Politics & Islam’s Brotherhood

Politics & Islam’s Brotherhood

Verily, this brotherhood of yours is a single brotherhood
 Sura 21:92
The Believers are but a single Brotherhood.
 Sura 49:10
Allah’s Apostle said,
“Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor
or he is an oppressed one.”
—al-Bukhari

Introduction

Islam is a Brotherhood (Ummah) that unites Muslims together across the Islamic world. This Islamic Ummah impacts world politics, and it challenges Western democracies in their foreign policy. Muslim clerics appeal to the unity of the Muslim Brotherhood to foment united opposition against the non-Muslim world. So, if there were any Western actions impacting an Islamic nation, Muslim clerics view it as an action impacting the Islamic community worldwide. However, because of the Brotherhood, a Muslim oppressor may be tolerated with patience, while a non-Muslim’s kindness would be viewed with suspicion. This article presents Islam’s theological foundation for its doctrine of the Islamic Brotherhood, and how that doctrine influences the interactions between Islamic and Western nations. 

Of course, it is recognized there are many other influences in the real-life politics of Islamic nations that have nothing to do with the Qur’an and Sunnah.  In fact, the Qur’an and Sunnah may be ignored, because these other factors are more urgent. This is fully recognized. In addition, many Muslims have little interest in the political aspects of Islam. These Muslims seek to follow Islam’s spiritual teachings, and they are not a threat to a nation’s political stability. With this background understanding, this article limits its focus to the Qur’an and Sunnah as the basis for the Islamic Brotherhood and the Brotherhood’s impact upon Islamic political thought.

Socio-politico-religious Brotherhood

The major misconception of Islam is that it is a religion along side Christianity and Judaism. Nothing could be further from the truth. Islam is a socio-politico-religious system that challenges Western societies and governments as well as other religions. Muslims boast that Islam is a Complete Way of Life and that Islam has no separation between religion and government. True Islam seeks to regulate a nation’s entire society, government, and religious life according to the Qur’an and the Sunnah of Muhammad. Perhaps, it is time to heed what Muslims themselves declare about Islam’s social and political objectives instead recasting Islam in terms of Judaism or Christianity. With this understanding in mind, the Islamic Brotherhood is more than a spiritual fellowship. It is also a political Brotherhood that endeavors to bring national governments under the banner of Islam. Their ultimate capstone is the imposition of Shari’ah law over a nation. In the book entitled, What is Shariah?, Al Haj A.D. Ajijola wrote, 

Shariah, as contained in the Holy Qur’an gave a complete and final picture of social control, i.e., it laid down a moral, legal and political chart for all time for humanity. It contains everlasting, unchangeable legal realities in which human beings might rest and enable it to establish perfect law by which human relations might be ordered forever, free from the need of change.1

Typically, Western readers have little knowledge of the Islam; and, unfortunately, they have been taught is that Islam is a monotheistic religion like Judaism and Christianity. So naturally, they begin with the assumption that the Islamic brotherhood is similar to the Jewish and Christian brotherhoods. However, Jewish and Christian fellowships are spiritual fellowship that can exist peacefully within the nations of the world. Neither the Old Testament nor the New Testament instruct Jews or Christians to impose a particular form of government upon the nations of the world. Although Jews and Christians may participate in the political life of a nation, their participation is on equal footing with non-believers. They must make their policy appeals on the basis of reason, justice, equity, fairness, righteousness, and the common benefit for all the nation’s citizens. On the other hand, true Muslims have to make their policy decisions based upon Shari’a law, because true Islam teaches that Allah has revealed his divine laws for all the nations of the world in the Qur’an and the Sunnah. So naturally, the Qur’an and Sunnah are the foundation upon which Muslims define government, society, and spirituality. The visionary Shari’ah scholar Sayyid Abul Maududi wrote, 

For an adequate appreciation of the subject under discussion, two basic facts have to be clearly borne in mind, viz;

(i) the Sovereignty of God, and 
(ii) the Prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him), 

Islam admits of no sovereignty except that of God and, consequently, does not recognise any Law-giver other than Him. The Concept of the unity of God, as advocated by the Qur’an, is not limited to His being the sole object of worship in the religious sense alone. Along with it, He is invested with complete ‘legal sovereignty’, in the sense in which the term is understood in Jurisprudence and Political Science. This aspect of the legal sovereignty of God is as much and as clearly emphasised by the Qur’an as the one pertaining to His being the only deity to be worshipped. According to the Qur’an these twin facets of the Divinity of God are the sine qua non of the Divine Entity and are so vitally interlinked that a negation of either ipso facto infringes the very concept of His divinity. And the Qur’an leaves no room for the impression that the divine law may mean merely the law of nature and nothing more. On the contrary, it rears the entire edifice of its ideology on the basis that mankind should order the affairs of its ethical and social life in accordance with the law (Shari’ah) that God has communicated through His Prophets (may His blessings be on them). It is this submission to the revealed law and surrender of one’s freedom to it that has been assigned the name of Islam (surrender) by the Qur’an. It denies in the clearest terms the light of man to exercise any discretion in such matters as have been decided by Allah and His Prophet (peace be upon him).

Says the Qur’an:

“It is not for the faithful, man or woman, to decide by themselves a matter that has been decided by Allah and His messenger, and whosoever commits an affront to Allah and His messenger is certainly on the wrong path.” (33:36) 2

Root Cause

Islam is as much a political ideology as it is religion. And, since Islam is a political brotherhood that seeks Allah’s political supremacy over the nations, it is in direct competition with the non-Islamic nations of the world. Islam’s political ideology is the Root Cause why Islam is not a peaceful religion. It has a political agenda to possess the reins of religious and political power over the nations. Many Muslims are quick to inform their listeners that the meaning of the word, Islam, is peace or submission to Allah. However, they are not as forthright in telling their audience that their ultimate objective is to have the nations of the world ruled according to Shari’ah law. 

Qur’an

The Qur’an states that Muslims worldwide are a united Brotherhood (Ummah) of believers. Within the Ummah, believers are to seek peace and reconciliation with one another. It says that Allah has placed this mutual affection into the hearts of the members of the Islamic Brotherhood. Their love is not instructed to extend outside the Ummah. Muslims are not told to love their enemies as the Lord Jesus told his disciples. 

The Believers are but a single Brotherhood: So make peace and reconciliation between your two (contending) brothers; and fear Allah, that ye may receive Mercy. Sura 49:10 (Yusuf Ali’s Translation)

And (moreover) He hath put affection between their hearts: not if thou hadst spent all that is in the earth, couldst thou have produced that affection, but Allah hath done it: for He is Exalted in might, Wise. Sura 8:63 (Yusuf Ali’s Translation)

O ye who believe!

The expression, O ye who believe!, is addressed exclusively to Muslims and not to unbelievers. (This is often missed by non-Muslim readers of the Qur’an.) The Qur’an admonishes the Ummah to be at harmony with each other. The Ummah’s friendship is not extended as a social or political etiquette to non-Muslims. And more importantly, these Qur’anic admonitions find a place in Islamic law where they afford legal protection to Muslims.

O ye who believe! Let not some men among you laugh at others: It may be that the (latter) are better than the (former): Nor let some women laugh at others: It may be that the (latter are better than the (former): Nor defame nor be sarcastic to each other, nor call each other by (offensive) nicknames: Ill-seeming is a name connoting wickedness, (to be used of one) after he has believed: And those who do not desist are (indeed) doing wrong.
O ye who believe! Avoid suspicion as much (as possible): for suspicion in some cases is a sin: And spy not on each other behind their backs. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Nay, ye would abhor it…But fear Allah: For Allah is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful. Sura 49:11-12 (Yusuf Ali’s Translation)

Muslims are not to laugh, defame, spy, or be sarcastic to one another. If a Muslim were to criticize another Muslim, it is the same thing as being a cannibal and eating his brother’s flesh! So, it is detestable to say negative things about a fellow member of the Ummah or to “Ye who believe.”  

Furthermore, Muhammad told his followers to strike terror into the hearts of their enemies,

Against them make ready your strength to the utmost of your power, including steeds of war, to strike terror into (the hearts of) the enemies, of God and your enemies, and others besides, whom ye may not know, but whom God doth know. Whatever ye shall spend in the cause of God, shall be repaid unto you, and ye shall not be treated unjustly. al-Anfal 8:60

By contrast, the Lord Jesus Christ told Christians that they are to love even their enemies. Even pagans have brotherhoods where the members show kindness and love to one another. So, a mutual love within a common brotherhood is expected and natural. However, a person who is motivated by divine love seeks good for his enemies. The sum of divine love active within our hearts is the amount of love we have towards our enemies. If we have no love toward our enemies, we have no divine love. The Lord Jesus commanded his disciples to live by the standard of divine love. 

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:44-48 (NIV)

The Rope

Allah instructs Muslims, if they don’t want to drown in sectarian unbelief, to hold fast to the Rope of the Qur’an and al-Sunnah of Muhammad. The Rope unifies true Muslims into a bond of love, and it guides and empowers them to enjoin the world to do the right and to forbid the wrong. Since Islam is a political ideology, the Rope of Shari’a law becomes the guiding principle for an Islamic government and society. 

And hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude Allah’s favour on you; for ye were enemies and He joined your hearts in love, so that by His Grace, ye became brethren; and ye were on the brink of the pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus doth Allah make His Signs clear to you: That ye may be guided.

Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: They are the ones to attain felicity. Sura 3:103-104 (Yusuf Ali’s Translation)

However, the Qur’an makes it clear that those who lack faith in Muhammad’s message will never wish good towards Muslims. So, even if the appearance of the deeds were good, the motivation behind them could not have been good. A Muslim takes comfort in Allah’s sovereign love upon those upon whom He has placed His special favor.

It is never the wish of those without Faith among the People of the Book, nor of the Pagans, that anything good should come down to you from your Lord. But Allah will choose for His special Mercy whom He will – for Allah is Lord of grace abounding. Sura 2:105 (Yusuf Ali’s Translation)

Furthermore, Muslims are warned against friendship with non-Muslims, because all honor is with Allah who does not guide unjust peoples, such as Jews and Christians. This prohibition of friendship includes non-Muslim family members too. Thankfully, in real life, many Muslims live according to a much higher ethical standard than the Qur’an, and they have close friends who are non-Muslims.

Yea, to those who take for friends unbelievers rather than believers: is it honour they seek among them? Nay,- all honour is with Allah.
O ye who believe! Take not for friends unbelievers rather than believers: Do ye wish to offer Allah an open proof against yourselves? Sura 4:139, 144 (Yusuf Ali’s Translation)

O ye who believe! take not the Jews and the Christians for your friends and protectors: They are but friends and protectors to each other. And he amongst you that turns to them (for friendship) is of them. Verily Allah guideth not a people unjust. Sura 5:51 (Yusuf Ali’s Translation)

O ye who believe! take not for protectors your fathers and your brothers if they love infidelity above Faith: if any of you do so, they do wrong. Sura 9:23 (Yusuf Ali’s Translation)

The Qur’an teaches that Muslims are the best of peoples who were evolved to be the instructors of humanity, and they have the divine responsibility to guide the world to do what is right and to forbid what is wrong. The task is most difficult, because the majority of the Jews and Christians are said to be perverted transgressors.

Ye are the best of peoples, evolved for mankind, enjoining what is right, forbidding what is wrong, and believing in Allah. If only the People of the Book had faith, it were best for them: among them are some who have faith, but most of them are perverted transgressors. Sura 3:110 (Yusuf Ali’s Translation)

Hence, the Qur’an establishes clearly the doctrine of the Islamic brotherhood. The Qur’an claims that Allah caused this unity by His sovereign choice and that He imparted love between the brothers and sisters of Islam. Muslims manifest their brotherhood when they submit to the legal instructions of the Qur’an and Sunnah of Muhammad and avoid friendships with non-Muslims.

In a political sense, the Islamic Brotherhood elevates Muslims to the highest positions in an Islamic nation.  As an result, a Muslim enjoys special legal privileges within an Islamic state.  For example, a Muslim can be a witness in a legal proceeding. Legal testimony is only accepted from a person who is religious and upright, meaning a Muslim. Shari’a law is inherently opposed to justice and equity.

o24.0 WITNESSING AND TESTIFYING

o24.1 It is a communal obligation (def:c3.2) to both witness (A:i.e. observe) legal events and to testify to having witnessed them. If there is only one person to do so, then it is personally obligatory upon him, in which case he may not accept payment for it, though if it is not personally obligatory, he may accept a fee.

o.24.2 Legal testimony is only acceptable from a witness who:

(a) is free;
(b) is fully legally responsible (mukallaf, def: c8.1) (O: as testimony is not accepted from a child or insane person, even when the child’s testimony regards injuries among children that occurred at play);
(c) is able to speak;
(d) is mentally awake;
(e) is religious (O: meaning upright (o.24.4) (A: and Muslim), for Allah Most High says,) 

“Let those of rectitude among your testify” (Koran 65:2)
and unbelief is the vilest form of corruption, as goes without saying);3 

The Qur’an confirms the witness qualification too. This qualification can be seen in that the verse is addressed to, “O ye who believe!”  From the perspective of the Qur’an, Muslims are those who believe, and they are the ones who can faithfully witness in a court of law. Of course, this puts non-Muslims at a distinct disadvantage in a Shari’ah court when they cannot witness against the actions of Muslims.

O ye who believe! stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest ye swerve, and if ye distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do. Sura 4:135 (Yusuf Ali’s Translation)

Hadith

The ahadith confirm and extend the Qur’anic teaching on the subject of the Islamic Brotherhood. The Ummah is like a brick supporting a believer when he experiences oppression. The Brotherhood is a unity like a human body. The whole body suffers when there is a single pain. So, if a single Muslim were oppressed, then the whole body of the Ummah suffers. There is even a hadith from the collection of Sahih Muslim in volume 32, Number 6232 that is reminiscent of Matthew 25:35-40. Imam Muslim recorded the following traditions,

Abu Musa reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: A believer is like a brick for another believer, the one supporting the other. Book 032, Number 6257

Nu’man b. Bashir reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: The similitude of believers in regard to mutual love, affection, fellow-feeling is that of one body; when any limb of it aches, the whole body aches, because of sleeplessness and fever. Book 032, Number 6258

Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: Verily, Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, would say on the Day of Resurrection: O son of Adam, I was sick but you did not visit Me. He would say: O my Lord; how could I visit Thee whereas Thou art the Lord of the worlds? Thereupon He would say: Didn’t you know that such and such servant of Mine was sick but you did not visit him and were you not aware of this that if you had visited him, you would have found Me by him? O son of Adam, I asked food from you but you did not feed Me. He would say: My Lord, how could I feed Thee whereas Thou art the Lord of the worlds? He said: Didn’t you know that such and such servant of Mine asked food from you but you did not feed him, and were you not aware that if you had fed him you would have found him by My side? (The Lord would again say: ) O son of Adam, I asked drink from you but you did not provide Me. He would say: My Lord, how could I provide Thee whereas Thou art the Lord of the worlds? Thereupon He would say: Such and such of servant of Mine asked you for a drink but you did not provide him, and had you provided him drink you would have found him near Me. Book 32, Number 6232

The Sahih al-Bukhari states, “A Muslim is a brother of another Muslim.” A Muslim should not oppress a brother nor should he expose his brother’s follies to others. In fact, he should screen him from discomfort and any oppressor. The protector’s motivation is that Allah promises, likewise, to screen him from his follies at the Day of Resurrection.

Narrated ‘Abdullah bin Umar: Allah’s Apostle said, “A Muslim is a brother of another Muslim, so he should not oppress him, nor should he hand him over to an oppressor. Whoever fulfilled the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfill his needs; whoever brought his (Muslim) brother out of a discomfort, Allah will bring him out of the discomforts of the Day of Resurrection, and whoever screened a Muslim, Allah will screen him on the Day of Resurrection.” Volume 3, Book 43, Number 622

Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar: Allah’s Apostle said, “A Muslim is a brother of another Muslim. So he should neither oppress him nor hand him over to an oppressor. And whoever fulfilled the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfill his needs.” Volume 9, Book 85, Number 83

A Muslim’s faith is dependent upon his attitude towards other Muslims. If one who professes to be a Muslim does not wish for his Islamic brother what he wishes for himself, he does not have true faith. It is an evil deed for one Muslim to abuse his brother in the faith. It is unbelief in Allah, Muhammad, and the Last Day for one Muslim to murder a fellow Muslim. 

Narrated Anas: The Prophet said, “None of you will have faith till he wishes for his (Muslim) brother what he likes for himself.” Volume 1, Book 2, Number 12

Narrated ‘Abdullah: Allah’s Apostle said, “Abusing a Muslim is Fusuq (i.e., an evil-doing), and killing him is Kufr (disbelief).” Volume 8, Book 73, Number 70

By contrast, the New Testament teaches that it is evil to murder anyone. 

But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars– their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” Revelation 21:8 (NIV)

Imam Muslim recorded in his ahadith that Allah will recompense a Muslim in the same manner that a Muslim treats his fellow Muslims in the Islamic faith. Again, this natural kindness does not extend to all like the love of God.

Salim reported on the authority of his father that Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: A Muslim is the brother of a fellow-Muslim. He should neither commit oppression upon him nor ruin him, and he who meets the need of a brother, Allah would meet his needs, and he who relieved a Muslim from hardship, Allah would relieve him from the hardships to which he would be put on the Day of Resurrection, and he who did not expose (the follies of a Muslim) Allah would conceal his follies on the Day of Resurrection. Book 032, Number 6250 

A Muslim is commanded to help a brother who is an oppressor with kindness and thoughtful consideration, and he should help him overcome his oppressive behavior. However, if the oppressor were not a Muslim, the response is Jihad. Al-Bukhari wrote, 

Narrated Anas bin Malik: Allah’s Apostle said, “Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or he is an oppressed one.” Volume 3, Book 43, Number 623

Narrated Anas: Allah’s Apostle said, “Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or he is an oppressed one. People asked, “O Allah’s Apostle! It is all right to help him if he is oppressed, but how should we help him if he is an oppressor?” The Prophet said, “By preventing him from oppressing others.” Volume 3, Book 43, Number 624

Never is a Muslim to hate another Muslim nor is a Muslim to be deserted for more than three days. Allah’s command is, “Be brothers!” A Muslim must always protect his brother’s blood, wealth, and honor.  

Narrated Anas bin Malik: Allah’s Apostle said, “Do not hate one another, and do not be jealous of one another, and do not desert each other, and O, Allah’s worshipers! Be brothers. Lo! It is not permissible for any Muslim to desert (not talk to) his brother (Muslim) for more than three days.” Volume 8, Book 73, Number 91

Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: Don’t nurse grudge and don’t bid him out for raising the price and don’t nurse aversion or enmity and don’t enter into a transaction when the others have entered into that transaction and be as fellow-brothers and servants of Allah. A Muslim is the brother of a Muslim. He neither oppresses him nor humiliates him nor looks down upon him. The piety is here, (and while saying so) he pointed towards his chest thrice. It is a serious evil for a Muslim that he should look down upon his brother Muslim. All things of a Muslim are inviolable for his brother in faith: his blood, his wealth and his honour. Book 32, Number 6219

Strike Terror

However, if the oppressor were a non-Muslim, the oppressor is to be fought and slain until the oppression is overcome. It is better to be slaughtered than to be oppressed by an unbeliever. By contrast, if the oppressor were a Muslim, he is brother who needs to be helped to overcome his errant ways. So, when a Muslim is faced with oppression, he has to determine whether or not the oppressor is a Muslim. If the oppression were caused by a non-Muslim, then he has to fight the oppressor; and, if necessary, even slay the opposition. However, if the oppressor were a fellow Muslim, then he is kindly to seek help for his brother in the faith.

And fight them on until there is no more Tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah; but if they cease, Let there be no hostility except to those who practise oppression. Sura 2:193

And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah altogether and everywhere; but if they cease, verily Allah doth see all that they do. Sura 8:39

And slay them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where they have Turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter; but fight them not at the Sacred Mosque, unless they (first) fight you there; but if they fight you, slay them. Such is the reward of those who suppress faith. Sura 2:191

Against them make ready your strength to the utmost of your power, including steeds of war, to strike terror into (the hearts of) the enemies, of Allah and your enemies, and others besides, whom ye may not know, but whom Allah doth know. Whatever ye shall spend in the cause of Allah, shall be repaid unto you, and ye shall not be treated unjustly. Sura 8:60 (Yusuf Ali’s Translation)

There is the Qur’anic assumption that unbelievers are protectors of one another and that they are conspiring against the Ummah of Islam. Muslim clerics eagerly embrace this view of the world, and they have the keen ability to imagine that Western governments are secretly plotting against Muslims worldwide. Consequently, they blame the atrocities of the world upon non-Muslims. Friday sermons reverberate passionately with Western conspiratorial theories against the Islamic Ummah. The clerics strive to unite the Ummah against what they believe is Western tumult and oppression of their Islamic community. Yet, most Muslim clerics are utterly silent about Muslim oppression, such as the oppression of the poor Southern Sudanese by the Muslims who live in the northern part of Sudan.

The Unbelievers are protectors, one of another: Unless ye do this, (protect each other), there would be tumult and oppression on earth, and great mischief. Sura 8:73

Eternal Reward

Protecting a member of the Ummah from infidels will be rewarded with the blessings of Paradise. To guard Muslims from unbelievers may entail Jihad (Allah’s Cause) and the dangers of war and death.  However, a Muslim is encouraged to fight with courage, because a martyr’s death ushers a Muslim into paradisiacal bliss.  

Narrated Sahl bin Sad As-Sa’di : Allah’s Apostle said, “To guard Muslims from infidels in Allah’s Cause for one day is better than the world and whatever is on its surface, and a place in Paradise as small as that occupied by the whip of one of you is better than the world and whatever is on its surface; and a morning’s or an evening’s journey which a slave (person) travels in Allah’s Cause is better than the world and whatever is on its surface.” Volume 4, Book 52, Number 142

Again, the reward of dying while in good favor with the Ummah assures entrance into Paradise. Entrance will occur, even if the person were immoral, a wine drinker, or a thief.  His love of the Ummah cleanses his wicked behavior. However, he must not have associated anything with Allah, such as the wickedness of associating anything with Allah. This is a veiled reference to Christians who believe in the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I heard Abu Dharr narrating it from the Apostle (may peace be upon him) that he observed: Gabriel came to me and gave me the tidings: Verily he who died amongst your Ummah without associating anything with Allah would enter Paradise. I (the narrator) said: Even if he committed adultery and theft. He (the Holy Prophet) said: (Yes), even if he committed adultery and theft. Book 1, Number 171 

He (the Holy Prophet) said: It was Gabriel who met me by the side of the stony ground and said: Give glad tidings to your Ummah that he who died without associating ought with Allah would go into Paradise. I said: Gabriel, even if he committed theft and fornication? He said: Yes. I said: Even it he committed theft and fornication? He said: Yes, I again said: Even if he committed theft and fornication? He said: Yes, even if he drank wine. Book 1, Number 389

Holy Scriptures states that adulterers, thieves, and drunkards will not inherit the Kingdom of God. This contradicts Muhammad who promised Paradise to the Ummah, even if they had committed adultery, thievery, and drank wine.  Scripture warns us not to be deceived by such false promises. Muhammad’s promise is the pathway to hell!

Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders
nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthian 6:9-10 (NIV)

According to Muhammad, Allah has promised each of His prophets that He will guarantee a positive answer to just one of their prayers. Muhammad has reserved this special prayer for the future Day of Resurrection. At that time Muhammad will pray for his Ummah’s entrance into Paradise. This one prayer is supposed to guarantee the Ummah’s entrance into heaven. Muhammad does not use his intercessory prayer, so everyone will enter paradise. It is limited to his Ummah as long as they haven’t associated anything with Allah. According to Muhammad, the sin of associating anything with Allah is the unpardonable sin. He believed that this was the sin of idolaters and Christians. Consequently, those who believe in the Trinity and the Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ would be specifically excluded from Muhammad’s intercessory prayer. In reality, Islam is opposed to Israel’s ancient prophets and the Lord Jesus Christ.  

Abu Huraira said: The Prophet of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: There is for every apostle a prayer which is granted, but every prophet showed haste in his prayer. I have, however, reserved my prayer for the intercession of my Ummah on the Day of Resurrection, and it would be granted, if Allah so willed, in case of everyone amongst my Ummah provided he dies without associating anything with Allah. Book 5, Number 2175

Conclusion

The doctrine of the Islamic Ummah gives Muslims a superior legal position in an Islamic society.  It sets Muslims above the People of the Book (Jews and Christians who are legally termed, dhimmi—an important word to remember) and other unbelievers who are accursed by Allah. This Qur’anic view of non-Muslims impacts an Islamic society and their view of non-Muslims.  

O ye who believe! If ye listen to a faction among the People of the Book, they would (indeed) render you apostates after ye have believed! Sura 3:100 (Yusuf Ali’s Translation)

Hast thou not turned Thy vision to those who were given a portion of the Book? they believe in sorcery and Evil, and say to the Unbelievers that they are better guided in the (right) way Than the believers! 
They are (men) whom Allah hath cursed: And those whom Allah Hath cursed, thou wilt find, have no one to help. Sura 4:51-52 (Yusuf Ali’s Translation)

Furthermore, the Muslim Ummah is a political brotherhood that reaches across national boundaries. It arises because Islam is a political ideology that is based upon the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah. From an Islamic perspective, Muslims are called to support one another in Allah’s Cause. Islamic religious clerics are able to use the Qur’an and Sunnah to stir up animosity against non-Muslim citizens and nations. The worldwide Brotherhood supports the mujahideen with funds and Islamic propaganda. 

Sudan

The US House of Representatives (H. R. 931 Sudan Peace Act) report points out that more than two million Sudanese have lost their lives because the National Islamic Front’s war efforts against the non-Muslim who live in Southern Sudan. Since the Sudanese leadership consists of Muslim, there is no worldwide Islamic protest against the regime. The Southern Sudanese who have been killed aren’t valuable in the eyes of Muslims, because they are unbelievers. More importantly, the northern Sudanese are members of the Islamic Ummah; and, therefore, Muslims around the world treat the Northern Sudanese as members in good standing within the Islamic Brotherhood. As al-Bukhari recorded, “Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or he is an oppressed one.”

The Sudan Peace Act gives the number of casualties.  

The Government of Sudan has intensified its prosecution of the war against areas outside of its control, which has already cost more than 2,000,000 lives and has displaced more than 4,000,000.4

The 107th US Congress, 1st Session (H. CON. RES. 112) published an article entitled, “Regarding the human rights situation in Sudan, including the practice of chattel slavery.” The article provides information on the slavery and widespread bombing of poor, innocent civilians in Southern Sudan. These innocent civilians are specifically targeted by the Islamic government of Northern Sudan.

Whereas on March 21, 2001, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom stated in a report that ‘the government of Sudan continues to commit egregious human rights abuses including widespread bombing of civilian and humanitarian targets, abduction and enslavement by government-sponsored militias, manipulation of humanitarian assistance as a weapon of war, and severe restrictions on religious freedom’;

However, if the roles were reversed and the Southern Sudanese were Muslims and the Northerners were non-Muslims, the worldwide Islamic Ummah would be vociferously outraged at such immoral atrocities.

The 107th US Congress, 1st Session ( H. CON. RES. 113) is an article entitled, “Regarding human rights violations and oil development in Sudan.” Southern Sudan has extensive oil reserves that the northern Islamic government wants. So, the National Islamic Front bombs the villages of innocent men, women and children to clear them away from their lands so their oil exploration companies can drill for oil. 

Whereas in 1999 Sudan began to export oil; the National Islamic Front (NIF) government earns an estimated $500,000,000 each year from oil revenues or ‘blood oil’; 
Whereas this regime is using these revenues to expand its purchase of deadly weapons, including helicopter gunships, tanks, and heavy artillery, with the goal of realizing its military objectives in south Sudan ; 

Let’s not forget that there haven’t been Muslim demonstrations around the world over the targeting, bombing, and killing of innocent civilians in Southern Sudan. Where are the Muslim nations who have stood up and defended the poverty stricken Sudanese who are being robbed of their oil wealth and their lands by the National Islamic Front? If Islam were not an ambitious political ideology, Sudan could be a peaceful and prosperous nation. Islam is a fatally flawed political system.

Iraq

Iraq’s Interim Constitution states in Article 4 that “Islam is the religion of the State.” The leader of Iraq is Saddam Hussein who lives a rich and lavish life-style with palaces, swimming pools, servants, chauffeured automobiles, and personal body guards. Yet, the people of Iraq suffer poverty because he is an oppressive and ruthless leader who even executes his own family members if he suspects they aren’t loyal to him. His country seeks to manufacture biological, chemical, and nuclear weapons. He has used chemical agents against fellow Muslim to maintain his own power. Yet, Muslims around the world blame the West for the problems within Iraq. Why? He is a member of the Ummah, and oppressors are to be helped if they belong to the Islamic Brotherhood. This is an etiquette rule of the Ummah. So, instead of blaming the real culprit for Iraq’s problems, Muslims turn against the Western powers and blame them for the children dying in Iraq while Saddam Hussein enjoys the luxuries of a sumptuous palace life.

Usama bin Laden

Usama bin Laden has been implicated in the deaths of hundreds of people in the bombings of the U.S. Embassies in Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Yet, he is the proud hero to thousands of Muslims around the globe. Why has it been difficult to bring him to trial and justice? Because, some in the Ummah have provided him shelter and support. Islam sees the world as a conflict between the Land of Peace (Dar al-Islam) and the Land of War (Dar al-Harb). This view of the world arises from Islam’s political and military doctrine.

Fact Sheet
The Charges against International Terrorist
Usama Bin Laden
Released by the Bureau of South Asian Affairs
U.S. Department of State
Washington, DC

The Taliban Movement of Afghanistan, led by Mullah Mohammed Omar, continues to provide safe haven to the indicted terrorist Usama bin Laden. Spokesmen for the Taliban and its mass media continue the misinformation campaign that no one has provided the Taliban with proof of bin Laden’s alleged crimes.

According to the rule of law as practiced by the international community of nations, a judge and jury determine proof of guilt based on evidence submitted during a trial

Extensive evidence exists against Usama bin Laden and his collaborators. This evidence is public information available to all, including the Taliban, at two internet web sites, which are listed below.

  • Usama bin Laden, leader of the terrorist organization Al-Qaida, is charged in connection with the August 7, 1998, bombings of the U.S. Embassies in Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. These attacks resulted in the deaths of more than 200 people, including 12 American citizens, and injuries to more than 4,000 individuals, among whom were Muslims.

  • As a result of extensive criminal investigation, and working closely with Kenya, Tanzania, and other nations, the U.S. Government has indicted or filed criminal complaints against bin Laden and 16 of his associates for their involvement in the two bombings and other terrorist crimes. The U.S. indictment detailing the charges against bin Laden is available here.

  • Usama Bin Laden: An Indicted Criminal, Not A Hero. Usama bin Laden has repeatedly declared war on the U.S. and endorsed the murder of U.S. citizens. For this reason, some of his admirers consider bin Laden a hero. Usama bin Laden is not a hero.

  • According to international standards of law and morality, anyone who incites violence against an entire people, especially for ideological reasons, is a criminal.

  • August 1996 Declaration of War: On or about August 23, 1996, Usama bin Laden signed and issued a Declaration of jihad (holy war) from Afghanistan entitled, “Message from Usama bin Laden to his Muslim Brothers in the Whole World and Especially in the Arabian Peninsula: Declaration of Jihad Against the Americans Occupying the Land of the Two Holy Mosques; Expel the Heretics from the Arabian Peninsula.”

  • February 1998 – Fatwa Against American Citizens: In February 1998, Usama bin Laden and his close associate, Ayman al Zawahiri, endorsed a fatwa under the banner of the “International Islamic Front for Jihad on the Jews and Crusaders.” This fatwa, published in the newspaper, Al-Quds Al-Arabi, on February 23, 1998, stated that Muslims should kill Americans – including civilians – anywhere in the world where they can be found.

  • May 1998 Fatwa: On or about May 7, 1998, bin Laden associate Mohammed Aftef sent Khaled al Fawwaz a letter discussing the endorsement by bin Laden of a fatwa issued by the “Ulema Union of Afghanistan” which termed the U.S. Army the “enemies of Islam” and declared jihad against the U.S. and its followers. The fatwa was subsequently published in Al-Quds Al-Arabi.

  • Bin Laden Endorses the Nuclear Bomb of Islam: On or about May 29, 1998, bin Laden issued a statement entitled “The Nuclear Bomb of Islam,” under the banner of the “International Islamic Front for Fighting the Jews and Crusaders,” in which he stated that “it is the duty of Muslims to prepare as much force as possible to terrorize the enemies of God.” 5

In closing, it is recognized that, in terms of practical politics, the governments of  Muslim nations may overlook aspects of the teachings in the Qur’an and Sunnah. Many Islamic national leaders know that Islamic fundamentalism would sweep them aside, if the Islamic zealots gained power. So, they seek to keep the Islamic extremists under control. It should be repeated too that many Muslims have little interest in politics. Like most people, they find their lives are fulfilled with family, friends, and spiritual endeavors. 

Still, these teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah impact many Muslim clerics and what they preach during their Friday sermons in mosques around the world. Islam is a religion and a political ideology; consequently, there isn’t a separation between religion and state. So, it follows naturally that Islam is a political challenge to the nations of the world. Their political ambitions explains why Islam is at the center of so many of the world’s conflicts. 

Christian

The Caesars ruled the vast ancient Roman Empire, when the Lord Jesus told his disciples to give to Caesar what belonged to him as head of the Roman government. So, Jesus’ disciples were not a political threat to the Roman government. And today, Christians recognize both the human authority of government and the divine and ultimate authority of God. Church and state are separate spheres of human responsibility under one God.

“Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away. Matthew 22:21-22 (NIV)

Furthermore, Christians are commanded to pray for kings and all those who have governmental authority. There is no scriptural basis for Christians to attempt to rule the nations of the world. More importantly, they are instructed to seek to live in peace with everyone.

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–
for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 1 Timothy 2:1-3 (NIV)

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18 (NIV)

Shaitan

The Devil (Iblis) promised the Lord Jesus Christ all the kingdoms of the world if he would worship him. Throughout world history, Shaitan has used the temptation of authority and splendor to entice visionaries to embrace an utopian politico-religious ideology to gain power over the nations of the world. Tragically, these utopian idealists have caused wars, poverty, and death. 

The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world.
And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to.
So if you worship me, it will all be yours.”
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'” Luke 4:5-8 (NIV)

The Devil is the god of this age who does everything in his power to prevent the light of the gospel of God’s grace to illuminate the world with its message of salvation, mercy, and peace. Shaitan uses politico-religious ideologies and apostasy laws to hinder the proclamation of God’s grace to the nations.

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4:4 (NIV)

al-Masih

After the Judgment of the Last Day, al-Masih will reign over the nations of the world. When this glorious day arrives, His sovereign majesty will be displayed in all its glory and beauty. The true prophets of God prophesized of this coming day of glory in both the Old and New Testaments. There will be no question who is the rightful King when God’s majesty and power usher in the the judgment of the Last Day and Shaitan is cast into the Abyss for a thousand years (Revelation 20:2-3). God will establish who is King of kings and Lord of lords when His Kingdom is displayed in all its glory and power. 

Daniel in the Old Testament.

“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence.
He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. Daniel 7:13-14 (NIV)

Matthew in the New Testament.

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory.
All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. Matthew 25:31-32 (NIV)

The Lord Jesus Christ, who gave His life for sinners upon Calvary’s cross, will be exalted to reign when the appropriate time comes. Amen!

The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever.” Revelation 11:15 (NIV)

1 Ajijola, Alhaji, What is Shariah? Adam Publishers & Distributors, Delhi, India, 1998, p. 108.
2 Maududi, Sayyid A., The Islamic Law and Constitution, Translated by Khurshid Ahmad, Islamic Publications, Ltd., Lahore, Pakistan, 12th Edition, 1997, p. 72-73.
3 Ahmad ibn Naqib al-Misri, Reliance of the Traveller: A Classic Manual of Islamic Sacred Law, Translated by Nuh Ha Mim Keller, Amana Publications, Beltsville, MD, 1997 Revised Edition, pp. 635.
4 H. R. 931 Sudan Peace Act
5 Fact Sheet: The Charges against International Terrorist Usama Bin Laden. Also, see United States District Court Southern District of New York and its 157 page Indictment of Usama bin Laden.

Last edited 10-22-2001