Live Dialogue

Included here are my actual replies to questions submitted by viewers of the Live Dialogue, conducted on the Islam-Online website (see note 1) on 13 Safar 1427 (13 March 2006 CE).  To all those who helped: Jazakallahu khayran.

"And this (Islam and the Quran) is the straight path of your Rabb. For those who take heed of Our clear revelations there shall be that dwelling which is peace (Jannah)."  6:126-7 Interpretation of Meaning

"We only created the heavens and this Earth, and everything in and around them, for a reason, and for a finite period. But the unbelievers turn away [in their arrogance] from the warnings given to them."  46:3  Interpretation of Meaning

Asalamu aleykum my brother in Islam. I'am very happy to hear you finally find the path of Allah. My question is: what will you contribute this path of Allah as former politician?

Walaikum Salaam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatu


"And remember Allah's blessing upon you when you were enemies, and He brought your hearts together, so that by His blessing you became brothers. 3:103 (Interpretation of Meaning)

Akhi,

I don't really know what I can contribute - only trust in Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) and strive, InshaAllah, to live, behave and think as a Muslim should, according to the best guides in the world, the Quran and Sunnah.

Maybe I have some insights into the many problems of the West - its arrogance; its prejudice and so on - and how Islam is the only answer to them. I have tried to explain some of these problems in a few articles I have written, Alhamdulillah.

Assalalmualaikum.  Where can I find source about Islamic State in the Internet? 

Walaikum Salaam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatu


According to what little I have learnt since my reversion, I believe the best source for understanding the Islamic way of governing is Ibn Taimiyyah in his "Siyasatush-Shariah" - although I don't believe there is a copy, or even a translation, of this, or part of this, on the Internet.

Siyasah is basically the practical implementation of the Quran and Sunnah in the world: the means whereby Muslims can live in a community according to the command of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) and I do believe we Muslims should use this term for our unique system of ruling, and that we should not use Western terms such as "government" or even "State" and politics, as all these terms derive from Western ideas and Western philosophy. If we use them, then it does seem to me that we are viewing Islam somewhat in these terms, and so distorting Islam in some way.

As for the practical details of Siyasah - they are evident in bayah to an Ameer who rules according to Quran and Sunnah and these alone.  This is basically the Khilafah, and an Internet search using that term would be a good place to start.

what kind of problems revert face & What's the solutions? Do born Muslims welcome reverts in the society ? 

Walaikum Salaam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatu

From my own experience over the last eight years or so, I can say that I have never once experienced any problems with Muslims following my reversion.

I have been welcomed everywhere - and have often felt the true brotherhood of the Ummah, Alhamdulillah. Often, I have been the only "White" person is some Mosque. It never mattered, and one of the great joys of Islam, for me, is doing Salat (praying) in a Mosque among my brothers where we all are equal in the sight of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala).

I have had a few problems from some of my former political associates, and some problems from some "British" people. Some of my former political associates have called me a traitor, while some "British" people think I have betrayed my "culture" and have been prejudiced against me.

What I have noticed, is the rather prejudiced view many Western people have of Islam. This may change, InshaAllah, as more people in the West revert to Islam - as more people come to understand the beauty, the wisdom, of Islam.

"Those who have experienced the beauty that is Al-Eeman are those who are content with Allah as their Rabb, with Al-Islam as their Way of Life, and with Muhammad (salla Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam) as their Messenger and Prophet." Narrated Al-'Abbaas bin 'Abd Al-Muttalib (Shahih Muslim)

Sameh 

What is one piece of advice that you have learned over the many years of your life that if shared with me, might make a difference in my life? 

Bismillah.

To humbly submit, in our hearts and minds, to Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) and to love Allah's Prophet and Messenger, Muhammad (salla Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam).

One of the great beauties of Islam, for me, is that it places us where we truly belong - it gives us the right perspective. This is that we are but small creations of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) Who has gifted us, in His Mercy and Compassion, with all the guidance that we need to live as we should.

This perspective gives us a genuine reverence; true honour. It makes us truly human.

Years ago, before my reversion, I was rather arrogant - and had a very high opinion of myself, of my intellect and abilities. Now, when I do my Salat (prayer) I am aware of two things - how thankful I am for being guided to the Right Path, and how I am but one humble servant of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala).

"Allah (alone) has power over, and is the (sole) master of, all things. The creations in Heaven and Earth, the very change of Night to Day, are Signs for those gifted with intelligence, those who whether sitting, standing or reclining on their sides, give praise to Allah and who frequently recall these creations in Heaven and Earth, (saying): 'You who are our Rabb - You created all these things for a purpose; the achievement is Yours alone.' " (3:189-191 Interpretation of Meaning)
 

Salaam brother. Do you still support Neo-Nazi groups and Nazi ideology?

Walaikum Salaam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatu

No, certainly not. I neither support such groups nor National Socialist ideology. I am a Muslim, and, as I wrote and said shortly after my conversion:


"As for my own political views and opinions now, I have none. For I am a Muslim, and so view this world, and its peoples, in an Islamic way, striving to think in Islamic terms and striving to live according to the laws and customs of Islam, as revealed in the Quran and through the words, deeds and example of the noble Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam)."

It is my understanding that nationalism, racism - and all such things - are asabiyyah.

As a Muslim I believe that racism and racialism, and nationalism, are Taghut; idols which are obeyed and believed in over and above Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala. The people who follow such things, who believe in such things, are in Ignorance. They in their ignorance use these things to judge people; to judge themselves; to construct laws, and systems to govern people, as they fight for these things, and thus do they contradict Islam.


"Those who believe, fight in the Cause of Allah, and those who disbelieve, fight in the cause of Taghut. So therefore fight against those friends of Shaitaan." [4: 76 Interpretation of Meaning.]
 

Salaam. Do you think the west will ever accept Islaam? 

Walaikum Salaam

Brother,

Yes, I do, InshaAllah! Morally, the West is bankrupt. Many of the peoples of the West have lost an awareness of, an appreciation for, the sacred, the divine. As a result, many of them are in thrall to their own, lower, nature - their desires - and/or they are arrogant.

A visit to and a stay in any Western city or town reveals the truth that Western politicians ignore or try to hide. The decadence; the addiction; the violence; the poverty; the inequality; the injustices.

Islam is the perfect answer - it provides all the answers we need. It can lead us to live moral, honourable, civilized, human lives.

I have studied the philosophies of the West, the religions of the world, for over three decades, and when I came to study Islam - when I was guided by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) - I became aware of just how noble, how perfect, Islam is. How it shows up all philosophies, all religions, all other ways of life, for what they are - imperfect, human, creations. Imperfect answers to our problems.

In the Quran and Sunnah we have the best, the perfect, guides we need.

We need to strive, InshaAllah, to show the peoples of the West the nobility, the beauty, of Islam. To cut through their prejudice - and re-acquaint them with Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala).

"And this (Islam and the Quran) is the straight path of your Rabb. For those who take heed of Our clear revelations there shall be that dwelling which is peace (Jannah). (6:126-7 Interpretation of meaning)



"This day I have perfected your Way of Life for you and completed My Favour upon you and have chosen for you as your Way of Life Al-Islam" (5:3 Interpretation of Meaning)


"This present life is only like water which We send down from the clouds so that the luxuriant herbage sustaining man and beast may grow; until when the Earth puts on its lovely garment and becomes adorned, and its people believe that they are its masters - down then comes Our scourge upon it by night or in broad day, laying it waste as though it had not blossomed yesterday. Thus do We reveal Our Signs to thoughtful men." 10: 24-25 (Interpretation of meaning.)
 

Mayila Waqar    - United Arab Emirates

Salam Alaikum. Being well aware of nazi policies and political agendas, do find the current attitude towards Muslims and Islam reminiscent of the whole culture of nazisim (save the victims are new)? 

Walaikum Salaam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatu


Yes, most certainly. It does seem for example that the Americans, in places like Iraq, in their ignorance, do regard Muslims as "backward" and inferior.

This arises from the prejudice against Islam that is now dominant in the West and from the arrogant assumption among many people in the West, that the West, its ways and ideas, are right and better than Islam, and that we Muslims should adjust, and accept the ways, the ideas of the West. That we Muslims must change; that our Islam must change.

However, the exact opposite is true - Islam is the superior Way, and we must never be afraid or ashamed to say and write this. We must believe it in our hearts.

It does seem that there is a new Western colonialism - both a cultural colonialism, and an actual, military, one.

"From each and every direction He has the power to deliver misfortune to you - to sow confusion and dissension among you. Thus do We reveal our Signs, that you might understand them." {6:65 Interpretation of Meaning)


"Indeed in the Messenger of Allah you have a perfect example to follow." [33:2 Interpretation of Meaning]

From your experience would you just mention a key point that you wish that ordinary Muslims should have known to win the heart and the minds of the other side. It might be also the the other way that some common acts which hurting their efforts.
Jazaakallaah 

Walaikum Salaam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatu

Brother,

That Islam is complete and perfect, and that it is the best way, the complete answer to all the problems we face, in this world. That Islam is a guide to how we can live as our Rabb, Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) has said we should live.

We need to be examples for others - especially to the peoples of the West. When I was discovering Islam, before my reversion, I found that the more Muslims I met, the more I admired them. They had manners; they had a simple, beautiful, quiet, reverence. They were noble. And yet they could be passionate, defiant and proud in their love, for example, of our beloved Prophet (salla Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam).

The more I discovered abut Islam, the more I realized that these Muslims I met were like that because they really did revere the Prophet (salla Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam) and saw him as the perfect example to follow - and because they did humbly submit, or strive to humbly submit, to Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala).


"It was narrated on the authority of Abu Hariara that the Prophet (salla Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said: Iman has over seventy branches, and modesty is a branch of Iman." (Muslim, Book1, 55)

Thus did I realize that here, in Islam, was nobility; reverence; valour. Everything that was good about us. I also realized just how human Islam was, how accepting of our own weakness, as beings.

"There is no believing servant except that he has a sin which he commits from time to time, or a sin in which he persists in and does not abandon until he leaves this world. Indeed the Believer was created as one who is frequently tried and tested, who often repents (then) forgets. When he is admonished he accepts the admonition." Reported by at-Tabaraanee in al-Mu'jamul Kabeer (no. 11,810); hasan.

I am thinking of converting to Islam, but I'm still not convinced of certain issues like believing in Muhammad. Is he really a prophet? How to believe in him?
 

One thing which inspired me toward my reversion was the life of the Prophet, (salla Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam).

I found something which was truly remarkable. Prior to my reversion, I had studied all the major religions of the world in great detail, and had studied philosophy both ancient and modern, from Loa Tzu to people like Heidegger. Never had I come across a human being like Muhammad (salla Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam). The more I read about him, about his life, the more I realized how unique he was.

Why? Because he was a simple, humble, man who transformed those around him, and who, for nearly one and half thousand years, has transformed the lives of millions upon millions of people in a good, a noble, way. Someone who revealed the most noble, the most perfect, way of living I have ever come across. Someone who still inspires a great love.


As I wrote, shortly after my own conversion to Islam:

"I was impressed that what he taught - the very words of prayer, of the Quran itself - were the same now, as then. How could this be?

I was forced to conclude that Muhammad was either: (1) the most remarkable, accomplished, human being who had ever lived whose achievements, whose philosophy, whose teachings, whose personal character, far surpassed those of all other teachers, philosophers and reformers; or (2) in truth someone who was inspired by something "not of this Earth" (that is, God).

The conclusion I finally accepted was that Muhammad was both of these: that his sublime, numinous, civilized teachings were and must be divinely inspired. There was simply no other explanation. For me, the life, the achievements, of Muhammad himself were a miracle."

After your conversion, it is clear that you have rejected all other political ideologies rather than Islam. However, how do you think 'Islamic' countries could fill the political gap between the West and the East 

Are the countries where the majority of people are Muslim truly Islamic?

That is, do they implement the Shariah (Islamic laws) and do they use only the Quran and Sunnah as their guides, as their source of inspiration?

"Haqq has been distinguished from Baatil - and those who renounce and denounce Taghut and then believe in Allah have grasped that trustworthy hand-hold that never breaks." [2:256 Interpretation of Meaning]


Muslim lands need Islam - the practical implementation of Islam. They need to accept that Islam is complete and perfect, and that the ways of the West are kufr, that is, a concealment of the reality of Islam itself.

The practical implementation of Islam is Shariah; bayah to an Ameer. In brief, a Khilafah. Through these things we, as Muslims, come closer to Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala).

"One of the foremost principles of [Al-Jahiliyah] was that they were deceived by following the majority, using that majority as proof of the correctness of their view." Sheikh Muhammad Abdul-Wahhaab: Masaail-ul-Jahiliyah


 

What is the thought process behind such blatant racism such as nazism? Is it a deep rooted issue in British culture (a post colonial rule hangover perhaps)? 

Walaikum Salaam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatu


I do believe that such things are deeply rooted in the peoples of the West - that they believe that they themselves, and their ways of life, their ideas, are inherently superior to others.

This is evident, today, for example, by the actions of America in the Muslim world - a new type of colonialism, a new cultural arrogance.

It is one of our tasks, as Muslims, to show them, by our deeds, our life, that Islam is a better alternative; the perfect Way of Life. That Islam alone can bring true equality, an equality which only arises from a complete submission to Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala).

Umm Mustafa 

As-Salamu `alaykum. I am curious about those two years you spent as a monk. How or why did you go from political activism to monasticism? And why did you leave the monastery? Did that experience help you to Islam in any way? 

Walaikum Salaam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatu

I was brought up as a Catholic, and my sister spent some years as a Nun. When I was in Prison for the second time, I had time to think about my political views, and came to some conclusions - I wanted more time to think, and so I went on a "retreat" for a few weeks in a monastery.

I liked it so much I thought I might stay a bit longer. In the end I just drifted into becoming a monk, and stayed for nearly two years.

I left because I felt I was shirking what I then regarded as my duty - to change the world, by politics. To make it conform to my own ideas of what was right, and wrong.

No, that experience did not really help me toward Islam. It was meeting Muslims, in Egypt and elsewhere, reading about the life of our beloved Prophet (salla Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam), and reading parts of the Quran, which began to move me toward Islam, Alhamdulillah!

Could you please point out the differences between your old ideology (neo-nazism) and your new belief/ideology (Islam)?

They are so very different!

One of the most important things is that, in Islam, the only distinction is between Muslims and non-Muslims. All Muslims are our brothers and sisters, wherever they live; whatever their so-called "race"; whatever "culture" they are said to belong to.

"The most honourable of you in the sight of Allah is the one who has At-Taqwa." [49:13 Interpretation of Meaning]

Furthermore, Islam is a Way of Life - complete and perfect. It is not an "ideology". Ideologies are fallible, human, constructs. Islam has been given to us by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala).

Nazism, and other ideologies or ways of living, are Taghut - idols which people obey, or give their loyalty to, and which they strive for and which they obey. They create artificial divisions within us, and so conceal the simple beauty of Islam.

It is narrated by Abu Dawud that the Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said, "He is not one of us who calls for 'asabiyyah, or who fights for 'asabiyyah or who dies for 'asabiyyah." (Hadith 4456)

Asabiyyah is the division of people according to boundaries, or standards, which are not Islamic, because such boundaries or standards do not derive from Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala).
 

Hi. I want to know what did you find in Islam that convinced you that this is the True Religion? Thanks. 

I found beauty, nobility, dignity, reverence; a very human and above all numinous way of life.

By numinous I mean - sacred. The West has mostly forgotten the sacred, the divine. In fact, it tramples upon it.

In the life of Muhammad (salla Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam) I found the perfect human being; the perfect example to follow.

In the Quran I found wisdom, true wisdom; true guidance. More wisdom that I had found in any philosophers, ancient and modern, and in any other religion or way of life.

As a convert, how do you think new Du'ah should change in their topics, speeches...etc in order to preach more people? 

I believe we must look to the Quran and Sunnah, and these alone, for guidance. That we take inspiration from the Prophet (salla Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam) and from al-Khulafaa' al-Raashidoon and As-Salaf as-Saalih.

Islam is complete and perfect, and we have all the examples, all the inspiration we need, given to us by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala).


"And this (Islam and the Quran) is the straight path of your Rabb. For those who take heed of Our clear revelations there shall be that dwelling which is peace (Jannah). (6:126-7 Interpretation of meaning)


"This day I have perfected your Way of Life for you and completed My Favour upon you and have chosen for you as your Way of Life Al-Islam" (5:3 Interpretation of Meaning)

"Be loyal and do your duty to Allah; fear Him and always speak with honour. He will direct you to do honourable deeds and will forgive your mis-deeds. And whosoever obeys Allah and His Messenger will achieve the greatest achievement of all." (33:70-71 Interpretation of Meaning)
 

I have read somewhere that people say your conversion is insincere and "may be just a political ploy to advance your own failing anti-establishment agenda". Is this true?

Bismillah.

I can only repeat what I have said, and written, many times since my reversion, which is that I made my Shahadah at a mosque, in front of several Muslim witnesses, and that - while I lived in that area - I regularly went to Namaz there, for over a year. I also have a document testifying my acceptance of Islam, signed by a Qadi and the Imam of a Mosque.

In addition, when interviewed by the BBC's Panorama programme some 18 months after my reversion, I made another public declaration that I was a Muslim, Alhamdulillah. But that bit was cut, and not broadcast. Since then, I have made several more such public declarations of my Islam, including one in a letter I sent to a newspaper which repeated such allegations. The newspaper did not publish the letter- so I posted it on an Islamic internet forum.

This live dialogue is another public declaration of my Islam, Alhamdulillah.

 

How should the relationship between the convert and his family be after converting to Islam? I'm a new convert, and I'm afraid of this point in particular, I'm afraid of the severe reaction of my parents.

Assalam Alaikum,

Alhamdulillah that you have been guided toward Islam!

May I suggest you contact the New Muslims Project, in the UK? They have great experience dealing with recent reverts to Islam, and I am sure they could offer some Islamic guidance in this matter.


http://www.newmuslimsproject.net/

May Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) protect us from all forms of Al-asabiyyah Al-Jahiliyyah, forgive us our mistakes and guide us to and keep us upon the Right Path.

 
Abdul-Aziz ibn Myatt

13 Safar 1427

 

Notes:

(1) It should be noted that the Administrators at the Islam On-Line website - in accordance with their policies - edited my text, changing some words, and inserting "translations" for some of the Islamic terms I used which I deliberately left un-translated. For example, placing the kaffir term "politics" after Siyasah as if to indicate that Siyasah implied or meant the kaffir concept of politics, even though I had tried to explain what the Islamic term Siyasah meant and that we, as Muslims, should not use kaffir terms because they can and often do distort Islam.

The main change made by them was to substitute Peace be upon him" for salla Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam, even though, correctly understood, the Arabic salutation on the Prophet (salla Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam) means  "May that Peace which Allah (alone) brings - and His blessings - be upon him." As I have tried to explain elsewhere, the Peace which Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala brings and confers is the Peace that arises from obedience to Him, and this includes the eternal peace of Jannah. This Peace is not the same as what the kuffar mean by  "peace".