Islam Is Not Hate
Theresa Corbin
“Islam hates us.”
Donald Trump, the Republican front runner for President of the United States of
America, said in an interview with CNN.
To me this statement seems absolutely ridiculous, but let me
explain for those who don’t feel the same.
When Trump says Islam hates us, it is like saying that
Christianity hates The People’s Republic of China.
An idea or a system of belief cannot hate, or love, or have
feeling at all. Belief systems are not people. They cannot love or hate. But
what Trump is really saying, despite his lack of eloquence or understanding of
belief systems, is that Muslims hate the US because of their faith. And while
some Muslims have valid political complaints with the US, faith is NOT their
basis of protest. It’s entirely political.
This is an entirely political issue and has nothing to do
with the teachings of Islam.
Islam Does Not Hate America
Many Americans believe this line of thinking, that somehow
Muslims hate America as a part of faith. But millions of Americans are Muslim
who love their country and are happy to be called American. And have zero
religious qualms about it.
But saying that Islam, a religion that dates back to the
seventh century, hates a nation that dates back to the 18th century is just
absurd. Additionally, the first country to recognition America as an
independent nation from England was a Muslim country.
“Negotiations on a formal treaty to establish ties between
the two countries began in 1783. The Moroccan-American Treaty of Friendship was
signed in 1786” (Source:
http://www.embassyofmorocco.us/USMoroccorelationship.htm)
If Islam were against a country that is nearly 1100 years
younger than it, why would so many American Muslims love their home? Why would
a Muslim country be the first in recognizing its formation? Why would Allah say
in the Quran: {We have created you from male and female and made you peoples
and tribes that you may know one another} (49:13) if Muslims were meant to hate
one particular nation and people?
Islam Does not Teach Hate of any Nation or Peoples
What’s more is that Islam does not target any country or
peoples for hate. The Quran speaks about past people’s mistakes and
transgressions toward Allah Almighty, as a lesson for future generation who are
likely to go down the same path. But the religion of Islam does not advocate
hate of anyone.
Allah sent Islam as a mercy to mankind. Allah says in the
Quran:
{And We have sent you (O Muhammad SAW) not but as a mercy
for all that exists.} (21:107)
And Muslims are instructed to treat all people with
kindness, look out for their neighbor, and respect all people’s rights.
The
Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“If anyone wrongs a non-Muslim, detracts from his rights,
burdens him with more work than he is able to do or takes something from him
without his consent, I will plead for him (the non-Muslim) on the Day of
Resurrection.” (Abu Dawud)
Muslims are never taught to hate people, only evil actions,
much like the Christian saying: “Don’t hate the sinner: hate the sin”.
Allah is the Creator of Love
Islam loveIn Islam we know God, Allah, by His names that
describe his perfect attributes. One of those names is Al- Wadood, the Most
Loving, the owner and creator of love. Allah is not only the creator of love
and humankind, but, Allah also wants us, his creation, to show loving kindness
to all living things especially one another.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Allah shows compassion only to those among His servants who
are compassionate.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
The Companions of the Prophet asked:
“Shall we be rewarded for showing kindness to the animals
too?”
He (peace be upon him) said: “A reward is given in connection for every living
creature.'” (Al-Bukhari)
Islam advocates for tolerance, peace and compassion, but
never hate.
Allah Almighty knows in His infinite wisdom that in dealing
with people even between two Muslims, people’s feelings may be hurt. And we may
even come to an emotional state where we hate each other. This is a part of the
human experience.
But contrary to what people like Trump say, Islam does not
promote these feelings. Allah recognizes that this will come up, and offers a
remedy to hate in the Quran:
{And good and evil are not alike. Repel evil with that which
is best. And lo, he between whom and thyself was enmity will become as though
he were a warm friend. But none is granted it save those who are steadfast; and
none is granted it save those who possess a large share of good.} (41:35-6)
When differences arise, and we see each other doing evil,
hard feelings are a natural consequence. But Allah in the above verse
recommends each party to rid evil with that which is best, to extend an olive
branch of good action.
It’s a simple solution: do good things for people who have
done bad things to you and you will become close friends.
If we would just have the wisdom to heed our Creator’s
directions, our world would be a much more loving place.
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About Theresa Corbin
Theresa Corbin is a New Orleans native and Muslimah who
converted in 2001 after many years of soul searching and religious study. She
holds a BA in English Lit and is a writer, editor, and graphic artist who
focuses on themes of conversion to Islam, Islamophobia, women's issues, and
bridging gaps between peoples of different faiths and cultures. She is a
regular contributor for AboutIslam.net and Al Jumuah magazine. Her work has
also been featured on CNN and the Washington Post, among others
publications.Visit her blog, islamwich, where she discuss the intersection of
culture and religion.
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