In recent times, we find the development of utilizing the
television and other video channels, as a medium to spread the message of Islam.
Unfortunately and sadly, we even find some Scholars of Islam choosing to spread
the teachings of Dien in this way. They host various programmes on television, or
are interviewed on television, or they have their talks and lessons videoed and
circulated via the Internet.
Despite the substantiation given, that this is required
for the propagation of Islam and for the defence of Islam, not only is this a great
compromise on Dien, it opens the doors to fitnah and sin,
and has us unwittingly playing right into the hands of the enemies of Islam. We
now even have our women choosing the same methods of propagation, via
television, YouTube, etc.
Despite the fact that the
Ulama are a fortification for the Dien of Islam, the measures of protection and security they employ for Islam will have
to be in conformity with the requisites of Islam. This is a must.
Whilst it is plainly
evident that the disbelievers are utilizing television and films in their
attack against Islam, and even use their women in their war against Islam, this
does not justify following suit in repelling their attacks. They even sketch
filthy cartoons in their hatred and attack against our Beloved Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), but it is understood that
we cannot and will not counter and respond in the same way.
… Whereas their assaults and condemnation are via immoral
and corrupt ways, we cannot adopt the same course of action, in defence. As
Muslims, and as Ulama, there is a demand to maintain the dignity of Islam, and
not debase ourselves by taking on the same line of attack - that is, of
immorality and vice.
Let them meet
us on our terms, instead of us meeting them on their terms. Why should we compromise?
During the era of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi
wasallam) and the Khulafa-e-Raashideen (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum), in Makkah
Mukarramah and thereafter in Madina Munawwarah, Islam witnessed the greatest of
threats and attacks that shall probably ever be made against it.
However, the
answer to these attacks was always given on our (Islam’s) platform and not on
the platform of the Kuffaar – that is, Islam counter-attacked all those
assaults and objections solely on the basis, and with the aid of the Qur’aan Sharief.
The work of the Kuffaar and hypocrites was to object – and
even today, many object just for the sake of objecting and creating doubts; not
to understand or wanting to understand. …The Qur’aan Sharief presented and
presents answers to all the
objections levelled against it. At the same time, Allah Ta’ala explains that
these answers will only satisfy those who believe and those who are truly
searching for the truth.
From the fact that Ayaat (verses) were revealed in answer
to the objections of the disbelievers, we learn that it is our prime duty to
provide answers to the doubts that the enemies of Islam attempt to create
within the minds of Muslims. Thus, we should be more concerned about removing
doubts from the Muslims and making them strong.
To do this however, there
are more than enough permissible avenues that could be utilized; viz. the
Masjid Mimbar - especially on the Day of Jumu’ah, pamphlets and literature, the
talks of the Ulama-e-Kiraam, etc. The Internet is now being used by thousands
of Ulama and other Muslims, to spread the message and teachings of Islam, within the parameters of Islam.
When we have sufficient means available, we just cannot
allow ourselves to become followers of the enemies of Islam in choosing those
methods of propagation which go against the grain of Islamic principles, and
which open doors of fitnah.
Those who are interested in Islam will always be able to
find their road to Islam, without us
adopting impermissible means and methods of Da`wah (Inviting to Islam). Over
the centuries, millions have entered the fold of Islam without the means which
are available today.
Allah Ta’ala is Al-Haadi
(The Guide). And Allah Ta’ala uses some of His servants as mediums for the
guidance of others. However, in the
efforts made to guide or invite others, the means to the end have to be
legitimate and acceptable to Allah Ta’ala. We cannot go the route of sin to win
people over to Islam.
Today, to a great extent,
the enemies of Islam are giving more and more publicity to Islam, which becomes
the means of more and more people enquiring about Islam, learning about Islam
and accepting Islam. Inadvertently, they are doing a service to Islam, with their
own resources.
May Allah Ta’ala grant us sound understanding and the
ability to do the work of inviting others, on Allah Ta’ala’s terms, without any
compromise and without conceding to the terms of the disbelievers.