Comparison of Islamic values, and Western Values

[Ali]

Islamic teachings seek to uplift the human being in his nobleness; whereas, the western teachings degrade the human being to the level of brutes. [b:37c29f939c]It should be understood that my intention is not to criticize the western individuals; rather, I wish to criticize the ideological principles on which the modern western civilization is based.[/b:37c29f939c] In reality the western people are to be pitied, for they have been victimized by a particular class of people, possessing a particular ideology. This class has unleashed the powerful force of the mass media by which it has taken hostage the independent thinking of the western commoner. Western commoner views the world through the eyes of the western media, which grossly distorts the true reality of the world around them.

With this disclaimer, let us resume our original topic. Surah Bani Israel states:

[b:37c29f939c]“Hence do not kill your children for fear of poverty; it is We who shall provide sustenance for them as well as for you. Verily, killing them is a great sin.”

[al-Qur'an 17:31][/b:37c29f939c]

The Arabs used to kill their daughters for two reasons; firstly, due to shame, for girls were seen as inferior creatures and as a liability; secondly, due to fear of poverty. In our society, the same sort of mentality has taken root. Our westernized “intellectuals” analyze the national, human problems from the standpoint of pure statistics. They measure the national resources and the population level, and declare the growing population as the root of all crises facing the society. Islam does not sanction this type of thinking. From the Islamic point of view, instead of wasting time gathering up such statistics, we should seek to establish such an equitable society that all resources are divided justly and equitably among the masses; hence, generating provisions for all citizens. In such a scenario, population growth will not pose a problem. Allah (SWT) says that He (SWT) will provide for us and our families.

Within the same context, other practices increasingly observed in our society are: abortions and contraceptive measures. Apart from the fact that these measures are allowed under especial circumstances, if they are carried out with the intention to escape poverty, then again, this is against the true spirit of Islam. Bottom line is that Allah (swt) is the Provider and will create new resources to provide for the growing population.

The next Ayah commands:

[b:37c29f939c]“And do not go near fornication and adultery” [al-Qur'an 17:32][/b:37c29f939c]

Islam seeks to close all avenues that lead to moral lewdness and sexual anarchy. A sexually permissive society destroys its family system, for sexual permissiveness destroys the bond of mutual love and trust between husband and wife – the two cornerstones of a family. To prevent sexual anarchy, Islam has taken following positive and negative measures:

(1) The process of an Islamic marriage has been rendered extremely easy. Only two ceremonies are necessary: the Nikah and the Walima. Nikah simply requires the affirmation of the man and the woman in presence of two witnesses. Notice that there is no feast of Nikah from either side. Islam does not require the bride’s side to engage in any financial activity. Hence, a father may wed his daughter without spending even one cent. [i:37c29f939c]To protect youngsters from wrongdoing, parents are instructed to marry off their children as soon as they become adults.[/i:37c29f939c]

(2) Inhibition of all activities that incite sexual desire, such as: publication of lewd books, promotion of vulgar films, placement of indecent billboards, music, dancing, and etc.

(3) Prohibition of alcohol and drugs, for these also inflame sexual passion.

(4) Prohibition of free mixing between males and females.

(5) Discouragement of women to leave their homes unless absolutely necessary.

(6) Detailed guidelines regarding dress for both men and women: a woman’s whole body is to be covered except the front part of her face (excluding the hair), hands up to the wrists, and feet up to the ankles; other than these three parts, she may not disclose any part of her body to anyone except her husband (doctors excluded). As for non-Mahrems (male relatives not directly related to her), she is to observe additional covering, that is, her dress should be such that it should hide the confines and curvatures of her body and also cover her face.

In view of the above listed measures, if we scan our society, we will discover gross violations of these principles. [u:37c29f939c]Marriage process has been made so difficult and expensive that it is a burden on the common man.[/u:37c29f939c] Both men and women have to often wait a lifetime to amount the required resources. This lengthened wait increases the chances for people to engage in wrongful activities. The promotion of abortions and contraceptive measures have encouraged people to engage in unlawful activities. The consumption of alcohol and drugs is continuously increasing and has now reached the campuses. There is an organized effort, on part of some societal elements, to promote sexually provocative material and activities such as: pornography, sexually explicit films, music, dancing, and billboards, etc. Mixed gatherings are a norm and any intent to curb this norm is seen as backward. In Islam, the beautification of women is only for her husband, however, in our society when the wife is to leave her house, that is the time when she beautifies herself. In addition the fashionable female dresses today are a manifestation of a Hadith in which the Prophet (SAW) prophesied that a time would come when a woman would be naked even though she will be dressed. These are some of the evils prevalent in our society that have been promoted under the western influence. Such practices have undermined the very fabric of our societal structure and have contaminated the minds of our younger generation with filth and lewdness.

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Summary of Friday Sermon

August 01, 2003

Speaker: 'Akif Sa`eed

Venue: Masjid Dar al-Islam, Bagh-e-Jinnah Lahore

[AL3a3]

Bro. Ali, you are not critizing western ways, what you are doing , is joining in the right and forbidding what is wrong. There is no sin or misjudgement in what you've stated, it is indeed a fact, that the ways of the western world corrupts our islamic commuinity.

the tvs, radios, and all others media, only allures us as human beings, we all know, that when occupying our time with things other than islam, it sometimes alter (change ) our thinking, it is a work of the devil, and if these devices aren't used for islamic and educational, health studies, or even hobbies, they turn our brains to jelly. We are tempted when seeing women on tv, and outside, and even some of our sisters think the richer and more romacntic or better looking man can make them happy. We see children disrespect their parents etc' just because of the behaviours on tv.

Insha'llah, I pray even that Allah (swt) strengthen me too...amin!

keep up the good work.

As-salaamu alaikum wa rahmantu'llah

Bro. you are right, and I ask you to pray

[Ali]

It actually was an excerpt of 'Akif Sa`eed's Khutbah on Jum'ah. I listen to it online. And I do concur with you on what you said.

-- Ali