Someone with an inherent dislike or intolerance of Islam would be Islamophobic. They loath Muslims, dislike almost everything about Islam, and want Muslims far away from their bigoted eyes.
For them, Muslims are spreading Islam, sharing the tenets of the faith with strangers, and people are embracing Islam. And this is bad news for them. Very bad news.
But instead of taking matters into their own hands to eradicate Muslims, they lie in hope that Muslims will stop what they are doing. Although Islam continues to grow and doesn’t to be slowing down. So the next step: call for an acceptable or ‘good Islam’ to them.
What does this look like? A good Islam for many Islamophobes (even this is too much for some) involves doing virtually nothing as Muslims. Sit in a corner of society, rock your head from side to side until you are ‘spiritually content’; and have a Biryani once you’re done.
“Yes.” The Islamophobes begrudgingly say, “We’ll settle for that.”
This is an acceptable form of Islam (to Islamophobes) because of the non-existent contribution to society this induces. With this ‘brand’ of Islam, Muslims can feel immensely satisfied with their lives and not playing a part in sharing Islam. The last thing the Islamophobe wants is for you to have an ‘itch’ for Da’wah. The danger is you may scratch it one day.
The intolerant non-Muslim hopes and prays Muslims lose themselves in a trance so we lose sight of the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh). Without this knowledge, they can freely attack us (intellectually) and leave us dumbfounded.
Whilst the ageing Muslim may continue to believe what they’ve always understood and ignore the arguments of the Islamophobe, the Sufi ways leaves the next generation vulnerable to attack. How so? In today’s world, our children are taught to question and rationalise. Children viewing the peculiar rituals within Sufism and are likely to question this, and they may feel Islam doesn’t have an intellectual leg to stand on.
Moreover, with Sufism, we encourage ourselves and others to simply sit, listen and be entertained. This begs the questions: Where’s the Da’wah? Where is the conscious effort to share the greatness of our Lord with others? It’s simply not there. By keeping Islam ‘in our back pockets’ in this manner, the Islamophobe remains ignorant and/or hostile towards Muslims, tolerant non-Muslims are deprived of the Islamic light, Muslims lose out on ongoing charity, and society descends into further decay. It’s 1-0 to the Islamophobe.
The prejudiced views of an Islamophobe are not just their individual views. But they are an extension of the will of the accursed one: Iblees. When we play into the hands of an Islamophobe, then this is also a minor victory for Satan. The devil and his followers hope you say and do nothing positive so others are not drawn towards divine light.
Of course reflection, pondering over our existence, past sins and hereafter are incredibly important. The initial priority is ensuring we are trying our best to please our Creator, but that must be followed with taking positive action to influence others. Having a sing-song, free food and a good ‘ol knees-up in the Masjid is a far contrast to the Prophetic model and the way of the companions (may Allah be pleased with them).
As the title suggests, the Islamophobe is content (for now) that no action to share Islam is being conducted. Continue to eat, drink and be merry in the confines of your Masjid far away from their vision; and this is a start. The long-term objective is to cause your progeny to question these mystic actions, its logic and reasoning. And that’s where Sufism poses massive problems.
“The Jews will never be pleased with you, nor will the Christians, unless you follow their faith. Say: “Guidance of Allah is, indeed, the guidance.” Were you to follow their desires despite the knowledge that has come to you, there shall be no friend for you against Allah, nor a helper.” (Qur’an, 2: 120)
Having mentioned that, the solutions are relatively simple. Just as many conundrums within the Muslim world today, we should revert back to authentic knowledge, understanding and adopt a willingness to be contributors to the Ummah. This means not shying away from sharing the Oneness of Allah with His creation, and highlighting why our Creator has chosen Islam as His preferred way of life.
Today, I have perfected your religion for you, and have completed My blessing upon you, and chosen Islam as Dīn (religion and a way of life) for you. (Qur’an, 5: 3)
Once this is achieved, the Islamophobe’s fantasy becomes no more than a pipe-dream; with the reality being a horrific nightmare for him.
By the permission of Allah, it’s now a resounding win for the believer, and Islam.
These views are of the author and not necessarily reflective of the views of Help for Reverts.
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