Love comics & animation? Meet Wham! Bam! Islam!

October 17, 2011 by

PBS’ 10th season of Independent Lens kicked off recently with a delightful and inspiring documentary: Wham! Bam! Islam! Our recommendation: Don’t miss this film! If you’ve already missed it on PBS, read this story to discover other ways you can enjoy The 99 and Wham! Bam! Islam! The documentary tells the triumphant story of one Muslim scholar—a Kuwaiti psychologist—who was driven to create new kinds of heroes for Muslim children around the world. Here is the PBS Independent Lens homepage where you can read more and check on PBS resources related to the film.

Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa realized that Islam strictly forbids any depictions of the Prophet Muhammad or of God—but Islam has one distinctive cultural feature known to Muslims around the world. Islam counts 99 “names” or “attributes” of God. These names include Rahman (compassionate or gracious), Rahim (merciful), Rauf (the kind). These 99 are as well known to Muslims as the first names of their friends and relatives, who carry these names chosen from the list of 99 with them throughout life as an inspiration to live as noble men and women.

In the new documentary Wham! Bam! Islam! Naif explains that, as a father himself and a psychologist, he was deeply disturbed by the culture of martyrdom he saw across much of the Muslim world. Instead, he wanted to create a Marvel Comics-class universe of comic books, cartoons and other products celebrating the 99, transformed into superheroes. Wham! Bam! Islam! tells about his rollercoaster ride over the past five years from huge success to near disaster to fresh new-media strategies and renewed success.

Who should make a point of seeing this film?
Anyone who … cares about cross-cultural competency,
… wants to understand the spread of new media,
… cares about the future of Islam in global culture,
… teaches children about diversity,
… loves comics, graphic novels and animation.

ReadTheSpirit has been following religiously diverse comics and graphic novels since our founding in 2007, when we first reported on The 99. Before becoming Editor of ReadTheSpirit, I reported on comics as part of my assignment covering religion in America for major newspapers. Comics rank among the most potent sources of fuel in popular culture around the world. Most of the 20 top-grossing movies of all time, now, are based on comicbook heroes. As a religion-news correspondent, I have traveled widely in Muslim countries and the culture of martyrdom that disturbed Naif is obvious everywhere one travels. Many major Muslim centers around the world commemorate martyrs—much like traditional Christian churches enshrine martyrs. The main difference is that many of the Muslim martyrs depicted in Muslim hot spots around the world are young men and women who died in various forms of political violence.

Naif is wise to try to move childrens’ eyes higher—to the noble heroes of their faith. Many Muslim children bear the names of the heroes in the 99. The potential here is powerful—so, watch this documentary! Get involved in promoting awareness of this alternative, inspiring cosmos of Muslim heroes!

WANT MORE ABOUT THE 99?

What are the 99 in Muslim tradition? Wikipedia is a good starting point, listing all 99 with further links to many of the names.

What is The 99 comic project? Again, the Wikipedia overview is packed with information and links.

Want more on religion and comics? ReadTheSpirit has published many stories on these themes since 2007. But, this early series on comics, which includes The 99, still ranks among our most informative.

Want to connect with The 99’s mother lode of news? If you’re drawn to this comics series, and especially if you are an educator or community leader interested in this creative idea, then visit and bookmark The 99 website, which is the portal to all new developments on this project.

Want The 99 in Facebook? Here’s the fan page in Facebook with links currently to the documentary film.

Want to buy the movie? Educators and community leaders may want to jump over to iTunes and buy the documentary, which currently is only $9.99. You’ll find this film useful in classes and small groups. You can search the title itself in iTunes—or, the 99 website and Facebook page also currently link to iTunes.

Originally published at readthespirit.com, an online journal covering religion and cultural diversity.

 

 

Why are these college kids laughing? A rabbi???

September 19, 2011 by

CAUGHT ON VIDEO! College kids laughing at Rabbi Bob Alper. (Photo courtesy of Bob Alper.)ReadTheSpirit is nationally known as an advocate of peace and Peacemakers.
So, we had to respond when we heard the news: “Bob’s on college campuses—and he’s killing!”
Translation: This is comedian-speak for “He’s going over big! They’re laughing like crazy!”
This bizarre chemistry is true: White-haired, bespectacled rabbi—plus—college kids—equals laughs.
There’s nothing more helpful in peacemaking than laughter.

As Editor of ReadTheSpirit, I spoke at various 9/11-related events in recent weeks. During one Question-and-Answer session with a college audience, a man asked, “I’m concerned about all the jokes I’m hearing about religion. I think some of the Christian-targeted humor is offensive. And there really aren’t any Muslim comedians are there? What do you think about the state of humor when it comes to religion?”

My answer: Book Bob Alper and his friends in the Laugh in Peace comedy tour!
Bob Alper, whose appeal among the young is obvious in this video (which you can watch below), works with comedian (and New York City Baptist pastor) Susan Sparks and Muslim comedians as well.
Want more? Here’s Bob Alper’s Schedule page, where you track his tours nationwide.
Here’s Susan Sparks’ Laugh in Peace page, where you can learn more about her part in these joint shows.

CLICK on the video screen below to watch Alper in action with college kids.
No video screen in your version of this story? Click the headline to reload the story and the video should appear. Or, visit Bob Alper’s website where you can watch this video and others.

Originally published at readthespirit.com, an online journal covering religion and cultural diversity.

9/11 Tenth Anniversary events across the U.S.

August 28, 2011 by

Examples of 9/11 anniversary events

Communities large and small across the United States will mark 9/11. Even remote villages where young men and women joined the military after 9/11 are planning to honor those in military service, for example. Firefighters nationwide are finding themselves in the midst of memorials, as well.
Many community leaders have asked for help—so here are examples of major events:

NEW YORK CITY: TOURISM AND CONTROVERSY

FINAL CONSTRUCTION ON 9/11 MEMORIAL in New York City earlier in 2011.Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced a campaign to promote tourism in Lower Manhattan. “The eyes of the world will be on Lower Manhattan, as we commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11 and open the Memorial,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “An important part of the story of 9/11 is how Lower Manhattan—an area many people said Osama Bin Laden’s attack would turn into a ghost town—has come back in the past 10 years.” Visitors will focus on the official 9/11 Memorial. (The Memorial’s blog updates visitors with information including a new phone App to help with navigation) Other 9/11-related sites include the Tribute WTC Visitor Center, a nonprofit connected with the September 11th Families’ Association. This Center has set up special Reflection Stations.

What is the “controversy”? Mayor Bloomberg announced that religious leaders will not be a part of the tenth anniversary program—and access will be given to families affected by 9/11, rather than reserving the space for first responders. However, political leaders are welcome. One example of the nationwide criticism of the ban on clergy comes from a religion blogger for the Houston Chronicle claiming this shows “America has lost her way.” The decision to focus more on families than first responders also has stirred controversy. One example comes from China Daily, the official English newspaper in China, which reported on that aspect of the controversy. The most balanced coverage of the decision to exclude religious leaders comes from the Wall Street Journal in a column by Michael Howard Saul.

WASHINGTON D.C.: MUSIC, FAITH AND MEMORIALS

NATIONAL CATHEDRAL in Washington D.C.The Washington Post assembled a helpful summary of concerts honoring the tenth anniversary. At the Smithsonian, the National Museum of American History is opening a special limited-run exhibition of artifacts from the three sites attacked on 9/11. In addition, see our 9/11 Resources page for news and links to the national day of service, recommended by the White House. There is a Pentagon 9/11 memorial as well that is open to the public. Arlington National Cemetery also plans a 9/11 memorial service with a special display of flags. The White House has announced that President Obama will attend New York City, Pennsylvania and Pentagon memorials.

One of the most creative, grassroots events is the 9/11 Unity Walk, co-sponsored by congregations and centers from many cultures. On the afternoon of 9/11, people are invited to walk a 2.5-mile route primarily in the area known as Embassy Row. Visitors can stop at various sites along the way. One of the most elaborate Washington events was to have been a three-day series of concerts and reflections called A Call to Compassion at the National Cathedral. However, the Cathedral’s website now is reporting on earthquake damage and apparently is making changes to its schedule.

MICHIGAN: A NATIONAL CENTER OF DIVERSITY & MUSLIM COMMUNITY

A-OK service day volunteers on 9/11 in 2010.At times like 9/11, national media attention focuses on metro-Detroit’s nationally prominent Muslim centers—and the diverse religious and cultural community across southeast Michigan. Wayne State University in Detroit plans a special educational program, open to the public, to mark the tenth anniversary: Cultural Anxiety, Collective Identity: Muslims and Citizenship, featuring scholar Saeed Khan. This event, sponsored by the Wayne State Center for the Study of Citizenship, takes place two days later on the evening of September 13.

The most elaborate 9/11 event in Michigan will bring together 700 volunteers who expect to pitch in on the Acts Of Kindness (A-OK) program centered this year at Detroit’s internationally known Focus:HOPE center. The group plans to follow President Obama’s invitation to provide public service as a way of honoring 9/11—but the A-OK program will accomplish much more. The schedule includes sessions to encourage these diverse young men and women to learn about each other and form ongoing friendships. The estimate of volunteers is based on a huge outpouring of volunteers the group received last year in its first 9/11 A-OK service day.

Want to know more about events and issues in Detroit’s richly diverse religious community?
Follow the InterFaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit (IFLC). This organization has emerged over the last two years as a national model for localized coordination of faith groups. The IFLC has a wide range of creative programs, which you can learn about by signing up for IFLC’s free email newsletter.

CLERGY BEYOND BORDERS TOURS THE NATION

An exciting effort to promote peace and build healthier communities is this non-profit, interfaith effort that is sending a Caravan for Reconciliation across much of the eastern United States, beginning on 9/11. The traveling educational program is sponsored by Clergy Beyond Borders. Christians, Muslims, Jews—including a wide range of denominations—formed this nonprofit for education and activism on behalf of peace. Most of the national board members are not household names, although one of the international advisors is Rabbi David Rosen, who ReadTheSpirit has honored as an Interfaith Hero.
LOCAL EVENTS along the caravan route include: Harrisburg, Pa. (Sept. 11); Washington, D.C., Richmond, Va., Durham, NC (Sept. 12) Charlotte, NC (Sept. 13); Greenville, SC (Sept.14); Atlanta, Ga (Sept. 15-17) Chattanooga, Nashville, TN (Sept. 18, 19); Louisville, KY (Sept. 20); Cincinnati, OH (Sept. 21); Detroit, MI (Sept. 22); Toledo, Cleveland, OH (Sept. 23, 24); Mercersburg, Pa.; Frederick/Annapolis, Md. (Sept. 25).

KANSAS CITY: MUSIC IN A HISTORIC SETTING

Wright-designed Community Christian Church in Kansas City, Missouri.Author and religion reporter Bill Tammeus is taking part in another creative model for a 9/11 event: a 9/11 Memorial Concert featuring a performance of “Memorial” by René Clausen, composed after the attacks in 2001. Bill Tammeus reported on these plans earlier this year in his Faith Matters column. The location for the concert is a nationally known Frank Lloyd Wright landmark: the Community Christian Church.

TELL US ABOUT A GREAT EVENT YOU’VE FOUND

We welcome your emails at [email protected] about events that impress you.

Originally published at readthespirit.com, an online journal covering religion and cultural diversity.

Celtic writer John Philip Newell points to A New Harmony

August 21, 2011 by

As Editor of ReadTheSpirit, my own words appear in the opening pages of John Philip Newell’s new book, A New Harmony: The Spirit, the Earth, and the Human Soul. My own praise for Newell’s book appears along with words by Barbara Brown Taylor, Richard Rohr and Matthew Fox also recommending Newell’s visionary new volume. That term “visionary” isn’t hyperbole. This book is full of the dreams and fresh ideas John Philip Newell is casting our way this year. He’s hoping we will bite, hoping we will contribute to his tantalizing hopes for a future of global unity. As usual in his books, he writes as a passionate Christian pastor and mystic to all of us: Christians, Muslims, Jews and people of other faiths—or no faith at all. In the opening pages, Matthew Fox writes: “With a book like this, religious history looks less bleak and spirituality much closer to home.”

ON WEDNESDAY, you’ll meet John Philip in our author interview.
TODAY, we’re sharing a tasty morsel from his new book.
ALSO TODAY, we’re launching a new 9/11-related prayer effort, which ReadTheSpirit discussed with John Philip in our interview. It’s called, “I Hope for a World Where …” Check out that story, as well, and add to the prayer.

A FEW WORDS FROM JOHN PHILIP NEWELL
IN OPENING HIS BOOK: A NEW HARMONY

The word kosmos in ancient Greek means “a harmony of parts.” In the classical world, everything in the universe was viewed as moving in relation to everything else. This ancient understanding of the cosmos is being born afresh today in radically new ways. We are realizing that the whole of reality is one. In nearly every dimension of life—whether economic or religious, scientific or political—there is a growing awareness of earth’s essential interrelatedness. This new-ancient way of seeing is radically challenging us to see ourselves as connected with everything else that exists. And it means that any true vision of reality must also be a cosmology, a way of relating the parts to the whole, of seeing our distinct journeys in relation to the one journey of the universe.

A few years ago, my wife and I went on pilgrimage to the Sinai. There were four of us—Mousa, our desert guide; Hamda, our Bedouin cook; and Ali and me. We slept under the open skies at night, and every morning before sunrise we could hear the crackling of the breakfast fire prepared by Hamda. Somehow in the barren landscape of the Sinai she would find dead roots of desert bushes for kindling in order to freshly bake us unleavened bread for breakfast. Then the great fire of the rising sun would blaze over the eastern horizon to warm our night-chilled bodies.

On the last day, we made our way to Mount Sinai, climbed half of it on camel back, then hiked the centuries-old carved steps of stone to the peak for sunset. No one else was with us on the summit as the setting sun threw its red radiance across the great range of desert peaks. We visited the three shrines of prayer that honor the disclosure of the Holy Presence in this place—one Jewish, one Christian, one Muslim—and descended the mountain in silence. The moon was fat, and its whiteness shone off the desert sand, throwing moon shadows from the high rocks and the sharp turns of our descent. At the mountain base, we approached the fourth-century St. Catherine’s Monastery where we were to spend the night. In the moonlight it looked as it might have looked at any time in its sixteen centuries. And although it held within its walls a Christian monastic community, a burning bush revered by Jewish pilgrims and a mosque prayed in by Muslims from around the world, under the moon’s light it looked as one.

… A New Harmony: The Spirit, the Earth and the Human Soul is written from within the Christian household. It is an attempt to serve the emerging awareness of life’s essential oneness by drawing in part on the ancient wisdom of Jesus. But it is not a book only for Christians. My desire is to communicate across the boundaries of religion and race that have separated us and to honor our distinct inheritances by serving what is deeper still—the oneness of our origins and the oneness of earth’s dstiny.”

Care to read more about John Philip Newell?

Please connect with us and help us to reach a wider audience

Conversation is far better than the dangerous shouting matches we’ve been witnessing in our global culture. So, please, email us at [email protected] and tell us what you think of our stories—and, please tell a friend to start reading along with you!

We welcome your Emails! . We’re also reachable on Twitter, Facebook, Amazon, Huffington Post, YouTube and other social-networking sites. You also can Subscribe to our articles via Email or RSS feed. Plus, there’s a free Monday morning Planner newsletter you may enjoy.

Originally published at readthespirit.com, an online journal covering religion and cultural diversity.

Christians, Muslims & Jews Igniting Peace in Jordan

August 13, 2011 by

JORDAN CONFERENCE: From left, Adnan Badran, an American-educated scientist who was prime minister of Jordan during 2005 and currently is president of Petra University in Jordan, peace activist and writer Brenda Rosenberg and is a former Jordanian Prime Minister, Brenda Rosenberg, Father Nabil Haddad, founder of the Jordanian Interfaith Coexistence Research Center.Welcome peace activist Brenda Naomi Rosenberg, who was the creative spark in launching the Friendship and Faith project that now is circling the globe. In this report, Brenda writes about a recent worldwide peace conference held in Jordan. As you will read, the conference was marred by eruptions of emotion—and lit by an unquenchable yearning for peace.
Care to read more? Sarah Jaward, who plays a key role in Brenda’s report, writes her own personal reflection for the Friendship and Faith website.

Igniting Peace in Jordan

By Brenda Naomi Rosenberg

Sometimes sparks ignite bombs, sometimes they light candles.

PETRA STONE ENTRYWAY: Located south of Amman, Jordan, the city of Petra is more than 2,500 years old. Now a World Heritage Site, Petra is a national symbol of Jordan and its most-visited tourist attraction.AMMAN, JORDAN—Thermometers pushed past 100 degrees. Smog and sand thickened the air. Even the pavement seemed to be on fire as Sarah Jaward and I arrived in Amman Jordan in July for an international Conference on Conflict Transformation. Sarah and I are an unlikely pair anywhere, but particularly in Jordan: I’m a former global fashion executive and American-Jewish-Zionist-peace activist; Sarah Jaward is an American-Muslim-Lebanese-recent graduate from the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

Together, we were attending the conference to talk about the concept of Tectonic Leadership, in this case focusing on Middle East Conflict Transformation. This may be the first time you’ve read about our new and growing array of training options, which you can learn about via our new website. This is a ground-breaking approach to grassroots peacemaking. We focus on training existing and potential leaders from opposite sides of a conflict to take joint ownership in transforming that conflict. These newly trained pairs of leaders face challenges together and find solutions together. The story of how we developed Tectonic Leadership also is part of our new website.

In our journey to Jordan, Sarah was experiencing everything for the first time. I was a veteran. Three years ago, I was the guest of the royal family and participated in an Abrahamic Dialogue with 80 participants from around the world. It was a wonderful experience, so I arrived optimistic, confident and without jet lag. We couldn’t wait to present Tectonic Leadership to this new gathering of men and women.

‘I’m Gady from Tel Aviv.’
Then, a scream in Arabic.

I was looking forward to working again with my friend Father Nabil Haddad, who heads the Jordanian Interfaith Coexistence Research Center, and to meet new friends from Israel, Palestinian territories, Jordan and Lebanon who would be sharing their successful models for transforming conflict and creating cross-cultural understanding. I was starry eyed and exuberant at the opening ceremonies, where we made our introductions.

Then the microphone was handed to a man who said: “Hi I’m Gady from Tel Aviv.”

Next, there was a scream in Arabic as a young man ran out of the room ranting. He was followed by 20 young men and women—even as two other young women physically were tugging on his jacket trying to pull him back into the room.

I froze. My optimism vanished. All I could hear were echoes of my well-meaning friends and family: “Brenda don’t go!” “Jordan isn’t safe!” One of the organizers of the conference was telling me: “Brenda, protesters are out front. We have a bus at the side of the building for the Israelis. Please, go now.” Her words reinforced my fears. I took Sarah’s hand and walked to the bus, my heart pounding. Who were these angry people? Why were they so furious?

By the time we arrived back at the hotel we had learned they were university students. When their group leader heard the words “from Tel Aviv,” he was outraged. No one had told him that Israelis would be attending.

The next morning, Sarah and I approached that young group leader in the hotel lobby. We were trying to put a central principle of Tectonic Leadership into action: Tension can never be eradicated, but we can utilize tension to transform conflict.

For more than two hours, we listened. Sarah translated back and forth. This young man began by arguing that he had no problem being around Israelis in general—but no one had alerted him that this conference would include active participation by Israelis. That shocked him. As we listened, he went on to explain that he had never actually met an Israeli. He needed to prepare himself and prepare his group for this unexpected situation they were facing. Eventually, we gained his trust enough that he was willing to meet Gady, shake his hand—and present a collaborative exercise with him at our presentation the next day.

Our hearts were lighter as we went to the next session. Then, yet another student leader announced that he was leaving with some of his friends. This young man asked to speak to the entire group and explain himself. He just wanted two minutes! But those minutes turned into two hours. Soon, conference sessions were being cancelled to accomodate this unexpected change in schedule.

The conference slowed into a long listening session. Why was this student leader pulling out? He explained that a local newspaper described this conference as encouraging “normalizing,” so his parent organization had told him to leave the conference. I was not familiar with the report or the claims of the newspaper, but this young leader told us: “We believe in peace, but we will not normalize relations with Israelis until all Palestinian land is returned.”

A talented mediator who had traveled from Canada for the conference tried to intervene. But angry exchanges soon erupted among the Jordanians themselves—disputing whether anyone needed to pull out of the conference. In the end, about 10 young Jordanians left. One Palestinian girl waivered but decided to stay. She and Sarah began to talk about our ideas in Tectonic Leadership—and the two of them have been texting ever since.

The conference was full of such surprises and strong emotions. One of the most wrenching was a presentation by Wounded Crossing Borders: 6 Israelis and 5 Palestinians. These eleven brave people came to Jordan to share their personal stories of being displaced from their homes in Iraq and Lebanon as Jews and being displaced from their homes as Palestinians. These are courageous individuals whose stories include serious wounds, the loss of loved ones, arrest and imprisonment—yet they came together and now work for peace together.

Despite the outbursts early in the conference, most responses were encouraging. I presented my documentary film on Reuniting the Children of Abraham with Arabic subtitles to a packed and enthusiastic room. Many people asked for copies and said they hoped to work with our programs in the future.

Stinging Words Shot After Candles and Wine

I was exhausted by that Friday evening, but I was thrilled when Israelis asked me to light Shabbat candles—and we joined with the Israelis and Palestinians from Wounded Crossing Borders in a mini Shabbat that was held in the hotel dining room. Sarah and others in the dining room joined us. Sarah and I read a few lines about why we light Shabbat candles. Wine is not served in the hotel, but one of the Jordanian organizers allowed us to pour ceremonial wine brought from Israel. I went to sleep with a smile on my face.

I arrived at breakfast refreshed and hopeful. But, before I finished my coffee, I faced the chastising of a Jewish woman from America who said, “I heard you lit candles last night. Why did you let the Israelis use you?”

I replied, “ It was an honor to be asked.”

She retorted, “If you wanted to light candles and have wine you should have done it in one of your rooms—not in the dining room.”

I replied, “This is a conference on cross cultural communication and we saw Shabbat as a wonderful opportunity to share the sweetness and beauty of Judaism.”

Over her morning coffee, Sarah heard from several of the Jordanians: “Why would you stand there with Jews when they lit candles? How could you read with Brenda?”

Sarah and I connected on a deeper level that morning. Harsh words from our own sting the most.

One More Session Disrupted by a Surprising Departure

Finally, it was our turn to present Tectonic Leadership. You can learn more about our programs at our website. However, before our session was over, a Palestinian man from Wounded Crossing Borders left the room. Sarah and I looked at each other, but we forged ahead with the presentation. Despite an array of problems that had cofronted this conference, our session was a hit. We fielded lots of questions, received hugs and sincere invitations from across the region.

At lunch, the Palestinian man who had bolted from our room asked if we could talk—and we agreed. He explained that he left our session because he was overcome with emotion and didn’t want anyone to see him shed a tear. He wanted to learn more about our programs. He was touched he to see an Arab and Jew from America care so deeply about both Israelis and Palestinians. Sarah and I had assumed this young man had left our session in a show of anger—yet here we were hugging and snapping photos and promising to stay in touch.

The week was so challenging—yet so rewarding. Ever since that journey, I’ve been Skyping, emailing and texting young leaders from the region who want to learn more. I continue to believe peace is possible but our efforts need support from all communities. We need to create viable career paths for a new generation of professionals trained in peacemaking, cross-cultural communication, genocide prevention, conflict transformation and activism for social justice. All of us can play a role in empowering these young leaders and making our world a better place.

Care to read more? Sarah Jaward, who plays a key role in Brenda’s report, writes her own personal reflection for the Friendship and Faith website.

Please connect with us and help us to reach a wider audience

Conversation is far better than the dangerous shouting matches we’ve been witnessing in our global culture. So, please, email us at [email protected] and tell us what you think of our stories—and, please tell a friend to start reading along with you!

We welcome your Emails! . We’re also reachable on Twitter, Facebook, Amazon, Huffington Post, YouTube and other social-networking sites. You also can Subscribe to our articles via Email or RSS feed. Plus, there’s a free Monday morning Planner newsletter you may enjoy.

Originally published at readthespirit.com, an online journal covering religion and cultural diversity.

Dispelling myths about Islamic law: Shariah explained

July 31, 2011 by

CODES OF RELIGIOUS LAW CIRCLE THE GLOBE: Top is the New York Times front page of July 31, 2011, with a news report on a political dispute over Shariah, then a book of Roman Catholic Canon Law adapted for American Catholics, a page of the Adi Granth scriptures that guide Sikhs around the world, the current edition of the United Methodist book of church law, a colorful boxed set of the renowned Adin Steinsaltz translation of Jewish Talmud, and a copy of canon law ruling the Episcopal Church.American political campaigns targeting Shariah are as red hot as Sunday’s front page in the New York Times. Unfortunately, these grassroots campaigns are aimed at scoring points with frightened voters—not at any real-world problem. No responsible Muslim leader in the United States is trying to substitute Shariah for secular American law. In fact, every major religious group around the world has some code of law for governing community life. Once upon a time in America, political parties targeted Catholics, claiming that they might try to impose Roman canon law in the U.S.—but that myth was dispelled more than half a century ago.

ReadTheSpirit invited a Muslim expert to write a clear and concise summary of Shariah—to combat wildly inaccurate information floating around the Internet.
Imam Steve Mustapha Elturk is a Lebanese-American lecturer on the meaning of the Quran and president of the Islamic Organization of North America. Imam Elturk worked for many weeks on this summary, including input from other Muslim leaders.

IF YOU APPRECIATE THIS SHARIAH STORY, please email the link to a friend (either copy the URL above or email from the link at the bottom of this story). Share this link on Facebook. Please, spread this accurate report as far and wide as the bogus information travels.

Shariah

By Imam Steve Mustapha Elturk

Shariah sometimes is portrayed as an antiquated Islamic system of law that is barbaric with no regard for values of democracy, human rights or women’s freedom. In fact, the opposite is true: Social welfare, freedom, human dignity and human relationships are among the higher objectives of Shariah.        

What does Shariah mean?

The word Shariah comes from the Arabic: sha-ra-‘a, which means a way or path and by extension—the path to be followed. The term originally was used to describe “the path that leads to water,” since water is the source of all life. Hence, Shariah is the way to the source of life. Shariah in Islam refers to the law according to divine guidance leading to a good and happy life in this world and the next.

The concept behind Shariah is not unique to Islam and is found in nearly all of the world’s great religions. Moses, peace be upon him, received the Torah incorporating the Mosaic Law and the Ten Commandments. Look at the sampling of religious codes, shown at right, for more examples. In Islam, we look primarily to the revelation that came when the Quran was revealed to Muhammad, peace be upon him, incorporating the final Shariah for the benefit of humankind. “For each of you We have appointed a law (Shariah) and a way of life. And had God so willed, He would surely have made you one single community; instead, (He gave each of you a law and a way of life) in order to test you by what He gave you.” (Quran 5:48)

Sources of Shariah

There are basically two sources of Shariah—the Quran and the Sunnah (the divinely guided tradition of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him). There is also what is called fiqh or Islamic jurisprudence. There is a fundamental difference, however, between Shariah and fiqh. While Shariah is of divine origin, fiqh is the product of intellectual effort to deduce the rulings of Shariah through the jurist’s own intellectual exertion suitable for his specific time and place. Fiqh interprets and extends the application of Shariah to situations not directly addressed in the primary sources by taking recourse to secondary sources. Those secondary sources usually include a consensus of religious scholars called ijma and analogical deductions from the Quran and the Sunnah called qiyas. While the Quran and the Sunnah are permanent and unchangeable, fiqh is variable and may change with time and place—but always within the spirit and parameters of these two main sources of Shariah: the Quran and Sunnah. 

Objectives of Shariah

Shariah aims at the welfare of the people in this life and in the life hereafter. The sources of Shariah guide people to adopt a set of beliefs and practices that would help them ward off evil, injury, misery, sorrow, and distress. These beliefs and practices may result in benefit, happiness, pleasure, and contentment not only in this world, but also in the next. The Quran confirms, “Whoever follows My guidance, when it comes to you [people], will not go astray nor fall into misery, but whoever turns away from it will have a life of great hardship.” (Quran 20:123-124)

It is an error to define Shariah as a “legal-political-military doctrine,” as some political activists claim. It also is wrong to associate and restrict Shariah only to the punitive laws of Islam. The fact is that Shariah is all-embracing and encompasses personal as well as collective spheres in daily living. Shariah includes the entire sweep of life: Prayers, charity, fasting, pilgrimage, morality, economic endeavors, political conduct and social behavior, including caring for one’s parents and neighbors, and maintaining kinship.

Shariah’s goal is to protect and promote basic human rights, including faith, life, family, property and intellect. Islam has, in fact, adopted two courses for the preservation of these five indispensables: the first is through cultivating religious consciousness in the human soul and the awakening of human awareness through moral education; the second is by inflicting deterrent punishment, which is the basis of the Islamic criminal system. Other major bodies of religious law in the world, including the Canon Law used by the Catholic church, contain both legal outlines of responsibilities and codes for punishing misbehavior.

Shariah 1: Protection of Faith

Faith is the essence and spirit of a meaningful life. Muslims profess their faith through a verbal testimony, bearing witness to the oneness and unity of God and to the finality of prophethood of Muhammad, peace be upon him. Muslims believe that Muhammad is the seal of all of God’s prophets and messengers, a chain that started with Adam and includes Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus, peace be upon them all. Muslims also express their faith through devotional practices, most importantly the five daily prayers, an act of worship that keeps them connected with the Creator. Additional practices include fasting, obligatory charity and pilgrimage. Fasting during the month of Ramadan has been prescribed to Muslims so they may be mindful of God and learn self-restraint. Zakat, or a portion of our income to be given to the poor, is another duty regulated by God to ensure that basic needs are met for the less fortunate, poor and destitute. If they are able, Muslims are also required to perform Hajj—a pilgrimage to visit the sacred house (Ka’bah) that was built by Abraham and his son Ishmael in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to seek forgiveness from their Lord and renew their covenant with Him.

It is against Shariah to compel or force any person to convert to Islam. The Quran asserts, “Let there be no compulsion in religion.” (2:256) Shariah provides total freedom of religion. The Quran is quite clear on the point, “Say (O Muhammad), ‘Now the truth has come from your Lord: let those who wish to believe in it do so, and let those who wish to reject it do so’ ” (18:29) “Had God willed He would have guided all people” (13:31)

Islam holds that people are endowed with our senses and our intellect so that we can choose what is best for us to follow. Shariah not only allows other faiths to co-exist but guarantees the protection of their houses of worship and properties. Shariah respects the worth of every human being in his or her own belief and endeavor in the pursuit of life and the truth.

Shariah 2: Protection of Life

Shariah recognizes the sanctity and sacredness of human life. One may not harm or kill. The Quran emphatically stresses this point, “And do not take any human being’s life—[the life] which God has willed to be sacred—otherwise than in [the pursuit of] justice.” (17:33) Killing innocent people, even at times of war, is a grave sin and strongly condemned by Shariah: “if anyone kills a person—unless in retribution for murder or spreading corruption in the land—it is as if he kills all mankind; while if any saves a life, it is as if he saves the lives of all mankind.” (5:32)

Unfortunately, as in all the world’s great faiths, Islam sometimes produces individuals who make distorted religious claims. News reports from around the world have shown us extremists from various religious traditions who claim that their faith compels them to commit acts that clearly are crimes to any sensible person. This recently happened in Norway, according to news reports. Similarly, some Muslims have issued extreme fatwas (judicial rulings) that may not be based on the Quran and the Sunnah at all. Another unfortunate example of this distortion is the lingering practice of honor killings in some parts of the world. Honor killing is an entrenched cultural issue in some areas, but clearly is in violation of Shariah as well as all globally recognized Christian codes of conduct. Nevertheless, honor killings still occur in some traditional Christian and Muslim cultures. These crimes need to be addressed worldwide by leaders of all faiths.

Psychological harm or injury is also prohibited under Shariah. The Quran mandates, “O believers! Avoid making too many assumptions, for some assumptions are sinful; and do not spy on one another; or speak ill of people behind their backs: would any of you like to eat the flesh of your dead brother? No, you would hate it. So be mindful of God: God is ever relenting, most merciful.” (49:12)

Shariah also demands total respect for all of creation. For example, a Muslim is prohibited to cut down trees or kill animals without a good reason. As part of Shariah, Muslims are required to protect the environment from pollution and harmful waste.

Shariah 3: Protection of Family

Shariah regulates the life of a Muslim in matters of marriage, divorce, inheritance, parenting, upbringing of children, rights of orphans, ties of kith and kin, etc. The family is the nucleus of society. Hence, having a sound family structure builds a strong society. Islam encourages marriage as soon as a mature man is able to support his wife. Premarital or extramarital sex is strictly forbidden.

Islam does allow men to have more than one wife at the same time, up to a total of four, provided that the husband treats them equitably. However, this represents a tiny minority in Muslim-majority countries, where polygamous marriage constitutes only 1-to-3 percent of all marriages. Islam encourages only one wife. The Quran in verse 4:129 affirms how difficult it is to be equitable in multiple marriage. Polygamy remains a challenging issue in many world faiths. International gatherings of Christian leaders in recent decades also have discussed compassionate responses to polygamy.

Despite misconceptions, Shariah protects women’s rights if properly applied. For example, women are entitled to education, to keep their maiden names and to control their inheritance. They are entitled to a decent living, to own property or to own a business, if they wish.

Islam teaches that family ties are to be maintained and parents are highly regarded. Shariah enjoins believers to honor parents and grandparents. In numerous places in the Quran, the rights of parents are mentioned immediately after the rights of God. The following verse illustrates the importance of this value: “Your Lord has commanded that you should worship none but Him, and that you be kind to your parents. If either or both of them reach old age with you, say not to them a word of contempt, and do not be harsh with them, but speak to them respectfully, and lower your wing in humility towards them in kindness and say, ‘Lord, have mercy on them, just as they cared for me when I was little.’ ” (17:23-24)

Neighbors are viewed as extended family in Islam. God instructs believers to take care of their neighbors, Muslims and non-Muslims alike. “Be good to your parents, to relatives, to orphans, to the needy, to neighbors near (Muslims) and far (non-Muslims), to travelers in need.” (4:36)

Shariah 4: Protection of Property

Shariah stresses lawful earning for the maintenance of oneself and family—and rejects begging for a living. The objective of economic activities is to fulfill one’s basic needs and not to satisfy insatiable desires.

Our rights to property are protected in Shariah, an ideal that naturally contributes to a sense of security in a community. Forms of economic exploitation are condemned. Islam prohibits interest and usury (Riba). The goal is to keep people from depleting their property and falling into poverty through excessive debt. Likewise, the positive Quranic attitude towards trade and commercial activities (al-bay’) encourages mutual help, fairness with employees and equitable transactions in business. The Islamic view of economic principles includes a requirement that a lender should participate in either the profit or the loss of a borrower. Shariah’s interest in a just and healthy community extends throughout our business transactions.

Shariah 5: Protection of Intellect

Among the most cherished gifts of God is the faculty of intellect, which differentiates us from animals. It is through this faculty one is able to reason and make sound judgments. Such a precious blessing needs protection. Anything that threatens the intellect is discouraged or completely prohibited by Shariah. Prohibitions on intoxication with alcohol or drugs are aimed at keeping the mind sound and healthy.

Acknowledging that some may claim benefits of gambling and drinking, God informs that their harm is greater than their benefit. “They ask you [Prophet] about intoxicants and gambling: say, ‘There is great sin in both and some benefit for people: the sin is greater than the benefit.’ … In this way, God makes His messages clear to you, so that you may reflect.” (Quran 2:219)

Conclusion

Shariah abhors extremism and excessiveness. Excesses in spending, eating—even worship—are prohibited in Islam. Shariah promotes following the middle path. True Muslims are moderate in all of their endeavors—religious and secular. God described them in the Quran as “the Middle Nation.”

Shariah aims at facilitating life and removing hardships. Shariah beautifies life and provides comfort. It approves of good and forbids evil. It is considerate in case of necessity and hardship.

A general principle in Shariah holds that necessity makes the unlawful lawful. A Muslim is obliged to satisfy his hunger with lawful food and not to eat what has been declared forbidden. One may, however, in case of necessity—when permissible food is not available—eat unlawful foods such as pork to sustain life. Shariah comes from a kind and compassionate God.

The Quran says: “God wants ease for you, not hardship”(2:185) “God does not burden any soul with more than it can bear” (2:286) “It was only as a mercy that We sent you [Prophet] to all people.” (21:107)

Ultimately, Shariah strives for justice, fairness, mercy and peace.

Care to read more about Islam and Ramadan?

Care to read more from Dr. John Esposito? Here is ReadTheSpirit’s most recent interview with him.

Care to read more about Ramadan? We recommend The Beauty of Ramadan.

Please connect with us and help us to reach a wider audience

Conversation is far better than the dangerous shouting matches we’ve been witnessing in our global culture. So, please, email us at [email protected] and tell us what you think of our stories—and, please tell a friend to start reading along with you!

We welcome your Emails! . We’re also reachable on Twitter, Facebook, Amazon, Huffington Post, YouTube and other social-networking sites. You also can Subscribe to our articles via Email or RSS feed. Plus, there’s a free Monday morning Planner newsletter you may enjoy.

Originally published at readthespirit.com, an online journal covering religion and cultural diversity.

What do you remember about the 9/11 attacks?

July 31, 2011 by

Plan Now to Make Peace on 10th Anniversary of 9/11 attacks

This week, we welcome award-winning filmmaker Helen Whitney to ReadTheSpirit. You can meet Helen in our Wednesday interview about her new multi-media project on Forgiveness. For many years, Whitney has circled the globe to help people understand the important and diverse influences of faith.

TODAY: We are sharing a terrific idea for you and your congregation, class or small group in September. Get a copy of Helen Whitney’s Faith and Doubt at Ground Zero, which she produced for the one-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Next month, millions of Americans will pause and reflect once again. Help your community do this in a constructive and compassionate way.

ALSO TODAY: This is the first day of Ramadan. (Wish a Happy Ramadan to our Muslim neighbors!) We also are publishing …

What do you remember about the 9/11 attacks?

Most Americans have forgotten the intensity of our responses after the attacks on New York and Washington D.C. We have moved on to anxiety over our nation’s financial crisis and entrenched political feuding.
As the Editor of ReadTheSpirit, I recall watching Helen Whitney’s deeply moving documentary in 2002. However, watching the film again for today’s story all these years later—fresh tears well up in one’s eyes. The expressions of spiritual anguish are so honest and so intense in the dozens of interviews Helen conducted on the one-year anniversary of 9/11!

Here are some comments from the Faith and Doubt documentary to spark your own memories:

TELL US ABOUT IT: Email us at [email protected] with your memories and thoughts. AND, we want to know about special programs planned in September to mark the 10-year anniversary. We can help to spread the news nationally.

First from the film, a series of unidentified men and women, voicing thoughts that plagued them after the Twin Towers fell in New York City:
“It was Hell on Earth!”
“Being trapped in those buildings, was there any God with them?”
“How could God be in the horror that I saw?”
“Is religion itself to blame?”
“After the towers fell, there were people just streaming away silently like the living dead. It was like the Day of Judgment—the Apocalypse—was coming true.”

Catholic priest Father George Rutler: “When those towers came down, we were being reminded of our mortality. If the biggest buildings in the biggest city in the center of the universe—and I’m speaking as a New Yorker—could come down, then this world will come down. The buildings being so massive and powerful gave us an illusion that we were that way, too.”

Bernie Heeran, a retired firefighter whose son was trapped in the towers: “I went to church and I kind of negotiated with God and asked Him if He could just give me this one. But I knew from being a fireman that my son couldn’t have been in a worse possible position.”

The Chowdhurys, whose daughter and son in law worked in the Twin Towers: “We were hoping that they might barely survive. I prayed to Allah that, if they survived, let them both survive. … But my daughter and her husband both went to Allah together. … In their one year of marriage, we had never seen our daughter so happy. … No  matter what I do, if I cry, if I scream, I cannot bring them back.”

A widow—whose husband Dave died in the towers—later visits Hawaii for some solace but is shaken by the beauty she sees: “I could not believe that this God I had talked to for 35 years could make this most beautiful place in the world—and turn this loving man into bones. I couldn’t reconcile the difference between those two extremes and that’s when I felt that my faith was so weakened by 9/11 that I felt like God was just not present to me as it had been. I guess all I feel at this point is the profound absence of Dave and of my conversations with God that I used to have that I don’t have anymore. … I just can’t bring myself to speak to God anymore because I feel so abandoned. And I guess deep down inside I know God exists and I have to forgive and move on but I’m not ready to do that yet.”

An Episcopal priest whose faith was shaken to its core: “There is this sense of being alone out there in a world that is a lot crueler than I thought. There is a sense in me and in many others I have spoken with that we are surviving, at least for now. We don’t know what is coming. We are surviving. We are sensitive to the changes around us, but we are just trying to survive. We have hardened ourselves. To be vulnerable is very difficult right now. We’ve been burned literally by religion.”

Rebuilding community, healing memories after:
“We have been burned literally by religion”

CLICK on the book cover to jump to Amazon and order a copy of Helen Whitney’s Forgiveness.OUR RECOMMENDATION: Get a copy of Helen Whitney’s documentary—and her new book Forgiveness: A Time To Love & A Time To Hate. You will meet Helen in our Wednesday interview in which she talks about both 9/11 and Forgiveness. Then, plan an autumn series in your congregation, community or small group. The documentary, which was part of the PBS Frontline series is tied up in licensing issues in summer 2011. You can watch online retailers for copies of the DVD to go on sale again. But, Faith and Doubt at Ground Zero is available via Netflix and through libraries. Request it now so you are ready for autumn.

REMEMBER TO TELL US ABOUT IT: Email us at [email protected] with your memories and thoughts. AND, we want to know about special programs planned in September to mark the 10-year anniversary. We can help to spread the news nationally.

Care to read more about Islam and Ramadan?

Care to read more from Dr. John Esposito? Here is ReadTheSpirit’s most recent interview with him.

Care to read more about Ramadan? We recommend The Beauty of Ramadan.

Please connect with us and help us to reach a wider audience

Conversation is far better than the dangerous shouting matches we’ve been witnessing in our global culture. So, please, email us at [email protected] and tell us what you think of our stories—and, please tell a friend to start reading along with you!

We welcome your Emails! . We’re also reachable on Twitter, Facebook, Amazon, Huffington Post, YouTube and other social-networking sites. You also can Subscribe to our articles via Email or RSS feed. Plus, there’s a free Monday morning Planner newsletter you may enjoy.

Originally published at readthespirit.com, an online journal covering religion and cultural diversity.