On September 5, United For Change hosted its inaugural eventUnited Against Malaria, One Body : One Goal. Part 1 of this series of articles speaks generally about the event and the impetus behind it. Part 2 discusses why eradicating malaria is the “low-hanging fruit” of public health initiatives and has the potential to save millions of lives. In this Part 3, two scholars share their vision for the American Muslim community.
One of the most refreshing aspects of the event was the participation of a wide range of speakers. For example, Shaykh Yasir Qadhi, Professor, AlMaghrib Institute,* and Shaykh Faraz Rabbani, Educational Director,Seekers Guidance, and former SunniPath Academy teacher shared the stage for the session “A Vision for the Muslim Community”.
Shaykh Qadhi, who was born and raised in the United States, stated that he sees 3 areas of optimism for American Muslims and 3 areas that need attention.
3 areas of optimism
1. Racial divide among Muslims has been greatly minimized. Compared to the 1970’s and 1980’s, there is much more unity in the America Muslim community. Masajid are filled with Muslims from all different nationalities, races, and backgrounds.
2. Greater identification with American culture. There is no “back home” for the current generation of Muslims as they were born here, identify with this culture, and are comfortable here.
3. Increased involvement in political life and the media. For example, there are now 2 Muslim congressman (Keith Ellison and André D. Carson) and the White House celebrates Iftar.
3 areas needing attention
1. Living a practicing religious life in a secular society. Work needs to be done with balancing the conservatism of Islam with a more hedonistic lifestyle.
2. Right Wing Islamophobia. Muslims are forced to deal with the fake dichotomy “you are either with us or against us.” There are always disagreements in the political realm. Having a different morality does not make someone less American. Every group, including those who identify themselves as Christian or Jewish, have loyalties that are not questioned and they are not accused of trying to impose a “Christian Shari’ah” for example.
3. Producing a new generation of indigenous scholars and imams. The U.S. needs Muslim leaders that are of the East and West and who understand this culture.
Shaykh Faraz Rabbani, who is Canadian, began with the vision “that America needs to be more like Canada!” On a more serious note, he stated that there needs to be more of a commitment to excellence, “to do the best thing, in the best way, for the best motives”.
Shaykh Rabbani stated that excellence is learned by following the Qur’an and Sunnah and by following the example of others. He mentioned that often Muslims do not expect excellence in the community. Many halal meat stores and masajids, for example, do not meet the standards we expect from other businesses or public places. He stressed the importance at looking at success stories such as the Umma Community Clinic in South Central LA, that provides high quality health care to all, regardless of ability to pay.
Part of excellence, he continued, is how we view ourselves with respect to society-at-large. The Prophet Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace, was sent to perfect noble character. He (saas) saw the human potential and the inherent possibility of good, and helped others to fulfill this potential.
To achieve excellence, Shaykh Rabbani highlighted 2 things:
How can Muslim community achieve excellence
1. Establish indigenous institutions of Islamic knowledge that train in the highest level of scholarship. In this, both Shaykhs agreed.
2. Cultivate a spirit of service. What are we doing to seek the pleasure of Allaah (swt)?
Shaykh Rabbani ended with advice on how to succeed:
4 things that grant success:
1. Intention is true,
2. Goal is true,
3. Way to pursue that goal is true, and
4. Pursuing that goal in the best of ways.
*Shaykh Yasir Qadir will by presenting at IlmFest (October 3-4) in Baltimore