Bismillah: Assalamo Alikum.
Quote:wa alykom as salam Wael, this is exactly where the porblem lies. Being Muslims is enough, we dont need to show the west that we are like them, because we are not. Being a normal muslim certainly differs totally with any normal non muslim in each and every aspect. Fashion is not part of our Deen. I dont have to follow fashion to show ohters that I m like them. I just have to follow what Allah Commands. In my humble opinion, if we work on this ground our voices will be stronger, because we will not have to be torn between trying to fit in and applying our Deen.
Jazki Allahu Khiran sister Muslimah for your view, but I’ve got some comments.
We are not imitating the West by singing some Islamic songs, nor do we imitate them by being fashionable and not going against our Deen, what is the problem if I wear a nice suit with tie and preach Islam like how Amr Khaled appear? and as you may know, his voice was heard ,and reached the hearts of millions mash a Allah, Arabs and non Arabs, Muslims and non Muslims. Amr Khaled’s simple message is to integrate with the Westerners without dissolving or losing our identity as Muslims.
Amr Khaled once said:
Quote:Let me say this to the Western countries; you can’t enforce your culture on me and then expect me to coexist. You can’t enforce our youth to be a carbon copy of your own culture, and then ask us to coexist. You can’t occupy our country, and then ask us to coexist. We are calling for coexistence between two parties who respect each other’s wishes. ……I want all the youths to be proud of their identity. So coexist but never forget your roots. You have a global mission. You will be open to the whole world, yet proud of your own Muslim identity.
He never imitates the West, he only knew the way to explain Islam to them, he knew the way to reach their hearts and that’s why he was heard and respected by them. I just saw him on an interview before leaving to America where he said that “<b>I am not going there for the award, but God has given me a chance to explain to the Americans what is Islam and I must seize the chance</b>” he will also meet Jennifer Lopez and Oprah Winfrey, Tyra Banks etc… shall we also be against that? He even said that if he gets the chance he will talk to them, sit with them and try to clarify the misconceptions that the have about Islam and our prophet pbuh. in my opinion, this is a great mission.
Please view this page to read an open discussion with Amr Khaled on IOL before leaving to USA and to know more about his opinion on imitating the West. Amr Khaled on IslamOnline
am so happy that we are trying hard to advise each other in order to become better Muslims. May Allah reward you all.
Salam
Wael.