05-19-2005, 01:59 PM
Bismillah
As Salam alaikum
The concept of affordable Islamic schools in nonmuslim countries is a wonderful idea. An idea that at least in St. Louis and Columbia, Missouri has been attempted many times at many different angles. It saddens me when such a beautiful idea dies because of selfishness and nationalism. Looking into history, we can see that lack of knowledge was not the first infection to disease our ummah, rather it is the most horrible jahilee concept of nationalism over Islam. The prophet tried to eliminate this but upon his death it rose its ugly face again.
Most muslims today are not proud to be muslims, rather they are proud to be a Pakistani, a Saudi, an Algerian, a Somali, or a Bosnian who happens to be a muslim. The muslims who live in nonmuslim countries know exactly what I am talking about. A chinatown type of Islamatown would do wonders in these nonmuslim countries. Unfortunately, we have instead Saudi masjids, Desi masjids, Bosnian masjids, etc... It saddens me to such a great extent that I find it so difficult to put into words.
A story: An Islamic school wanted to expand its buildings in order to not only better serve the children but to allow for more students to attend. Fundraisers were held and pledges were made. Construction was begun with the understanding that muslims do not break their word. Are muslims supposed to give charity with stipulations? Well that is what happened. As the project approached its halfway mark, pledges were not being honored. Why? Becaue a group in the community wanted to use the new auditorium whenever they wanted for whatever they wanted. They wanted to be able to hold festivals, comedians, and dances. The Imam declared that such actions could not happen at a masjid and Islamic school! "Well, then come up with the money yourself," was the reply to the Imam who sole goal was to improve the iman of the community. At one jumah prayer, the khateeb was literally BEGGING the community to uphold promises and pledges that THEY voluntarily made. (I have harsher words in my head but Allah would most likely prefer me to refrain.) He stated that if pledges were not honored that the entire project would have to be scrapped and what was already built would have to be torn down.
I am not sure how the rest of the communties are but in the ones in which I have lived, the rich muslims do not want much from their Islam except the neat little cultural parts like some X-tians and X-mas. Muslims who have little money would love do help but are too poor to even send their children to a private muslim school let alone help build one. (I understand that this is a generalization and personally I have seen many exceptions but not enough to effect change.) Rich muslims may be able to get schools off on the right foot but if a community is unwilling or unable to take over the financial burdens once the donors or their moneys are gone, the schools will inevitably fail.
This young woman's plight to wear her own cultural dress rather than being pleased with the fact that she is blessed to be able to go to school where she can dress Islamically is a perfect illustration of our problem. When asked the question, "who are you?" Do we first answer "muslim" or do we lead off with our nationality or our occupation or that we are parents (eg father of three)?
I must also echo my sister's comment of:
"Sometimes I can't help but wonder if Muslim's enjoy adopting the victim mentality, even if there's no reason for it."
Our generations of muslims now have never seen Islam in its true power. We are used to being victims because we have been told that is all we are. Now we believe it. Is the jump then that if we cannot be powerful as muslims then we should try to be powerful Iraqis, Pakis, Indians, Malaysians, Morracans? Is this why muslims are pointing weapons at each other?
The implementation of these plans would be wonderful. Insha'Allah we need to purify our intentions and rely upon the only One who should be relied upon. Of course, I am stating something pretty obvious, especially on an Islamic forum, but do we truly act according to our beliefs?
I pray and hope that others pray for me to lose my cynisism. I pray that I do what I can to further the Ummah. I pray that nationalism will be dissolved and devoured by pure Islam eminating from our hearts. Allah Forgive me.
As Salam alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatu