Presentation Synopsis: Understanding Islam
Presentation by Sofian Abdelaziz, Director of AMANA and Imam Rafiq Mahdi of Masjid Al-Iman

Islam is neither a nationality nor an ethnic group. The Imam began with a prayer and then discussed his own conversion to Islam, his education, and his service to the faith. As he noted, there is a tendency to tie Islam to the Arabic people. The fact that he is African-American and not Arabic lent immediate credibility to his statement that “Islam is not about a nationality.”

Interpretation and growth of sects. The Imam addressed a question on the Sunni and Shi’ite sects, discussing the origin of the Shi’a. He noted for Muslims, interpretation of the Qur’an is forbidden since it is the truth as revealed to the Prophet through the Angel Gabriel. Different sects, however, have been established based on interpretations of the Qur’an and the particular ideological or political associations of the group, leading to misinterpretations of the meaning of passages in the Qur’an.

Submission, Terrorism, and Oppression. Al-Islam is ”‘the submission’” of the will of the individual to the will of the creator.” The Imam stated that submission brings the individual into harmony with the laws of the creator, bringing him/her peace. Having received peace, the follower also has an obligation to establish peace. The events of 9/11 caused many to feel that Muslims, rather than establishing peace, would violently oppose any life-style that they did not support. Mohammed (SAW), however, taught that there is “no compulsion in religion.” Following this line of thinking, the Imam said that terrorism is not acceptable in Islam since terrorism is aimed at getting people to change their lifestyles. Furthermore, life can only be taken by the one who created the life, Allah. For this reason, said the Imam, oppression is forbidden.

Treatment of Women. When a question was raised about the oppression of Afghani women as seen portrayed in the press, the Imam indicated that he was not certain about the veracity of the specific reports referenced, but the Prophet’s wife was a merchant, owning her own business. In fact, Mohammed (SAW) was employed by her and it was she who proposed marriage to him through a messenger. The daughters of the Prophet (SAW) were recognized as knowledgeable teachers by his followers. The Qur’an teaches, contrary to the traditions of the time, that women are not property, that they may not be inherited, they may not be married against their will, and they may own property. Furthermore, the Imam stressed the importance of education for women.

The Imam went on to say that the modest dress of a Muslim woman is an order from the Qur’an. Women, in covering everything except their hands and face are assuming the dress of a person who wants to be chaste. He stated that those who do not assume a modest dress and head covering are “committing a sin.” According to the Imam, this does not mean that they will be forced to assume the dress nor are they to be punished since this is a decision a woman must make for herself.

Sofian Abdelaziz spoke of his own life experience and that of his wife in regard to women’s dress. When he was married, his wife did not wear the hijab. As time went on, he expressed his desire to have her assume this modest style of dressing in public, but did not force her to do so. After a while, she decided that she wanted to dress as dictated by the Qur’an. Abdelaziz went on to say that information indicates the new group in Afghanistan is humiliating women even more than the Taliban.

Discrimination against the Arab-American Muslim Community. When asked about discrimination, both Sofian and the Imam had personal stories to recount. Sofian had been stopped and had his car searched while entering an airport. The Imam, although not Arabic, has distinctive dress. He had something thrown at him from a car, has had some sincere questions asked, and has had some people become angry with him due to his dress.

The real problems, though, are not the personal ones, they stated. The profiling, detentions, and deportations with no cause are the real concern. They have met with law enforcement officers and the FBI to discuss these issues. There is also a very high unemployment rate. One of responsibilities assumed by the American Muslim Association of North America is to assist community members with job searches and help them in meeting their immediate needs. In addition, there have been some problems with renting apartments.

Of grave concern also, is the effect on the next generation and the need to prevent a cycle of hatred and misunderstanding. Both men stressed the importance of communication and sessions like the one held at Barry University.

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