By Allah (SWT) tells us in the Quran:
“Indeed, those who have believed and those who were Jews and the Sabeans and the Christians and the Magians and those who associated with Allah — Allah will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection. Indeed Allah is, over all things, Witness.” (Qur’an 22:17)
and,
“Indeed, to Us (Allah) is their return. Then indeed, upon Us (Allah) is their account.” (Qur’an 88:25-26)
Despite both of these verses, it seems this concept is difficult for some Muslims.
Earlier this year, during Islam Awareness Week, I had an unfortunate encounter with an organizer from the Muslim Student Association at a Canadian university.
After reading some of the information that was being presented, I noticed a trend: the complete disregard of any non-Sunni narrative or hadith.
After reading some of the information that was being presented, I noticed a trend: the complete disregard of any non-Sunni narrative or hadith.
Naturally, I asked the organizer why there was a blatant omission of beliefs outside of the Sunni jurisprudence. However, there was not much left to discuss after he made it clear that he thought I was a kafir for being a Shi’a.
His excuse for the exclusion was that the other Muslim groups on campus did not want to work with them. (Gee, I’m shocked those students did not want to work with someone who thinks they are kafirs.)
I understand not accepting beliefs outside of your sect. My question is: Since when is their belief system the sole representative of Islam?
I understand not accepting beliefs outside of your sect. My question is: Since when is their belief system the sole representative of Islam?
With the recent martyrdom of Amjad Sabri, I was reminded of this question. Muslims around the world have been loudly mourning the talented Sufi qawwal’s passing.
However, the very same Muslims who show they are mourning have continuously oppressed and condoned the deaths of religious minorities, like the Sufis. And, they have gone as far as systematically eradicating Ahmadis while forcing them to seek refuge in non-Muslim countries.
Who afforded them the right to decide who is allowed to be Muslim and who is not?
Let me clear any misconceptions you might have about your ownership:
Anyone who claims to be a Muslim is a Muslim.
Anyone who wants to conceal their identity as a Muslim is still a Muslim.
LGBTQ+ Muslims are Muslims.
Black/Indigenous/Latinx Muslims are Muslims.
Muslims from non-Sunni denominations are Muslims.
Muslims with a-typical mental health are Muslims.
Muslims with disabilities are Muslims.
“Non-practicing” Muslims are Muslims.
Converts are Muslims.
Reverts are Muslims.
Our beliefs are not for you evaluate. Only al-Ad’l (the Just), alone, can judge us. Islam does not belong only to you. Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) does not belong only to you. Allah (swt) does not belong only to you.
Our beliefs are not for you evaluate. Only al-Ad’l (the Just), alone, can judge us.
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Written by Faria Jafri