EDUCATION, DISCUSSION AND CONSULTATION
The Islamic Association of Allen aims to educate the community, to uphold the peaceful and tolerant nature of Islam, and to provide a base for articulating the healthy moral example of Islam.
A masjid is not just a building, rather, it is the place for Muslims to study and educate themselves on current issues, discuss and consult with others, and determine the issues’ relevance to our community.
Islam requires that all of our affairs be decided through consultation (shuraa): “… Their affairs are decided by consultation between them…” (Surat ash-Shuraa, 42:38). Allaah commanded the Prophet (pbuh) to consult with his companions: “… And consult them in the affairs. Then when you had taken a decision, put your trust in Allaah, certainly, Allaah loves those who put their trust (in Him).” (Surat Aal-Imraan, 3:159). The masjid is the most convenient place for this tradition to carry forth.
Indeed, the masjid is the best place in which sincere Muslims can discuss current issues thoroughly and insightfully. Everyone should participate in a free and open manner while, of course, observing the Islamic aadaab (manners and etiquettes) of decency and consideration.
A wide variety of diverse, differing, and competing views and ideas must be entertained. Coming from the closed societies where free expression was forbidden, immigrant Muslim Americans have to learn how to respect and listen to the ideas of others, regardless of how trivial they may sound, and remain patient and restrained so that no view can be imposed.
Differences are natural, because Allah Ta’aalaa created us with different talents and abilities in a display of His creative power. They open our minds to different possibilities and new ways of thinking by stimulating our intellectual development. This is essential for our progress. However, whenever there is a dispute in any matter the reference should be the Qur’an and Sunnah. Allaah clearly stated in the Noble Qur’an: “… And if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allaah and His Messenger …” (Surat An-Nisaa, 4:59)
According to the Qur’an, we are “To enjoin what is good and beneficial and to forbid what is evil and harmful” (Surat Aal Imraan, 3:110). Our community is to work for justice and equity, which means to cooperate and ‘“help one another in righteousness; but help not in sin and rancor” and all the while “being Allah-conscious”’ (Suratul Ma’idah, 5:2). By cooperating with our compatriots, we could become harbingers of a decent and moral America, one that stands for goodness: with justice, equity, and fairness at home, for the Islamic Ummah, and for humanity.