In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salÄmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullÄhi wa-barakÄtuh
When judging the actions of people, we are expected to perform unbiased analysis of the chain of events. Consider the following example:
- Israel usurps Palestinian Lands and humiliates Palestinians
- Palestinians respond by protesting, pelting stones and firing 1-2 home made rockets into Israel
- Israel reacts with shooting Palestinians, bulldozing their homes and firing rockets into civilian population
Media Coverage:
Israeli source skip (1) but highlight 2 as the reason for their actions. The World says that Israel has the right to defend itself and its (civilian) population from Terrorism, this is how majority sees it.
Some in the Media state that the (Israeli) response is disproportionate to the Palestinian response but HARDLY any one looks at the entire issue in its totality from end to end, linking REACTION to an ACTION.
Muslim behaviour on Forums
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Muslims of forums focus on REACTION rather then taking a long hard view on the entirety of issues. Why?
- Because most do not have the memory to actually remember what a member said in the (near or distant) past
- Because most can't be bothered and live in the here and now
- Because some people are deliberately biased!
Its the 3rd group which is problematic who despite having the ability to apply context, refuse to do so. For them nothing but reckoning from Allah Ta'ala awaits! It is a sad thing to say because if a "member" is able to search, understand and articulate complex scientific principles then we can assume that he/she can understand concepts which are basic and mundane such as "zih@@d" is not a word! If this clear and unambiguous matter is not being recognised but the REACTION is being focused upon and in particular (later) REACTION which is after the first initial correspondence then we know that the matter is not about the Islamic principles of fairness, equity and justice which take precedence over everything else.
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Yes, you can argue that a REACTION can sometimes be disproportionate and far exceeds the impact of the ACTION. In this case we are supposed to say, "REACTION was disproportionate but the original ACTION led to the REACTION"
You cannot separate the ACTION from REACTION otherwise life becomes a mockery!
However, rational and sane humans simply DO NOT lash out. Most humans follow a predictable pattern and if an ACTION is out of the ordinary or WAY out of the ordinary then before criticising the REACTION, a thorough analysis of the whole issue must be conducted.
IF we are unable to analyse the whole issue in full then we forfeit the right to comment on the REACTION. Why? Because we will be asked on the day of judgement about our actions:
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Behaviour Adjustment
Our default position for all Muslims is that they are truthful, honest and upright. However, once repeated behaviour shows that a Muslims is filled with "poisonous hatred" then we have an obligation to protect ourself from the damage.
The damage is not invited, it is not welcome but it is expected because the heart has deviated and corrupted.
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At no point, do we cease to make Dua for these (Muslims) and at no point do we go out of our way to cause harm but the REACTION is necessary to protect ourselves and others from their corrupted hearts and devious nature.
When Allah Ta'ala removes the poison from the hearts, then ACTION stops and REACTION is no longer necessary but it is the heart which needs to be cured by the Mercy of Allah Ta'ala.
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What about forgiveness?
Indeed Allah Ta'ala recommends forgiveness and overlooking and grants great reward.
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However, forgiveness is an "optional" act and not an obligation. When an Islamic court announces a punishment (in some case) forgiveness is possible so those whose rights are usurped are "encouraged" to forgive.
Secondly, repeated and consistent ACTIONS by those with a corrupted heart do not stop by forgiveness! You can forgive, you can apologise but if the ACTIONS keep coming then it quickly escalates up the ladder.
What about forget & forgive?
This is not an Islamic concept at all (in this order). Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (RA) has stated that it has become customary for people to issue "token apologies" when the underlying issue is simmering (beneath the surface) and never resolved.
It is MORE IMPORTANT to resolve issues THEN to issue token and customary apologies.
This is a method which Muslims have learned from the West where in politics, slander and accusations are thrown and then the day after elections the same parties get into a coalition Government and all is forgotten. It is because the focus is the life of this world and not the life hereafter.
Loss of Focus
Thus we arrive at the real issue which is loss of focus.
A Muslim who is conscious of standing before Allah Ta'ala being called to account will admit mistakes, apologise, retract and retreat.
A "false Sufi" will merely pay lip service to the concepts of Islam.
This remains the ultimate test to judge the sincerity of Muslims, how often do they admit their mistakes, retract, retreat and correct their behaviour. This separates those who follow the Sunnah from the "false Sufees"!