08-09-2003, 11:19 PM
What I think? .... Well What I think would be very different from what others think.
Muslims countered the rise of westernization, and Modernity in some ways. 2 major categories are
1)Apologetics: Those who say "Oh I am sorry Muhammed (PBUH) married Ayesha (RA) when she was 9"
"I am sorry my wife has to dress modestly" etc etc
2) Revivalists: Those who wanted to modernise the Islamic society without westernizing it. They took the true Islamic teachings from the Ulema.
Now there is a lack of revivalists in these major organisations which we see in the US. Mostly, from my observations, are apologetics.
What I believe is that the only way we can establish Islam as a deen in the US (And this is one of our jobs) is to follow the way of the Prophet. (Manhaj of the Prophet Muhammed (SAW))
1)Dawah/Present the ideology (Cut at the roots of the society like show your Islamic views on issues which appeal to the fitrah.. at that time it was showing how Islam is against infanticide, in present times it could be how Islam is against same sex unions, and how it promotes high family values. (A lot of women in the West have reverted to islam because of its strong family values, and good morals)
2) Jammah (Creation of a platform on which Muslims organise)
3) Tarbiyah (Training of organised Muslims)
4)Passive resistance/Sabr and continuing the message (As you will do dawah, you will definately face problems, and that's where you resist Passively, Like the Prophet Muhammed (SAW) did in Makkah
5) Active resistance / Jihaad (Challenging the system)
6) Confrontation
7) Expansion of the Islamic state
Now if we take a look at active organizations such as... well they do not have an agenda like that. They present Islam to be as an Interest Group, rather than a Movement. It is a victory for them if a Muslimah gets the job as an intern in washington DC (In a secular system).
Well I understand that my views are different, and no offence to anyone.
-- Ali