Abdisaid Abdi Ismail, a professor at East Africa University in Bosaso, recieves death threats after writing a controversial book on Islam

[Admin]

Somali author Abdisaid Abdi Ismail has come under intense scrutiny after publishing a Somali language book titled "The Rule of Apostasy in Islam: Is it True?" in which he argues that there is no religious justification for killing people for apostasy.

The book sparked mixed reactions among the Somali community in Kenya and Somalia following its launch in Nairobi on September 14th.After some clerics called for the book to be banned and burned, most Somali bookstores in Eastleigh stopped selling it, and it is now being sold "discreetly" in a few bookstores in Garissa and Nairobi as well as online, Ismail said.Ismail, a 50-year-old Galkayo native, received a scholarship from Umm al-Qura University in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, where he studied sharia law and advocacy, graduating in 2002 with a master's degree in Islamic economics. Since then, Ismail has written two books in Arabic, "Muslim Countries' Expanding Debt Dilemma" and "Globalisation in the Muslim World: Facts and Figures", and two other books in Somali, "How to Eradicate Poverty" and "Introduction to Islamic Economics".Ismail, a father of three, has taught economics at East Africa University in Bosaso since 2009, but says he cannot go back to Somalia now due to death threats he has received since publishing his latest book in Nairobi.In an exclusive interview with Sabahi, Ismail talks about why it is important to discuss the subject of apostasy in Islam, his research on the topic, and the need to promote and tolerate a healthy debate on diverse ideas among Somalis.Sabahi: Tell us more about your book and why you wrote it.Abdisaid Abdi Ismail: The main thesis of this book is about apostasy in Islam, but I also talked about several other issues such as state and religion, gender equality in terms of blood money, death by stoning of adulterers and adulteresses, et cetera.I wrote this book for the Somali community to let them know some of the big issues in their religion that involve their life in this world and hereafter, which some Somali clerics continuously explain in a way that does not match the real meaning of the Islamic teachings.I hope that the people who read this book will realise what Islam says about the issues covered by the book, but the core message is that Islam is the religion of humanity and mercy, and it values above all the life of human beings.Sabahi: You made the issue of apostasy your main focus. Why do you think it is so relevant now and important for Somalis to understand?Ismail: It is a very important issue in [Muslim] society today because extremist groups are using the apostasy issue as a tool to justify their heinous and brutal killing against those who oppose their erroneous interpretation of Islam or even their political agenda.This issue is very important for the Muslim community in general, but especially for the Somali community, because their blood is being shed on a daily basis using apostasy as a tool to justify it.I believe the topic deserves to be discussed in a broader way in the current situation of the Muslim world. I would have liked if someone else could have written about it, but unfortunately no one has written about it and that has forced me to do it now, and I chose the Somali language so as to be able to reach Somali speaking peoples in East Africa and throughout the world at large.Sabahi: Is death an adequate punishment for apostasy and in line with Islamic teachings?Ismail: I have been researching the issue of apostasy for a while, comparing the various perspectives and the evidences that each extremist group is using and what the Qur'an and the teachings of the prophet said about it.What my findings led me to conclude is that the death penalty for apostasy does not have any valid argument in Islam even though it has been used for centuries for political purposes by ruling elites in successive historical Muslim regimes as a form of treason for Muslims who left the religion, because religion was an all-encompassing identity for people at the time.Sabahi: What does your research say is the correct punishment for apostasy according to Islam?Ismail: Based on scholarly review of the religious teachings, my view regarding apostasy is that there is no punishment for apostasy in this world. The punishment is in the hereafter and it is between the individual and God.Freedom of religion and beliefs are some of the basic human rights and no one has a right to interfere with what others believe. Diversity and different ideas and opinions are very crucial for co-existence, coherence and development of any society.Sabahi: Why should Muslims read this book?Ismail: They should read it because they need to know the lack of authentic justification for apostasy punishment in Islam, which I am satisfied that there is no valid support to back up the death penalty for apostasy in Islam.The book will clarify for readers many other issues directly or indirectly related to the issue of apostasy and will hopefully dissuade groups from using [this issue] to kill people [based] on false justification.I am hopeful that as [the number of] people reading the book increases, the madness sweeping in my country will ease a little bit and youths will eventually realise they are being used against their people under an un-Islamic pretext.Sabahi: What is lacking in the conversation among Somalis when debating these issues and ideas?Ismail: Several points are lacking in this matter, such as critical thinking and new scholars who can interpret the Qur'an and the hadith (the teachings of Prophet Mohammed) according to its original context without the interest of specific groups who want to hijack Islam for their own benefits.There has to be an open and free dialogue among scholars and the masses as to how to interpret Islamic sources in a way that can help Muslims live a civilised and tolerant way of life as they should, so that it can lead them to live in peace among themselves and with others in this global world of ours.Sabahi: What is the source of al-Shabaab's ideology?Ismail: I believe that al-Shabaab and other similar groups are just implementing the teachings and understanding of some hardline Islamic scholars who interpret some Islamic scriptures according to their agenda.To get rid of al-Shabaab and other extremists, first we need to explain the Qur'an and hadith and other Islamic sources of knowledge according to their original context. The war against al-Shabaab and other fundamentalists is a war for the hearts and minds of Muslim society and to win that war we have to reveal the real nature of Islam which is peaceful, tolerant, moderate and democratic.Sabahi: Groups such as al-Shabaab argue they are trying to recreate society exactly as it was at the time of the Prophet Mohammed. What is wrong with that?Ismail: There is nothing wrong with that, but who is presenting that? My argument is that we need to understand the real Islam, not the politicised Islam.On the other hand, we have to take into consideration the difference between the time that the Prophet Mohammed, peace be upon him, and his companions lived, and our world, in the 21st century, when the circumstance of life are completely different.Sabahi: Did you expect such a negative reaction to your book?Ismail: Frankly, I was expecting the book to create academic debate among scholars, but I never expected that someone would call for the burning of the book and declare the author an apostate.That is the very thing that the book was trying to address and it seems those who are critical of it have not actually understood the main message of the book, which is [to promote] dialogue and discussion.However, there have been positive responses from various quarters who say the time was right to raise the issue.Sabahi: How are you doing and what is next for you?Ismail: I came to Nairobi from Somalia in August this year for the sole purpose of publishing this book since there are no publishers in Somalia. If there were any publishers in Somalia, they would not have been willing to publish the book anyway.Now I am just trying to save myself from some of those extremists and their supporters who have not hidden their intentions to harm me after my book. My movements are discreet and restricted, most of the time I am indoors.At the same time, I am working on how the peaceful Islam can be spread among Somali society. I will never be stopped or intimidated from speaking and discussing issues that I feel are important to bringing the correct and real Islam to my society. I will continue to reveal the truth about the correct stance of the religion regarding several issues that I addressed in this book and other [issues].Source: http://www.sabahionline.com

http://www.somaliaonline.com/abdisaid-abdi-ismail-a-professor-at-east-africa-university-in-bosaso-recieves-death-threats-after-writing-a-controversial-book-on-islam/

[thefuturenow]

Who is this guy? I have never heard of him before before this book.

 

http://www.hiiraan.com/news4/2014/Oct/66861/death_penalty_for_apostasy_not_justifiable_in_islam_somali_scholar.aspx#sthash.vyFFyHRK.dpbs

 

Sheikh Umal's response----http://www.voasomali.com/content/article/2459004.html

[Nin-Yaaban]

Freedom of speech ma maqashay? If u don't like him, ignore him. I heard about this weirdo and his Gaalnimo, but u just ignore him.

 

Don't give him anymore attention and he'd go away and be forgotten about in matter of days.

 

Hiiraan was disappointing for giving him any attention, but it's a media company outfit from Ottawa and they can do whatever they want. U just ignore em. Problem solved.

[thefuturenow]

Sure. . .but you didn't answer my question.

[Khayr]

I would ask this charlatan -

you mean to tell me that all the other Ulama (1400yrs worth of Islamic Scholarship) had it all wrong?

[Safferz]

<cite>

@Nin-Yaaban

said:</cite>

Freedom of speech ma maqashay? If u don't like him, ignore him. I heard about this weirdo and his Gaalnimo, but u just ignore him.

 

Don't give him anymore attention and he'd go away and be forgotten about in matter of days.

 

Hiiraan was disappointing for giving him any attention, but it's a media company outfit from Ottawa and they can do whatever they want. U just ignore em. Problem solved.

 

How is he a gaal? lol. He has an advanced degree from Umm al-Qura, and wrote a provocative, researched book about apostasy in Islam. You engage someone like that with counter-arguments and productive debate, not death threats that have him fearing for his life and that of his family, and making it impossible for him to ever go to Somalia again. It's sad and embarrassing.

[nuune]

Safferz, of course he fears for his life after he called Rasuulkeena Bililiqo-ku-nool, or womeniser(how is that related to the topic of his book), anyone who says that in front of me about Rasuulkeensa dharbaaxshadii/feerkii adduunka ayaa sidii hoobiyaha ugu daadanayo.

 

 

ps: Read the book abaayadiis, xataa Aayadaha Quraanka ayuu ciyaar-ciyaar ka dhigaya ama ku jees-jeesayaa asoo many times oranaya waxaa laga soo min-guuriyey Kutubtii hore, again, not related to the title of his topic.

[Miskiin-Macruuf-Aqiyaar]

<cite>

@nuune

said:</cite>

Safferz

, of course he fears for his life after he called Rasuulkeena

Bililiqo-ku-nool

, or womeniser(how is that related to the topic of his book), anyone who says that in front of me about Rasuulkeensa dharbaaxshadii/feerkii adduunka ayaa sidii hoobiyaha ugu daadanayo

 

Nuunka, waa ogahay wuxuu Umul dhaho aad ayaa ugu dhago dhigtaa laakiin hubso intaadan aaminin. Qoraagaan did not call Nabiga (NNKH) 'bililiqo ku nool.' Acuudi bilaahi. Buugga hordhaciisa Facebook ku jiraa and this is the quote from the book:

 

1) - Axaadiista nebiga (SCW) carrabka loogu tiro ee

aan har iyo habeen maqalno waxaa ka mid ah kuwa oranaya: "Seef baa la ila soo diray, kheyrkuna seeftuu ku jiraa." Iyo mid kale oo oranaya: "Ummaddaydu kheyr ka suuli mayso inta ay seefta sidato." Iyo weliba mid kale oo oranaya:

 

"Arsaaqdayda waxaa la galiyey

warankayga hoostiisa!!". Akhristow aan

isweydiinnee nebigu ma bililiqo ku nool buu ahaa?

 

2) - Run ahaantii, axaadiista bugta ama been-abuurka ahi aad bay uga badan yihiin kuwa runta ah ee nebiga loo tiirin karo. Waayo, axaadiista

runta ah nebiga (SCW) oo qur ah ayaa sanooyin kooban laga maqlay, laakiin kuwa beenta ah kumanyaal ruux ayaa boqollaal sano allifayey.

 

Granted, it is provocative question; however he is no unclear term calling Nabiga (NNKH) 'bililiqo ku nool.' Instead he is questioning those 'seef labood' xadiisyo he is quoting, which could be fabricated as his reasoning is. I am not the one who studied xadiisyada - daciifkooda, saxiixooda iyo xasankooda - taas waxee u taalaa cullumada diinta bartay, including qoraagaan. One thing is clear, though: He never called Nabiga (NNHK) 'bililiqo ku nool.'

[thefuturenow]

<cite>

@Safferz

said:</cite>

How is he a gaal? lol.

He has an advanced degree from Umm al-Qura, and wrote a provocative, researched book about apostasy in Islam.

You engage someone like that with counter-arguments and productive debate, not death threats that have him fearing for his life and that of his family, and making it impossible for him to ever go to Somalia again. It's sad and embarrassing.

 

 

Better reasoning.

[galbeedi]

I saw the thread early this morning when I was leaving for work. I decided not to make any knee jerk reaction or just throw some of mty thoughts. Now after sitting down with some reflection, I will like to add my few senses.

 

Definitely I will like to find and buy this book. Futurenow, it doesn't matter if you heard him or not. The article says that he is a fifty years old man who has degree in Islamic law and have other credentials by writing many books. T thought the SOL crowd knew better than quick overreaction. Nin Yaban, want to even hang him.

 

I agree with him. This man is a servant of Allah and good teacher of Islam. People like him will advance the cause of Islam better than Al-shabaab and Sheekh Umal. I will write soon the role Sheekh Umal and others had for the creation of Al-shabaab and other extremist ideas. Ummal is a rich businessman bankrolled by Wahabi money long time ago. He was part of Sheekh Aweys and Al-shabaab for long time. He finally woke up when they followed him in Nairobi where he was based. He denounced them only after they attacked Westgate mall in Kenya. He was wasting peoples time few years ago by debating whether the meat of the Hyena was lawful in Kismaayo and Al-shabaab controlled area. I remember a friend saying " waar dadkii bay laynayaan oo ay cunayaane , Imikana ma waraabay ka doodayaan".

 

people like Ummal ceased to be scholars long time ago. They are businessmen first, Their only job is two incite and preach the crowd with the ideas that destroyed Somalia. Those who are threatening his family and life are the same followers of Al-shabaab who took many innocent lives. it is time that this educated scholars to take their religion in charge.

 

In early Islam or During the time of the Holy Prophet, If you research , you can't find cases of people killed for Apostasy or people their hands chopped for stealing. The only places where the weakest among society is being persecuted for stealing or adultery are Al-shbaab, Taliban and other Wahabi strongholds. It was very rare cases. If you look Islamic history, it was non existent. Allah Subhana Watacala says " There is no completion in religion. In early days Apostacy was the betrayal of a trust, and transgressors paid with their lives. Even in modern times , if a solder spied for the enemy or gave secrets , they were killed. The United States executed people for giving necluer secrets or working for the enemy. The early cases of apostacy would fall in this category. It was a case where to opposing groups waging a battle for life and death was waged. Those among the believers who becomes an apostate would automatically join the opposing side. it was a known fact. In modern world were people of different faith intermingle and share nations , it is different case.

 

During the war between the Prophet (scw), and the Kuffaar of Makah, a well known Saxaabah, secretly sent a letter to Makah warning them about the coming conflict. The Prophet using " Waxyi" revelation from Allah called that certain lady heading for Makah should be intercepted. First she refused, but after careful inspection she revealed the letter. The problem was, it was sent by one of the companion of Prophet. Cumar Binul Khadaab said " O Prophet of Allah let me cut his head since he became a hypocrite( Munaafiq). The man was one of the participant of the Bedar which Allah SWT, in he Quraan forgave their sins. The Prophet of Allah said, he is " Axsaabul Bedar, he is forgiven, but let us hear his reasoning". the Campanion said " Oh, Prophrt of Allah, most of you have your families, wifes and children with you, but I left all my family including my wife and children and family, and I decided to join you . " I am afraid that the Quresh of Makah may hurt my family, so I gave them this information to get some favors for my family". The Prophet told him he was forgiven. In another case , when people propsed the elimination of the Hypocrites among the Comapinouns of the Prophet , The Prophet of Allah said " I will not be the one who kills his own campaniouns"( La I odhan Maayo Asaxaabtiisuu laayaa".

 

While Umar Binu Khadaab (radilaahu Canhu), passing behind a house , he heard a man was hemming and hawing, while his speech was similar to a drunk person. Cumar, entred the house and brought the drunk man to the Prophet(scw). The Prophet of Allah, asked Cumar, " how did you find him?.". He said " I was passing behind his house when I herad the voice of a drunk man". The Prophet (scw), said "( laa ta Jasusu) do not spy one another". Our faith is not based on weak Hadiths but the Quraan and authentic hadith that doesn't contradict the Quran.

 

Millions of people around the world are embracing Islam every year. At the same time , in modern times, if someone leaves the circle of Islam wherever reason, Allah will deal with him the day of Judgement. Part of the Iman or the Articles of Imman is to believe in the day of judgement. now days , we have people who want to persecute everyone. This debate should be between scholars of high caliber, it must not be allowed to be hijacked by " bayd gab, Wadaad yare or one of those who record cassettes for publicity or wish to be called Sheihk without any Islamic degree.

 

Personally, I know one my uncles who after high school went to Cuba for scholarship and came back as Godless communist. Few of as knew this. I remember debating with him as a high school student. That was in 1983. Ten years after the war, he reverted and became a good " Wadaad" with extended family. Allah guides whom he wishes. WE have already enough spilling of blood and mayhem. I urge the young people that do not spend your time by listening a cassette recorded by small time Wadaad, but seek the knowledge your self. You would not believe how Islam is ageless and modern any many ways.

 

We have to take back our faith from the extremists.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[nuune]

Maskiin, Umal oo ka hadlaya arrinkan maba daawan mana akhrin dadka unbaan ka maqley inuu video duubey ku saabsan ninkan, laakin buuga waan akhriyey laba jeer.

 

Wadaada aan Umal aheyn oo ka hadleyna wey jiraan oo diinta iyo axaadiithta aad u yaqaano.

 

Xadiithyada hordhaca uu uga dhigey ninkan buugiisa waxey yihiin saxiix ama xasan ama daciif halkan ka akhriso Sheikh aad taqaano ayaa si fiican kuugu kala dhig dhigayee.

 

SHEIKH MAXAMED IDRIS, CLICK HERE.

 

 

 

BUUGA OO DHAN HALKAN KA AKHRISTA, CLICK HERE

[galbeedi]

I read the early chapters of this scholarly book Witten by this man, Mr. C/saciid. I will reserve my final judgement when I finish reading the whole book. So far , what impressed me most is his introduction:

 

 

Waxa jira laba walxood oo loo baahan yahay in laka saaro.

Labadaas walxaadna waxay kala yihiin: diinta iyo afkaarta diiniga ah.

Diintu waa wixii nebigu (SCW) la yimid oo ah quraanka kariimka iyo sunnada nebiga , oo ka kooban wixii uu afka ka yiri ama addinka ka fuliyey ee la xiriira fulinta diinta.

 

Afkaarta diiniga ahina waa sida diinta loo fahmay geeridii nebiga ka dib. Haddii si kale loo yiraahdo, afkaarta diiniga ahi waa sida aadamigu u akhriyo aayadaha quraanka iyo sunnada nebiga. Diintu waa kooban tahay, oo quraanka kariimku waa inta musxafka ku qoran, axaadiista nebiguna waa intuu yiri ama falay intuu noolaa2. Laakiin si taa ka duwan, afkaarta diiniga ahi ma dhammaato, oo waxaa xukuma waqtiga iyo meesha la joogo, oo seben walba iyo meel kasta waxaa ka jira afkaar diini ah oo u goonni ah. tusaale ahaan, fiqiga culumada maanta joogaa dhinacyo badan buu

1 Axaadiista nebiga (SCW) carrabka loogu tiro ee aan har iyo habeen maqalno waxaa ka mid ah kuwa

oranaya: " Seef baa la ila soo diray, kheyrkuna seeftuu ku jiraa." iyo mid kale oo oranaya:

"Ummaddaydu kheyr ka suuli mayso inta ay seefta sidato." iyo weliba mid kale oo oranaya:

"Arsaaqdayda waxaa la galiyey warankayga hoostiisa !! ". Akhristow aan isweydiinnee nebigu

ma bililiqo ku nool buu ahaa?

 

I can see how someone is already accusing him of talking about Bililiqo. Maybe he didn't use the right word, but I can confidently say that " he meant that the religion of Prophet Mohamed is bigger than The specific era of armed struggle, which was very short time.

 

I think what impress me is the huge difference between what Islamic the scholars wrote in their translation of Quran and Hadith and the never changing rock solid of the Quran. Madhabs or schools of thoughts, whether it is Shafici, Xambali or Xanifi were intended for the average Muslim to follow by using this easy understanding of the Hadith and Quran. Remember over 90% of the people couldn't read or write in that era. So, you need someone to simplify for the masses. I have no use , or I should say, while I respect for their scholarly work, I wouldn't call myself as shafici or Xanafi. It is good for the masses who live in a certain place to have similar or identical Madhab to make easier for people to unite, but for me I can go directly to the source without any madhab. many explanations of the early years will not hold water today.

 

" Kala saarida Afkaarta Culimada iyo Diinta", that is a good start, because after centuries or a thousand year that opinion of the scholar could became a religious ruling that could be incorporated with the faith.

 

You can't find any scholarly book on any important subject written by a Somali sheikh. Usually they translate other works , but you could hardly see anyone write. Writing a book about " Fiqi" , needed not only knowledge , but also the command of the language. Go find if you can any scholarly work of a Somali sheikh. Most of them listen recorded videos or cassettes. Writing needs intelligence , research, Knowledge, and courage, which most Somali Ullema do not have. I am impressed with richness of the Somali language he is using and the use of the a great Somali vocabulary. Soon most of semi-literate Somali Sheikhs will not hold couldn't participate the knowledge based Interpretation of Islam.

 

Folks, this is the beginning of new scholarly written Somali works. I bet very few of the so called sheiks who unleashed Al-shabaab to Somalia have the capacity to even debate.

 

To simplify for those who couldn't Somali language well , I will try to explain his intension using my own opinion.

 

Another big chapter the one dealing " KUwa aan Kitaabka ku Xukumini way Gaaloobeen". " Those who do not judge by the Quraan are Kufaar". He really explains very well on this. When Jacfar binu Cabaas of the Cabasid Caliphate, took the power by force, he came to Median and asked the greats jurist of all time and the judge of Median, Iman Malik And said " Xukunikii waan qabsanay ee beeco Ayaan ka arabaa in aad raacdo" he says I am the Amir follow me. Imaam Maalik said " you took the power without consultation and force , so I will not be part of that". He arrested him beat him and put him on top of donkey and was paraded throughout the town. the New Dictator said " That is the punishment of those who disobey the Amir.

 

Those Amir's killed those who disobeyed them by calling them anti the Muslim Amir. Others called them corrupt and unlawful called them Apostate. The cycle of violence continued until they finished off one another. Remember, Godane called Sheekh Shariif Apostate, while he was fighting him.

 

Even in Egypt the Wahabi based Hisbul Nuur called the elimination of the those who opposed Mursi, since they are against the Amir.

 

Folks read this book and then offer you fact based comment.

[DoctorKenney]

Galbeedi, when we discuss the punishment for apostasy in Somalia, we specifically discuss those who publicly make their apostasy known. And through this confession; they seek to undermine Islam in the public sphere, through insults, lying, and outright misrepresentation.

 

If your Uncle was a godless Communist in the 1980's after he returned from Cuba, as you say, then nothing should happen to him as long as he doesn't publicize his apostasy and try to promote his godless beliefs in public. In Islam, there are very strict boundaries between the private and public spheres of society. A Muslim man isn't permitted to drink alcohol, but if he does drink alcohol in the privacy of his own home, then the Islamic State has no right to punish him or even reprimand him. In Islam, the right to privacy is a very very important concept.

 

So much so that when Umar bin Khattab was the Caliph of the Islamic State, he accidentally witnessed a Muslim man drinking alcohol in his home (Umar caught a glimpse of it through the window), and instead of becoming angry at that sight....Umar was angry at himself for daring to violate that man's privacy. Islam carries the utmost respect for private property and human privacy. Even in the Islamic Court of Law, cases are thrown out if the defendant's right to privacy was breached.

 

HOWEVER, if a Somali citizen like Ayaan Hirsi Ali were to apostatize from Islam and then subsequently write books insulting Islam, going on TV insulting the Quran as well as the Prophet, then that becomes intolerable. We're not obligated to tolerate such disgusting behavior. We're not obligated to tolerate the likes of Xabad or Allyourbase, who instead of keeping their godless beliefs to themselves, seek to publicize it and make it known; thereby spreading corruption in the surrounding society. Your Uncle didn't believe in God in the 1980's, but it's not like he publicized this. He kept it to himself, and sure enough 10 years later he reverts to Islam again.

 

A Somali Muslim should have the right to live and prosper in his country without having to turn the corner at every second and being confronted by some godless Atheist insulting his religion, drawing cartoons of the Prophet, or behaving in any manner designed to irritate the sensitivities of Muslims. A Muslim shouldn't have to be on-guard 24/7, being forced to defend his religion to every Tom, Dick, and Harry. Not everyone is up to the task. If the apostates want to be left alone in their deluded beliefs, then they should take a page out of their own book and keep their beliefs to themselves. As soon as they start to publicize it, then it's no longer a private belief and the State has the right to step in and intervene.

 

Every single country has their own social faux-pas. In fact, it's illegal in Germany to deny the Holocaust ever occurred. In other countries, saying certain things about the Monarch or the past Ruler can get you into a lot of trouble, and this isn't something unique only to Islamic societies.

[galbeedi]

Dr.K, thanks for correcting the Narration about Cunmar. I think you explained well. The Likes of Ayaan who are waging palsphamy against Islam is unacceptable.

 

Thanks for your intelligent insight.

[Alpha Blondy]