On December 24, 1610 Europe embarked on its relationship with Islam with the signing of the first-ever official treaty between a European country – the Netherlands, and a non-Christian nation – Morocco. The relationship broadened significantly in the 1960s as the Netherlands’ work force expanded. Today, approximately one million Muslims work and live in the country.
Until a few years ago, the harmony between the local people and immigrant Muslims was a model for other European nations. However, the murder of Theo van Gogh in November 2004 changed things. Following this murder, the Minister of Integration and Immigration commissioned an inquiry into the radicalization of young Muslims. It concluded that many young Muslims experience alienation and feel disconnected, from both their first-generation immigrant parents and Dutch society. The report suggested the disconnection was not fuelled by a lack of education, integration or discrimination but rather, Islam. Previous reports had concluded that young Muslims didn’t share the deep ethno-national attachment their parents had for their country of origin, and instead were increasingly identifying primarily with their religion, Islam.
Consequently, numerous individuals and parties sought to declare a social and political war against anything Islamic. Some European countries have attempted to limit immigrants of Islamic origins, others have sought to outlaw the Hijab, and more recently there have been actions taken to ban Islamic institutions and symbols, including the minarets on mosques. Given these developments, it seems possible some may seek to ban or limit the spoken dialects those of Islamic origin in the future.
Promoting the true Islam
Islam is not the enemy. It is a divine religion that enlightens the hearts, minds and lives of people and communities wherever they may exist. To alter Europe’s current Islamic backlash we need to focus on teaching young Muslim Europeans and Muslim immigrants the true Islam. The true Islam, which is a pragmatic religion that regulates human behaviour, can help the West solve numerous social, religious, ethnic and economic challenges. Islam is futuristic in that it supports man’s economic, educational and social growth and promotes individual and collective peace by expanding one’s consciousness and willingness to improve. Islamic teachings focus on nurturing maximum awareness and consciousness.
Consider these verses from Chapter 30 (The Romans) of the Qur’an and ponder how they may contribute to a well-rounded consciousness:
17. So (give) glory to Allah, when you reach eventide and when you rise in the morning;
18. To Him be praise, in the heavens and on earth; and in the late afternoon and when the day begins to decline.
19. It is He Who brings out the living from the dead, and brings out the dead from the living, and who gives life to the earth after it is dead: and thus shall you be brought out (from the dead).
20. Among His Signs in this, that He created you from dust; and then,- behold, you are men scattered (far and wide)!
21. And among His Signs is that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are Signs for those who reflect.
22. And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the variations in your languages and your colors: verily in that are Signs for those who know.
23. And among His Signs is the sleep that you take by night and by day and the quest that you (make for livelihood) out of His Bounty: verily in that are signs for those who hearken.
24. And among His Signs, He shows you the lightning, by way both of fear and of hope, and He sends down rain from the sky and with it gives life to the earth after it is dead: verily in that are Signs for those who are wise.
25. And among His Signs is that heaven and earth stand by His Command: then when He calls you, by a single call, from the earth, behold, you (straightway) come forth.
26. To Him belongs every being that is in the heavens and on earth: all are devoutly obedient to Him.
27. It is He Who begins (the process of) creation; then repeats it; and for Him it is most easy. To Him belongs the loftiest similitude (we can think of) in the heavens and the earth: for He is exalted in Might, full of wisdom.
28. He does propound to you a similitude from your own (experience): do you have partners among those whom your right hands possess, to share as equals in the wealth we have bestowed on you? Do you fear them as you fear each other? Thus, we explain the Signs in detail to a people that understand.
29. Nay, the wrong-doers (merely) follow their own lusts, being devoid of knowledge. But who will guide those whom Allah leaves astray? To them there will be no helpers.
30. So set your face steadily and truly to the Faith: (establish) Allah’s handiwork according to the pattern on which He has made mankind: no change (let there be) in the work (wrought) by Allah. That is the standard Religion: but most among mankind understand not.
Consciousness in Islam is more than a mere intellectual exercise; it is a divine cosmic, environmental, social, humane, physical, intellectual and spiritual force. It promotes self-control grounded in virtuous actions. One may recall the news article about a New York cab driver who turned in millions of dollars in gold and diamonds left behind in error by a Jewish business man. When asked why he returned the find he replied, “I am a Muslim.”
When a Muslim reaches true Islamic consciousness, there is no need for others to police his/her actions. He/she will consistently chose right over wrong. By reinforcing true self-consciousness, Islam helps man undertake a transformational journey that can transform our wild world into a sage one.
Thank you for your time. In the next article, we’ll examine the first five verses of the Qur’an and the foundation of Islamic civilization and explore how this new understanding can help shape Western societies in positive and meaningful ways.
By: Dr. Abdelmalek Yamani