Our Principles

Equality and Inclusion

Islam is the most mis-understood religion, but it has nothing but good for mankind. In recent years we have seen the world if gripped with hate and discrimination on the bases of color, language, religion and demographics. This is unfortunate and sad that we have seen many such incidents throughout Islamic and non-Islamic countries. Let’s take a look at the Islamic perspective of the concept of Inclusion and equality. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had delivered the iconic final sermon a year before his demise on Friday, March 6, 632 (the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, 10 AH) in the Mont of Arafat (Makkah). Following is the quotation from His (PBUH) sermon. We encourage all Non-Muslims and Muslims to read this sermon to better understand the beauty of Islam regarding honor, rights and equality:

  • O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again.  Therefore, listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present here today.
  • O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you.Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. 
  • God has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived.  Your capital, however, is yours to keep.  You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity.  God has Judged that there shall be no interest, and that all the interest due to Al-Abbas ibn Abd’el Muttalib shall henceforth be waived…
  • Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.
  • O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you.  Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under a trust from God and with His permission.If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness.  Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers.  And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.
  • O People, listen to me in earnest, worship God, perform your five daily prayers, fast during the month of Ramadan, and offer Zakat.Perform Hajj if you have the means.
  • All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; a white has no superiority over a black, nor does a black have any superiority over a white; [none have superiority over another] except by piety and good action.Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood.  Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly.  Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.
  • Remember, one day you will appear before God and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.
  • People, NO Prophet or Apostle will come after me, and no new faith will be born.  Reason well, therefore, O people, and understand words which I convey to you.I leave behind me two things, the Quran and my example, the Sunnah, and if you follow these you will never go astray.
  • All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and it may be that the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. 
  • Be my witness, O God, that I have conveyed your message to your people.”

After completion of the final sermon, following verse of Quran revealed:

“…This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My Grace upon you, and have chosen Islam for you as your religion…” (Quran 5:3)

Islamophobia

A phobia is an exaggerated, usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object, class of objects, or situation. In recent years, a specific phobia has gripped Western societies – Islamophobia.

Islamophobia is the irrational fear of, aversion to, and/or discrimination against Islam or individuals who practice Islam.

Islamophobia started with political and military power dominance in the Middle East and Europe from the 6th Century to 16th Century. Misinterpretation of Islam by a group of Muslim rulers and clergy, and in recent times in Anti-Muslim media of the west. Anti-Muslim media has created fear amongst the Non-Muslims which consequently gave rise to Islamophobia.

The word Islam means peace and submission. Muslims greet each other by saying ‘Asalam’u’alaykum’ meaning ‘peace be upon you’. Like the majority of followers of other faiths, the majority of Muslims believe in seeking a just and peaceful world. Another key element in the Islamic religion is peaceful coexistence amongst one another. Unfortunately, establishing peaceful coexistence has now become a challenge in the world. We as Muslims would like to share our knowledge about the misconceptions of Islam and the views of Islam towards the peaceful coexistence of various religious groups and assure to Non-Muslims that Islam is not a religion to fear. We live in a diverse world & need to engage with each other. We need to act on teachings of Quran & Prophet (PBUH) in order to bridge the gap due to lack of knowledge regarding Islam and different theological beliefs.