MashAllah, it is clear that your comments have sparked important discussions and I admire you for recognising the issues affecting the Ummah…there are still some Muslims out there who are completely oblivious.

As a sincere Muslim, I am sure you acknowledge the importance of adhering to the Quran and Sunnah in all aspects of your life and this remains the case regardless of place and time. When our mother become frail, ill and unable to care for herself, we do more than the bare minimum of putting her in a nursing home, covering her expenses and visiting her often. Rather we exert ourselves and maybe even inconvenience ourselves for the sake of pleasing her and ultimately, pleasing Allah swt. I appreciate that this task can be difficult for some, and I’m not suggesting that it is wrong to ask for help but its all too easy to neglect the other in favour of the individual desires. knowing that paradise lies at the feet of my mother humbles me and reverence for the ties of kinship is a value I will always try my best to uphold.

So what about when I decide to move to another country (regardless of whether it is labelled ‘Muslim’ or not)? ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do?’ I think not. This would result in me dismissing the Islamic values concerning my duty to my mother and adopting the opinion that its okay to send her away as long as I give her money and visit her.

This is what has happened the world over. When Muslims cross the imaginary lines, they are at risk of taking on values and ideas that contradict Islam. I don’t believe this is because every Muslim is weak and impressionable, rather it is because Islam is not apparent in their lives and if anything, it is repressed by the governments, both in the Muslims lands and elsewhere. The hijab ban in France, the massacre in Andijan, anti terror laws being passed in the UK are just a few examples.

You made a number of points which caught my attention

The law is the law, we live in the law of the west, if you dont like it, you leave”

As Muslims, there is no other law for us other than that of Allah swt.

Dont compare Islam to the Western law infront of the Non Muslims.”

Islam was meant for the whole of mankind, north, east, south and west. You’re right in saying that meaningless acts of violence don’t achieve anything, but nor will silence. Surely the only way forward is civilised discussion?

Please dont throw some nonsense when you know it that at all times, the Muslims could have over thrown their government if it was that bad and that supportive of USA. But they didnt. Tell me why? Because they have no intention to!”

The Pakistan- India divide didn’t happen without reason, nor the attempted coups in Algeria, and the call from Uzbekistan is louder then ever. Muslims have tried time and time again to create change because of their love for Islam. There is of course a prescribed way to go about it as Shaykh Rattle ‘n’ Roll pointed out and the time for revival is upon us.
I think you speak for us all sister when you say:-

Freedom doesnt last and as a Muslim I dont believe in complete freedom during this life.”

This is EXACTLY the issue. The Kuffar’s form of freedom is a farce and for Muslims, there is never freedom from the worship of Allah and this applies to us wherever (Iraq, Britain, America, Saudi) whenever (In times of war, political uncertainty, when under occupation) and in ALL aspects of our life; be it family life, trade, politics, governance, even the food we eat and clothes we wear.

Islam came to dominate the world, not through any egotistical wonting but because it serves as salvation for all of humanity. So why not propagate it to the non Muslims? Why not adhere to it, regardless of the man made laws? And why not challenge the current regimes and offer them the infallible alternative?

May Allah reward you for all your efforts.

You said:
“Some elderly are problems for young people, this is why they are put in a elderly nursing home or care.”

I have spent a good deal of time working with and speaking to patients. You are right; some people are in need of constant 24-hour medical supervision. Now it could just be my individual experience and that of the nurses I worked with, but most of the elderly patients I met were in hospital because they were unable to feed and bathe themselves, not because of actual medical need. They would predominantly speak about their children, and would hate it when I left to go home. Practically all they needed was someone to speak to and someone to show them some affection. Some patients would even pretend to need to go to the toilet just so that they could speak to a nurse.

It is my opinion – and that of Islam – that the elderly are not a “problem for young people”, and I pray that we all manage to learn that before our own parents are seen as a “problem”.

Sister, I also find it remarkable that you said:
“Dont compare Islam to the Western law infront of the Non Muslims.”

Why not?!

I’m quite happy to do exactly that. That is precisely what Muhammad (saws) and Allah (swt) did, is it not? They compared Islam to the laws and customs of the non-Muslims. Now correct me if I am wrong, but isn’t Muhammad (saws) meant to be our Best of Examples?

Discuss with everyone and let the strongest idea survive.

Furthermore, it is important to be as open as possible. Where we need to improve we should openly say so (see the first comment on this post) and the same applies when we can draw example from Islam to account non-Muslims.

Alhamdulillah I find nothing to hide. Do you?

You said: “If you want true Islam in nations, denounce terrorsts [...] if you dont, then they will call you a terrorist yourself”

First, please take a peak at a few of the comments left by the contributors to this blog. If you don’t find examples of us stating that murder and terrorism are wrong, let me know…

Also, consider what you have said: “denounce terrorists or you will be called a terrorist”. There is every chance that you are correct; no doubt there are people who would make that claim. However, there is a world of difference between supporting something and not condemning it. How on Earth does one become a terrorist by not condemning terrorism? This entire line of thinking is flawed.

You said: “Please dont throw some nonsense”

I wonder, would you be kind enough to point out the nonsense we’ve been “throwing”? Thanks.

You said: “What Islamic activism is there for Muslims to do? None. They dont know how to protest [...] They just loot, threaten and kill.”

There are some people – Muslim and non-Muslim – who do not know how to properly address their political concerns. However I completely disagree that there is no Islamic activism available to Muslims. be humble has already mentioned a couple of methods that were used by the Prophet (saws) that are still highly effective methods of creating change. There are a multitude of other Islamic methods, a number of brothers and sisters are acting to achieve their legitimate political goals without resorting to “looting and killing”.

I recommend studying a sirah of Muhammad (saws). He (saws) obviously used and defined the Islamic method to create change, and I would argue that all of his method, and much of his style continues to be highly effective for use today. I personally like the book “Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum (The Sealed Nectar)” but even a film like “The Message” is a good place to start. I can tell you from my own experience of these two sources that the Islamic method is laid bare for any and all to see. Obviously there are details that are missing from these particular sources, but if you are interested, I can suggest other places to look.

You said: “If the West stops clamping this activism down, then we Muslims are supposed to immediately go to Muslims and tell them to refrain from using extreme violence.”

This is our responsibility whether governments clamp down or not. We have a duty to correct our brothers and sisters in the best and most effective way possible. It will not always be easy (nor will it always be as difficult as you suggest) but it is a fard for us to try.

You said: “And you should know Arabs, they have become too superior [...]“

I’m confused… Aren’t you an Arab?

It is Muslim’s own fault as well. Not just the West’s unfortunately. people are supporting terorrists like Alqaeda because they are misunformed about the whole circumstance of killing infidels in Islam and why it is done. They think it is right but it is wrong because as you said, they are using their anger and frustration. Thats something I agree with.

What Islamic activism is there for Muslims to do? None. They dont know how to protest or even make riots which is bad but still makes a proper point than harming a human life. They just loot, threaten and kill.

If the West stops clamping this activism down, then we Muslims are supposed to immediately go to Muslims and tell them to refrain from using extreme violence. They have no boundaries of restraining themselves anymore, because even if other Muslims like you and me go to them and tell them to be patient, I have my bets on that they would kick us off verbally and physically. It goes down to that level. And you should know Arabs, they have become too superior and ignorant

Rules have to be broken to protect people’s safety in a nation. Of course the wire tapping is something that goes against civil liberties and freedom of speech. This terrorism can spread easily if USA doesnt try to find any suspects involved in terorrism. This is better than just banging houses down to check if people have any weapons that will violate other peoples’ rights. Wire tapping has more proof than breaking into someone’s privacy with no evidence.

If you want true Islam in nations, denounce terrorsts like Alqaeda, Hamas, Hizbellah, Ansar al Islam..etc.

When you do, the West will find more patience and more ears to listen to you for. And if you dont, then they will call you a terrorist yourself. Its a vulnerable time for them to feel defensive, as Arabs have been throughout.

If I copy what other people say about Muslims having the freedom to go back to their real home, then they have a point because peaceful Muslims by being quiet and denouncing terrorism to their group of Muslims, and other Muslims by attacking innocent people have threatened the safety of the Western nations. Do they have a right to make these wire tapping? It reminds me of the days of Saddam in which I used to live in but if freedom ever existed in the West, this freedom and rights are lost after 911 more than ever before. They have a right to wire tap even though that limits privacy but this is what it takes to track criminals down. Freedom doesnt last and as a Muslim I dont believe in complete freedom during this life.

To be a better Muslim, you make true justice in Muslim nations, please stop racketing about the Islamic nation in the West when Muslims cant achieve actual Islam in their real home. And dont start in Iraq because Iraqis needs to figure out what they like, no compulsion in faith. You can start with Saudi Arabia since its already stated as Muslim 100% Then come to me and tell me how easy it was to change its ‘Islamic law’ so you can try it too with the Western nations.

Im more than ready to contribute and help the reformation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Because I love Islam but I cannot think to call the current Kingdom of Saudi my home.

Peace.

That is also what the elderly may ask to be put in homes if they feel too disoriented for their own children. It is fine to put them in homes but the important matter is their children should pay their expenses for their elderly and visit them often.

The law is the law, we live in the law of the west, if you dont like it, you leave because I know the laws of the Islamic middle east is not so ‘islamically correct’ which is why many Muslims have LEFT the Islamic world. Try living in the middle east and you will be more than surprised about the difficulties and lack of financial support you get. Im a Muslim and I only come to read this website to find out what it is that you seek abundance to or rather what you think is a problem for Muslims in the West and the Middle East.

I suggest we all Count our blessings and if you dont count them, go back home out of all generousity to improve the government/life of your own home. Our people need our help.

Salam 3alaikum.