By Dr Alhagi Manta Drammeh (PGCert THE , Fellow HEA)
It is unfortunate that some Muslim scholars abuse and misuse Qur’anic passages to perpetuate and entrench oppression and repression.
On the contrary, the theology of the Qur’anic discourses promotes liberation and freedom from all forms that subject humankind to bondage and slavery. The Qur’anic worldviews is based on universal fraternity and principles of mutual consultation (shura).
In this context, the Prophet of Islam uprooted all forms of discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, tribe or race, as it was rampant during the jahiliyyah (ignorance) period. Thus, Prophet Muhammad cultivated in his companions real sisterhood and brotherhood.
Upon his arrival in Medina, he built the first mosque in Medina in order to achieve three main aims:
- To create a divine relationship of love and piety between the Creator and His servants with reference to Islamic monotheism (Tawheed) freeing and emancipating the pagan Arab from the worship of idols and the material to the worship of the Unique God-Allah
- To develop fraternal relationship between the young Muslim community of Medina based on mutual love, respect, compassion and forgiveness
- To inculcate in Muslims a positive attitude to other communities emphasising the fact that Islam is outwardly and truly universal and de-mystifying the myth and stereotype that Islam and Muslims are inwardly. In this way, the Prophet created a civic society in Medina that was pluralistic and diverse in light of citizenship (muwatana) as re-elected in the constitution the Prophet wrote to outline the relationship between different communities in Medina
This reflection came as a result of our commemoration of 1437th year of the migration of the Prophet and his companions to Medina. It was an important juncture of the history of Islam and indeed Muslim relations with the people of the Book (ahal al-Kitab). The Prophet fasted the 10th of Muharram because the Jews fasted it in commemoration of the divine intervention in rescuing Prophet Moses and the Israelites. It is a reminder of the long chain of Prophecies from Prophet Adam through Prophets Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, Isa to Prophet Muhammad (May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon them all).
Another important point I have alluded to is the issue of citizenship that the Prophet of Islam cultivated in his followers that despite their linguistic, tribal, racial and religious differences, they shared Medina as their city-state. Therefore, I encourage our brothers and sisters here in Europe and the West that they share the land with their fellow citizens from other faiths and races. In fact, there is no contradiction between being a good Muslim and being a good citizen of any country that respects the rule of law and the inviolability and sanctity of human life and dignity.
Finally, I reiterate that the theology of Qur’an is one of liberation, justice and fairness. Islam has come to promote that theology. Any reading that suggests oppression and misrule is misguided and misconstrued.
Website: www.tircglasgow.org.uk
Yo Sam Sarr Bro, you have a “Boko Haram” Professor to add to your “Boko Haram Imams” (lol!)
If the Prophet (SAW) arrived on Earth today, the number one Temple of Sin he would destroy would be the so-called “House of Saud”.
And if Jesus (PBUH) arrived on Earth today, the number one Temple of Sin he would destroy would be the Vatican.
At the risk of misquoting you, Professor, I totally agree with your take on Liberation Theology – but be careful: Sam Sarr will have you marked!
Dear Brother many thanks. Constructive criticism is healthy and welcome. In this way, I believe frontiers and boundaries of knowledge can be further expanded. In fact allowing criticism is the first discipline that a leaner has to learn. I must also stress that discourse is informed by ideas and not by personalities. Personalities will die and go. However, ideas will remain.
Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe, before power made him INSANE, was talking to the White Rhodesia”s General Walls and it went something like this:-
Comrade Bob: “General Walls, I want you to remain Chief of Defence Staff under Black Rule”.
General Walls: “Sir, you are a Marxist and I am a Christian. How can I serve you as my Commander-in-Chief?”
Comrade Mugabe smiled graciously, like the school master that he was when faced with a student baffled by a trigonometry home-work:
“General, Marx and Jesus taught exactly the same thing!”
General Walls: “I didn’t know that Sir!”
Comrade Mugabe: “Good, welcome on board CDS!”
The point Dr Drammeh is that, as you say Islam (and Christianity and Marxism) are all about Justice. As you put it:
“The Prophet of Islam uprooted all forms of discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, tribe or race”.
Africans in the Prophet’s Land today are APPALLED by the discrimination based on “ethnicity, tribe and race” by the so-called “Keepers of the Two Holy Places”. Muslims are FREER, at peace, well looked after and GRATEFUL when they land in “Kaffir” England, Germany or the land of the “Great Satan”.
Irony indeed!
A well written and thought out piece. Dr Drammeh is an intellectual in the top form. Thanks brother.
This shows that the regime in Saudi is anti-Islam based on the way they treat foreigners who are working hard in their country. Black lives don’t matter in Saudi.
It is very pleasing to read pieces from Dr Drammeh…Thank you again Dr for your efforts to educate and enlighten. May your efforts be rewarded generously..