Q: I am a non-Muslim trying to understand Islam more. Here are my questions:
1. With Islamophobia rising worldwide, there is a deeply ingrained perception that Islam as a religion is inherently violent. Is Islam violent?
2. Given the rise of groups like ISIS. In your perspective, how can we address Islamophobia in countries where non-Muslims and Muslims coexist?
3. Recently, wife-beating in Islam became a topic of discussion in the media. Do you agree that wife-beating is a good practice?
A: We will suggest that you study the book “What is Islam?” (accessible at the following link: http://www.talimiboardkzn.org/?q=node/327). Did you ever think of the violence of the European nations, America, Britain in the last century. If you have some iota of justice and there is no perversity in your mind and no prejudice then you will find ruthlessness and violence in all these western countries. Muslims who took up arms had done so in order to protect their lands, just as when an intruder enters your home you defend yourself by chasing him out. Through saving yourself and your family, you cannot be called a violent and oppressive person.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)