An invitation worth accepting

KHUTBAHS means “sermons” in Arabic.

Oftentimes delivered by an imam (Islamic teacher) during Jummah (congregational prayers at dhuhr (noon) on Friday), these published speeches by Trinidad- born Imam Iqubal Hydal are timely, given the misinformation about Islam and the corruption of the faith by many who purport to be Muslims . Using the Quran (Islam’s holy book) as the source of his sermons, Imam Hydal addresses social, political and spiritual issues. His words are measured, and with sound analysis he presents the relevance of Islam to modern times.

Expectedly, Hydal is “preaching to the choir,” as sermons delivered in mosques and not geared to non-Muslims.

In book format, though, many readers unfamiliar with the Quran are indirectly “invited” to learn more about a religion that continues to attract many to its fold.

It is an invitation worth accepting.

Hydal is punctilious in his interpretation of Al Fatihah, the most recited prayer in the Quran. It extols the magnanimity and all-encompassing wonder of the Creator.

God’s omniscience, omnipresence and beneficence are immutable.

Non-Muslims will find their definition of God is shared with Muslims.

Hydal is scholarly in his examination of physical laws, cosmogony, and the ineffable, unseen forces that sustain the universe. In a laudable undertaking he ably bridges the gap between science and theology, concluding that “even the most powerful and frightening forces in the universe are completely subservient to Him.” In his sermon commemorating the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, Hydal deftly allows non-Muslim authorities to speak for him.

Of the Prophet, Gandhi said: “I wanted to know the best of the life of one who holds today undisputed sway over the hearts of millions of mankind. I became more than ever convinced that it was not the sword that won a place for Islam, it was the rigid simplicity; the utter self-effacement; the scrupulous regard for pledges, his intense devotion to his friends and followers; his intrepidity; his fearlessness; his absolute trust in God and in his mission.” And in “The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History, Michael H Hart writes, “He [Muhammad] was the only man in history who was successful on both religious and secular levels.” Hydal presents the Quran as an arbiter of social justice. Therein, he argues, are injunctions and warnings against excesses at all levels of governance.

He states, “Who would have thought that countries grounded in Islam…would have seen leaders emerging, who by the accusations being levelled against them, would have engaged in corrupt practices.

It is a lesson for all Muslims, particularly for us here in Trinidad.” Later, he calls for a democratic, God-fearing society. And sermons addressing crime, capital punishment, and racism are testament to the worth of the Quran as veritable source of reference on judicial matters.

Undoubtedly, Hydal’s pedagogical offering will add to the discourse on the role of Islam in a chaotic and divisive world. Many will be heartened by Islam’s affinity to Judeo-Christian Thought and Jesus’ august stature in the Quran. Submission to God, justice, equality and the sanctity of life are meticulously recorded and well articulated by Hydal.

Regrettably, tradition and customs have taken precedence over the divine word resulting in inequity and human rights violations. Of the many sexist and misogynist charges levelled against Muslims, Hydal responds unmistakably.

“The revelation of the Holy Quran gave rights to women, which even to this day are non-existent in some civilised societies which boast of women-liberation movements.” He continues, “The Quran, more than 1400 years ago gave property rights and rights of inheritance to women at every level of society.” He then asks rhetorically, “Has any other nation or religion ever given such legal rights in property and wealth to women?” On the spiritual level he affirms that both sexes have been instruments of divine revelation.

He later encourages Muslim women to learn about their rights and responsibilities as enshrined in their holy book and “stand up for their beliefs...” Unquestionably, Khutbahs on the Quran is richly informative.

Still, it follows the path of exceptionalism and does little to advance unity of faith.

Islam assumes pre-eminence and is presented as the balm for a rotting world.

Hydal unfailingly underscores the authenticity of the Quran creating some measure of uneasiness in the process.

Of the Bible, he avers, “Even amongst the four gospels there is much contradictory information that one cannot decide which of the four is authentic. In fact, none of them can be authentic.

In addition to being translations, they cannot be the revealed word of God in their present form because they were authored by human beings and they present different version of the life history of the Messiah.” He follows his edgy declaration with the following: “[T]he Holy Quran leaves no doubt about these matters with regard to itself.” One cannot help but wonder how non-Muslims will respond.

Feedback: glenvilleashby@ gmail.com or follow him on Twitter@ glenvilleashby Khutbas of the Quran by Imam Iqubal Hydal, 2016 Available: www.safaripublications.

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