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This content has been automatically translated. View original in Arabic
There are situations where we need to say, "This is forbidden," yet instead we say, "This does not align with our customs and traditions." For example, during a university lecture or a company meeting, if an impermissible action or appearance occurs, why do we shy away from calling it forbidden? While others openly declare their religious identity at the highest political levels?
The word "forbidden" carries a divine connotation in Islam. Suppose there is one Christian among fifty students; when you refer to Islam, it may feel as though you are imposing your religion on them. Instead, you say, "our customs and traditions," which unites everyone as Easterners. Alternatively, some attendees may be Muslims but not practicing, and the word "forbidden" may not convince them. When I say "forbidden" or "God has said" or "God has commanded," it feels as though I am imposing my personal way of thinking and my faith on them. So, let us use a phrase that unites us all, such as "our customs and traditions" or "our culture."
Glory be to God! The U.S. Secretary of Defense states, "America was founded as a Christian nation and remains a Christian nation in its DNA, if we can preserve that." The U.S. Secretary of State stands at the Munich Conference in Germany and says, "Christian faith has helped shape Western civilization," warning against open-border policies (meaning fear of changing Christian demographics).
They speak with such confidence, even though the latest data shows that only 62% of Americans identify as Christians. Meanwhile, in our lands and communities, we hesitate, blush, and sweat when we want to say that something forbidden is indeed forbidden, or that "God has said" or "the Messenger peace be upon him has said!" We do not do this in global political conferences like they do, but rather in simple lectures or meetings. Why? Because there may be someone among us who does not share our faith, so we resort to vague phrases like "it does not suit our culture" or "our traditions."
Similarly, statements by the U.S. President, American politicians, and Israelis claim that God granted Israel the right to the land of Palestine, citing religious texts. In fact, in a recent statement, the U.S. Secretary of Defense said, "Extremist regimes like Iran, clinging to Islamic prophetic delusions, cannot be allowed to possess nuclear weapons." This is a clear disparagement of our creed as Muslims and of our Prophet peace be upon him, while we feel ashamed to use legitimate Islamic expressions among ourselves!
Why must only Muslims be without an identity to take pride in? Why must they be strangers in their own lands? Why must they alone feel ashamed of displaying their religion when it is the truth? If we do not enter the civilizational battle with our religion, we will have no standing. Every people take pride in their religions and use them for that purpose—especially prominent figures who trade religious slogans for political gain—while we feel shy to proudly declare the truth we hold.
The hesitation to openly declare our reference to Sharia in our societies is an indication that the dominant nations have succeeded in restricting our spirits, even if their military columns have disappeared from the streets.
So, here is a message to you, doctor in your university, manager in your company, teacher in your school, student wherever you are, and official in your department: Speak the words "forbidden," "permissible," "allowed," and "not allowed" with strength and pride. Leave behind vague phrases like "it contradicts our customs and traditions." Islam is not like Mansaf from Jordan, Koshari from Egypt, or Kabsa from the Gulf—Islam is a religion we take pride in, not merely customs and traditions.
From personal experience, I have seen that even those who do not share our faith respect us when we take pride in our religion, while they do not respect those who are hesitant or have a blurred identity. Even if you fall short or are not observing hijab, show pride in your Islam and call the forbidden by its name. If someone says to you, "But you also do what is forbidden," reply, "Yes, but my abandoning enjoining good and forbidding evil is another forbidden act. What suffices me is my own shortcomings, and I ask God to help me adhere to His command."
I hope that in the comments, you share moments where someone among you proudly declared their faith in front of everyone.
And who is better in speech than one who invites to God, does righteousness, and says, "Indeed, I am among the Muslims."
Peace be upon you and God’s mercy and blessings.