The benefits of non-Muslims visiting mosques (II)

Allah says: “And if one of the idolaters seeks protection from you, grant him protection till he hears the word of Allah, then make him attain his place of safety; this is because they are a people who do not know” (al-Tawbah, 6).

This verse stipulates that when non-Muslims in general for legitimate purposes visit Muslims and Muslim lands, both in war and peace, they are to be granted absolute protection and be treated with respect.

At the same time, they are to be exposed to the truth and light of Islam as much as possible, and to be provided with enough opportunities to hear, understand and witness the powerful impact of the Word (revelation or the Qur’an) of Allah on the lives of Muslims.

Without doubt, there is no better place for fulfilling this task than the realm of the mosque phenomenon, and there are no better people to do it than those who patronize mosques in their hearts, minds and deeds.

Additionally, as far as those non-Muslims who peacefully on a permanent basis co-exist with Muslims are concerned, they, too, are to enjoy on a permanent basis absolute protection and respect from Muslims, and are likewise to be exposed to the truth and light of Islam on a permanent basis.

This is to be achieved most effectively through the ways Muslims live their virtuous lives, and their institutions operate for their own as well as universal good, rather than through mere words, or slogans, or symbols, which are not backed by concrete initiatives, actions and results.

Here again the role of the mosque institution as a community centre and as a symbol and microcosm of Islam and the Muslim existence, will be paramount.

For Muslims’ non-Muslim neighbours and fellow citizens, special sessions as frequently as on a fortnightly basis should be organized in mosques for the purposes of integration, mutual understanding and promotion of the Islamic noble cause and values. Information about the initiative should be disseminated to schools, colleges, NGOs, governmental institutions and bodies, media and the public.

The bigger the percentage of non-Muslims in a country, the more frequent, intensive, meaningful and focused programmes are supposed to be. Almanacs featuring diverse events and activities are to be produced by mosques, either individually or collectively. Proper invitations are to be always sent to particular target groups for particular events and programs.

Indeed, it’s about time Muslims get on the front foot with regard to defending the interests of Islam, as well as their own interests, and the promotion of the same to the world. By no means should Muslims feel sorry and apologetic for things falsely imputed to them. Nor should they be hesitant or timid in confronting injustice, tyranny, intolerance and hate, both locally and globally. Nor should they allow themselves to be blackmailed by anybody and anywhere into inequitable submission and admission of fabricated, or greatly exaggerated, wrongdoings.

It goes without saying that in this particular regard, much is expected from mosques and Muslim communities in Muslim Diaspora in the West.

Mosque and those who patronise them are to be Islam’s true ambassadors. Considering the huge number of mosques and Muslims in the West – which grows by the day — their proper functioning and interactions with the rest of both institutions and population can decisively help in overcoming the stereotyping and prejudice towards Muslims.

Legitimate mosques and faithful Muslims, playing their respective inclusive social roles, signify an antidote to islamophobia.

There will always be more mosques and more upright and honest Muslims in the world than islamophobes, bigots, extremists and fanatics on both sides. The latter, therefore, stands no chance against the former in the long term.

It is only needed that mosques and their roles and functions become the epitomes of Islam’s world-shattering mission and purpose, and that faithful Muslims become not only the embodiments of the Islamic message, but also its authentic source to others at work, in neighbourhoods, in colleges and universities, in entertainment, sports and shopping centres, on the street, inside the means of public transport, etc.

Not exposing non-Muslims wisely and effectively to the light and guidance of Islam would be a serious spiritual failing in Muslims. It would also signify a serious act of injustice perpetrated against non-Muslims. Both will thus be bound to live handicapped lives.

Source: IslamiCity – By Spahic Omer