Counter-Narrative to Islamophobia

Dur-e-Shewar Anwar, Manchester

‘Islamist’ Separatism – whilst the terminology may be new, and the word ‘Islamist’ dubious at best, and wicked at worst, the contention is old. A political concept, borne of a fundamental lack of understanding of the true teachings of Islam; this term suggests that Islamic teachings and values are in direct opposition to those of the secular Western world and to this end encourages the dismantling of Republican States. Of late this false narrative has been fuelled by the gruesome and reprehensible attacks in France and unfortunately serves as the basis for severe and targeted legislative action being taken against Muslims living and practising their faith peacefully in France and around Europe.

The re-emergence of the crude and offensive caricatures published by Charlie Hebdo alongside the unfair and unfounded allegations made by the French government is unsettling to the billion plus Muslims who understand and adhere to the true teachings of Islam and are well acquainted with the exemplary character of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Unfortunately the response of some members of the global Muslim community to these events has been inflammatory and divisive; the boycotting of French products by Muslims around the world has impacted French businesses that were already struggling amidst a pandemic. Protests featuring demeaning cartoons and images of the French President have served to present Muslims as abrasive and disrespectful towards Western governments. In an effort to protect Islam against false allegations this impulsive backlash has only reinforced the narrative of separatism.

Islam is not a separatist religion. In Surah An-Nisa, verse 60 the Holy Qur’an states the following:

“O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey His Messenger and those who are in authority over you. And if you differ in anything among yourselves refer it to Allah and His Messenger if you are believers in Allah and the Last Day. That is best and most commendable in the end.”^[1]

Thus, Muslims are instructed to adhere to laws of the land in which they reside that offer freedom of religious practise – as all modern, secular societies claim to do – and enjoins the promotion of community cohesion as a religious obligation. This verse also comprehensively instructs believers on what course of action should be taken when conflicts arise. Muslims should first defer the matter to Allah through prayer and then to the elegant and perfect example set by the Holy Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (peace be upon him).

As Muslims it is natural that we desire to protect our beloved faith against defamation but we must appreciate that such volatile reactions result in the beauty of Islam being lost in translation. To truly be a defender and advocate of the faith is to wholly abide by the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and follow the example of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) both in our everyday lives as well as in response to distressing events. His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community iterates this idea in his book titled The Blessed Model of the Holy Prophet Muhammad^sa and the Caricatures, stating:

“We are followers of the Holy Prophet^sa, who came to put the fire out, who was the Ambassador of Love, was the Prince of Peace. So rather than take harsh actions, impart his beautiful teaching to the World”^[2]

The traditions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) are taught to all Muslims and form a large part of our spiritual practise, second only to the instructions of the Holy Qur’an. Any individual that studies the life of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) will quickly come to realise that he endured severe abuse at the hands of the enemies of Islam, yet his reaction was always that of compassion, dignity, respect and mercy. It is through these means alongside the help of Allah that in just twenty three years the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) was able to establish Islam and transform society in the region, creating a nation that enjoyed many of the rights and freedoms that modern secular societies claim to strive for but are still somewhat failing to achieve.

In the name of modernity the Western world has become detached from religion, as such Islam is given a cultural identity and is considered only in terms of how Muslims behave instead of what is actually written in scripture. Intersectional conflict in the global Muslim community, corruption within Muslims states and such volatile responses to defamation have allowed Western governments to make the erroneous accusation that Islam is a religion in crisis. The only narrative powerful enough to counter these false perceptions is that set out by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

References:

[1] The Holy Quran with English Translation by Maulawi Sher Ali (ra), Chapter 4, Verse 60.

[2] The Blessed Model of the Holy Prophet Muhammad^sa and the Caricatures, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad. Available at [URL: https://www.alislam.org/book/blessed-model-holy-prophet-muhammad-caricatures/]