True Islam?

True Islam?
A Comparison Between Two Competing Islamic Worldviews

by Makhtum Abdelkarim, September, 2002
Spiritual Leader of the Turkmen Diaspora in Afghanistan



Introduction

Both Mullah Omar and the Taliban have damaged Islam tremendously both locally and in the international world overall. This has affected the Muslim peoples worldwide and makes them a subject to negative attitudes.

We do not support aggressive actions of Mullah Omar or the Taliban-in fact we denounce it-because we find with these actions they are projecting Islam to be a backward, unforgiving and narrow-minded religion. We denounce them for bringing a bad image to Islam and see them as the enemy. They have made Islam synonymous with torture, injustice and discrimination. We know them as the puppets of outside, negative forces. The fact that Mullah Omar and Taliban started all this turmoil in Afghanistan was the downfall and unfortunate fate of the people of Afghanistan. This not only brought devastation to the people, but also to the country as well by wiping out any kind of progress that had been made in building a nation and society and by completely eliminating the pre-existing infrastructure. They have made Afghanistan what it is today: a total devastating wreck.

Despotism, aggression, injustice and the shedding of blood do not have a place in Islam. Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance. It defends the freedom and rights of human beings. It likes to forgive, dictates justice and believes in doing good and helping others. It promotes the highest form of principals and places great importance upon morals. Islam asks that all believers fight against evil, injustice and swindling. We condemn everyone who tortures, kills, and abuses the people and society in the name of Islam. We see them as the disgraceful face of humanity. We believe that they are mentally ill and must be treated as such.

The actions and wrong perceptions of Mullah Omar will and do have a negative impact on the Turkmen people. His inhuman practices, impositions and tortures have actually made many who were subjected to these actions re-think their beliefs. They began to question Islam and the practice imposed on them by the Taliban and actually started to withdraw from religion itself. They are saying if this is Islam, then we do not want to have anything to do with Islam.

How Turks became Muslims: A Brief Introduction by Makhtum Abdelkarim Our prophet received the divine revelations in what was then a remote region of the world. After this event a small group of people who had been living in poverty, deprivation and slavery became a nation of conquerors and victorious peoples. Omar I (caliph from 634-644 CE) and a group of Muslim warriors conquered Syria and Egypt in 641, dealing a big blow to the mighty Roman Empire. In 642 they defeated the Sassanid Empire and reached the shores of the Oxus River where they met the Turks for the first time. Islam's expansion, however, was stayed when Prophets Omar and his predecessor Osman were murdered during internal power struggles. These struggles continued until the 8th century and the relations with Turks did not go beyond that of neighbors. The Omayyad's (a dynasty that ruled the Islamic world from 660 to 750) brought Haccac to be the governor of the eastern region, and Kutaybe Bin Muslimin became the supreme commander of Khorasan (located in what is present-day northeastern Iran) in 705. They took over Transoxiana up to the region called Talas but the Turkish Khan Turges and his forces kept their stance until 720. The attempt of the Omayyad's to take over the Turks was unsuccessful. At the same time, these wars brought the Turks in close contact with Islam. It did not take very long for the Turks to accept Islam and to accept its path. This conversion happened without struggle or coercion mainly because the life style and worship of the Turks were similar to that of Islam. Accepting only one God and worshipping only him, believing in the world hereafter and the soul never dying, and offering sacrifices to the almighty were the basis of the beliefs of both peoples. Condemning adultery, theft, petty crime, murder, lying and similar unacceptable behaviors are within the laws and beliefs of Islam as well as of the Turks. Also, bravery is an important part of both cultures. The spread of the word first began in the Turkistan region by the Gok Turks.

There is no difference between Mullah Omar's religion and the Turkmen people's religion as such. Only their perceptions differ. Omar's beliefs come from those of the Brothers of Devotees, the well-known Muslim religious and political devotee group of the 10th century. According to their rules, religion is used within politics. So in the book "Islam and its Leaders," written by one of the Sheiks of the order Seyit Kutub, he talked of many ideas that had nothing to do with Islam and used the religion wrongly. If one was to give an example: According to the Quaran, to own land, buildings, bank accounts and so on is accepted. On the other hand, Seyit Kutub's interpretation says that all belongs to God and that no man can own material goods. A related passage of the Quaran states that we must be thankful for all the good things God gives us and we must not be ungracious. In the Turkmen interpretation of these passages, God is above everything and is the sole owner but at the same time he has given an abundance of favors to humans so that they would make the best use of them for the good of mankind. The most important difference between the thoughts of Mullah Omar and the Turkmen religious community regard law and theological science. We see the terror campaign of Mullah Omar, who tortured, killed, dismembered or whipped people to keep them under his rule of thumb, as being against human rights and the laws and rights of Islam.

The Value of Peace

In the Turkmens' understanding of religion, the place of peace and harmony has great importance. It is possible to perceive this especially in the unwritten laws of the Turkmen culture and the importance that is placed upon these issues. As an example, disagreements between two parties sometimes get settled outside of court with the help of elders and learned people in order to keep the peace. People are willing to work for peace. In comparison, the Taliban are totally different, and usually it's very easy to see their political and ideological ambitions in their immediate actions. The Taliban, who have a very narrow worldview, perceive peace and harmony as secondary to ideological ambitions. In section 26, 49 verse 9 God dictates that if two parties are fighting, one should intervene to stop it until they come around to the ways of God; if they are to be changed, change them under the guidance of the laws. God loves the just and true ones.

Islam and the Other Religions of the World

The historical, cultural, scientific and religious structure of the Turkmen people is such that they respect Christianity as well as other beliefs and religions. They respect all those who respect them. They especially respect Christianity as well as all the other three main religions. In other words, they respect and accept that Jesus was a prophet and his Bible is as holy as the book of David, Moses and the Quaran. The Taliban, on the other hand, do not believe in the real word of the Quaran. They are of different thought and mentality and their actions discredit the true Islamic belief and religion. They do not accept any group who does not believe and practice the same ideas as they, as witnessed by their treatment of the Shiites and the fact that they destroyed the statues of Buddha at Bamiyan that are part of the history of Afghanistan.

In both the Turkmen people's perception of religion and Islam in general, people are not responsible for anything that is beyond their means. An individual is only responsible for things within his reach and power. For example: A Muslim is responsible to pray and to fast. If on the other hand he is not capable of worshipping for reasons of health and other physical disability, he is exempt until when he is able to carry it out. Two of the five important prophecies for Muslims are to go to Hac at least once in a lifetime and to give money and/or other goods such as food to the needy. Those who are not capable of doing either of these due to financial reasons are exempt. There is no force in religion. A person is free to choose his or her religion, sect and manner of worship. In the words of our forefathers, nothing can come between man and his God. The Taliban do not perceive it like this. To them, people are not allowed to choose. If they do not worship in the proper manner dictated by the Taliban, they are persecuted, tortured and treated in the most inhuman manner. Over the years this persecution has also included those from other religions and sects.

Islam and Secularism

The Turkmen people believe in the principles of secular thought. Throughout the years they have proven this belief by having a government and a constitutional system with equal rights for everyone regardless of creed or religion, where law dictates and not religion. If and when need be, for the benefit of the people and the country, they have asked the support of the religious leaders. On the other hand, the Taliban are totally against secularism. Although in reality it does not have anything to do with Islamic laws, they have practiced laws they proclaimed to be the law of the Sheriat, and gave the Mullahs greater authority and position within the government.

The Turkmens' secular beliefs extend also to their views toward education and science. Medicine, math, astronomy, history, literature and other similar topics are taught in schools alongside religion. In addition to religion, other area specialties are also offered. Aside from these schools, many Turkmen youth are becoming increasingly interested in higher education. The number of our youth studying abroad in many different countries attests to this trend. In fact we can even say that among the so-called Afghan refugees who are living outside, the best educated and most well read group are the Turkmens living among them. Because they are against secular thought, the Taliban in essence do not believe in education. According to religious law, to be educated without discrimination based on creed, race or gender is compulsory for everyone. In one section of the Quaran it is specifically pointed out that both men and women must be educated.

In general to have a healthy functioning society, it is important to have both the scientific/technical and the cultural aspects strengthened. This is true of every culture, but is especially true of the Asian nations. Islam is a religion of the developed mind. This can be clearly seen in the holy book of the Quaran and other readings of Islam. It is open to change and it promotes science and development. Positive science is supported in Islam while anything that does not benefit human beings is not. In one of his sayings, the Prophet remarked "God please protect us from all those sciences that do not benefit us." For example: "Learn all those that are beneficial for you," "accept research and new changes," and "never accept what you have to be the last of things, always strive for more," are some of his prophecies. He banned every type of sorcery, magic etc. Prophet Mohammed once stated that "you must learn science from cradle to tomb," and "if need be you must go to China to learn." Even with respect to orphans and the children of prisoners of war, our Prophet said that they should be taken care of, educated and then given their freedom. It was quoted in the Quaran that "There will come a time when human beings will go to the moon and sun." It was Islam that perceived the possibility of these achievements in the 14th Century. As demonstrated by this passage, Islam as a religion supports the advancement of science and education.

We Turkmens believe in equal treatment in our judicial system and here again we practice secular laws. The Taliban does not have a secular judicial system; theirs is a totally narrow minded approach without proper laws. They do not research or investigate anything, they make decisions on biases with no basis and they execute suspects without trial. They do all this within their so-called system. According to the rules of the religion, people of all religions, races and genders have the right to a legal trial. In Islam, justice is supposed to support the peace and stability of society. To give an example from the Quaran, in section 57 verse 25 it says that "we sent our prophets the clear words; in order to carry out justice we gave them the word, the book, the balance and the iron where they could find the strength and benefits for humans."¹ God is strong and above everyone.

Women

Finally, according to the norms, beliefs and culture of the Turkmens, women have a respected position in society and are accepted as its mainstay and strength. The proverb "heaven is below the feet of mothers" attests to this point. The precious stone decorations combined with gold and silver that adorn Turkmen women are another way to show this respect and belief. Likewise, the mother has a sacred role in Turkmen culture. In this culture, unlike in other Muslim countries, women are not imposed upon to wear a burka. This is another form of respect given to the Turkmen women. The Taliban do not view women in such high respect. In fact, if anything they occupy the lowest position in society and are not even considered human beings. The women under the Taliban regime have been stripped of all their rights as members of that society and have been treated in a most horrible way not befitting humans. Our women know their worth and responsibilities in society, especially in helping raise responsible citizens and good human beings. They are strong and hold their heads up high. Unfortunately, we have begun to see behavioral changes in women who were under the rule of the Taliban-their fear, loss of self-respect and self worth, and other unhealthy traits. In sections 21 and 33 and verse 35, it specifically says that all men and women who are good citizens, who treat everyone equally, justly and with kindness, will be rewarded by God. So there is no differentiation between man and woman in the Quaran as stated by the Taliban. The importance given to women can be seen in sections that talk of the daughter of Prophet Mohammed, Bibi Ayse and her important role in that society.

Conclusion

All those people who view Islam from a very narrow political-ideological perspective without analyzing and understanding in depth the religion's teachings and benefits have damaged its reputation tremendously. For they practice it as they see it, and use it as a tool to reach their selfish goals. Islam should be thought of and studied based on its true teachings and the good that it brings to its followers. This can only be achieved through the help of the press and educational institutes, and it should be taught and discussed in larger milieus. Applying this properly can help us to achieve peace and prosperity in our country. We will then have the justice, human rights and freedom we have been hoping for all these years. National revenue will be used for the good of the country in the rebuilding of infrastructure, trade and social reforms will take place, bilateral relations with neighbors will prosper and we will be a more active partner in the regional and international arenas.

Almost all of the population of Afghanistan is Muslim. When analyzed, Islam is a religion that advocates peace, harmony, justice, human rights, freedom, and morals. It promotes the use of science, technology, and development. With this in mind, we believe that Islam will support the rebuilding of Afghanistan because the religion dictates all of these beneficial changes and actions. As we mentioned in the beginning, Islam should be analyzed as a whole.

There is no future to the views of Mullah Omar in the international world because this worldview and so-called belief do not have well-established and learned roots. Simple and boorish administrations are never successful. They never practice what they preach and this can be clearly seen in Omar's case. On the other hand, we must not forget the impact that Mullah Omar has had on underdeveloped nations with primitive systems. Although these types of effects are usually short lived, they are nevertheless important to consider when looking at the world conjuncture. The best example of this is the state of Afghanistan today.

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¹This passage refers to the three gifts of Allah--the Book, the Balance and the Iron--which hold society together. Respectively, these emblems stand for: "Revelation, which commands Good and forbids Evil; Justice, which gives to each person his due; and the strong arm of the Law, which maintains sanctions for evil-doers."

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