The Greatest Losers

[Rahima]

The Greatest Losers

Fahad Ansari

Article ID: 1297 | 529 Reads

 

 

[First published in Crescent International (March 2007)]

 

Say: “Shall we not inform you regarding the greatest losers concerning their deeds? [They are] those whose efforts have been wasted in this life, while they thought that they were acquiring good by their works.” (al-Qur’an, 18:103-104)

 

Last month witnessed the continuing Zionist onslaught against the Palestinian people, and more specifically against the precincts of Masjid al-Aqsa. According to the Israelis, they were carrying out repair works to the walkway leading to the Moroccan Gate of the al-Aqsa sanctuary. When news emerged that they were also carrying out excavation work beneath the walkway, Muslims around the world erupted in protest.

 

Despite Israeli reassurances that there is no ulterior motive, and token gestures such as setting up a live camera to record every second of the excavations, Muslims around the world remain deeply suspicious, and with good reason. Since the Israeli occupation of Jerusalem in 1967, there has been a relentless series of plots against Masjid al-Aqsa: arson attacks, attempted bombings, repeated attacks on the sanctuary by Israeli troops firing teargas and live machine-guns. Excavation work by Israeli authorities beneath the sanctuary has been taking place for almost 40 years, causing many to suspect that these are part of a greater plan to destabilize the foundations of Masjid al-Aqsa, in preparation for the Zionist plan to build their Temple. Indeed, one need only remember the words of David Ben Gurion, the first prime minister of Israel, to be sure of the Zionists’ real intentions: “Israel is meaningless without al-Quds and al-Quds is meaningless without the Temple”, he said.

 

In light of this historic enmity towards al-Aqsa, Muslims everywhere became enraged at this latest attack on the integrity of the masjid. In Britain too, calls were made to attend a vigil outside Downing Street to condemn Britain’s shameful silence in the matter and to display our love for al-Aqsa. I normally leave vigils, protests and demonstrations on a spiritual high, iman rushing through my veins. Some may argue that they are very limited in their effectiveness but even then, knowing that lots of people made a conscious decision to leave what they were doing and come together to speak out against injustice, is enough to confirm to me that the pulses of the Ummah are still beating. Yet after leaving this particular vigil I could not help but feel disheartened and saddened, with a bitter feeling of doom creeping into my heart.

 

Although the numbers were low (only about 100 out of a possible 1.6 million Muslims turned out), far more disturbing was the attitude of several of the Muslims who did attend. As the vigil went on and the skies grew darker, a concerned brother approached us and reminded us that it was time for the maghrib prayer. Bearing in mind that the protestors were almost exclusively Muslim, it wasn’t entirely unreasonable to expect an announcement of sorts that it was time to pray, that adhaan would be made and the salah would be performed. When no such thing was forthcoming, we began to approach brothers to remind them of the prayer. The responses we received left me reeling. With the exception of a handful of people who were genuinely grateful for the reminder, the majority of the demonstrators shunned us. Many said they would pray later when they went home, others complained that the ground was wet, others remained embarrassingly silent, and some even seemed annoyed at these party-poopers coming to ruin their fun. Most troubling for me was the argument that it would “look bad for Islam” were we to pray together inside our pen outside Downing Street. Instead, they continued to repeatedly chant “bi ruh, bi dum nafdeeq li ya Aqsa” (with our souls and our blood, we will sacrifice ourselves for Aqsa) before bursting into childish giggles.

 

The first qibla, the second masjid built on earth, and the third holiest place in the world is being destroyed, and everyone present knew it, but they were so terrified of offending the British public that they were oblivious to their duty to our Creator. Ibn-Rajab said, “If one realises that every creature walking on earth is from dust, how can he give priority in obedience to someone who is from dust to the Lord of lords? Or how can he please the dust and anger the Owner and the Bestower? This is something strange.”

 

How can we expect Allah (swt) to bestow His Mercy upon us when we wilfully disobey His fundamental commands while believing we are engaged in doing good deeds? Muslims came to protest the attempted destruction of the third holiest mosque in the world, yet refused to pray at the appointed time for whatever reason. The irony of it is all too clear.

 

This touches at a deeper malady within the Ummah at the moment, with “active” Muslims being those most likely to be affected by it. It is an illness which is one of the largest causes of our pitiful state today, something which if left unresolved will destroy us like a lethal cancer. In a nutshell, what I am referring to is a lack of real trust in Allah and an arrogance that we can emerge victorious without His help and assistance. I say all this first and foremost as a reminder to myself, because Allah knows best how I regularly fall into this devious plot of Shaytan.

 

Recent events around the Muslim world have politicised the Muslims today to unprecedented levels. A global Islamic awakening and revival is under way in which Muslims are being compelled to take definite positions. It is no longer possible to sit on the fence, remain neutral and keep one’s head in the sand. Without a shadow of doubt, the international focus on Islam and Muslims has played a substantial role in engendering this revival.

 

But while all this seems to appear positive and encouraging, on closer inspection we find that we may actually be on a cursed path to failure. Most worrying is that we are racing down it with our eyes tight shut. In our haste to politicise ourselves and struggle for Muslim rights, we have forgotten that our primary goal in this life is supposed to be gaining the pleasure and acceptance (ridwan) of Allah (swt). Adopting Machiavellian concepts such as “the end justifies the means” (for instance), we have forgotten about the akhirah. Demonstrations, electioneering, lobbying are only a means to gaining Allah’s pleasure but we have made them an end in themselves. What benefit will it be to us that we may manage to vote out a sitting MP if, in the process, we earn the wrath of our Creator? Of what benefit will our alliances with atheist groups and coalitions be if, in our efforts to achieve and maintain them, we compromise our deen and lose favour with the Most Supreme?

 

Abandoning the prayer so as not to offend disbelievers, frequenting bars in order to network and attend meetings, leaving the Qur’an to engross ourselves with political science, abandoning the prayer to spend more time leafleting: the list of betrayals goes on and on until the question arises of whether anything remains to separate us from the atheist anti-war movement. The soul, the spirit, the intention behind our actions has dissipated so that, while Allah has made us “the best of people” (al-Qur’an 3:110) we have become no more than a pathetic extension of the secular left.

 

We must always remind ourselves that victory is with Allah and is promised to the Ummah if we are truly believers (al-Qur’an 3: 139). When we see the oppression against Muslims escalating every day with victory not forthcoming, we must ask ourselves “are we truly believers?” It is only our straying from Allah’s commands that is delaying this victory. When Umar bin al-Khattab (ra) despatched the army of Sa’ad bin Abi-Waqqas (ra) to the Battle of al-Qadisiyyah, he advised him: “Fear your sins more than you fear the enemy, because your sins are more dangerous to you than your enemy. We Muslims are only victorious over our enemy because their sins outnumber ours, not for any other reason. If our sins were equal to those of our enemy, then they would defeat us due to their superior numbers and resources.” It is clear that the more we obey Allah, the more we hasten His victory; the more we disobey Allah the more we delay this victory.

 

This is not to say that we must forsake the very important political work we are doing. On the contrary, it is obligatory on us to continue it, but we must recheck our framework of reference. We need to remind ourselves of our aims, our objectives and our ultimate goal, and continue our work with these kept clearly in mind. At the same time we need to gain a steady balance. Unfortunately, a problem with many Muslims today is their inability to strike a balance. Either they are too politicised, abandoning the spiritual side of the deen, or they focus solely on the inward actions and development of the self, without externalising it for the benefit of humanity.

 

Hollow slogans and chants will not free al-Aqsa nor improve our plight; nor will spirituality without action. What is needed is a return to the ways of those people who were warriors by day and monks by night: the Companions (ra) of the Prophet (saw). The various revivalists the Ummah has produced over the centuries all had this hallmark of mixing spirituality and emotional strength with their struggle, for they knew that without it they could only fail, both in this world and in the Hereafter. We need to study the lives of people like Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Salahudeen Ayyubi, Ibn-Taymiyyah, Imam Shamil, Hassan al-Banna, Umar Mukhtar, Shaikh Ahmad Yassin and their like. If we do not, and thus carry on down the path we are on now, we are in danger of not only losing Masjid al-Aqsa but of becoming those whom Allah calls “the greatest losers”.

[Khalaf]

We must always remind ourselves that victory is with Allah and is promised to the Ummah if we are truly believers (al-Qur’an 3: 139). When we see the oppression against Muslims escalating every day with victory not forthcoming, we must ask ourselves “are we truly believers?” It is only our straying from Allah’s commands that is delaying this victory. When Umar bin al-Khattab (ra) despatched the army of Sa’ad bin Abi-Waqqas (ra) to the Battle of al-Qadisiyyah, he advised him: “Fear your sins more than you fear the enemy, because your sins are more dangerous to you than your enemy. We Muslims are only victorious over our enemy because their sins outnumber ours, not for any other reason. If our sins were equal to those of our enemy, then they would defeat us due to their superior numbers and resources.” It is clear that the more we obey Allah, the more we hasten His victory; the more we disobey Allah the more we delay this victory.

 

 

Hollow slogans and chants will not free al-Aqsa nor improve our plight; nor will spirituality without action. What is needed is a return to the ways of those people who were warriors by day and monks by night: the Companions (ra) of the Prophet (saw). The various revivalists the Ummah has produced over the centuries all had this hallmark of mixing spirituality and emotional strength with their struggle, for they knew that without it they could only fail, both in this world and in the Hereafter. We need to study the lives of people like Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Salahudeen Ayyubi, Ibn-Taymiyyah, Imam Shamil, Hassan al-Banna, Umar Mukhtar, Shaikh Ahmad Yassin and their like. If we do not, and thus carry on down the path we are on now, we are in danger of not only losing Masjid al-Aqsa but of becoming those whom Allah calls “the greatest losers”.

hmmm he does sound familiar doesnt he. jazakallah khair good article.

[Rahima]

^That is just pathetic khalaf.

 

I know you're trying to engage me into this useless discussion, laakiin know that the two of you share nothing.

 

I find is suprising that you actually think that you do. I find even more suprising that you did not understand my objection to your arguments.

[Khalaf]

yaa muslimah no no i had no intention or want to engage u I learned my lesson in discussing with the already converted its like talking to little kids with plugs in their ear, not my cup of tea really.....its just that the particular passage and entire article jumped at me as i read it.... had to double check to see it wasn’t me lol.

 

 

Have good nite and take care ukhti

[Rahima]

Mature mate, very mature.

 

By your arguments we shall wait and be abused, not fight back as best as possible until and only until we have the taqwa and strength of Imam Ahmed or Ibn taymiyah.

 

If by not agreeing with that statement i am a child with plugs in her ears, then so be it.

[Khalaf]

Lets throw out all the old baggage shall we muslimah and focus just on this article. Why did you post it in the first place? Is it fair for me to assume you believe in the message of the author. Now when I read the article, the author’s message was and is parallel in what I’ve been saying. Here is just one of the many posts on this topic, sounds somewhat like the article you posted.

 

 

I disagree: There is nothing we need to learn from the Jews, nor do we as Muslims need to wonder- our way to victory as an Ummah does not come from watching our powerful enemies but by following the Quran and Sunnah. What is happening in the Mideast, in the world should not be surprising to a Muslim since all of this was foretold by the Quran and the Prophet blessings be upon him. Were we not told to follow the Quran, obey the Prophet, follow the Shariah and uphold it, if we don’t, Allah Most Great warned us that the enemies will be granted victory and fighting amongst us will result?

Marka what did they those whom we should follow do? They called the people to Islam and to make the people follow the commandments of Allah Most Great. Quran and Sunnah Alone. Not 80% nor 90% but 100% following the Quran and complete rejection and separation of anything and everything that is in conflict with Al-Islam. Thus they created a community of belief and we should do the same….instead of worrying about the external jihad or confronting the new world order……we must make jihad against our own selves first and go back to the basic fundamentals of Islam.

 

As Allah says: Allah has promised to those among you who believe and work righteous deeds that He will of a surety grant them in the land inheritance (of power) as He granted it to those before them…..(Quran)

 

You got Muslims today who do not pray nor keep fast nor are righteous nor know Islam well yet talk about the Muslim Ummah and jihad. This religion is simple: educate yourself, your families, your community, follow the Quran and Sunnah and Allah Help will be near. As you know my brother the Muslim Ummah are weak in materialism, centuries behind…..however Islam is superior morally never did the Muslims ever gain victory with superior strength but with religion.

 

Once this is done a community of believers whose guide is only the Quran and Sunnah should form a Medina a state with righteous rule….

source

 

You be judge. What i find amusing is you are hostile to my message although strikingly similar with the author you posted.

[N.O.R.F]

Good article Rahima. JZK

[Rahima]

Wa iyaakum.

 

Khalaf,

 

You obviously did not understand the point we disagreed upon.

 

I believe in the supporting of those who provide the best and most Islamic option, for inshallah over time things in general shall improve. I also believe in supporting the lesser of two evils.

 

You however are of the view that we should not give our support to any individual or group who do not

 

100% following the Quran and complete rejection and separation of anything and everything that is in conflict with Al-Islam.

That is unrealistic, we are humans. I don't know why you concern yourself with the sins or inability of others to follow the Qur'an 100% when i’m sure you yourself do not do so. Humans make mistakes. You are expecting that which you yourself do not do.

 

I am satisfied with providing my support to any individual or group who i believe to be sincere and even with mistakes are not only providing the best alternative but will also inshallah lead to the ideal (or almost). I am also satisfied with the leadership of the culimaa’ which means i have confidence in them that they would not support a group which is corrupt.

 

We disagreed on that point- so i can't see why you keep bringing this up, itching for an argument. I do not want to argue with you, fahamtu?

 

I posted this so that others may benefit, leave it that.

[Gabbal]

If I may ask you Rahima as well as Khalaf, what earlier discussions are you both alluding to?

[Rahima]

^It started in the politics section where I hoped we’d agreed to disagree. It then moved onto private where once again I hoped we’d agreed to disagree, and now it’s haunting me here .

 

Trust me, you don’t want to know anymore .

[roobleh]

Do we suppose to support Culima and have confidence in them or we have to support the haq even if we have to agree with bad-doers? Not everything culamas do agrees with haq.

 

I think the Quran tells us that we should support the Haq always. Because even the religious learned men can be influenced by a lot of other things including selfishness. Lets not put our confidence to no one but Allah and his Prophit,peace be upon him. On the last day when you're infront of Allah, no one else but you will be responsible for everything that you have done.

[Rahima]

There will never be a unification of the learned upon an error- as said by Rasuallah s.c.w.

[Khalaf]

Ukhti, ukhti, ukhti, min fadlikum! spare me your little drama okey. I was neither looking for an argument nor am I after u personally, anigu ma aahiii niin dumarka dabagalo masa diibo, ............this is a public forum, in which I merely quoted a piece of an article posted, and then whoa ka bax dagaal argagiixiso ah baa igu khaaday....you not me sweetheart is starting raabsho. Relax, chill, sugarka ha isku kiiciin. I only wanted to make a point between my messages (in which u were hostile to check your 1st reaction on this thread) and the article that was posted, which I did....that’s it. Thank you again.

 

salaamun

[Nephissa]

Originally posted by Khalaf:

Ukhti, ukhti, ukhti, min fadlikum! spare me your little drama okey.

I was neither looking for an argument nor am I after u personally, anigu ma aahiii niin dumarka dabagalo masa diibo, ............this is a public forum,

Waxaa tahay dambiile. This is a public forum lahaynine, gabadha ka har.

 

Rahima abbaayo, better start setting rat traps behind you to to hear the howls!

[NGONGE]

I'm glad I persevered with this article. The first part about the Downing Street protest and prayers almost had me clicking off. But the piece did improve as it went on and I fully endorse its message. If you strive to be a good Muslim a logical starting point would be to avoid duplicity.

 

Rahima

 

I've been trying to get on your nerves for years and never once managed it. I know that this should be a good thing but I just can't help feeling that I've lost something here. Wouldn't call myself a greatest loser though, maybe an unnoticed loser.