In Islam, it is a well-known and indubitable fact that there is no distinction between politics and religion as other monotheistic religion such as Judaism and Christianity do.
The church clearly calls for the separation of religion and politics which is not the case with Islam. Islam as convincingly argued by its scholars is:ย Deen wa Daulah, meaning that Islam integrate worldly life with the eternal life. The Quran unequivocally states that:
โ{But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters Qurโan 28:77}.”
Nevertheless, this integration should and must be carefully understood because there are some technical areas that if not well taken into cognizance Muslims will take a wrong path.
Muslims in the country were happy to learn that the differences that rocked the 2012/2013 ijtimah committee were resolved amicably. This development was welcomed by Muslims in the country with joy, in the sense that they thought that this yearโs event will be successful as promised by the organizing committee. But unfortunately, it is very sad to understand that the committee is again experiencing a new wrangle which has led to the division of the committee into two different factions again.
According to reports, the committee is divided on the issue of the guest of honor: is it true? If it is true then itโs a pity development which will raise a number of questions i.e.; who is the guest of honor? On what merit and criteria is one be eligible to be selected as the guest of honor, and is it because of what and/or who he/she is?, or what he/she contribute toward the event? I hope the committee will have answers to these questions.
For instance if one is to be invited because of the support rendered to the event, then my nextย question will be, what will happen ifย one offers support more than other well-wishers who donated toward the event earlier than him and due to that are selected to be the guest of honor? But I donโt think that this is the yard-stick used in this context.
We thought that we are moving a pass forward but it seems we are stagnant at the same place. I would advise the committee to solve this problem as soon as possible so that the event should take place as prearranged. This is, if really the event is sorely organized to glorify Allah. Allahโs blessings will be showered upon the gathering with or without the so called guest of honor.
If you donโt agree on one guest to be invited then I would suggest that you should make your daily guestย Allahย who does not need invitation to bless the function. But, I should also state here that you are also very free to demonstrate to the Muslims of Malawi that the essence of Ijtimah is not to get reward from Allah but rather to feed your narrow individual interest. This is the time to show how matured and spiritual you are if really your intention is to obey Allah and to serve the nation by doing the right thing .
Lastly I would invite all of you to seriously ponder the meaning of the following part of the aforesaidย Ayahย and make your decisionโAnd do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corruptersโ
Read my other article ,ย ‘What’s the use of Ijtmah?’
Views expressed in this article are solely for the author and does not necessary reflect those of Malawi Muslims Official Website
