In a world where Islam doesn’t make sense

Being a Muslim means to submit oneself to Allah’s will. So how do we know what He wants from us? Any chance we could have a direct conversation with Him? Well, no… of course not. However, He provides us a guidance, the Qur’an … delivered to us through His messenger. Follow that, and we’ll be walking in the path of those on whom He has bestowed His grace. Simply put, Allah’s will is stated in the Holy Qur’an. Thus, if we want to be a true Muslim, just follow what the Qur’an said.

Easier said than done! Yes, the five times prayer (shalat), fasting in the month of Ramadhan, the act of charity (zakat) and pilgrimage (hajj) are plausible… but the other rules stated in the Qur’an? How am I supposed to do all that? Sometimes trying to be a good Muslim can give me such a headache; there are many Islamic values taught in the Qur’an that collide with reality. Let’s see… How am I supposed to be free of usury if all the banks in this country are based on such concept? Should I not have any bank account? But I cannot not have a bank account! I am a student; the university needs me to have a bank account. Should I then sacrifice education for the sake of not having anything to do with usury? That sounds a bit ridiculous.

What about prostitution or alcoholic beverages? I think Islam would not allow any of them to exist… But you see I’m living in a country where those things are given room to grow. Can I just turn a blind eye to them? The important thing is for me to stay away as far as possible from them. That sounds easy, but is it the right thing to do??? Maybe it is more appropriate for me to be a part of an Islamic organization who thinks themselves as a better doer of justice than the current authorities and join them when they’re raiding red light districts or beer sellers? Argh… I don’t know! None of them sounds right! All I want to do is be a good Muslim; follow the Qur’an… but how? In my world, it doesn’t make sense!

Of course it doesn’t make sense! You wanna know why? First, you’re thinking of doing Islam as an individual. I think I know where that came from… It’s because in your mind, being a Muslim is like doing the five times prayer; it’s all about individual act towards God… you don’t need other people to do it... and you certainly don’t depend on any rules of society/government to do it. Well let me spoil something for you, you are able to do shalat only because you are allowed to do so by your environment. It’s lucky for you to live in a country where Muslims dominate the population, so even if it’s not a country based on Islamic values, your religious needs are sure to be accommodated. You see mosque everywhere, prayer rooms in almost any public facilities like the mall, university, schools, etc. Try to live abroad where Muslim is a minority. Ha… Life would feel a thousand times harder. Yes they’re all about religious freedom, but to actually practice it without having the proper facilities to do it is not so easy (take it from someone who has had the experience… Me!). Say, you’re at the university. You want to do a prayer. Not only it’s hard to find an appropriate place to do it but your class schedule also clashes with the prayer time. In addition, before you do a prayer you must first do the ablution ritual (wudhu). You need water to do that. Yes, there are lots of toilets there… clean toilets… But they’re dry toilets. The only way to do the ablution is with the tap water from the sink. Figure how to do that without splashing water everywhere?! In the end, you’re only able to practice your religion as much as your environment allows you.

Second, there’s not even a single religious conduct in Islam that is not regulated. You say the five times prayer is something you can do independently? Again, you are mistaken. How do you think you know when to start a prayer? O yes, you hear the adzan (the call to prayer) from the Mosque. What if you are not anywhere near a mosque? O yes, you have the prayer time table. So, how do you think the prayer time table came into existence? Yes! You need people who know the rules to determine prayer times to decide such things for you. That also applies to fasting (you follow what the experts say about when to start the Ramadhan fasting), zakat (you left your money in the care of someone who has the rights to distribute it), and all other things stated in the Qur’an. The point is you need authorities to decide/interpret how you follow Qur’an correctly¹.

Third, you think it's a solution to join a self-appointed-law-enforcer Islamic group. However, that kind of group exists in a society that does not abide the rule of Islam. That group is a part of a country that does not use Islam as its basic principle. Thus, if they’re trying to do justice using their own interpretation on how justice should be, then they’re nothing more than a vigilante. You can’t practice a rule you think is right in a land that has already has its own rule … you’ll be labeled nothing more but a trouble maker. When in Rome, do as the Romans do²… If you don’t like it then leaveee! Go make your own country!

Gasp!

So we have finally come to that… 

Yes indeed we have. I’m sorry to say but there’s no other way to make sense of Islam unless you live in a system that embraces Islam fully... In other words, there’s no way of becoming a complete Muslim unless you’re a part of a state that practice Islam; use Islam as its foundation. Why a state? That is because “law is not just a norm stated on a paper or a holy book. It has to be interpreted, formulated, and applied in a society³”, and who has the power to do that if not something like a government?” Remember, you’re only able to practice your religion as much as your environment allows you and Islam encompasses not only our spiritual side but all aspect of our life. Thus, the only sane place for a Muslim to live is where the government is responsible in making sure that everything we do count as an act of serving Allah.

Just my two cents,
Gray
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¹ Deciding and interpreting Qur’an should be based on sunnah Rasul (how Prophet Muhammad conducted Qur’an).
^{2 I'm not saying that as a Muslim we have to forsake our belief when living in a non Islamic country. I just want to emphasize that as a citizen of a country, our action is bounded by the law of that country. What's more, they have values, cultures and customs we have to respect. Thus, when what they have is not in accord with what we believe, we're the one who has to make adjustment. For example: university doesn't have prayer room -> that's nothing to get mad about; the least thing we can do is ask if there's an unused classroom or any other room that we can use as one. Or, when a Westerner who is not used to waking up early moved to Indonesia -> He lives near a Mosque; so every day before dawn the sound of Adzan always wakes him up. He can't complain. Either shift his waking time or use earmuffs so he wouldn't be disturbed by it.
3} A quote from Yusril Izha Mahendra in one of his talk

The thing I stand for…

Back in 2009, I got the opportunity to join an activity called the circle of courage. This is where participants sit in a circle and share to the group what lies deep within their hearts. The instructor told us that this method can be used to help resolve social conflict, for example between local people and government. By voicing and listening to the problems, opinions, ideas or wishes from each party, it is hoped that a solution could be created. The key is to be truthful and open minded. That’s why it’s called the circle of courage; because you need courage to be both. So, what we did that day was something similar to that, only it was not about settling any conflict but inspiring each other on how we would make the world a better place. “What do you stand for?” asked the instructor. “It’s completely voluntary… so no pressure guys…” she added nicely. “There will also be no turn; you can talk whenever you feel like talking… Let’s start with me………..….”

What do I stand for? I don’t need a second to know what my answer is… the problem is, do I dare to say it out loud? What’s more, making this activity voluntary really messed my mind… now I have the option to just listen and not talk, which is super great, right? But if I do that, wouldn’t that mean I’m a coward? Wouldn’t that also imply that I’m too ashamed to tell the world who I really am? And as my mind battled whether or not I should say anything, three people had already shared their beautiful views. One stood for the sick and the poor… Another one said he stood for the welfare of animals and plants… Of course I wanted to join in. More than anything, I want to be sure that I am proud of what I believe and that it is not something that should be hidden… and stating it out loud is a way to proof it to myself.

I stole a glance around the room; I kept missing my chance. Every time I think nobody was about to volunteer and it should be my turn, somebody else went before me. The clock kept ticking… more and more people spoke up; and there weren’t a lot of us to begin with. I didn’t want to be last so I gathered up all my courage and quickly stood up before nerves failed me again. All eyes were on me… I felt very nervous and shaky, but no going back now. With the last bit of courage I had, I finally said, “My name is Gray. I am from Indonesia and I stand for the one true religion which I believe is Islam”…

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That was a story back from when I was younger. Now, almost seven years has passed and I am glad to say that I still stand for the very same thing. Why? Well, when people stand for something it is because they believe that something is worth fighting for. No way would they dedicate their life to support a cause if they don’t believe anything good will come out of it… be it for them or for something bigger; like the world. In my eyes, Islam is both.

For me, standing for Islam means to fight for a world where gender, race, blood, wealth and power do not give someone any superior status over another¹. Whether you’re a man, a woman, an Asian, a European, the member of a royal family, a CEO, a housekeeper… Everyone is simply Allah’s servant. Thus, no one should feel they’re above or below anyone else for the best person is he who is the most sincere in devotion to Him; and who could know that except Allah Himself?

Standing for Islam also means to fight for a just world and a world full of compassion². 

Standing for Islam also means to fight for a prosperous world full of blessings from the heaven and the earth³.

And lastly, standing for Islam is the key for me to be among those approved by Him⁴. Only by fighting for Islam would I be able to say in the end: My life has not been for naught...

Now, how do I know that the cause I’m supporting is not a bogus? How can I be sure that Islam is the real deal? Long story short, it all comes down to my belief in Allah. Why Him in particular? 

Because He is Allah;

The one and only…

The eternal, Absolute… 

Who beget not nor is begotten…

 and none is like Him.

That is one example of how Allah describes His nature in the Quran (Q.S 112:1-4). This description fits perfectly the image of a god, a supreme being that should not be matched by any other thing. It highlights His greatness and superiority very nicely that other descriptions of god I have come across so far look pale in comparison.

With that being said, all you people can say that all roads lead to Rome… but roads leading to a better world we all dream about⁵, there is none other than Islam.

Gray

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¹Human equality is mention in several verses in the Qur’an, some of them are: Q.S 16:97 “Whoever works righteousness, man or woman, and has faith, verily, to him will we give a new life and life that is good and pure, and we will bestow on such their reward according to the best of their actions” and Q.S 49:13 “O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female and made you into Nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (Not that ye may despise each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most Righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well-acquainted (with all things).

² Q.S 16:90 “Allah commands justice, the doing of good and liberality to kith and kin, and He forbids all shameful deeds, and injustice and rebellion: He instructs you, that ye may receive admonition.”

³ Q.S 7:96 “If the people of the towns had but believed and feared Allah, we should indeed have opened out to them (all kinds of) blessings from heaven and earth; But they rejected (the truth), and We brought them to book for their misdeeds.”

⁴ Q.S 3:85 “If anyone desire a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah), never will it be accepted of Him; and in the Hereafter He will be in the ranks of those who have lost (All spiritual good)."

⁵ Well, our standard of a better world is very likely to differ...  but I hope you get the idea...

Maulid Nabi (the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday)… Let’s celebrate it…… no?

Allee: Why was Thursday the 24^th a public holiday?

Bomby: You mean the 25^th?

Allee: No… Our long weekend started on the 24^th. I know the 25^th is Christmas…

Bomby: Well… maybe the government wanted to give extra holiday a day before Christmas…

Cat: Duh! Read your calendar would you… In the Islamic calendar, the 24^th December 2015 is the 12 Rabiul Awwal, a.k.a the birthday of Prophet Muhammad. Here we call it Maulid Nabi or Muludan.

Well… Hello again… this is me, Gray… and that conversation above happened between the little voices inside my head. If I did not check the note in the calendar, I would still think that it was a bonus holiday for people who celebrate Christmas (wew… I really need to start memorizing the Islamic calendar). Anyway, it also occurred to me the reason why I was so oblivious about it was because in the very early morning of the 24^th, I was already on the road back to my hometown… and when I arrived at around 14.30 (after a looong 10 hours drive) I was exhausted. Of course usually one can see a parade or hear people reciting praises and prayers from the mosque… but that afternoon/night… nada… So the next day, after I realized it was the Maulid Nabi the day before, I asked my mom how come I didn’t hear the people of the village celebrate; I think it’s very unusual for them to not be festive. So my mom told me that they moved the celebration a day earlier to respect those who are having Christmas Eve.

It’s weird isn’t it? If the government gave a holiday for the Muslim to celebrate the Prophet’s birthday, how come I, as a Muslim, didn’t even realize? Well, the answer is because this celebration is not like the Eid al-Fitri or the Eid al-Adha which were specifically done and demonstrated by Prophet Muhammad himself. There is never any account about the prophet celebrating his own birthday. The Maulid Nabi came into existence way after the Prophet’s time. So to speak, there are split opinions among Muslims regarding this matter; allowed or not allowed. I happen to be brought up by a family who doesn’t ‘celebrate¹’ this event. However, I’m not saying that I don’t care or that I want to keep being unaware about it. In fact, I think it’s good to know that on this day, a man destined as a mercy to the world was born². It’s a good time to reflect on my understanding of him as a Prophet. What was it that he brought? What does it mean by ‘a mercy to the world’? Has it been fulfilled? What should I, as his follower, do in order to realize his ideals? If you’re a Muslim and you’re not sure what to feel about Maulid Nabi, then maybe by knowing a version of the story about how Maulid Nabi came to be could shed some light and inspiration.

So, after Prophet Muhammad died, under different caliphates at different times, Islam continued to thrive… its glory continued to spread… and it was during the period of the Abbasid caliphate (750-1517) that Maulid Nabi was first commemorated. Islam was big at that time. The Caliphate ruled over many lands and people, but with big territory came communication problem; between the ruled lands and the Capital and between Muslims in different areas. In other words, there was no strong bonds between Muslims… there was no sense of unity, and the Caliphate was no more than a symbol of spirituality. In that sense, the Muslim Empire was weak. On the other hand, enemies were restless; Crusaders attacked and attacked until finally they claimed Jerusalem in 1099 and converted the Al-Aqsa Mosque into a church. It was around this time that Salahudin Al Ayubi (also known as Saladin), a governor of Cairo, realized how important it was to awaken the morale and unity of Muslims all around the globe.

Saladin thought that the best way to achieve that was by strengthening Muslim’s love and reverence for Prophet Muhammad, and wouldn’t his birthday be the perfect timing to contemplate about his life and why he was sent to us in the first place? He asked the permission of the ruling Caliph at that time to socialize about making the birth of the prophet a celebration for all Muslims. The Caliph gave his yes and during the pilgrimage month in the year 1183, he instructed all the pilgrims to tell the Muslim back in their country that starting next year, the prophet’s birthday was to be celebrated. Many scholars thought his idea was outrageous. ‘Where does this come from? The Prophet never even once told his followers to celebrate his birthday!’ they said. However, Saladin insisted and assured them that this was not supposed to be a ritual thing like Eid al Fitri and Eid al Adha. This was simply just a way to use the moment to bring Muslims back together and make them stronger.

Thus, the next year, the first ‘worldwide’ Maulid Nabi was held. Saladin organized a contest of writing the most beautiful history of Prophet Muhammad’s life. Syeikh Jafar al Barjanji with his work called Iqd Al-Jawahir (a string of gems) won the competition. In his book, also popularly known as the book of Barjanji, he wrote about the genealogy of Muhammad, his childhood, teenage, adulthood until he was appointed as the last Prophet of Allah. The book was also filled with great examples of the Prophet’s characters and various events with morals and wisdoms to take from. The effect of this event was tremendous! The Muslims’ spirit of jihad, their sense of belonging and togetherness were lifted! Three years after the initiation of Maulid Nabi, Jerussalem was reclaimed by the Muslims and the Al Aqsa has since stood proudly back as a Mosque.

Now, let’s shift the focus a bit to the southeastern part of the world. During the early spread of Islam in Indonesia, the Walisongo³ used Maulid Nabi to attract people to learn and embrace Islam. There is a tradition, known today as sekaten, which is actually syahadatain/syahada⁴ in the tongue of Javanese. During the Maulid Nabi in the Walisongo time, people who wanted to convert to Islam would pronounce the syahada and then they would enter a gate called gapura (the Javanese word for ghafur or forgiveness) accompanied with the beat of gamelan⁵. This was meant to symbolize them receiving the mercy and forgiveness from Allah. So, even at that time, the celebration of Maulid Nabi was no more than a vehicle to convey the message of God to people.

Now I wonder what Maulid Nabi means for Muslims? For those who do not celebrate it, was it just because their parents don’t celebrate it… like mine? Is it better to not celebrate it? What about for those who celebrate it? Was it just about walking around the village in parade, playing the rebana⁶ and singing praises to Allah and shalawat to the Prophet? And how many are there among the people who chant the book of Barjanji in the mosque during the 12^th Rabiul Awwal really know what it is saying?

Looking back at the tale of Saladin and Maulid Nabi, doesn’t it seems such a waste of energy to celebrate it with all the rituals and traditions if you don’t really know what it is… or what it’s for… or what the basis is in doing all that? Remember, Saladin emphasized on not making this a ritual of some kind… It’s just a tool to unify Muslims and wake them from their slumber. On the other hand, wouldn’t it also be such a waste to not use this great moment to bring us one step closer to the ideal life as exemplified by the prophet? I think the Maulid Nabi gives us a great momentum to start doing something for the better future of Islam and its people… and ultimately the world. Let’s start together by reflecting on ourselves… Have we understood Islam correctly? Have we grasped the very essence of Islam?

So, before I finish things up… I wanna ask a question: Where are we now? What does the world see when they see us? And by us, I mean Muslim…

Extremist… terrorist… poor… underdeveloped?

What a pitiful image for something that should have been peaceful, prosperous, great and glorious. We are not there yet… but we will be… Only and only if we do something!

Let’s be rich so we can give the poor…

Be strong so we can help the weak…

Be bright so we can illuminate the dark…

Be healthy so we can tend the sick…

And have knowledge so we can lead people to the path to eternal bliss

So, how did you commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad? I wrote this article… what about you? ;)

Gray

Disclaimer: This article is my understanding of the talk given by Prof. Dr-Ing. Ir Rudi Rubiandini during the last Maulid Nabi

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¹By not ‘celebrating’ I meant not joining any parade or other traditional rituals that is influenced by socio-cultural condition of the area I’m living (of which some are reeking of mysticism)

²Q.S 21:107 “And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds”

³Walisongo is a name for a group of people (nine to be exact, songo=nine) who played a big role in the early spread of Islam in Indonesia

⁴Syahada = the two sentences one declares when embracing Islam (there is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah”).

⁵Gamelan = a traditional instrumental ensemble of Indonesia, typically including many bronze percussion instruments

⁶Rebana = a musical instrument similar to a tambourine