Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Islamic Politics, Politics of Love & Fraternity



Conclusion

With the will and benevolence of Allah, this book is now completed. It is one of the many books I have written. This one is specifically written on the verge of Daulah (nationhood). This book is just as controversial, alien and fat fetched as my other books in the general view of Muslims and the Islamic scholars of today especially the official scholars who serve the government. It is even shocking to some parties but exciting to others. It is contradictive to some people but nontheless refreshing, challenging and an eye opener to some others.

I hope that this book would provide the answer for those who often ask, “Why don’t Rufaqa’ involve itself in politics?” Those who read this book will not ask such question anymore. Rufaqa’ is actually practising an Islamic political system. With the will of Allah, Rufaqa’ is establishing a political system which is totally different from Western politics, electoral democracy or any other political system derived from manmade ideologies and isms which exist in this world today.

According to my conviction, Islam must have and must be able to establish an outstanding political system of its own without having to emulate, imitate, borrow or much worse to subject itself to other teachings or ideologies. Allah and the Prophet must surely have prepared an outstanding political system that overrides all other man-made political systems. Just like Islam having its own system of worship, education, economy, social, judiciary and others, surely it also has its own brand of politics.

Muslims can do politics the Islamic way without having to mix or muddle it up with other systems, mush less with systems created by the enemies of Islam.

The terms of reference for Islamic politics are clear and obvious. That is the Quran and Sunnah. The history of the struggle of the Prophet (pbuh) and The Caliphs (Khulafaur Rashidin) is the practical reference of such political system. Although it has passed a span of 1500 years but the knowledge remains definite and precise. The Prophet (pbuh) had guaranteed the precision and purity of the Islamic teaching to be followed. The Holy Prophet said:

Meaning: “I left you two things. You will never go astray as long as you abide by both. That is the book of Allah (Quran) and the sunnah (tradition) of His Messenger.” (Narrated by Ibnu Abdul Barr)

If we refer to the Quran and the sunnah in doing politics, we will be safe. But it is really odd when electoral politicians give all kinds of excuses to allow them to deviate from the way of the Prophet in doing politics. They are prejudiced to the politics of the Prophet. So they make efforts to achieve the Islamic way of life by imitating and emulating the West. It never cross their minds that when they follow western politics, the result will surely be Western. It would never be Islamic. What is most unfortunate, they go against and confront Islamic fighters who refuse to follow Western Politics and blame them for being indifferent to politics. They assume that Western politics is Islamic politics. Not getting involved in such politics is considered wrong to them. They are so confused, they can no longer think. They cannot differentiate between what is right and what is wrong.

Islamic politics is totally different from Western politics. This difference touches all aspects and angles which relate to politics. It is different in its meanings, methods, criteria, characteristics of leaders and followers, political actions and reactions and in the method of selecting leaders. Islamic politics is one of the many aspects of the Islamic way of life. It is regarded as an obligatory act upon the community (fard kifayah). Islamic politics in general is applicable and can happen in the family, jamaah, state, nation and at universal level (empire).

Islamic politics is free from evil, transgressions, vice and sinful activities. It does not stress on selecting a leader and fighting for power once in every few years. But it gives priority on the personality and charisma of the leader to be appointed. And whether the leader can be fair and can impose justice everywhere. Would he be able to build a jamaah, state or country that is full of justice? Is he able to educate and nurture his people to be faithful to Allah, to be loyal, obedient, willing to work and responsible? After which would he be able to build material development and the development of a physical civilisation for the needs of his people according to the Islamic syariah. And in following and emulating him, people would be safe from war, usury, oppressions and the satanic culture and would be protected from the society of sin and transgression. Islamic politics emphasises on the result or its objective. That is the formation of a Quranic society that is peaceful, harmonious and blessed by the Oft-Forgiving Allah. What does it mean to win the election, then elected as a representative of the people, being paid a big salary but producing nothing? Why and for what purpose must one strive for such a post after all? And is it wrong for a person who does not fight for the post but who looks for other alternatives and methods to build the Islamic society and to do politics the Islamic way?

Islamic politics was practised by the Prophet (pbuh). It did not begin with getting the power to rule but it began by bringing changes in individuals and then the society to Islam through motivation, education, love and compassion. Because in an Islamic nation, good people is priority over good government. The government stands upon the people. Without the people, there is no government. Good people will choose good leaders and good governments.

In Kelantan, the state government is facing its own people who voted for them, but who refuse to obey the government’s directives towards Islamic rules and regulations. Those who oppose the execution of the Islamic rules and regulations are the same people who voted for them. What does this mean? It means that the people who are not Islamic educated or who do not truly understand Islam, not only do not support but they go against their own government whether they realise it or not, although they themselves voted for the government and the government is only trying to implement the Islamic rules which is supposed to be their own aspirations.

That is the logic why Islamic politics must start with motivation and education, through love and fraternity. When the people are initiated and prepared, there will be a shift towards the Islamic system, the Islamic country, even the Islamic world. This is the process in history. It happened to the pioneer of Islamic politics, i.e. the Prophet (pbuh), the Caliphs, Sayidina Umar Abdul Aziz and Muhammad Al-Fateh. Their victories in the realms of history are very good lessons for us. Learn their history for our guidance. Never think that their history is not for us. Everything that happened in Islamic history is relevant to Muslims of every era.

Other than those already mentioned, where could we find just and fair leaders in history although there were some figures who tried? Yes, there was none! Other than the factor that they were not promised by God, the political methods that they used were not Islamic. It was borrowed or imitated from the infidels and the enemies. As a result, justice was denied, not only in the state or nation, but it also did not happen in the jamaah or the household. Just and fair leadership can only happen in the toifah (jamaah) of the Mujaddid (reformer) which comes about once in every hundred years.

Let us accept this fact. So that faithful Muslims do not fall twice into the same trap. Let us admit this truth so that we will find other truths. Because it is scheduled for this era that Islamic politics will replace Western electoral politics, democracy and other system of politics. Islam is in the process of revival, just like the other isms which are nearing their demise. The era of the Prince of Bani Tamim, Al-Mahdi and the Apostle Isa (Jesus) is beginning. It starts from the east. Malaysia and Indonesia are being processed in that direction. This process is obvious to those who take heed. But for the ignorant, it is still vague. Insha-Allah, Islamic politics will prevail in the world once again. The resplendent era of the Islamic empire under the Caliphs (Khulafa-ur-Rasyidin) will be repeated in the last era. All Muslims will be happy and excited about this. This is Allah’s answer to the longing that we endured. We are lucky to be born in this century. The century of the second Islamic revival. The century in which Islamic politics would show the world the way out of its turmoil. The century where the leader in Allah’s keeping would emerge to solve the world’s problems. That is the promise of Allah. He does not break His promise. We will see the politics of the Prophet (pbuh) rise once again. And we will gain protection under it. So, let’s be ready. Let us fill our struggle with the Islamic political system. We build the jamaah with the Islamic way of life. We instil the attributes of taqwa into ourselves. Hopefully, Allah will involve us in making His promise a reality. He decreed:

Which means: “Oh God! You give the kingdom to whom You will”. (Ali Imran: 26)

I hope this book will be good research material for those who want to find out more about Islamic politics and be the guide to those who fight for it. I apologise if this book hurt some readers. Comments and advice are most welcome. I seek Allah’s forgiveness for my sins, physical and spiritual. May this book become:

A guide for those who want the truth.

A cure for the ill.

A consolation for those in sorrow.

Hope for those who long for the Islamic nation.

Allahummaj ‘alni….

“Oh God, make my faith as my light. And do not make

my faith as my deceit.”

Chapter 13 : Will Malaysia Be an Islamic Nation?

Iobserve that Malaysia, our beloved land is undergoing a conventional yet extraordinary process of progressing towards becoming an Islamic nation in this last era. Malaysia will be the country of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaah, akin to that which existed in the era of the pious Muslims of early Islam (salafussoleh). Malaysia will be a nation of the Quran and Sunnah that is mentioned by Allah in the Quran as a country of peace, prosperity and blessed the by Oft- Forgiving Allah.

This process started the past 40 years. And it is not impossible to be realized with God’s will. The Muslim Ummah should not, however, be anxious or perturbed by this statement. Let us wait and see whether this vision will materialise. Let us not object or spurn it too hurriedly, in order to avoid any later embarrassment.

There are many famous Hadiths regarding the revival of Islam in the East. There are also many famous Hadiths regarding The Prince of Bani Tamim and the Imam Mahdi, the founders of this revival. Moreover, Islamic scholar and theologians of the Middle East including Morroco whom I met proclaimed and said to me: “Islam will re-emerge from your region (the East).”

Among those who mentioned of this revival beginning from the East was the late Syeikh Abdullah As-Siddiq, a famous Hadith expert from Morroco who was also a saint. It was told that during his final moments on his deathbed in 1993, a Morrocan undergraduate from a university in France, Atiya Abdel Illah, asked of his opinion on the movement of Darul Arqam in Malaysia and its leader. Syeikh Abdullah instantly arose from his weak and critical state, and despite great difficulty, replied slowly but clearly with the words, “Nur…Nur… (Light…Light…).” Not long after that, he died. Such is the the truth of a death statement of a saint.

This is also the opinion of many soothsayers around the world whether of the past or the present, including the Jews. This is why the Jews are very sensitive concerning this revival of Islam. It is therefore of no surprise that they are preparing themselves in their own way in facing the destined revival. Their conviction that this is the era promised for Islam can be seen through our experiences with them.

An economic journalist from Egypt, Asraf Numeiri, once told of his experience when he met a group of Jewish journalists who visited Egypt. Little did he expect that in one of their meetings, they ended up having an intense debate regarding faith and religion. The debate concluded with a threat from the Jewish journalists, proclaiming, “We will not be threatened by you Arabs. We will not be defeated by you, and neither will you be able to stop us.”

The much-upset Egyptian journalists then retaliated by proclaiming otherwise and mentioning, “We Arabs are willing to die in the path of the struggle. Take note of what happened in Afghanistan- how many Arabs there became martyrs? The same happened in Bosnia, how many Arab fighters died there? The Jewish Journalists then responded with a sneering smile, “We are not afraid even if your people are willing to die. According to our understanding, it is not your people who will cause us trouble. We have identified the people who will truly obstruct us. They are people of a particular group and a particular race from the East. We have identified who they are; we know their leader, their methods of struggle, their group or jamaah and their country of origin. These are the people who will cause us trouble; not you.”

In another incident, a Tabligh group from Singapore arrived in Baitul Maqdis for a visit. Upon their arrival, a Jewish rabbi approached them and asked, “Who amongst you come from the East?”

One of them admitted he came from the East, i.e., Singapore. But the rabbi quickly added, “I meant Malaysia.” Perplexed, the Tabligh member asked, “Why should Malaysia be considered as ‘East’? Why not Singapore?” The rabbi then answered, “because there will emerge the man who will hand over the black pennon to Al-Mahdi.”

Notice how anticipative and sensitive the Jews are concerning this revival. They are fully aware that this time Islam will emerge from the East. We, Muslims, should in fact be more anticipative and sensitive compared to them. Therefore, whosoever wish to refute or belittle the Hadiths concerning the revival of Islam from the East, should be careful and be a little more patient. It will be a reality not too long from now. These few years will determine the truth. According to schedule, it will surely take place because it has been promised by Allah. The majority of Muslims in Malaysia are in full agreement to this view. This is exciting news that will greatly benefit us.

Speaking as an Islamic fighter from the East, I am most certain that Malaysia is the country meant as The East and that Malaysia will be the Islamic nation as mentioned. I purposely state my confidence in this truth before it truly happens, in order to attract the attention of Muslims so that they could think and ponder about this grand event. If it does not happen, we will not lose anything. If it does happen, it will be of great benefit to us because we are ready and prepared. Like a condominium which is to collapse; wouldn’t it be better to be forewarned before it actually happens?

With God’s will, a drastic change will take place in Malaysia but it will happen in a peaceful manner. Malaysia will become more splendid than what it presently is today. It will be like Mecca and Medina during the rule of the Prophet (pbuh). Some examples of these outstanding changes that will happen with God’s Will are as follows:

1. Peace. Muslim citizens will love and care for each other. Good relations will prevail among the Malays, Chinese, Indians, and people of other races. There will be no crisis or suspicions among the races. Security forces will not have much to do in crime control and peace keeping duties. The peace that will happen in Malaysia will be most distinct compared to other peaceful countries in the rest of the world.

2. In such a country that is blessed with Allah’s forgiveness, there will be no discord or altercation, not only among humans but also among animals as well. Carnivorous animals will no longer pounce upon their prey. Even cats can coexist peacefully with mice. With God’s Will, the peace in Malaysia will ultimately reach this level.

3. Due to such an extraordinarily peace, Malaysia will become the focal point of attraction to visitors of all races around the world without the need to launch any campaign to attract tourists. Muslims and non-Muslims alike from the four corners of the world will throng to Malaysia to witness and to seek the secret behind such peace that Allah has granted Malaysia. These visitors will be interested to know how an extraordinary kind of peace can happen in a multi-racial country like Malaysia. They wish such peace can happen to their homeland as well.

4. Unaligned countries of different political systems such as Communist, Socialist, Democratic and Capitalist countries will forge diplomatic relations with Malaysia. These countries will rush to do trade with Malaysia because trading in Malaysia at that time will be free from usury and oppression. And Malaysia is willing to postpone payment from countries which cannot afford to pay.

5. Those who seek refuge or asylum in Malaysia will surely be protected. Even if they are poor, they are able to find calmness and serenity in Malaysia. The serenity of the poor in facing their poverty and harship and their full trust and reliance in God (tawakkal) would even cause envy among the rich to the extent that they will be willing to sacrifice their wealth in the way of Allah in order to attain such calmness and serenity.

6. Prosperity will flow from the heavens and the earth onto this blessed land. Allah guarantees its opulence. Oil will flow from the earth. The soil will produce an abundance of crops, livestock will be plump and healthy and sheep, goats and cattle will produce an abundance of milk and meat.

7. At the time for Solah, the Muslim community will do their solah in congregation without having to close their shops.

8. On the streets, people dress according to the Islamic dresscode and the segregation of the sexes will be distinct. When boarding buses, men and women will automatically queue up in a segregated manner, without the need to impose laws, acts or regulations.

9. The youth, in general, are inclined towards the path of Taqwa (love and fear of God). They are attached to the mosques. Islamic songs (nasheed) will be the general form of entertainment.

10. Prostitution that exists in the Malaysian-Thai border which has been destroying and degrading the morals of the Malaysian people will be banished on its own. The dirty plans of the enemy to corrode the monality and integrity of the people will be naturally abolished in an Islamic country.

11. Television broadcasts in Malaysia will be most unique. It will challenge all other TV stations from around the world, and will intimidate the enemy due to its big influence. There will be programmes specially for non-Muslims, mostly touching upon the innate nature of mankind, love and care and matters of mutual interests.

12. Besides having official Malaysian delegates to other countries, there will also be the presence of unofficial ones i.e. those who visit Malaysia and who will promote the country in their respective homelands as a country that is peaceful, prosperous and blessed by the Oft-Forgiving Allah. With this, news of the Islamic nation will spread very fast. The enemies of Islam will be dumbfounded and they would not know how to check this phenomenon.

13. Non-Muslims will be attracted to Islam without even asking for any clarification. This is because they can see the peace and solace in the Muslim community. When they see the Muslim community carry out their worship, the solace and peacefulness can be felt in their hearts. They will say: “If solace can be savoured in this world, there must be an afterlife beyond.”

14. The lifestyles of Malaysian leaders at that time as leaders of an Islamic nation are no different from the lifestyles of the common people. Both will stand and look equal. In a gathering of leaders and the people, for example, no one will be able to tell who among the crowd, are the leaders.

15. Due to the fact that the exemplary Islamic community exists in Malaysia, people will choose to visit Malaysia rather than Mecca to witness the reality of the Islamic way of life in the daily life of the people.

16. Neighbouring countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand will be pleased with Malaysia and will sustain good relations and will exemplify Malaysia in every aspect possible.

Such is the dream, longing, hope and confidence that I, along with those who love Islam, have for Malaysia. Let us together clamour for Allah’s promise for the Ummah of this final era. Hopefully the era of Islam is resplendence that was once granted to the Ummah of the past will also be granted to the present Ummah. Such is the fairness, love, benevolence and the promise of Allah.

This is no dream or idle thought. This is the belief of an Islamic fighter, a belief that is related to the promise of Allah, and supported by history. Take a look at the first century of Hijriah in early Islam. As promised, the first Mujaddid (reformer), Saiyidina Umar Abdul Aziz was born. He was a pious man with the attributes of Taqwa (love and fear of God). He was the promised leader. Although he had refused to accept the post of Caliph, that post however was there for nobody else but him.

The governments before his time were no longer peaceful and just. But after two and a half years of his rule, Medina and its area of influence became most peaceful. To the extent that even wolves did not pounce on or devour sheep. This is a very well known fact in history. Although Saiyidina Umar Abdul Aziz was not too prepared to rule, but because he had Taqwa and was the promised leader, he was given this gift of extraordinary leadership by Allah.

Malaysia is also promised. Although presently it is still rather secular, but with the arrival of the promised leader, Allah will assist and will grant the extraordinary leadership similar to that granted to the first Mujaddid.

Who would not long for a Muslim or Islamic country as pictured above? That is the true Islamic country. We would surely love to live in such country. Let us together clamour for Allah’s promise. Let us pray, strive and struggle till Allah sends us His assistance.

I am aware that this vision of mine will once again spark controversy to those who are alien to the Truth. I apologise for being a controversial person. However, I am not being impulsive. Whoever carefully scrutinise whatever I say with purity of heart would perhaps not have much difficulty to understand my attitude. Furthermore, there have been many of my predictions that came true with the will of Allah. Those who wish to reject my opinion and vision; I do hope that you do not do it now. Please wait for perhaps another four months. If by then, what I say do not happen, you can then proceed to reject. However, it would be for our betterment to strive together in order for Allah’s promise to truly become a reality in our hands. With God’s Will, we will attain big rewards in this life and in the Hereafter.