Amatullah's Books

“History makes it clear, however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myths that historians have ever repeated”.(De Lacy O’Leary, 1923)

“I believe that if a man like him were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world he would succeed in solving its problems in a way that would bring it the much needed peace and happiness; I have prophesied about the faith of Muhammad that it would be acceptable to the Europe of tomorrow as it is beginning to be acceptable to the Europe of today”. (Sir George Bernard Shaw, 1936)

Prophet Muhammad and the religion of Islam hold the answer to the problems we live with today. The devastation that is being witnessed in Iraq, Occupied Palestine and Afghanistan along with the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, has roots of a nature alien to Islam.

The current propaganda in the war on terror has made Islam and Muslims the axis on which all that is evil turns. The mantra was ratcheted up several notches when Islam was hijacked in the tragic event that occurred on Sept 11, 2001, a tragedy for Muslims as well. But is this fear of Islam the reason for the brutality against Muslims here and overseas? Have we, as Americans, become complicit in the deaths of close to a million Iraqis and over 3600 American service men and women due to a war embedded in a lie in order to continue our government’s lopsided policy in the Middle East?

The history of Islam details a reign of terror against Prophet Muhammad from its inception. Fear of this new religion was based on false notions and innuendos and those same tactics have been revived in our modern times.

Currently, terms such as jihadist and moderate are used to denigrate Islam and the Muslims, justifying this war without end.

The term jihadist has been used to associate some followers with a political agenda that targets the west and its capitalist proclivities. During Prophet Muhammad’s time, his contemporaries heard the words Islam and Muslim, and understood them to mean man's "self-surrender to God" and "one who surrenders himself to God". There was no limitation to a specific community or denomination because anyone could accept this frame of thought. The revelation was understood by the idolater as well as the Christian, Jew, Zoroastrian and others of different faiths.

Jihad, which means ‘to strive or struggle in that effort to surrender to Allah’, has been redefined by ‘Islamic experts’ to represent a dogma of aggression and violence. This could not be more further from the truth. Islam contains a set of beliefs and rituals that an adherent must practice in order to fulfill the will of Allah within his life. Implementation of these rituals through prayer, giving of charity, fasting and pilgrimage to Mecca signifies for the Muslim a means to attain a higher spiritual status. In perfecting these rituals the individual achieves a level of peace which is exhibited in his every day encounters with others, be they neighbors, co-workers or casual acquaintances. Jihad is a reminder that the test lies in maintaining that peace.

Conversely, the term ‘moderate Muslim’ alleges that Muslims should be in a position to prove to the west that they aim to perfect pro western ideals in their lives and are willing to criticize themselves and their beliefs for acceptance into the mainstream. This form of intimidation not only causes discrimination toward but also creates divisions among Muslims. The general population begins to assimilate these terms into their daily discourse and they develop a fear based on the unknown.

Fear of Islam can be eliminated through education and communication. Historically and throughout the Qur’an there are explanations not only of the peace that was realized during the rise of Islam but also of the wars fought in defense of it. Since the principles of Islam are based on the unity of worship in one God, a declaration for praise and celebration would be expected. Quite the reverse has occurred with wars waged to destroy the religion and its adherents.

The good nature of Americans can reign over this dark shadow of fear that keeps us separate and hating one another. Our victory over our fear of the other will help us unite to regain our rights and end this unseemly war. My only fear is that more innocent humans will die if we fail to act now.