Fatwas and the Responsibility of Muslim Scholars in America

by Shaykh Luqman Ahmad

Islamic scholars occupy a special place in Muslim society. They are often considered to be amongst the elite of our faith. In one tradition, the Prophet (SAWS) stated; “One Scholar is harder against the devil than a thousand worshippers”. In another tradition; “The Scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets”. The Quran states that people are elevated by their religious knowledge “Allah will rise up, to (suitable) ranks (and degrees), those of you who believe and who have been granted (mystic) Knowledge. And Allah is well- acquainted with all ye do.” Quran 58:11 As the preservers, and often times interpreters of sacred law, Islamic scholars deserve our respect, support, and our gratitude.

Additionally, scholars of Islam are responsible for upholding the sacred trust that accompanies the acquisition of sacred knowledge; which is to explain the religion clearly and concisely and not cover up any part of it, “Those who conceal the clear (Signs) We have sent down, and the Guidance, after We have made it clear for the people in the Book,-on them shall be Allah's curse, and the curse of those entitled to curse” 2:159. In today’s turbulent times a, the role of Muslim religious scholars and qualified teachers takes on a special significance for three reasons, the first being; the scarcity of people available who possess sound and accurate islamic knowledge, It was related in the hadith of Anas ibn Malik that the Prophet (SAWS) said: “From among the portents of the Hour are (the following): 1. Religious knowledge will be taken away (by the death of Religious learned men). 2. (Religious) ignorance will prevail. 3. Drinking of Alcoholic drinks (will be very common). 4. There will be prevalence of open illegal sexual intercourse”. The second reason is the responsibility to stand as barriers between ignorant Islamic leadership and the Muslim people themselves; “Verily, Allah does not take away knowledge by snatching it from the people but He takes away knowledge by taking away the scholars, so that when He leaves no learned person, people turn to ignorant as their, leaders; then they are asked to deliver religious verdicts and they deliver them without knowledge, they go astray, and lead others astray”.

The third reason is that the world has changed, people are mixing cultures, ideas, ethnic tendencies into one big melting pot in America and Muslim scholars need to help break down barriers between the diverse Muslim peoples living here. That means that they have to get out and understand what’s going on in the land. Scholars of Islam have to take the added step whenever and wherever possible, to familiarize themselves with the common people, and the intricacies of American life and culture, about which they render judgments and opinions. The Prophet (SAWS) said, “The Muslim who mixes with the people and is patient with their ills is better than the Muslim who does not mix with the people and is not patient with their ills” .

Some Islamic scholars find themselves either woefully unfamiliar, or subtlety indifferent to America, American people specifically, and in the process, Muslims Americans who are socially integrated into our country’s fabric. Many scholars aren't even fluent in English, yet presume to hold the answers for English speaking people for their everyday problems. Some, due to their ignorance of American culture and her people, and often operating from abroad, have managed to demonize virtually every aspect of American culture and way of life. Sports, birthdays, Thanksgiving, family photos, decorating homes, designer clothing, thikr beads, wearing jeans, baby showers, attending graduation ceremonies, saying what’s up brother to a stranger on the street, being in a good mood during Christmas season, gospel music, wedding rings, visiting graves of relatives, bereavement practices, women entering Masaajid, loving one’s country, and a host of other things have ended up on the haram list of one scholar or another.

Some Muslim Americans find themselves apologizing for being born in this country of ours as if it were a curse. The average Muslim, especially the convert, who simply wants to worship his or her Lord, and live an Islamic lifestyle, is often left in an almost perpetual state of confusion. Scholars, as they learn more about American society alternately prohibit things in one instance and then make them permissible according to their own evolutionary knowledge of our country, our culture and our way of life.

Anti American oratory has surreptitiously made its way into the modern canonical dialogue of Islam. Many American Muslims have been morally blackmailed into having to repudiate American culture in order to find acceptance as Muslims by immigrant scholars. Even today, rhetoric from a minority of Muslim scholars and some imams are replete with anti-American invectives or rallying cries against so called ‘western culture’ or values. It is ironic however, that from an Islamic theological perspective, morality has no hemispheric basis; “to Allah belongs the east and the west, wherever thou turnest, ye shall find His (God’s) Face” 2:115.

Islam for many Muslim Americans has become too complicated to be user friendly. The dozen or so, often conflicting spheres of scholarly influence has created a virtual merry-go-round of Islam in America, and we need to do something about it. Understanding how to apply Islamic law and morality, in the United States, require a thorough understanding of the shariah, the culture norms of the people, as well as the inclusion and consultation of indigenous American Muslim imams, laymen and intelligentsia.

The famous 14th century jurist, Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya alluded to this issue very succinctly; when commenting of the necessity of understanding people's cultural practices, he said: “This is a major foundation that every mufti (legist) or ruler needs; he must be both well-versed (in peoples traditions) as well as matters of command and prohibition and then apply them both simultaneously. Otherwise he will do more harm than good. If he is not intimately aware of an issue in which people have particular understanding, a transgressor will appear to him as the transgressed and the truth will appear to him as falsehood and vice versa.”

Ibn Qayyim went on to say: “Because of his ignorance of the people, their traditions, their conditions and their habits, he will not be able to distinguish (between truth and falsehood), Thus, it is imperative that (the scholar) understands the machinations of the people, their deceptions, their cultural traditions and their habits because fatwa (religious rulings) change with the changing of time, place culture and condition, and all of this is part of the religion of Allah.”- Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya (D. 751 A.H.) quoted from: “Ii’laan al-Muwaqqi’een an Rabbil aalameen” vol. 4, p. 157

American Muslims need to realize that this is our country, and for indigenous American Muslims, and others who intend to stay here permanently, this is our homeland. We don’t have a “back home” to go to. So we need to be certain that the teachings of Islam in this country are not tainted by anyone’s political prejudices, cultural sensitivities, or ignorance about America and our way of life. Granted, this is a difficult topic. Nevertheless, it is one that must be addressed if we have any hope from curbing the undercurrent of extremism that still germinates in the minds of some of our youth. As Muslim Americans, our first duty is to our Lord, and our number one priority is our own salvation. We have the god given right to look out after our own spiritual self-interests.

Imam Luqman Ahmad

California Muslims Break New Ground in American Muslim Unity

Sacramento California Saturday April 24, 2008 - Masjid Ibrahim Islamic Center, a Northern California American Muslim community, took an unprecedented step towards addressing racial and ethnic division amongst American Muslims by convening the first public community debate that centered on racial, ethnic and religious division. While American Muslims are nationally engaged in efforts to reach out to the non-Muslim community; very little attention is paid to the racial, ethnic and doctrinal divisiveness that exists among American Muslim Communities Nationwide.

On Saturday, April 24^th, Imam Luqman Ahmad, a second generation American Muslim whose parent’s converted to Islam in the 1950s, spoke before a packed audience about the issue of racial, ethnic and religious sectarianism amongst Muslims in America. Sectarianism and division along tribal, racial, ethnic, and religious lines has plagued the Muslim world for generations. American Muslims along with their immigrant Muslim brethren, who have settled in the United States from all parts of the Muslim world, have a unique opportunity to candidly address the division, which lies at the root of many of the problems in the Muslim world.

Indigenous American Muslim converts, many of whom are African American, have consistently complained among themselves about second class treatment they have received from some of the immigrant Muslims. The growing divide between the two communities has been a topic of great concern among religious, political, and civic leaders as well as activists from both the immigrant and the indigenous American Muslim community. National Muslim organizations such as MANA, CAIR and others, have been stepping up activities in recent years to address the divide.

In the Sacramento area, Masjid Ibrahim Islamic Center has not been alone in its effort to promote unity and tolerant diversity amongst American Muslims of all backgrounds. Local groups and communities such as The SALAM Center, Sacramento CAIR, and the Muslim Student Associations of Sacramento State University and University of California Davis have worked together for this common purpose.

The recent event at Masjid Ibrahim Islamic Center was attended by in overflow crowd consisting of African American, Caucasian and Latino American Muslim converts as well as Pakistani, African, Afghani, Indian, Asian, and Iranian Muslim immigrants. Those in attendance, engaged in a lively discussion about the types of division in the Muslim community. Many participants recounted personal stories and feelings of being marginalized and discriminated against by other Muslims who were of a different race, ethnicity, or religious inclination. Imam Luqman explained in detail how division undermines the message of Islam in America, and how it contributes to the negative view of Muslims and Islam in the eyes of the majority of the American public.

Although there was some tension during parts of the post lecture discussion, the overwhelming feeling of the diverse Muslim audience was relief and excitement that the issue has finally made its way into the public dialogue. In his closing remarks, Imam Luqman explained to the audience why this topic causes uneasiness among many Muslims when discussed openly:

“Sectarianism affects us all and the objective of this discussion is not to assign blame, but instead to raise awareness in the American Muslim community. Sectarianism among Muslims does exist and the problem will not solve itself, it is a collective effort.” – Imam Luqman Ahmad

Imam Luqman Ahmad has been the Imam of Masjid Ibrahim Islamic Center for 12 years, speaks fluent Arabic, and is trained in the traditional Islamic Sciences. The Imam believes that the Koran and the prophetic tradition of the Prophet Mohammad (SAWS) holds the solution to the blemish of sectarianism among Muslims in America and worldwide. Masjid Ibrahim Islamic Center has consistently advocated cooperation among different Muslim groups, communities, and organizations based on the Islamic principles of mutual respect and dignity. Respect for each other’s culture and the removing of sectarian obstacles to unity.

Since its beginning in 1996, Masjid Ibrahim Islamic Center has grown to be one of the most diverse Muslim congregations in the Sacramento area. With a membership that consists of a variety of ethnic groups and both indigenous and immigrant Muslims alike.

The monthly Masjid Ibrahim Islamic Center “family night” provides a forum where families may come together to share food, fellowship, and listen to contemporary Islamic speakers. Masjid Ibrahim Islamic Center is open to all Muslims equally, regardless of race, cultural affiliation, or ethnicity. For more information, please visit the masjid web site at www.masjidibrahim.com or contact info@masjidibrahim.com.

Is racial and ethnic division a problem in Muslim America? Click here to share your view in a Lotus Tree Poll

Saturday, May 10, at 2:00 PM Pacific time (5:00 PM eastern time), Imam Luqman will be a guest on the Living Islam radio program station WURD 900 am, in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Listeners outside of the Philadelphia area can tune in the live broadcasts in real time at: www.900amwurd.com,

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