him have it. Mercy is accorded to those that show it. I see no sense in showing any sort of literary consideration for a khatib if he is not considerate of his audience. Since he gets the first impression, I am left with determining how to describe that impression. Had I been in his place, it would be the same for me.
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Q: You know, I think you enjoy making us look like fools.
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A: Right again! I do. But let me assure you, you don't need any help in that department. That is not to say this is my goal. If someone says something incorrect, they undoubtedly look foolish when the truth is presented and is in contradiction to what they themselves established as such.
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Q: Why do you insist on referring to us Salafis as Wahabis?
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A: Well, that's simple. You typically expound such fundamentalist ideas. Ideas of a puritanical nature that emerged with the Wahabi movement. Albeit, you may not refer to yourselves as Wahabis, but rather as Salafis, I think Wahabi is a better term. Referring directly to your founder, Mohammed Abd Al Wahab. Salafi isn't the term I would use to describe you simply because it seems rather arrogant to think that you are on the same level as the first three generations of Muslims. It might be more appropriate to refer to you lot as either Neo-Salafis or Psuedo-Salafis. I think I will start using the term "Wahabite" to describe you.
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Q: Do you hate all us "Wahabites" then?
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A: Of course not! If I hated you all, I would not go to such lengths in an attempt to educate you. Let's be serious for a moment. I hate no one, I do take umbrage with certain ideas that foster hatred. My words are written in a manner that not only educates but also entertains, well, I hope they entertain. Wahabi ideas range from the sedentary and complacent to the volatile and fiery. I am addressing the latter group of ideas and their adherents.
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Q: That's interesting...
What do you hope to achieve with your critiques and this website in general? |
A: What I hope to achieve is simple. I want people to open their eyes and actually start noticing the hypocrisy of our Muslim community here in Chicago.
Too often have I seen young Muslim men and women blindly accept ideas about their own faith without doing research, without looking at the source texts. We have such a beautiful and deep tradition, it should not be determined for us by ignorant people. Sure, if you have a scholarly and legitimate teacher, then I say you are on the right path to understanding the truth behind your faith. If you are without a teacher and just accept whatever you hear in the mosque, then I fear for you. Just look through all the critiques I have done on khatibs and their khutbahs, I have uncovered so many lies that they tried to feed us from the mimbar (pulpit). Isn't it obvious? We can't trust most of these people. They are confusing us and because they speak so aggressively we accept. This is dangerous. In the end, we will be questioned about our own actions, and our excuse cannot be "that's what the khatib told me." We are educated and very capable of finding the truth behind things. Seek it out! |
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Q: Those are some serious accusations! I hope you can back them up!
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A: I tend to cite almost everything I say. Especially when countering something a khatib said that is totally incorrect, I supply the source from which I procured that information. I really don't have to do that, I know where all the information I share comes from and I have done extensive research to verify the validity of these sources, but this is for the benefit of everyone who reads what I say, so they know that they too can conduct research if it befits them to do so.
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Q: Why are you so critical of us? Can't you be nicer in your critiques?
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A: Haha, you are funny aren't you? It's not nice is it? Well, read this article, it may open your eyes as to why I am so critical of you lot.
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Time to pin the questions on the Salafi!
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A: No one likes to be contradicted, and you supply actual FACTS to back up what you say, there is no coming back from that! My hope has always been that people will blindly accept what I say. Not in my wildest dreams did I think people would begin researching and attempting to validate what I say up there. I honestly thought my beard was enough proof of my Islamic scholarship and authority.
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Q: Well, now, let me ask you a question, I think you've asked me quite enough.
Why do you take offense by what I say about you? |
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A: Yes, probably.
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Q: Do you think I am on some ego trip?
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A: Uhh... No? What do you mean? I am right! So you can't correct me! I can mock and attack anyone I want to! Why? Because I am right and they are wrong! End of story!
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Q: So, if you think of me in such a harsh light, is not fair for me to think of you in an equally harsh light?
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A: I never contradict myself!
Well, maybe sometimes... |
Q: Why do you always say contradictory things?
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A: Probably not.
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Q: Will you lighten up and speak in a manner that is beneficial to everyone and not just yourself or the select few that ignorantly attach themselves to your ideas?
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Conclusion
In the end, we are stuck with each other. We can respond to one another in any way we see fit. We can ignore one another. We can criticize one another. We can join one another. We can do anything. What's important is to not lose sight of the fact that we are truly responsible for our own selves and need to do what's best for us in garnering the pleasure of God. It doesn't matter if I continue this blog or not, the truth will always be revealed to those that seek it. It will not be revealed to those that could care less. This is the simple reality of it all.
We are stuck with each other, in sickness or in health. So, let's try to live and let live.
In the end, we are stuck with each other. We can respond to one another in any way we see fit. We can ignore one another. We can criticize one another. We can join one another. We can do anything. What's important is to not lose sight of the fact that we are truly responsible for our own selves and need to do what's best for us in garnering the pleasure of God. It doesn't matter if I continue this blog or not, the truth will always be revealed to those that seek it. It will not be revealed to those that could care less. This is the simple reality of it all.
We are stuck with each other, in sickness or in health. So, let's try to live and let live.
Written by Abu Fulan on October 4, 2012
