Forgive me but I am a new Muslim and I am often asked questions like:
Am I Sunni or Shiite?
Do I read the Hadith ?
Do I follow any movements ?
Or listen to any modern day preachers?
I always answer these questions in one vein. And that is this:
The prophet Mohamed was a prophet of Allah and the pronouncements delivered to him are internalised in the holy qu'aran . The living word of God. The qu'aran is available for ME to read and interpret and was given so I did not need an interpreter between me and my God.
I am not Sunni nor Shiite because these are issues of succession by man after the death of our beloved Mohamed. May his holy name be praised. It's has caused more division than any other issue in our beautiful faith, while we forget the contents of the qu'aran that gives us all we daily need to survive.
I am asked, do I not read the Hadith of the prophet Mohamed? I always answer in this vein. Can a man who lived in the 7th century have a relevance in today's world? And my answer is yes.
But, the Qu'aran is the word of Allah, the Hadith are the words of our prophet Mohamed, and other wise scholars. Living in the times in which he lived. He observed things from his simple and humble back ground and sought to change the world within the basic environment which he found himself, his people the rulers and tribes, and decided to put in place remedies to cure that society.
Those remedies were required then and it changed a society in turmoil and gave the world a beautiful faith in its purest form backed by observations of a true leader. But, that's all the Hadith were in my humble opinion.
I am asked if I follow the numerous Islamic leaders or scholars? But I always answer in this vein. I find that most scholars, leaders and charismatic leaders have an agenda behind their agenda. I may have been fortunate that my parents gave me the the biggest gift in life. EDUCATION. This education allows me to examine things in details and not to be so easily offended.
This brings me to the issue of our beloved prophet Mohamed needing defending???
For those who don't understand, our prophet was a man who lived among us, had issues in his personal life from a very early age to manhood and although may not have lead a life most perfect,...rose to give the world it's greatest faith as delivered to him by God. He has never claimed to be the father, the son and the holy spirit. He never assumed more importance than God, who used him as a messenger for all people.
This is why I am particularly at a disquiet when something as banal, at best insensitive as the film innocence of Mohammed would make Muslims respond so violently. By killing people, each other and essentially finding they need to defend the holy prophet Mohamed.
The prophets work is done, he resides today with Allah, a journey we all hope to make, inshallah. Allah abhors violence in any form.
Many may wonder why I am not condemning the actions of the people who made this film. But, my answer is simple. Their actions, in the global world we live in, I cannot be responsible for. I can only be responsible for my actions. My response is to show tolerance for the ignorant who chose to cause upset often in parts of the world where other Muslim brothers and sisters only have access to news that has been sanitised for their consumption.
I believe if you follow the words of the qu'aran and you submit as our name means: those who submit. You cannot go wrong. Why then would I feel offended by the assumption and collective nonsense of a few???
Why would I burn houses and fight my brothers when the people who planted seeds of destructions enjoy the laughter of a brotherhood that is intolerant. I also mistrust leaders in the Muslim world who hide behind such news to hide the real problems we have in our individual countries.
I guess the point am trying to make brothers and sisters is that almighty Allah is all we need and his divine words as given in the Quran makes us complete.
Remember: runningwater never assume as to assume makes an ass of u and me. These are the rumination and thoughts of a simple man. I mean not to offend nor to be misunderstood. I only hope to foster love.
