THE HOLY MONTH OF RAMADAN IS THE PERFECT TIME TO PROMOTE ISLAM
by Syarif Hidayat*
The holy month of Ramadan is the perfect time of the year to promote Islam. That is why Muslims are encouraged to share the Ramadan spirit with the non Muslim friends and neighbors by taking part in an initiative aimed at breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of good relationship and good neighborliness between Muslims and non-Muslims in the communities, especially in the non-Muslim majority countries like those in the West.
Islam is a beautiful religion, full of wisdom and harmony. If this wonderful religion is followed properly then a typical Muslim would only be a great example to follow. You might believe this or not! But good manners are the best form of Da’wah. If we ask ourselves, what if a person was walking around calling people to Islam and to worship the one true God yet he have no manners at all, will anyone follow him? Or even listen tohim? The answer must be No, for sure.
No one will be willing to follow the same way of life that such a person (above) follows. Even if he was so eloquent in his speech and no matter how nicely he described Islam as the best religion on the face of earth, his actions, speech,and beliefs are opposing hence no one will listen to him. People tend to believe the actions more than the speech and that is the nature of human as “actions speak louder than words.”
We need to remind ourselves that Islam was spread -during its early stages- in many countries like India and the far east of Asia through the Arab Muslim merchants who were showing the best of manners -especially in trade- to people of those countries. Their honesty and actions were so admired by people of those countries that they embraced Islam. You can’t walk around preaching people to embrace the religion of honesty when you are not honest! You can’t advise people about morality in Islam when you don’t follow any morals! No one will believe what you are saying because simply you are not making any sense to them!
Another example of this is the story of the Jew who was a neighbor of the Prophet (peace be upon him) who used to dump rubbish on his doorstep. One day, the Prophet found no rubbish. The next day he found no rubbish, so he asked about the Jew, only to find that he was sick. He then visited the sick Jew and tried to make him feel better. As a result, the Jew became Muslim.
Kindness to a Non-Muslim Neighbors
El-Sayed M. Amin in his article titled: “Kindness to a Non-Muslim Neighbor – Tips for Interaction” published in www.islamonline.net writes “The neighbor holds a special status in Islam.” Islam encourages Muslims to treat their neighbors in a gentle way that reflects the true and genuine spirit of Islam as exemplified in its tolerant aspect especially with people of other faiths. It makes no difference whether the neighbors are Muslim or non-Muslim. ‘A’ishah, the Mother of the Believers, (may Allah be pleased with her) stated that she once asked the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), “O Messenger of Allah! I have two neighbors. To whom shall I send my gifts?” He said, “To the one whose gate is nearer to you.”
It is clear from the above Prophetic Hadith that Muslims are encouraged to not only treat our neighbors kindly, but also to exchange gifts with them. The wording of the Hadith does not indicate whether the one with whom we exchange gifts is a Muslim or not. It was even reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) had a neighbor who used to harm him and insult him at every encounter. Some days elapsed without the Prophet getting his share of this man’s abuse.
Thinking that there must be some reason behind the man’s absence, he (peace and blessings be upon him) paid him a visit and found him sick. The man wondered how the Prophet could meet his bad treatment with such great behavior. To him, such noble character as taught by Islam was completely new. If your neighbors are Muslim and relatives, then they have three rights on you: the right of the neighbor, the right of kin, and the right of the co-religionist. If they are non-Muslim and relatives, then two rights are due to them: that of neighbor and kin. And if they are non-Muslims outside of the family, you owe them the right of the neighbor only.
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. Referring to this, the Allah Almighty Allah says in Al Qur’an: “Worship Allâh and join none with Him (in worship), and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, Al-Masâkin (the poor), the neighbor who is near of kin, the neighbor who is a stranger, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet), and those (slaves) whom your right hands possess. Verily, Allâh does not like such as are proud and boastful.” (Al Qur’an, Surah An-Nisa, Verse 36).
Enough to say that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) stated in one of his Hadiths that Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) kept exhorting him to treat neighbors kindly to the extent that the Prophet imagined that a neighbor could inherit from his neighbor. Below are some tips on how to approach your non-Muslim neighbors in a kind way that exemplifies Islamic manners:
- – Being good to neighbors is not only restricted to those who share the same building with you. Your roommate at the dorm is your neighbor; the person sitting behind you or next to you in a bus or at a bus stop is your neighbor; the one sharing your office at work is your neighbor; the person enjoying fresh air next to you in a public garden is also a neighbor. You ought to treat all of those people kindly and socialize with them within the permitted scope of Shari ‘ah.
- – Introduce yourself and your family to your neighbors when you move into a new place or when new neighbors move in. This will also help to relieve any fears or tensions they may have about Muslims. Also, don’t forget to say good-bye when you or they move away.
- – Care for them continually, especially at times of need and distress, as “the neighbor in need is a neighbor indeed.” If a neighbor is elderly or chronically ill, offer to run errands or shop for him or her.
- – In dealing with neighbors, it is safer to deal with those of the same sex as yourself. This does not mean that you should stop socializing at work or school with your non-Muslim workmates or classmates of the opposite sex, but be aware of Satanic snares. After-hours socializing should be with your same sex.
- – While socializing with non-Muslims, be cautious of becoming too lenient at the expense of your creed and principles. For example, don’t go out drinking with them. They will respect you more for sticking to your principles than for breaking the rules.
- – In addition to sharing ideas, you can share meals with them by inviting them to dinner on the weekend or accepting their invitation to the same, provided that you let them know about your dietary restrictions as a Muslim.
- – Conduct mutual visits so that the families can interact in a constructive way. If the discussion does turn to religion, focus on areas of common ground. For example, if your neighbors are Christian, then you should not enter into a futile argument with them about whether Jesus is God incarnate or not. Rather, tell them to what extent Islam honors all God’s Prophets and Messengers as a whole, and that Jesus is granted a special status among God’s Prophets and Messengers.
- – While socializing with neighbors, present your deen (Islam) in the best way. If you are faced with a difficult question or a distortion about Islam, do not be ashamed to stop for a while and tell them that you will try to contact a more knowledgeable person to seek the guidance regarding the issue raised. Thus, common grounds should be enhanced, and areas of dissension should never be raised.
- – If your neighbors show an interest in Islam, invite them to attend Islamic events, and even to accompany you to the mosque to see what it is like. It may be that their hearts become softened to Islam, and if they remain non-Muslim, at least you have succeeded in breaking the barrier. You can also visit the church where your neighbors pray if they invite you to do that, but here you should be cautious not to perform any act that your religion prohibits. In brief, be only a watchful monitor.
- – Always keep in mind the mighty reward that is in store for you in the Hereafter when you show kindness to a neighbor.
Importance of Good-neighborliness
Adil Salahi in his article titled: “Importance of Good-neighborliness” published in www.islamicvoice.com writes “Being good to neighbors holds the key to fraternal peace and communal harmony. The Holy Prophet (Pbuh) held this as an essential attribute of a believer in the day of judgement.” “Gabriel has continued to strongly recommend me to be kind to my neighbor until I thought that he would make him among my heirs.” (Related by Al-Bukhari, Muslim, Malik and others).
Islam aims at creating a society which does not only implement Allah’s laws, but also adopts certain values which ensure its strength as a coherent, caring society where everyone feels his or her importance to the community. None is left to waste or suffer on his own. An Islamic society is one where every individual is important and everyone enjoys the protection of the community. It is needless to say that every member of society has a duty and a responsibility towards his community. In return, he enjoys the care and protection of that community.
In order to create a solid basis for its closely-knit community, Islam begins by encouraging good-neighborliness. One of the worst social acts a person can commit is to be unkind to his neighbors. The reasons for this insistence on good-neighborliness are too obvious to need any discussion. In a neighborhood where people quarrel and one set of neighbors try to harm another, there is no chance of harmony prevailing there. Indeed, people try to move out from such an area, peace being the basic condition for development. It is not surprising, therefore, that the Prophet should emphasize on every occasion, the importance of good-neighborly relations.
So vehement was the divine recommendation of being good to neighbors that Holy Prophet (Pbuh) began to apprehend that the neighbors would be made inheritors in one’s property. The Prophet (Pbuh) is quoted by his wife Ayesha, as saying: “Gabriel has continued to strongly recommend me to be kind to my neighbor until I thought that he would make him among my heirs.” (Related by Al-Bukhari, Muslim, Malik and others). This Hadith which has been widely reported, in different chains of reporting, is highly significant.
Moreover, it is phrased in a way which leaves no doubt where the order to be kind to neighbors comes from. It is Gabriel, the angel, who is recommending the Prophet to take such an attitude to his neighbors. Gabriel, as an angel, does not initiate anything from himself. He simply carries a message from Allah to His Prophet and conveys it in its entirety. Allah describes angels in the Quran as creatures who do not disobey Allah whatever He bids them, and they do what they are bid. (Al Qur’an 66:6) So, when Gabriel makes a recommendation to the Prophet, he simply conveys to him what Allah wants him to convey. That recommendation is, then, an order given by Allah.
We also note that the recommendation has been repeated again and again in order to create a certain impression in the mind of the Prophet. Again, Gabriel was acting on Allah’s order. It is Allah who wants him to repeat this recommendation time after time. The Prophet was the best man to understand what Allah wants of him. A simple order or recommendation would have been adequate for the Prophet to understand that he should be kind to his neighbors. This Hadith suggests something more. It implies a certain duty which should not be neglected for any reason whatsoever. This we understand from the fact that the recommendation was frequently repeated by Gabriel who was acting on Allah’s order.
We can also form an impression of what that recommendation was like. It must have emphasized the fact that a neighbor has a very strong claim on those who live in the same area with him for the Prophet to have the sort of impression which he has specified. In other words, when we treat our neighbors kindly, we are only giving them that to which they are entitled to by right. The kindness should be mutual since we, as their neighbors, are entitled to the same right. When people in any neighborhood act on this recommendation, or to be sure this order, then that neighborhood is bound to be happy and strong. Everyone will enjoy the feeling of belonging to a good community which cares for him and for his interests and provides him with protection.
The Prophet tells us that Gabriel continued to urge him repeatedly to be kind to his neighbors inasmuch as he thought that the next thing he would say would be that neighbors were entitled to a share of the inheritance of their neighbors like their own relatives. That gives neighbors a degree very close to that of people’s own relations. It makes them almost of the same family. Had that been ordered, every neighbor would have had such a share of inheritance, be he a righteous person or a wrongdoer, a friend or a foe, a local person or a stranger who has moved in recently, a good member of the locality or a bad one. This is what applies to those entitled to a share of inheritance, according to the Islamic system.
When a person dies, his heirs receive their shares of his inheritance without regard to any of the aforementioned factors. Their entitlement to their shares is derived from their relation to the deceased, not from their character. The same would have applied to neighbors had they been made heirs to their neighbors. This Hadith, however, remains highly significant in the sense that it describes how close a relationship between neighbors in a Muslim society should be. When people understand this fully, they are bound to value their ties with their neighbors very highly.
In another Hadith, the Prophet links certain attitudes to believing in Allah and the day of judgment. Among these is good-neighborliness. Abu Shuraih Al-Khuza’ie quotes the Prophet as saying: “Anyone who believes in Allah and the last day let him be kind to his neighbor. Anyone who believes in Allah and the last day, let him be hospitable to his guest. Anyone who believes in Allah and the last day, let him say something good or be silent.” (Related by Al-Bukhari, Muslim, Ahmad and others).
Again, the mode of expression here is highly significant. The Prophet repeats with every one of the three habitual attitudes he recommends to believing in Allah and the day of judgment. He uses this mode of expression in order to highlight the importance of each of these three attitudes. The Prophet mentions the day of judgment because it is the day for reward or punishment. A non-believer in the day of judgment is unlikely to give it any importance in shaping his social behaviour. From this we understand that kindness to neighbors will be rewarded highly by Allah.
It is needless to say that the person who acts on the Prophet’s recommendation will have the immediate reward of his kindness being returned by his neighbors. But he should not make that his motive. It is not their reward that he hopes for. Reward from Allah is much more important. It is that reward to which we aspire. It gives us the appropriate motive. Hence, we will be keen to merit that reward.
Neighbors: Up to Seven Doors Away
IOL Team in an article titled: “Neighbors: Up to Seven Doors Away” published in www.islamonline.net writes “The Qur’an tells us that all of mankind is descended from one couple, Adam and Eve. Thus we are all brothers and sisters, and our differences in languages and colors are but a mercy that we might know one another. Language and race should never be a reason for discriminating against people.”
A Muslim should maintain good relations with his relatives, but he should not unjustly favor them over others. Further, a Muslim must be good to his neighbors, no matter their religion. But the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) taught us that a “neighbor” is not just the one next door but includes all those up to seven doors away – effectively a whole neighborhood.
This concern for our neighbors can take many forms. It means to ensure that our neighbors have the basic necessities, for a Muslim should not eat if his or her neighbor is going hungry. It means that Muslims should wish for their neighbors what they wish for themselves. It means sharing their happiness and sorrow. Further, it means to not spy on them and respect their privacy, to not gossip about them, to not harm them in any way, and to keep common use areas — such as apartment building entrances, streets and sidewalks — clean.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was told of a woman who prayed and fasted a lot and gave alms generously, but whose neighbors complained of her abusive tongue. He said that she would be in Hellfire. When he was told of another woman who did not do all those extra acts of worship but whose neighbors were happy with her, he said that she would be in Paradise . Thus we see the importance of being good to our neighbors, both in actions and words.
Ramadan a time to promote Islam
In this Ramadan, Muslims in the US and Australia are being encouraged by their organizations to share the Ramadan spirit with the non Muslim friends and neighbors by taking part in an initiative aimed at breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of good relationship and good neighborliness between Muslims and non-Muslims in the communities in those two Christian majority countries.
Jeff Coen in his article titled: “Muslims open doors to their neighbors – Ramadan a time to promote Islam” published in www.chicagotribune.com wrote a Washington-based organization has offered local, like-minded groups a kit replete with talking points on how to promote themselves in the nation’s media and sell themselves to the public. The organization is the Council on American-Islamic Relations, and the target date is the beginning of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Ramadan is the month on Islam’s lunar calendar set aside for daytime fasting to learn discipline and self-restraint, as called for in the Koran. Leaders of the country’s estimated 7 million Muslims are using the traditional month of prayer and fasting as a signature event to introduce their non-Muslim neighbors to their Islam–the global religion of peace and mercy. The hope is a month of open houses at mosques, interfaith dinners and community presentations during Ramadan might lead to a better understanding of one of the world’s great faiths.
“Every year Ramadan presents an opportunity to educate others,” said Ibrahim Hooper, council spokesman. “Of course the last two Ramadans it’s not been the best of atmospheres, but that just means it’s critical that people learn about Islam. “It’s ignorance that leads to stereotyping and prejudice.” The organization has put together a how-to packet that it now offers online, www.cair-net.org, instructing Muslim groups on ways to contact the media, schools and libraries.
The trend of opening up Ramadan and using it as a springboard is readily apparent in the Chicago area, where local mosques and Muslim groups are planning “Taste of Islam” events, lectures, food drives and school presentations. The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago is urging a month of outreach, which it plans to cap with a Nov. 26 interfaith dinner attended by Cardinal Francis George. Amina Saeed, director of community relations for the Chicago council, said her group is encouraging the breaking of the fast, or Iftaar, to take place with doors open to local residents who live near mosques in the city and suburbs. “We realize we can’t assume that people know what Islam is and who Muslims are,” Saeed said. “We need to educate people, and that means talking to them.”
America Muslims share Ramadan
Awaiting a season of spiritual renewal in Ramadan, an American Muslim advocacy group called on Muslim communities nationwide to open doors to non-Muslims during iftar to share the spirituality of the holy month and enhance Islam understanding in the country.
“In order to enhance interfaith relations, it is imperative that American Muslims reach out to their neighbors of all beliefs to offer balanced and accurate information about Islam and the Muslim community,” Nihad Awad, National Executive Director of the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), said in a press release.
Repeating last year’s successful experience, CAIR issued its annual campaign for local communities to host iftar dinner receptions and open houses for our neighbors of other traditions. During this year’s campaign, CAIR would be helping local Muslim communities organize “Sharing Ramadan” iftars by providing step-by-step instructions for hosting the events titled “Sharing Ramadan Resource Guide 2012”.
In this campaign, CAIR would also present resource guide including instructions on forming a “Sharing Ramadan” committee, a sample media advisory for an iftar and advice on reaching out to local media. It also includes an advertisement for the event, text for a “Welcome to Our Ramadan Fast-Breaking” brochure, frequently-asked questions about Ramadan, and a sample event program and newspaper advertisement.
A video promoting the campaign also notes that education and outreach help decrease anti-Muslim prejudice in American society. Ramadan is the holiest month in Islamic calendar. According to astronomical calculations, the holy fasting month of Ramadan will start on Friday, July 20. In Ramadan, adult Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset. The sick and those traveling are exempt from fasting especially if it poses health risks. Fasting is meant to teach Muslims patience, self-control and spirituality, and time during the holy month is dedicated for getting closer to Allah though prayers, reading the Noble Qur’an and good deeds.
Enhance Understanding
The share Ramadan ‘iftar’ campaign was designed to enhance interfaith understanding in the American community. “CAIR is calling on American Muslim communities to take time in the month of Ramadan to reach out to their neighbors of other faiths and traditions in a wonderful nationwide initiative titled ‘Sharing Ramadan.’” the ‘Sharing Ramadan Resource Guide 2012’ says.
The idea of the campaign followed a poll commissioned by CAIR which found that 1-in-4 Americans had a negative perception about Islam. However, the survey also indicated that most of those who held positive views about Islam had some sort of interaction in the past with Muslims. Awad also cited a 2009 survey by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, which stated that those who know a Muslim or are familiar with Islam and Muslims are “most likely to express favorable views of Muslims and to see similarities between Islam and their own religion.”
The guide also contains items such as a sample media advisory for an iftar, an advertisement for the event and a “Welcome to Our Ramadan Fast-Breaking” brochure designed to be copied and distributed to iftar participants. Although there are no official figures, the United States is believed to be home to between 6-8 million Muslims. According to a report by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the University of California, Berkeley’s Center for Race and Gender said that Islamophobia in the US is on the rise. A US survey has also revealed that the majority of Americans know very little about Muslims and their faith. A recent Gallup poll, however, found 43 percent of Americans Nationwide admitted to feeling at least “a little” prejudice against Muslims.
Australian Muslims encouraged to open their homes to non Muslims
Australia’s Muslim community is being encouraged to share the Ramadan spirit with their non Muslim friends and neighbors by taking part in an initiative aimed at breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of unity amongst Muslims and non-Muslims in Australia. The Islamic Council of New South Wales (ICNSW) is inviting all Muslims to open their homes to non-Muslim colleagues, neighbors and friends during the Islamic calendar month of Ramadan in August.
Open Home in Ramadan is an exciting opportunity for non-Muslims to experience the Iftar, or the breaking of the fast with a meal after sunset with Muslims and truly share in the experience of Ramadan. Khaled Sukkarieh, chairman of the ICNSW, described the initiative as a means to “open doors, hearts and minds of both Muslims and non-Muslims in a relaxed environment that will lead to long lasting friendships.” “We are encouraging Muslims to open their hearts and doors and invite non-Muslims for an Iftar dinner in their homes.”
The month of Ramadan is the 9th Month in the Islamic lunar calendar. Fasting involves abstaining from food and drinks from dawn to sunset and is obligatory for every able-bodied Muslim. Fasting encourages Muslims to both increase their spiritual connection with God and empathise with those less fortunate. The Hon. Minister for Citizenship and Communities and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs in NSW Victor Dominello said, “The Islamic Council is to be congratulated for its efforts to promote tolerance and cultural diversity – things that are so special about our society. Sharing an Iftar dinner brings people of different backgrounds together and strengthens all that unites us here in Australia.”
Muslims encouraged to engage more with their local communities
Zul Othman in his article titled: “Muslims encouraged to engage more with their local communities” published in Today Online (Singapore) writes Muslims need to get involved in their community so as to be part of a movement that could help counter the various setbacks to the image of Islam worldwide, said two Islamic theologians. Speaking at a press conference at the Grand Hyatt, Swiss scholar Professor Tariq Ramadan – who teaches at Oxford University – said the last thing Muslims should do is isolate themselves because of bad press. “… Being involved in your community is the best way to normalise relationships,” he said.
Prof Ramadan, whose Egyptian father was exiled by the Egyptian government, is one of the speakers at a three-day conference organised by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis), Oxford University’s Faculty of Oriental Studies, the University of Melbourne’s National Centre for Excellence in Islamic Studies and NUS’ Malay Studies Department. Singapore, added Prof Ramadan, is the perfect example of a country where Muslims and non-Muslims co-exist harmoniously.
In other parts of the world, conflicts may arise due to misunderstandings and cultural differences. But Muslims need to get away from the “victim mentality”, said Dr Ramadan. He himself was permitted this year to enter the United States after waiting five years for a ban imposed on him by the previous Bush administration to be lifted. What is also needed is a more balanced portrayal of Islam in the press, said the director of Australia’s National Centre for Excellence in Islamic Studies, Professor Abdullah Saeed. “Violence will always be there, but I think the media should play a part in highlighting things that are positive as well,” he said.
Changing perceptions may not be easy, but Muslims should not be disheartened, said Prof Ramadan. Terrorists and religious extremists will continue to grab headlines “but we are looking at things in the long run”. “We will distance ourselves (from acts of extremism) but we also shouldn’t let a single episode destroy the movement,” he added. What is also important, said Prof Ramadan, is constant dialogue – not just with other religions, but among Muslims as well. (T/E1/P03)
Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)
Indonesian version of this article click here: BULAN SUCI RAMADAN ADALAH WAKTU SEMPURNA UNTUK PROMOSIKAN ISLAM
*Editor of MINA (He can be contacted via email: [email protected])
This article has also been published in this blog: UNDERSTANDING ISLAM
Sources:
- http://muslimvillage.com
- http://articles.chicagotribune.com
- http://www.islamonline.net
- http://www.islamawareness.net
