08-31-2005, 10:53 AM
Bismillah
As Salam alaikum
I got a "new" car and suddenly it seemed as if the same make and model was everywhere. Do I really think that everyone heard that I bought it and then all went out and got one, too? Nope. I just became more aware of them being around. Has anyone heard of the phrase, "You'll always find what you are looking for?"
Like a certain sport's team? Then one is tuned into that team's logo and colors. If it is a recent passion then it will seem like all these other fans popped out of nowhere. It is just that we are now LOOKING and more aware of that team's identity.
Nonmuslims like JD are on the lookout for muslims' causing trouble and misapplying Shariah. Muslims are on the lookout for good muslims doing good for the Deen. Let's face it. Both sides are probably right in this matter because PEOPLE are involved which means the issue will never be black and white.
To try to categorize the Taliban as all good or all bad is faulty in my opinion. Allahu 'Alim. I am sure that some people abused the power that they had (nothing new for humans) as I am sure that there were people who were really trying to do good and uphold Allah's Laws. Just as it is faulty thinking to believe that every soldier in Iraq is raping and murdering or every soldier is a soldier for truth and democracy. People are people. We encompass a broad spectrum of good and evil not just either / or.
It is faulty to discredit Sister Yvonner Ridley and say that she is lying without evidence to the contrary. Her experience with the Taliban was obviously a good one. But if muslimahs from Afghanistan are claiming that they were injured under the regime, it is faulty to call them liars as well. The burden of proof is on the accuser (this is the Islamic way). So if one side is claiming that these people are liars then proof should be brought forth from that specific person's life to show that they lied. Since none of us were there, we may never know the complete truth. IMO, so what?
I do not pattern my Islam on how the Taliban did things. I pattern it on how the Prophet did things. He was the ONLY perfect example of how Shariah should be applied. The rest of us are just trying to attain this difficult goal. It has been said before but... If one wants to discover how Islam is supposed to be practiced, one looks to the PROPHET. NOWHERE else. I can look up verses in the bible like Matthew 10:34 where Jesus says that he is here to to convey his message by the sword not peace. I then go out and claim that my murders are justified by my faith. Does this mean that I am practicing Christainity. Would any Christain believe that this person is truly following Christianity? No. They would use their sense and understand that some people will use ANYTHING to gain power, even religion.
Did all the women under the Taliban have a great time? Doubt it. Was every woman oppressed? Doubt it. Ask any country's citizens about their leaders and you will always get a varied response. Some are usually suffering and oppressed hoping for a change while others are quite content with their station. Allah has Created us to be different, to be complex, and to understand that issues are very rarely black and white.
If I have made a mistake or offend anyone, it is from my own ignorance and faults. May Allah Forgive me.
As Salam alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatu