The Muslim Mindset and Islam’s Mission with Dr Sohail Hanif
Feb 17, 2024
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Dr. Sohail Hanif discusses reorienting our mentality towards deen and the umma. He explores the significance of the caliphate, the concept of jihad, and the importance of reclaiming sacred vocabulary. The podcast also delves into the concept of ummah, government, unity, and structure within the Muslim community. Additionally, it addresses the crisis of poverty, the mission of Islam, and the role of Muslim communities in spreading the message.
The early period of Islam in Medina laid the foundation for a strong and organized Islamic community through institutions like the mosque, free market, and dispute resolution centers.
Jihad in Islam encompasses various forms of struggle for justice and defending the faith, emphasizing the importance of living a purposeful life.
Ummah promotes collective responsibility, community unity, and care for the environment, extending beyond individual faith practices.
The Caliphate symbolizes important Islamic values, such as harmony, justice, and respect for all faith communities, despite its historical transformations.
Deep dives
Importance of Community in Islam
The early period of Islam in Medina emphasized the importance of community through various institutions. The mosque served as a symbol of unity, with all members praying together and respecting the leadership. The establishment of a free market promoted a non-exploitative economy within the community. Dispute resolution centers, known as Qadi's, were created to maintain harmony within the community. The collection of funds through Zakat and their storage in a central treasury known as Beitul-Mal ensured communal welfare. Additionally, a sense of duty and responsibility towards the ummah was fostered, encouraging collective defense and a shared sense of purpose. Overall, these institutions laid the foundation for a strong and organized Islamic community in Medina.
The meaning and significance of Jihad
Jihad, meaning struggle, is a concept deeply rooted in Islam. It encompasses various forms of struggle, including the battle against one's own ego, defending the faith, and standing up for justice. The Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad emphasize the importance of engaging in struggle for the sake of God. Jihad can be expressed in various ways, such as speaking out against injustice, participating in peaceful protests, and working towards the betterment of society. It is a means to bring honor, dignity, safety, and protection to the Muslim ummah, and is a lifelong commitment to living a purposeful and meaningful life in service to God and the community.
The Significance of Ummah in Islam
Ummah refers to the collective community of Muslims who come together around a shared purpose. In Islam, faith is meant to be experienced and enjoyed within the community. The establishment of the Prophet's mosque in Medina, the concept of Friday congregational prayers, and the distribution of Zakat funds all serve to unite believers and foster a sense of community. The idea of Ummah extends beyond individual faith practices and extends to include care for the environment and the well-being of all faith communities. It emphasizes the importance of collective responsibility and the need to maintain harmony and justice within the community.
Understanding the Caliphate in Islam
The Caliphate refers to the political leadership of the Muslim community. While historically the Caliphate existed as a unified political entity for a limited period, the idea of Caliphate represents important values and principles within Islam. The Caliphate signifies the absence of absolute leadership, with God and His Messenger being the ultimate authority. It highlights the custodianship and care for the Earth and all its inhabitants, promoting harmony and justice. The Caliphate also emphasizes the protection and respect for all faith communities, allowing them to practice their religion without persecution. While the historical Caliphate may have transformed over time, the principles and ideals it represents continue to hold significance in the Islamic tradition.
The Mission of Islam and the Role of Muslims in the West
The podcast delves into the idea of Muslims living in the West as custodians of Islam and the mission they have in this privileged position. It emphasizes the need to link the mission of Islam with the advantages and opportunities available in the West. The speaker suggests that Muslims should see themselves as manning the frontlines of the faith, protecting justice, and extending the reach of Islam through their presence and practice in non-Muslim countries. The importance of organizing communities, practicing the sacred law, and contributing to local contexts is highlighted. The speaker believes that by living purposefully and positively, Muslims in the West can benefit not only themselves but also the wider world.
The Significance of Zakat and Community Engagement
The podcast explores the concept of Zakat and its role in building and strengthening Muslim communities. It emphasizes that Zakat is not just about giving to charity; it is a duty of care and economic justice deeply embedded in the earliest teachings of Islam. The speaker highlights the importance of localizing and mobilizing Zakat to connect with and support fellow believers in need. By establishing a strong Zakat system within communities, Muslims can enhance the sense of belonging, brotherhood, and unity. The potential positive impact of Zakat, such as providing housing support and saving public funds, is discussed. The speaker stresses the need to move beyond a charity-based mindset and envision a charity-based economy that upholds justice and mercy.
The Role of Muslims in the UK and the Global Ummah
The podcast addresses the role of Muslims in the UK and their responsibility to both local communities and the wider global Ummah. It encourages Muslims in the West to see themselves as living outposts of Islam, safeguarding justice and faith. While acknowledging the challenges of living as a minority, the speaker argues that Muslims should strive to positively influence the countries they reside in. The importance of intention, purposefulness, and organizing community structures is emphasized. The speaker suggests that by being strong, representative, and practicing justice, Muslims in the UK can contribute to the betterment of the world and exemplify the values of Islam to the wider society.
Our guest this week, Dr Sohail Hanif, argues that we need to reconnect with not just our relationship with our umma but also have to reorient our lives to live like the murabitun of the past, those who saw themselves as within a wider objective of thinking about deen and the umma and their part within this rubric. In this endeavour, to change our mentality, we have to reconfigure how we view some of the fundamental Islamic ideas of zakat, ummah and jihad. Are we in the west manning an outpost of this umma. And has Gaza taught us a wider lesson about reorienting our mentalities.
Dr Sohail is the National Zakat Foundation’s Chief Executive. Prior to this, he held the position of Lecturer at Cambridge Muslim College. He also was the Head of Sciences at Qasid Arabic Institute in Amman. He has expertise in Islamic law, having studied extensively with traditional scholars, and holds a PhD from Oxford University. Listen to the audio version of the podcast:
