Islam made me a better citizen

Islam made me a better citizen and patriot. The Prophet Muhammad's teachings strengthened my belief in freedom and democracy. Independence Day once meant nothing more to me than an excuse to party. Prior to my acceptance of Islam, my personal behavior demonstrated all too well why July 4th ranks as the holiday most associated with alcohol-related deaths. When I first read the Quran, Islam's revealed text, and the traditions (hadith) of the Prophet Muhammad I expected to find something totally alien to American ideals. Instead, I found many of the same democratic principles that emerged from the Continental Congress in that summer of 1776. Democracy - The Quran promises rewards for those "who (conduct) their affairs by mutual consultation." (Quran, 42:38) Political Activism - The Prophet Muhammad said, "The best jihad in the path of God is (to speak) a word of justice to an oppressive ruler." (Sunan of Abu-Dawood) Justice - "O believers! Stand firm for justice and bear true witness for the sake of God, even though it be against yourselves, your parents or your relatives. It does not matter whether the party is rich or poor - God is well wisher of both. So let not your selfish desires swerve you from justice.

If you distort your testimony or decline to give it, then you should remember that God is fully aware of your actions." (Quran, 4:135) The Burden of Political Authority - The Prophet Muhammad said, "He who has been ruler over (even) ten people will be brought shackled on the Day of Resurrection until justice loosens his chains or tyranny brings him to destruction." (Sahih Muslim) Islam's lifestyle of self-restraint, abstinence from drugs and alcohol, respect for the institution of marriage, concern for neighbors regardless of their faith, duty to parents, and respect for the rule of law resulted in my becoming a better person and a better American. Thomas Jefferson once said, "Dissent is the greatest form of patriotism." On July 4th, we celebrate one of history's great acts of dissent: the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The men who put their signature on that document literally put their lives and property on the line to voice their disagreement with British government policies that they believed to be tyrannical. This July 4th offers an opportunity to renew our commitment to the patriotic nature of political dissent. I and many other Americans are deeply disturbed by events in Iraq, by reports of torture and desecration of the Quran in Guantanamo Bay, by Patriot Act abuses, by the rising tide of anti-Muslim rhetoric in our society, and by domestic and international policies that seem to create more problems than they solve. 


But my love for America is not diminished because it is sometimes flawed. I love my nation because, despite its flaws, the majority of its people remain committed to tolerance and respect for one another, whatever their faith or viewpoint. After the 9/11 attacks, my neighbors could have turned their anger on me as a Muslim. They did not. They came to me and offered both support and their horror that someone would twist my faith in such an evil manner. But of greatest inspiration to me are the words written in 1998 by a Muslim 10th grader living in California. Following the attack on the USS Cole, he wrote a letter to Osama bin Laden. In that letter he wrote: "If you are keen to murder Americans, kill us before you kill non-Muslim Americans. Bomb our mosques and Islamic Centers. We are Americans as much as others." This July 4th, let us all remember that we love this nation and will heed Jefferson's advice by offering a word of justice to any of our representatives who stray from the ideals set forth in that revolutionary document signed 231 years ago in Philadelphia. 

Corey Saylor is government affairs director for the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).

What is Islam?

The literal meaning of Islam is to submit or surrender. A Muslim is one who submits himself and surrenders his will to that of Allah (The Creator and Sustainer of The Universe). The message of Islam was brought to The Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) more than 14 centuries ago. The Quran was brought by Angel Gabriel (Peace be on Him) directly to the Prophet (p.b.u.h.). It carries a Divine guarantee of safeguard from corruption and confirms the teachings of the earlier messages from Allah. The most important Message of Islam is the Unity of Allah (That He is One, has no partners and is the only one deserving of worship) and that Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) is His Messenger and Servant. A Muslim believes in: 1. Allah. 2. Allah’s Angels. 3. All the previously revealed books by Allah. 4. All the prophets, from Adam to Muhammad (peace be upon them all). 5. The day of Judgment. 6. The decree of good and evil. The fundamentals of Islam are five: Shahadah -Testimony to the Unity of God and messengership of Muhammad (p.b.u.h.). Salah - Performance of the five daily prayers. Zakah - Giving of Zakat. Fasting - Fasting the month of Ramadan. Hajj - Performing the pilgrimage to Makkah. Islam teaches: That each person is born pure. That Allah has given human beings a choice between good and evil and to seek Allah’s pleasure by practicing goodness. Justice for Allah to all, even against oneself, parents or near relatives. Respect, kindness and obedience to parents. Caring for the orphans and the needy. Respect for women and giving them the due rights. Kindness to all. Chastity. Honesty. Mercy. Courage. Patience. Politeness. Leading a healthy and active life. And every form of goodness. In short, Islam is a perfect and complete code for the guidance of individuals and communities alike. The entire message of Islam is derived from the Quran and indeed the Sunnah (practices, sayings and confirmations of the Prophet). It is inalienable in the face of change in time and place. It may appear rigid to the casual eye, but in fact it is most adaptable to the circumstances and need of humanity. Islam teaches that the path to spiritual development is open to all. Any individual who searches the One Creator can seek nearness to God through sincere and earnest worship. This positive message for humanity fills hearts with hope and courage. At present there are 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide and they form the majority in more than 50 countries of the world. Today Islam is the fastest growing faith in the world. Its beautiful message is reaching millions in the far corner of the earth. Source: iccharlotte.com