I really do love Dr Akram Nadwi, a real ‘Alim and a man who speaks the truth, with compassion and love. I was at an intensive Aqeeda course – organised by easy-talk.org – on Saturday and unlike the polemic discussions focusing on differences and excommunication which are in vogue, Dr Akram Nadwi articulated an understanding of a creedal system which is clear, simple to understand, broad and inclusive. Very different from the extreme Salafi take on Aqeeda which claims that any understanding of Aqeeda other than their own is misguided deviancy, as well as the extreme Sufi/Ashari take which brands anybody who differs a Wahabi. So instead of a discourse based on difference, separation and negativity Dr Nadwi is promoting a general call to abandon accusations of disbelief against others.
Very different also from voices that have resurfaced once again. Come to think of it, these voices can only be heard during the summer periods – I wonder if these voices go into hibernation during the cold season?. “VOTING is SHIRK” they shriek, “DEMOCRACY is Kufr” they bellow, “Vote today become a Kafir tomorrow” they puff! At any other time these immature, illogical and incorrect statements are unhelpful, but at a time when we need Muslims to turn out and vote in order to ensure that the racist BNP do not get an opportunity to run havoc in the London Assembly, they are unforgivable.
Having heard Dr Nadwi recount numerous stories of scholars of the past and their extreme caution in declaring a thing halal or haram and their apprehension in giving fatwa , I find it hard to understand how these voices are so courageous to declare Kufr and shirk on all Muslims who vote. I would like to know upon whose authority they make such dangerous declarations? Apart from Omar Bakri who are the scholars of these voices?
As for the rest of us – those who will be voting, we stand on firm ground, scholars representing all schools of thought have given their verdict in favour of participation in local and general elections, encouraging Muslims to vote for those candidates that best reflect their concerns and needs. For Muslims Londoners, it’s imperative to turn out and vote – what ever you do, don’t listen to the voices!
I think one particularly pertinent point Sh Akram made is that the intention behind studying Aqeeda lies in the desire to strengthen one’s iman, not to identify differences. It made me aware that often people may/do seek to study in order to identify sectarian differences – to try and define ‘us’ and ‘them’ . And of course that pretty much defeats the object.
May Allah unite us in faith, grant Sh Akram a long and blessed life and grant us the opportunity to continue to benefit from his knowledge and wisdom.
If you think muslims can actually have any impact on the electoral system in the uk, please publish some stats of each area where the 2.6% muslims exist, the the voting stats to prove your case. Otherwise you ranting and raving is little different to those voices you are criticising!