Understanding Politics in Islam - Fiqh al Siyasah

Adapted and rearranged from the book Fiqh al-Dawlah written by Professor Yusuf al Qaradawi

1. What is the aim of politics in Islam?

According to Al-Mawardi from his book Al-Ahkam Al-Sultaniyyah, it is hirasatud din wa siasatud dunya - to uphold the religion and administer the world. Politics is not munkar - is not a depravity - real politics is noble virtuous because it administers the affairs of all creatures, bringing man closer to good and away from fasad - evil. According to Ibn al-Qayyim, politics is really the justice of Allah the Almighty and His Prophet (peace and the blessings of Allah be upon him).

The Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. was a politician as well as the messenger conveying the risalah, murabbi - teacher, Qadi - Chief Justice, Head of the nation and Imam of the ummah. The Khulafa' al Rasyidun - the rightly guided leaders who succeeded him were also politicians following the Sunnah - way of the Prophet, establishing just administration, practising ihsan - the betterment of good and providing the leadership of 'ilm - knowledge and Iman - belief.

However in the present time, due to 'politics' man faced suffering as a result of deceit and political ploys and scheming and devious politicians, whether in the form of past colonialists, treacherous rulers, tyrannical leaders and regimes preaching Machiavellian philosophy (the ends justifies the means!).

It became common to label and describe committed Muslims as 'political' so that they are regarded warily and wickedly for the purpose of disassociating and furthering apart the people from them, intending that society will shun and hate what is called 'political Islam'. It has been such that symbols of Islam like the headscarf, the proper attire and congregational prayers - Salat jama'ah are attempted to be labelled 'political'.

It is a blatant lie for those who say that there is no religion in politics and that there is no politics in religion. This deceit was once tried in the form of an attempted fatwa - a decree while the members of the Ikhwan al-Muslimun were imprisoned in the detention camps in Egypt in the 50's. The regime wanted to influence the masses to regard the activists and the Dai' (the very people who wanted to uphold the Syari'ah, Al-Qur'an and Al-Sunnah) as the purveyors of fasad - evil by using corrupted 'ulama - paid scholars.



2. The Fight against Fasad and Zulm (Evil, Transgression and Tyranny) is the utmost in Jihad

From the understanding of the Prophet's tradition (mafhum hadith):

Munkar (transgression) is not limited to khamr - liqour, gambling and zina - - unlawful sex but degrading and defiling the honour and dignity of the people and citizens is a major transgression, so is cheating in the elections, refusing to give testimony - neglecting to vote, letting government be in the hands of those who are not deserving and undesired, stealing and squandering the nation's wealth and property, monopolising the people's needs for personal gains or cronies' interests, detaining people without crime or just cause, without judgement from a fair court, torturing human beings in prison and the detention camps, giving, accepting and mediating in bribes, cowering up to, praising evil rulers, allowing the enemies of Allah and the enemies of the Muslim community to be leaders and shunning the believers - the mu'min.

These are all grave transgressions!

When a Muslim remains quiet upon seeing all of these it means that he or she does not deserve to live (is not alive) from the mafhum of al-ayat and al-hadith.

Islam requires that every Muslim has political responsibility. A Muslim is required by his Iman - faith to be truly concerned with the affairs and problems of the ummah - community, helping and defending the meek and the weak, fighting tyranny and oppression. By retreating and abstaining oneself, it will only invite divine retribution and being seized by the flames of hell (mafhum ayat).



3. Political Freedom is Our Utmost Need Today

Islam is always rejuvenated, its message spread across, its resurgence, its reverberating call heard by all even if it is given some limited freedom. Therefore the first battle is to obtain freedom to deliver the message of da'wah, the risalah of tawhid (Unity of God), spread consciousness and enabling the existence of Islamic movements.

True democracy is not the whims and desires of the tyrannical rulers or their cronies, it is not the place to jail and incarcerate its fighters and not the place to torture its proponents.

Democracy is the simplest and proper way to achieve the aims of a noble life, to be able to invite all to Allah and Islam, to be able to call others to Iman without having our souls being imprisoned and our bodies sentenced to be executed by hanging. It is the space for a free and honourable nation to have the right to choose, evaluate the ruler, change governments without coups and without bloodshed.

The theory, way and system which looks alien maybe adopted if it benefits us and as long as it does not contradict clear Islamic edicts and the rules of Syariah. We appraise, amend according to our spirit, we do not adopt its philosophy, and we do not allow what is forbidden and vice versa. We do not relinquish or compromise what is ordained or compulsory - the wajib in Islam.

The gist of democracy is that the public, the people can choose the rulers who are going to administer them; the people having the right to select, criticise and terminate; and the people are not forced to accept systems, trends, and policies which they do not agree to and they are not abused. They are free to hold elections, referendums, ensuring majority rights, protecting minority rights, having opposition, have multi parties, have press freedom and safeguarding the independence of the judiciary. But once again to constantly uphold and safeguard the principles of Islam, the firm rulings, the al-thawabit: the determined laws - hukm qat'i, the daruri - the essentials of religion and the non-ijtihadiy must not be compromised or neglected.

Syura:

Syura or consultative decision making must be followed and not just as a debating factor. By practising syura, it is closer, hence even better than the spirit of democracy. It is but the lost jewel found, the lost wisdom - al-hikmah which has been rediscovered.

Syura enables musyawarah to be conducted, obtains views and opinions, becomes the responsibility of the people to advise and counsel the government (ad-dinu nasiha) and establish amar ma'ruf nahy munkar - enjoining good and forbidding evil. Among the obligations of amar ma'ruf nahy munkar is the highest jihad (struggle) that is to voice out the truth in front of the unjust tyrant.

The State of Politics in the Ummah:

The musibah or calamity of the ummah then and now is the absence and the abeyying of the system of syura and the adoption of an oppressive dynastical ruling system. In the modern era, dictators stay in power by the force of arms and gold - power and wealth resulting in the syariah being hindered, secularism being forced upon and cultural Westernisation being imposed. Islamic da'wah and the Islamic movement being victimised, brutalised, imprisoned and hounded viciously.

4. Qur'anic Examples of Tyrannical Rulers

The Al-Qur'an denounces all powerful rulers such as Namrud, Fir'aun (Pharaoh), Hamaan and Qarun. Namrud is taghut - the transgressor who enslaves the servants of Allah as his serfs.

There is the pact or collaboration of three parties:

Fir'aun - he claims to be God, carries out tyranny and oppression throughout the land, enslaves the people

Hamaan - the cunning politician, experienced, having self interest, in the service of taghut, propping up and supporting Fir'aun and cheating the people, subjugating them.

Qarun - the capitalist or feudalist who takes opportunity from the unjust and oppressive laws, spending fortunes for the tyrannical leader in order to profit and amass more vast returns, bleeding and exploiting the toils of the people. The origin of Qarun was that he came from Prophet Musa's own clan who colluded with Fir'aun due to the love of worldly life and materialism.

The combination of taghut and Zulm results in the spread of mayhem and the destruction of the community, subjugating man by force and degradation.

The People:

Al Qur'an denounces the people or citizens who are obedient and loyal to their oppressive rulers. The people who remain under the tutelage of taghut are fully responsible and accountable because it is due to their attitude that brought forth these fir'auns and taghuts.

Al-Junud (the collaborators):

These are the armies and enforcers of the rule and order of the taghut. They use force, fear and repression to eliminate and subdue all opposition and dissidents of the tyrant.

5. An Example of Leadership

Balqis, the Queen of Saba' as told in the Qur'an was a woman who lead her people well, just and administered them with intelligence and wisdom saving her people from a war that was destructive and made decisions by syura-consulting them. Alas, the story ended with the acceptance of Islam. She led her people towards the goodness of the world and the hereafter.

Leaders like her are much more capable and qualified with political acumen and wise administration than most of the present Arab and Muslim 'male' leaders. (Prof. Yusuf Qaradawi purposely avoided the term 'al-rijal')

6. Pluralism and Multi Parties in Islam

The existence of various parties or movements is not forbidden as long as unification is not achievable due to differences over objectives, approaches, understanding and the level of confidence and trust. Variety and specialisation are allowed as long as they do not become contradictory and confrontational. However everyone has to be in one united front when facing the challenges to aqidah - belief, syariah, ummah and the survival of Islam. Relations between parties and groupings should be in the atmosphere of non-prejudice, forgiveness, nobleness, counselling truth and steadfastness, wisdom and engaging in healthy cordial debate.

Even when the Islamic State is established there is no reason to feel distraught at the existence of pluralism and differences.

7. Counselling and Corrective Participation in Politics

Without the shedding of blood, the most effective way as the outcome of long and painful struggles is the existence of political forces which the government in power is unable to contain or eliminate: that is presence of political parties. The ruling regime can get rid of individuals and small groups of opponents but it is difficult for them to defeat or wipe out larger organisations which are well structured, organised and rooted in the masses of society. Political parties have the platform, machinery, newspapers and publications as well as mass influence.

Political parties or political movements are necessary to fight oppression, to enable criticism, bringing back the government to to uphold truth and justice, bringing down or changing the government. These parties are capable of monitoring and appraising the government, offer advice and criticism.

8. Voting

Voting in the elections is a form of testimony. A just testimony is considered as long as one is not convicted of crime. Whoever so votes or abstains from voting in the general elections causing the defeat of a trustworthy and deserving candidate but on the other hand allows the candidate who is less trustworthy and undeserving to win, one has gone against the command of Allah concerning giving testimony.

The Real Difference between Muslim and a Kafir

Why is there difference between a Muslim and a 'Kafir'?

(By Sayyid Mawdudi RA in Let Us Be Muslims)

Brethren-in-Islam!

Every Muslim personally believes and you too must be surely believing alike, ha a Muslim's rank is higher than of a Kafir. God likes a Muslim and dislikes a Kafir. A Muslim will get salvation from God while a Kafir will not. A Muslim will go to Paradise and a Kafir will go to Hell. Today I want you to ponder over this matter as to why should there be so much difference between a Muslim and a Kafir? A Kafir is as much an offspring of Adam as you are. He too possesses hands, feet, eyes and ears as you possess. He too, like you, breathes the same air, drinks the same water, inhabits the same land as you do. That very God Who created you, created him also. Then why is his rank low and yours high? Why will you get Paradise and why will he be thrown into Hell?

Is the difference only nominal?

This is a point to be thought over deeply. Such a big difference between man and man cannot be simply due to the fact that you are called by names like 'Abdullah' and 'Abdur-Rehman' and he is called by names like Deen Dayal, Kartar Singh and Robertson, or that you get circumcised and he does not, or that you eat meat and he shuns it. The Almighty Allah Who has created all human beings and is the Sustainer of all of them cannot be so cruel as to discriminate between his creatures on such petty grounds and send one slave of His to Heaven and another to Hell.

Real difference---Islam and 'Kufr'

When the position is not like this, then think out what is the actual difference between the two? The answer to it is only one and it is this that the real difference between the two is due to Islam and Kufr. The meaning of Islam is obedience to God while he meaning of Kufr is disobedience to God. Muslim and Kafir are both human beings; both are slaves of God. But one human being becomes superior for the reason that he recognizes his Master, obeys His orders and fears the consequences of disobeying Him, while the other human being falls from the high rank because he does not recognize his Master and does not carry out His orders. This is why God is pleased with Muslims and displeased with unbelievers. He promises award of Heaven to Muslims and warns unbelievers that they will be consigned to Hell.

Cause of difference---knowledge and deeds

From this it is clear that there are two things which separate Muslims and Kafirs. One is knowledge and the other, deeds. That is, in the first place, one should know who is his Master, what are His orders, what is the method to follow His wishes, which deeds please Him and which displease Him? Then when these things become known, the second step is that man should make himself a slave of his Master, carry out what He desires, and give up own wishes. If his heart desires to do a certain act and the Master's order is against it, he should pay no heed to his heart's desire and carry out his Master's order. If a work appears as noble to him and the Master says that it is ignoble, he must also consider it ignoble. And if another work appears ignoble to him but the Master says it is noble he too must consider it good. If he sees harm in a certain work but since the Master says that it must be done, he must in any case do it though it my entail him any amount of loss in life and property. As against this, if he expects profit in some other work but the Master forbids him from undertaking it, he must never, touch it though it may bring him even the wealth of the whole world.

This is the knowledge and conduct by which a Muslim becomes a true servant of God, on whom He sends His blessing and to whom He awards honour and dignity. Contrarily, since a Kafir does not possess this knowledge, he is listed as God's disobedient slave and is deprived by God of His blessings.

Now you should yourself consider with justice that if a man who calls himself Muslim is as ignorant and disobedient as a Kafir, how can he be superior to the latter merely on the basis of bearing a different name, wearing a different dress and eating a different food? Also on what basis is he entitled to the blessing of God in this world and in the Hereafter? Islam is not akin to a race or family or brotherhood which is automatically bequeathed from father to son and from son to grandson. It is not the case here that a Brahmin's son, however, ignorant and of bad conduct he may be, will command a lofty status just because he is born in a Brahmin's home and belongs to the high caste, while the son of a scheduled caste, however will remain in the low strata because he is born in a scheduled caste home and is a menial. On this point God has explicitly stated in His book:

" In reality the most honoured among you, in the sight of Allah, is he who is most pious." (Al-Qur'an 49:13)

That is, the more one knows God and the more one obeys His commandments, the more honourable is he in the sight of God. Hazrat Ibrahim (Abraham) was born in the home of an idolater, but he came to know God and obeyed Him. That is why God made him Imam of the whole world.The son of Noah was born in a prophet's home but he did not understand God and disobeyed Him. That is why God did not care at all for his family and gave such a punishment to him that it became an object-lesson for the world. Therefore, please understand thoroughly that whatever difference is there in the sight of Allah between man and man, it is in relation to knowledge and deeds. Both in this world and the Hereafter God's blessing is served for those who understand Him, know the right path shown by Him and carry out His commandments. Those who do not have this quality, though their names may be 'Abdullah and 'Abdur Rahman' or Deen Dayal or Kartar Singh, there is no difference between these two sets in the sight of God and they are not entitled to His blessing.

Why are Muslims humiliated today?

Brethren! You call yourselves Muslims and it is your conviction that God showers His blessing on Muslims. But open your eyes and see if God's blessing is descending on you? Whatever will happen in the Hereafter will be seen by you afterwards, but have a look at your condition in this world. You are nine crore in this land of Hindustan. You are in such great number that if each of you were to throw a pebble it will become a mountain. But where there are so many Muslims, the government is in the hands of unbelievers. Your necks are in their grip to turn you whichever side they like; your head which did not bowed before anybody except Allah is now bowed before human beings. Your honour which no one dared to touch is now being besmeared with dust. Your hand which was always above is now lowered and is stretched before a Kafir. Ignorance, poverty and indebtedness have subjected you to disgrace everywhere.

Is this the blessing of God? If this is not blessing but obvious wrath, then how strange it is that these are Muslims and yet on them descends the wrath of God! These are Muslims and are yet wallowing in disgrace. These are Muslims and are yet in slavery! This situation appears to be an impossibility just as it is impossible for an object to be both white and black. Since a Muslim is the loved one of God, how can he be disgraced in this world? Is your God (may Allah forbid) an oppressor that while you, on your part, acknowledge His due to you and obey His orders, He makes the disobedient ones rule over you, and gives you punishment for your obedience to Him? If it is an article of faith with you that God is not an oppressor and if you believe that the reward of obedience to God can never be in the shape of disgrace, then you will have to concede that there is something wrong in your claim of being a Muslim. Though your name is surely entered as a Muslim in government papers but God does not pass judgment on the authenticity of the office of the British Government. God maintains His own office. You will have to search in His list to find whether your name is entered among His obedient or disobedient servants?

God sent you His Book so that by reading it you may know Him and learn the way of obeying Him. Did you ever try to find out what is written in it? God sent His Prophet to you to teach you the method of becoming Muslim. Did you ever try to find out what His prophet has taught? God showed you the way to attain honour and dignity in this world and the Hereafter. Do you follow that way? God very explicitly informed you as to what are those works which debase man in this world and the Hereafter. Do you avoid such works? Say what answer have you to these questions? If you admit that you neither obtained knowledge from God's Book and His Prophet's life nor followed the way shown by Him, then how did you become Muslim to merit His reward? The reward you are getting is proportionate to the degree of your being Muslim and you will get a like reward in the Hereafter too!

I have stated before that there is absolutely no difference between a Muslim and a Kafir except in the matter of knowledge and deeds. If thee knowledge and deeds of a man are similar to those of a Kafir, and yet he calls himself a Muslim, he speaks a blatant lie. A Kafir does not read the Qur'an and does not know what is written therein. If similar is the condition of a Muslim, why should he be called a Muslim? A Kafir does not know what is the teaching of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) and what straight path he has shown to reach God. If a Muslim is equally ignorant of this, how is he a Muslim? A Kafir follows his own desire instead of following the command of God. If a Muslim too, like him, is headstrong and unbridled, and a follower of his own ideas and opinion, indifferent to God and is a slave of lust, then what right has he to call himself a Muslim (obedient slave of God)? A Kafir does not discriminate between Halal and Haram and takes to anything which to him is beneficial and full of relish, no matter whether it is Halal or Haram in the sight God. If a Muslim's behaviour is the same as that of a non-Muslim, what difference is there between him and a Kafir? In short, if a Muslim is as much devoid of knowledge about Islam as a Kafir is and if a Muslim does all those things which a Kafir does, then why should he be considered superior as compared to a Kafir? This is a matter on which we should all ponder cool-mindedly.

A matter for serious consideration

My dear brethren! Please do not think that I am out to brand Muslims as unbelievers. No, this is not my aim at all. I myself ponder and want that everyone of us should think for himself as to why at all are we deprived of the blessing of God? Why are we the target of calamities from all sides? Why those whom we call Kafir, i.e. disobedient slaves of God, are everywhere dominating over us? And why we, who claim to be His obedient slaves, are being subjugated everywhere? The more I pondered over the reason of this situation the more I got convinced that the only difference now left between us and unbelievers is that of mere name, otherwise we too are in no way behind them in neglect of God, in being unafraid of Him and in being disobedient to Him. There is of course, a light difference between us and them but this difference does not entitle us to any reward. Infect, it make us deserving of punishment because we know that the Qur'an is the Book of God and yet we treat it as a Kafir treats it. We know that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the Prophet of Allah and yet we are scared of following him as is a Kafir scared. We know that God has cursed a liar, He has positively declared Hell as an abode of bribe-takers and bribe-givers. He has pronounced interest-takers and interest-givers as the worst criminals, He has termed backbiting as like eating a brother's flesh, He has warned that obscenity, lewdness and debauchery will meet with dire punishment. But even knowing all this, we freely indulge in all these vices like the unbelievers as if we have absolutely no fear of God. This is why we are not rewarded as we are Muslims by appearance only as compared to the unbelievers. The fact of unbelievers ruling over us and our humiliations on every occasion at their hands, are expressive of the punishment of the crime that a boon like Islam was bestowed on us and we did not value it.

Dear brethren! Whatever I have said today in my lecture is not intended to blame you. I have not come as a censurer. My aim is to make you keen to recover what has been lost. The anxiety to regain a lost asset arises when a man realizes what actually he has lost and how valuable it was. That is why I try to awaken you. If you are aroused and understand that in reality a highly-precious object was in your possession, then you will think about regaining it.

Keenness to acquire knowledge

I had told you in my previous lecture that to become a real Muslim the foremost requisite is knowledge of Islam. Every Muslim ought to know what is the teaching of the Qur'an, what system was followed by the Holy Prophet, what is Islam, and what are those things which really differentiate Islam from Kufr. Nobody can be a Muslim without this knowledge. But it is a pity that you are not keen to acquire this very knowledge. This shows that still you do not realize what great boon you are deprived of. My brethren! A mother does not give milk to her child until he cries and demands it. When a man feels thirsty he himself searches for water and God produces also water for him.

When you yourself are not thirsty for water it will be useless even if a spring brimming with water were to come before you. You ought to first understand yourself what a great loss you are incurring by remaining ignorant of Deen. The Book of God is with you but you do not know what is written in it. What a greater loss can there be than this? You do not know even the meaning of Kalima by reciting which you enter Islam, nor do you know what responsibilities devolve on you soon after reciting this Kalima. Can there be a greater loss than this for a Muslim? You know the loss caused if crops are burnt; you know the suffering due to failure to obtain livelihood; you know the harm resulting from loss of property, but you do not know the loss of being unaware of Islam. When you will realize this loss then you will yourself come and ask to be saved from this loss. And when you will yourself make this request then Insha-Allah (may God will it so) arrangement will be made to protect you from this loss.

Interview of Prof. Mohamed Habib, the Deputy Chairman of Ikhwanul Muslimoon.

http://www.ikhwanwe b.com/search. php?writer= Maisara%20Masrey &search=1

(Originally published on Sept 2009 on Ikhwanweb.com)

Ikhwanweb: Will the Brotherhood' s assuming of power lead to instability in the region?

Habib: Firstly: At this time I believe if elections are held I can say that Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood will not get more than 30% if the elections are judged to be free, fair and transparent. The reasons are evident because of complications.
Secondly: The movement is counting on the Egyptian public and we can not compete for power at the moment. However, the Brotherhood can compete for power only when the positive values dominate the negative; with
regards to the Egyptian people. The interest of the general public must be seen as more significant than the private and personal interests. Respecting the free will of the public along with the willingness to giving and sacrificing time, effort and money will result in the
changing political and legal climate allowing for the free formation of political parties.
Thirdly: Intervention by the force of public opinion, are the Egyptians only hope and the only chance of establishing democracy in which the people have the ability to impose their own free will and choose their governors, legislators and the program that carries and reflects their hopes; this can successfully be done by revealing their dreams and their aspirations through the ballot box. The rulers should be held accountable for the misconduct and punished if they have violated the law, neglected their duties or deviated from the program in which they have vowed to accomplish.
Fourth: The Brotherhood, in fact, has announced for a long time the consent to bind by the rules and mechanisms of democracy which is based on political plurality, peaceful transfer of power where the citizens
should be the source of authorities. We believe there should be open and healthy dialogue in which democracy is practiced comparable to that of the ranks of the Muslim Brotherhood both in the selection of leaders at
all levels and the determining of their positions across the political institutions. Freedom of expression, criticism and the free flow of information are all guaranteed and a clear indication that the movement is committed to the mechanisms of democracy.
Fifth: The MB promotes the establishing of a civil state with Islamic laws, not a religious state similar to that which prevailed in medieval Christian Europe... In Islam, there exists no priest, priesthood, or central spiritual authority nor anything corresponding to ordination or
taking holy orders. The infallibility is only to the prophets and honored apostles.
Sixth: The Muslim Brotherhood advocates the building of a nation that has three authorities, legislative, executive and judicial authorities, with distinct responsibilities for each power.

Ikhwanweb: Will this pose a threat to the international community?

Habib: The Muslim Brotherhood encourages the youth to be strong self-reliant making optimal use of resources. This can be accomplished only through political reform, and a comprehensive development and rehabilitation, in the educational system, scientific research and the overall development. Moreover the encouraging of full integration with the Arab and Islamic countries and the cooperation with the other world countries on the basis of partnership, and equality aiming at maintain security, tranquility, peace, truth, justice, equality and good for all
peoples.
The controlling of the world's resources by the United States poses threats to the international community where it has had almost full control over the international institutions and the creating conflict and border disputes, among countries in many regions of the world and in particular our region. Unfortunately, the United States endeavours to have control over the new oil wealth in order to ensure that the decisions and positions of the world's biggest emerging economies aspire to the United States. This, in turn, poses a severe threat to the international community similar to what took place with the US brutal invasion of Afghanistan, the barbaric occupation of Iraq and the tragic and gruesome conflicts in Somalia. Zionist schemes also pose a broader threat to the Arab national security and the security of the whole world as a whole. This entity was founded on the illegal occupation of the usurped Arabs, Palestinian and Muslim
lands, using all means and tools especially the armed force. It is no secret that the Zionist state of Israel perpetrates brutal and bloody massacres, advocating the abhorrent policy of 'ethnic cleansing', which is a form of genocide', liquidation and extermination of the Palestinian
people which has taken place during the past decades in addition to the ongoing expulsion and displacement and the bulldozing of the Palestinian homes.
The Brotherhood can not forget the ever-expanding settlement, the raciest apartheid wall, denial of the refugees right of return, and the continuous attempts to Judaizing Jerusalem as well as the detention of 11 thousand Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. There is no doubt that Israel's recent savage aggression against Gaza has been nothing short of a Holocaust and genocide against our people in the Gaza Strip by the Zionist  military machine as they used bombs and explosive devices which are considered illegal internationally. In December 2008 – January 2009 attacks on Gaza and the aggressions which took place are considered as a catalyst for tension, turmoil and upheaval which could explode at
anytime. Unless immediate steps are taken by the international community to rectify the situation, a disaster is imperative and this is the real danger.

Ikhwanweb: With the coup d'état Hamas staged in Palestine (Hamas's rise to power and the international community's economic blockade of the Strip) is it possible the Brotherhood follow these footsteps in Egypt or are the circumstances different?

Habib: The circumstances of course are radically different in Egypt and Palestine and also between Egypt’s Brotherhood and Palestine’s Hamas. Palestine is an oppressed nation under the guns of a barbaric and abhorrent racist colonial settler state and this is the essence of the problem. Although the territory of Gaza has become part of an independent Arab state, it is still surrounded on all sides by stifling land, air and sea blockades controlling all entrances and exits. We understand the difficulty and sufferings of the Gazans since they have no natural resources.

Ikhwanweb: Will the Brotherhood adopt the strategy of winning the hearts and minds by playing on the public's emotions, followed later by force ensuring power?

Habib: Islam and its comprehensive ways in which the Muslim Brotherhood endorses, unequivocally rejects adopting the shedding of innocent blood or the use of violence to assume political power. Islam's method
for changing society and reform basically taught by Allah are with wisdom and fair preaching and persuasion. Quality, perfection, exaltedness and consistency are the most important characteristics of Islam where the form of the argument relies on integrity of thought, fine style, purity, and the sublime goals and nobility making the following of Islam easy. If we controversially agreed to use violence in assuming power it will give legitimacy to all people to utilize the tools enabling him to have the force to seize the reins of the power hence, the country will remain plagued by permanent disturbances and instability.

Ikhwanweb: If the Muslim Brotherhood were to come to power will they suppress the liberties and overthrow freedom and democracy to obtain power?

Habib: It is impossible since the Brotherhood have tasted the bitterness of oppression and tyranny over the decades of where martyrs have been hung unfairly on the gallows and thousands, detained for many years and brutally tortured where their freedom had been grossly
violated. They were innocent committing no offenses, or breaches of the constitution. One of the obligatory duties in Islam is the concept of political freedom. The Muslim community cannot exist without freedom of expression and thought.

Ikhwanweb: What guarantees do the Muslim Brotherhood offer to prove that it is committed to encourage freedom of opinion and expression and a
commitment to democracy?

Habib: The Brotherhood practices democracy within their ranks and works in an institutional manner where the electoral process prevails at all levels. The movement permits freedom of thought, criticism, expression, constructive dialogue and exchange of information to enable choice among the alternatives. In fact, the Brotherhood is seeking to form an overall public opinion enabling and supporting the free will of the people actively participating in decision-making and self-determination and this in itself is the strongest guarantee of pluralist democracy.

Ikhwanweb: Will the Brotherhood support a military coup or even civil disobedience aimed at changing the present regime in an effort to alleviate suffering?

Habib: The Brotherhood will support neither, despite this suffering we must endure; we are against all types of coup d'état. The movement seeks peaceful reform acquired through the ballot box in a free, fair and transparent election.

Ikhwanweb: Will the Brotherhood' s rise to power in places like Egypt make another Iran and shed light on the religious state and the international arena?

Habib: There is considerable difference between the Muslim Brotherhood' s Islamic state and Prerevolutionary Iran. Those who belongs to the Ahl
al-Sunnah wal Jama`ah disbelieve in the guardianship of the scholars (Wilayat al Faqih) or the belief that Ali RA should have succeeded Mohammad SAWW. By a state the MB indicates that it endorses an unquestioned
civil state not a religious state which has three authorities, the legislative, executive and judicial authorities, bearing in mind that the law issued by the People’s Assembly stems from the principles of Islamic law as stipulated in the Egyptian Constitution in Article II.

Ikhwanweb: Will the Brotherhood' s allowing of nuclear technology pose a serious threat to the Western world and the international community and does the movement in any way support the use of nuclear weapons?

Habib: The Brotherhood supports nuclear technology for peaceful purposes but if there are certain countries keen to retain their nuclear weapons to threaten other countries, then it is necessary for the latter to possess this weapon in order to achieve credible nuclear deterrence

A Sitting with Secretary General Ikhwanul Muslimoon Dr. Mahmoud Ezzat.

(Source http://www.ikhwanweb.com/article.php?id=20936)

Dr. Mahmoud Ezzat in a comprehensive interview with Ikhwanweb highlighted a number of important issues:

- Allegations of secret agreements are unfounded and fabricated.
- MB Chairman Statements have been altered.
- Zionists are the biggest beneficiaries of the ongoing state escalation against us.
- The Muslim Brotherhood will not tolerate the regime's oppression on its people.
- Citizens should be allowed to choose their own rulers and to decide on their future
- We will not allow chaos in our homeland… The ruling regime must reassess itself.
- The Brotherhood is a solid movement with a coherent ideology. They acquaint themselves in all matters and know very well how to work under pressure.
- The ferocious ongoing media campaign which desires the tarnishing of the Muslim Brotherhood's image, has witnessed many significant developments.
- The ruling regime has in fact, failed miserably, in tarnishing the image and reputation of the Brotherhood’s image in the eyes of the ordinary layman. The regime has wreaked their poisonous arrows of wrath, hatred, anger, and resentment in an attempt to drive a wedge between the Movement's members.

In fact, this ferocious campaign launched by a group of journalists and media professionals is taking place under the government's supervision. We have met with the Secretary-General of the Muslim Brotherhood Dr. Mahmoud Ezzat in order to understand what really is happening.

Ikhwanweb: How do you respond to allegations that your attendance together with the Deputy Chairman of the Muslim Brotherhood (MB) Dr. Mohamed Habib to the conference organized at the Press Syndicate last Saturday in solidarity with Dr. Abdel Moneim Abul Fotouh and his companions was regarded as an answer to claims that the movement did not pay Abul Fotouh’s detention its due?

Ezzat: When Dr. Abdel-Moneim Abul-Fotouh joined the Muslim Brotherhood, he understood very well that there would be sacrifices. In fact, Abul Fotouh had already been arrested in 1981 and jailed again in 1996 for five years. He has set a good example in following the right path. In reality, there are already others like Dr. Abdel-Moneim who has spent twenty years in jail including MB Chairman Mahdi Akef; there have also been those who were unjustly killed. Despite all that has happened, the movement is still energetic and the Brotherhood members still endeavor to promote the Cause of Allah. 'Misfortunes are sent to test the fortitude (Misfortunes are sent from Allah to his patient servants and you will not find any change in Allah's divine patternز However, there is promise for victory from Allah for the steadfast benefactors. (Of those who answered the call of Allah and the Messenger, even after being wounded, those who do right and refrain from wrong have a great reward (Al 'Imran: 172)

The Brotherhood's cause will be carried by generations who believe that the right path is that of Allah and his Messenger (PBUH). The Almighty Allah says in the holy Quran (Muhammad is no more than an apostle: many were the apostle that passed away before him. If he died or were slain, will ye then turn back on your heels? If any did turn back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to Allah. But Allah (on the other hand) will swiftly reward those who (serve Him) with gratitude(Al 'Imran: 144)

We love our brothers and our leaders. We appreciate and treat them with respect. They are in truth more cherished and beloved to us than ourselves and our children. Criticism should be leveled against the ruling regime's oppression and not the brotherhood. This oppressor has deprived Egypt from its distinguished citizens who are an honor to Egypt.

Ikhwanweb: From your point of view... Why is this move? Why now?

Ezzat: The leading Muslim Brotherhood figures have been singled out because they pay much attention to central issues that affect the world’s politics namely The Palestinian cause. If the ruling regime has reasons and motives, the most important motive is the Palestinian cause. Dr. Abdel-Moneim, Dr. Gamal Abdul Salam, Dr. Mohamed Wahdan, Essam Al-haddad and their brothers have worked for the Palestinian cause and this is, in fact, the most important motive behind Abul Fotouh’s and his companions' arrest.

The Palestinian issue is the main focal point of the ongoing struggle in the world arena between the West and the Zionist project together with the Islamic revival in the modern nation states. The Islamic States were relatively weak for a long period of time due to the oppressive political conditions that governed the Arab and Islamic worlds as they abandoned their comprehensive mission. There is no doubt that the role played by the Brotherhood in the Islamic Renaissance is seen by the regime as a competition or threat to seize its wealth and authority. In fact, this is the real reason of the animosity and conflict between the movement and Egypt’s regime especially after all previous eradication attempts were doomed to fail.

Ikhwanweb: How long do you think this conflict will last? How will it end?

Ezzat: There are rules governing the history of conflicts and any person who believes in a cause and has devoted his life to it, understands this. (For the scum disappears like forth cast out; while that which is for the good of mankind remains on the earth.) ((Ar-Ra'd: 17). Thus the Muslim Brotherhood's cause will flourish and prevail even if the current movements' members do not live to witness it.

Ikhwanweb: Newspapers daily publish allegations that a secret agreement was signed between the ruling regime and the Muslim Brotherhood. It seems that the movement has softened its attitude towards some matters such as the bequeathing of power and other significant issues in exchange for the MBs freedom to easily interact and to end the security escalation against them. What is your comment?

Ezzat: First of all, We (MB) make bargains with none other than Almighty Allah. In this, we have pledged to the Almighty Allah to speak the truth and fear nobody. Our vows are to the Almighty Allah and only Allah can reward us.

II... The Brotherhood members don’t seek anything for themselves. They do it for the sake of Allah. Our real avowals are with the Almighty Allah and not with any tyrannical ruler.

III... The Brotherhood can not meet the demands of all parties; however, if it is for the sake of the Nation (in nation’s interest), we act quickly (we study it carefully). Any requests from the MB Chairman, he responds quickly claiming that; the decisive criterion will be if it is for the benefit of the Nation, if so we will seriously comply with it. We welcome any exchange of ideas as long as it's in Egypt’s interests.

These incidents are not linked only with the current MB Chairman Mr. Mahdi Akef; In late 1973 and early 1974; Fouad Allam came to some leading Muslim Brotherhood leaders as he was then a colonel in the State security who were at the time, imprisoned in the Tora prison where some of us had already spent as much as nine years in jail and others had been detained since 1954. Fouad Allam claimed that president Anwar Al-Sadat wanted to release them on the condition that they would help and support him where Sadat would review each current situation. Mohammed Hamed Abu-al Nasr who later on became the fourth MB Chairman responded that if they were released, they would remain true to the Muslim Brotherhood who would praise those who did well and criticize those who didn't. Abu al-Nasr continued,” If you want to give us our freedom and conform to these conditions, you are welcome! Otherwise, the Muslim Brotherhood has no other propositions".

As to the question of anybody dictating or imposing his will, this is unacceptable. The Egyptians are very wise and are capable of electing who governs them, and nobody has the right to impose leadership even if it is the Muslim Brotherhood. The Brotherhood only advocates what is right.

The Muslim Brotherhood does not fear the detention of its members as the movement has dealt with it all, beginning with the era of the late king up till President Mubarak. The Muslim Brotherhood, has in fact, witnessed many different types of political regimes however, they have followed a simple path and adopted the same course speaking the truth and fearing no-one for they are in the company of Allah.

If you analyze the Brotherhood’s history, it is possible to foretell the course of any dialogue for the movement still pursues its principles and will persevere as long as the general rule is followed; if it is for the country’s interest, we will be the first to initiate it.

Ikhwanweb: Who is the biggest beneficiary of the existing tension between the regime and the Brotherhood?

Ezzat: The biggest beneficiary is the Zionist enemy. The Zionists with Americas' help always aim at placing wedges between the ruling regime and its people.

The prevention included not only Brotherhood’s members but also figures from many different organizations from entering into the Journalists Syndicate in the conference which was organized to form solidarity with Dr. Abul Fotouh and his companions is a clear example. The Media's campaigns against the Brotherhood only makes them more steadfast and confident.

Ikhwanweb: What are the Brotherhood’s main arguments refuting security and media campaigns aimed at distorting their reputation?

Ezzat: We were jailed behind bars with Sheikh Ahmed Shareet, member of the MB Executive Bureau and one of the founders of the movement. There were, in fact, undeclared security inspections every week where everything was confiscated. They only left us our under garments and sometimes we were even denied that. When we protested to Sheikh Sherritt, and he was telling us: “O my son, that this was often witnessed during security campaigns."

The nation wants to set an example to those who enter the prison for the cause. The Brotherhood movement will persevere and when Allah wills, all these security campaigns will be over.

Ikhwanweb: The Foreign Policy Magazine emphasized that the tightening restrictions on the Muslim Brotherhood could lead to the emerging of a radical wing within the movement where some of its elements may launch violent protests or call for civil disobedience. What do you think?

Ezzat: “If a revolution breaks out, surely members of the Muslim Brotherhood should not be part of it”, Martyred Imam said. A massive revolution could erupt at any time, if the situation gets worse. However, the Muslim Brotherhood will not allow the situation to get escalate since that is exactly what our enemies wish for. Any individual or entity with links to the Brotherhood will realize very well that they are a safety valve and not rioters as they will not back down in performing their sacred duty, and no one can stop them from doing so Allah’s willing.

Muslim Brotherhood Chairman Mohammed Mahdi Akef and the secret agreement

Ikhwanweb: What about allegations that the State requested that the MB Chairman being a political figure not to contest in the upcoming legislative elections in return for releasing all detainees including those who had been sentenced in the recent military tribunal?

Ezzat: The subject in this way is clearly taken out of context. Details of the incident started when a figure met with Mr. Akef claiming that he had links with the sovereign authority, emphasizing that the State is prepared to allow the release in exchange that the Brotherhood refrain from running in the forthcoming elections. Akef’s Answer literally was: "Firstly, I would like direct contact with this aforementioned apparatus so that I will be able to understand what they are asserting. Secondly, anything in the interest of Egypt may be debated. Thirdly, we are an institutional movement and this matter will be brought before the Guidance Office Bureau". The man left and didn’t return.

Therefore, I repeat that the allegations published by one of the independent Egyptian newspapers about an unwritten agreement between the ruling regime and the Brotherhood are unfounded and fabricated lies, and referring to the incidents of the banning of the protest in which, security forces had prevented citizens and public figures from attending the short protest in solidarity with Dr. Abdel Moneim Abul Fotouh. The Chairman of the Press Syndicate intervening to call off the assembling of the press conference asserts that the ruling regime does not want any real reform and what took place is clear evidence of the obstruction of freedom. Arrests, crackdowns and repeated shutting down of companies belonging to leading figures of the Brotherhood are a clear indication. The movement have nothing to hide, and is not involved in any confidentiality agreements. Crackdown from the viewpoint of the ruling regime not only targeting the political activity but also any recreational activity even of students from both the preparatory and secondary levels where their families want them to spend the summer away from the negative influences and drugs. These young people were appalled when pre-dawn visitors stormed their beds. They detained the supervisors and intimidated children handing them over to their parents. The question that comes to our mind is what deal or arrangements are these newspapers talking about?

To the Muslim Brotherhood member, oppression and injustice practiced by Egypt’s successive ruling regimes... The Muslim Brotherhood is the true sacrifice for the reform of Egypt.

Ikhwanweb: What message would you like to send to the masses of the Muslim Brotherhood dealing with this escalation?

Ezzat: The Almighty Allah ordered us “O ye who believe! When ye meet a force, are firm, and call Allah in remembrance much (and often); that ye may prosper: And obey Allah and His Messenger. And fall into no disputes, lest ye lose heart and your power departs; …..) (Al-Anfal: 45, 46).

The regime wants to distress the Egyptians through violence, oppression, tyranny and suppression of the freedoms of thought. Members of the Brotherhood are required to demonstrate their readiness to be at the forefront and a true forerunner of reform and must also be patient in enduring the strikes. Members of the Brotherhood must work hard on this right path of love and respect. Hold fast; unite together, by the rope which Allah stretches out for you. No one can face the oppression except if his heart is associated with the Almighty Allah (and call Allah in remembrance much). Illustrate full obedience to the orders of Allah and His Messenger (PBUH). Allah say in the Holy Quran (and fall into no disputes…). “Fall into no disputes means there is a party contests against other, something mutual rejected by us and urging us saying to man having the right and opponents fall into no disputes, lest ye lose heart and your power departs”. We must enforce the right among us without disparity. Patience is the road to victory as the Almighty Allah says (and be patient and persevering: For Allah is with those who patiently persevere :) (Al-Anfal: 46) Pride, success and victory are in the company of the Almighty Allah, and Allah is the Sufficient.

Ikhwanweb: What is the Muslim Brotherhood's opinion in regards to the planned bequeathing of power, after Mubarak’s visit to the United States?

Ezzat: With regards to the question of bequeathing, the Muslim Brotherhood initially rejects this measure as it stands against the interests and desires of the nation.

We believe that the people of the nation have the right to choose and any arrangements depriving the people their basic freedom including banning them from electing their leaders is contrary to Islamic teachings. The basic principle ordains that the citizens should have the predominant power of electing their rulers, holding them accountable and having the right to change their leaders. In fact, we reject this behavior from the West in promoting this behaviour and believe it is contrary to democracy.

We would like to point out that if the United States continues in this way, it will increase People’s hatred in the region. The people have become mature enough and aware of their interest regardless of the details of the foreign schemes and expect the respecting of the free will of the people.

If the United States is keen on the new political speech under the new administration to treat Arab and Muslim people well with this kind of respect and appreciation, it should adopt a correct approach in such situations allying with the people rather than an alliance with the non-democratic ruling regimes.

Ikhwanweb: What is the movement’s comment to allegations reported in the US "CBS" interview with President Mubarak on the following topics: What is Hezbollah’s relationship with the Brotherhood? What is Hamas’s relationship With the Muslim Brotherhood? What is the Muslim Brotherhood’s relationship with the global Networking?

Ezzat: We have a clear cause and we would like to explain this call to the whole world. The relationship between the movement and other parties such as the Islamic groups located in the world arena requires three things for us to recognize them:

1- These groups must renounce violence.
2- Understanding of these movements of Islam must be based on a comprehensive way of understanding.
3- Those groups must take the Quran principle of Islamic Law.

The Brotherhood relates to the Islamic movements that do not embrace violence for the purpose of achieving some domestic or personal gains. However, we advocate and believe in the right of resistance in every occupied territory.

In response to the question of closer ties with those participating in the global arena we believe it is the duty of all Muslims

With regards to relations with the alleged international network of the Brotherhood only if they are subject to the rules that we have mentioned earlier. The Muslim Brotherhood all over the world struggle for the well being of their nations according to the acknowledged program of the Movement and in turn they respect the constitution and do not advocate illegal actions.

In response to the question about the Brotherhood's closer ties with Hamas, it is known that Hamas is one of the legitimate resistance movements against the occupier and the Brotherhood movement supports opposing any pressures exerted by the invader aimed at tarnishing its image in the media where it continues imposing the suffocating siege, collective punishment and brutal military aggression. We offer them relief and provide them with advice if they need without equivocation, as for their internal affairs they are a private concern.

Ikhwanweb: Some Western newspapers claimed that the Hezbollah cause popularly known in the media as Hezbollah’s cell engaged 5 members of the Brotherhood are these allegations true?

Ezzat: The accusations that were attributed to the Muslim Brotherhood on Hezbollah’s cell are false and fabricated lies as facts on the whole subject are entirely phony where in fact the judiciary has each time acquitted members of the brotherhood.

Ikhwanweb: President Mubarak did not mention in the interview with CBS News anchor the assumption of a civilian not belonging in the military to assume the presidential office. Is this a sophisticated matter, what is the Brotherhood’s view regarding this situation?

Ezzat: In our perception, the non-military president must be elected by his own people. In fact, the whole matter is not an ideological shift or a change in the attitudes and this is an internal affair between the armed forces and the Presidency as the Muslim Brotherhood does not have any information on what is really taking place in regards to this matter.

Ikhwanweb: Does the Brotherhood accept an international overseer in the forthcoming elections?

Ezzat: We should ask ourselves firstly what are the benefits of an international surveillance and will it ensure the achieving of democracy? The movement does not believe that the global system is able to achieve an effective international overseer because such surveillance seems ineffective since the Muslim Brotherhood does not care much for such trivialities as they are not regarded as core issues. What concerns us is the holding of elections in a healthy democratic climate; however, we see that the supervision which may be conducted by the international organizations will not achieve any fair elections.

Ikhwanweb: President Hosni Mubarak denied the Brotherhood’s engagement in terrorist acts, is this a positive sign or not?

Ezzat: His denial in fact, is the final confirmation of the truth and an acquittal. Mubarak had earlier announced such remarks in his tour in Germany but what concerns us is what the results are?

The movement does not commit to violence and is not engaged in terrorism, then why does the ruling the regime exercise against the innocent people all kinds of torture and terrorism such as confiscating their property, dissolving their business particularly as we are approaching the holy month of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr (the Festival of Fast-Breaking).

Terrible acts of barbarism are not taking into account the humanitarian conditions. In fact, the emergency law is still a tool in the hands of the executive power and wrongly exercised against the Egyptians and members of the movement despite that fact that the civil courts continues taking decisive and final decisions for their release. Thereafter, we notice that Egypt’s military ruler issues a decision to arrest whoever the court has decided to release despite the absence of sufficient reason for the continuation of detention since they are not awaiting trial.

Consequently, the military ruler’s decision is effective only in cases of emergency while he extends the emergency law to be used as a means to an end, a rule of law. It is very amazing how there are claims that we do not practice terrorism. However, we have been treated by the ruling regime more severely than terrorists.

Ikhwanweb: It is mentioned in a report by the researcher Stephen Cook as he talked about fears of chaos or instability in the Egyptian ruling regime in post-Mubarak. What do you think and how will the Brotherhood tackle this situation as Egypt’s largest political power??

Ezzat: There is no doubt that the continued existence of authoritarian rule urges any sane person to fear the consequences of the ending of such a rule. The Muslim Brotherhood had expressly declared since Imam Hassan al-Banna founded the group that if chaos or revolution erupted in any country, it will not be by the hands of the Brotherhood members. However, the continued existing state of cultural, technical retardation, loss of rights, abuse of freedoms and spread of epidemics all of this causes chaos. If chaos takes place, it will be the fruits of those who primarily created. We remind all ruling regimes that this is Allah’s divine law of the universe. The Brothers are always a safety valve maintaining the nation’s interests because they know very well that the chaos will not benefit anyone.

Our position is to enlighten the rulers, giving them advice, striving for people’s awareness of risks threatening them, continuing with the peaceful struggle in the face of the tyrants. I would like to emphasize that the chaos will be in the benefit of only the Zionists projects in which the United States seek to support in maintaining the interests of major Western countries. The United States must be aware that chaos in fact will increase the Arab and Muslim people's hatred towards the United States.

If The United States wants to have a cultural role, it should not back these trends because it will only bring destruction for all.

What will the MB’s stance be if the mess be already waged?

Prevention is better than cure and no sane person can imagine that if the military and security forces fail to prevent the chaos, then the Brotherhood can.

Ikhwanweb: The Project on Middle East Democracy (POMED) reported the decline and fall of the Brotherhood's political role in the upcoming period especially with successive strikes and political exclusion; what does the secretary-general of the Muslim Brotherhood think?

Ezzat: The Brotherhood’s political role as a whole is correlated.
It is a comprehensive ideology on the basis of religion adopting their social and political duty enlightening people about their rights. They embrace the rightful Islamic approach in the face of injustice and tyranny. The ruling regime really tightens the movement’s public activities as they seek to reduce the number of MB seats in the next parliament. However, the movement will not abandon its political role. Therefore, they are keen to do it because there cannot be real reform without political ones even if the available opportunities are inferior. They regard the political action as raising the nation’s awareness, caring for the people’s public interests and not despairing of democracy and the political reform.

In fact, the Brotherhood will continue in their way in providing useful political action whatever the circumstances. We have engaged in political action when we only had 17 elected members in the last parliament, when we had one member when we had none and when the Brotherhood had won 88 seats in the current parliament.

Ikhwanweb: The fourth refusal regarding formation of the center-right party, is this a response to some outright political voice talking about the legitimacy of forming the Brotherhood parties??

Ezzat: The Muslim Brotherhood is aware of the current political climate especially after the constitutional amendments do not enable us to work through the legitimate formation of political parties. They prevent the emergence of political parties and give the executive authority the sole power either to authorize or not to authorize and any party opposing this are either met with the aborting of the party or the arrests of the party's members where they are faced with accusations.

The Muslim Brotherhood sees it is necessary to change the political climate reflecting the Brotherhood’s need to make reform possible in order to achieve the multi-party system.

There is no doubt that the movement is keen on its legal validity. However, there are 6000 court rulings on local elections and a series of judicial decisions in the parliamentary elections and they all disregard the sanctity of law.

We believe it is imperative to respect the constitution however we spare no effort in being effective in every field as long as we adhere to the chartered bills. The Brotherhood works in all forms despite being labeled the banned movement so long as we respect the law. According to the Muslim Brotherhood movement, the true legitimacy is that of the popular consent.

The Essentiality of Knowledge for being a Muslim

(Source: Let Us Be Muslims by Sayyid Mawdudi RA)

The greatest favour of Allah

Brethren-in-Islam!

Every Muslim sincerely believes that the greatest boon of Allah in this world is Islam. He feels grateful to Him for having included him in the Ummah of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) and for having bestowed upon him the blessings of Islam. Allah Himself has reckoned this as His greatest boon to His servants as is mentioned in the Qur'an:

"This day have I perfected your deen (way of life) for you and completed My favour unto you, and have chosen for you Al-Islam as deen." (Al-Qur'an 5:3)

Obligation for the favour

It is obligatory for you to render Allah His due because of the favour He has conferred on you. Whosoever does not render one his due for his favour, is an ungrateful person. And the worst possible ungratefulness on the part of man is to forget what he owes to God.

Now you may ask as to how can one render Allah His due for His favour to us? In reply I have to say that since Allah has included you in the Ummah of Muhammad (peace be on him) the best form of gratitude for this favour of His, is to become the sincere followers of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). Since God has included you in the Muslim community the only way for you to reciprocate this kindness is to become full-fledged Muslims. In no other way can you render what is due to Allah for this immense favour by Him. And if you do not render this due, the punishment for this ungratefulness will be as great as is the favour of Allah. May Allah save all of us from this punishment! Amen.

First step to become Muslim

After this you will ask: how can a man become a Muslim in the true sense of the term? The answer to this question requires adequate details and I shall deal with each and every part of it with full elucidation in my lectures on coming Fridays. But in today's address, I shall explain to you that point which is of primary importance and which can be termed as the first and foremost step in this direction.

Is Muslim the name of a race?

Please strain your mind to think as to what actually does the word Muslim, you use, signify?

Does man bring Islam with him when he is born? Is a person Muslim because he is a son or grandson of a Muslim? Is a Muslim born as Muslim just as a Brahmin's son is born as Brahmin, or a Rajput's son as Rajput, or s Shudra's son as a Shudra? Is Muslim the name of a race or nation just as Englishmen? And just as a Jat is Jat because of being born in the Jat community, is a Muslim in the same way a Muslim for being born in a community which is called Muslim? What answers will you give to the questions, I have asked? You will surely reply: "No sir, such a man is not called Muslim. A Muslim is not a Muslim because of belonging to a particular racial group but because of accepting Islam, and if he renounces Islam, he ceases to be a Muslim. Any person who may be a Brahmin or a Rajput, an Englishman or a Jat, a Punjabi or a Negro, will be incorporated in the Muslim community on accepting Islam, while another person born in a Muslim home is expelled from the Muslim community if he gives up Islam, though he may be the son of a Sayyid or a Pathan".

Well, gentlemen! you will surely give the above answer to my questions. So now this fact has been established from your own answer that the greatest boon of God i.e., the boon of your being a Muslim, which you enjoy, is not a racial asset which you automatically inherit from your parents and which clings to you mechanically all your life whether you bother about it or not, but that it is a boon for acquiring which you must make efforts. If you make an endeavour for it then you can acquire it and if you don't care for it, it can also be snatched away from you. May God forbid.

Meaning of accepting Islam

Now let us go ahead. You say that a man becomes Muslim by accepting Islam. The question is : What does the acceptance of Islam signify? Does it mean that whoever makes a verbal profession: "I am Muslim or I have accepted Islam", becomes a Muslim? Or does it mean that just as a Brahmin worshipper recites a few mantras of Sanskrit without understanding them, if in the same way a man utters some phrases of Arabic without understanding them, he then and there becomes Muslim? Now you may tell what reply will you give to this question. Naturally you will answer that the meaning of accepting Islam is that a man should consciously, and deliberately accept what has been taught by Muhammad (peace be upon him) and act accordingly. Whosoever does this, is a Muslim and whosoever does not do this, is not a Muslim.

First requirement-knowledge

From this answer of yours the fact automatically comes to light that al-Islam is firstly the name of knowledge and then the name of putting that knowledge into practice. A man can be a Brahmin without having knowledge because he is born as a Brahmin and remains a Brahmin. So also a Jat can be Jat though he be bereft of knowledge because he is born as a Jat and remains a Jat all his life. But a man cannot become a Muslim without acquiring knowledge because he does not become a Muslim from birth but from knowledge. Unless he comes to know what is the teaching of Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him), how can he affirm faith in it and how can he act according to it? And if he has not affirmed faith knowingly and after full understanding of it, how can he become a Muslim? So it is clear that it is impossible to become a Muslim and remain a Muslim while in a state of ignorance. Whosoever is born in a Muslim home, bears a Muslim like name, dresses like a Muslim, and calls himself a Muslim, is in reality not a Muslim. But that person alone is a Muslim in the real sense who knows what Islam stands for and affirms faith in it with full consciousness. The real difference between a Kafir and a Muslim is not that of a name, that one is Ram Parshad and the other one is 'Abdullah, and so one is a Kafir and the other is a Muslim. Similarly, the real difference between a Kafir and a Muslim is not that of dress also, that one wears dhoti and the other pajamas, and so the former is a Kafir and the latter a Muslim. But the real difference between the two is that of knowledge. The one is a Kafir because he does not know what relation has God with him and what relation he was with God, and what is the right path for him to lead his life in the world in accordance with the wish of God. If a born Muslim too is ignorant in this respect, then tell me on what ground do you differentiate between him and a Kafir and why do you say that one is a Kafir and the other is a Muslim.

Gentlemen! Please listen carefully to the point I am stressing and reflect over it calmly. You must understand it thoroughly that to obtain or to be deprived of the greatest boon of Allah, on which you express thanks and gratefulness to Him, depends entirely on knowledge. If there is no knowledge, you cannot at all get this boon. Even if you have a little portion of it, then due to ignorance there is always the risk of losing the magnificent gift. The recipient, only due to simple-mindedness, will be under the impression that he is a Muslim while in fact he is not. The likeness of that person who is totally unaware of the difference between Islam and Kufr and the incongruity between Islam and Shirk, is as the likeness of one who is walking in darkness on a track. May be that while following a straight line his steps swerve to another path and he be unaware of this deviation from the right course. And it is also likely that he may meet a Dajjal on the way who may tell him: " O sonny! You have lost your way in darkness. Come, let me lead you to the destination". The poor wayfarer being enveloped in darkness cannot see with his own eyes as to which is the right path. Therefore unsophistically he will grasp the hand of Dajjal and the latter will lead him astray. These dangers are faced by the wayfarer for he very reason ha he himself does no possess any light and so is incapable of himself observing he road-marks. If he were endowed with light, he will obviously neither lose his way nor be led astray by another person. You may guess from this example that the greatest danger to a Muslim lies in his own ignorance of Islamic teaching and his unawareness of what the Qur'an teaches and what instructions were left by the Holy Prophet (peach be upon him). Due to lack of knowledge he will grope his way and will also be led astray by Dajjals. But if he is blessed with the light of knowledge he will be able to see the plain path of Islam at every step in his life, will discover and avoid the misleading paths of Kufr, Shirk, heresy and immorality, which will intercept him, and whenever an inveigler will meet him on the way he will realize after exchanging a few words with him that he is an evil force and so he should followed.

Importance of knowledge

Brethren! On this knowledge, the necessity of which I am explaining to you, depends yours and your children's being Muslims and remaining as Muslims. This is not an ordinary thing which may be neglected. You do not show any carelessness in cultivating your land, in irrigating and protecting your crops, in supplying fodder to your cattle and in other work of your profession, simply because if you do so you will be starved to death and will lose a precious thing like life. Then tell me why do you show negligence in acquiring that knowledge on which depends your becoming a Muslim and remaining a Muslim. Does not this entail the danger of losing a precious thing like Iman? Is not Iman dearer than life? Out of the time and labour you spend on things which sustain your life, can you not spend one-tenth part of them on things which protect your Imam?

I do not say that everyone of you should become a Maulvi, read voluminous books and spend ten to twelve years of your life in this pursuit. It is not necessary to read so much to become a Muslim. I only want this much that each one of you should spend only one hour out of the twenty-four hours of day and night in acquiring the knowledge of Deen. At least that much knowledge should be acquired by every Muslim youth, adult and old person as may enable him to understand the essence of the teaching of Qur'an and the purpose for which it was revealed. He should be able to clearly understand the mission of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) with which he came into this world. What was the wrong he wanted to be demolished and what was the right he wished to be established? He should also get acquainted with that particular mode of life which Allah has ordained for Muslims. Not much time is required to acquire this quantum of knowledge. And if Iman is dear to you, it is not so difficult to find one hour per day to acquire it.