University of Iowa Professor David Greene Assumes Muslims are Unamerican

[PLYMCO_PILGRIM]

Professor -Racial Editorial -White Students Yelling USA!

David Green wrote an editorial in the school paper
of the University of Illinois because white students were cheering USA! He thought cheering USA! might offend the Muslim students

There is no way the chant USA would offend muslims and there is no way someone could come to that conclusion unless they assumed Muslims hate america.

I think this professor has a very sad mindset if he really thinks this low of Muslim students in America.

 

[WillowTree]

could somebody please let the professor know that this could quite possibly be a "teachable moment"?

 

[midcan5]

"We first kill people with our minds, before we kill them with weapons. Whatever the conflict, the enemy is always the destroyer. We're on God's side; they're barbaric. We're good, they're evil. War gives us a feeling of moral clarity that we lack at other times." Sam Keen

For some what he writes is hard to accept because it calls into question our superior moral position in a world in which morality has lost its meaning. How can one morally balance 'Shock and Awe' for instance with the evil others perform? Only, if one looks at oneself as Keen writes above.


"But Jesus stooped down, and with His finger wrote on the ground, as though He heard them not. So when they continued asking Him, He lifted up Himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again He stooped down, and wrote on the ground."


Once Upon a Time...: Trapped in the Wrong Paradigm: Three Handy Rules

"I repeat: the entire war and occupation are immoral. If you criticize the Bush administration on the grounds that it "bungled" the war, this leaves one, and only one, inevitable implication: if they had prosecuted the war and occupation "competently," then you would have no complaints whatsoever. That is: you think the invasion and occupation of Iraq were justified and moral. If that's what you actually think, you belong in the Bush camp. You're arguing over managerial style, and about issues that are entirely trivial."


"A team of American and Iraqi epidemiologists estimates that 655,000 more people have died in Iraq since coalition forces arrived in March 2003 than would have died if the invasion had not occurred."

Once Upon a Time...: The Missing Moral Center: Murdering the Innocent


from article:

“The vast majority of 9/11 observances in this country cannot be seen as politically neutral events. Implicit in their nature are the notions that lives lost at the World Trade Center are more valuable than lives lost in Afghanistan, Iraq, Palestine and elsewhere; that the motives of the 9/11 attackers had nothing to do with genuine grievances in the Islamic world regarding American imperialism; and that the U.S. has been justified in the subsequent killing of hundreds of thousands in so-called retaliation.

The observance at Saturday’s football game was no different. A moment of silence was followed by a military airplane flyover; in between, students chanted “USA, USA. ” This was neither patriotism nor remembrance in any justifiable sense, but politicization, militarism, propaganda and bellicosity. The University is a public institution that encompasses the political views of all, not just the most (falsely) “patriotic.” Athletic planners should cease such exploitation for political purposes. They might at least consider how most Muslim students, American or otherwise, would respond to this nativist display; or better, Muslims and others that live their lives under the threat of our planes, drones and soldiers."

 

[PLYMCO_PILGRIM]

could somebody please let the professor know that this could quite possibly be a "teachable moment"?

Indeed it is. I know many Muslim Americans and they are no different, in my experience, than any other "insert name" Americans....they love America as much as me and you.



Midcan, Interesting post I didn't click the links but I read it.....would you mind drawing the connection to the opening post in a more obvious way so people dont just gloss over your post.

 

[Ringel05]

"We first kill people with our minds, before we kill them with weapons. Whatever the conflict, the enemy is always the destroyer. We're on God's side; they're barbaric. We're good, they're evil. War gives us a feeling of moral clarity that we lack at other times." Sam Keen

For some what he writes is hard to accept because it calls into question our superior moral position in a world in which morality has lost its meaning. How can one morally balance 'Shock and Awe' for instance with the evil others perform? Only, if one looks at oneself as Keen writes above.


"But Jesus stooped down, and with His finger wrote on the ground, as though He heard them not. So when they continued asking Him, He lifted up Himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again He stooped down, and wrote on the ground."


Once Upon a Time...: Trapped in the Wrong Paradigm: Three Handy Rules

"I repeat: the entire war and occupation are immoral. If you criticize the Bush administration on the grounds that it "bungled" the war, this leaves one, and only one, inevitable implication: if they had prosecuted the war and occupation "competently," then you would have no complaints whatsoever. That is: you think the invasion and occupation of Iraq were justified and moral. If that's what you actually think, you belong in the Bush camp. You're arguing over managerial style, and about issues that are entirely trivial."


"A team of American and Iraqi epidemiologists estimates that 655,000 more people have died in Iraq since coalition forces arrived in March 2003 than would have died if the invasion had not occurred."

Once Upon a Time...: The Missing Moral Center: Murdering the Innocent


from article:

“The vast majority of 9/11 observances in this country cannot be seen as politically neutral events. Implicit in their nature are the notions that lives lost at the World Trade Center are more valuable than lives lost in Afghanistan, Iraq, Palestine and elsewhere; that the motives of the 9/11 attackers had nothing to do with genuine grievances in the Islamic world regarding American imperialism; and that the U.S. has been justified in the subsequent killing of hundreds of thousands in so-called retaliation.

The observance at Saturday’s football game was no different. A moment of silence was followed by a military airplane flyover; in between, students chanted “USA, USA. ” This was neither patriotism nor remembrance in any justifiable sense, but politicization, militarism, propaganda and bellicosity. The University is a public institution that encompasses the political views of all, not just the most (falsely) “patriotic.” Athletic planners should cease such exploitation for political purposes. They might at least consider how most Muslim students, American or otherwise, would respond to this nativist display; or better, Muslims and others that live their lives under the threat of our planes, drones and soldiers."

Your either a nut case (duh what am I saying of course you are) or you are professor Greene.

 

[hipeter924]

I think there are enough 'ordinary' Americans more Anti-American than Muslims, to disprove this.

 

[Mr.Fitnah]

Interesting circumstance

Islamic fiqh has arrived at some opinions that touch on this to a degree.

Islam proscribes for muslims certain actions.

Islam Question and Answer - Judging by that which Allaah has revealed
Islam Question and Answer - Judging by that which Allaah has revealed
Islam Question and Answer - Should he turn to the human rights organizations to get his rights?
Islam Question and Answer - Should he turn to the human rights organizations to get his rights?
Islam Question and Answer - The kufr of one who rules according to other than what Allaah revealed
Islam Question and Answer - The kufr of one who rules according to other than what Allaah revealed

Allaah has commanded us to refer matters to His judgement and to establish Sharee‘ah, and He has forbidden us to rule with anything else, as is clear from a number of aayaat in the Qur’aan, such as the aayaat in Soorat al-Maa’idah (5) which discuss ruling according to what Allaah has revealed, and mention the following topics:

The command to rule according to what Allaah has revealed: “And so judge between them by what Allaah has revealed . . .” [aayah 49]

Warning against ruling by other than what Allaah has revealed: “. . . and follow not their vain desires . . .” [aayah 49]

Warning against compromising on any detail of Sharee‘ah, no matter how small: “. . . but beware of them lest they turn you far away from some of that which Allaah has sent down to you . . .” [aayah 49]

Forbidding seeking the ruling of jaahiliyyah, as is expressed in the rhetorical question “Do they then seek the judgement of (the Days of) Ignorance?” [aayah 50]

The statement that nobody is better than Allaah to judge: “. . . and who is better in judgement than Allaah for a people who have firm Faith?” [aayah 50]

The statement that whoever does not judge according to what Allaah revealed is a kaafir, a zaalim (oppressor or wrongdoer) and a faasiq (sinner), as Allaah says: “. . . And whoever does not judge by what Allaah has revealed, such are the kaafiroon.” [aayah 44]; “. . . And whoever does not judge by that which Allaah has revealed, such are the zaalimoon (polytheists and wrongdoers)” [aayah 45]; “. . . And whoever does not judge by what Allaah has revealed (then) such (people) are the faasiqoon (rebellious or disobedient).” [aayah 47].

The statement that it is obligatory for the Muslims to judge according to what Allaah has revealed, even if those who seek their judgement are not Muslim, as Allaah says: “. . . And if you judge, judge with justice between them. . .” [aayah 42]

Praise be to Allaah.
The basic principle is that it is not permissible for the Muslim to settle among the mushrikeen. This is indicated by evidence from the Qur’aan and Sunnah, and on the basis of common sense.
Islam Question and Answer - Can Muslims settle in kaafir countries for the sake of a better life?

In the Sunnah, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “I disown every Muslim who settles among the mushrikeen.” Narrated by Abu Dawood, 2645; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood.

With regard to common sense, the Muslim who settles among the mushrikeen cannot carry out many of the rituals and visible acts of worship of Islam, in addition to the fact that he is exposing himself to temptation because of the permissiveness in those countries that is protected by their laws. The Muslim should not expose himself to temptations and trials.

Al-Haafiz Ibn Hajar said concerning the hadeeth, “I disown every Muslim who settles among the mushrikeen”:

This is to be understood as referring to those who are not safe to practise their religion there. Fath al-Baari, commentary on hadeeth no. 2825

In al-Mawsoo’ah al-Fiqhiyyah (20/206) it says:

Dar al-harb refers to every place in which the rule of kufr prevails. One of the rulings that have to do with dar al-harb is hijrah (migration). With regard to migration from dar al-harb, the fuqaha’ divided people into three categories:

(a) Those who are obliged to migrate: they are those who are able to migrate and who cannot practise their religion openly in dar al-harb. It is obligatory upon a female even if she does not have a mahram, if she thinks she will be safe when travelling, or if the risk of travelling is less than the risk of staying in dar al-harb…

(b) Those who are not obliged to migrate: they are those who are unable to do so, either because of sickness or because they are forced to stay in the kaafir land, or those who are weak, such as woman and children, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Except the weak ones among men, women and children who cannot devise a plan, nor are they able to direct their way”

[al-Nisa’ 4:98]

(c) Those for whom migration is mustahabb ( recommended )but not obligatory: they include those who are able to migrate but are also able to practise their religion openly in dar al-harb. It is mustahabb for such a person to migrate so that he can participate in jihad and increase the numbers of the Muslims.

 

[goldcatt]

"We first kill people with our minds, before we kill them with weapons. Whatever the conflict, the enemy is always the destroyer. We're on God's side; they're barbaric. We're good, they're evil. War gives us a feeling of moral clarity that we lack at other times." Sam Keen

For some what he writes is hard to accept because it calls into question our superior moral position in a world in which morality has lost its meaning. How can one morally balance 'Shock and Awe' for instance with the evil others perform? Only, if one looks at oneself as Keen writes above.


"But Jesus stooped down, and with His finger wrote on the ground, as though He heard them not. So when they continued asking Him, He lifted up Himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again He stooped down, and wrote on the ground."


Once Upon a Time...: Trapped in the Wrong Paradigm: Three Handy Rules

"I repeat: the entire war and occupation are immoral. If you criticize the Bush administration on the grounds that it "bungled" the war, this leaves one, and only one, inevitable implication: if they had prosecuted the war and occupation "competently," then you would have no complaints whatsoever. That is: you think the invasion and occupation of Iraq were justified and moral. If that's what you actually think, you belong in the Bush camp. You're arguing over managerial style, and about issues that are entirely trivial."


"A team of American and Iraqi epidemiologists estimates that 655,000 more people have died in Iraq since coalition forces arrived in March 2003 than would have died if the invasion had not occurred."

Once Upon a Time...: The Missing Moral Center: Murdering the Innocent


from article:

“The vast majority of 9/11 observances in this country cannot be seen as politically neutral events. Implicit in their nature are the notions that lives lost at the World Trade Center are more valuable than lives lost in Afghanistan, Iraq, Palestine and elsewhere; that the motives of the 9/11 attackers had nothing to do with genuine grievances in the Islamic world regarding American imperialism; and that the U.S. has been justified in the subsequent killing of hundreds of thousands in so-called retaliation.

The observance at Saturday’s football game was no different. A moment of silence was followed by a military airplane flyover; in between, students chanted “USA, USA. ” This was neither patriotism nor remembrance in any justifiable sense, but politicization, militarism, propaganda and bellicosity. The University is a public institution that encompasses the political views of all, not just the most (falsely) “patriotic.” Athletic planners should cease such exploitation for political purposes. They might at least consider how most Muslim students, American or otherwise, would respond to this nativist display; or better, Muslims and others that live their lives under the threat of our planes, drones and soldiers."

I disagree with some of this, particularly the references to 9/11 being justified - it wasn't no matter what the real or perceived provocation. The only justifiable homicide is self-defense. But the point of moral relativism is very interesting. I'm not sure I'd say morality has lost all meaning, but it certainly doesn't mean what many seem to think it does. A point to ponder, indeed.

 

[Bill O'Olberman]

Professor -Racial Editorial -White Students Yelling USA!

David Green wrote an editorial in the school paper
of the University of Illinois because white students were cheering USA! He thought cheering USA! might offend the Muslim students

There is no way the chant USA would offend muslims and there is no way someone could come to that conclusion unless they assumed Muslims hate america.

I think this professor has a very sad mindset if he really thinks this low of Muslim students in America.

I agree that his point of view and conclusion are fundamentally retarded.

He would have to assume Muslims hate america or that all Americans who would chant "USA USA" are like Mr.Fitnah and others who constantly assume that all Muslims are evil, cant be Americans, want to kill all non muslims, muslims should be kicked out of America, etc etc etc.

 

[Ravi]

He's a librarian.

More fauxrage...who cares what some random asshole thinks?

 

[Mr.Fitnah]

Wow, all it did was produce a couple of fatwas that include the rational for the religious opinion and Im attacked for what muslims say Islam is about.
Thanks .

 

[PLYMCO_PILGRIM]

Professor -Racial Editorial -White Students Yelling USA!

David Green wrote an editorial in the school paper
of the University of Illinois because white students were cheering USA! He thought cheering USA! might offend the Muslim students

There is no way the chant USA would offend muslims and there is no way someone could come to that conclusion unless they assumed Muslims hate america.

I think this professor has a very sad mindset if he really thinks this low of Muslim students in America.

I agree that his point of view and conclusion are fundamentally retarded.

He would have to assume Muslims hate america or that all Americans who would chant "USA USA" are like Mr.Fitnah and others who constantly assume that all Muslims are evil, cant be Americans, want to kill all non muslims, muslims should be kicked out of America, etc etc etc.

I would probably word it a little different and leave out a personal attack on a forum member (I made a promise to myself to restore some personal honor by respecting differences in opinions and when I can't to not comment at all).

However, that being said I agree that this professor's claim about patriotically chanting USA being offensive to Muslims is wrong and that people would chant it to "hurt" the feelings of muslims is also wrong.

 

[AmericanFirst]

If what professor Greene says is true, than muslims are not true Americans, because chanting USA is not about religion but about country. Does he have any proof of this, or is this just his opinion? My view is allah is satan and the whole so called religion of islam is a lie. If a muslim is offended by the chant of USA than they should leave if they are offended by their country.

 

[PLYMCO_PILGRIM]

If what professor Greene says is true, than muslims are not true Americans, because chanting USA is not about religion but about country. Does he have any proof of this, or is this just his opinion? My view is allah is satan and the whole so called religion of islam is a lie. If a muslim is offended by the chant of USA than they should leave if they are offended by their country.

I don't beleive its true. I think the professor just has a lot of hate for things inside himself and needs to look into a mirror (as we all should from time to time ).

 

[Mr.Fitnah]

Interesting that this has been removed from the site

Islam Questions & Answers
www.islam-qa.com
Question Reference Number:: 11793
Title: Being friends with non-Muslims

Home > Basic Tenets of Faith > Alliance and Amity, Disavowal and Enmity >
Question:


I'm a student and a brother who is in the mist of both muslims and non muslims. Usually on Fridays I'm with the muslims but during other days and at university I'm with the non muslims. My problem is I tend to spend alot of time with them and with the temptation around me I don't know what to do the women. I don't drink or even smoke but when it come to women I'm weak and its because of my Islamic attitude they tend to find me nice compared to my other friends. I only wish I knew muslim sisters because I really respect them so I would have been able to time talking to them(from an Islamic perspective) and would not have to spend time with the non muslim women. I have been trying for a very long time but sometimes trying is not just enough. Please advice.

Answer:

Praise be to Allaah.

Your question made me very happy, because it is indicative – in sha Allaah – of the sincerity of your faith in Allaah, and of your keenness and eagerness to adhere completely to that which Allaah has enjoined upon you.

You raise a number of issues in your question:

1 – You are mixing with Muslims and non-Muslims. You should note that a Muslim’s relationship with Muslims is different from his relationship with others. That is because the Muslim must take his fellow-Muslim as a close friend, so that he loves him and respects him, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“The believers, men and women, are Awliyaa’ (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another; they enjoin (on the people) Al-Ma‘roof (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islam has forbidden); they perform As-Salaah (Iqaamat-as-Salaah), and give the Zakaah, and obey Allaah and His Messenger. Allaah will have His Mercy on them. Surely, Allaah is All-Mighty, All-Wise”

[al-Tawbah 9:71]

Your Muslim brothers have rights over you that you must fulfil, but this is not the place to explain that in detail. You can study some of these rights in the answer to question no. 11413.

With regard to non-Muslims, the Muslim should disavow himself of them, and he should not feel any love in his heart towards them. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“O you who believe! Take not My enemies and your enemies (i.e. disbelievers and polytheists) as friends, showing affection towards them, while they have disbelieved in what has come to you of the truth (i.e. Islamic Monotheism, this Qur’aan, and Muhammad), and have driven out the Messenger (Muhammad) and yourselves (from your homeland) because you believe in Allaah your Lord! If you have come forth to strive in My Cause and to seek My Good Pleasure, (then take not these disbelievers and polytheists, as your friends). You show friendship to them in secret, while I am All-Aware of what you conceal and what you reveal. And whosoever of you (Muslims) does that, then indeed he has gone (far) astray from the Straight Path”

[al-Mumtahanah 60:1]

“Indeed there has been an excellent example for you in Ibraaheem (Abraham) and those with him, when they said to their people: ‘Verily, we are free from you and whatever you worship besides Allaah, we have rejected you, and there has started between us and you, hostility and hatred for ever until you believe in Allaah Alone’”

[al-Mumtahanah 60:4]

But this does not mean that a Muslim cannot interact with them in a nice manner that will encourage them to enter Islam, so long as that is within the guidelines of sharee’ah, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Allaah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion nor drove you out of your homes. Verily, Allaah loves those who deal with equity”

[al-Mumtahanah 60:8]

The Muslim should strive hard to call non-Muslims to Islam through all possible permissible means, in the hope that they may benefit from that and respond, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Invite (mankind, O Muhammad) to the way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Revelation and the Qur’aan) and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His path, and He is the Best Aware of those who are guided”

[al-Nahl 16:125]

“And who is better in speech than he who [says: ‘My Lord is Allaah (believes in His Oneness),’ and then stands firm (acts upon His Order), and] invites (men) to Allaah’s (Islamic Monotheism), and does righteous deeds, and says: ‘I am one of the Muslims’”

[Fussilat 41:33]

Muslim narrated in his Saheeh (2674) from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever calls people to guidance will have a reward like the reward of those who follow him, without that detracting from their rewards in the slightest, and whoever calls people to misguidance will have a burden of sin like the burden of those who follow him, without that detracting from their sins in the slightest.”

2 – You tend to spend a great deal of your time with non-Muslims, and you say that this is a problem. It is indeed a problem because when a Muslim mixes with non-Muslims in a non-Muslim society and feels inclined to like them, this is something that can have an effect on his beliefs, religious commitment and morals (especially since you mention that you do not drink alcohol or smoke – which is a blessing from Allaah to you – from which it may be understood that these things are common among those people). Hence the texts of sharee’ah warn against mixing with and befriending non-Muslims. Allaah has commanded us to migrate from the kaafir lands to the lands of Islam, as He says:

“Verily, as for those whom the angels take (in death) while they are wronging themselves (as they stayed among the disbelievers even though emigration was obligatory for them), they (angels) say (to them): ‘In what (condition) were you?’ They reply: ‘We were weak and oppressed on the earth.’ They (angels) say: ‘Was not the earth of Allaah spacious enough for you to emigrate therein?’ Such men will find their abode in Hell — what an evil destination!

Except the weak ones among men, women and children who cannot devise a plan, nor are they able to direct their way”

[al-Nisa’ 4:97-98]

Abu Dawood narrated in his Sunan (2645) and al-Tirmidhi narrated in his Jaami’ (1640) from the hadeeth of Jareer ibn ‘Abd-Allaah that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“I disavow myself of every Muslim who settles among the mushrikeen.” They said, “O Messenger of Allaah, why?” He said, “Their fires should not be visible to one another”. This hadeeth was classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Irwa’, 1207.

Ibn al-Qayyim said in Tahdheeb al-Sunan (‘Awn, 7/304): “What we learn from this hadeeth is that when people settle down in place, the first they do is to light a fire, and this fire may encourage others to come and join them, and anyone who comes near the fire is going to feel at ease with the people whose fire it is. The gathering around the fire of the mushrikeen is a gathering that calls people to the way of the Shaytaan and to Hellfire, because they gather only for the purpose of committing sin. The gathering of the believers around their fire is the gathering that calls people to Allaah and to obey Him and to make His religion prevail. So how can the two fires or the two gatherings be in harmony when this is the case? This is the most eloquent of metaphors, which contains a profound meaning in the most concise phrases.”

Abu Dawood (2787) narrated from Samurah ibn Jundub that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever joins a mushrik and lives with him is like him.” This was also narrated by al-Haakim (2/141) with a different isnaad; his version says: “Do not live with the mushrikeen and do not join them, for whoever lives with them or joins them is not one of us.” This hadeeth was classed as hasan by al-Albaani in al-Saheehah, 2330, when the two isnaads are taken together.

Imam Ahmad (4/365) and al-Nasaa’i (4177) narrated that Jareer said: “I came to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) whilst he was accepting the people’s oaths of allegiance, and I said: ‘O Messenger of Allaah, give me your hand so that I may give you my oath of allegianc., and you may stipulate your conditions, for you know best.’ He said, ‘I accept your allegiance on the basis that you worship Allaah, establish regular prayer, pay the zakaah, are sincere towards the Muslims and you forsake the mushrikeen.’” This hadeeth was classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Saheehah, 636.

These texts indicate that the basic principle is that the Muslim should not settle among the kuffaar in their countries, and that he is obliged to move from those lands to the Muslim lands. An exception is made from that if his staying there is necessary, but necessity should not be blown out of proportion. If he Muslim has to be with them (the non-Muslims) physically, he should not be with them in his heart, and he must avoid mixing with them unnecessarily.

What you must do is to look for righteous friends among the Muslims who can help you to learn your religion and adhere to it. You must fill your spare time with reading Qur’aan and reading useful books about the biography of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and his companions, and about the rulings, etiquette and morals of Islam; and with remembering Allaah (dhikr). Ibn al-Qayyim said in al-Waabil al-Sayyib (86), when listing the benefits of dhikr: “It is the easiest of acts of worship, but it is one of the best. Moving the tongue is easier than moving the limbs. If any part of a person’s body were to move as much as his tongue does, night and day, that would be extremely difficult for him.”

You can also make use of your time by listening to useful tapes and by surfing useful sites on the Internet.

Something else that will help you to stop mixing with non-Muslims is to remember that these kaafirs – even though they may have good manners and some good qualities – also do a number of seriously wrong things, any one of which is sufficient to nullify any good deeds that they may do. Among these evil things is the belief of the Christians – for example – that God is one of three (trinity), as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Surely, disbelievers are those who said: ‘Allaah is the third of the three (in a Trinity).’ But there is no Ilaah (god) (none who has the right to be worshipped) but One Ilaah (God —Allaah). And if they cease not from what they say, verily, a painful torment will befall on the disbelievers among them”

[al-Maa’idah 5:73]

The other kaafir nations all attribute partners to Allaah, or else they do not believe in God at all.

The kuffaar in general do not believe in the Qur’aan or in the message of our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), rather they reject the Qur’aan and they reject our Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him); so how can a Muslim be inclined towards them with their kufr and misguidance?

Even if they give you some of your rights by treating you nicely, they do not give Allaah His rights and they do not give the Qur’aan its rights and they do not give our Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) his rights. The rights of Allaah and His Book and His Prophet are more important than our personal rights. Remember this, for this is one of the things that will help you to hate them and regard them as enemies until they believe in Allaah alone, as mentioned in the aayah quoted above (interpretation of the meaning):

“Indeed there has been an excellent example for you in Ibraaheem (Abraham) and those with him, when they said to their people: ‘Verily, we are free from you and whatever you worship besides Allaah, we have rejected you, and there has started between us and you, hostility and hatred for ever until you believe in Allaah Alone’”

[al-Mumtahanah 60:4]

But we reiterate that there is nothing to stop the Muslim from treating them kindly within the limits set by sharee’ah, especially if they are among those who treat us well. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Is there any reward for good other than good?”

[al-Rahmaan 55:60]

3 – With regard to your mixing with non-Muslim girls, and your desire to get to know Muslim girls. You should note that one of the basic aims of Islamic sharee’ah is to protect people’s honour. Our sharee’ah has enjoined many rules and regulations to achieve this noble aim. One of the teachings of Islam is the segregation of men and women even in the mosque, which is the best and noblest of places. Muslim narrated in his Saheeh (440) from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The best rows for men are the front rows and the worst are the back rows. The best rows for women are the back rows and the worst are the front rows.”

Al-Nawawi said in Sharh Saheeh Muslim (4/159): “What is meant by the worst rows for men and women is those which are least in reward and virtue, and the furthest removed from the shar’i aim. The best rows are the opposite. Rather the last row is the best for the women who are present with the men because it is farthest removed from mixing with the men, from seeing them and from becoming attracted to them when seeing their movements and hearing their speech and so on. The front row for the women is condemned for the opposite reasons. And Allaah knows best.”

Al-Bukhaari narrated in his Saheeh (837) that Umm Salamah said: “When the women stood up after the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) finished saying the salaam (at the end of the prayer), he would wait for a little while before standing up.” Al-Zuhri said: “I think – and Allaah knows best – that he waited so that the women could disperse before the people (i.e., the men) could catch up with them.”

If Islam teaches that men and women should be segregated in the mosques – which are the best and noblest of places – then it is even more appropriate that they be segregated elsewhere.

Moreover, learning is one of the noblest of aims, but sharee’ah also insisted that women should be segregated from men even this situation. Al-Bukhaari (101) and Muslim (2633) narrated that Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri said: A woman came to the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and said: “O Messenger of Allaah, the men have taken all your time. Give us (women) a day when we can come to you and you can teach us what Allaah has taught you.” He said, “Gather together on such and such a day.” So they gathered, and the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) came to them and taught them what Allaah had taught him…” (This version was narrated by Muslim).

And Muslim (885) narrated that Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allaah said: I attended Eid prayers with the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). He began the prayer before the khutbah, without any adhaan or iqaamah, then he stood, leaning against Bilaal, and enjoined fear of Allaah and urged us to obey Him. He preached to the people and reminded them. Then he went over to the women and preached to them and reminded them.

Another of the teachings of Islam in this regard is that Allaah has commanded men and women to lower their gaze. It is not permissible for a Muslim to look at a woman who is not his mahram, or for a woman to look at a man who is not her mahram. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts). That is purer for them. Verily, Allaah is All-Aware of what they do.

And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent…”
[al-Noor 24:30-31]

Muslim narrated in his Saheeh (2159) that Jareer ibn ‘Abd-Allaah said: “I asked the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) about an accidental glance, and he told me to avert my gaze.”

Abu Dawood (2149) and al-Tirmidhi (2777) narrated from Buraydah ibn al-Haseeb that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to ‘Ali: “O ‘Ali, do not follow one glance with another. You are permitted the first, but not the second.” This hadeeth was classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Jilbaab al-Mar’ah al-Muslimah, p. 77

Islam also forbids a man to be alone with a non-mahram woman, and it forbids a man to shake hands with a woman who is not his mahram, and there are other rulings which we do not have room to go into in detail here. [For more information please refer to the answers to Questions nos. 2459, 2986, 9989]

These rulings apply in the case of both Muslim and non-Muslim women, unless they are the mahrams of the man.

Based on this, you must avoid mixing with non-mahram women, even if they are Muslim, and you should not respond to the deviant thoughts that the Shaytaan tries to put in your mind, such as the fact that some girls admire you and so on. Make earning the pleasure of Allaah your goal. Al-Tirmidhi (2414) narrated from ‘Aa’ishah that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever seeks to please Allaah by angering the people, Allaah will suffice him against the people, but whoever seeks to please the people by angering Allaah, Allaah will leave him to the people.” This hadeeth was classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Saheehah, 2311.

My brother, note that you may find this difficult to apply at first, but you must strive against your whims and desires. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“As for those who strive hard in Our Cause, We will surely guide them to Our Paths. And verily Allaah is with the Muhsinoon (good doers)”

[al-‘Ankaboot 29:69]

You have to endure and be more patient, and seek reward with Allaah, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“O you who believe! Endure and be more patient (than your enemy), and guard your territory by stationing army units permanently at the places from where the enemy can attack you, and fear Allaah, so that you may be successful”

[Aal ‘Imraan 3:200]

You should note that if you are keen to fear and obey Allaah, you will ultimately find a way out from every difficulty, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And whosoever fears Allaah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty)”

[al-Talaaq 65:2]

Everything that you used to find difficult will become easy, for Allaah can make any hard thing easy if He wills.

Moreover, others will see that you are adhering to the commands of your religion, which will make them respect you.

Finally, I urge you to call upon Allaah and make a lot of du’aa’, especially at the times and in the places where du’aa’s are answered, such as when prostrating, and before saying the salaam at the end of prayer, and in the last third of the night, and between the adhaan and iqaamah. Pray to Allaah to make you steadfast in Islam, and seek the help of Allaah to adhere to His commands and to keep away from disobedience. I ask Allaah to grant you a way out from every difficulty and worry. May Allaah be with you.

And Allaah knows best.



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