Manwar Ali; CEO, JIMAS, Ipswich, Suffolk
The question is simple, and been repeated in all media channels and systems. Both Muslims and non-Muslims are feeling the heavy burden of those ill-educated Muslim preachers; who had unintentionally delivered all extremism and unlawful practices of Islam. People know how these preachers are "Disconnected" from an epistemic point of view; but their memorization of Quran, Hadeeth and referrals had granted them shields against any critics or denunciations. Some of them are smart enough to "Chain" verses and quotes in an irrevocable and stunning series, that would shut the intelligent oppositions. Then, they would enjoy the hysterical "Cheers" from illiterate commons in villages and suburban.. Some of them had managed to invade the metropolises, creating state of chaos among politicians, technocrats and clerks who could not find the time or the habit to know better about their religion and what is Halal or Haram, and certainly would not stand debating the twisted logics..!!
New political regimes in some Islamically-populated countries; during 1950-1990 had tried to eliminate or mitigate the powers of those religious preachers, but the outcomes were bloody and terrifying for anyone to reattempt. In Egypt, Syria, Yemen, Turkey, Sudan, Pakistan and Morocco violent political unrests had disturbed the way of life and still do. In the countries around the Persian or Arabian Gulf, most political systems had surrendered to the religious lobbies and groups, with slim chances for change in the near future..!! Powers of religious preachers are resultant of combined illiteracy and frustration.
Common are mostly illiterate, who almost know nothing but what their parents and community Sheikh would tell. They practice lots of false or half-true concepts, react with strong belief in religious myths, and hardly receive any broadminded public speakers. Therefore; they are truly isolated, despite how much they are (in average, more than 70% of the population). Also, Commons are mostly frustrated as lots of economic, social, educational and health concerns are deteriorating; while no one to advise, to help or to rectify. They are ignored, while their literate children often migrate to the urban centers when opportunity comes, abandoning their families behind.. Therefore, majority of Muslims are either turn radicals or depressed..!
We can learn lots from the human civilization and how urbanism been consolidated, based on upgrading the concepts, approaches and applications of living.. Considering how religion is part of the way of living, it is essential to bring a regulatory concept that is extracted from the up-to-date theories, rather than those made centuries ago in Fez, Qirawan, Cairo, Damascus or Basra.. We need to rebirth Islamic studies in more contemporary theme, with no fear or illusions..
It is a complex problem generated from the curse of ancient wealth, when most Muslim countries were colonized in 1600th-1900th for their resources. Later; they had been lift independent with deep scares of cultural confusions, economic immaturity and social destruction. No one to be blamed, as these are all history. The new Muslim politicians should lit the knowledge torches and lead the path for the future, with national confidence and public sincerity.. Regretfully, this never been in practice in any, but partially in Malaysia..!
Such an extraordinary problem requires an extraordinary solution.. I think the following triple-cores plan will help.
Firstly; All NGOs should form and join a League of Islamic Knowledge, where they would agree to form and support an open curriculum for Islamic Studies; aims to produce new breed of Muslim Preachers. Enrollment is limited to degree holders, Programs includes fair portion of Quran and Hadeeth memorization, and Certification Board should include some scholars.
Secondly, the same league should organize programs to Employ those graduates in mosques and community centers, against a fair and attractive wages; which are generated through allocations, investments or fundraising.
Thirdly, alike all professional bodies, those graduates should obtain Annual PDUs for 10 years, which are provided by certified training centers.
I can read a future of such applications, as no difference from any other civic development had been witnessed in the Europe, North America or Far East..
We need to turn Islam from a religion to a way of life..
This is how we can bring a lasting change to the Muslim world..
Do we have the political will, as individuals and NGOs to make a difference..?
Slam Brother,
ReplyDeleteThis is a very nice article and you are doing a good job in challenging these Hypocrite Preachers.
Keep it up.
May Allah Bless you.
Khalid
Excellent article Adil - dont know how I missed it. My sentiments echo yours totally. Unfortunately educated professionals like us -we do not have the time to study the religious books and align it with modern needs and therefore the illiterate "literates" are taking over the Islamic horizon. This is the sad fact of modern day Islam. How can we motivate educated, balanced, rational Muslims to enter the fray - this is the question.
ReplyDelete