This is a guest post by al-Qanaas al-Masri
****
Last week, a blogger on the website of Islamic Forum Europe, a Jamaat-e-Islami front organisation based in East London, weighed into the debate about the ethics of assisted suicide. Unfortunately the writer, one Nahid Mortuza, only showed succeeded in showing themselves hopelessly confused about what secularism is. Mortuza wrote:
“The news of Sir Edward Downes’ and his wife’s decision to end their lives at an assisted suicide clinic in Switzerland has once more brought forward a discussion on whether an individual should have the freedom and right to die at a time of their choosing, with assistance from others. Although I disagree with the notion, I understand the basis of the argument that the right to die should be as fundamental as the right to live.
“This argument is usually put forward within a completely secular logic with no concept of a Giver/Taker of life, and no belief in an afterlife – where people are rewarded or punished, forgiven or chastised, elevated or debased according to the trials, tribulations and actions in this life. Theology aside, even those with their secular hats on have to admit that it’s difficult to see beyond the problems any change in the current law would cause.”
It looks to me as if Nahid Mortuza has confused secularism (the separation of religion from politics) with atheism (disbelief in God). Mortuza clearly seems to think that a secular person is one with “ no concept of a Giver/Taker of life, and no belief in an afterlife” and to imply that “those with their secular hats on” are likely have difficulties comprehending any difficulties in the practice of “assisted suicide”.
It is possible that Mortuza genuinely does not understand the difference between atheism and secularism. Alternatively, however, it is possible that Nahid Mortuza does understand the difference but has deliberately conflated and confused the two in order to pursue Jamaat-e-Islami’s goal of persuading Muslims that it is impossible to be a practicing both Muslim and to be secular (i.e. to believe in the separation of religion and state).
Such deliberate deception, if that is what it is, would be yet more evidence of the desperation of Jamaat-e-Islami and its front groups.
British Islamists are aware that more and more Muslims are now saying that Islam is not a political ideology but rather a religion that is best lived through a secular public space. They also know that increasing numbers of Muslims are now also increasingly thinking that the sharia is simply a guide to Islamic behaviour and not a manual for persecuting others – and that ‘forbidding wrong and encouraging right’ is better done through writing newspaper columns than through Saudi-style ministries staffed by ill-educated thugs.
If Jamaat-e-Islam think it is necessary to start lying about secularism, this is a sign that they know that they’re in trouble. This is something that we should all celebrate.
6 Comments
Actually most Muslims I know don’t understand what secularism means.
I would suggest that Nahid Mortuza is probably just stupid rather than malicious. Still, stupid people can be dangerous. Just look at that fool Jimmy Carter!!
IFE is a front for the Jamaat-e-Islami: of course they are going to wilfully “misunderstand” the meaning of the term secularism. They’d also misunderstand the term “democracy” if they didn’t see it’s usefulness as a route to total-dominance.
Most secularist dont understand what secularism is- like “Britishness” “western values” “freedom” and “democracy” they cant agree on what it means
Secularists in Turkey and France say it means banning women in hijab from places of education . A secularist like Obama (who runs a country where church and state are totally seperate) says it means a woman would never be banned from wearing hijab in any place.
Where secularism becomes synonomous with opression of religious freedoms as in Turkey it will never be accepted by Muslims. It has been and will have to be imposed by force.
Abu Wanabe Arab
Do they understand anti-Arab racism ?. Or do you teach them
Maybe Spitoon could give classes
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
All Praise is for Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, He says: “Cooperate towards righteousness and piety and do not cooperate towards sin and enmity.” (5:2)
Mercy and Peace upon our exemplary leader, Muhammad, who said: “Allah will continue to assist the servant as long as the servant is assisting his brother.” (Muslim 2699) And upon his mutually cooperative and supportive companions. Among them were the Ash’ari Clan. When they were afflicted with a period of deprivation they would collect all of their provisions and divide them amongst themselves -as mentioned in the Hadith.
I wish to take this opportunity to encourage our brothers [and sisters] who are cooperating to assist the virtuous, scholarly Imam, Siraj Wahhaj, during his trial, which is a manifestation of the divine decree enacted in this world. With it Allah expiates misdeeds and elevates by degrees. This is a blessing for the believers who when afflicted with hardship patiently endure it, and when graced with ease thank [Allah].
We plead for your support and invite all of the Muslims (worldwide) to cooperate with us and make sincere donation to our virtuous brother, the activist Imam, Siraj Wahhaj, as he receives final treatment for prostate cancer. We ask Allah that He cures us and him; grants both us and him well being; and that He envelopes us all in His blessings in perceptible and imperceptible ways.
[Furthermore], that He blesses us and Imam Siraj Wahhaj to be steadfast in practice and faith and that He bestows upon us and Imam, Siraj Wahhaj excellence in religion. Please! Let’s continue to make du’a for him and render financial support in abundance for the conclusion of his treatment and for all the believers who are facing health issues. I pray that we can all improve our health and take important steps to achieve and maintain holistic wellness in mind, body and spirit.
Donation is to be made via western union or moneygramm with the below information and special prayer (Salaat) has been declared to favour all donators.
Receiver’s name: Abdul-Malik Wahhaj
Address: 2 Victoria Road, London IG11 8PY
Kindly send western union or moneygramm payment information to the below email:
Email: helpimamsiraj@yahoo.co.uk
…and provide your name, address and telephone number as, we shall communicate you in due time and you will receive a reward package.
May Allah bestow His Mercy and Peace upon you as you donate to save the life of Imam Siraj Wahhaj!
From:
Shaykh ‘Abdullah bin Bayyah
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
“And if Allah touches thee with affliction, none can remove it but He: But if He bestows upon you a favor, remember that He is the Possessor of every power to do all that He wills.”
(Qur’an 6:17).
…Givers Never Lack!