Saudi cleric urges prayer reform

[Muslimah]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8242989.stm


By Magdi Abdelhadi


Arab affairs analyst, BBC News


Saudi Arabia practises a conservative form of Sunni Islam


A leading Saudi cleric has called on Muslims not to pray for the destruction of unbelievers.


A supplication to that effect is often reiterated at the end of every Friday prayer in Arab countries, something critics say can radicalise youth.


Sheikh Salman al-Awda said such prayers were against Islamic sharia.


But he added they were permissible if the interests of Muslims were harmed, so his words may have little effect on radicals who oppose the US or Israel.


Reform issue


It is very common for the Friday prayer in Arab societies to end with the Imam calling for the destruction of the "kuffar", the un-believers, to which the worshippers respond "Amen".


Such public display of hostility to other cultures was picked up by critics as an example of how mainstream Islamic preaching contributes, perhaps inadvertently, to the radicalisation of Muslim youths.


The issue moved centre-stage in the debate about reform in Islam after the 9/11 attacks on New York and Washington eight years ago by 19 Muslim men, most of whom came from Saudi Arabia.


The question of reform is more urgent for Saudi society, where a puritanical interpretation of Islamic faith encourages hostility to other faiths, including even Muslim sects, such as the Shias, who complain of severe discrimination in the predominantly conservative Sunni kingdom.


Limited impact


Sheikh Salman is a respected cleric and a member of the International Association of Muslim Scholars, so his appeal should, at least in theory, should carry some weight.


He said praying for the destruction of the unbelievers runs against God's law, or Islamic sharia.


However, he added that praying for their destruction should be allowed only if they were harming the interests of Muslims.


But in a climate where Muslims are widely perceived to be under attack in Afghanistan, Iraq and the Palestinian territories, Sheikh Salman's appeal will have little or no impact on those who think that jihad against the Americans or the Israelis is a perfectly legitimate exercise.


For them the problem is not Islamic preaching, but rather an unjust world where Muslims are oppressed by foreign powers.

[Dan]

Bismillah


As Salam alaikum


Muslims won't be "unjustly oppressed by foreign powers" when they return to the religion of Islam as it is meant to be practiced, the way the Messenger of Allah sal Allahu alaihi wa salam brought it.


Allah elevates those who worship Him alone in the manner that please Him.


As Salam alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatu

[Muslimah]

Bismillah


As Salam Alykom


With all due respect to the source: BBC, I would like to comment on the title of the article. Unless of course the author intended a catching eyes headline.


When you say the word reform, you are referring to something that was incorrect and efforts are geared towards correction, improvement and enhancement. This certainly will be done through changes, modifictions which might involve either addition or elimination.


In this context, we will need first to understand what is Friday Salat (worship which is the second pillar of Islam). I intend to use the word Salat because Salat is totally different from the concept of prayer known to people who are non Muslims.


Friday Salat is Ordained by Allah on Muslims to take place instead of Zohor (noon) Salat. The format is different and part of it is to deliver a Khutbah (surmon). In case one who joins the congregation misses this part, it means that his/her Salat is invalid and one should instead perform regular Zohor. This person shall loose the reward of attending Friday Salat.


Again the format is:


Listening to the Khutbah.


Performing 2 Raka`a (units) instead of 4 in the regular Zohor Salat.


These are standard rules that can not be changed, modified or amended. Those are rules made by Allah the Creator and learnt through the Messenger blessing and peace be upon him.


The wisdom behind it is vast and not relevant here.


The Khutbah which is a fundamental aspect of this rite, must be aligned with some guidelines, like it must not be long, must be focused, deliver a message, introduce knowledge, address a common issue..etc. One who listens must not move or speak during the delivery, otherwise, Salat is annuled.


Having said that, the Sheikh (Cleric) by suggesting to cut down on supplicating against non believers:


QUOTE


He said praying for the destruction of the unbelievers runs against God's law, or Islamic sharia.


However, he added that praying for their destruction should be allowed only if they were harming the interests of Muslims.


He is not calling for reform, because he well undersands that Islam is perfect, as a system of life, because it is from the Creator and no human can reform what has been made perfect.


He is suggesting a change of topic. If would suggest eliminating Khutbah, or increasing number of Rakaat, or reducing them. This is what is called change. I would not use reform.


However, they still supplicate to Allah to grant Muslims victory against Jews and free Al Aqsa Mosque, that is what are supplicating for.