From the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, Muslims are told to ignore slanderous speech. Muhammad was insulted to his face multiple times, but never responded.
Source/Credit: The Daily Campus
By Angie DeRosa | April 1, 2015
Harris Zarfar, author of “Demystifying Islam: Tackling the Tough Questions,” spoke Tuesday night at the Co-op Bookstore about demystifying Muslim stereotypes.
Zarfar is a public speaker, writer and national spokesperson for Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. He speaks nationwide about Islam, interfaith dialogue and pluralism. He also teaches courses about Islamic doctrines and history at two colleges.
The goal of the evening was to clear up common misconceptions of Islam. “I’m going to be honeset,” Zarfar said, “Some Muslims don’t point blame at other Muslims, but we’re not all perfect.”
A common misconception is that there is no free speech, but Zarfar pointed out that according to the Qur’an, Islam grants people the right to express their views while also prescribing limits to speech to ensure it’s done properly within the faith. Muslims are required to cultivate a peaceful world by uniting all people.
“Speak the truth, in a way that’s best. That sooths all people, not irritate them,” Zarfar said.
From the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, Muslims are told to ignore slanderous speech. Muhammad was insulted to his face multiple times, but never responded.
“[Muhammad believed] everyone has a right to say what he wants. If you disagree with him, bring your arguments. Speech is encouraged, not censorship,” said Zarfar.
Another misunderstanding of the Islamic faith is that followers lack freedom of religion. Zarfar points out that in the Holy Qur’an no worldly punishment exists for those who are not compelled to Islam.
“Muhammad advocated for freedom of religion. He created the Charter of Privileges as a pledge for peace. It allowed others to practice their own faiths.”
According to Zarfar, Muhammad even allowed Christians to use his mosque for their worship. “This is why it needs to be demystified. This part is always left out.”
Zarfar offered his solution to the problem, which he said, “requires work.” In order to destigmatize the religion, it is necessary to educate with the true teachings of Islam, demystify areas of controversy, read the Qur’an as it is meant to be understood, empower voices of war and engage youth in dialogue, discussion and community.
Zarfar noted the importance of engaging youth: “[They’re] being pushed away for questioning and being unsure about faith and by doing so they look to groups like ISIS to feel support.”
During a question and answer session, an audience member mentioned how frustrating it must be to see a group like ISIS do what they’re doing. Zarfar said, “It is always frustrating when we see innocent lives being taken away when the scripture is meant to protect life. What’s even more frustrating is when these groups claim to be supporting the religion and living up to Mohammad’s preaching.”
To counter their ideology, Zarfar said, “We must seek patience, prayer and speech.”
“We need rational discourse. Promote voices for the modernization of teaching of Islam. Once you eliminate platforms of these groups you don’t have to worry about groups,” Zarfar said, “We can help change the game by inserting our influence.”
In addressing what societies can do to combat rebellion, Zarfar said, “Establish a just and equitable society. Right now it’s difficult to find that in any country. Until there is stability there will always be opportunity to those straying away to radicalize.”
Zarfar gave a thought-provoking and insightful look into debunking many of the misinterpretations of the Islamic faith. “It was very informative. Islam is sort of a mystery. I want to demystify it,” said 6th-semester exercise science major Dominick Sansone.
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Angie DeRosa is a Campus Correspondent for the Life Section. She is a journalism and communications double major.
Read original post here: USA: Harris Zafar Demystifies Muslim Misconceptions
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