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Turning
around the relationship between America and the Muslim word within 10 years?
By Michael Nataro '06
On Feb. 8, in the St. Augustine Center for Liberal
Arts and Sciences, the Center for Arabic and Islamic studies played host to
Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, the Founder, American Sufi Muslim Association (ASMA)
Society to present a lecture titled, “Turning around the relationship
between America and the Muslim world within 10 years.”
Imam Rauf began his lecture with a short address on
the current religio-political situation in the Middle East and then left the
remaining time for questions from the audience. He was asked by both
professors and students about his thoughts on the present situation in Iraq
and how extremism can be counteracted. He cited that the Qur’an and
teachings of the prophet Mohammed were vastly different from the various
beliefs held by the extremists in the Middle East today. Rauf explained this
misinterpretation by clarifying the doctrine of “jihad” or “struggle.” This
principle claims that a Muslim must embrace a constant state of struggle or
striving against evil in one’s self and society in the name of God. The
extremists view the West as evil and try at all costs to defeat them.
According to Imam Rauf, this is their interpretation of being “Islamic.”
“The term to be “Islamic” is to be just, like the
phrase “to be Christian” is to be charitable. If something is “un-Islamic”
to a Muslim mind, that thing is unfair and oppressive,” said Rauf. “The
extremists view this injustice and ‘struggle’ to counteract it.”
Rauf’s thoughts on the pursuit of peace in the
Middle East were hopeful. He stated that it will be the truth about Islam
that will bring about a peaceful end to the fighting.
Dr Maghan Keita, chair of the Center for Arabic and
Islamic Studies said he was very pleased with the event. “The lecture was a
real success. The imam clearly had a message for the entire community--one
that provided real clarification concerning misconceptions about Islam, and
real insight into the nuances of the religion itself.” |
