Ibn Rajab (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
“With regard to giving sincere advice to the Muslims, [the one who wishes to do that] should love for them what he loves for himself, hate for them what he hates for himself, feel compassion for them, show mercy to their young ones, show respect to their elders, and share their grief and their joy, even if that is detrimental to his worldly interests, such as loving for prices to be dropped for them, even if that causes him to lose some profits on what he sells of trade goods. By the same token, he should hate everything that could cause them harm. He should love what is good for them, and hope for harmony to exist among them and for them to continue enjoying the blessings of Allah. He should pray that they always prevail against their enemies and that all harm be warded off from them.
In the interest of peace and unity, I wanted to address the following points in line with Islamic principles of justice and mercy.
Remember these general insights, and for specific guidance, consulting a knowledgeable scholar is essential.
1. Duty to Accept Invitations
Islam encourages accepting invitations, especially to weddings and celebrations.
Accepting invitations to Eid parties is encouraged in Islam, especially if there is nothing objectionable in the gathering.
However, it’s essential to consider the context. If the party involves activities that contradict Islamic values (such as excessive extravagance, inappropriate behaviour, or wastefulness), it’s better to decline politely.
Supporting an Eid party is permissible as long as it aligns with Islamic principles and doesn’t compromise your faith or values.
2. Should we attend support Government Eid Parties?
So far the main party’s leadership doesn’t seem to care about our grievances and they’re not engaging with British Muslims which means they take their votes for granted.
However losing a long-term voter base such as British Muslims will have long-term impacts, and we can be a part of that.
Regarding these staged events, their intention isn’t to include and listen nor is it to take action on something that we care very much about. But rather it’s to help themselves and to get votes and to pander in order to potentially win future elections.
These meetings are extremely self-serving, and are an attempt to undermine our movement and its unity behind our Palestinian people enduring horrors in Gaza and all over Palestine.
No Muslim leader or activist worth their salt would voluntarily attend. Anyone who does is delusional about their influence and out of step with the communities they claim to speak for.
It normalises complicity in genocide because we are rewarding politicians with these photo-ops instead of holding them accountable. In addition, it undermines the community’s efforts to put pressure on the government to stop the genocide against our brothers and sisters in Gaza.
It’s clear that all of these engagements have not brought us any kind of hope in the past. None of those interactions have been able to stop the genocide or end any of the suffering in Gaza, not now or in the past.
A believer should not be stung twice from the same hole, meaning a believer should be careful so that people should not be able to trick him twice.
In the USA, no Muslims showed up for the Iftar invite at the White House so they cancelled the event, https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/white-house-scales-back-iftar-gaza-horrors-declined-invites
We hope that boycotting government sponsored Eid and similar gatherings in the UK we can send a clear message now that our support is conditional (Follow on Instagram @rahim.jung).
3. Shifting Politicians’ Stance on Palestine
The evolving political landscape can impact our perceptions.
Some politicians may change their positions over time. We have seen many politicians not being able to speak freely and reprimanded as a result, or speaking up now because it’s convenient and doesn’t bear any consequences.
This affects our perceptions of politicians, so we have to deliberate whether we want to support a strong principled leader or someone who takes a more compromising approach to ensure their long-term political survival.
As Muslims, we should evaluate their actions and statements based on being well informed of the wider politics so as not to be naïve.
As always, we should base our decisions referring to Islamic guidance on how to best promote justice, mercy, and the well-being of all people.
It’s essential to stay informed and engage in constructive dialogue, this is referred to giving advice to the leaders which is a highly recommended and rewardable act in Islam
Also Muslim leaders should be open to receiving critique especially when they are in a position of responsibility for the community.
Umar (RA), the second Caliph once said, in this task,
“I seek your assistance. If I follow the right path, follow me. If I deviate from the right path, correct me so that we are not led astray”.
4. Forgiving Mistakes and Repentance of Muslim Leaders
Forgiveness is a noble quality in Islam. We should give people the benefit of the doubt and allow room for repentance.
Only Allah knows who is truly righteous or sinful. We are all fallible and need forgiveness.
Having a compassionate heart and forgiving fellow Muslims fosters unity and strengthens our community.
The concept of Husn Ad Dhann in the context of our relationships means to give people the benefit of the doubt.
It is a proactive mind-set in which we strive to not just find excuses for other people’s behaviour, but to actively search for and attribute positive reasons to their actions.
In this regard, the famous saying can serve as a guiding principle:
“If a friend among your friends errs, make seventy excuses for them. If your hearts are unable to do this, then know that the shortcoming is in your own selves.”
The less you jump to conclusions about other people’s intentions, the more they will be inclined to trust you. Just as we don’t like to be judged, neither does anyone else.
Forgiving someone does not mean that one must be best friends with them.
Forgiveness is to overlook the fault of another human being because Allah, Most High loves this and will show you forgiveness.
No matter what someone does to us, we should always follow the principle: “Dislike the action, not the one doing it.”
In this regard, we should be discerning not to focus on personal attacks, rather criticise the actions which are causing harm in society. If it’s done in private, this is best. However, if the concerns are a public issue, then it should be made public so as to warn others.
As always, the way and manner should be respectful and with good characteristics.
Umar ibn al Khattab (Allah be pleased with him) said: “Anyone who does not show mercy will not be shown mercy. Anyone who does not forgive will not be forgiven. Anyone who does not pardon will not be pardoned or protected.” [Bukhari, Adab al-Mufrad]
It is very easy to take up sides in heated discussions. Therefore, keeping a level head is crucially important.
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Messenger ( peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever has oppressed another person concerning his reputation or anything else, he should beg him to forgive him before the Day of Resurrection when there will be no money (to compensate for wrong deeds), but if he has good deeds, those good deeds will be taken from him according to his oppression which he has done, and if he has no good deeds, the sins of the oppressed person will be loaded on him.”
If you have strayed into tit for tat insults, it is best to always be the better person and ask for forgiveness.
The Prophet (Peace be upon him) also said, “He who does not show mercy to others, will not be shown mercy.” [Bukhari]
Hence we see that if you forgive, you will be forgiven. This is the way of the believers. Just forgive for the sake of Allah, and you will receive mercy yourself. How many people have we wronged that we may not even be aware of ourselves? You do not have to forgive, but if they ask you for forgiveness, you should forgive them.
The Prophet (Upon him be blessings and peace) said: “If anyone harms (others), Allah will harm him, and if anyone shows hostility to others, Allah will show hostility to him.” [Sunan Abi Dawud]
The Messenger of Allah (Upon him be blessings and peace) advised, “Be mindful of Allah wherever you may be. Follow any bad deed with a good deed, and it will wipe it out. And deal with people through good character.” [Tirmidhi]
5. Balancing Global and Local Concerns
While advocating for justice globally (such as supporting Palestine), we must also address local issues.
Striving for justice and compassion within our communities is equally crucial.
Balance is key; we can focus on both global and local concerns without neglecting either.
6. Addressing Intrinic and extrinsic Problems in Society and Unity
Islam condemns arrogance, bullying, gossip, and spying.
Advising others should be done with wisdom, kindness, and empathy.
Raising concerns doesn’t necessarily create disunity; it can lead to positive change.
Ultimately, our collective well-being matters, and we should strive for unity while upholding justice.
7. Winning and Losing the argument in Difficult Situations
In challenging circumstances, our faith is tested.
We “win” when we maintain our integrity, seek justice, and show compassion.
We “lose” when we compromise our principles or harm others.
Our actions should reflect our commitment to Allah and His guidance.
Remember, Islam encourages critical thinking, compassion, and seeking knowledge.
Let us strive for a balanced approach that benefits both our global Muslim community and our local contexts.
If I have erred then please forgive me.
May Allah guide us all.
