Within recent times we are seeing more and more people misrepresenting Islam among Muslims and non- Muslims. This is a result of misconception and misunderstanding of the Qur’aan, Islam and Muslims.
In today’s world we are not only in dispute, but in addition, we are in total chaos among Muslims with all the different schools of thought existing from the east to the west. Some claim to be Wahabi. Salafi, Tablighi, Al Qaida,Hanafi,Shafi, Ahamadi etc., etc., etc. On the other hand, we have some people from the media and public who give their own verdict about Islam and the Holy prophet Muhammad S.A.W.. I have no problem with different schools of thought or the media and public expressing their views, but when these thoughts and views misrepresent the true Islamic teachings, it then becomes the responsibility of educated and moderate Muslims to ensure that people become aware of the true teachings of the Qur’aan, rather than the cultural and radical practices that are been propagated by some people of today. There are some Muslims who are still treating their wives like slaves and believe it is Islamic to kill themselves and others with bombs. Due to lack of knowledge, there are also those who are so primitive, they even believe it is Islamic not to comb their beards. Their beards are so unkempt, that one wonders, with all the tension at airports nowadays, soon authorities might start searching Muslim beards for bombs. Hazrat Abu Hurairah R.A. reported the Prophet, upon whom be peace, as saying, “Whoever has hair should honor it.” (Related by Abu Dawud.). “A man came to the Prophet with unkempt hair and an untidy beard. The Prophet S.A.W. pointed to him, as if ordering him to straighten his hair and beard. He did so and returned. Thereupon the Prophet S.A.W. observed, ‘Is that not better than one of you coming with his hair unkempt, as if he was a devil?”’ (Related by Malik.)
With this kind of chaos and ignorance in the world today, it is obligatory upon every true Muslim to ensure that the message of the Qur’aan reaches every home and individual as possible, so that they could read and understand that Islam is not what they see or hear in the media. The Qur’aan is the only source to remove the doubts in the minds of the media and general public. Allaah says in the Qur’aan, chapter 4 verse 59, “ if ye have a dispute concerning any matter, refer it to Allah and the messenger”. This verse commands that we should refer to the Qur’aan and methodology of the Holy Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. when there is a dispute or misunderstanding. Muslims or non-Muslims should not judge Islam by radicals, ignorant and cultural people who do things in the name of Islam. While it is unfortunate to see and hear politicians, religious preachers and the media making ignorant statements about Islam and the Holy prophet Muhammad S.A.W. , it is even more ridiculous to know that there are Muslims who hear these statements against Islam and still do not care to participate in contributing or distributing the Qur’aan , so people could better understand Islam from the original source Inshaa Allaah. It is important to know that Muslims who participate in giving the message of the Qur’aan will be looked upon as special people in the eyes of Allaah. Abu Saeed (R.A) narrates that Rasulullah (S. A.W) said, Almighty Allaah says: If anybody finds no time for remembrance and for begging favors of Me, because of him remaining busy with the Qur’aan, I shall give him more than what I give to all those who beg favors of Me. The superiority of the Qur’aan over all the other words is like the superiority of Allaah over the entire creation.(Tirmidhi).
I therefore, kindly request readers to join with us in the distribution of the Holy Qur’aan, by filling out the form on page 14 of this magazine Inshaa Allaah.