A Seedling

of Hope
Optimism in the 21st century
from Prophet Mohammed's legacy

Dr. R. J. Bagha
 1. Cover
2. Title Page
3- Copyright
4. Dedication Dedication:
5. Preface
6. Chapter 1: Flavored Popcorn and Muslims
7. Chapter 2: The Science of Things
8. Chapter 3: Sense and Similarity’ Dedicated to my cat and pet bunnies.
9. Chapter 4: Word Play That should bring niv family down a notch and
10. Chapter 5: Skewering the Definitions a deserved “tut tut” from you. It is the family,
11. Chapter 6: Prophet Mohammed y’know, that encouraged me to keep writing and the
12. Chapter 7: Activism and Martha reason why you have to suffer this book. Its true:
13- Chapter 8: Poverty’, Greed, and Aladdin’s Lamp the bunny cut the wire to my keyboard putting a
14. Notes stop to my ramblings. The cat often sat on the
15. Index keyboard and, fortunately for you, the finished
product is half of what it would have been. If you
want to thank them, let me know. Preface
To my wife with much love for her patience and
her insight into the animal world that form
significant portions of the book.
To my sister Sabira with much love. Her
fortitude in times of adversity, her love for the poor, The light was fast disappearing in the winter cold,
and her faith in her Creator are lessons penned in as I made my way to the Memorial Park in Sudbury,
this book. Ontario, my town of residence. It was January 31,
To my parents and in-laws for their unwavering 2017. My shoes sunk into the deep snow and I could
support. feel the cold bite above the ankles. Minus 9 degrees,
To Ghalib and Anver, my uncles, for teaching but it felt chillier. As I neared the gathering, the
me to appreciate God's bounties, the Good which is sight of candles glowing in the disappearing light
easy to see, the “Bad” for its important lessons in warmed my heart and I forgot the cold.
teaching me humility. The winter was not about to deter people, and
To all animal lovers and environmentalists. You they did not have to be Muslims to feel the pain; the
represent the best of humankind and I salute you. vigil itself had been organized by non-Muslims to
honor those who had died in the mass shooting at a
Quebec mosque earlier that week. Six unarmed kindly. I do not remember what I said, my mind in
people were simply attending prayers at a local a blur trying to concoct an impromptu speech. But I
mosque and were shot at point-blank range; the do remember saying one thing, and I must have
children affected would never have to wait again for repeated it several times: “I feel like hugging each
their fathers to come home. They will have wished one of you”. These compassionate Canadians
that last hug had been a longer one. warmed and filled my heart to overflowing. They
Those present at the vigil came from all faiths, did not need to be Muslims to feel the pain of
including Christians, Jews, Muslims, as well as others. And there are people like that all over the
others. I am sure there must also have been people world.
who did not have a belief in God, but still they Yet, why did other people feel the need to hurt
came. others? What was missing? Was it because of
My name was called out. I had not known that I mental disturbance? Was it because of ignorance of
was going to be one of the speakers, but someone the other? Was it fear?
obviously knew I would be there, or knew that I was
the president of a mosque in Sudbury and may have
assumed I would be there. As I quickly made my Oo
way to the podium, I saw the police chief, smiling
A typical scenario may just be happening if you slip bottom of the chart and then he pauses. He does
in undetected and peep in through the key hole into not like what he sees. He suddenly flips the chart
a rectangular or oval room in many parts of the upside down, and then retraces his finger on the
world: The honchos in the top jobs are scratching same line going up, and exclaims with confidence,
their heads as they sit sipping drinks. They cannot “Now that is what I call good news. It’s going up,
understand why people are not happy until the y’see! It is going up. It’s a fact. It’s not fake news, as
government. The head honcho, a rich man, stands you can see. Let me take a picture...”
up. The people elected an avaricious corporate “But the words are now all upside down,” one of
person to weed out corporate greed. It all made the men ventures hesitatingly. “Won’t people
sense, somehow, but no one could explain how. An notice?”
absent-minded professor finally figured out how “If you don’t shut up, I will fire you. I have done
this made sense, but then he promptly forgot his that many times, y’know. Firing, I mean. And
convoluted theory, and so it remains a mystery to concocting true things. Don’t you trust me?”
this day. The honcho billionaire traces the line on “Sony,” responds the man meekly. “I guess we
the opinion poll chart with his finger for emphasis. can always say ‘conspiracy theories’ if things don't
The line goes up and down for a bit and then starts work out'”
to decline steadily. His finger almost reaches the “The elections are drawing near,” the leader
continues, glaring at the man who interrupted him. chairs, the White House, and Parliament. The
Then he rambles on, leaving no room for anyone to others who tried it are already practicing ‘Adios,’
intellect. “And don’t interrupt me when I am 'Au Revoir,’ and ‘Cheerio’ in government buildings
speaking. The people are well fed, especially until elsewhere. But we must stay in office. Denying that
cheap beef burgers, factory-farmed chickens, and climate change is happening is not working any
bananas and have plenty' of opportunity' to buy more. I tried it. The guys have become smarter.
cheap oil-guzzling toys and plastics galore. It They read, unlike some of us. I tweet clever gems
sounds fishy when they say fish are loaded with that arouse climactic emotions and make them
plastics. Maybe they are right about the fish though, wonder how I was able to get such remarkable
as I’ve always wondered why fish taste so bland information. I do not need to read what I tweet. It
nowadays. News outlets are spewing fake news saves time. For me.”
without verifying with me. Some, however, are now “Scientists are still insisting that the number,
starting to demand protection for the environment the intensify, and the scale of fires worldwide has
and advocating for animal rights. They are all going something to do with climate change,” the same
bananas. They are well fed and fed up; can’t win. If man who had ventured to speak earlier tries again,
we ask them to tighten their belts and change the sweating as if he is on the front lines battling the
way we all live, we can say goodbye to comfy leather flames. The others stare at him in disbelief. He
must have another vocation to run to or wants to Oo
retire early. “What do we say?”
“Say nothing,” replies the leader slowly, turning
to glare at the pesky questioner who quickly drops
A non-Muslim physician, an infectious disease
his head and pretends to have some important
specialist, is sitting in the back of the cab. He is on
detail he must jot down. “Use diversion tactics to
the way to the airport and it is getting late. He left
take their minds off climate change and such petty
his house late, and now they are stuck in traffic. He
issues. Talk about the wall. Any chance we can talk
decides he really can’t change the circumstances
to North Korea again? Can you dig some dirt on the
and tries to relax, but it is difficult. The driver, a
new Muslim politician? A Muslim taxi driver must
Muslim, apologises that the air-conditioner stopped
have done something bad. Maybe he decided to get
working. It stopped working this day of all days
stuck in traffic for no good reason and made a
when it is so hot. The acrid smoke from all the other
passenger late for his plane? Surely these chaps are
vehicles drifts in through the open windows. The
up to no good?”
cabbie, a Muslim, tries to make conversation to ease
the stress. He talks about Islam and peace hoping
that a conversation on peace might help ease the
strain. He points to a book on the dashboard and cars have started to inch forward, and the cabbie
says it is a holy book of Muslims known as the leans out of the window to look how far the lines of
Quran. The passenger says he has read a bit of it cars stretch.
and knows how chapter and verses are organized. “At least we are moving now,” the passenger
He asks to see it. The Quran is handed over. He flips some pages of the Quran. The increased smog
scans the pages. from the cars, as they inch forward, spills in
“I read the papers, /know,” the physician says. through the cab’s windows. The road—searing hot
“Not many good things in the papers about you in the midday sun—and the surrounding high-rises
Muslims. Yes, we have heard what Islam says about preventing the free flow of air, make the heat inside
peace. Can you give me the foggiest idea what the cab unbearable. “It is a concrete jungle, and we
Muslims are all about?” call this civilization. Shade from trees would have
“I know some of us haven’t really done a good helped. Does Islam have anything profound to say
job of representing Islam.” He looks hurt, but about the environment and animal rights? It says
understands the stereotypic question. He has had to here in chapter 30, verse 41, “Corruption doth
deal until such questions all his life. “Things are appear on land and sea because of [the evil] which
slowly changing though. Hopefully, more Muslims men’s hands have done, that He may make them
will strive to live up to its standard one day.” The taste a part of that which they have done, in order
that they may return.”What does that mean?” people. This will be a terrible penalty. [They will
“Look at the state of the earth now. We have say] "Our Lord, remove the penalty from us, for we
polluted not only the land but the very air we really do beZzeue.”” (Quran 44:10-12)
breathe in. The earth cannot sustain the ravages we “You know pollution is becoming a very serious
inflict upon it. We have caused more damage to the issue now. Not only here, but also in France,
environment in these last hundred years than has Australia, China, and India. Sometimes
ever occurred for thousands of years. We have governments have to stop cars and industries and
already decimated ninety percent of the fish in our implement temporary stop-gap measures. Most big
oceans. The National Geographic recently reported cities are now forced to take drastic actions and
this fact” warn their citizens of the health hazards when smog
“Interesting,” remarks the passenger. “However, becomes unbearable.” The cabbie picks a napkin
most humans have only the foggiest idea about air from the box on the dashboard and wipes his
pollution, global warming, and smog. I am willing forehead. He offers the box to the passenger who
to give you an ear, to help clear the air. Tell me gladly accepts it. “It wall need only one major
more about this verse in the Quran that states, episode like a meteorite strike, or nuclear war, or a
“Then watch for the day when the sky will bring a major volcanic eruption to shift the balance over
kind of smoke, plainly visible, smothering the and we could have a catastrophe on our hands. We
need to stop wasting food and resources. We have who are within that land should not leave it. He also
become a civilization of “throw-away”. We need to said that those who are outside of the land where
stop ravaging the earth. We are consumed until the plague has occurred should not enter that land.”
materialism. We cannot continue to stay distracted He pauses, trying to recollect from his memory' an
with cell phones, movies, barbeques, and fast motor article he had read recently. “There is an article in
cars.” the Newsweek edition of March 17 on this very'
“I am starting to like you,” says the physician. “I thing. It is written by Craig Considine, a professor
like people who think the way you do. This new at Rice University in the US. You should read what
virus, Covid-19, has taken over the media and our the whole article say's.”
social lives. I was off to speak at a conference on “I will. It will be very interesting to me. We
infectious diseases, but I guess I won’t make it now. certainly have a world that’s in a mess. A big mess.
Does Islam offer any insight into epidemics or We are all culpable, Muslims and non-Muslims
pandemics or maybe plagues or the concept of alike. We have been messing up with the
quarantine?” environment. We deny animal their due rights. The
“Funny you should ask that. Prophet Quran makes some serious predictions about the
Mohammed, more than a thousand years ago, said earth. These predictions seem to be almost upon us.
that if a plague were to occur in a land, then those But tell me, do Muslims—despite knowing all this—
have anything to offer for the state the world is in?”

The above four scenarios end with a question.

Questions that a run-of-the-mill Muslim, like me,
contends until. Questions that non-Muslims want
answered to shed light on a religion that advocates
peace but some of whose members do the opposite.
I am here to answer those questions. It will be a
revelation. Sit back and relax. I am the right person
to answer those darn questions. You do not have to
be Sherlock Holmes to figure who I am.
 Muslim has been missing in the literary genre, and
Chapter 1 I plan to make you read in a page-turning fashion.
I am a destroyer. What kind?
No, not that kind.
Flavored Popcorn and Muslims
Rather a destroyer of preconceived ideas. Bit of
introduction first before I stir emotions: I practice
7n a time of universal deceit, telling the Podiatric Medicine with a passion for soft-tissue
truth is a revolutionary act” foot surgery7.1 am a humanitarian, an animal rights
activist, an environmentalist, and—if the
—George Orwell congregation is feeling emotionally braced for a
lively and unconventional sermon—allowed to
function as an Imam. I have recently vacated the
position of the president of ICONO, a non-profit
I am a Muslim. Your hair should stand on end. You organization, responsible for establishing a mosque
must look behind you, for I am going to change how in Sudbury with a team of fantastic colleagues. We
you perceive some people around you. A quirky in- provide sendees to Muslims and non-Muslims
depth narrative of a Muslim engaging a non­ alike. Now that the introduction is gladly out of the
way, I have some interesting things to tell you. absolutely bonkers and target innocent people.
Though I am addressing non-Muslims, a number of Muslims earnestly hope the bomber was not
Muslims wanted me to clear the fog for some of us someone who belongs to their community, no
as well. “Certainly, I can try. But the fog is thicker matter how deranged, for the event will paint all
for some” I said. “Can I bring a foghorn for such Muslims in a poor light.
cases?” As I waited for the answer, the people had When besieged with such negative rhetoric, one
started to run. Maybe they did not like the question, does not pause to think that there are 1.8 billion
I said to myself. Nope. It was something a chap did. Muslims, about a quarter of the world's population,
This chap, a suicide bomber, detonated a living in peace. Such hasty rhetoric also allows
powerful vest explosive strapped to the chest. More politically motivated divisive elements within
innocent people injured; the media go into frenzy. society7 to emerge from dark closets, blinking their
Politicians once again promise retribution, eyes at the light since not seeing things clearly is
thumping their chests with such vigor that even preferable, clutching paint brushes to paint all
forest gorillas, miles away, probably paused from Muslims with one color, often grayish tones and
their own chest-beating to listen enviously to the blotches aplenty7 due to haste.
awesome thuds. You also want to know—Grrr! Yes, Atrocities in which innocent people are targeted
you do! —what lunacy would make someone go make headlines: confusion, frustration, anger, and
disbelief dominate our discussions. People would enough if you hang on tight. The answers are going
be hard-pressed not to ask: Is this Islam? How are to surprise you.
Muslims going to explain themselves this time?
Major media outlets, quick to seize on the
opportunity, often fail to report with balance, and, Sparks and energy
wittingly or unwittingly, perpetuate further division Muslims, together with members of other faiths and
among people. non-faiths, have the potential to once again kindle
That said, one would think that Islam has the world with renewed oomph. Sparks and energy,
nothing to offer the “civilized” world in terms of just what we need again. But energy and sparks of
human rights, animal rights, and the environment. the other kind; the positive kind that brings people
Tragically, one tends to believe that one know’s the together and not blow them apart. There are
religion of Islam based simply on observing some challenges facing mankind—from human rights,
Muslims one has had contact with, or by reading animal rights, and what should be collective
about Muslims in major media outlets. After all, environmental obligations that we are not taking
isn’t Islam to be judged by those who profess to be seriously enough—and often these are of our own
Muslims? making; wiiat our hands have wrought.
You could be wrong. I will get into that soon
 We have already deforested vast regions of the guide for scientific research, things that today
Earth’s surface—the planet’s lungs—and we are not concur accurately with exhaustive scientific
stopping. We are continuing to pollute the air, research.
spewing toxins into the atmosphere and then take The early Muslims used Prophet Mohammed’s
stop-gap measures such as banning car use when directives and counsel to forge ahead establishing a
we can no longer breathe safe air in our major vast empire, yearning to learn from the people they
cities. We have nearly decimated the fish interacted with. They learnt and they taught. They
population and we continue to bottom trawl, taking opened up vistas of new research. Many current
eventhing in, with little regard for sustainability7. scientific principles were introduced, bolstered, and
There are millions of species of plants and animals institutionalized by Muslims.
at risk, and we are busy fighting with each other. The formula is to understand each other. If we
The Quran says, “And the earth, He (God) has deprecate a people, in this case Muslims, then it
assigned it to all living creatures” (Quran 55:io). becomes hard if not impossible to work
Muslims, during the initial six centuries of constructively for the common good. Muslims make
Prophet Mohammed’s coming, did not limit the up a whopping 23 percent of the world’s
Quran merely to ritual worship, but also used it as a population. We can use them. If we can motivate
Muslims to do their part in protecting the parts of
the Earth, we all benefit as we live on this single located in Muslim countries en route to consumers
planet. There are large swathes of forests—the in such countries as China or Vietnam.
Earth’s lungs as they absorb carbon dioxide and Animals have a right to live on this planet just
provide oxygen—being clear-cut for palm as humans do. This amazing globe will no longer be
plantations. Many of these forests lie in Muslim amazing if we prioritize only the human species.
countries such as Malaysia or Indonesia. We have The world is a lonely place if we place humans on a
wildlife trade in exotic species—or their parts— pedestal without regard for other species. The only
being trafficked from or passing through Muslim thing that matters to most humans is that these
countries. Let me give you some specific examples. species continue to be exploitable. Humans, more
The species under threat include the pangolin or humans, and billions more humans can get quite
the tiger populations being decimated in Muslim boring. No wonder most of us resent formal,
countries to supply markets elsewhere; mundane, and insincere meetings with small talk.
deforestation in places such as Borneo (thus That is because the meeting often conies with a
decimating Orangutan population to near large complement of hypocritical humans. You
extinction) for palm oil production to supply want to trade? Give me a panda munching on a
consumers in the West; or ivory and rhino horns bamboo stick or a cheetah chasing its morning
from African countries passing through ports breakfast and I will give you my ticket to the
convention with a plethora of tight-collar humans will not be only a “Muslim-loss,” but collective
to feast your eyes upon. mankind’s loss since we are all in this together,
If people from different countries and inhabiting the same planet with its finite resources
organizations can come together—regardless of of air, water, wild animal populations that are on
faith, color, ethnicity, or who wears what head the decline, and oceans and seas being cleared of
cover—then we can make a huge overall difference marine life. We need Muslims to play their part in
to all who inhabit this amazing globe. safeguarding our natural resources.
I also want to introduce you to Prophet
Mohammed briefly, for unless we know him, we
cannot appreciate his concern for mankind, for
animal welfare, and the environment. If we can use
his counsel and instructions to motivate Muslims
once again to care for the environment and give
Where do we start? We cannot start when we do not
animals their due rights—knowing that Muslims
yet understand the positive potential trapped
will generally be more conducive to accepting
within a large segment of people—the Muslims in
messages that have religious connotations—the
this case—and continue demonizing them; the loss
faster and better the results. Yes, we need to know
what Prophet Mohammed was all about, and you rusty door. This narrative incorporates bits of
will be stunned at what I am going to tell you. human absurdity to arouse the senses and perk the
Stunned because the unsavory cookie baked by wit. We all need that, besides coffee. We also need
bigots is going to crumble, and you will be spared some answers—yes, we do! — on what Muslims
from sitting in their company as they paw the are all about since we are not even sure if they are
scraps. Some people, in their ignorance, blame coming or going.
Prophet Mohammed for disgraceful acts carried out I want like to tell you about devilish political
by some Muslims. This would be like laying blame games being played—not that you do not already
on the noble character of Jesus for a vile sexual act know the insidious nature of those games and who
perpetrated by a priest upon a child under his care. is benefiting from our silence—but present it from
If we cannot blame Jesus, then we equally cannot the Muslim perspective.
blame Prophet Mohammed. Lastly, I want to tell you about how important
What this book will do: it will tell you some God is in the Muslim psyche, and why it is
fascinating stories and anecdotes which have deep important for us to know so we can interact with
meaning for the astute observer—gems that one them more effectively. You may think I know all the
can extract without having to go to Aladdin’s Cave answers about Muslims, and you will be surprised
and muttering some silly incantations to open a how much I do know.
 But I have a fair idea as to why some so-called
“Muslims” would hurt innocent people. A report by
Why, oh why...? both the International Centre for the Study of
At the beginning of this chapter I said someone Radicalization (ICSR) and a detailed study by the
nutty detonated a suicide bomb and killed innocent Combating Terrorism Center (CTC) will allay much
people. Of course, you may assume I have the of the confusion that leaves people shaking their
answer to why this person did what he did. I have heads, both Muslims and non-Muslims alike. The
the answer. studies report that more than half of extremist
I do not know. violent terrorist acts perpetrated in Europe were
I have been unable to wrap my head around carried out by so-called “Muslims” with previous
such a thing that muddles the mind. I cannot criminal records seeking quick “redemption” for
fathom why anyone would want to hurt innocent past wrongs, often becoming easy prey for extremist
people going about their activities, minding their recruiters. [1] The study of the lives of these violent
own business. Most Muslims I talk to are extremists reveals some common patterns: these
increasingly frustrated as to why anyone, from any “Muslims” live outside the dictates of Islam, which
religious faith, would target innocent people. enjoins regular charity7, honest work ethics, and
regular prayer. Such extremists, if you were to look
closely, were often involved in the consumption of not be the only one registering bewilderment,
strong intoxicants or drugs, gambling, lewdness, or “Really? Teach Islam to Muslims?” Please stay calm
had previous criminal records. In other words, they and deflate those lungs before something pops
were not “practicing Muslims”—Muslims who are inside. I will explain.
required to adhere to strict guidelines on A reasonably Quran-educated Muslim becomes
compassion and civic behavior. a critical thinker and is able to interpret the
As I will explain later in this book, since we all contexts in which verses are given in the Quran.
share space with Muslims—and since they are our Unfortunately, not all Muslims know the dictates by
neighbors, professionals, and a large part of the which the Quran asks them to govern themselves.
labor force occupying the various strata of a Dictates of kindness, generosity, and forgiveness;
dynamic society with its complex intertwined steadfastness in times of adversity; charity and
sharing of goods and sendees—it is imperative that social responsibility—all these are too often ignored
Muslims be taught the basic tenets of Islam. by the uneducated “Muslim” when emotionally
My ears just popped because someone created a aroused.
vacuum by sucking all the air. Following the core principles of Islam would
Ah! I see why. The sudden intake of breath and make it extremely difficult for Muslims to commit
a look of surprise are to be expected, and you will crimes, or fall prey to the extremist ideologies of the
unscrupulous, who would find these principled that are of both a religious and non-religious nature
Muslims very hard to convince to harm innocent to make clear our common aspirations. We all have
others. so much in common. Even on the religious
“Properly Islam-educated” Muslims would be platform, we have much in common. Did you know
able to counter and resist crude interpretative that the “Ten Commandments” apply to all
tactics (taken out of context by demagogues to Muslims? Did you know that there is a whole
achieve nefarious ends) by employing sound chapter in the Quran with the title “Mary”, or that
knowledge. These Quran-educated Muslims would Muslims love and revere Jesus, and that Allah
create stability among their own communities and (God) affirms in the Quran that Jesus is of “Virgin
generate positive energy’ to the whole of society’. Birth” and he is “held in honor in this world and the
hereafter”?
Good and evil are not alike. Repel evil until Credit will be giy’en where credit is due; non­
what is good. Then you will find your Muslim countries are at the moment on the
erstwhile enemy like a close affectionate forefront of environmental advocacy and instituting
friend. (Quran 41:34) laws for the welfare of animals. But did you know
that Prophet Mohammed, 1,400 years ago,
In this book, I will highlight and integrate matters established the first powerful directives for the care
of animals and the planet? More of that later, so scientists, not realizing that we are a single
keep those socks on. humanity, occupying a single planet.
The Islamic Empire (and other civilizations
preceding it, for we are going to be objective and
give credit freely, back-and-forth) produced many One can always blame the ancient lamp
scientists, philosophers, and thinkers such as Ibn You may look at me and ask, with some confusion,
Sina (Avicenna, 980-1037, Persian philosopher “Why was I kept in the dark about the various
known for his contribution to medicine and contributions Muslims made to our shared
philosophy), Ibn Rushd (Averroes, 1126-1198, civilization?” My answer to you is, “Don’t look at
known for commentaries on Aristotle’s and Plato’s me. I had nothing to do with it. Maybe some people
works), Mohammed ibn Musa al-Kliwarizmi had some foggy ideas that giving credit to Muslims
(Algoritmi or Algaurizin, 780-850, who helped would undermine their own institutions. Maybe
introduce Hindu-Arabic numerals and algebra they childishly thought giving credit to Muslims
concepts into European mathematics), and many would give some legitimacy^ to a religious faith they
others.[2], [3] would rather see subverted. Maybe they preferred
The scientific establishment, on the whole, has to peer at Muslims in a dim light or the ancient oil
been a little sting}’ in giving credit to Muslim
lamp did not work.” this lightly) in their greed for power and a
Various caliphates (such as the Mughal in India, grandiose lifestyle.
Ummayad in Syria and Spain, Abbasid in Iraq, and Only when the inquiring mind is free from
Ottoman in Turkey) of the Islamic Empire built constant turmoil—free from the worry of what next
great cultural and economic powerhouses, until will fall from the sky, or if the security7 at the airport
remarkable progress in the sciences, literature, will give him a hard time for growing a beard that
medicine, and philosophy. Like many past makes him look like that guy in the “Wanted”
civilizations, they reached a peak and then slowly picture stuck on the walls all over the city7—does it
started to decline, with greedy despots in different have an opportunity to engage in the pursuit of the
regions fighting to remain in power. Thus, arts and sciences.
weakened from within, the final collapse came with The only “arts” and sciences a Muslim can
the advent of the Western colonialists. conjure up today when he wakes up is to decide if
Alas! Where is it today, “the tolerant and he should ai'tfully camouflage-paint a hard-hat so
inquiring Muslim mind”? Presently much of this that he can blend in with the terrain (with military7
“Muslim mind” is numb, what with newer despots drone planes buzzing overhead in such places as
in Muslim majority countries keeping the human Afghanistan, Yemen, Iraq, Somalia) or come up
and physical resources of the country7 “busy” (I use with a scientifically designed bouncy trampoline
accurately calibrated to send explosives that are The other way to put this to you is: if you were
falling from the sky7 back to the ver}7 politicians who to ask me to jump into the deep end of the pool
authorize extrajudicial killings via drones. When when I had just came in from our Northern winter
Muslims were tolerant with an inquiring and open cold, and I had been taking swimming lessons last
mind, they developed scientific principles that are week and the swimming instructor had finally
still used to this day. raised his hands in exasperation, I would say to
Since I do not want to be blamed for going too you, “Wait a bit first. Please let us take things
deep too fast when discussing scientific principles, I slowly.” Then I would toddle over to the shallow
will start you off at the shallow, easy end. If you give end, dip my toe into the water to test the
me Einstein’s theory of relativity7, prod me until temperature, go into the water slowly, and swim
E=mc2 on the side of the belly when I’ve just had gingerly to the deep end while holding onto a big
lunch, I will look muddled and unhappy. Even on rubber duck.
relatively good days, I would have a blank Prudence dictates that deep and immersive
expression if you brought up the theory of relativity7 scientific principles, like the novice asked to jump
and asked me to relate something on it. I have into the deep end of the pool, must be introduced
nothing to do with brainy chaps who confound slowly.
simple folks with brainy things. Therefore, the more immersive core
explanations on scientific principles mentioned in
the Quran will be dealt with in a later chapter. If Hot place, here I come!
you are the scientific type, too bad. You just have to Winter was cold and tickets to a hot place were
wait patiently. cheap. You probably did not know that when
For now, this way here, please. Dip into the choosing a hot place, you do not go to the Middle
shallow end of the pool. Let me introduce you to the East. Too late; better make the best of it. It is hot,
state of affairs in Muslim countries. Let me tell you yes. Extremely hot. Now you were wishing you were
about the insidious power of the dollar and the home crunching ice and sitting in an igloo. You
bizarre connection it has until the oil. This powerful have been walking in the desert to observe a little
dollar-oil combo is often at the heart of fueling history7 of the place but all you have seen so far are
—fueling?—conflicts around the world. camels and miles and miles of sand.
But first let me share a little on some everyday The sun is getting to you and you are now
contributions we use today that were introduced or starting to talk to yourself. It can happen to the best
bolstered by Muslims in history so that you do not of us. “The author wanted to talk about Muslim
give dark suspicious glances at every7 person contributions to science, human rights, and the
sporting a beard. Here we go. arts—in history. In history? Why did he say
“history”? What of the present-day Muslims?” you It is not safe. If you don’t like your employer, why
ask yourself, a tad too loudly. don’t you go home?” you ask.
“Many of the present-day Muslims, especially “I can’t. I have not been paid in months and I
those in some Arab countries are presently relaxing can’t go home even if I borrowed some money from
in their air-conditioned homes busy drinking coffee someone else,” the maid discloses sadly. “I am held
and eating dates as they give directions to poorly virtually a prisoner what with my passport held as
paid maids from Bangladesh and the Philippines on ransom by my boss. That is what their government
what type of make-up to put on their camels for the tacitly allows them to do. My boss making sure I am
upcoming beauty’ contest.” The voice seems to come overworked while he sits drinking coffee in his air-
from the heavens and you nearly jump out of your conditioned tent pitched in the desert. Many
skin. You look up. present-day Muslims are perfecting the art of not
It is not a voice from heaven. The voice is piped practicing what they preach. They do not have any
down by an exhausted maid from the Philippines time for science as they have tons of money.”
standing on a ladder applying mascara to the “How about Muslims in poor South Asian
eyelashes of an unhappy camel. countries, such as Afghanistan? Are they making
“Why are you up there on that wobbly ladder? It any new discoveries in science or the arts?” you
seems you do not want to be up there. Come down. query, steadying the ladder as it is wobbling. The
camel is not taking kindly to this affront. It does not suffer heatstroke in this confounded heat.”
fancy its eyelashes being subjected to thick layers of “Thanks for your concern. I think you should
paint. come down from the ladder and get into the shade,”
“Not at the moment. They are busy scanning the you empathize, concerned for her health. “I read
skies for drones sent in by the U.S.,” replies the something about the rights of workers in Islam. It
maid. Even though she is overworked, she said somewhere that the Prophet of Islam
maintains her civility'. You admire her resilience counseled people to pay the wages of workers even
and you wish she could be accorded the same before their sweat dries. He advised people to allow
worker rights as are accorded to all foreign their workers to sit with the owners at meal times
domestic workers in most Western countries. She and eat with them, to share their meals. He,
looks down from her precarious perch. She has a himself—I mean the Prophet—used to help his
kind face. She is flushed and sweating. “They do not wives with household chores though he was busy
therefore have time to start thinking of inventions administering a vast nation.”
and optics and embryology and academia that the “I know,” the maid nods, and as she does, the
author of this book is soon going to subject you to. ladder starts to wobble again. You quickly hold it
Please be patient. Relax, drink some water and steady. The maid smiles to indicate her thanks.
breathe, for you are beginning to go red. You may “There is much beauty in what the Prophet advised
and practiced physically to educate his companions. down in many of the Arab states. Maybe it is the oil
His companions applied his teachings well, and that has created a huge bog. Science and the arts
Islam spread like wildfire. The first and second appear to have been drowned in this bog. Indeed,
generations of Muslims also applied his stagnation of mind and physique has become the
instructions properly after he died. Islam was wealthy oil nation’s lot. The country’s original
indeed a breath of fresh air in a dark world at that inhabitants are getting rusty7, as if the very oil they
time. Then a slow decay set in over the centuries produce is not able to lubricate their affairs. They
within the Muslim world, soon to be overtaken by think development is to build tall buildings with
the Industrial Revolution in the West culminating foreign labor. That is the extent of many of the Arab
with the West colonizing many countries—both oligarch's foresight. If all the foreign workers were
Muslim and non-Muslim nations were subdued for to leave, these guys here would not even know how
resource theft—essentially under the barrel of the to boil coffee. Let me get back to work. My boss is
gun. This clinched the fall of the vast Muslim not a very7 tolerant person.”
empire.” “I understand,” you respond. “I hope that a few
“You seem to know your history well.” Muslim minds set upon introspection and reform
“A little,” she humbly replies. “Progress through will once again breathe new life into a beautiful
Science and the Arts seems to have been bogged religion. These Muslim chaps need to read the
Quran and follow the examples of their Prophet to scientific advances, and do they have any important
reignite the tine legacy of Islam. I can see sparks scientific findings in their Book? But let us not start
here and there, especially from the Muslims in the with deep and complex things. Do you remember
West. Islam may yet spring forth with a renewed me saying something about deep ends of the
renaissance.” swimming pool and shallow ends? Do you
“I hope so too,” says the maid. “It has become remember about me holding on to a rubber duck so
rather confusing that on the one hand Muslims say as not to sink? Okay, good. Let us start at the
their religion is good, but some of them practice its shallow and easy end:
very7 opposite. I hope someone can reconcile this Fred and Ibrahim, two friends, meet up. Fred
obvious dichotomy. Maybe history will give us a worked in the banking sector as a cashier in one of
brief insight as to what they were and what they left the local banks before it was shut down and the
behind. It is time for some iced coffee. Please help operations moved to a bigger bank at the City7
yourself from the little Thermos I have under that Centre. Haying lost his job, he took up taxi driving,
tree.” losing his new career as he could take a break
Kahve, coffee, and cough drops anytime he wanted. Ibrahim also worked as a taxi
Did Muslims in history contribute to major driver, haying taken up the new job when he was
laid off as a history7 teacher in a public school. The
small elementary school he worked at closed down Ibrahim is not offended by Fred’s remark,
and the students were made to move to a bigger knowing that his friend has an abrupt
school which housed both elementary and high straightforward way of talking. Ibrahim continues.
school. It appeared to be the trend now: smaller “Not so fast, my friend. I think you should skip
enterprises being absorbed into mega-projects in a much of your plan if you are really averse to
bid to save money. accepting anything that Muslims have done. The
Fred, who cares not a hoot about complex things you plan to do before you jump into bed have
scientific findings in religious texts, is listening to some sort of origin with Muslims: the three-course
Ibrahim. Ibrahim has been talking about scientific meal, cheque, coffee, soap, and toothbrush, or
achievements by Muslims in history'. Fred shrugs brushing on a regular basis.”
his shoulders, “Who cares? I am just going to eat a “You are pulling my leg!” retorts Fred, raising
three-course meal that I paid for with a good old his leg and jokingly tugging at his own trouser leg
cheque, have coffee after, take a shower with my for emphasis, nearly falling backwards. Bring Fred
sweet-smelling soap, brush my teeth, and go to to a party7 and he will soon have a bevy of
sleep. You guys can bicker about Muslim inventions enthusiastic listeners surrounding him, amused at
and the origins of things because I have nothing to his antics, entranced until his vivid imagination and
do with it!” eccentric intelligence.
 “I mean it,” asserts Ibrahim, undeterred. “Now nether regions with disciplined hordes sent to
let us see. Did you know that the three-course meal maraud and plunder only a few here and a few
that you are going to eat—soup first, main meal there, stealing only tiny continents. They obviously
second, and dessert third—was introduced discovered these places. It seems the natives living
centuries ago by a Muslim person called Ziryab in in these lands had no clue they were on some solid
Muslim Cordoba, Spain? This man Ziryab also land to be discovered by foreigners. Read it in the
created a new type of deodorant to get rid of bad history' books. It says some colonialist adventurers
odors and also promoted morning and evening discovered those places.”
baths, emphasizing the maintenance of personal “Are you sure they were tiny continents? Did
hygiene. Ziryab is also thought to have invented the you say discover?" Ibrahim asks, amused at Fred’s
early toothpaste, which he popularized throughout choice of words.
Islamic Iberia. The exact ingredients of this “Well, some were a little bit big like America,
toothpaste are not currently known, but it was Australia, Canada, and New Zealand,” admits Fred.
reported to have been both medicinal and pleasant “But surely a fellow called Vasco did lose his way
to taste.” [4] and did discover America. His rusty7 compass must
Fred is not to be put off. “I thought colonialists not have been working due to the salty7 air of the
taught the world how to dine when they invaded the sea. He must have jumped down from his creaky7
ship and kissed the sand for having landed on terra explanations. “I think history is not your strong
firma. He must have called it terra firma since he point. Vasco da Gama was Portuguese and he did
was Scottish or German. Of course, he must have not discover America. And the phrase “terra firma”
quickly spluttered the sand out of his mouth since has nothing to do with the Scots or the Germans. It
kissing the sand is going to do things to his mouth is thought that Columbus, an Italian, is the one who
and lips that he does not like. He probably fell discovered America, though that is under some
asleep on the shore after his tiring journey. Imagine dispute. Regardless, you can’t really discover any
his fright when he woke up from his nap at the place for a people who are already living there.
shore and found himself surrounded by natives Anyway, did you know that the cheque-system was
peering down at him. I think his name was Vasco- invented by Muslims?”
something. I am not good at history7 but I can tell “No,” answers Fred.
you he must have discovered America. He probably “They called it saqq, a written vow to pay a set
shouted at the poor natives while brandishing his amount to avoid carrying money across dangerous
ancient rusty pistol, ‘You live in America and I have places,” Ibrahim continues. “A cheque or saqq
discovered it for you. I have a pistol (which I hope made out in a place like Baghdad could be cashed
still works), so don’t argue.’” by a Muslim doing business in faraway China.
Ibrahim is fascinated by Fred’s visual There was no need to jingle coins and draw the
attention of highway marauders as the chap slowly have an interest system because you believe it
made his way to China. If caught, the robber would exploits vulnerable people. That is why your banks
probably look at the piece of paper written in some cannot repossess houses and become richer every'
mangled Arabic script, and finding nothing of value year, but ours do. You guys say you have to give
on the Arab chap and wishing he not starve, would some of your wealth to the poor. How much do you
probably give him some of his own coins, a piece of give?”
moldy bread and send him on his way.” “We give 2.5 percent of any accumulated
Fred is still unconvinced about the origin of the savings that has been with the person for a twelve­
cheque. “I thought it was our banking system that month period,” says Ibrahim.
introduced cheques so that we could charge hefty “Okay,” Fred nods in assent. “You guys give 2.5
interest to keep our people in check. I thought the percent of mandatory charity every year to the less
cheque was to keep people in check. And I am sure fortunate. I see a problem here. How can you give
interest is quite interesting in that it serves the to the poor when you do not let people stay too
interest of the bankers. Come to think of it, I think poor? A guy goes out looking for the poor and
compounded interest must be the reason folks like comes back exhausted with blisters on his feet ’cos
me get a compounded headache. I know you he can’t find any. That is not very smart, is it?
Muslims have been directed by your religion not to Making people exhausted and giving them painful
blisters. How can you give to the poor with that difference is that the Master and Slave are
kind of a system? Of course, most Muslim countries separated by greater distances.”
do not follow that system now, and your people are “Our banks, corporations, and governments
now far worse off than we are. You should have have made the interest system a big part of our
stuck to the old system of social justice that your economy, even if it is done on the backs of the poor
Prophet taught you.” in the world,” Fred continues. “I do not agree with
“I wish we had,” agrees Ibrahim. all that they do, but I am a part of the system. We
“You wanted progress and some of your Muslim also gave ourselves the power to devalue currencies,
countries got involved in the interest system, but especially if it is a foreign country'. We have
see where that has gotten you. Look at what the installed despotic leaders in your countries who do
interest system has done to poor countries. They our bidding. Our printed paper issued by our banks
are in a vicious cycle of paying interest on is better than your printed paper even if you put
compounding interest without paying a cent off the multicolored hues on them. We buy the trees from
original principal.” you, make paper money from them, and sell it back
“The interest system has been a curse for poor to you guys by putting fancy symbols on them, such
countries. It is sad what’s happening to them,” as the dollar-sign or the pound-sign.”
Ibrahim admits. “It is slavery in disguise. The only “What are you saying about printed paper? I
think you are now starting to spout gibberish. these papers based on our gold reserves. Then we
Would you enlighten me?” Ibrahim is trying to keep cleverly de-linked it. Nixon untied that pegging of
up with Fred who is trying to make himself the paper-dollar to gold. We can now print papers
understood by hand gestures as if drawing a galore and make money from thin air while you sell
rectangular piece of paper and making a symbol of off all your oil, until one day you realize you have
what is supposed to be a dollar sign in the air. been seeing mirages just the way you do in the
“I am saying that gold is no longer the gold desert. You have been duped.”
standard,” explains Fred. “It disappeared like the “Eh? I still do not get it.” Ibrahim is trying not
old genie in Aladdin's lamp as in your Arabian fairy to scratch his turbaned head. He does not want to
tales. Our currency is not backed by any gold make it obvious that he does not understand the
reserve in any Fort Knox where the value on our point this chap is trying to make. They were talking
printed paper depended on the amount of gold about currencies and the chap has gone off on a
reserves we had. Previously, any person with some tangent talking about printed paper and gold.
dollars could come to the U.S. and exchange the “You Muslim guys have been duped with the
paper dollar to get an equivalent amount of gold biggest hoax of the century,” Fred continues. “Did
from our reserves. That meant we could only print a you know we own most of the oil in your Muslim
set number of papers and put the exact value on countries? We put some despots in your countries
and cajoled them or twisted their arms till they “We become filthy rich and hand out cents to
uttered some expletives in Arabic that even a big Muslim countries for every barrel of oil and your
man with muscles and a strong disposition would workers become filthier extracting the muck from
blush at, and they quickly agreed to sell oil only in the ground!” answers Fred. “The world has, quite
U.S. dollars on the world market. This way we can aptly, given our paper the name petrodollar. We do
now print dollar bills on a whim and the world has not even have to dig on our lands for oil. We let you
to come to us to buy dollar bills before they can buy do the digging. In your own lands at that! We print
your oil. Of course, it’s not as simple as firing up the numbers on paper and put a fancy symbol like the
printer, as there are certain formulas that go into dollar sign before the number. Ink is cheap. We
the dollar equation, the world forced into reluctant force poor countries to sell coffee and bananas at
complicity. But you have to agree that the dollar has ridiculously cheap prices in order that they can buy
taken monopoly over all other currencies. The Arab our printed paper before they can buy your oil
oligarchs got hoodwinked while they were ogling at which they desperately need to run their tractors to
fancy ladies in our casinos. Then these autocratic plant bananas and coffee. If they go to an Arab
oligarchs hoodwinked you all. We become filthy country to buy oil with their local currency, they
rich and you become filthier. You know7 how?” may wrell be told, ‘La, la!’ Lu means no in Arabic. It
“How?” Ibrahim asks. does not have to do with a music skit.”
 “I know. I do know a little Arabic,” Ibrahim Blair duo made corky stories about hidden weapons
retorts with a huff. He does not like being thought of mass destruction. Mass lies, more like. There
of as a buffoon. must be a connection with oil and petrodollar and
Fred continues, ignoring Ibrahim's discomfort. sinister games being played. It looks like the wealth
‘“La, la!’ they would say. ‘We only sell oil in dollars from oil-producing countries will not be used for
on the world market. Please go buy some dollars the citizens of the country' the oil is extracted from.
with your devalued currency, courtesy of the World Most is already possessed by people sitting far away
Bank and IMF, and then come buy our oil. You in other countries.”
know what happened to Iraq, Libya, and Venezuela “See what I mean, Ibrahim? It is as if the oil is
when they started to think of selling oil in other coming out of our lands!” Fred is feeling sorry for
currencies, right? They were made to think again. Ibrahim as he sees him wincing at the injustice, but
See, Ibrahim? Your folks have been duped into Fred feels it is his duty' to educate his friend, and to
selling oil in dollars only. Once the oil is gone up in do it in a way that strikes a chord. “Have you tried a
smoke, literally, so will the protection the West has banana with a cup of black coffee? The bitter and
been offering their puppets in Gulf countries.” sweet combination tastes really good. They taste
Fred pauses long enough for Ibrahim to even better if our corporations get them at dirt
inteiject. “Interesting about Iraq and how the Bush- cheap prices just by handing out small amounts of
printed paper to some poor African and South that we do not like to do. The despots in your
American countries for their bananas and coffee. Muslim countries are doing a fine job for us. You
The value you guys place on our bills is only in your should never read a book called Confessions of an
heads, ’cos if you look at it, your paper and our Economic Hit Man, ’cos it may give you ideas.” [5]
paper are not much different after all. The real “I see the way you explain social finance is
value is in the oil, but we make the world believe it’s somewhat different from what most people
in the printed paper we call dollars.” chomping on bananas would want to think deeply
“It does seem like we have been fooled,” about,” Ibrahim remarks, marveling at the passion
Ibrahim admits. with which Fred makes his argument. “You do
“Yes, you guys have been bamboozled. Our make some interesting points. I think I am going to
banks are smarter too. We even use banks against read that book, now that you have mentioned it. I
our own people. Our banks demand surety and they am not going to talk to you any more about banks
can repossess houses so that we can go on the street and financial systems—systems that keep poor
close by and give to the homeless poor without nations in perpetual poverty. We should leave this
exhausting ourselves walking long distances. We discussion for another day. Anyway, did you know
engage in a win-win system and get cheap labor as that coffee was an Arab invention brought from
you guys flood our streets, willing to do menial jobs Yemen to medieval Europe? [6] They called it
qahwa and many Sufis used it to keep themselves qahwa”
awake for prolonged ritual worship. You should “Do you? That is good.” Fred is starting to like
read its etymology from qahwa to Turkish kahve to the polite Muslim fellow even more. “I like the word
today’s coffee. I don't know why they changed the coffee and also the taste of coffee”
word qahwa to coffee, but so be it.” Ibrahim continues, “Did you know that the type
“I did not change the word, I swear.” Fred is of hard sweet-smelling toilet soap you are about to
feeling some guilt. use today was a Muslim invention in which they
“It’s a small thing, really. Don’t worry' about it,” used alkali and oils and thyme and other fragrant
Ibrahim tries to reassure Fred. “It is perfectly okay. essential oils to make it lather and smell good?
I know it is hard for an Englishman to pronounce They called it sabun, which became savon and now
qahwa with its ‘q.’ So, please feel free to use the soap. They used soap not only to be hygienic but
word coffee, because if you tried asking for qahwa also for therapeutic purposes, as some oils warded
from an Arab, and started with, ‘Qa... ka... qaka ...,’ off certain ailments. You should thank al-Razi and
he would probably give you a cough drop thinking al-Zahrawi for the soap you will use today. Both
you are suffering from some throat ailment. Don't played a part in soap recipes and healing
worry about changing Arabic words to Latinized ingredients incorporated in them.”
versions. I personally prefer the word ‘coffee’ to “Who?” asks Fred. “Too many Als. Al-this and
al-that. Why not just say Allan or Alice? Isn’t this [9]
chap Zahrawi some kind of ancient doctor? I read “Okay, okay. Stop, for heaven’s sake. I was never
something about him in university” good at chemistry and math,” Fred interjects
“Wow! Yes! You have an awesome memory!” quickly. “I assure you I will whisper a little ‘thank
Ibrahim is impressed. “This chap Zahrawi is also you’ to whoever thought of putting special oils in
known as ‘the father of modern surgery’ for his soap. I like a nice smelling soap too. If the soap has
thirty-volume encyclopedia of medical practices. health benefits, then the better the soap, I say.”
His medical principles and surgical tool designs “I agree. Soap is such a good thing. Besides
were so significant that we still use many of those soap, did you know that practicing Muslims wash
principles to this day, as well as almost identical and rinse the exposed parts of the body like hands
tool designs in modern surgical practice. [7] Alkali and face and mouth and nostrils five times a day
plays an important role in the manufacture of soap. before prayers, important hygiene rituals to prevent
In fact, the word alkali took its origin from the infections and something to consider in these
Arabic word cil-qaliy. [8] Did you know that ‘Al’ in difficult times when we are facing this Covid-19
Arabic means ‘The’? In fact, many English words virus and other infectious disease problems? In
with an ‘Al’ take their origin from the Arabic fact, now that we are facing this pandemic, Prophet
language, such as algebra, alchemy, and algorithm.” Mohammed said something very interesting about
such a plague” before going to sleep?” asks Ibrahim. “It is indeed a
“Oh, did he? What did he say?” Fred is wonderful idea for keeping teeth in good order. Did
interested to know what could have been said more you know that brushing teeth was popularized by
than a thousand years ago. Muslims? In fact, the Prophet instructed its daily
“The Prophet said that that if one hears of an use, and encouraged its use several times a day
outbreak of plaque in a region, then one should not before prayers. The Muslims of the time used
enter it. And if the plaque breaks out in a place branches from certain trees, or roots from certain
while you are in it, not to leave that place. If you plants, which produce brush-like bristles at the end
read the article which appeared in Newsweek of of the stick when chewed. They called it siwak.
March in this very year 2020, by Craig Considine, a Some Muslims still brush their teeth with these
professor and scholar at Rice University, on this biodegradable plant materials ritually five times
advice given by the Prophet, you will see what I daily, before prayers. Muslims began following this
mean.” oral-hygiene practice more than a thousand years
“Wow! That is amazing!” Fred exclaims. “This is ago, following the example and direction of their
the exact prescription for twenty-first century Prophet wrho strongly recommended its daily use.”
quarantine practice” Fred interjects, his vivid imagination conjuring
“Didn’t you say you would brush your teeth what it must have been like a thousand years ago, “I
guess when troops were drawn up in battle there. If I had fallen in that armor, I would have
formation and the ancient Persian army or the had a hard time getting up, with my bad knees and
Roman army peered at their Muslim opponents all. I would have kept very' still, hoping that nobody
apparently gnashing their teeth on some sticks—not noticed I was still alive and peering through the
knowing that they were simply brushing their armor.”
teeth—they probably quivered with fear, their To a passer-by, Fred and Ibrahim would appear
armored legs making odd clanging sounds across to be having a verbal duel. The fact is, these two
the battlefield. They must have felt they were done friends engage in this kind of a friendly tit-for-tat
for, facing as they did a Muslim enemy prepared vocal match every time they meet. Had the passer­
not only to fight with swords but ‘tooth-and-nail’ as by lingered a bit more, he would have heard this, “I
well”! [10] feel like it’s time for some caffeine. Come with me,
“Ha, ha!” laughs Ibrahim. “You are not only very' Fred, I will treat you to a nice cup of coffee,”
imaginative, but also very funny!” Ibrahim points to a coffee shop owned by a Turkish
“Clanging sounds made by the armor of a whole fellow. “You said you like Mocha bean coffee. I will
army, as their knees shook, must have made a quite get you some Turkish delights to go until the coffee.
a din,” continues Fred, in good humor, his Oh, by the way, did you know that the Mocha bean
imagination running wild. “I am glad I was not actually originates from a port city in Yemen called
Mocha?” [11] “winner”?
Not exactly; the winner is not one party’
Overcoming the hunkered-down worldview emerging victorious over the other. The parties on
Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, racism, gender-bias, opposing sides have been trying to win something,
preying upon the weak, and oppression in its many and yet have not been able to pin down what exactly
guises are wrong. Co-existence and peace despite it is they’ are fighting for because egos and
our differences are right. prejudices have gotten in the way. It is so obvious
Right. Got that. and it has been staring them in the face all the time.
Muslims must engage until non-Muslims and What is that thing, then?
the world they live in with positive energy’, sound Let us suppose an event like the Oscars is being
reason, and intelligence. An intellectual discourse hosted; but it is not really the Oscars, as the people
obviously involves the non-Muslims according don’t have fancy’ hairstyles and wearing
Muslims a level playing field—and vice versa, uncomfortable starchy clothes but instead are
depending on who is the “host” or “home team”— sitting in a haphazard fashion with torn shirts and
with wisdom acting as the referee. bruises. The audience is made up of members of
Right. Got that too. But aren’t we looking for a different faiths. The passionate faithful have been
having a go at each other and are catching their
breath before someone repeats, “My religion is the his elbow. He whispers through the gap in his
correct one,” and then someone replies, “No, it is incisors, “Who is that? Did he say ‘truth’?” The
not!” and another free-for-all battering erupts. small man (fondling a tooth in his pocket and
The host comes onto the platform. An envelope hoping he is not discovered to have done this to the
is passed to him. The audience holds its collective big man’s jaw) whispers back, “I think that is wrhat
breath as the host peers through a black eye to take he said. But I do not see a person with a hat that
the envelope. They want to know who the winner is says ‘truth’ printed on it. Let us wrait and see wrhat
after all the fights, black eyes, free-for-all brawls, he means.”
and knock-out punches. They have all been Actually, they heard it correctly. Yes, the winner
searching for something, and today they are going is Truth. It matters not who presented it accurately.
to find out what that something is before they kill Upon accepting the Truth, both parties will benefit.
each other. Truth trumps all. Sorry7, I can see your reaction. I
The host gingerly tears open the envelope with agree, let us leave Trump out of this. Let me
broken fingers, peers from one eye, and reads, “... rephrase it. Truth conquers all. Accept the Truth
and the winner is ... Truth” In the audience, a big even if it comes from the mouth of babes, so a wise
man with a tattoo and a missing tooth nudges a tiny person would say.
but vicious-looking companion in the next seat with Therefore, let us engage. I present my point of
view, and you present yours, and we agree to authority7 on the subject has the humility to
disagree if all else fails. If Truth still wishes to acknowledge the profoundness of the particular
remain enigmatic as we go through the process of verse referred to them, its various nuances, and can
unearthing its precise nature, we remain committed readily appreciate its alignment with the sciences.
to hear out the other. Let us take the example of the Quran verse
So, if you are ready to hear me out, then this is (21:30) that states, “Do not the Unbelievers see that
what I have to say: When we look at the combined the heavens and the earth were joined together (as
number of the various Quranic references and the one unit of creation), before we clove them
validity7 of each, then it becomes hard to refute the asunder? We made from water every7 living thing.
Quran's concurrence with established scientific fact. Will they not then believe?” For the chronic cynic
The Quran often makes reference to a subject, and, who is ready to refute this particular verse—because
as if knowing that we would have questions about it happens to be from the Quran, and everything
its abstruse nature, exhorts us to verify its Quranic must be opposed—the task is to look hard
pronouncements with those who have an in-depth under every7 rock under every continent to
knowledge of the matter being discussed: “So ask undermine the verse, trying to collect dry7 living
the People of Knowledge if you do not know” materials and desiccated worms, making loud
(Quran 21:7). We often find that the highest noises to appease his discomfiture. The noises are
generally louder if he happens to have followers the same verse had been in his own religious book,
who have previously looked up to him as a leader of you would not have seen him looking for a
sorts. This person will still try to delve into a subject desiccated worm and checking to see if it could
matter that does not fall within his area of produce desiccated worm-babies. He would be busy
“expertise,” but he does it anyway, and you will holding conferences extolling the virtues of verses
often find him lacing his arguments with mockery if from his book that have scientific validity.
he is cornered with a sound rebuttal. This chap should be challenging for a place in
This “expert” is like the person who demands an the Olympic long-jump final, given his ability to
apple, and when he is given the apple, tries to find a jump from one side to the other when verses are
mark on the apple so that he can deny that it is a switched from one book to the other: all one has to
good apple, or end up saying with a smirk, “See that do is put this chap’s religious book to the other side
mark? Now what do you have to say about that?” of the gap and then watch him spring! Someone
He came with the intention of being negative needs to pat this emotionally-charged chap on the
and raising a ruckus. I say to him, “Look and you shoulder and whisper in his ear that dialogue is not
should indeed look, so that you are satisfied. But do a simplistic hunkered-down worldview: “My
it with objectivity', for the apple is wholesome and religion is right, so yours must be wrong.”
good, despite your squinting efforts to find fault.” If Dialogue and bridge-building require a more
mature approach, and would go like this: “You do we sell more papers? You can’t really put flavors
make some interesting points. I have read the on papers and expect people to crumple it up and
Quran briefly, but I did not really think deeply pop the wad into the mouth. It is a dilemma, no?
about the verse regarding the heavens and the No.
Earth being one unit and that God, or some Let me introduce you to “Muslim-flavored”
Powerful Force, clove it asunder, and how it may papers.
correlate with the Big Bang Theory. I have
something veiy interesting to show you from my
book too. Here, look at this ...” The editor and Muslim-flavored papers
The problem is, mature dialogue and bridge­ As we all know, bad news, crime, and violence
building do not sell papers. Sensationalism—and promotes greater public interest and results in
fear—that sells papers. Better if we can add an sudden surges of newspaper sales, increased
exotic flavor to make it sharper on the senses. advertising revenue for the shareholders, happier
Nowadays, if we needed to more sell popcorns fish-and-chip sellers who recycle the local paper’s
at the cinema, the way to do it would be to offer gossip as wrapping for your takeaways, and editors
sharper tasting flavors than mere salted popcorn. who can once again afford to put expensive jam on
So far, so good, it is starting to make sense. But how
their toast. story reporter retorts. He is determined to defend
Pass by the local newspaper company when himself. “I have been going to the court house daily
recent events in the papers have not piqued your trying to find juicy bits but nothing seems to sell,
interest and peep in through the keyhole when no even if it is a major crime. Give me a Muslim who
one is looking. If you are lucky, you may see the stole a banana for his sick grandma and I can make
editor calling a staff meeting with some pink layoff it sound like he was brandishing the banana like a
slips in hand. pistol at shopkeepers, demanding they give up
“Muslims have been awfully quiet for too long buying pork, and then watch how our paper sales go
and paper sales have gone down, y’know.” The up. But nothing of that sort is happening. I suggest
editor is looking at the crime story writer as if he is we wait a bit before handing out those pink slips.
responsible for the shrinking revenues. There is Something is bound to happen soon.”
silence in the boardroom. Everyone is gazing at the The editor is getting impatient. His morning
crime story reporter. Surely it must be his fault? breakfasts since last week did not have his favorite
People are going to lose their jobs because the exotic sharp-tasting passion-fruit jam on the toast.
imbecile did not do his properly. He could not afford it. Plain butter on toast made
“Don’t look at me as if I have done something him grumpy: “Okay. I am willing to wait a few more
criminal. I write crime, not make crime!” the crime weeks. I know those darned Muslims have been
quiet for too long. Just keep your eyes open.” happened in the nick of time. I was getting tired of
A week later, the editor calls another staff applying only butter to my toast. No pink slips for a
meeting with a wide grin. He motions the crime while. There is coffee on the table. Feel free. Try the
reporter to take the floor. “Someone did something passion-fruit jam beside the toast. You will
awful last night. Our paper said a hard-of-hearing understand why I spread jam thickly on my toast. It
elderly gentleman with a hearing-aid heard makes reading the morning paper more fun with
something. He could not be sure what it was as the some exotic-tasting foreign-sounding jam on the
battery7 in his hearing machine had died down. He toast. It is like the “Muslim-flavored” paper. It
heard a person shouting in some exotic language really arouses the senses.”
like Arabic.” There is a sudden hush in the room. The crime reporter is first at the table to savor
The crime reporter continues, “The elderly the exotic taste. “Hmm. I agree. This foreign stuff is
gentleman, who must remain anonymous for his really good! What would we do without Muslims,
safety, was only a mile away from the area where eh?”
the crime occurred. Our paper sales rocketed. Our Give me a crime committed by a person with an
revenues are up.” There is a general sigh of relief exotic name. Sprinkle an ethnicity7 that one knows
and some applause. only little about. Pour into that mixture a religious
The editor stands up and continues, “This thing background that is somewhat different from the
predominant faith. If you can add a color to the communities who engage in good works should be
batter, the better. acknowledged.
Hands down: Muslims make the best exotic Muslims, Jews, Christians, and all other faith
flavor in the papers. and non-faith members should acknowledge each
Millions of regular Muslim folks going to work, other whenever any person does deeds of goodness.
schooling their children, eating stale pickles until For instance, how many of us know that a recent
their left-over burgers, paying bills and taxes, are U.K. survey of charitable giving found Muslims
certainly not going to grab your attention, and if topping the list ahead of any other major religious
you suddenly found your attention starting to drift or non-religious group, with seven out of ten
as you went through this stale statement, the point Muslims contributing to charities? [12]
is made. Do not put the book down yet, though Muslims are taught that to display generosity7 in
—there is much that will amaze you about Islam order to gain attention diminishes the purity of the
that you did not know. deed, and so much of the goodness remains
Since good news does not sell, then we have a unknown to the human populace; as for the good
duty7 to look beyond the sensational splashy deeds that are obvious, well, most of the media are
headlines. No section of a people should be unfortunately' not too keen to print or broadcast
demonized wholesale. Sincere members of all faith those kinds of stories.
 But bad news, like nasty' weeds, spreads and and wholesome natural ethical norms. Here is an
chokes fruitful dialogue and cooperation, the media example of what I mean. To distract one of my
acting quickly to provide shovelfuls of fertilizer. wittier patients as I was about to perform surgery'
This is especially true when crimes are committed on her foot with a local anesthetic, the patient and I
by those thought to be Muslims, or profess to be so, were discussing recent events making news in the
regardless of whether they are practicing Muslims local papers at the time. As she knows that I
or not. generally advocate for animal rights and have
Just bearing a Muslim-sounding name is often animal photos of my African safaris displayed in the
enough to warrant condemnation. That is a bit clinic, she brought up the subject of an activist who
unfair. Where do we begin? was mentioned in the papers.
Why not begin at a place that should be This activist was charged with criminal mischief
common but is not that common any longer? by police and the media had picked up this juicy
story. Her crime? Providing drinking water in
scorching heat to quench the thirst of pigs destined
Common sense not so common for slaughter crammed into a stifling metal vehicle.
We are losing touch with basic human goodness While the truck was briefly parked, the kind lady
quickly went to give water to the thirsty' pigs
through vents in the side of the truck. [13] My phone. “What should I do?”
patient made a very succinct remark that I tend to “Charge the driver.”
recall whenever I see things that should be obvious, “No, sir. It is the driver lodging the complaint,”
yet which appear to be elusive to some. “Common explains the cop.
sense, it seems, is not so common after all!” “What! Really? Okay then. Charge the owner of
Visibly relaxed after the surgery' and while I was the business for keeping pigs thirsty.”
dressing the foot, the patient started concocting a “No, sir. The driver wants me to charge the
hypothetical scenario of a lady being charged until lady.”
the potential crime of giving water to thirsty pigs. I “What! You can’t do that. You can’t charge a
joined in. The following conversation is a gist of the lady for doing a civic duty' out of compassion,”
scenario we made up, and which provided us with a retorts the sergeant.
good laugh at human absurdity. “Sir, the driver is adamant. He wants a charge
“Sergeant, sir, we have received a complaint of a laid.”
lady giving water to thirsty' pigs being driven a very' “Hmm. I don’t know what to do really. He
long distance in a huge truck. She was giving water should get chickens if he wants things laid. Ha!
to very thirsty pigs in this terrible heat,” the Ha!”
confused voice of the policeman crackles over the “Was that supposed to be a joke, sir?” The cop is
unimpressed. humans can smugly prop themselves up at the top
“Yes.” of the food chain and line their guts with pepperoni.
“Sony sir. Very funny, sir. Your own, sir?” All this while the lady gets charged with a criminal
“My very own. I like humor.” The cop rolls his offence! We can certainly make heads roll.
eyes on the other end of the line. The sergeant When members of the human race charge a lady
obviously did not get the sarcasm. The seijeant for kindness and then take her through the rigors of
continues, “but let us get serious. Let me think. court proceedings—and for what? Providing water
Aah! I got it! Charge the pigs for being thirsty, to thirsty animals that are going to soon meet with
locking themselves up in the truck, being pig­ slaughter—one has to ask what gives us the right to
headed, and refusing to walk to a nearby stream to place ourselves above the animals when comparing
drink water in this heat!” says the sergeant smugly, animals and humans? Who are the animals? Are
feeling pleased with himself, and hangs up the they outside the truck or inside?
phone. It is time someone invented a “common-sense
The amazing thing is that in the real scenario, pill” That person could become very7 rich.
the driver goes scot-free, nothing really happens to My advice?
the business owner, and the pigs get denied even First, give a ton of free pills to those who kill
basic compassion in their final moments so that innocent people. This includes the sole individual
and those who hide behind a facade of government disguised to justify an evil practice in which
writ. innocent men, women, and children are disfigured,
maimed, or killed.
Collateral damage is a guise to justify’ the
When the end does not justify the means murder of civilians, so let us call it what it is. One
Killing innocents is wrong. Powerful bombs until cannot accuse the other of moral betrayal and then
shrapnel flying in every direction and leaving huge employ means that defy the very essence of
craters do not distinguish which woman or child to morality. Would the same politicians’ term it
spare. Once any government starts to work outside “collateral damage” to their electorate if the bombs
a fair judicial process, just because people seem to were thrown upon the innocent in their own lands?
be different and are living in another land, it will You would find their wordsmiths scurrying to
not be long before others start doing the same consult their dictionaries, trying to outdo each
thing. other in how best to condemn such atrocities.
The other excuse—that Chilians get in the way (“Stop watching cartoons on your cell phone, dear
of bombs being thrown from the air and thus Minister. What if someone saw you? The media is
constitute mere “collateral damage”—is abhorrent, outside waiting for a speech. We must condemn
such wanton and cowardly acts that occurred near
us. For heaven's sake do not say ‘mere collateral.' punch a Nazi?” into mainstream discussion and
Does ‘despicable murder of innocent civilians’ vigorous moral debate—not in a university7
sound okay?”) philosophy class, but rather, and surprisingly, on
Sane people, and we all hope to be among them, the internet. [14]
will respect each other, and whenever This happened soon after an alt-right activist
disagreements arise, will conduct themselves until was punched in the face during Trump’s
civility and settle arguments with tact, wisdom, and presidential inauguration, a punch that was caught
peaceful dialogue. These qualities when combined on camera. The man who was punched was Richard
with the requisites of perseverance and firmness Spencer, a white nationalist. This occurred as he
will bring about lasting change. This is not the same was giving an interview in Washington, D.C.
as turning the other cheek. The “standing up” to When two opposing parties engage in somewhat
what is abhorrent is an obligation for those who similar abusive or violent confrontation, it detracts
profess to be on a higher moral platform. from the real issue at hand. The conversation now
If you insult or punch the bully in a reciprocal shifts from the issue being discussed to the
exchange, then what is the difference between you distractive event. The public and the media now
and him? A good example to illustrate this case is focus their attention on the event that occurred,
an event that brought the phrase “Is it okay to while the more serious issue, in this case that of
xenophobia and racism, is sidelined. forwarded to the Nobel ’Piece” Prize Committee so
So far, so good. Peace-loving folks must always they could give him a “piece” of pie for next time,
engage with those who are intolerant and spew vile and some eggs as well, to pop on intolerant heads.
divisive rhetoric with peaceful gestures. Offer them Folks should stand up to those who insult
flowers. Omelets made from organic eggs. Or so, them—with patience, fortitude, and civility7, for
the alt-chaps and the neo-Nazi chaps should lasting and positive effects. If all this fails, an egg
continue to fancifully think. (not an expensive organic egg, but one which has
Wrong, about the flowers. gone off) should be enough.
Where is the chap who threw the punch? His Someone who believes he or she is a “goody-
name should be sent to the “Noble” Peace Prize goody” person may raise a finger and ask, “Should
Committee, for “noble” gestures. I just hope the we not all stay quiet, and stay away from all
punch was a soft one for symbolism. conflicts?” I would hold the raised finger and gently
And who remembers the egg-boy? [15] He is the turn it in the direction of the following quote:
courageous Australian boy tackled to the ground,
not by one man, but by a bunch of big men probably The only thing necessary for the triumph
scared out of their wits that they were not going to of evil is for good men to do nothing.
be enough. The egg boy’s name too should be —Edmund Burke
 matter; it has nevertheless given some demagogues
Fight with the pencil and the brain, not the sword. the courage to vent their racist views.
No, no. Please do not wield the sharp pencil. I only When a mosque wras burnt to the ground in
used it to denote the pen. Oh dear, some people. In Texas soon after Trump signed the anti­
verse 16:125, the Quran exhorts Muslims to always immigration bill targeting many Muslim majority'
be respectful in their discourse: countries, a nearby Jewish synagogue offered the
/p> keys to their own place of worship so Muslims could
Invite [all] to the Way of thy Lord with continue to pray. Many Christians also offered help
wisdom and beautiful preaching; and with generosity and a GoFundMe campaign raised
argue with them in ways that are best and large sums to help rebuild the mosque.
most gracious: for thy Lord knoweth best, Not long afterwards, when several Jewish
who have strayed from His Path, and who cemeteries were desecrated in parts of the U.S.,
receive guidance. many Muslims and Christians were quick to
contribute funds to help with repairs. Muslim and
In the wake of the Trump election, there has been a non-Muslims were putting into practice,
rise in Islamophobia and anti-Semitism. I am not consciously or otherwise, a verse from the Quran
blaming Trump per se, or maybe I am but it doesn't which states,4'Believers, be steadfast for the cause of
God and just in bearing witness. Let not a group’s trying to get hold of me.
hostility to you cause you to deviate from justice. Be I made myself available, cancelled my other
just, for it is closer to piety. Have fear of God; God engagements, and awaited the CBC call. However,
is Well Aware of what you do” (Quran, 5:8). later my wife got a call to say that the CBC in
If this coming-together of humanity is not Sudbury was finally able to get hold of an imam and
beautiful, I do not know what is! so they would not be calling me. Where did they get
When the heinous Quebec City7 mosque attack hold of the imam? In the city7 of Timmins, many
took place on January 29, 2017, in which six miles away from Sudbury. Is this an isolated
Muslim men died and many more Muslims were incident where someone is trying to get answers on
injured by being shot from point-blank range by the the belief-system of Muslims or what their thoughts
lone gunman, Alexandre Bissonnette, a 27-year-old are? I wish it were, but time and again we hear that
student from a local university7, CBC Sudbury called much of Islam is unknown to people unless they are
my home as we have been known to speak for the determined to make the effort to conduct
Muslim community7 in Sudbury. The CBC presenter independent research. Muslims need to be
told my wife that he could not get hold of any proactive. They must engage proactively by
spokesperson or imam or representative by calling providing sound education on their faith knowing
the two mosques in the area and the reason for that there will always be more people willing to
listen to peaceful dialogue than those being swayed or political views, that place must—at that
by violent confrontation. That fateful day, many moment—become the center of the
Non-Muslims were trying to help Muslims. universe.
Muslims must also rise up to help any segment of a —Ellie Weisel

population undergoing oppression, at any time, and

in any part of the world. That is how we build It’s not our job to play judge and jury, to
strong societies. determine who is worthy of our kindness
and who is not. We just need to be kind,
We must take sides. Neutrality helps the unconditionally and without ulterior
oppressor, never the victim. Silence motive, even—or rather, especially—when
encourages the tormentor, never the we'd prefer not to be.
—Josh Radnor
tormented. Sometimes we must interfere.
When human lives are endangered, when
The idea of maintaining balance and acceptance of
human dignity' is in jeopardy, national
the other despite differences appears to be on the
borders and sensitivities become
wane. There are many people abandoning religion
irrelevant. Wherever men and women are
altogether or, when times are hard, adopting
persecuted because of their race, religion,
religious extremism. We see more of that in Europe that have been expressly forbidden in Islam such as
with the far right and the far left, and though attacking places of worship, or harming or killing
religion is not obvious in this shift, if you were to any innocent person. There is no exception to this
dig deep enough, you would find some aspects of rule, no matter the depth of grievance; the rule
religion at the core: rejection with passion or being so strict that one cannot retaliate in like
acceptance with passion. Abandonment of religion manner even if the enemy had resorted to such acts.
is therefore not a purely Muslim phenomenon; we We must learn to question objectively whether a
see it in cultures all around us. crime has been sanctioned by religion, and if it has
Religious extremism too is not confined to not, then, for heaven’s sake, keep religion out of the
Muslims. History is replete with religious picture. Thus, a person such as Timothy McVeigh—
extremism across all major religions. However, who was responsible for the Oklahoma City'
Islam has been handicapped by some of the cultural bombing that killed 168 people and injured over
baggage or regional practices that some Muslims 600—though born a Catholic, is not representative
adhere to without knowledge of their faith or of the teachings of the Catholic Church.
scriptural sanction such as female genital Similarly, the tragic injustices done to the
mutilation and education denied to girls. Then Native American people or to the indigenous races
there are those “Muslims” who commit atrocities of Australia and New Zealand (not mere states
taken away from them, but whole continents) left 500 people injured in Las Vegas. He is not a
cannot be blamed on the teachings of Christ Muslim, so he is not going to attract the lurid
(church leaders need to acknowledge historical headlines that link a particular religion to a crime
injustices where many verses from the Bible were committed.
taken out of context and misused to advance a Can we then, dear media, apply the same
particular political or social agenda). standard to a person when he happens to be a so-
Anders Behring Breivik’s terrorist act in called Muslim?
Norway, where he was convicted of killing 77 “No, certainly not,” the media may counter with
people, is not considered a religious terrorist act. a raised eyebrow at our audacity (and a wink at the
The media suddenly got it selectively correct on this marketing department. A wink you are certain you
occasion. Yes, Breivik is a Christian, the media saw)—sensible enough to see sensationalism,
would say, but let us be sensible, shall we? Since he increased paper sales to a dazed public, and some
is not a Muslim, let us leave religion out of the extra bucks in the bank to buy camouflage glasses
picture. The media would also quickly point out that should effectively hide the next wink.
that the same criterion of the “separation of But surely Muslims must be the ones
perpetrator and religion” be applied in the case of committing the worst atrocities, no?
Stephen Paddock, who killed about 58 people and
 are many leaders who have cleverly manipulated
Nope. Not even by the length of the turban the police force and army to see that they carry out
cloth their orders against taxpayers who are really the
Some of the worst atrocities in the world, such as ones funding the food on their very tables. These
the Holocaust, the Crusades, and the Inquisition despots use the country’s forces as if they are meant
have been committed by adherents of religions to serve only their families and friends. Bad retorts
other than Islam. Compare the number of Muslim give them bad ideas. This type of message should
countries possessing nuclear weapons until the non­ not be coming from what is supposedly the world’s
Muslim nuclear powers. While you compare, just greatest “democracy.” Do big buttons translate to
hope that the one with the authority7 to press the red big weapons? Can one not use a small button to do
button is not itching, as this may annihilate the same? I am just asking. Maybe it’s an itch.
millions and cause universal catastrophe that will And if a guy is itching, please give him some
impact you and the coming generations in ways that balm so that he will not itch.
you cannot even begin to imagine. Words are powerful and can have
The retort “I have a bigger button,” in reference repercussions. Those in power need to use them
to North Korea is naive and regressive. Then there wisely. Because the media has been so helpful (not),
many people think that it is “those Mozlems” who
need to be blamed for what ails the Earth (and the 400,000 dead; Chairman Mao Tse Tung dishing
stomach ache from eating too much popcorn at the out wanton killings instead of wontons (with a dash
cinema). of soy sauce), with approximately 14 million dead;
How quickly we forget that the worst atrocities good old “Uncle Joe” Stalin, dishing out death
the world has ever seen were instigated or caused instead of borsht, 20 million dead and millions
by adherents of ideologies or religions other than more slowly starved to death. Yes, that was what
Islam: the First World War—approximately 17 they were called endearingly—Uncle Joe, Chairman
million dead; not to be outdone with such paltry Mao, and The Leader.
takings, non-Muslims unleashed the Second World When the actions of Hitler and a long list of
War, with approximately 50 to 55 million dead; the non-Muslim demagogues are compared to
War in Iraq , alleged to have produced atrocities committed by Muslims, the Muslims fail
approximately 12 million dead, was justified by by a long stretch, huffing, puffing, and limping at
what turned out to be phony allegations of the the end of the line.
possession of nuclear weapons by the BB duo team, The Gold Cup, the Silver Cup, and the Bronze
Bush-Blair and their entourage; the Nagasaki would be won by a non-Muslim. The Muslim would
atomic bomb, 200,000 dead; the War in Cambodia, be lucky7 to get a coal brick chucked at his turbaned
3 million dead; Il Duce (“The Leader”) Mussolini, head to tiy and catch up. Rather the coal brick than
all the cups, say I. like some of it and hate me for some of it. Now is
Keep the cups. the chance to keep the book down and go sulk
Unfortunately, religion has too often been taken quietly. But if you do, you will miss some funny
out of context, used and manipulated to monopolize bits, especially the last chapter—the dessert—
power and subdue and terrorize people. Here then which tells you about some wacky “Muslim” despots
is a mind-blowing statistic that many people are not in deserts. For now, however, we need to get pretty
aware of: according to a FBI database, the majority' serious about our planet.
of terrorist acts in the U.S. were committed by non­
Muslims (1980 to 2005 statistics).[16] A 2017
report in the Independent states, “Most of the
designated terrorist groups in the US are right-wing
extremists, not Muslim, according to a new report.”
[17] A radical change needs to happen to how we
Disappointed?
perceive life on Earth. Like the Titanic, the Earth­
I plan to turn preconceived notions on their
ship is convulsing with its last shudder before it
heads to clear some fog, as I stated earlier. It is not
goes down and us with it—and yet we sit smug and
necessarily a “feel-good” book. I concede you will
complacent. At least the Titanic had horns to warn restrain our politicians from carrying out things we
people, and some people did escape the tragedy. In find abhorrent. They entice us with “we are here to
our case, there are no life rafts to take us to safety. protect you” and “military-industrial progress,”
None. There is no shore. The Earth is our entire making us participants in allowing the production
lifeline. It sinks, we sink. of lethal weapons by the billions, often at the
We thought the extinction of the Dodo bird was bidding of a few perverse warmongers who in turn
a tragedy. The UN now reports there are one sell it to despots to subdue their citizens and others.
million species at risk of extinction, [18] and we are They say that they are doing all these “good” things
still twiddling our fingers. We cannot sustain on our behalf. They lie, and they want us to be part
wasteful lifestyles forever—and though we know it— of the lie. They soil their hands and then soil us.
we are not speaking out with enough alarm. Our Environmental degradation is going on full
silence is deafening. steam ahead; the Earth-ship is on collision course.
We have an obligation to every' living creature We need to alter our trajectory radically. Our
on Earth. There is way too much killing going on. politicians are blase, their hands on the helm, or
We throw bombs. We are killing each other, and as shrugging their shoulders as the elections are
we do so, the explosives spew more toxins into the drawing ever nearer.
air. They die now, we die slowly later. We need to Animals too are undergoing great suffering due
to human apathy and greed. Let us try to put easy read, to keep you turning its pages. You will
ourselves into their shoes, or hoofs, or flippers. know so much about Islam you did not know
Animals, being subsendent to our powerful minds before; we can use this information to forge closer
and ingenuity', are unable to complain and respond ties among us and to care for this Earth-ship that is
to the harshness they are often made to endure. The convulsing, taking in toxic water of our own
absence of speech in animals should not equate to making.
the absence of common sense in humans who claim We need everyone, Muslims and non-Muslims;
some kind of superiority'. True compassion would the animal under duress cares not whether it was a
be to put ourselves in their hooves, so to speak, and Muslim or a non-Muslim who came to its aid.
have a sense of empathy. Was Prophet Mohammed Neuroscience research indicates that on average
empathetic to their needs? We shall examine this to our digitalized generation has an attention span
show you what kind of person he was. shorter than that of the goldfish. [19J This book is
There are many good books, both from Muslims an attempt at a compromise: to find a way to
and non-Muslims, on animal welfare in Islam, but engage the reader in the subtleties of the harsh
they are often too scholarly to engage many readers realities now facing the Earth, to relate historical
in this current fast-paced dynamic and fluid information to current challenges and to deal with
internet age. I plan to make this book an amazing, serious issues from a vantage point that we all may
be able to relate to via an engaging read.
Leave the goldfish alone and do not stare at it to Chapter 2
prove this theoiy. It is circling, yes, I know. I mean,
really, what else is it supposed to do? We would lose The Science of Things
our attention span too if we kept circling all day.

How came the bodies of animals to be

contrived with so much art, andfor what
ends were their several parts?

Was the eye contrived without skill in

Opticks, and the ear without knowledge of
sounds?... and these things being rightly
dispatch'd, does it not appearfrom
phenomena that there is a Being
incorporeal, living, intelligent?
 —Isaac Newton, Opticks or out of prison.
For instance, the Muslims of those historical
times were not afraid to translate pagan Greek
philosophy into Arabic, though they shunned pagan
Were you to quickly scan the pages of history from worship. The Muslims were keen to understand the
the beginning of Islamic thought to the early world around them. They learnt from other
seventeenth century ce, Muslims appear to have cultures, adopted and enlarged upon ideas that
been generally more welcoming to different ideas, were alien, yet reasonable. They bolstered,
the adoption of other perspectives, cultures, and elaborated and added to the scientific knowledge
ways of life that did not exactly conform to their existent at the time. Here are a few examples:
own.
Unfortunately, stagnation has set in within the
general Muslim community7, what with squabbling Optics/Astronomy/Study of ancient texts
potentates in Muslim countries fighting to amass
Optics
more wealth and power and thereby keeping the
populations in those countries (on the whole) busy For hundreds of years, it was held by scientists such
trying to keep themselves and their families alive, as Ptolemy (85-165 ce) that we perceived objects
because the eyes emitted light, as if from an interior enemy of all that he reads, and ... attack it
lamp. A Muslim scientist, Ibn al- Haytham, known from ever}7 angle. He should also critically
as “the father of optics,” in his seven-volume examine himself as he conducts
treatise on optics, Kitab-al-Manazir, proposed that experiments, so that he may avoid falling
light traveled in a straight line, and that, contrary to into either prejudice or leniency.
the belief that light traveled from the eyes to the
outside, it was actually light bouncing off objects Astronomy and the study of ancient texts
entering the eye that made us perceive these The first astronomical observatory was built in the
objects. [20] eighth century in Baghdad by caliph al-Mamun al-
He also established the principle of conducting Rashid, the founder of the House of Wisdom. [22]
experiments repeatedly to test the validity of a At this center, different sciences, such as
theory, the foundations of scientific research astronomy, mathematics, philosophy, optics, and
inquiry that we use today. [21] His words are medicine, were studied, developed, and advanced.
profound: Translation activities into Arabic (especially the
The duty7 of the man who investigates the academic works from Persian, and Greek such as
writings of scientists, if learning the truth Ptolemy, Aristotle, Plato, and Euclid) were being
is his objective, is to make himself an
inked and researched. beginning about the sixth century ce. During the
Since the telescope had not yet not been same period, Islamic thought, culture, and
invented, observational sextants were developed, scholarship were in full bloom, with an empire
some fairly large, to observe the movements of stars stretching from Baghdad in the north to Egypt in
and the orbiting planets, and the angles of the the south, from Moorish Spain in the west to China
sun. [23] This passage from the Quran is relevant: in the east.

God is the one Who created the night and

the day, the sun and the moon. Each one is Higher academia and women in research
travelling in an orbit with its own motion. and leadership
(Quran 21:33) Higher academia
Muslim women in the early stages of Islamic
Great intellectual movements were taking place in
influence studied different sciences without
the Islamic Empire at a time when European
restriction. The daughter of a wealthy merchant
thought was stagnating in the shackles of the Dark
established what many historians, and also
Ages, science being seen to be in conflict until the
UNESCO and the Guinness Book of World Records,
Church. The Dark Ages lasted for many centuries,
consider to be the first continuously-running The second oldest university was founded in
degree-awarding university in the world, in 859 ce, 970-2 ce, in Egypt, known as Al-Azhar; a degree­
in Fez, Morocco, the University of Al-Qarawiyyin. granting university in which the modern fields of
[24] science and religious exegesis were embraced. [26]
I visited this university a few years ago, while it Does it matter who established what first? To set
was undergoing restoration and it confirmed to me the historical record straight, certainly, more to
that here indeed one can find proof that in Islam, unite us than to divide us, as we continue to share
religious worship and the study of the arts and knowledge and borrow from one another in our
sciences went hand in hand; religious education common aspirations of scientific advancement and
and what today we call “contemporary studies” the establishment of peace throughout the planet.
were never mutually exclusive. [25] Jews,
Christians, and Muslim scholars from all over the Women in research and leadership
world came to study astronomy, mathematics, and Scientific scholarship and leadership in Islam were
philosophy at this university. not limited to the male domain; during Prophet
The second oldest university must have been in Mohammed’s time and for a few generations after
Europe, surely? his passing away, Muslims adopted and practiced
Nope.
this principle well. Guess who founded the sophisticated instruments and powerful
university of Al-Qarawiyyin? A woman: the microscopes since, in the early stages of
university was established by Fatima al-Fihri. development, the miniature embryo can be studied
Prophet Mohammed’s wife, Aisha, was a teacher only by using such microscopes. Prior to the initial
as well, imparting education to many great Muslim developments of the microscope by Leewanhoek
scholars and thinkers of the time. These scholars (1632-1723), who was the first to observe
came from afar seeking knowledge from her once spermatozoa under the early rudimentary
Prophet Mohammed had passed away. The cultural compound microscopes, the scientific world of the
restrictions placed on women in some Muslim time thought that the human child was a miniature
majority countries to pursue education have version of the child as it grew and emerged from the
absolutely nothing to do with Islam. womb.
Then a person—Mohammed—appeared in the
deserts of Arabia reciting verses he said he had
Embryology received from a Creator and went on to transform a
Most of what we know now of the development of people into one of the greatest civilized empires.
the human embryo is through the utilization of The quest for knowledge and discovery became the
admired norm. His recitation of the verses makes
even more sense in the twenty-first century until the Here I will introduce an authority on the subject
availability of new technology. The Quran says: matter. Dr. Keith Moore is the foremost authority'
on the development of the human embryo, and his
We [Allah] created man from a textbooks are widely used in medical schools. He is
quintessence of clay. We then placed him the recipient of numerous awards and honors,
as a nutfah [drop] in a place of settlement, including, in 1984, the J.C.B. Grant Award, which is
firmly fixed, then We made the drop into the highest honor granted by the Canadian
an alaqah [leech-like structure], and then Association of Anatomists.
We changed the alaqah into a mudghah Dr. Moore has also served in many academic
[chewed-like substance], then We made and administrative positions, including as
out of that mudghah, izam [skeleton or President of the Canadian Association of
bones], then We clothed the bones with Anatomists (1968-70). Upon learning what the
lahm [muscles, flesh] then We caused him Quran had to say about the developing embryo
to grow and come in being and attain the states, he admitted that he astonished by the
definitive [human] form. So, blessed be accuracy of the statements that were recorded
God, the best to create. (Quran 23:12-14) centuries ago, long before the science of
embryology was established. One must bear in
mind that at that microscopic level, it is impossible human being as a “leech-like clot”
to see the developing embryo with the naked eye (’alaqah) at one stage—was new to him;
and one must utilize the most advanced but when he checked on it, he found that it
microscopes of our age. was true, and so he added it to his book.
He said, “I never thought of that before,”
In his book The Amazing Quran, Gary Miller and he went to the zoolog}’ department
observed: and asked for a picture of a leech. When he
found that it looked just like the human
I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. embryo, he decided to include both
Keith Moore for a television presentation, pictures in one of his textbooks. Dr. Moore
and we talked a great deal about this—it also wrote a book on clinical embryology,
was illustrated by slides and so on. He and when he presented this information in
mentioned that some of the things that the Toronto, it caused quite a stir throughout
Qur’an states about the growth of the Canada. It was on the front pages of some
human being were not known until thirty of the newspapers across Canada, and
years ago. In fact, he said that one item in some of the headlines were quite funny.
particular—the Qur’an’s description of the For instance, one headline read:
“Surprising thing found in ancient book!” embryo that had been shown and had been
It seems obvious from this example that projected in the film had come from
people do not clearly understand what it is pictures taken through a microscope” [27]
all about. As a matter of fact, one (The microscope was discovered in the late
newspaper reporter asked Professor 16th century)
Moore, “Don’t you think that maybe the
Arabs might have known about these Other renowmed authorities, such as Dr. E.
things—the description of the embryo, its Marshall Johnson; Dr. T. V. N. Persaud; and Dr.
appearance and how it changes and Joe Leigh Simpson, have also remarked on the
grows? Maybe there were not scientists, profound nature of the references in the Quran to
but maybe they did some crude dissections the development of the human child. >[28]
on their own—carved up people and
examined these things.”
The origin of the universe and the molecular
The professor immediately pointed out to basis of life
him that he (i.e., the reporter) had missed
a very important point—the slides of the
 Do not the unbelievers see that the We now know that we are composed of 57-60
heavens and the earth were joined percent water, knowledge of the true extent of water
together [as one unit of creation], before in our body composition assisted by the invention
we clove them asunder? We made from of the microscope and other devices. The
water every living thing. Will they not then importance of water as the basis of life is
believe? (Quran 21:30) undisputed by astronomers and those looking for
life in the outer planets.
“Oh. We always knew that,” someone may say.
How could Prophet Mohammed, a person living in “Not so fast,” a wiser person may counter. “Not
the desert, have had such profound information, as only did we know about that more recently; in fact,
described above, that we now know to be in 2018, we discovered that we have the largest
scientifically coherent in the twenty-first century? organ in the body known as the interstitium, mostly
In 2006, two physicists were awarded the Nobel made of fluid, ‘hidden’ away in our bodies for all
Prize for the “Big Bang Theory7.” these many years, until some clever people decided
to examine it closely under new and better
The molecular basis of life instruments called confocal laser endomicroscopes.
[29J
 How could we have missed the biggest organ in
the body? Ocean research
Well, we have been squishing and drying tissues
while preparing slides for pathologists for so long And it is He Who has let free the two seas
that we could not really tell that connective tissue [kinds of water]: this is palatable and
and interstitium are separate components, and that sweet, and that is salty and bitter; and He
the interstitium has a unique structure and that it has set a barrier and a complete partition
functions in a specific way just as an organ would. between them.(Quran 24:40)
And we only discovered this in 2018?
Indeed, yes. Since it is mostly made of water, Modern scientific instruments have been able to
and we have been drying tissues to examine under establish that there is a very7 distinct stratification
microscopes for many decades, we somehow where the two waters meet, unknown to science
missed it. Until now, we thought that the skin was until very recently, and that they do not really blend
the largest organ, “Oops. Let us quickly revise our into each other, but rather, there is a distinct
anatomy books before the public starts questioning intersection where the two meet. [30]
just how smart we are.”
 16:69)
Honey and healing An opportunity arose when I had to submit a
The Quran is an ocean of knowledge for the seeker. research proposal during my studies in podiatric
It makes the exhortation that we should reflect on medicine. I decided to conduct an experiment on
its verses as they are signs and evidence of an the antibacterial property of honey (fortunately, a
ingenious Creator. Being true to this exhortation, masters degree in microbiology as a background to
and having a special love for bees, I felt I needed to niv present profession was to come in handy) to see
look at a verse in the Quran making mention of bees if I could contribute to the medical information
and honey, already available in which researchers were trying
to help promote the healing of recalcitrant non­
Then to eat of all the produce (of the healing wounds; and for myself, to understand
earth), and find with skill the spacious more on the depth and veracity of the verse that I
paths of its Lord: there issues from within found interesting.
their bodies a drink of varying colours, So, I approached my professors, obtained
wherein is healing for men: verily in this is approval, and with their help obtained penicillin-
a Sign for those who give thought. (Quran resistant ATCC (American Type Culture Collection)
strains of three common wound infecting bacteria;
staphylococci, streptococci, and pseudomonas. and re-tested them again. The result: almost no
Testing these bacteria against different non­ demonstrable inhibitory' effects were obtained when
pasteurized honeys in an exhaustive research honeys were heated. There was some special
procedure using nutrient agars, Petri-plates, multi­ antibacterial property or substance in honey that
wells with aliquots, incubation, and zones of was being destroyed with boiling.
inhibition revealed an interesting result: honey was Honey in medicine has been known since
found to exhibit inhibitory effects against these ancient times. Manuka honey is more mainstream
bacteria—some types of bacteria more susceptible now, but at the time I was doing my’ experiment,
to some types of honey—with Manuka honey there were few studies of its potency in the world,
exhibiting overall better results. only some early studies done in Australia. Now you
The following question arose from one of my can even find manuka honey at your local grocery'
professors: was it simply osmotic concentration of department. “Fine,” someone may say “We’ve
honey in these wells exhibiting the inhibitory' known about honey’ since ancient times, so what is
effects? To test this potential supposition, we boiled new?” I would tap the chap on the shoulder and
the honeys in short bursts thus maintaining reply, “I hope you did not forget that I was testing
generally the same osmotic concentration (if these honeys against penicillin-resistant strains.”
anything, the osmotic properties would increase), Mine was a preliminary study, and more research is
needed to test against newer antibiotic-resistant The Quran has many verses that a person with an
strains. objective outlook would find truly amazing: many
New research in how bees communicate is quite verses correspond to recent and important
another thing! I was so intrigued by how bees scientific inquiry. The chances of a person in the
communicate that I looked at the verse again. There desert (Prophet Mohammed), 1,400 years ago,
it was; God has taught the bee how to navigate with presenting these points with accuracy, one after
skill the spacious paths of the Lord. We now know another, in line with modern science, are pretty
that bees do a special dance to inform other bees of remote: possibly few in billions.
the distance, the pathway to take, and where to find We are talking about a person in the desert, in
the nectar so they are not all wasting time looking the purity of marked isolation, a man who could not
here and there when one bee already has important read, and who claimed to receive revelations from
information to relate on where to find the best The Creator of all things. He would receive the
nectar! verses from Archangel Gabriel, recite the verses as
received, and the scribes would write it down.
If a book without a top cover were to be
One would think an ancient book would discovered in the attic of a contemporary twenty-
have ancient ideas first century avant-garde scientist, there would be
wonder within the social and scientific communit}' avarice, and how to better oneself. The scientific
as to how one man could accomplish studying the principles within the book would be a boon for
many branches of science and the arts within one many other researchers. The author must be
lifetime—and they would hail it as remarkable. brilliant. Let us see if we can find the top cover,
Let us assume the scenario: A member of the hopefully it will shed light on who authored such a
panel composed of social scientists, human and masterpiece.”
animal rights activists, historians, technocrats, An athletic member of the panel quickly
philosophers, and environmentalists who have been volunteers to go look in the attic again. They scurry
analyzing the book (found in the attic) gets up and to the scientist’s house, almost tripping over
verbally sums up what most of the committee has themselves in their hurry and excitement, to see
been thinking as they have sat around the table who must have authored such a magnum opus. The
scrutinizing the finer details of the book during the agile member deftly clambers up the ladder and
past fortnight since its discovery, “It is fairly starts rummaging as the team waits below’. They
current. It addresses social issues, human rights, wring their hands anxiously and some, their nerves
the rights of each member of a family unit, how the frayed with anticipation, jump up every time they
universe wras formed, time, space, inner working of hear the chap in the attic sneeze due to the
the human mind in matters of compassion, greed, accumulated dust. Then they hear a shout, “All, yes!
Found the top cover!” down at the poor scientist. The scientist moves to
The panel cries out, almost in unison, “What the end of the room closer to the door, ready to
does it say?” make a quick getaway if the athletic member
“It says ‘Quran’” the reply conies. The athletic decided to take things further. He peers closely to
member holds the top cover gingerly and slowly see who must have pushed him against his will,
comes down. The anxious team jostles around the designing scientifically intricate plans to trip the
ladder nearly causing the poor man to take a culprit if he ever were to find who caused him such
tumble. “Stop, for heaven’s sake!” He holds the embarrassment.
ladder tightly with one hand, uttering expletives The author? Not Mohammed. He was only a
about certain nincompoops having brains but no messenger delivering a message from the Creator.
patience. He refuses to come down until the group The Quran simply means recitation of revelation, as
moves far away from the ladder. A frail scientist in received, from the Master of the Universe.
big horn-rimmed glasses and a glistening large Prophet Mohammed, more than a thousand
head packed until neurons who had been pushed years ago, was reciting breathtaking things on the
against the ladder in the commotion is taking the origin of the universe, about the origin of life, and
heat, “You there! Were you the one trying to topple saying things about the ocean while living in the
me down?” he glares from his precarious perch desert.
 Would we phrase this as “new things in an objective. If being objective on a consistent basis is
ancient book”? Not really; the Quran was designed difficult, at least we can keep our prejudice at bay
to stand the test of time. It is as current today as it for the brief amount of time we need to hear the
was in 570 ce. other person out fully. Let us grab our metaphorical
We need a dose of sincerity and humility if we cups labeled “objective” and hold them the right
are true to ourselves in wanting to know about the side up—for if our cups were inverted to match our
Book. We are all free and independent and we can mindset, then nothing, no matter how profound, is
always reject any idea if we do not like it. However, going to go in—and let our minds receive
we first need to acknowledge that we have information and then we can decide if that
preconceptions. We are a product of circumstances information warrants credence and further
that have molded our lives, and that our thoughts attention.
and ideas may be reflective of the millions of Pretense, derision, and malice should be
interactions that occur during our lives. Why not banished when we sit down. Let maturity and
add to the collection of experiences and read a few wisdom guide our dialogue. Just as I brought the
chapters of the Quran? Objectively, of course. It Quran, bring out your books, your ideas, your
may or may not offer an insight. challenges, your fears, the beauty of verses that deal
Let us try—no matter how hard it is—to be with compassion that is in your books, and let us
understand you as well. For example, there are phrase I just quoted, though some dispute the
many instances in the Bible where Jesus showed his source. It does not matter who said it first, it makes
love and compassion to the poor and the needy, and sense. The same rule applies to the Quran. Some
allowed us to recognize that none of us are entirely people will read it to find fault and some will read
sinless, and that we should not be too quick to and keep turning pages and find much good in it.
condemn, as when he said of the woman accused of The choice is the appi’oach one takes when reading
adultery ... “He that is without sin among you, let the Quran, Bible, Torah, or other religious books.
him first cast a stone at her.” (John 8:7). The We direly need to come together with the intention
statement is beautiful and packed with great of knowing the other, as there is no better way to
wisdom. It is not that he condoned adultery7, but empathize and understand than to place oneself in
part of the lesson for me is that that we should look the other person’s shoes. This will unite us and
at ourselves first before accusing and condemning encourage us to be good to each other.
others too quickly. The unity of humankind, the unity of God,
“If you were to look for some good in a person, understanding of the other while appreciating
you will surely find it, and if you are looking for differences, and empathy: is that not the ultimate
something bad in a person, you will surely find it.” religion?
Abraham Lincoln is believed to have said part of the
A is for apple, but if it smells fishy, it’s a fish penal institutions: are they all empty?
That is basic science if we have a sense of the If we were to take the Quran as the
olfactory. But then, we not only smell, we also see. “constitution” by which Muslims are supposed to
And what we sometimes see, we do not like. We govern themselves, and which indeed most
often judge a whole religion based on our Muslims do, we nonetheless discover that,
observation of just a few of its adherents that we unfortunately, a few do not adhere to its tenets.
may have had personal experience of. Thus, we may There are bad people within any religious fold
unjustly blame Islam, Christianity', Judaism, and and there are evil recruiters who want them to do
other religions based on the naive and simplistic bad things. Recruiters can also be politicians—they
calculation that if person A is bad, then religion A know how to emotionally charge people and if any
must be bad too. This is bad science. All the apples opportunities were to arise, they are quick to
in all the piles are not bad. It is a bad apple in a respond and sow discord—their ultimate agenda is
good pile. All religions have a few bad apples. Do all as crooked as they are. Recruiters in their many
citizens of a country abide by their government’s forms are quite adept at picking the fruit on the
constitution and the principles of good they often fringes that is not sound. Muslims too have their
invoke and want us to abide by? Look at our own share of unsavory fruit.
The greater a Quran-educated Muslim or Bible-
educated Christian one is able to produce the decency of the man. We had just closed shop
—adherents who are easily able to locate references and were heading home when we heard a large
that place emphasis on compassion and unity from commotion. A person zoomed by, with a mob of
their respective Books, and able to counter divisive people running and shouting to catch the person.
tactics with sound knowledge—the better the He was a probably a petty7 thief, maybe grabbed
chances that the pesky recruiters will sit idle something from a store but was discovered; the
twiddling their fingers and take up another activity. mob was in hot pursuit to exact “instant justice.”
They can buy a one-way ticket to Mars, and we shall They call this “mob justice” in some parts of
pitch in with a fundraising bake-sale to help send Africa, and if they end up catching the thief, it
them on their way. would be a miracle if he comes out alive. A short
Someone may say, “Get rid of religion then. It distance from where we were, he was tripped by
seems to cause more anarchy and more wars.” someone and he fell. As the crowd caught up to
Anarchy. That reminds me. I have several vivid him, they started picking big stones and rocks and
memories of my late father while living in Africa, started pelting him while he was on the ground
one being especially poignant. As a young teenager begging and shouting for them to stop; bloodied,
growing up in a small town called Mwanza, near pleading and crying. My dad ran and started pulling
Lake Victoria in Tanzania, Africa, I was witness to the men away, shouting for them to stop and to let
the police deal with this, but to no avail. I, on the religious man, but he observed the religious dictates
other hand, was pushed towards the fringes by of good.
bigger, stronger men. In a final desperate act, my Religion is here to stay. Like it or not. Read your
father threw himself on top of the thief trying to own religious Book carefully, almost all of it
shield him from the attack, in the process getting encourages positive social cohesion—if you take
hit with a few stones. away the added bits inserted by humans—for
The crowd started to pause. Fortunately, the whatever other agendas they had in mind at their
police soon arrived and the thief was escorted away, historical times.
bloodied, but alive. A mob is not a group you reason Remove religion and it will be replaced with
with, and you may end up becoming a casualty, but other ideas, for instance state-worship, or neo­
niv dad’s sense of justice forced him to take drastic religion of sorts, like neo-fascism. Or communism,
action. with the top echelons doing all the taking, while
We walked home in silence. We never talked promoting “equality for all.”
about this. This man, my dad, respected the law. He Someone may still insist on doing away with
despised anarchy, people taking the law in their organized religion, saying religion is responsible for
own hands. Even more so, he was a kind man and many a war. They may stubbornly insist on
he shunned all types of violence. He was not a very evidence. They may ask, “What do we get if we take
away religion?” ones made to believe that they are “serving god” by
What do we get? following this “leader.” These “leaders” read select
We get chaos, mayhem and leaders wanting to passages from the Bible, or Quran, or other
control others with power and brute force. We get religious books, adeptly twisting passages a bit here
Pol Pot with 1.5 to 2 million dead under his and there, or in most cases reading them out of
leadership, Stalin with about 20 million dead, and context to incite people. There are those who also
Mao Tse Tung with about 45 million dead. [31] That claim to be secularists. Then they go about life
is what we get. Still not keen on organized religion? crucifying those who do not agree with them. They
Then we are going to get an “organized something” belong to a special religious creed called the secular
— possibly, and very likely, organized mass murder. creed. Same thing, just another name for another
Usurpers of power with their wiles keep formal doctrine. We must acknowledge that these
popping up here and there. There will never be any kinds of people do exist. We just need to fortify our
shortage of people wanting to sway the emotionally- defenses by knowledge, appreciate differences in
swayable to achieve nefarious ends. religion, culture, color, and language. Humanity7
Then there are some very7 clever people who should be like the woven blanket with different
know how to rile up masses by using religion as a colored fibers, each strand strengthening the other,
pretext. They prey on the unwary; the credulous making a whole, to keep us warm and comfortable.
 I shall relate to you a story about the four bulls “Don’t you wish you had more melanin so you
and the lion, to show you what I mean. I promise to could eat out here with the sun shining in your
make it a little quirky7 in case you wanted to read it face?” he asked.
to the teenage grandkids at the campfire while “Yep,” one of the bulls answered. “It is a good
eating marshmallows. adaptation pro\dded by nature to bestow a positive
adaptation in sunnier climes where your fore­
parents come from” The other bulls nodded their
Melanin: Simple science for dorks massive heads in assent.
There were four bulls. They were friends. “We are all beautiful and unique in many
One was called “black” because nature had different ways. Take, for example, the Panda. It is
endowed him until more melanin, an amazing black and white, and it is beautiful,” the darker
adaption as his fore-parents came from sunnier hued added politely. He did not want to be
climes. The melanin protected him from the misinterpreted or sound racist, as his intentions
harmful rays of the sun and he could chew cud were good and sincere, and he did not harbor
while standing peacefully in the sun without feelings of superiority7.
needing to buy sunscreen. The bulls got along well with each other and
recognized that each one was unique and special.
They loved listening to each other's distinct accents. was always war}' that he not be made to sign any
They liked how each one was slightly different from paper that would confer his ancestral rights to the
the others. Some were taller, some had distinct land merely by placing a mark on a piece of paper.
colorations, and some had abilities to find succulent He had heard what happened to many natives in
roots by removing soil in certain spots until their Australia, New Zealand, and the Americas.
hooves. They would regularly share their abilities The third was called “Muslim” because he had a
and tidbits. They lived in harmony because they nice hairy chin which looked like a beard. He had
appreciated differences that existed among them. moved to this new land because the province he
Differences were not a matter of contention. came from in Canada, Quebec, had bulldozed in
The second bull was called “native” as he was of bull 21—or was it bill 21?—a piece of legislation in
a generous nature and the native of the land. He which any “ostentatious” of religious symbols was a
had welcomed all to share the bounties of the no-no. They said they were secular, and were
Might}' Spirit, and he would even share the last probably reading the bill with bowed heads,
blade of grass if times were tough. He believed that replacing a formal religion with another one, the
all species of plants, animals, and insects secular one. It seemed there was no getting away
complemented each other in a myriad of intricate with religion, after all. Despite the facade that goes
interwoven ways in this amazing circle of life. He with such legislations, most knew it was mainly
meant to wrench the headscarves off women who of Canada also had big ostentatious religious
were minding their own business. Muslim women, symbols in some legislative chambers, sheepishly
to be precise. The bull was taking no chances and scurrying past them pretending to be under the
concluded that soon enough any display of long influence of “secular-weeds,” mucking around with
beards, long horns, or hair covers would be the Bill of Rights happily like hippy hippos, saying
tantamount to being ejected from livestock wagons. hypocrisy was okay. So, the “Muslim” walked
He wasn’t too sure about the beards, but given the everywhere with a ruminative look on his face. He
general mood of the politicians looking at the had this contemplative look on his face as if
external appearance than the internal quality of reflecting on the purpose of his higher existence
residents, he was just being cautious. He wasn’t than the mere chewing of cud and travelling in
going to allow someone to remark on his luxurious livestock wagons without top covers.
beard. Instead of focusing on the economy, the The wagons in the province had no ostentatious
legislators were now eyeing the picture of mother top covers as they symbolized some sort of religious
Mary with a head-cover, and the picture of Jesus affiliation. Doctors and nurses in hospitals were
Christ with a beard, wondering how to deal until being ejected if they happened to wear face masks
such things. and hair covers while performing surgeries on the
Some legislative buffaloes in that large province frost-bitten ears of construction workers (who
could not wear balaclavas to keep their ears warm in color, smiled easily, was polite, and fought for
in -30°C). The surgeons stood outside, dazed and justice wherever he saw wrong being done. He came
without hoodies, unable to protect their poor ears and looked at the “Muslim” staring at his cloven
from the Canadian cold. Covid-19 appeared, and the hoof. Then he looked at his own. They were not
legislators—despite their aversion to masks and much different. “Nothing makes sense to me
face covers —were doing a quick rethink. Food nowadays. Politicians want to make a big deal out
preparers were being told not to wear a head covers of nothing to get votes.” He was disgusted as to how
while preparing food and shiny strands of hair his friend was being treated. “I wear a big ring in
started to appear, mixed in with pasta, giving rise to me nostril. I wear it religiously. Why don’t they say
mixed feelings. Cartoon books were being revised anything about that, eh?” He was sympathetic to
and poor little red riding hood was told “no-no” to the ruminating bull.
covering her hair, appearing a little upset without The bulls were beautiful in their own unique
her hood. The parliamentarians had become too ways. They were overjoyed when July 2018 rolled
enthusiastic and did not know where to stop. around and when announcements were made in
“Ostentatious, my foot!” he exclaimed, looking Canada that “weed” would be plentiful. They hoped
at his cloven hoof. they would then chew cud while, as one of them
The fourth was called “white” as he was lighter said, “Swimming in the clods—sorry, clouds.”
 Though the bulls were generally happy in this burrows and their fields. Little critters were easy,
land, they had but one problem: Lurking in the the problem was the bulls.
shadows was a lion called “Supremacist The lion was no match for the four large bulls.
Purpleneck” as his mane had a twinge of purple for Whenever he made an attack, the four backed up
lying too long in a field of lavender. He smelt good into a tight formation, brandishing their horns on
too, because of the lavender, but his nature left all four sides. The one time he persisted in an attack
much to be desired. resulted in such a good hiding that he had to go lie
The lion carried a religious book of sorts and he in the bed of lavender to nurse his wounds. He went
would consult it from time to time, making sure to back to his book, consulted it out of context, and
choose verses, out of context of course, to give feeling energized once again, renewed his attacks.
himself some legitimacy in doing wrong to others. He made his attacks so many times that the four
For example, he would read something like, “Kindly bulls did not have time to forage. The lion was a
admonish the heathens and usurp not their persistent nuisance.
properties,” and he would read aloud only part of One day, three bulls consulted with each other
the passage, “admonish the heathens and usurp.” and decided that if they left one bull to wander
(He was really good at taking things out of context.) further afield and not warn him when the lion
Then he would kill little critters and usurp their came, he would be killed, and the lion would not
pester the rest of the bulls again. The lion would be lavender-smelling lion was back at it again;
satisfied, so they hoped. So that is exactly what they stronger still, further emboldened, and the bully
did. The lion attacked the lone bull and killed it. really relished bull meat. It did not take long for the
One bull gone, three left. lion to kill the remaining two bulls as they could not
After a month, the lion had finished gorging on protect themselves by making an effective
the poor dead bull and was hungry again for bull formation.
meat. The lion was now stronger, confident, Moral of the story7: I know it has something to
emboldened until his first bull success, and so he do with lavender. No, wait. The moral has nothing
renewed his attacks with greater gusto. to do with lavender.
So, one day, two bulls decided that this was too The moral is that one should never think that
much, and they conspired to let another one of racism and injustice only affect others because he
them be killed so the two could live in peace. When or she is not directly affected by what is happening
the lion attacked, the two pretended not to hear the to others. Eventually, injustice is going to catch up
bellows of help. with him or her; if not now, very possibly in the
Second bull gone; two left. near or far future, with his or her children,
Peace, finally? No, for after another month grandchildren or future progeny.
when the second dead bull was now only bones, the Our children and grandchildren will intermarry7
among different ethnicities. We probably wall not hating. It’s just plain wrong.” He had true grit. This
even be here. Racism, a sanctimonious “I-am- should sum it up: true grit is not muscles, guns, or
better-than-thou” attitude, oppression, indiff­ cowering behind a fagade of legislative writ. It is
erence, the causing of dissension among people, mental fortitude against any persecution, or any
and insensitivity7 towards others (who do not injustice—against anyone. Legislative buffaloes
resemble the self) allow greed and evil to go would do well to learn this.
unchallenged. Our attitude will affect those who
come after us.
Silence or apathy is never an option; we are part The science of activism, compromise, and
and parcel of the entire “Circle of Life.” Our actions tact
or inactions have a profound effect upon the whole. Too often we hear “ignorance breeds contempt,”
If you read the autobiography of the famous and that Muslims need to increase social
boxer Muhammad Ali, you will note that his true engagement. Well said and all that. Let us say it
mettle was not merely physical strength, but more again, “Ignorance breeds contempt.”
so his intellectual fortitude against any oppression. For heaven’s sake, let us dispense with cliches,
He stated, “Hating people because of their color is and get to work.
wrong. And it does not matter which color does the
 I am talking to Muslims, so bear with me a bit. marching for social causes that do not have a direct
Muslims need to be seen doing good works while religious connotation. They would often approach
wearing the hijab (that many Muslim women wear) them for a brief interview and their pictures would
or sporting a beard (for some Muslim men who do be posted in the papers or on TV. The idea of seeing
let their beards grow). This way, Muslims are seen Muslims marching alongside non-Muslims in
to be participating in civic society7, thus dispelling support of moral and social causes as being
ignorance that undoubtedly breeds contempt in the something newsworthy by reporters indicates to
mind that has already been subject to the negative what is perceived to be general apathy among
stereotype. Muslims when it comes to fighting for social justice.
When there are marches, or events being held to Muslim engagement must be very common at such
advocate for animal or human rights, my wife and events. Muslims should be front and center when it
her mother often attend these kinds of peaceful comes to advocating for eventhing good. That is
demonstrations, even if it is freezing cold outside, Islam in action.
dressed in their Islamic attire complete with a hijab, There are many causes that are fundamentally
as they normally would do for an Islamic event. Islamic (attending mosques and performing ritual
Invariably, the media notice the two of them, since prayers are not the only Islamic obligations taught
they would not be accustomed to seeing Muslims by Prophet Mohammed, as many Muslims very7 well
know), such as environmental protection, nature against one is oppression against all. If we see
advocacy, advocating for human rights and animal women being paid less for the same amount and
rights, participating in inter-faith dialogue, type of work as their male counterparts, their
assisting the homeless, feeding the poor, and so struggle to achieve equality' in pay becomes our
much more. It is time, that we, as Muslims, gave struggle.
more thought to our social responsibility'-and since When the Muslim stands up for prayer and
we know that we have been slow on the take for recites the verse, “Let there arise from you a group
many years-we need now to drastically increase of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what
our social engagement to undo the damage done by is right and forbidding all that is wrong, and those
standing for too long on the sidelines till we are will be the successful ones” (Quran 3:104), it is a
seen to be developing varicose veins, and attracting call for action. The verse is meant to transform the
an exasperated, “tut-tuts” from the public health ritual into “walking the talk.”
department. I advise my fellow faith members to keep
When we see injustices being inflicted on the mosques accessible to the public and create spaces
native population of a country by the economically where non-Muslims can come and watch you pray
more powerful and dominant population of that and listen to the sermons; let the sermons reflect
state, their cause becomes our cause. Oppression the fact that the congregation includes people who
may be non-Muslims coming to learn about Islam. an acrid environment due to recent negative events
Have a representative available when there is a in which Muslims may have been thought to have
major event to provide any further information or been culpable—regardless of the validity of
clarification sought by the media. Make sure, accusations. Muslim representatives need to have
though, that the representative is properly educated exquisite manners, emulating the words of their
in Islam; is abreast of current developments; has Prophet.
tact; knows how to speak good English or French,
or the dominant language of the country' in Aishah, the wife of Prophet Mohammed,
question; and is smart enough to know when the said, “I heard the Prophet—peace be upon
questioner is trying to lead the representative to him—say, ‘Indeed the believer by his good
make statements intended to tarnish the image of manners reaches the ranks of those who
Islam. Being cognizant of norms and nuances could spend the whole night in prayer and whole
be of great help. day in fasting.’” [32]
A good grasp of the locality’s dominant
language and of local etiquette is also important. Prophet Mohammed also said:
Courtesy and composure must be maintained at all
times, however tough the questions being posed in Nothing weighs heavier in the balance on
 the Day of Judgment than good character. negative comment.
God hates that which is wanton and base. I reflected on these words of wisdom coming
[33] from a child: the person would not have criticized
his or her own shoes, did not stoop lower to counter
To take the moral high ground is also essential the negative, nor invite further tit-for-tat. In fact,
when dealing with negative rhetoric. I was listening such a response might often engender goodwill
to Paul Kennedy’s Ideas program on CBC one night. from the bully, or at least leave the bully searching
The topic was philosophy and children. [34] I for words while you make a confident exit. Muslims
smiled with wonder at one child answering a must learn to engage with similar tact, wisdom,
question on how to deal with a bully. I am not confidence, a superior moral stance, and with
quoting exactly, but the gist I got from the child’s consistency. We all need to learn wisdom from a
answer to the question amounted to this: If a bully pure mind, no matter the age. Remember the quote
comes to you and says, “I don't like your shoes,” do from the Quran mentioned earlier (16:125).
not fight back in a similar negative fashion. Instead, Muslim leaders must appoint a media person
if you were to reply with, “I like your shoes,” it for each mosque or organization. This should be
leaves the bully confused, caught off-guard, and he done in advance, not scrambling to find one when
would often not know how to engage in further the media representative is knocking at the door. If
you have to, then provide training for the person interested. But he did not want to get caught in long
who will represent your mosque or the Muslim sermons at a mosque. Being a fair man, he wanted
community' at large. to give Muslims a fair shot in the media. So, he
In this age of social media, words can be picks up the phone and calls the author of this
disseminated widely. Imams (Muslim religious book...
leaders) need to be acutely aware that words need
to be nuanced enough since they will spread to
different people from many backgrounds, cultures,
and perspectives.
The imam may know how to conduct
exceptional prayers, but not know how to navigate
skillfully with the media. The imam may not even
know—like his kind from other faiths—when to stop
when the sermon has gone on long enough.
When a reporter from a paper known as The
Untainted Press read a book about Muslims who
were trying to be understood, he got quite
 publication, known as The Untainted Press, having
Chapter 3 read a chapter of A Seedling of Hope and deciding
that he liked it, phones the author of this book
Sense and Similarity (assume myself in the third person) and asks him to
come to the press office for an interview for the next
issue of the weekly.
It s an universal law—intolerance is the The author is happy to do so and arrives
first sign of an inadequate education. An promptly on time. His wife wanted to go shopping
ill-educated person behaves with and came along since they have only one car. He
arrogant impatience, whereas truly had asked her to wait in the car while he went in for
profound education breeds humility. the interview, saying he would be back in a jiffy. An
hour soon flies by for the author. He suddenly looks
—Aleksandr I. Solzhenitsyn
at his watch. He has spent more time with the
reporter than he anticipated. He jumps up,
apologizes to the reporter, “Sorry, need to make a
quick call. I will be back soon,” the author says and
A reporter working for a popular weekly
disappears down the hall to look through the glass
window at the cars parked below. The reporter goes her and she told me she was going home in the car
to replenish his coffee cup. as her toes were freezing and she does not like to
“Now what was the author talking about,” the keep the car idling. I will have to take a bus. I am
reporter asks himself after filling his cup with some going to be in big trouble when I get home.
coffee. “Oh, yes. He was going to give me some
papers to explain some basics of Islam. He was Reporter: I hope you came up with a good excuse.
trying to explain the emphasis the Quran places on
humans to reflect deeply on the world around Author: I could not lie. I told her that I was asking
them.” The reporter wants some definitions cleared the reporter to reflect on the marvelous world we
up before he lets the author go. He looks at the inhabit, and that it took a little too long. She told
author hurrying back. me I will have a lot of reflecting to do when I get
back home because she will not open the door so I
Author: Sony. I had to make a quick call to my can get a chance to reflect on the state of toes in
wife who was wondering where I was since she has freezing temperatures. She told me that this
been waiting in the car for an hour. I had told her I marvelous world I inhabit may not be much for me
would be back shortly, but time just flew by while I to reflect upon if I come home late. I ruined her
was trying to explain things to you. I just phoned fiying pan last weekend and now this.
 favorite pan. She saw it too through the thick
Reporter: Ha! Ha! What is this about the frying smoke. As she ran into the kitchen to get hold of a
pan? I am curious to know, if you do not mind. I utensil to use it for a purpose not within the
find human nature very interesting. And you do not manufacturer’s guidelines, I ran out the front door
look like a fella who could get into trouble. in my pajamas, with disheveled hair and without
niv slippers, to escape any potential wrath upon
Author: Yes, I can. I get into trouble often. Last myself. My quiet elderly neighbor, who has bad
weekend I thought I would give my wife a surprise knees, was puttering in the garden as I rushed out.
and prepare breakfast before she got up. It was a The commotion made him jump and he bolted into
Saturday and she was still sleeping soundly. I got his own house. I have never seen a man with bad
up early and used her favorite pan to make some knees run as fast as he did. I felt very embarrassed
pancakes. I put the batter on the pan and went to and pretended I had seen something on the front
grab the newspaper. The headlines caught my eye lawn. I saw him peering out of the window at me
and I started reading and promptly forgot about the looking at some blades of grass. I saw him later in
batter. The fire alarm went off waking the whole the day looking at the spot where I had been
household up with a jolt. As my wife came rushing looking. He must be wondering what was so special
down, I saw to my horror that I had ruined her about the particular patch of grass that caused me
such excitement. He must have thought the Muslim way. Give him a ring and invite him over for tea or
next door had finally flipped. I don’t think I have something. At least that will start the ice to thaw.
made a good impression on the neighbor. Explain what happened over the phone.

Reporter: Ha! Ha! I think you should go and Author: Good idea. Thanks.
explain to him what happened. You must let him
know that your senses are intact. Reporter: You are welcome. You said you would
write up on some basics on Islam and bring it with
Author: Thanks. I think I will do that. But since you. Did you get the chance to write up some stuff?
that day, he goes inside his house as soon as he
hears me coming out. I will have to come out Author: Yes, yes. I did. Aah! Here they are. I kept
quietly, creep up on him and pat him on the some explanations short in case you wanted to use
shoulder before he goes into the house. them for your weekly.

Reporter: No, no! Don’t do that. You will give the The author hands some papers to the reporter. He
elderly chap a heart attack. He already has a looks at the reporter’s face with anticipation as the
negative opinion formed of you. Do it some other reporter reads.
 unhappy as he knows not a word of English. The
Arab-speaking group, when talking about the Lord
and Creator, will not use the English word “God”;
they will use the word “Allah.” Simple so far, I hope.
Allah
Now comes the difficult part: there are some
In the Arabic language, God is known simply by the “enlightened” zealots who think that “Allah” is a
name “Allah”. We know that not all Arabs speak form of a deity7 that Muslims falsely worship, when
English, so if you approach a bunch of Arabs they should instead be worshipping “God” (the
drinking coffee and conversing in Arabic, and pat capital “g” one, silly), and they are on the internet
one on the shoulder and ask him, “Who is God?”, he denouncing “Allah” not knowing that it is an Arabic
may give you a blank unhappy look; and you should word for “God.” Sometimes, in their zeal, the
not be quick to assume it has something to do until zealots catch an Arab unawares, prod him in the
drinking bitter black coffee in tiny cups and he feels back while he is holding hot coffee which causes
hard done by without having a bigger cup and some him to spill it on himself, and after ignoring his
milk and sugar in his coffee. (Some prefer bitter expletives, sincerely try7 to explain that the Arab got
coffee in tiny cups. It is just the way it is, and we it all wrong and he should worship God, not Allah.
should just accept it.) It is more probable that he is The Arab, thoroughly confused since he does not
speak English, keeps muttering in vain, “Ana la Point the religious zealot in the direction of a
atahadath al Inglizia. Ana murtabik” (“I do not proud French guy eating lunch and enjoying his
understand a word of English. If you do not stop French fries with escargot. Watch him as he persists
now, I will leave you talking to yourself, or I will in using the word “God” and gives the French guy
wring your English neck till you stop talking in this (who does not speak English) a long lecture on
foreign tongue.” Well, not in so many words). He “God.” At the end, observe him as he gives the
says he does not speak English and he does not French guy a gentle pat on the shoulder for being
understand what they said. Half of the clever such a good listener. Watch the zealot closely as he
zealots go away with a huff denouncing the ignorant asks the French guy if he has any questions. Do not
Arab who can't even hold the coffee without spilling laugh when the zealot falls off his chair when the
it on himself. French guy says, “Pardon? Je riaipas bien compris
So far, so good; half the zealots get it, half still ce que vous avez dit. Ma nourriture est devenue
do not. These remaining English-speaking froide a cause de toi” (“Excuse me? I did not
monolingual diehards are still denouncing the understand what you said. My food has gone cold
Arabs for using the word “Allah” instead of “God.” because of you.”)
So, let us take one of these ultraconservative fossils God is “Dieu” in the French language.
to France. Only about a dozen zealots still remain. They
are still adamant people should worship “God,” and will often use the Arabic word Nahnu, translated
no other deity. They still do not understand that loosely as “We,” as is used in many other languages
God is Allah in Arabic. So, let us take one of them to in a royal context. In the French language, such use
a Christian village in the Middle East. is employed even when addressing a single person,
If the zealot asks an Arab Christian reading the as a sign of respect.
Bible written in Arabic what they call God in his A king may address himself in colloquial
native Arabic tongue and he says, “Allah,” make English as the imperial “We,” such as in, “We
sure the zealot has a firm grip on the chair. Too decree that henceforth...”. Many ancient languages
many bumps on the head falling off chairs for use the term “we” instead of “I” as a term of
hardheads causes damage to heads. Or concrete ennoblement intrinsic in the self. This is not to be
floors if the noggin is very solid and unyielding. confused with multiplicity7.
Assyrian Christians use the word Elaha or Arabs do not have any confusion about the term
Alaha for God. Jesus and his disciples would have “we,” as they use this liberally and without
spoken Aramaic, a Semitic language and the lingua contradiction, knowing exactly the context in which
franca of his time. The word for God in Aramaic is it is used.
Al-Ilah. Why am I focusing on the word “we” and what
Allah, when addressing Himself in the Quran, am I trying to get at? It is all because of a group of
young enthusiasts who came knocking at my door most of the talking) looked at me with a smug but
one weekend, wanting to educate me about Islam polite grin, as if I had not noticed this glaring fact in
since I looked droopy without my morning cup of the Quran. Here were Muslims saying, “God is
coffee. I went slowly to open the door, and blinked One,” and here was proof that we got it all wrong
in the bright sunlight. New faces greeted me. “Oh. since God sometimes addressed himself as “We” in
Hello. Do you guys want to come in?” I said. They the Quran. “We” according to him denoted
did not, but they had something to show the multiplicity.
“ignorant Muslim” because I had probably got it all I asked them, “Do you have a copy of the
wrong. Quran?”
The leader answered, “No.”
“Have you read the Quran?” I asked him.
A groggy Muslim on a weekend “No,” he answered, “but I know someone who
So here I was looking at some enthusiastic young does. He is one of our leaders and he says he reads
Jehovah’s Witnesses. I was going to be taught about the Quran.”
Islam and the “We” phenomenon. The leader (I “Oh. Does he know Arabic?”
assumed he must be the leader as he was doing “No. I don’t think so. He has a copy of the
translation.”
 “Then how would he know, if he is reading from Since the eager group had been showing me
a translation of the Quran, in which context the passages from the Bible that they had with them,
term ‘We’ is used?” I asked politely, wanting to and as I had spent some considerable time listening
clarify this simple point of contention. to them, I felt I was justified in bringing out my
I explained to the group that the term “We” was copy of the Quran to dispel the confusion that the
used in the Quran as an innate form of dominion, youths obviously had. Unfortunately, the now
glory, and respect. I asked if someone from their uncomfortable team, who just minutes ago were so
group spoke French, and was pleased when they eager to spend time quoting the Quran out of
pointed to a tall member of the team. I addressed context, were suddenly constrained for time and did
the French-speaking member of the team and asked not want to look at my copy of the Quran, as if the
him if a similar term was not also used in the book was going to cast a spell on them. They made a
French language as a term of respect: “Don’t you hasty retreat when I invited them inside for tea so I
use nous as a term of respect, instead of je? And could bring the Quran out from my home library
don’t you use vous instead of tu to a person to and clarify some other points of contention that
whom you want to address with respect?” The they had been erroneously (I use that lightly) taught
others looked at the French-speaking person about the Holy Book of Muslims at their places of
nodding in affirmation. learning.
 We are taught to look at both sides of the story will often notice “holier-than-thou” and “gun-toting
in civil engagement and discourse, especially when and religious-book-carrying” people from all walks
rendering judgment. The attitude of not hearing out of life using vile means to try7 to achieve an objective
the other part}’, especially in this century of much that is contradictory’ to the words they preach,
touted progress, is naive and regressive. “Believe in the Book and look at these nice passages
As they walked away, I admired their suits and (selected to serve my passions and avarice, you
ties, for indeed they presented themselves well. nasty’ ignorant heathen, but of course I am not
They seemed to be good people; no doubt eager to saying it. It’s all in me heart, yloiow. By the way,
“save” people from their wayward ways. They were give me your land you ignorant native and let my
polite. How good it would be if we could all sit at a imported slaves work the field. I am happy you are
table and have a wholesome and dynamic doing this peacefully ‘cos I have this firearm here,
discussion and come to a common platform! The see?)” These phenomena have vestiges in various
eager group had come in peace, and was leaving in forms still present on a distant planet in a land
peace. I hoped it would always stay that way. In the called the Southern State.
end, if all else fails, we can agree to disagree and Many politicians and religious leaders, eager to
still be civil about it. keep their grip on power, appear to suffer
Unfortunately, that is not always the case. You particularly from this malady; I bet they must have
failed their anthropolog}’ and social sciences exams. refers to Mohammed bin Abdullah, the Prophet of
The zero tolerance on differences among humans Islam, born in Mecca 1,400 years ago and believed
and the big “o” on their exam paper may well by Muslims to be the final messenger of God, and
indicate proportionate material inside the cranium. not that other Mr. Mohammed, your next-door
neighbor, now seen with his pajamas peering
curiously at something on his driveway, something
Prophet Mohammed the cat brought.
Muslims are commanded in the Quran to accord Prophet Mohammed was born about 570 years
proper salutation to Prophet Mohammed when after Jesus (peace be upon them both), the son of
referring of him; and this often comes in the form Mary. Muslims are commanded to pronounce peace
of reciting the following salutation: Peace Be Upon upon their prophets and to honor them. Most
Him (PBUH). Though I may not state the salutation Muslims generally pronounce the salutation of
every time I mention Prophet Mohammed in this “peace” not only when Prophet Mohammed is
book Flavored Popcorn and Muslims, I mentioned, but also other prophets of God. Prophet
nevertheless mean it to be there as a recurring Mohammed said that they are his brothers (in
postscript. The name Mohammed in this book faith). You will not find Muslims denigrating any
prophet, and this basic fact is only one of the many
platforms on which relationships between faiths the number one spot? Mohammed. Why this man?
can be built. In fact, there is a chapter in the Quran Study Mohammed in authentic sources and you will
titled Mary, and she is mentioned with much know why. Mr. Hart, a non-Muslim, objectively
endearment as is Jesus. compares such figures as Isaac Newton, Aristotle,
When Aisha (the wife of Prophet Mohammed) George Washington, Jesus, Moses, Charles Darwin,
was asked to describe the character of her husband, Karl Marx, John F. Kennedy, Confucius, Albert
she said he was an embodiment of the Quran. Einstein, and others who are considered the most
Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) lived a influential figures in history. He is quoted as saying,
life of austerity7, was quick to forgive, firm in “My choice of Muhammad to lead the list of the
carrying out God’s command, extremely generous, world’s most influential persons may surprise some
and resolute in times of hardship. Almost without readers and may be questioned by others, but he
contention, these qualities of Prophet Mohammed was the only man in history who was supremely
have been widely accepted, including among non­ successful on both the religious and secular level.”
Muslim scholars. The book has garnered rave reviews in
Michael H. Hart’s book, titled The 100: A publications such as the Los Angeles Times, the
Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History Wall Street Journal, the Daily Mail (U.K.), and
is a fascinating read. [35] Guess who has been given many others, having sold half a million copies in 15
languages. Christians and contemporary historians. Muslims
believe that Almighty7 God revealed the same basic
message of monotheism via different messengers
Quran (such as Abraham, Noah, Moses, Jesus, and
Mohammed; peace be on them all). Though there
The legislation of Quran will spread all were certain different do’s and don’ts for each
over the world, because it agrees with the community based upon the historical times each
mind, logic and wisdom. lived, one thing remained a constant; the creed of
—Leo Tolstoy monotheism.
Muslims honor all messengers—and even hold
The Quran is the Holy Book for Muslims; Muslims Jesus in very high esteem as one of the messengers
believe it is the Final Revelation from Allah to of God—but believe that the other religious books
Prophet Mohammed, who then transmitted the have undergone some change through human
message of the Quran to his followers. Simply put, interference, with insertions, deletions, and/or
the Quran is an instruction manual from God alteration. Muslims also believe that assertions of
Almighty. The Quran has remained unchanged for marked indecent behavior (such as incest) against
1,400 years, and this fact is undisputed, even by the prophets of God (except for minor failings) in
the Bible are human insertions. The Quran memorize them, inscribe them on parchment,
addresses all the prophets with honor, rejecting all leather, or other materials, and repeat them to him
such accusations of immoral behavior. to ensure accuracy. Every year the Prophet recited
Muslims believe that the Quran remains the whole Quran to Angel Jibreel, and vice versa, as
unchanged, as Allah has taken it upon Himself to he would love to hear the Quran from the angel.
safeguard it, as is quoted in the Quran: “We have, Though the Quran is a large “manual,” it is
without doubt, sent down the Message (the Quran); indeed amazing in that even a ten-year-old child is
and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption)” able to memorize it easily from cover to cover, so
(Quran 15:9). that there are hundreds of thousands of children
The Quranic verses were revealed to Prophet and adults (men and women) in almost every'
Mohammed over a period of 23 years by Archangel corner of the world able to recite the Quran word
Jibreel (Gabriel). Prophet Mohammed himself was for word without a single mistake. A hciffidh is a
“unlettered,” meaning he did not know how to read person who has mastered the art of recitation and
or write. Thus, the assertion occasionally made that committed the entire Quran to memory.
he copied texts from ancient scriptures is Memorizers of the Quran are known in Arabic as
inaccurate. Prophet Mohammed recited the huffadh (plural of hqffidh), meaning “Protectors” of
Quranic verses to his companions, who would the Quran.
 My son, a hqffidh, even at the tender age of 14 Topkapi Museum in Turkey (there are other ancient
would often lead the prayers at different mosques copies and parchments in such varied locations as
with much older men standing behind him, an England, Germany, and even the Vatican). [36]
honorable privilege given to those who can recite Amazingly, the latest copy of the Quran in
the Quran accurately and from memory. circulation remains unchanged from the copy in the
Prior to the advent of mass printing, the Topkapi Museum.
liuffadh traveled widely across the Islamic Empire The legacy of the Quran is stored within the
and were received with great respect wherever they bosoms of countless Muslims in every part of the
went. There are many competitions on the art of globe, who recite verses in their daily ritual of five
Quran recitation across the world, which are easily prayer sessions. If the sound of these recitations
accessible on the internet, for those wishing to were to be gathered in one place, the reverberations
sample the rhythm, tone, and techniques of from the entire Muslim population around the
different reciters and experience how the Quran globe would indeed rise to an intense and profound
sounds in mosques. crescendo; God praised with great intensity7 every7
One of the oldest copies of the Quran (owned minute of every day. Of the Quran, Allah (God)
previously by Uthman, one of the closest states, “No falsehood will come to it, in the present
companions of the Prophet) is displayed in the or in the future; a revelation from the One who is
Wise and Praiseworthy” (Quran 41:42). most authentic books—Bukhari, and Muslim—and
by consensus among Muslim scholars they meet
extremely stringent standards of authenticity'
Hadith —about the life of the Prophet. Now that we know
what the Quran is, the term “Hadith” is easier to
Qais ibn Sa’d, one of the companions of understand. The instruction manual (Quran) from
Prophet Mohammed reported: A funeral Allah was sent to Prophet Mohammed so that he
passed by the Messenger of Allah, peace could teach his followers how to apply the message,
and blessings be upon him, and he stood as well as appreciate its nuances, subtleties, and
up. Someone said to him, “the person was complexities. Prophet Mohammed’s life and sayings
a Jew.” The Prophet replied, “Was he not a form what is called the Hadith (singular), or
soul?” [3.7] Ahadith (plural). Hadith is how the Prophet
conducted his affairs, leading his life through
The above quote is an example of a Hadith. A example and instructing his followers on the do’s
Hadith is a saying or counsel given by the Prophet and don’ts of Islam.
as instruction. This Hadith appears in two of the The question would arise in an inquiring mind:
why send a messenger when God only needed to
send the Book? There is a Chinese proverb which
states, “Tell me and I will forget. Show me and I will
remember. But involve me and I will understand.” Islam
What beautiful words of wisdom! God in His
Infinite Wisdom sent not only these manuals (such I challenge anyone to understand Islam,
as the Torah, the Bible, and the Quran) but also its spirit, and not to love it. It is a beautiful
teachers (such as Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed religion of brotherhood and devotion.
—Peace be upon them all), who then demonstrated —Yann Martel, Life ofPi
the application of the Book to their respective
nations. Though some Muslims believe that the word
These compilations of Hadith are recorded in “Islam” means peace, the true meaning is in fact
several collections of books such as Bukhari, submission to the Will of God. In Islam, the belief is
Muslim, Tirmidhi, Muwatta, among others. For that when someone submits to the Will of God, that
example, the quote above, by Qais, has been person attains peace (Salama).
authenticated by the books of Bukhari and Muslim. Unfortunately, what you see is not always what
I have used only the most authentically you get. Many Muslims have drifted far from their
stringent sources of Ahadith in this book. religious inheritance of practicing altruism,
forgiveness, kindness, compassion, and firmness in knees and immerse themselves in prayer
earning out God’s commands. This book attempts remains a model for all those who invoke
to clarify for non-Muslims what true Islam is, and the tine God, in particular for those
what it stands for. It is also a call for Muslims to Christians who, having deserted their
return to the true message of Islam and practice magnificent cathedrals, pray only a little or
goodness, compassion, and mercy to all of God’s not at all.
creatures, as well as live a life of honesty and good —Pope John Paul II

citizenship.
Muslims are people who follow the religion of
Muslims Islam. Simply bearing a Muslim-sounding name
and professing to be a Muslim does not make a
person a tme Muslim. If one says he is king of a
The religiosity of Muslims deserves
country, does it make him the king? In his delusion
respect. It is impossible not to admire, for
he may feel he is a king, strutting about in his
example, their fidelity to prayer. The
fantasy; while we wink at each other knowing very'
image of believers in Allah who, without
well he is not.
caring about time or place, fall to their
It is sad that sometimes Muslims offer lip­
sendee in a manner that is un-Islamic, and thus How might an objective media—and an
tarnish the image of Islam. Being born into a objective readership and viewership—avoid the
Muslim household or converting to Islam is not a pitfail of painting all Muslims with the same brush?
guarantee of righteous living. One needs to embody Here is one way: If they were to examine those who
faith and practice the Islamic behavior of fairness, commit crimes against others, and dig a little more
goodness, and justice. One must live by the Quranic deeply, they would often find that these Muslims do
injunction that states, “(And) lo! Those who believe not pray regularly and consistently, year after year,
and do good works are the best of created beings” as commanded by God; that they do not give
(Quran 98:7). regularly to charity' as commanded; that they are
We often blame the media for biased reporting. not truthful consistently; that they may have a
But how can the media make a distinction as to who criminal record; that they break promises
is a good Muslim and who is not? The media, often thoughtlessly and unrepentantly; or that they have
unintentionally, report crimes committed by (non­ just recently put a pause on an un-Islamic lifestyle
practicing) Muslims emphasizing the religious and want to redeem themselves quickly, often
dimension, raising the question of why these violently. Dig a bit more deeply, and the “Muslim”
members of a religion preaching peace would tag is just that: a tag. This tag is synonymous with a
commit such crimes. price label that is attached to a shirt in a store,
easily replaced by another tag if circumstances leader of any religious denomination will tell you,
change. builds a good solid character, and it is no different
Price fluctuates, tag changes. There is no when it comes to tine practicing Muslims. As the
permanency to such tags. American entrepreneur, author, and motivational
A tine Muslim, on the other hand—where is speaker Emanuel James Rohn put it, “Success is
he? His tag is tattooed onto his heart and soul until neither magical nor mysterious. Success is the
indelible but invisible ink. He is busy doing simple natural consequence of consistently applying basic
chores, earning an honest living, and putting food fundamentals.”
on the table. He is a permanent fixture with a label
whose value does not change. He is well-versed in
his religious obligations. He is compassionate, Oo
forgiving, and hates to hurt others. He is aggrieved
when he sees injustice. He may even sit down and
write a book trying to dispel confusion and
The reporter lays down the papers. He had a better
stereotypic behavior, and advocate for unity. You
idea now, he hoped, of the Muslim mindset. It
are not going to hear about this guy in the tabloids.
would be good if other people knew it too so that
Consistency in small acts of kindness, as any
they would know how deal with Muslims. They too abrupt, and he hadn’t phrased it politely enough
would also know how to present their own religion to the man sitting in front of him. What was the
to the Muslims. Mutual discourse would whisk author going to say?
away the ignorance of the other. They would learn “Of course, there is a God. I was writing about
to empathize, and learn to tolerate each other. They the existence of an ingenious Creator just last week
would stop fearing the other. for our youth program. Wait, I think I have some
Was that part of the formula so that members of papers here.” He rummages through his briefcase.
different faiths could learn to live with each other in “I created two simple scenarios, or stories, with
harmony? Interfaith dialogue looked promising. lessons for a contemplative mind. Ah. Here they
Perhaps more of it was needed in a torn planet, the are.” The author hands some papers to the reporter.
reporter reflected. But he wasn’t done yet. He The reporter reads. He pauses often, reflects
wanted to know if God really existed. He had read deeply for brief moments at some passages, and
the book by Darwin, and the idea of “evolution” and then resumes reading. It is a bit long, but
the “origin of species” had appealed to him. How fascinating. This is what he reads:
did this Muslim think of God? The Creator
“You seem to have firm faith in the existence of You can address the Creator, or God, or Allah, by
God. Is there a God?” He knew he had been a little
His many attributes. There is no separate deity for the Quran takes is that of reflection and of
every religious group out there. It is the same contemplation; it appears to promise that for
Creator. I will sometimes use Allah and sometimes people who strive sincerely in their attempt to look
God in this book, to indicate The One True God, for truth, the answers will come fairly quickly and
Creator of all things. There are 99 names for God in with clarity, while the answers will elude those
the Quran and Hadith, each one of the attributes of whose motives are insincere.
God worth reflecting upon. As the Quran states, Trying to be true to this exhortation, I will
“He is Allah, the Creator, the Inventor of all things, attempt to simplify a few of God's attributes using
the Bestower of forms. To Him belong the Best two conversations to underscore some concepts.
Names. All that is in the heavens and the earth
glorify Him. And He is the All-Mighty, the All­
Wise” (Quran 59:24). Bill meets Peter Pompus, a rocket­
In the Quran, God constantly exhorts us to propulsion scientist, at the space station
reflect on His signs; within His creation is proof of Bill was sitting with his friend Peter at the Space
His existence, His power, and His infinite Headquarters having had special clearance by
knowledge. Instead of asking us to “just believe, security for a special imitation courtesy of his
have faith, and do not ask questions,” the approach
friend. The security team was thorough, and he had spaceships and propulsion.
felt embarrassed when they extracted something Bill had known Peter since childhood and they
from his pocket. They had gathered around to look normally conversed frankly and with ease. Peter
at the crumpled aluminum foil and gingerly opened takes a bite from an apple and offers Bill the basket
it, one holding his gun holster at the ready. It was a of fruit that is sitting on his desk. There are
used chewing gum and Bill had forgotten to throw it bananas, apples, oranges, grapes, pears and a
away before he came in. Oops. myriad of other fruit. These guys must eat well to
But now he was relaxed, enjoying the company keep their grey cells working full tilt, reflects Bill.
of his friend, who was trying to explain what the “No, thanks Peter. I just had a sandwich as I
giant flashing screens overhead were meant to was driving in. Now, now, Peter, no need to get so
convey. He had, however, noticed that his friend haughty with your fellow scientists. I saw you. You
had walked over to him with his head held a little walked past the other scientists with your head held
too high as he walked past other scientists who a little too high. That is unlike you. You need to be
cowered when he went by. This was unlike Peter brought down a peg, my friend, and I am gonna
who was normally so genial that one would never help do it for your own sake. We certainly do value
know he was one of the greatest scientists the world the invention of this complex spaceship that can
has ever known, a master when it came to travel beyond the Earth, even as far as Mars, with
most of the propulsion dynamics perfected by you. I contingency scenarios or for any long duration
am not trying to belittle your contribution to this tasks.” [38] NASA was offering $30,000 to anyone
spaceship, for it is indeed amazing.” who could help them overcome the problem. Bill
Bill surveys the people running around, engaged puts the paper down and continues, “Have you
in their specialized tasks at the base-of-operations solved the problem with defecation by the
space hub, giant screens flashing information that astronauts that you guys were working on?”
only people with advanced technical knowledge “The poop problem, you mean,” Peter smiles.
would know how to decipher. Bill felt himself break “Not yet. We have now sent an imitation to the
into a sweat, for it was indeed overwhelming. He whole planet’s scientists to help us solve this
lifts a paper from Peter’s desk and reads its problem that happens when the astronauts ‘have to
contents. It is from NASA: “The US National go’ and can’t hold anymore. No success so far. We
Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) are still working on how to get rid of body waste
seeks proposed solutions for fecal, urine, and efficiently. We think we are so clever, but now we
menstrual management systems to be used in the feel so humbled.”
crew’s launch and entry' suits over a continuous “Peter, I am going to tell you something about
duration of up to 144 hours. An in-suit waste the ultimate designer and creator, and knowing
management system would be beneficial for you, I am sure you will not take offence. Here it is.
Despite all your technological knowledge, you must “My dear Peter, it is God who created you and
accept the fact that you have had to invite the whole your brain and the materials you used to construct
world and its community of scientists to solve the the spaceship, isn’t it? Your spaceship will have to
simple—or maybe not so simple after all—problem pull away from the gravitational force that God
of defecation by the astronauts. The world’s created, to planets he set into motion with such
intellectuals are scratching their heads and holding precision that they do not collide with each other.
conferences to solve the poop problem. Yet look at The precision of gravitational forces they exert do
this amazing world—how eventhing is coordinated not exceed even minutely to cause heavenly
in such fine balance that we not only get rid of our catastrophe. He also gave you means, materials,
body waste but it gets recycled to fertilize and and combustible fuels to put things into motion. He
produce new growth in complex recycling gave you eyes to see, and fingers to compute the
pathways, and all with such ease. Then we eat sweet mechanics of propulsion on paper. He gave you
fruit from fodder we defecate, while we dispute the nerves and the CNS to control every7 motion within
existence of God with an apple in hand.” your body; and ears to hear your colleagues as you
“Interesting,” says Peter. He glances at the apple put things together. Can we not marvel at the Being
in hand but knows Bill was only using a scientific who gave all this to man?”
metaphor. “Go on.” “I guess we can,” concedes Peter.
 “Peter, I will tell you something very profound,” “Interesting,” says Peter. “I guess I did use the
says Bill, placing a hand on Peter’s shoulder to brain, a brain that was not of my making. Go on,”
make certain the words will get due attention. says Peter. He is not offended and he knows his
“Even before the ear is created to perceive sound, friend means well.
one has to have the concept of sound. Even before “We value your contribution to science, and it is
the eye as an organ is made to see, one has to have indeed praiseworthy,” continues Bill. “Nevertheless
the concept of sight. Isaac Newton—the scientist Peter, if you are truthful and humble, to Whom
who discovered the phenomenon of gravity—that should we direct the ultimate praise?”
same Newton you scientists have to deal with in “I guess the one who created the brain,” says
order to design your spaceship’s propulsion to Peter. “Go on.”
overcome the force of gravity. Commenting on this “I was reading about hearing and sight and I
Powerful Being, Newton said, “Gravity explains the came across a very interesting verse in the Quran
motions of the planets, but it cannot explain who that Muslims say came from God,” says Bill. He
sets the planets in motion.” Peter, think until the pulls out a piece of paper from his shirt pocket.
brain that God made for you: did you not use this “Here is one. I can’t find the other piece of paper.
same brain to enable you to travel through the deep This one is from verse 16:78 of the Quran. It says,
space, the deep space that He created.” ‘And it is God who brought you forth from your
mothers’ wombs, and He appointed for you take the bite from the apple, a hand with which to
hearing, and sight, and hearts, that haply you will hold the apple, eyes to see its vivid colors, nostrils
be thankful.’” to smell its sweet aroma, taste buds able to partake
Peter is about to take another bite from the of the sweet taste, and a digestive system to extract
apple, but Bill's words have a striking naked truth energy from the food—everything fitting into the
to them. His hand stops, the apple hovering near circle of life in intricate and intertwined pathways.
his open mouth. It seems many seconds before he This miracle in itself was greater than the spaceship
takes a bite. The fruit tastes different, more juicy that people with intelligence and body parts—these
and sweeter, and he suddenly becomes aware of the also given to them by a higher power—were
possible existence of an ingenious designer. He attempting to perfect.
reflects particularly on why we always have to use Bill has been going through his pocket while
the word “nature” to sound more scientific. “Nature Peter was thinking, chewing the apple slowly. Bill
did this” or “We owe it to nature.” finds the other piece of paper he is looking for and
He wondered why the scientific community offers it to his friend. When Peter picks it up and
seemed to make a deliberate effort not to assign reads the second paper, he nearly drops the apple
praise to an intelligent creator. A creator who had that he is holding in the other hand: “Soon, We will
furthermore surely endowed him with incisors to show them Our signs in the universe, and even in
their own bodies, until it becomes amply clear to Heavenly!” she exclaims, looking at Betty7, who had
them that, indeed, this (Qur'an) is the truth. Is it jumped up quickly from where she was sitting
not enough for you that your Lord (watches and) reading a book, fanning herself, and is now staring
witnesses every single thing?” (Quran 41:53). aghast with wonder at her friend.
Had Peter heard what Betty on the other side of As water makes its way right down to Mary’s
the planet was saying to her friend Mary, he would ankles and into her boots, she grabs another bottle
probably have choked on the fruit. and drains it down her throat in two deep gulps.
“Water! The liquid of life! Marvelous H2O! A
Betty and Mary, scientist friends, thumbs-up to whoever thought of creating this
somewhere in the Sahara wonderful substance. From it springs all life and we
Sweat dripping down her brow, Mary stumbles into need it to keep alive, and yet we do not give water a
the tent, flushed not only with the searing midday second thought when we have it aplenty7! One more
heat of the Sahara Desert, but also with excitement. bottle over the head and my shower is done for the
She puts her rucksack on the lone table inside, day!” They both laugh. Mary then motions to the
grabs a bottle of water from those on the table, and rucksack. “I have something interesting to show
pours the entire contents over her head. “Aah! you.”
“I can’t wait, but you need to relax first.” Betty
resumes fanning herself. “I told Abdullah not to “How does the camel accomplish that?”
take you too far. Best to go when the sun is about to “It has oval-shaped red blood cells that keep the
go down. He is used to heat but we are not. How did blood flowing when the volume of blood goes down
you fare with the camel?” in times of water scarcity,” Betty replies. “Human
“I think I am getting better at controlling the red blood cells are spherical, and would have
camel. Though the ride is a bit jaunty; sitting higher difficulty flowing if the volume were to go down.
up is more comfortable as the sand was really hot Did you know the camel’s hump stores abundant
when I came down. I can’t understand how camels' reserves of energy and water which the animal can
hooves can withstand such scalding sand. The ‘ship use when food and water resources are minimal? I
of the desert,' they call it. It is so well adapted to the am developing a real affection for such a beautiful
heat and dryness, and its huge eyelashes and a animal, though many people do not think of it is as
special third clear eyelid keeps dust at bay during being pretty. I love its huge eyes. I do not care wrhat
desert storms. I learnt that it can go without people say. It is beautiful, as all creatures are in
actually drinking water for many months in the their own special ways!”39
Sahara winter months when it is a little cooler, As seasoned adventurers, Mary and Betty had
whereas humans can only last a few days without gone up into the mountains of Nepal, traversed the
drinking.” farther reaches of Alaska with sleds pulled by
huskies, had dove deep into the turquoise blue offer, taking pictures, writing articles and
ocean off Australia to touch dolphins, and had even advocating for the Earth’s protection. Their
been chased by an irate female elephant when they husbands understood their passion, and though
had gotten too close to one of the herd’s babies. It they would accompany them at times, they
was a moment of truth, a moment each one knew preferred to remain behind, claiming busy work
for certain who would be speedier when it came to a schedules for their successful private companies.
heated race. The elephant, its huge ears flapping, Only the golf course personnel knew what “busy
gave a final warning trumpet and ambled off when schedules” really meant. But Mary and her friend
the two suddenly vanished from sight behind some knew the urgency of their tasks: time was iunning
trees, with tired wheezing the only sign of their out, species were disappearing, fragile habitats were
presence when they peeped cautiously to check if under greater threat with each passing day; human
they were still being followed. That was in Kenya, greed unabated—indeed accelerating. Betty was
on their most recent trip. known among her peers as one who loved to write;
Betty was an anthropologist and Mar}’ a wildlife many of her articles published in scientific journals
biologist. Ever}’ year, the two scientists would save drew rave reviews, and some of her books delved
up funds and go for two to three months on distant into issues that fomented considerable ire from the
trips to marvel at the wonders the Earth had to scientific community, but also acclaim from a
segment that was not content in towing the Betty approaches, looks closely at the watch,
conventional academic line; critical reviews and then picks up the skeleton arm. The battery has
abounded from both the media and the analytically leaked, leaying a dried stain on the underside, while
studious. When she wrote, people took notice. component parts inside were loose and falling
Mary opens the rucksack and pulls out a apart. “Entropy,” Betty says. “All things in nature
skeleton arm. Betty jumps back. “Whoa!” she fall apart and deteriorate and disintegrate over
exclaims. “What in heaven is that?” time.”
Mary motions to a watch loosely strapped to the “How about diamonds?” asks Mary.
skeletal arm. “I found this in the desert. There were “Even the hardest materials like diamonds have
several skeletons dispersed a little distance from a half-life. There is no exception,” replies Betty.
each other. Some poor folks probably got lost and Betty motions to the chairs and indicates they
died of thirst. This was lying close to one of the should both sit down. Mary sits. Betty’ moves her
skeletons. The bones were all whitewashed by the chair closer to Mary and sits.
sun, the flesh possibly picked clean by vultures and “The arm bones confirm the evidence that they
bugs. This arm struck me. The watch on it is a came from a living human who was born, ate, grew
computer smart-watch. The battery is dead, of into adulthood, breathed air to sustain life, and
course.” used his body parts in a multitude of yvays,” says
Betty. “The bone structure indicates it may have reading thought-provoking books again. Are those
been a male. The person did not on his own accord religious books you have been reading? No wonder
decide to construct himself and put life within his you have gone on a spill about the deeper meanings
own body. Most of the body is gone now; the bones oflife!”
too will eventually disintegrate. The watch remains, Betty smiles at the comment. Her brows then
though it is falling apart. Some people, somewhere, furrow and she falls into deep thought. After a
possibly until many of them working together in a moment, she resumes the conversation. “Things do
complex factory, and with precision and not come together miraculously, fall into place in a
technological knowledge to guide them, must have fine balance, and start functioning on their own,
put this complex watch together. No sane person especially if they have many component parts, with
would believe it came together by mere chance. distinct functions, each one working in amazing
Even if you tell me a thousand scientists have harmonious concert with each other: a human
concluded that it came together by mere being, for example, with cells and organs to make a
happenstance, common sense tells me someone whole; or a mere insect with unique eyes or
made it.” multitudes of fish in the oceans, each adapted
Mary looks at the pile of books in the place uniquely to their environment. Entropy: given time,
where Betty had been sitting. “I see you have been all things will fall into disarray and break down. If
you take atoms and molecules colliding with each be explained simply by allowing others to do our
other for millions of years, they do not come thinking for us, and then following their directions.
together and give themselves ‘life’ and start “I ask you, Mary, who created this amazing,
functioning. Even if I were to give the Earth billions intricate, precisely functioning world and all that is
of years, the number of unique species cannot occur within?” Betty moves her chair closer. She motions
by mere chance. There is something out there the to her friend to do the same. Mary knows her friend
scientific community must come to terms with. wanted her undivided attention. Betty continues:
Shunning truth with the excuse that this is mere “We are still trying to understand how things work
“chance” is too naive to be credible. What do you in amazing balance, harmony, and
think, Mary?” interdependence. Could it be by ‘chance’? Science
“I agree with you, Betty,” responds Mary, as she tells us that things fall apart over time and that
gazes into her friend’s deep blue eyes. She had not there is gradual decline into disorder for all things,
realized that Betty reflected so deeply into things known as entropy. Obviously, this cell phone did
they saw on their travels. She inwardly sighs until not come together by chance even if we give
relief. She had been struggling inwardly about an millions of years of colliding atoms and molecules.
Ingenious Creator and here was someone who felt The cell phone went through entropy and the
as she did. There were things in life that could not human went through entropy. They both
deteriorated over time. I do not believe that things focus, the rods and cones for vision and color
accidentally come together in harmony to form differentiation, the optic nerve to carry signals—all
functioning entities with millions of units working the individual parts uniquely designed for specific
together in coordinated precision. Take the human functions, composed of millions of cells, individual
body, for example...” parts coming together in precise harmony and
“Betty7, I have just come in from the heat. My working together to form an image somewhere in
mind is slow on the uptake. Simplify things, for the dark interiors of brain. It isn’t really the eye that
heaven’s sake.” Mary takes a fan and also starts to sees—it is the brain that forms the image in that
fan herself. convoluted dark mass in that protective cranium. I
“You certainly are hot! You are all flushed.” am simplifying this, of course.” [40]
Betty pauses for a few moments to give her friend “Have the physicians fully understood how the
some time to grab a bottle of water. She resumes eye and the brain work in tandem?” Mary asks.
after making sure her friend is feeling better, “Let “Our best physicians are still trying to
me give you the example of the eye, simply one understand the complexities of the eye and the
organ from the many within our own bodies. The brain,” Betty answers. “Merely to understand it,
eye has many component parts—like the lens and Mary—never mind how it was formed, how
the muscles that control it to bring things into individual components came together in an
amazing complexity to make the eye function, its think there is a ‘Being’ out there who had the
ability to see in light and dark, discerning the knowledge of the concepts of touch or smell or light
myriad colors and distances; to say nothing of those or taste to create the body parts or organs to sense
animals until eyes specially suited to their own the same? We know sound and touch and smell and
unique environments! The signs of God are all taste only after experiencing these things. Can you
around us, the truth is plain to, to ...” She falters as imagine the ingenuity of the ‘Originator’ of these
she tries to find the right words. stimuli, and then go on to create body organs to
“Truth is plain to see for those who seek, perceive these stimuli? Is it merely evolution? Is
especially since we are talking about the eyes?” evolution so astonishingly clever that it creates the
suggests Mar}’. concepts of sound, hearing, sight, touch, and taste
“I like that. See for those who seek. See for those and then go about creating organs to perceive the
who seek the truth, that is. Now, Mary, imagine same? Or is there an Ingenious Creator who created
every creature and its special characteristics, the such breathtaking phenomena?”
universe, and a myriad of other intricately
connected things. One has to have the concept of “Wow! I never reflected deeply on these
sound in order to create the ear. One has to have phenomena which are so easy to see now that you
the concept of taste to create taste buds. Do you not point them out. These things elude so many of us as
we wander like sheep moving towards a precipitous programmed to learn from its interaction with its
cliff of delusion on a dark night!” Mary exclaims, environment or from challenges it faces, and based
hoping to sound as clever as her friend. on this experience, incorporate further strategies
“Some people reduce this huge, mind-boggling and expand its knowledge base and with this more
phenomenon to simple terms such as ‘evolution' or enhanced potential re-interact again with its
‘adaptation.’ I do not have a problem with that, but environment; in other words, it can become
we must not stop there. To a certain degree the smarter with each interaction, potentially
phenomenon of evolution and adaptation is indeed indefinitely. I’m sure you’ve heard of the IBM
certainly tine. No argument there. But we must go designed supercomputer Deep Blue and the chess
beyond the simple, and give ourselves greater credit match with world chess champion Kasparov about
with the intelligence we have been endowed with. which the documentary film The Man Vs The
With God's amazing power and ultimate creativity, Machine was made?” [41]
is it not possible that He has formulated within “Yes, I did. But it was a long time ago,” replies
creatures an amazing ability7 to adapt and evolve? Mary. “Refresh my memory.”
We humans too are now trying to design ‘smart’ “In this documentary film,” continues Betty7,
computers and robots with Al (artificial “Kasparov won the first tournament in 1996, but
intelligence). A smart robot with Al can be was defeated by Deep Blue in 1997—the
supercomputer kept incorporating more and more Betty answers with a retrospective question,
strategies until each interaction. Now we have much “Why have we, as intelligent humans created a
smaller but more intelligent off-the-shelf computers dichotomy which says that if the one paradigm were
than Deep Blue. How can it be that God—with His to exist—for example, say, evolution—the other—for
awesome power of intricate creation and who example, say, creation—should not?”
designed the human brain to do amazing things “Are you saying God created animals and then
—failed to include as part of His creation such put complex evolutionary mechanics within them
systems that would withstand challenges that must that allows them to take optimal advantage of the
occur in such a dynamic multifaceted world as challenges—or forces, or dynamics—they face or
ours?” shall face on Earth?” asks Mary.
Mary interjects when Betty pauses: “But Betty7, Betty admires how quick Mary grasps the gist.
people are going to say that evolution and “You get the general idea. Let us take the example
adaptation cannot coexist with creationism. It is of air or water. Air is invisible, occupies space, and
either evolution or creation, not both. This choice is is in a gaseous form. Three paradigms coexist in air
the main reason that many have rejected God or the in those three properties. Water is liquid, and it is
idea of a Creator. How do you reconcile what tasteless, odorless, and it occupies space, flows
appear to be polar opposites?” freely if it is liquid, and can be turned into solid if
you freeze it; six paradigms. Yes, different species and place within these species the ability to
paradigms can exist at the same time. Now the evolve and adapt? Deep Blue incorporated adaptive
interesting part: do you not think that God can, in skills into its hard drive; living things do the same
His Infinite Power, Wisdom and Knowledge—such into their DNA, by God’s Ingenious Design. Betty7,
amazing Knowledge and Artistry that we cannot the power, might, and wisdom of God in His
even begin to fathom or comprehend—create all creation must be truly amazing, and I really cannot
these myriads of complex creatures and at the same find words that can accurately describe it; I did
incorporate within these creature’s certain adaptive marvel, however, at a phrase in the Quran that
and replicative mechanisms—we may call it those Muslims read. It is in verse 67:4 and goes like
adaptive genetic mutations or adaptive evolutionary this:
gene transformations or a myriad of other names—
for survival in a dynamic and changing “Then look again and yet again [and
environment? Why have humans decided to put a however often you do so, with whatever
dichotomy that says that if evolution were to exist, instruments to aid your looking] your sight
God cannot exist? Why are humans trying to limit will fall back to you dazzled [by the
the power of God, the Incomparable and Absolutely splendor of God’s creation], and awed and
Ingenious Creator, who has the ability7 to create weakened [being unable to discern any
 flaw to support any excuse for claiming books. I am not in any way saying anything negative
that there could be any sharing in the about the Bible since it too came from God, but
dominion of the universe]”. humans interfered by using human perspectives
when translating or transmitting it. In the Quran,
Mary is stunned and can only whisper, “Wow!” the essential quality7 is that God is the author, and
Betty pauses briefly to look amusingly at her He speaks directly to us. He addresses each
wide-eyed friend, and then continues slowly, “One individual directly via the Angel Gabriel and then
very7 amazing thing about the Quran is this, Mary: I through Mohammed. Open the Quran and see what
have read many religious books from most I mean. It is as if God is speaking to i/ou.”
religions, and there is much good in all of them, but “I did not know you to be overly religious, Betty7.
the Quran is unique in that it is God speaking Have you been hiding something from me?” Mary7
through the medium of the Angel Gabriel, whom asks.
the Muslims call Jibreel, and then via Mohammed “No, not really. Regardless of religion, we must
to us folks. It is a direct conversation with each one be willing to accept reason and open up
of us. It is not merely a historical account of events conversations when the scientists roll up their
that occurred in the past, given in the third person, sleeves and tell us it is taboo. Mary, I think that
as we find in the Bible and some other religious when God decided to place man on Earth, there was
already a myriad of animals such as dinosaurs as therein those who will make mischief
well as plants and other living things that He had therein and shed blood, —while we glorify
earlier created. Much later on, man was placed on You with praises and thanks (Exalted be
earth after the dinosaurs had died out from You above all that they associate with You
whatever causes He decried for them. When I was as partners) and sanctify You.” He [Allah]
reading the Quran, I discovered that the angels said, “I know that which you do not know.”
asked God why He wanted to place man on Earth (Quran 2:30)
when the angels were already doing things He
willed. The angels were not only aware of the “I understand this to mean that the Earth wras
existence of the Earth, but also that the creatures already there, inhabited by creatures other than
God now intended to place there might shed blood. man, and then God placed man on Earth much later
The Quran phrases it thus: on in his overall creation. The angels addressing
God had a concept of blood and the shedding of
And [remember] when your Lord said to blood. From where did they get that idea? I assume
the angels: “Verily, I am going to place that they knew of life that existed on Earth—the
[mankind] generations after generations creatures on Earth must have been shedding blood
on earth.” The angels said, “Will You place as we had predators and prey on the planet—before
the human was placed on Earth. That is why we rank, and breed enmities]. Surely the
find simple and complex fossils spread through the noblest, most honorable of you in God’s
Earth. He originates creation, puts formulas of sight is the one best in piety,
adaptation and evolution into His creation, and righteousness, and reverence for God.
then repeats this amazing original creation in a Surely God is All-Knowing, All-Aware.
multitude of ways. The human appears to have been
placed in the form of Adam and Eve and they too “Wow!” Mary exclaims. “You have surely made a
divided into nations and tribes. In verse 49:13 of profound statement, Betty’. But can you point out
the Quran, it reads:” the passage to me that deals with this concept of
original creation and its repetition in later
O humankind! Surely We have created you creations?”
from a single [pair of] male and female, Betty picks up the Quran that she had been
and made you into tribes and families so reading when she was interrupted by Mar}’
that you may know one another [and so stumbling into the tent. She flicks through the
build mutuality and co-operative pages to a yellow highlighted portion.
relationships, not so that you may take Mary laughs: “You have been marking the
pride in your differences of race or social Quran at certain selected passages that interest you,
haven’t you? I bet even the imams would have to we evolve to a better form, yet we find apes still
consult you for your observations!” present among us. The way some of us behave, I
Betty smiles; charmed at her friend’s comment. sometimes wonder who came first.”
She puts her finger on a passage and reads: “Hah!” Mary grins, amused. “I guess so, seeing
some of our antics!”
“It is not easy to dismiss the stunning
Say to them (O, Mohammed): “Travel complexity7 of life and the immense precision
through the earth and see how Allah mosaic of the heavens simply by stating ‘natural
originates the creation, then creates the phenomenon’, ‘nature did this’, and ‘evolution did
later creation. Surely Allah has power over this’-and evolutionary scientists are getting
eventhing.” (Quran 29:20) stumped at every' corner and whichever way they
look. Evolution does exist, and we are in
Betty continues, “Let me give you my reflections, concurrence on that one, but the scientists haven't
Mary. This in no way means that humans evolved figured ‘how’, yet. Tine scientists need to accept
and crossed species into what we are today. Yes, we divergent views instead of looking at everything
evolve and adapt, but not from a slug to man. One with yellow colored glasses that tend to make every'
of the ways evolutionists explain themselves is that living thing appear jaundiced. Plants are so much
more efficient than animals. They extract materials generation upon generation. Then we have a male
from the Earth and use sunlight to manufacture giraffe and a female giraffe, a lovely pair. We have
food. Living things could have remained in plant pairs of thousands and thousands of species such as
form if evolution’s mode was only “survival”. Plants a male walrus and a female walrus far away in the
can manufacture their own food and are better at Arctic, a male ostrich and a female ostrich in Africa,
using things readily available. But God willed more a male platypus and a female platypus down under
than just plants or microbes.” in Australia, and so on. Look up and you find a male
“I guess you are right. But you know how elephant chasing a gorgeous female elephant and
scientists are. They will soon be rolling up their you better run for your life because you do not want
sleeves to counter your views,” Mary cautions. to look like a pancake. Look down and there is a
Betty is undeterred. She has intellectual grit, male squirrel giving you a telling off for having
and is not one to cower. “Let me give the scientist stepped on his wife’s tail while you were iunning
with yellow glasses another amazing scenario to away from the elephant. In fact, if the haughty'
ponder upon: on this Earth we have man and scientist were to go deep into a forest that has never
woman, separate sexes, a male and a female, so that been explored by humans and lose his way because
they can reproduce using special organs to produce he was wearing dark yellow glasses, he could very'
children who will grow up and continue the cycle, well stumble upon new species of animals and be
surprised that they came in pairs—male and female animals, fish, insects, and birds sit at a table one
—keeping their progeny going strong.” day and decide that they should make themselves
“It’s true. Never thought of it in that way into exact complementary pairs—a male and a
before,” says Mary. “There are pairs of thousands of reciprocal female? How ridiculous would that be?
creatures on Earth.” Indeed, there must be an ingenious Designer out
“Yep,” says Betty. “In hundreds of thousands of there. It makes so much more scientific sense to
years, millions even, there could have been accept the presence of a divine Creator than go
thousands of different types of sexes in the animals about in circles picking at tiny yellow straws while
that we could easily think of, if evolution was in full wearing yellow ‘evolutionary’ glasses to justify His
swing—a small change here, a big one there. Now absence.”
let us see what we have: will the result be amazingly “So how would you advise the chap until dark
perfect or will it be absolute chaos? Remarkably, we yellow ‘evolutionary’’ glasses, Betty?” Mary asks.
have fascinating pairs of creatures with organs or “My advice to the poor chap?” Betty’s eyes
methods that allow the establishment of twinkle with humor. “I would first ask him to get rid
successions of progenies; a female and a male of the yellow glasses because they make him look
counterpart that ensure the continuation of the ridiculous!”
species. Did all the thousands upon thousands of Both of them burst into laughter.
 Betty continues, “I would ask this evolution­ appease themselves and feel comfortable about the
scientist, who likes to follow others like an obedient whole thing. Regardless, God exists and is ever­
lamb, that he tries hard and think for himself, and existing.”
accept that this beautiful system of ‘male and “What if someone firmly believes that God does
female’ did not come about by ‘chance’. Next, I not exist?” asks Mary.
would also give him a Tylenol to get rid of the “If one were to resolutely convince himself that
whopping headache that’s been brought on by God did not exist, would that suddenly make God
squinting through the yellow fogginess to see the disappear? No, of course not—it is simply self­
light. It is so much more scientific to accept the deception. It is like the scientist who wants to find
presence of a magnificent Creator than otherwise. something to argue about, presenting numbers and
The only reason I think people do not want to figures so he is always looked upon with awe. If you
accept the presence of a Creator is that if they were tell him the sky is blue, he says, ‘Not entirely. See
to do so, then they would feel obliged to abide by that little cloud swimming in the sky7. So, I say it is
His laws, and therefore restrain themselves from not all blue. And it is not blue at night. So there!’
doing that which would displease God, like hang And if you bring out the Quran, that Muslims
and cheating and adultery. Some humans do not consider to be from God, which says, ‘And we
want restraints and so they invent theories to created pairs of everything that you may
contemplate’(Quran 51:49), he presents the idea of “Is his name Kermit?” Mary asks with a
a hermaphrodite. The truth is staring him in the mischievous grin.
face, but he is busy digging the poor worm from its “Ha! Ha! No, you smart aleck! Y’ve been
soil, making himself all dirty, and chasing little watching too many Sesame Streets. His name is not
yellow clouds in the sky while wearing those Kermit, but he is clever nevertheless. From a
ridiculous glasses” tadpole, he has grown, and is now starting to ask
Betty pauses, lifts a bottle of water, takes a long questions. As we all do. He wants to know how big
draught, and pours the rest over her head. “Time the universe is, and space, and time. He wants to
for a little shower, like you had!” They both laugh. know about infinity. His world is limited by the
Mary is a good listener, and is keen to know walls of the well, outside of which he has no
more. “Go on, Betty’,” she prompts her friend. “I am knowledge. The sun he sees is there for a veiy short
all ears. But there is something that bothers me. period of time as it passes over the opening of the
Most major religions believe that God is ‘infinite’ top of the well. These, therefore, are the limits
and ‘eternal’. How can you explain such a thing?” beyond which he has no knowledge. He thinks the
Betty smiles kindly. “God has placed limits on day is very7 short indeed because the sun came and
every creature, Mary. Let us imagine a clever frog in went so quickly.”
a well. The well is his universe.” “Poor froggie,” remarks Mary.
 “Yes, poor froggie. Only if he were to go out of constrained by the limiting factors of time, space,
the well would he know that in fact there is a bigger Earth, and the sun, and constraints humans
universe beyond the well, and that time is different foolishly place on God with their own limited
for humans living outside the well. The humans see understanding of creation.”
the sun for a longer time. But even humans outside “Since you have been reading the Quran, is
the well are constrained by the limits imposed upon there anything about the ‘essence of time’? That
them. They live on top of the Earth; they see the sun would be really interesting.” Mary is eager to know
rising and the sun setting over a bigger horizon. more.
That is their day. It is a longer day. Someone living “In fact, there is,” affirms Betty. “There is an
outside the solar system has a different limit. Our interesting verse on ‘time’ in the Quran. The angel’s
day, dictated by the rising of the sun and the setting day is equivalent to 50,000 years of our days, as per
of the sun, is not the same for God who created the the Quran. In verse 70:4 of the Quran it says, ‘The
sun and the Earth. He exists outside those limits. angels and the Spirit ascend to Him in a day, the
God is the One who created space and time, and the measure of which is fifty thousand years.’ Our
sun and the Earth, and evolutionary mechanisms, minds can only contemplate God by how much He
and amazing creatures with specialized functions allows us to understand Him. ‘Infinity’ is beyond
that fit precisely into ecosystems. He is not the grasp of the human brain by the limits imposed
upon it. If you take a mathematical calculator and They do not realize that they are talking about the
ask it a question on the human brain, it will say, ‘E’; same Universal God who created all of them. They
for error. It has limits; it is programmed to do only are shallow, ill-educated, and arrogant. However,
so much and no more. The human mind also has there are good sincere people among humankind;
limits.” they acknowledge that most religions know God is
“I wish all humanity would not quarrel and eternal and that He is merciful. We know God by
learn to love one another,” Mary' says. “It is the His attributes that He wants us to know Him by,
same God who created us all, and He would such as mercy, love, and justice. I have tried to
obviously want us to love one another as we are all simplify the concepts of ‘eternal’ and ‘infinite,’ of
His creation.” course, but you get the gist.”
“I agree,” Betty responds. “No religion has “Wow! Quite a bit to take in,” says Mary.
monopoly on God. There are people now who sit on Betty opens the flap of the tent to let in a breeze
a computer and create discord. Their main agenda that has arisen with the sun going down. The air is
in life is trying to create animosity' among faith no longer hot, but has a touch of coolness about it.
groups on the internet. You say something and they The twilight is casting long shadows.
will bring ten ridiculous arguments to discredit you; Betty motions to a nearby open tent. All its sides
as if their god is better than the others person’s god. have been furled up. Abdullah is busy laying
different types of fruit on the table under the open sweetness, such as apple-sweet, mango-sweet,
tent. “Our vocabulary itself is limited, Mary,” Betty pineapple-sweet, and so on.”
says as she points to the fruit on the table outside. “Interesting the way you describe this. It is very'
“Since we only perceive the outside world from the sweet the way you describe sweet!”
human perspective or paradigm, how can we truly “Thanks, Mary. I know your mouth is watering
understand God unless He gives us the wisdom to for that watermelon. Let’s go eat.”
know Him? For instance, besides the watermelons They both greet Abdullah and he responds with
and grapes and oranges Abdullah is laying down for a broad smile. Mary and Betty treat him well, and
us on the table, there are thousands of different he tries to reciprocate in his own way. Today he has
varieties of fruit all over the world, each with its gathered some cactus fruit on his forays into the
unique sweetness, the sweetness of mango quite desert. He has carefully peeled away the skin so
different from that of the banana and so on for they would not have to do it, as the sharp spines can
thousands of other fruits. Yet we and our smart be quite a pain to remove if they went into the
scientists could only conjure up the word ‘sweet' to fingers. He says he is going to pray his sundown
describe the multitude of types of sweetness that prayer and exits, carrying his prayer mat with him.
exist—unless, of course, you count the use of the While Mary is eating the watermelon, Betty
name of the fruit itself to describe its type of continues, “Betty, if you reflect, God has placed
within our tongue the ability7 to differentiate to love this earth!”
between the different types of sweetness, and yet we “We must acknowledge with humility7 the
have been eating these fruits all our lives without awesome power of God. If we are humble. He shall
having given this ‘sweet’ phenomenon a second grant us the wisdom to know Him better,”
thought in our headlong rush through a life of continues Betty. “We are running all over the world,
consumerism, materialism, and oblivion to God’s arrogant with the little knowledge we have, causing
awesome creative power,” Betty7 continues. “These destruction and mayhem. One day our great
fruits come from plants that extract materials from scientific community7 says the egg causes health
soil, and yet the soil is not sweet. Grainy, bland, risks and the next day it is retracting its statement
even yucky-tasting earth if we were put a handful in to advise us to eat eggs as they are good for us. One
the mouth! Yet, from this earth comes different day we are taking dozens of cholesterol-fighting
fruits, with different textures, different shapes, and medications and the next day we are busy trying to
different sizes. Sweet and yummy! A grace from debunk the whole cholesterol hype. [42] When we
God” contemplate God with humility and take a little
“I agree” accepts Mary. “And from the earth we time to reflect, rather than blunder through life like
get cucumbers, potatoes, and onions. They have sheep running towards the precipice of a cliff, we
different nutrients and different tastes. I am coming are able to reflect on His awesome power—and He
will show us more of His signs.”
Your God is but one God. There is no god
“Little knowledge combined with arrogance is other than Him, Compassionate and
indeed a dangerous thing,” responds Mary, Merciful. In the creation of the heavens
admiring Betty’s ability to sum up what was on her and the earth, in the alternation of night
mind. “Go on, Betty,” she urges. and day, in the ships that ply the seas to
“Maty, don’t you think we should consider the the benefit of man, in the water sent down
views of other people, such as those who claim that from the heavens to revive the earth after
there exists an ingenious Creator?” Betty looks at its death, in the different species of
her friend; a glint of determination is clearly visible animals scattered across the earth, in the
in the deep blue eyes. When Betty’ is stirred, there is rotation of the winds, in the clouds that
no knowing what she may come up with. “Do you are subordinate to God’s command
think that if wre are to call ourselves ‘true’ scientists between heaven and earth, in all of this,
and get the pat of approval from the scientific there are signs for men who use their
community, wre necessarily have to—as has become intellects. (Quran 2:163-4)
fashionable nowadays—refute the existence of God?
God says in the Quran: Tell men to reflect with care and see wrhat
 things the heavens and the earth contain. “Okay,” The reporter is happy to get an opening
(Quran 10:10)” to ask some difficult questions that have been
nagging him. “Tell me, why are Muslims allowed to
marry multiple wives whereas we Christians do
not?”
“Fair question,” the author replies. “As to the
question of multiple wives, Islam did not invent this
concept. This concept predates Islam. The Bible
The reporter finishes reading and looks at his
mentions Abraham, Solomon, David, and other
watch. It is getting late, and he is worried about the
people of God having multiple wives. David had six
author, “Whoa, man! Do you know it is minus 35
wives. Solomon 700. In fact, Islam put a restriction
degrees centigrade outside? Did your wife not warn
on how many wives one can have if they are treated
you to return home by five?”
with equanimity and justice. Four is the maximum
“Oops. I know you wanted more information,
but the rules are so rigid in their demands for
but I have to consider my health like you said.
equity' that most Muslims many only one. They
Would you mind asking me a few questions that are
must each be given a separate abode, or dwelling.
on your mind so we can wrap this thing up?”
Each must be provided equitably of one’s time,
attention, and resources to the best of one’s hair whereas we Christians do not?”
abilities. I, for example, am married to one.” “I have seen many Mennonite women using a
“Do you want to marry another woman?” the hair cover, and they are Christians, are they not?”
reporter asks. the author replies gently. “As to why Muslim
“No, I am happy with the woman I married. women cover their hair—it is in obedience to God
Even if I wanted to, I would not feel confident I and nothing to do until subjugation to the husband
would be able to do justice in treating them as is often cited by some Christian adherents who
equitably as demanded by the Quran. So, no. Let read from the Bible. Muslim women have been
me complete the answer that you asked. Did you commanded by God to do it for the purpose of
know that the Bible has verses on men having modesty' so that they may not be molested by some
multiple wives, such as Exodus 21:10, 1 Kings 11:3, uncouth elements in society. Men have been
and Genesis 4:19. I hope that clarifies some things commanded by God to lower their gazes too in
for you?” modesty7 and respect when in the presence of
“Yes, it does. I really did not pay that close an women. Both commands are to preserve modest}’ in
attention to the Bible, but you are right. Christians society'. Both these commands are in the same verse
were marrying multiple wives before the advent of and they have nothing to do with subjugation.”
Islam. Now tell me, why do your women cover their “Are unmarried Muslim women also required to
wear a headscarf?” asks the reporter. be surprised that even those folks who are so
“Yes. Even unmarried Muslim women cover against the veil may know someone in their
their hair. By the way, have you ever seen Mary the families—or maybe themselves even—who have
mother of Jesus until her head uncovered in all the worn a head cover or veil. This will come as a
pictures and statues you have ever seen of her? surprise. Are you married? Do you have a daughter
Have you seen a nun or the Queen of England who got married, or a picture of your mother or
without a headscarf or a hat in any recent photo? aunt when she got married? Yes? Maybe they wore
Did you see many people demonstrating against a nice white wedding dress and lifted that veil for
these noble women wanting to cover their hair? the kiss?”
Muslim women are living up to what should be “Ha! Ha! Never thought of that. It’s funny the
Christian standards and instead of supporting their way you put it.” The reporter is clearly amused.
stance; they face animosity by folks who should “I believe that if women want to wear a head
rather marvel at their courage.” cover, let them. We should learn to stay out of
“I personally think veils look good, but I don’t women’s wardrobes.”
think the womenfolk in my house would ever wear a “Can I ask some more questions?” More
veil or a headscarf,” reflects the reporter. questions have been popping into the reporter’s
“I will tell you something remarkable. You may head.
 “Certainly.” will try my best to answer,” the author smiles
“Why do Muslim men sport a beard? Why do encouragingly.
they wear a cap? You will not find many Christians “Muslims greet each other with
doing that. Why are Muslims trying to be ‘Asalamualaikum.’ I know it means ‘peace be on
different?” Though they are quite direct questions, you.’ But why not just say ‘hello’ in your language?
the reporter frames them in a gentle tone so as not Keep it simple, y’know, like most people. Also why
to sound impolite. do Muslims assume a ritual prostrate position on
“I will answer that with some rhetorical the ground while praying to God? That is a lot of
questions. Isn't Jesus, in the all pictures you have work. Sony, I do not mean to sound rude, but why
seen of him, sporting a beard? Have you seen the complicate things? Why do you do have special
Pope in a recent photo? Does he not wear a small greetings and pray in a way than most of us do
cap?” not?”
The reporter laughs. “Do all Muslims think the “Fair questions. You know Muslims love and
way you do? You seem to know quite a bit. Can I ask respect Jesus. They respect all prophets. Muslims
a few more questions? I will not ask too many more, say, ‘peace be on you’ translated as
I promise.” ‘Asalamualaikum.’ That is absolutely correct. Did
“Go ahead, please. Ask any number you want. I you know Jesus is reputed to have done the same in
the Bible?” Testament, in Matthew 26:39. It says, 'And he
“Well... no.” (Jesus) went a little farther, and fell on his face,
“In Luke 24:36, Jesus says 'Peace be upon you' and prayed...' I am not making this up. Do you
to his disciples. This phrase, if translated in Arabic, want me to show this to you in the Bible?
is Asalamualaikum.’ It means the same thing.” “No, no. It is okay. I can check it, because if it is
“How about prostration? Is this unique to you there, I would find it very' interesting.”
guys?” The reporter repeats. The reporter pauses briefly, thinks on how he
“No. Others do it too. In fact, there are many will phrase the next question, takes a sip from his
instances in the Bible where other prophets have cup, and asks, “I have a lot of experience
fallen prostrate to God in prayer. For example, interviewing people. I find that the true character of
Moses, in verses 16:22 and 20:6 in the New a man or a woman is not truly revealed in short
International Version of the Bible, is recorded to meetings. I find people tend to present themselves
have fallen prostrate on his face in worship. In the in a different light when they go out or meet
Old Testament, Genesis 17:3, Prophet Abraham is acquaintances for short periods. People are very'
recorded to have fallen on his face in prayer. In fact, different when they are at home. If you look at it, it
Jesus himself is recorded to have prayed by is the spouse who lives with his or her companion
prostrating. You can read this in the New for several years who truly knows the character of
the man or woman since all is revealed at home: the who show the most perfect faith are those who
temper tantrums, the patience, the love, the have the best behavior, and the best of you are
respect, the art of compromising with the other, the those who are the best to their wives. I43] A
racist undertones, the habits, the cleanliness, and consensus exists among Muslim scholars and
so much more.” historians that Prophet Mohammed was extremely
“You are absolutely correct. I am of the same kind to his wives and attentive to their needs, doing
opinion. My wife truly knows all my failings, and house chores to help, and never known to have
there are many.” spoken an unkind word to any of them. His wives
“Exactly. The spouse is the one who missed him dearly when he finally passed away.
understands the other’s true colors. Tell me, what Years later, they continued to miss him, and
did the spouses of Mohammed say about him, since continued to transmit his sayings and of how he
some lived long after he had passed away from conducted himself within the households, until they
Earth?” too left this world for the abode of the hereafter.”
The author takes a book out of his bag. “I was “How about you? What would your wife say of
going to write something about this very' question. you today if she were candid?” the reporter asks,
Aah! Here it is!” He flips some pages. “Let me read with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
this to you. Prophet Mohammed said, ‘The believers “Not many good things,” the author replies
unhappily. “Not many good things at all, especially
after what happened today.” Chapter 4

Word Play

“Not all of us can do great things. But we

can do small things with great love.”

—Mother Teresa

The above quote, in large print, has taken its

prominent position for several years on the front
wall by the receptionist’s desk in my clinic, “we can
do small things with great love ...” I like that. It is
from a noble lady, a Christian, and it has great is bad for your health. In fact, do not do either; both
wisdom. The words have sincerity. There is no word are bad for my health.
play here. We make an effort to apply that at the Intolerance is bad. But tolerating the intolerant
clinic. It is still there today. is worse; do not expect me to keep quiet if racist
On the waiting room TV screen (to keep my overtones shall be thrown about. All are welcome
patients occupied in case I am late to take them in, and all shall be treated with utmost dignity. I love
as sometimes a difficult clinical case inside may you, yes. Just do not push it because I have patients
have detained me) I have some funny bits about from all castes, colors and creeds.
foot specialists, medicine, some amazing things Back to my book.
about animals, and some quotes. These bits scroll in If I were invited to give a lecture and asked two
a continuous loop. One of the quotes is by Abraham questions—“Does the end justify the means?” and,
Joshua Heschel: “Racism is man’s gravest threat to “Would I have the guts to tell my fellow Muslims
man—the maximum of hatred for a minimum of the hard truths without someone drawing out the
reason.” scimitar?”—I would come wearing an armored suit
The clinic is a smoking-free zone with a “do not onto the platform, peer through a crack in the
smoke” sticker stuck on a wall. The clinic is also a armored head-piece to see that that no one had
racist-free zone. The message? Do not do either. It come into the room earning sharp objects, and
then state some hard truths. Just kidding.
I think the scimitar will stay in its scabbard even You never know what’s under the ashes
if someone still carries ancient weaponry. The Great battles have been fought over religion: for
Muslim may feel a bit offended and wince as he example, the Spanish Inquisition, the Crusades, or
pulls a few strands from his beard, but I think he the war in Bosnia. Bigots have this worked out to a
will agree with me in most of what I have to say. We fine art and they know the exact formula to rile
are at the crossroads, and we need to accept that people up. After giving a subversive agenda a
there is much we need to improve upon. religious flavor or a flavor of superiority7
Given the degree of social upheaval in many —provocateurs essentially playing with words
countries, increased mobility7 at both the global and where they say your religion or race is better
local levels of the socio-economic platform, —adeptly mixing in a little bit of crude science and a
increased social media interaction, faster and more bit of oil as they do this— they sit back and watch
varied international travel, and increased physical how they can hot things up for low-burning bigots
interaction amongst people of all races; Muslims lying under the ashes.
and non-Muslims are ready for common-ground What do I mean by “crude science”? Well, take,
dialogue. They want to talk. for instance, the case of Samuel Morton, who
collected skulls—a famous one being that of an Irish or gender, or ethnic background, or any of a
convict—placed lead shot into the craniums, and multitude of differences between us—can wreak
decanted them to see the volume within the skull. havoc in society, as detailed below.
His theory proposed that the greater the volume Many religions have at some time promulgated
within the skull, the greater the intellect. Then he color superiority, which at different times has
divided people into categories, with Native allowed people to justify slavery. An amazing
Americans and blacks placed at the bottom of the number, 10 to 12.5 million Africans, were shipped
intellectual scale. [44] to the New World during the slave trade. [45]
See the problem with this crude science and The feeling of one race being superior to
science-based word play? There is little another has allowed some to justify’ ethnic cleansing
consideration of relevant factors such as the size of (think Rwanda, with about a million dead,
the individual, their age, the genetic determinant of comprising about 70-84 percent of the Tutsi
body size—such as that of a pigmy whose size is population), or the Rohingya in Myanmar (with
genetically determined—and so on; yet, the theory 700,000 refugees and a conservative estimate of
was zealously taken up by those wishing to 10,000 dead).[46]
perpetuate racism. The idea of race and color superiority7 has also
A “superiority flavor”—be it of race, or religion, allowed members of one race of people to subjugate
another of a different color and race. Think of the inequality', and racism if we can simply and verbally
Uyghurs in China. Think of apartheid or the affirm, “We would never do such a thing.” This is
plunder of nations by European imperialists. [47] simplistic and naive. We are often participants,
The idea of one person being superior to a willing or not, when we elect officials who represent
counterpart of another gender has justified for us to cany out wrong, or when our taxes are
some the disbursement of unfair treatment to diverted to war machinery and the manufacture
women— thus we needed bitter social upheaval in and sale of weapons to subjugate the masses by
the form of the women’s suffrage movement to autocratic despots and the unleashing of death and
allow women the right to vote or the more recent mayhem around the world. Where are the sit-ins,
‘me-too’ movement against sexual harassment that the hunger strikes, and the civil disobedience?
has brought down more than 200 previously Where are the loud demonstrations, and the work
untouchable and powerful men. [48] Harvey strikes to make our elected officials reevaluate that
Weinstein becoming the recent casualty', despite their positions in office are not blank cheques?
power and wealth. In 2016, the worldwide arms sales of the U.S.
government totaled some U.S.$40 billion. [49] As if
this is not enough, we also have Russia and China
We think we can wash our hands of all this bias, contributing to the arming of the world, for they too
have realized that selling weapons is a lucrative makers” while fingering a nuke? Or It is finely
business—money in coffers in exchange for people rehearsed “word play” given to the state-media to
in coffins. China has been on the march while we trumpet and the duped to spread it around. There
were busy buying their plastics and focusing all our are too many bad weapons out there now, and
energies on the Arabs; governments all over the corporate gluttons going around steadily arming
world (especially African countries) and their lands, the world.
ports and roadways, rare earth minerals, and even Keep your fingers crossed that there is no Third
cultures under sway when state-sanctioned Chinese World War. Because there may never be a Fourth
arrive offering cheap loans (all I can say is, World War.
reluctant though it is, “Kudos” to Trump for
standing up to China for some of the things they do.
Isn’t there a children’s book that says feeding the “Better than thou” phenomenon
Chinese Dragon a little bit too much chowder and We sometimes do things that we would otherwise
then poking it will make it flex its muscles? If not, find distasteful or even abhorrent. If we keep quiet
here is an idea for an aspiring author). Isn’t it funny when bad things are done to others, we are silent
that countries that become militarily powerful partners.
somehow also transform themselves into “peace­
 If some people (I mean us, folks) are not ready worshipping only One God and to remain faithful in
to carry out the bidding of demagogues with obeying His commands, including those relating to
subversive agendas, all these provocateurs have to justice, kindness, forbearance, forgiveness, and
do is play some more until words—bring forth a tolerance. I would draw your attention to one
few religious doctrines, pick and choose a few particular verse in the Quran which might come as
verses, quote them out of context, and then sit back a surprise to non-Muslims and which Muslims
and watch as the community rallies with zeal would do well to heed at all times. God commands
(including pitchforks, machetes, AK-47S; and—for Prophet Mohammed to state, “We believe in God
the social-media connected, the spreading of false and in that which has been revealed to us and in
news and innuendo). that which was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael,
Look around you: there is a deeply ingrained Isaac, Jacob, and their descendants. We believe in
color, ethnicity7, or religious sense of superiority in that which was given to Moses, Jesus, and the other
the bosoms of the multitudes, who think they are Prophets by their Lord. We make no distinction
better than others. between them and we have submitted ourselves to
Muslims have been taught that many prophets the will of God” (Quran 3:84). With a few
and messengers were sent to mankind by the one exceptions, most of us would rather submit to base
Creator, delivering essentially the same message of desires and find ways to divide ourselves along
religious, ethnic, color, social, national, and religious books, they would have learnt that at the
monetary lines. core of all religions is goodness, empathy and “not
We have Shia vs. Sunni, with neighbors staring do unto others what you would not want to have
at each other across the borders of Saudi Arabia, done unto you,” presented in a variety of forms:
Iraq, Iran, and Yemen, ready to take a potshot at
anyone who doesn’t wear the same color turban. Those will be given their reward twice for
We have among us the older-generation what they patiently endured and they repel
sanctimonious believers vs. the newer-generation evil with good, and they spend from what
hypocritical smug atheists. We have provided them. (Quran 28:54)
Then we have the Chosen vs. the Goyim,
Protestants vs. the Catholics, and so on. Some Treat others as you want to be treated, for
people have found that the best way to get other this sums up the Law and the prophets.
people riled up is to use religion, in the knowledge (Matthew 7:12)
that most folks would not have really bothered to
learn what their religion requires of them, and so What is hateful to you, do not do to your
would be easily susceptible to manipulation. neighbor. This is the whole Torah; all the
Had the masses bothered to pick up their rest is commentary. Now go and study.
 (Babylonian Talmud, Shabbat 31a) the diity feet of others while one is standing deep in
mud is—if I may phrase it crudely—the type of
Don’t do to others what you don’t want bogged-down hypocrisy from which we need to free
them to do to you. (Confucius, Analects ourselves.
15:23) The concept of the Day of Judgment is very'
important for Muslims. Muslims have a firm belief
None of you have faith until you love for that on that Awesome Day, they shall each be
your neighbor what you love for yourself. questioned and good and bad deeds weighed on the
(Prophet Mohammed) scales of True Justice, which will then determine
Success (Gardens of Bliss) or Loss (the Fire of Hell).
Like the rest of humanity, some Muslims do not Whereas in the past most Muslims studied the
always live by their religious dictates, and they Quran and applied its verses in everyday life—such
often fall prey to religious extremism, the pursuit of as kindness to animals, study of the sciences, the
“materialism,” the appeasement of baser desires, obligation to uphold women’s rights, keeping
and similar shortcomings. Muslims are not unique promises, honesty in business, upholding the Truth
in this respect, there are members of other religious even when it is against themselves—many Muslims
factions that do it too; self-righteously pointing at now imagine that simply practicing rituals and
reciting the Quran with a beautiful voice will be have encouraged the use of posters on foyer walls
enough for their salvation on the Day of advocating for human rights, animal rights, and our
Reckoning/Judgment. obligation to the environment. These posters are
The idea of ritualizing religion is also tine of there today, printed on vinyl to be more permanent,
many faiths throughout the world; most adherents with verses from the Quran and Hadith to make
to a religious order ritualize worship and have them more relevant to the challenges we face today.
elaborate ceremonial protocol and, after (lip) When given the opportunity7 to deliver sermons
sendee, go about life in the same manner they in the absence of our regular imam, I tend to focus
always did, with scarcely any change. The moments on present-day challenges and ways to overcome
(often emotional, and sometimes with tears) of life them. In general, the effect of these sermons on
in prayer-chambers, such as the church, synagogue, young people, though initially positive and
temple, or mosque, remain entombed within these infectious, is unfortunately temporary7, what with
chambers, with most people emerging unaffected to the overpowering attraction of social media. The
carry on life as usual despite having just heard effect on the elderly and mature members also
passionate sermons about changing their behavior! appears to be minimal: they are generally content
As a former president of ICONO (Islamic Centre to reminisce about bygone days and content to
of Northern Ontario), based in Sudbury, Ontario, I follow habits and rituals for rituals’ sake.
 There is the earnest hope that Muslims (and we can all apply without alienating large segments
members of other faiths) will once again foster of society? Yes, there is, and the answer lies in this
understanding among peoples of different faiths by phrase: “ignorance of the other breeds contempt;
continuing to reach out to each other. I have seen knowledge of the other often engenders love and
change slowly happening both at the micro-level in understanding.” It is a simple formula. Someone
individuals interacting until members of other may say, “Should we not be looking for
faiths; and at the macro-level in mosques, churches, sophisticated, unconventional and state-of-the-art
universities, and other venues that promote strategic game plans to bring about harmony in a
interfaith dialogue by publicizing interfaith events. torn world?” Leonardo da Vinci made a rather
Many good politicians, intelligent leaders, succinct observation: simplicity is the ultimate
objective media outlets and fair-minded sophistication.
populations of many countries appear to be We do not need a sophisticated hodgepodge. We
sincerely seeking some kind of formula in their need simplicity to bind us. We all need to make
relationship with Muslims that would bring about more use of this simple formula by attempting to
fruitful dialogue and the elusive common goal of learn about the other so that we can remove the
restoring peace in a torn world. hatred that originates from an ignorance of the
Is there some workable yet simple formula that other’s perspective and lifestyle.
 So, should we try to understand why white position. At the end of the exercise, most will surely
supremacists feel the way they do? Why not? Many realize that we are not that different after all.
such individuals may believe (rightly or wrongly)
that their way of life is being threatened by rapid
cultural change and new social dynamics. How are Even real hawks would probably give them a
we going to engage meaningfully with them if we wide berth
stay in our bubble and they stay in theirs? Unless There are a hawkish few who believe that they must
we try to have a substantial engagement with them, crush Islam to achieve their nefarious ends and are
presenting our statistical evidence—scientific, prepared to employ various techniques such as
religious, humanitarian, anthropological, social, manipulation, subversion, misinterpretation, and
economic, geographical—in a measured fashion, we sometimes downright lies about the belief system of
will allow the feelings of ‘us vs. them’ to grow and tine Muslims. They also play with words to rile
fester. people up.
Some may obstinately want to remain in the They often concoct lies and attribute them to
bubble they create, but persistence and the Prophet Mohammed. They are adept at choosing
deployment of sound knowledge will make many and quoting passages out of context from the Quran
entrapped within these cocoons reconsider their
and Hadith to tarnish the image of Islam. They may own business is apt to anger one or two bees who
even employ weaponry upon practicing Muslims may not take kindly to the affront (we see that
and their institutions. happening all over the world by more powerful
These belligerent hotheads believe that by nations, but instead of stones they use lethal
employing such methods, their subversive weapons upon a populace minding its own
endeavors will be met with success. “Let the end business). If perchance one of the bees comes out of
justify the means,” they would say—think Kashmir, the hive and gives the smirking lark a sting on the
the Uyghurs in China, the Rohingya in Burma, and behind, do not blame the bee, or worse still, the
think of Bosnia and what happened there. However, entire beehive. Not every' bee will be happy with an
this approach has been met until failure, repeatedly; outsider stealing its honey (should I have said oil
history' appears to affirm that the only thing we and minerals instead?) or placing a wasp as a
learn from history' is that we do not learn from puppet to subjugate the bee populace. The
history'. As Winston Churchill remarked, “Those autocratic wasps placed as puppets in Egypt and
that fail to learn from history' are bound to repeat Saudi Arabia must to be deadlier than the
it.” Instead of peace, we have created more discord. executioner wasp, one of the deadliest wasps on the
Repeatedly pelting stones (be it stones coated planet.
with sugar) on a beehive full of bees minding their Is there such a thing as an “executioner wasp”?
Yes, there is. It is called Polistes carnifex. It is found word play at its best, and they hold the dictionary
in South and Central America. The human form is close to their chests.
found in Egypt and Saudi Arabia in the echelons of What is the formula for establishing harmony, a
power. harmony that will encompass Muslims endeavoring
Do we see places that have earned the to show patience and tolerance, and continuing to
reputation of being pariahs simply because they practice goodness despite being maligned or
resist being easy walkovers? Maybe Cuba, Nepal? subjected to a barrage of negative rhetoric by a few
Feel free to fill a few more blanks here. boorish bureaucrats?
People who resist being subjugated must be, First, do not pelt them with stones.
your politicians will make you believe, “really bad.” Second, let Muslim scholars and imams
The powerful bourgeois want you to be submit and continue to teach authentic lessons of goodness to
obey without resistance, and if you do that, you get the Muslim masses. The powers that be in the West
the label of being “good,” of being freedom-fighters, should encourage them to continue with this work,
liberators, and heroes. Definitions can be juggled rather than try to undermine them. These scholars
around and the powerful can label whom they will, are engaged in the difficult and important task of
at will. If you resist, you may end up becoming presenting true Islam that advocates peace. Do not
another label: rebel, terrorist, or anarchist. It is make it tougher for them than it already is. To give
you an idea, go to the local mosque to listen to a heinous crimes that would boggle any sane mind?”
sermon on a Friday. After scratching the noggin (to un-boggle the
A typical sermon might include recitation of confused neurons inside), I would start by recalling
Quran 5:32, which states that “if any one killed a a Hadith (saying) of Prophet Mohammed in which
person, it would be as if he killed the whole of he warned that many Muslims will not pay heed to
mankind; and if any one saved a life, it would be as their religious obligations in the distant future
if he saved the life of the whole of mankind.” Islam (which appears to be the present times):
strictly forbids harming any innocent person
—indeed, any living creature—and there are In the end of time there shall come men
numerous references to this subject in the Quran who will swindle the world with religion,
and in the life of Prophet Mohammed and his deceiving the people in soft skins of sheep,
companions. I shall consider some of these in more their tongues are sweeter than sugar and
detail below to make it absolutely clear to both non­ their hearts are the hearts of wolves. [50]
Muslim and Muslim that this has always been a
central tenet of the Prophet of Islam. I would also recall Prophet Mohammed’s Hadith,
“Ahem” someone may mutter, wanting some
clarification. “Why then do some Muslims commit At the end of time, among this nation,
 there will appear people who will recite the Lord), and are often not very' good to neighbors and
Qur’an but it will not go any deeper than to members of society' or respectful of other faiths.
their collarbones or their throats. [51] Islam teaches that one commits wrong if he eats
his fill while his neighbor goes hungry. Islam
Then, after recalling this, I would answer, “If you advocates that to give something which one loves,
look at the lives of those so-called ‘Muslims’ who to the extent of giving something while in need of
have committed crimes, you will invariably find that very thing oneself, earns the giver a great
that in almost all such cases the perpetrators have a heavenly reward.
half-baked knowledge of Islam and, contrary to The properly educated Muslim, who knows
what the Quran and Ahadith advocate, they end up what his religion demands, will strive to be
doing the very opposite of what is expected of them compassionate, forgiving, and helpful, and a good
by Islam.” and honorable member of society'.
Such “Muslims” do not pray regularly and are There are several verses that precis this
not very charitable (giving 2.5 percent of your effectively:
wealth to the poor is mandatory in Islam, known as The Quran says, “You will not attain
Zakat, and giving above that is considered righteousness till you spend in charity of the things
meritorious, deserving of great reward from the you love’' (Quran 3:92).
 Another verse states, “And they are those who these newer modalities to treat heel spurs and other
give food—in spite of their own need, to the needy, ligament, tendon, and joint injuries in the affected
and the orphan, and the captive (saying in their foot.
hearts), ‘We only feed you for the sake of God, and The conventional method of treating such
we desire nothing in return from you, not even a conditions is generally achieved by using devices
word of thanks’” (Quran 76:8-9). known as custom-made orthotic insoles that fit into
shoes to alleviate pressure and address the
biomechanical cause of the complaint. Though
Thinking outside the box orthotic insoles work in many such cases,
I remember a podiatric medicine continuing- recalcitrant pain needs a rethink. If orthotics did
education course I once did at a conference for not work for a particular patient after a number of
podiatrists in Saskatchewan, Canada, a few years attempts, simply using the same method of
ago while I was practicing in that province. It was treatment again and again is likely to produce the
on the efficacy and incorporation of laser therapy same result.
and extra-corporeal shock-wave therapy in the So, to introduce my audience to the idea of
podiatric clinic setting, and why we needed to use applying other newer forms of treatment for such
conditions—such as laser and extra-corporeal
shock-wave therapies—I prepared a PowerPoint outside the box (as of this writing, some clinics in
presentation late into the night and came well the province have now acquired laser units to treat
prepared the next day. Podiatrists had come from heel pain. I get calls from these friendly podiatrists
different parts of the province, and some did not in Saskatchewan as to what laser units would give
know me well yet. the deepest penetration for best clinical outcome).
The first slide introduced the speaker: Dr. R. The point I am trying to make?
Bagha, Podiatrist, Regina. Some podiatrists were The point (hopefully not at the end of the needle
still talking to each other. A head dipped down to and not on my chair) is this: we sometimes need to
look at his cell phone; it was just going to be think outside the box—there may be an idea out
another long lecture. The second slide projected there that we may not have considered.
onto the screen was purposefully done in large Policymakers in the echelons of power need to
print. It was a quote from Abraham Maslow: “If move away from the established narrative of
your only tool is a hammer, then every problem bombing and keep bombing to achieve an objective,
looks like a nail.” A few podiatrists chuckled; the though they may have sophisticated weaponry and
foot specialist peering down at his phone raised his are itching to use them. It is becoming an unvarying
head. I had their full attention and hence an narrative for the powerful to tackle a problem:
opening to elaborate on the importance of thinking bombs and more bombs. To hotheads every'
“Muslim problem” (especially if they refuse to give strangers to share in their humble and meager
away their oil for free), is a nail. And what do meals, preferring us over their own selves as they
hotheads do? Grab a hammer, of course. proffered us more of their food than they would
If throwing a bomb has not won you friends, take themselves, smiling happily—feeling
throwing more bombs is still not going to win you honored—that wre had accepted their imitation.
friends. Policymakers in France, the U.K., America, They would ask for nothing in return, and if wre
Russia, Saudi Arabia, need to think outside the box. gave them a small gift, they would add something
For example, sophisticated Western weaponry extra and respond with a gift that exceeded our
being used over and over again against poor small offering. We felt truly humbled by their
Yemenis is not going to win over the minds of the generosity7 and started to decline such invitations
people. What they need is food for starving because of their circumstances.
children, medicine for easily treatable diseases such Bombs do not win friends—they alienate people.
as cholera, and aid in various forms. Not bombs! If the Americans started throwing essential
I was in Yemen for a family holiday many years everyday items like soap and reusable baby diapers
ago, prior to the war, and I found a proud, polite, and medicine from their planes, most of Yemen
and generous people. As we toured the country, wre would love them, wanting them to come so they
would often find ourselves being invited by total could honor them with hugs, kisses, and kebobs.
 Sending unmanned drones to drop bombs do because it has the support of a majority of
not engender goodwill either. Whether Muslim or politicians in that militarily powerful country is
not, if civilians die, the whole population invariably pure bull, for want of a better description.
turns against the perpetrators, no matter how We need to understand that there are real
sweetly iced the rhetoric on the proverbial people—real children who love to play, mothers
powdered keg, sorry, cake. who care for their families like we do— on the
receiving end of those falling bombs. John Perkins
demonstrates in his bestseller, Confessions of an
State-sanctioned terrorism and word play Economic Hit Man, how some of our state
When states are involved in the destabilization of institutions manipulate leaders and policymakers in
other states in order to impose their own belief other countries to get what they want by use of
systems, seize land, or pilfer economic assets subversion, deceit—and worse. [52]
—think Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, Libya (and a Many people in uniform are ready to give their
multitude of other countries that you are certainly lives to establish justice, and over the years I have
aware of)—then for the politicians concerned to had the privilege of having many as my patients.
argue that such actions are “justified” simply Many veterans have offered me insights into their
lives that few others will have had. I try to give them
ample time to relate their personal stories: treating right, for we have often found that there were
them with humility and dignity, for many were hidden agendas behind emotional rhetoric for
sincere in wanting to achieve tine justice when they which our brave sendeemen and women have often
went overseas; think of those who served in Bosnia, had to pay a heavy price. State-sanctioned use of
in the Second World War, and in Rwanda, for weaponry and/or sanctions against civilian
example. One common theme that tends to emerge populations cause mass deaths and suffering for
from these recollections is that war is terrible, and future generations. The damaged economic, social,
must be avoided at whatever cost. and political infrastructure of the targeted countries
Who better to learn from than those who have will need decades to be repaired and restored. Such
served on the frontlines? We will certainly learn things breed terrorism and anarchy.
more from these people than the guy in his smart We call ourselves peacemakers—state-
suit sitting in his Oval Office, who would probably sanctioned peacemakers. We conjure up smart
run for cover if he heard a loud pop from someone lingo to mask what is in reality' state-sanctioned
opening a soda can in order to celebrate getting terrorism. Think of the countries that engage in this
congressional authorization to send more troops behavior—for there are many besides dark and
overseas. sinister North Korea—countries that use their
A war that is state-sanctioned is not necessarily power and wealth quite openly to appropriate not
only stale cookies from another country’s cookie jar, they call for more blood. We are complicit in being
but also its land, its waters, and its deposits—lock, spoon-fed state-sanctioned terrorism
stock and oil barrel. masquerading as state-sanctioned peacemaking if
We are in denial and participate in this we do not close the open gob-trap.
chicaneiy: governments send our young men and The Quran sums this up nicely with the
women to fight wars while the political elite sit in observation:
comfortable offices drinking expensive cafe lattes
and using emotional rhetoric to keep the public in When it is said to them: “Make not
line—and line them up with new laws when they are mischief on the earth,” they say: “Why, we
needed. only want to make peace!” (Quran 2:11)
We are willing participants in this word-play
game for the gullible. Media, often controlled by the Word play. That reminds me of something else. The
corporate greedy (“you will not get to carry' our hungry chap stealing a banana and a blanket from a
million dollar ads if you state truths we do not like”) supermarket is a thief. What about the lawyers
show select red-color pixel images to rouse the defending the CEOs of corporations who declared
senses, the war-drum beating in the background, bankruptcy and jointly stole millions and built villas
while we stare entranced, mouths open wide, as in Bermuda and other exotic places (from penny­
saving folks like us who put our money in trusts or Governments—despite knowing that they were
in stocks)? Oh dear! These poor guys (with being complicit in many a chicanery' by
Cadillacs and villas) are bankrupt. corporates—keep allowing these guys to open
I thought bankrupt meant that even the shirts corporations bearing distinct entities as in real
on their backs were up for grabs, and some of us humans until flesh and bones—who then go about
naive souls were even keeping extra blankets in our declaring bankruptcies leaving the CEO’s and
closets in case they felt cold. They are not thieves. owners of the corporation unscathed. Better go give
And they certainly do not need our blankets the blanket you saved to the banana thiefs grandma
because they reside in sunny locations on million- as her grandchild is sitting in jail. Hopefully she will
dollar yachts eating ice-lollies. They are just “smart” sell it to buy some bananas. She is probably
people who play with words and play the system. starving because corporates reduced her stocks to
The Panama Papers and Paradise Papers have zilch.
exposed the inequalities and the injustice in our We must be honest with ourselves. Stealing is
society. wrong. Enriching ourselves to the cost of others is
Penalize the banana thief stealing a banana for wrong—even though some governments seem to
his grandma but reward the lawyers and CEOs sanction it with finely rehearsed word play. If
because they know how the game is played. stealing a banana at the grocery' store is wrong, then
devaluing the currencies of poor nations—and and amass them by the plenty’ in a nice comfortable
thereby “stealing” their coffee at prices that keep shelter, should they not come to roost where there
them poor—is wrong too. We need to acknowledge is fodder? So, what are we complaining about?
that we have been unjust, and that Might may not
always be Right, despite the seeming endorsement
of such actions by the World Bank, the IMF and The old and the new colonialists
powerful military-industrial nations. That delicious Stealing of lands is wrong—we all know that. But if
chocolate we are about to eat originates with it is done cleverly employing clever word play, we
families who cultivate cocoa but who are exploited may find ourselves sitting outside our own homes.
by the system that primarily benefits Western Let us see how. The old colonialist’s history’ might
consumers. go like this:
For those cheap chocolates we enjoy and those The stranger came knocking at the (North
fancy shirts we adorn ourselves until, someone, American) door and the indigenous person
somewhere, is having to pay a heavy price. Let me tolerantly allowed the chap to come in. Soon the
draw an analog}’ of why poor people want to chap had taken over the kitchen and the living
immigrate to the affluent West: If there are room, made a polluted mess of the water the
chickens in the field and we go and steal the seeds
resident owner had kept in a container (for the language, or sometimes cannot read at all, tells him
grandchildren before they were forcibly sent to a to put a mark on a piece of paper. Finely refined
“residential school” so they could unlearn their word play facilitates the obtaining of the mark on
indigenous culture). Not content, the invader next the appropriate line. There is a kindly smile. The
ate all the bison in the fridge (and his buddies mark is obtained. The resident owner soon finds
started killing all the millions of other ones roaming himself outside his own home, because he made the
in the prairies), sprayed pesticide all over the carpet mark (strong liquor cleverly supplied by the wily
(grassland), and then rudely forced the owner to invader have played important roles in many
step into the garage (reserve) to live there. unwilling cases).
The stranger is not done yet. Then the new owner says he will buy beaver
He then brings his friends over, establishes a pelts from the native.
court system of sorts—the native has no idea how “All the beaver pelts?” the native asks.
this ancient law system works—with its ye olde law “Yes,” he says. “I reward those who loyally
terms such as estover, ejectment, deodand, and supply me with fine pelts since I have to ship these
assumpsit jargon, which even today would give things to my kith and kin back home across the
most of us ye olde headaches—and knowing the ocean. You can bring mink pelts too, and some
native sometimes does not understand the English other exotic pelts. You do not have to worry about
supplying me with other animals such as the bison. twenty-first century, until a good standard of living
My friends have been hard at work in the prairies dependent on oil, we would not perpetrate such
with their guns (so that the ‘circle of life’ that you injustices.” The native’s progeny is living in the
believe in ceases and you become perpetually garage (reserve) and they have accepted their lot in
dependent on us). You can come buy some beef life, unjust though it is.
from our cattle ranches with the money you get But the new colonialist is not done yet. It has
from selling beaver pelts. We wall not starve you. been “word play” all the while, and since some
We have beef and you have beaver pelts. Fair duped, or innocent, or even well-meaning folks
exchange, eh?” Thinking himself gracious and since haven’t figured it out yet, he is going to do it again.
he has been reading about being good to his He is soon eyeing the native’s garage. He wants to
neighbors, he gives the native a dirty blanket dig underneath it to frack some oil and pollute the
(infested with an exotic disease which will nearly little water in a little pond the native had kept
wipe out most of the native’s kinfolks). pristine for his great grandchildren who have finally
Time passes. come home. He now wants to destroy the rest of
The new colonialists blame the atrocities that what the native holds dear. The new colonialist now
occur on the old colonialists, “Our forefathers did wants finite oil while destroying the one thing that
some bad things, but we are not like that. In the matters most: the infinitely good earth and good
water, the essentials of good living. The confused “Muslim” carrying that suspicious
As the native sees the new colonialist potato sack with wires jutting out of it and winding
approaching with gigantic machinery, he thinks to around him (as in an old induction-coil
himself, “He has already taken our best lands and transformer) who now enters a crowded civilian
waters. He has devastated and polluted those. As if area, with a strange tick-tock sound coming from
that was not enough, he is now eyeing my garage. the old sack, needs to understand what his religion
He has taken all that was on the top, now he even really requires of him: suicide bombings of civilians
wants things under the earth!” He sadly looks causes only mayhem and death and does not and
around to see where he should go and live, who will not give any ultimate moral objective any
would understand his plight, and who would truly legitimacy, regardless of the initial grievance. He
feel as he does. has probably been won over by word play from
And there are people who think this is just some nasty people. He should have read the Quran
another stoiy. instead. Then he would have approached innocent
people until compassion and understanding, as this
is what the Quran advocates.
As a Canadian I have some heroes. Please The end shall not justify the means; Almighty'
introduce yours. Allah shall never grant success to those who use
means that He has forbidden. You only need to look intolerable solid gun barrels under the pillows
at the lives of Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, or Martin making dents in unyielding heads. Their heads get
Luther King Jr. When confronted with a more dents and we get the headache.
powerful adversary, they adopted the strategy of As a Canadian, I am proud of the good Canada
peaceful engagement and achieved far more than if has been able to contribute to the world. We not
they had resorted to violence. They won because only use words to bring about change, but we also
they were morally superior to their adversaries. use our bodies and souls to bring about change in
They used bodies and soul, and they used words. the world. Though we gave the world insulin,
They used words, finely articulated, to achieve their peanut butter, and poutine and we pretend to be
objective. humble about them, humility must be cast aside
Extremist actions by hard-heads such as Boko because we also gave the world Madame Louise
Haram, Al Shabab, Daesh, KKK, and twenty-first Arbour, who served as the UN High Commissioner
century neo-intolerant-chaps contradict the for Human Rights and Chief Prosecutor of the
teachings of their religion and are, therefore, and International Criminal Tribunals for Yugoslavia
rightfully so, almost universally rejected by the and Rwanda.
world’s majority7. These chaps must have a hard We gave the world Romeo Dallaire, who
time sleeping on soft pillows unless they have founded the Romeo Dallaire Child Soldiers
Initiative to help reintegrate child soldiers into boil and work harder, churning new ideas.
society7 and who pleaded for and eventually got Human, environmental and animal advocacy
some help from the UN to stop the genocide in needs to be given prominence in our common
Rwanda (albeit the help came a little too late). vision of good for all. Good is good, and to remind
Canadians are not finished yet. We have among Muslims—it does not necessarily7 need to have a
us David Suzuki, a science broadcaster and Muslim-sounding name. We need to acknowledge
environmentalist and the host of the popular series good and support all those who endeavor to
The Nature of Things; Bob Hunter and the other establish justice. They make up the best of
founders of Greenpeace; Jody Williams and the humanity7, and if we join their cause, then we, as
various Canadians involved in the Mine Ban Treaty; Muslims, engage in our common aspiration of
“Captain” Paul Watson, the founder of the Sea good, as taught by7 the Prophet, and live up to the
Shepherd Conservation Society7—and many more of higher ideals that our religion demands of us. As
the same ilk. the Quran states, “Is the reward of goodness aught
We keep producing determined Canadians. save goodness?’’(Quran 55:60).
Maybe it is the good water and the good soil. Maybe Citizens in the U.K., U.S., Australia, New
it is the Canadian winter that freezes the toes and Zealand, Germany7, Sweden, and Switzerland are
legs and all the blood goes to the brain to make it some of the countries with the best record in terms
of their citizens’ engagement in good works, continued to assist Syrian refugees despite political
especially when advocating for animal and backlash, both leaders exhibiting strength in times
environmental rights. of adversity7, exuding warmth and compassion to
I said citizens. Not politicians. Aren’t politicians untold millions. I can assure you Germany will
also citizens? Most behave as if they have been cast benefit with the Syrian refugees. They are
from outer space when the Martians got fed up until enterprising people, with thousands of years of
their antics. I think you will agree that for now most business and trade experience gained at the
stand pretty much alone—in defiance, in arrogance, crossroads of major civilizations. Time will indeed
and demanding a special spot on a conceited tell a more favorable story' after the initial hiccups.
platform above the general citizenry. Most think These leaders’ words bring light to millions living in
being “public servants” means the public are their a dark world.
seiwants. But then there are rare gems who are not Talking of heroes, there is a universal hero
afraid of public perception or votes when they opted common to all Muslims. His name is Mohammed.
to do good, like New Zealand’s Jacinda Ardern who They love him dearly, yet strictly adhere to the
wore a hijab proudly in solidarity with Muslims in Quran and Prophet Mohammed’s injunction that he
their time of distress when many were killed in a should not be deified. If one knows the man, it is
mosque; and Germany’s Angela Merkel who almost guaranteed the person would love him too.
What is it about Prophet Mohammed, peace be known as Al-ameen, meaning the truthful-one. In
upon him, that evokes such passion? We shall battle, Mohammed would often forgive his staunch
examine why in chapter six. It will be a revelation to enemies and sometimes, to the dismay of his
many. First, did you know he was an orphan? More companions who had just won a hard-earned
later. victory7 in battle, sustaining injuries and casualties,
he would pardon and set free prisoners of war who
were resolute opponents of Prophet Mohammed’s
The love for Mohammed among his call to the worship of One God. His words, unlike
companions the word-play of many politicians of today, were
Prophet Mohammed was a truthful man. He did not sincere. His actions, too, were sincere. His
play with words. There was no dispute on the companions, confused to see their Prophet release
sagacity7 and honesty7 of this noble man such that prisoners of war, would soon realize the wisdom of
even enemies of Prophet Mohammed their leader: his tenacious foes, recognizing the
acknowledged that he never lied. Long before he nobility7 and grace of Mohammed, soon adopted his
received the revelations from God—and continuing cause as their own. They became his loyal and
even after declaring his prophethood—he was steadfast followers, and just as ardently as they had
fought against him, they' now fought for him, in
pursuit of his goal to set people free from the Initially Prophet Mohammed’s army had the upper
servitude of other humans and idols in order to hand, as he had posted some archers on higher
serve God. They saw their Prophet live a life of ground, exposing the enemy army to flights of
truth, of compassion, of frugality, and never arrows as they tried to breach the Muslim defenses.
wavering in sincerity. The love of their Prophet by It was at this stage of the battle that Umm
Muslims is so profound that it has amazed non­ Amara decided to go meet her Prophet. As she was
Muslims and even some contemporary historians. A approaching Prophet Mohammed at a juncture
good insight into this subject can be found in when the enemy was in disarray and retreating, a
several publications. [53] number of Muslim archers left their high vantage
One person, among multitudes, who was posts, lured away by the prospect of booty' from the
prepared to fight for the cause of Islam was a fallen enemy soldiers, and reassured by the
woman by the name of Umm Amara, who took part perception that the rest of the enemy army was
in the Battle of Mount Uhud, in 625 ce, in which already in retreat.
Muslim forces fought against the polytheists. Umm It was a fatal mistake.
Amara set off to the battlefield with her husband Seeing a break in the Muslim defenses, a section
and her two sons—her role was to look after the of cavalry led by an astute military leader and
wounded and to distribute water to the soldiers. tactician (by the name of Khalid ibn al-Walid, who
would later embrace Islam) saw his chance. He Umm Amara quickly dressed and then had him
circled back with a section of the cavalry and made return to the battle. At one point she was struck in
a ferocious attack, breaching the defenses near the neck by an enemy sword, leaving a large gaping
Prophet Mohammed. Many Muslims were killed in wound, which Prophet Mohammed ordered one of
the process, while others fell into disarray with the her sons to attend to, in order to staunch the flow of
force of attack, exposing Prophet Mohammed to the blood. Bleeding and weak, Umm Amara returned to
enemy. About a dozen undaunted companions the fight.
quickly surrounded the Prophet to protect him but The battle resulted in losses on both sides, and
were greatly outnumbered by the enemy horsemen. there was no clear-cut winner. Prophet Mohammed
Umm Amara and her family ran to the Prophet to was saved but sustained a number of injuries.
shield him. A shield was thrown to her on the order Before both armies returned to their respective
of the Prophet, so she could protect herself. camps, the leader of the polytheists, Abu Sufyaan
Umm Amara repelled many of the attackers (who later also embraced Islam), shouted towards
with a discarded sword she had picked up ensuring the place he believed to be occupied by Prophet
that the enemy would not get closer to Prophet Mohammed and his companions, “This
Mohammed, suffering many wounds in the process. compensates for our loss at Badr.” (In the Battle of
One of her sons sustained a grievous injury, which Badr, a year earlier, a greatly outnumbered group of
Muslims—including the Prophet— poorly armed subjugation of the poor and the weak by the rich
and mostly on foot, had faced a well-armed and the powerful, the establishment of gender
polytheist army with a formidable cavalry, routing equality7, and the practice of monotheism, whereby
the enemy with a decisive victory7.) God alone reigns supreme. Like many of the
In response to Abu Sufyaan, Umar ibn Al Prophet’s companions, Umm Amara was willing to
Khattab, a close companion of the Prophet, yelled give up everything she possessed so that justice
back a repartee, “We are not equal: our slain are in might be established on Earth, recognizing that
paradise, yours are in the fire.” [54] such a goal sometimes called for enormous
Umm Amara participated in many battles, in sacrifice.
one of which, the Battle of Yamama, she sustained On another occasion, when polytheists captured
many wounds and lost an arm. She continued to Zayd ibn ad-Dathima, a companion of the Prophet,
support the cause of her Prophet throughout her and were about to execute him, the polytheist
life until she passed away. For her, the Prophet was leader, Abu Sufyan ibn Harb, said to the captive, “I
more beloved than her own self or family. ask you by Allah, Zayd, don’t you wish that
Umm Amara, like many of her contemporaries, Muhammed were with us now to take your place so
recognized that Prophet Mohammed stood for a that we could cut off his head instead, and you were
great cause that encompassed ending the with your family?” Zayd replied, his words sincere,
“By Allah, I would not wish Mohammed to be now there are many people who in their ignorance
in a place where even a thorn could hurt him, if that blame Prophet Mohammed, but when they study
was the condition for me being with my family!” At what this man truly represented, they start to
this, Abu Sufyan remarked, “I have not seen any defend his honor (as a way of example, search van
people love anyone the way the companions of Klaveren online, a far-right Dutch MP who started
Mohammed love Mohammed.” to write a book against Islam and what happened as
he reached partway into his book). The life of
Prophet Mohammed and the teaching of the Quran
War and prisoners of war can provide the answers to these questions and
History has witnessed many such acts of heroism illustrate the cause or causes that the Prophet
demonstrated by the followers of Prophet advanced.
Mohammed. What is it about this man that History is replete with examples of
inspired, and still inspires, such passion that one magnanimity shown by Muslim armies and their
would not hesitate to sacrifice one’s own life for his commanders, who had learnt by example from their
cause? What is this “cause”? What made enemies commander-in-chief and spiritual leader Prophet
change heart and start to love this man? Even now, Mohammed.
They applied Prophet Mohammed's lessons of
remaining steadfast in battle, and even if the battle They were not to desecrate or destroy places of
was hard fought with heavy casualties sustained by worship or to abuse those in holy orders or who
the Muslim army, even though the opposing armies were engaged in ritual worship; they were not to cut
might have committed atrocities against them, the down fruit-bearing trees or palm trees, or destroy
victorious Muslims refrained from retaliating in cultivated fields, crops, or vegetation; they were not
kind. Rather, to the utter bewilderment of their to kill cattle, sheep, and camels except for food, not
vanquished foes, the victorious Muslims treated kill the vulnerable, such as children, women, the
them with dignity7, ensured that they were fed well sick, and the elderly. [56] The Prophet’s companions
(sometimes better than the victors themselves), and heeded his injunctions and the sincerity7 of his
then either set free after paying compensation or words. They observed the Quranic praise that says,
freed without penalty7 if they had no money. [55] “And they give food despite their own need for it to
Centuries before the Geney^a Convention on the the needy, the orphan, and the captive (Saying),
rights of prisoners of war, Islam had already set a ‘We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We
precedent for the humane treatment of captured wish not from you reward or gratitude’” (Quran
soldiers. Prophet Mohammed’s words are etched in 76:8-9).
classic authentic books of Hadith. He set down Historical narratives, by both Muslims and non­
certain rules for his followers in the conduct of war. Muslims, demonstrate these acts of generosity,
benevolence, and magnanimity when Muslims were children; Muslims, Jews, and even those Christians
victorious in battle. Though not all Muslim armies who did not conform to their version of
strictly applied these rules in dealing with their Christianity—such that the streets flowed with
vanquished foes, the better disciplined Muslim blood. How could one not admire the discipline and
armies did observe the injunction in the Quran that generosity7 of the victorious Muslim forces?
says, “Good and evil are not equal. Repel evil until The idea that Islam was spread by the sword is
good, and the person who was your enemy becomes false, essentially word-play duping the lay. Muslims
like an intimate friend” (Quran 41:34). were indeed prepared to fight, but only in order to
Thus, we find that when Saladin recaptured the stop the subjugation of one group of people by
city7 of Jerusalem, he provided safe passage and another; to establish the reign of One God
protection for the prisoners of war. The book, (monotheism); and in self-defense.
Saladin: Noble Prince of Islam by Diane Stanley, is Through conquest, education, and commerce,
well-researched and a fine read detailing a prince­ Muslims have left an indelible mark in parts of
warrior of courage, piety, tolerance, and wisdom. Africa and Asia, including the Caucasus region of
[57] This was in stark contrast to the actions of the Russia, parts of China, and into the Balkans.
Crusaders, who had indiscriminately slaughtered Mosques and minarets were built in Spain, where
the city’s residents—the elderly, men, women, and Cordoba, under Muslim rule, had 50 hospitals
centuries before Europe had any major hospital. As recently as 1847, when Ireland experienced
Hisham ibn Abdur-Rahman, the governor of the Great Famine, Turkey sent five ships laden with
Cordoba, transformed that part of Spain into a food to relieve the distress of their Christian
center of learning, where people from various parts brethren. [60]
of the world came to study. [58] Muslims, Jews and Today, more than ever, we need love and
Christians lived and thrived in a general compassion flowing from and into every' (human
atmosphere of acceptance of the other. At that time, heart) port, just as those ships did, for are we not
Spain surpassed the rest of Europe in the fields of but one humanity7? We need sincere words, words
medicine, botany, mathematics, and astronomy. of compassion, not word-play. One needs to study
Once the land had been militarily won over, the Prophet Mohammed, as many great
sword was laid aside for the pen. contemporaries and intellectuals from all faiths
When Andalusia, Spain, was eventually wrested have done, and if one did so in an impartial
from the Muslims and the population subjected to manner, one would not fail to admire and be
the Spanish Inquisition, many Jews, Muslims, and inspired by this great man. The Quran confirms
even minority sects of Christians were forced to Prophet Mohammed’s character:
flee, a significant number finding refuge in
Ottoman Turkey. [59] Only7 through the Divine Mercy have you
 [Mohammed] been able to deal with your world. Non-Muslims, on the other hand, need to
followers so gently. If you had been stern give credit where credit is due. This is called bi'idge
and hard-hearted, they would all have building, something that few people attempt or
deserted you a long time ago. Forgive even think about. Non-Muslims should not hide the
them and ask God to forgive [their sins] positive work done by Muslims and focus only on
and consult with them in certain matters. the negative. Muslims must do the same in return.
But, when you reach a decision, trust God. Of course, there will always be the “ignorant
God loves those who trust Him. (Quran ones,” who, no matter what you do, are so
3:159) entrenched in their animosity' that no reasoned
discourse and no bridge-building effort will sway
them. Yet, even when faced until the negative, we
Taking lessons from children should not retaliate in kind. I would personally let
If Muslims hold fast to the Quran and the Sunnah such a person cook and broil in his or her own
(the way of life of Prophet Mohammed) then anger-juices, for that is what they want to do. In
compassion, forgiveness, and mercy will again be response to those who are set in a negative stance,
the hallmarks of their lifestyle throughout the and nothing, no matter how profound is going to
sway them, I personally adopt the strategy advised
by the Quran: “Make due allowance for man’s corridors of power.
nature, and enjoin the doing of what is right; and For academicians, the playground is an
leave alone all those who choose to remain institution for great scholarship! As Shashi Tharoor
ignorant” (Quran 7:199). —author, politician, United Nations peacekeeper,
We should follow the example of little children. refugee worker, and human rights activist—has
Go to a playground and see how kids play with each noted:
other: they laugh, tussle, and tumble, and they
don’t give a hoot about their differences in color or Malaysians talk with Mauritians, Arabs
religion—good is good and bad is bad, and it is that with Australians, South Africans with Sri
simple. One may sulk if someone gets too rough, Lankans, and Iranians with Indonesians.
but soon they are back at it again, the past The Indian Ocean selves as both a sea
forgotten. Color is not a divisive issue because separating them and a bridge linking them
children are not infected by adult prejudices. together.
There is no sinister “word play” with a hidden
agenda at the children’s playground. It is what it is,
and it is sincere. There is often more wisdom on The art of using words
display in a children’s playground than in the
Words can hurt and condemn, and words can also world—were to follow the injunctions of their
motivate. Media would be wise to print some religion. There would be a revival of charitable
positive achievements by Muslims. There is too giving and kindness shown to all living things.
much focus on the negative. When Muslims are Muslims have the potential to have a positive
given recognition for their achievements and impact on all aspects of civilized society'.
allowed to practice Islam freely without prejudice, Unfortunately, Muslims face attack on an
and share their knowledge without animosity, all almost daily basis whether from demagogic
will benefit. Muslims engaged in protecting wildlife politicians, a biased media, or tyrannical rulers
and their habitats, preserving the waters, manipulated by powerful regimes (who in turn
advocating for domestic animal welfare, and siphon off the resources of the countries they
practicing environmental sustainability benefit the control). If this situation could be reversed, then wre
non-Muslim as well. might all coexist peacefully, despite our differences,
After all, with 1.8 billion Muslims inhabiting and foster the health, wealth, peace, and prosperity
this planet, does it really make sense to keep of the entire planet.
demonizing them? Imagine the benefits for Muslims must be mindful of the commands
everyone, if a quarter of the human population- given to them in the Quran. Verse 49:13 states, “O
yes, that is how many Muslims there are in this mankind! Lo! We have created you male and female
and have made you nations and tribes that ye may middle fingers.
know one another. Lo! The noblest of you, in the We have a duty to educate everyone about the
sight of Allah, is the best in conduct. Lo! Allah is dangerous path we are treading, starting with
Knower, Aware.” ourselves and our immediate families, then friends,
Another serious issue (to be discussed further in neighbors, and the community' at large. When the
later chapters) is the rate of destruction of our point of no return is reached, an “everyone for
natural resources and the potential elimination of himself’ attitude will save no one.
many species due to the disappearance of their We should have the courage to change that
natural habitats. which is changeable immediately: treat animals
The impact of humankind on the land, the justly, whether they belong to us or not; recognize
water, and the air through urbanization and our environmental obligations, and take that first
pollution is coming to a head. The naysayer’s step, however small; help save the planet and
argument that “It has not happened yet, so what is inspire others to do the same.
the proof that it will happen?” is apathy of the worst The Chinese have a wise saying: the journey of a
kind, because when it does happen, it will be too thousand miles begins with a single step. Pop over
late to blame or point fingers at one another. to the mirror and look at the image. Guess who
And it will not matter if they are forefingers or should take the first step?
 Wait a bit. Before you put on your running
shoes, let us fire up the barbeque. I have marinated Chapter 5
some definitions. Let us roast them in the next
chapter. Skewering the definitions

'"Philosopher, orator, apostle, legislator,

warrior, conqueror of ideas, restorer of
rational dogmas,of a cult without images;
thefounder of twenty terrestrial empires
and of one spiritual empire, that is
Muhammad. As regards all standards by
which human greatness may be
measured, we may well ask, is there any
man greater than he?”

—Alphonse de Lamartine (i79O-i869)French poet and

 statesman Worship,” because that is what it is at its core.
Humans are essentially “worshipping
creatures”; if humans do not worship an invisible
deity, they are invariably worshipping something
Let us fire up the barbeque, skewer some else: money; the state (think China under Mao Tse
definitions and terms, and roast them. Definitions Tung, Russia under Stalin); a hero in human form;
are constraining and they limit free thought. They a figurine carved out of wood, stone, ivoiy, or some
limit the ability to go beyond their confining other material (idols), to be placed in homes or
borders. Give me your plate. Savor the new refined places of worship; the new Ferrari; power; the old
flavor. piece of wood in the pocket that one must “knock”
to keep bad omens at bay. So, is an atheist really an
atheist? Let us see.
Atheism Say an atheist was stuck on an island with an
China has recently witnessed the mass active volcano that is starting to rumble and spew
incarceration of Chinese Muslim Uyghurs (around a black clouds, and a frazzled looking and
million) in mass concentration camps to be incantation-singing shaman happens to come along
indoctrinated in the “new religion” of “State with a box that is emitting strange odors. The
shaman has seen a man with a coconut standing at his luck.
the shore and senses an opportunity right before his In fact, the “shaman” was actually someone who
eyes and approaches slowly, pretending to know the had been stuck on the island for a long time. He had
unknown realm. If the shaman were then to say to a frazzled exotic appearance because he had
the atheist, “Would you be willing to worship the accidentally stepped on a crusty' old lion’s tail. The
box and give me your last remaining coconut and animal had let the shaman know in no uncertain
the ding}' that brought you to this island if I can terms that causing indignities to a lion haying an
make the volcano stop rumbling?” the chap would afternoon nap is not a good idea. Once the kerfuffle
probably agree to the deal, knowing that the was over, the “shaman” emerged alive but
volcano was just about to erupt. They both wait disappointed that lions had no patience listening to
while the Shaman is shaking in his torn pants. explanations.
If, perchance (as a result of natural phenomena The shaman’s “incantations” were in truth
or simply coincidence) the volcano then stopped muffled curses in his native tongue directed at the
rumbling, the “atheist” would willingly hand over lion and laments about his desperation to escape
the coconut, regard the shaman as his guide and this abominable island whose creatures could not
augur, and become a worshipper of the box. The keep their tails tucked in. For his part, the atheist is
shaman breathes a sigh of relief. He can’t believe convinced that the box must contain great power,
for hadn't it stopped the volcano rumbling? Next on; our family, and doing whatever it takes to
day, when the atheist goes to find his “master,” the ensure their wellbeing; the business, which again
shaman is nowhere to be found—until he looks out consumes much time and effort; our desires of sex,
to sea and spies him bobbing up and down in the power, arrogance; the body and the face and the
ding}'. The shaman has escaped from the island, billions we spend on them; or even an old sock.
taking the coconut until him, leaving behind the There is no such thing as an atheist: we all
awesome box. The chap slowly opens the box—and venerate something; we all have something we hold
finds inside a smelly old sock. dear to our hearts—even the avowed “atheist.”
The “atheist” had been worshipping something A paradox for the atheists: some atheists may
that stinks. adamantly claim to be “sincere” atheists. They hold
Worship is essentially someone—or on to that concept religiously, like a formal religion,
something—we are obsessed with, religiously and then whimsically market their belief as
sacrifice our time and efforts for, and are very' “atheism,” not aware that it is an “ism.” Apologies
attentive to: gods (with a small “g,” silly'), mini­ to all atheists: this is only my opinion. Can we still
gods, idols, or false deities. be friends?
We all worship something: a good home with a Then there are proud “secularists”. Recently
manicured lawn that we spend our time and effort Quebec passed a bill restricting women from
wearing head coverings, which almost everyone Others choose to worship material wealth: the
from Michel to Michael know that the bill is “mighty dollar” for instance, or the big fancy house,
targeted against Muslim women who don the hijab. the beautiful or handsome spouse, or even the golf
They came up with a smart (but not so smart) course.
excuse that the head covers were “ostentatious” The Quran in verse 45:23 makes a remarkable
displays of religion. These tenacious politicians are observation of these mini-gods that one gives
pretty religious if you come to think of it. They are greater import, and which take various forms such
merely preaching “secular religiosity” with passion, as ego, base desires, caprice, fancies, whims, and
probably reading with bowed heads a religious book vagaries, “Then do you see the one who takes as his
called Bill 21 in the hope of replacing one religion- god his own vain desire? God has, knowing him as
the formal one-with the secular one. such, left him astray, and sealed his hearing and his
Many of us, however, would rather worship a heart, and put a veil on his sight. Who then will
force beyond our immediate perception: The guide him after God? Will you not then receive
Creator of eventhing, Eternal, Forgiving, advice?”
Compassionate, Just, Ever Aware, and with the In short, we all engage in worship, and we will
ability to assign hell or heaven to those He has all continue to do so. As the Quran says, “And they
created based upon the “life of tests” on this Earth. have chosen idols in various forms besides God,
hoping that they would be a source of strength for secular Shariah (secular law) instead of Islamic
them” (Quran 19:81). Shariah.
So, lawful rallies were being held against law­
law.
Jihad and Shariah These types of disingenuous rallies happen
Many Muslims, especially during colonial and post­ when we do not take time to study what Shariah
colonial exploitation of their lands by militarily actually means; our prejudice obscures any
powerful Western conquerors, have—and objective discourse. To those who only feel
vanquished Muslims can certainly not be blamed comfortable with things “as they were,” any change
for this—forsaken or forgotten to study the must be bad and must be resisted, a feeling that can
foundational principles of human rights, animal be manipulated by more insidious forces.
rights and environmental rights established by Islamic Shariah prohibits stealing, lying and
Prophet Mohammed. As recently as June 11, 2017, murder.
rallies were held in cities in the U.S. against Were lawful rallies being held opposing stealing,
“Shariah Law.” Shariah is an Arabic word which lying, and murder? I sat with a headache trying to
means law. One can say that one prefers to follow figure this one out.
It is enough to say the words “Shariah” or
“Jihad” to have someone scramble up a tree to Let us take one simple example of Islamic
escape the coming calamity. It is not the intent of Shariah or Islamic Law: the prohibition of gambling
this book to give the pros and cons of “Shariah,” but and the consumption of alcohol. Let us say that a
we must be brave enough to give thought to the hulking man called Mr. Dezert Al-Sahara conies
matter instead of rejecting it outright (without home intoxicated after having lost large amounts of
having read the finer details of the law), weigh its money in gambling, and the place he called home
pros and cons, and accept or modify or reject what where he would normally hang his sombrero will no
we do not like. Stealing is wrong, lying is wrong, longer be his (since he has lost that too laying bets
giving false testimony is cowardly, and murder while inebriated). Mr. Al-Sahara is fuming mad. He
abhorrent. These are well known in Islamic wants to blame someone for his bad luck. Not
Shariah. knowing his own strength, he ends up inflicting
We need to allow a mature discussion on grievous harm on his wife and children while still
Islamic Shariah. Are we not still in the twenty-first groggy.
century and find ourselves averse to burning people The next day, after taking aspirins for his
on the stake for expression of ideas or are we hangover at the jail, he is ushered to face the judge.
quickly regressing back to those brawn-but-no- He tells the judge that he regrets his actions and he
brain times? would like to go to the hospital to visit his family as
soon as he is discharged from the court. He says claim temporary insanity7 while inebriated.
that all this happened because he was angry and His expensive lawyer is looking on from the
drunk and the sombrero obscured his vision while gallery, wishing he had been hired for he could have
he was swinging punches. used legal loopholes freely available in secular law
The judge eyes Mr. Al-Sahara with disapproval, (as big as school buses)—such as intoxication,
as he has seen him before. Previously, he had been addiction, unfortunate possession of a muscled
accused of driving while intoxicated, and injuring body, and poorly designed sombreros that obscured
someone walking on the footpath with his dog. Mr. his vision when he threw7 the punches—to get his
Al-Sahara had been represented by an experienced client off and allow Mr. Al-Sahara to repeat his bad
lawyer who was able to get him off on a technicality. conduct in the future.
This time, Mr. Al-Sahara knows he is in trouble. However, in Islamic Shariah, he has already
He insists that Shariah be applied in his case, trying broken three laws: alcohol consumption, gambling,
to befuddle and confound the judge. The judge and physical and emotional injury to his wife and
agrees, much to Mr. Al-Sahara’s astonishment children. The judge pronounces some clear-cut and
(unbeknownst to the latter, the judge had done unambiguous judgments: Mr. Al-Sahara has
some reading about Shariah) [61] Mr. Al-Sahara already broken the first law (intoxication) and the
gulps. He knows he cannot call the best lawyers and second law (gambling), so he needs to take full
responsibility for the consequences of his actions range of meanings—such as “strive,” “discipline,”
(i.e. the emotional and physical injury to others). “restrain,” and “struggle”—the word “Jihad.” He
Mr. Al-Sahara faces several charges and lengthy proclaims in Arabic that he will exercise Jihad upon
sentences for each of them. himself and will not touch liquor again.
After duly paying for his crime, Mr. Al-Sahara Unfortunately, though the music in the restaurant
now wants to mend the error of his ways. He wants is blaring, some people within earshot hears him
to exercise discipline and restraint, and he also muttering things in Arabic and one of the words is
intends to strive to become a better person since he “Jihad.”
dearly loves his family. He is determined to stop There is a scramble for the door and the nearest
hitting the bottle, so he decides to shun the bar. tree.
He is found sitting quietly in a busy restaurant When the tree is swamped by people clinging
drinking fizz}' pop. He fondly recalls his childhood onto thorny branches, some have to swim across a
days and remembers how his mother kept the little nearby river to get far away from him. All this
one on her lap and warned him against using commotion, all the scratches and wet clothes
alcohol and to not forget his mother tongue. because people did not ask what “Jihad” meant and
He decides to start using more of his mother instead responded to the definitions provided by
tongue. He says quietly to himself a word that has a non-Arabic speakers who were bent on taking it out
of context. Time passes.
The poor chap’s personal Jihad was simply to Mr. Al-Sahara has spent quite some time behind
free himself from alcohol intake since he knew that bars (the other kind). While incarcerated, he has
if he touched another drop, he may once again fall had time for deep reflection. He reads a lot of books
into the trap of abusing alcohol. Unfortunately, he on self-improvement, the art of motivating people,
had used an Arabic word for “struggle” and “strive.” and leadership. He wants to give some good back to
Mr. Al-Sahara was last seen being shuffled back society7 for the kindness his adopted country has
to meet the tired judge (Okay, then, if it will make shown him and wants to become a model citizen.
you happy—the judge’s name is Mike. No, I am He resolves to become a teetotaler, to never gamble,
certainly not going to tell you who made the and decides to advocate against gambling and
sombrero. It was only used to give an example, for intoxication having learnt from his mistakes.
heaven’s sake) because he whispered Jihad and The first thing he concludes when he walks out
caused a stampede. As he was being escorted in of the prison is never to use Arabic words unless he
chains, he was heard asking the cop in a very7 loud is on an elevated podium (that would pose some
voice, in English, in a hushed courtroom, “What did difficulty if someone decided to clamber up) when
I do now?” delivering a presentation to the public, a quick exit
But nobody was listening. door at the back, preferably' with a car parked
outside, with the engine running. He decides on his honest passion and his love for mankind. Soon
these simple precautions in case someone’s he is getting invited to different schools,
adrenalin shot up until foreign words that cause alcohol/gambling rehab centers, and public forums.
excitement. At the completion of every' presentation, he has
If the word “Jihad” is to be used, Al-Sahara someone (in armor) standing at the door to hand
decides, it must be done openly, in an educational out pamphlets to the exiting audience. The
format, with a big screen quickly flashing the pamphlets give some statistics on the harm
English translation for any sentence he uses which gambling and alcoholism can cause to society. The
has Arabic words in it. For example, when he wants printouts say the following:
to say that he wants to do “jihad” by “yuhibu” all
human beings, regardless of faith, the screen would The harmful use of alcohol is a component
flash, “Stop. Do not get alarmed, please. I am cause of more than 200 disease and injury
simply saying that I want to strive (jihad) in loving conditions in individuals, most notably
(yuhibu) all human beings, regardless of faith.” alcohol dependence, liver cirrhosis,
Regardless, he comes wearing sprinting sports cancers and injuries... In 2012, about 3.3
shoes in case someone could not read. million deaths..., or 5.9% of all global
Al-Sahara becomes somewhat of a celebrity for deaths, were attributable to alcohol
consumption. [62]
Oregon Problem Gambling
Crashes involving alcohol and/or drugs Resource states that about 10 to 17 percent
are a leading criminal cause of death in of children and about 25 to 50 percent of
Canada. Every7 day, on average, up to 4 spouses of problem gamblers have been
Canadians are killed and many more are abused. [66]
injured in alcohol and/or drag-related
motor vehicle crashes. [63] Roughly 50 percent of those addicted to
gambling will commit crimes to support
The likelihood of developing a gambling continued gambling activity7. [67]
addiction increases 23-fold for people
affected by alcohol use disorders. [64] Islamic Law forbids alcohol consumption
and gambling.

Seventeen to 24 percent of pathological

gamblers will attempt suicide during their Shariah. Still raw. Needs a bit more
lives. [65] roasting.
Unlike most Westerners, Muslims generally do not If there is no clear guidance on a given situation
make a distinction between a secular, temporal in these manuals, then a consensus (Ijmaa) is
lifestyle and a once-a-week religious ritual (such as sought from experts within the field in conjunction
the church service on Sunday, which is often with scholars from Islamic jurisprudence. These
considered distinctly separate from the rest of the scholars, known as Faqih (Jurists), have a deep
routine of life). understanding of divine Islamic Law (JFiqh) and can
Islam is a way of life, and Muslims understand quite accurately rule on ambiguous subjects.
it as such. By way of life, I mean that religion, and For example, Islam forbids using pork for food,
even the court of law and the government function but are there exceptions? Let us say that a Muslim
with deference to the Quran and Sunnah (the is stuck on an island because he bought a used
sayings and actions of the Prophet, as instructions). dinghy with a small leak that the previous owner
The process of drafting and enacting laws assured him was too small to be of consequence.
begins with the Quran and Sunnah, the sum of Stranded on the desolate island, he looks around
these two guides forming the foundation of Shariah for food as he is starving. There is no food on the
(Islamic Law). These give fundamental and basic island except for a pig looking at the Muslim with
guidance, from which other laws can be suspicion. The Muslim is thinking what the law is
extrapolated. regarding eating pork in dire circumstances as he
eyes the wary pork}'. He knows that the Quran slow as the next guy) in the month of Ramadhan (if
forbids using pork for food. But he must live. there is any speed, then watch the speed exhibited
He wishes to live long enough to lay his hands by youngsters at the time of breaking the fast). So,
on the man who sold him a dud dinghy. Life is at what about diabetics on insulin when it is
stake. All, yes! He remembers that Islamic scholars Ramadhan? Would they not be breaking two
and physicians have ruled that in such religious dictates—that of injecting something that
circumstances the eating of pork is “allowed,” since had a pork origin and that of eating—during the
the saving of a life takes precedence over the holy month? Well, the consensus ruling from
prohibition on eating pork. In Shariah (viz. Islamic physicians and Islamic scholars is that such
Law), the saving of life takes precedence over many individuals can, within reason, be allowed to eat
other rules that would normally apply. The hog, and inject a product that has a pig source as the
observing a smirk developing on the Muslim as the support for life supersedes other dictates (in the not
memory of the ruling was slowly dawning upon the too distant past, pig-sourced insulin was the only
hungry man, was last seen bolting with its tail in the type available, but that is no longer the case, as
air. insulin can now be manufactured using
Another example? Muslims are required to fast recombinant DNA technolog}'). The scholars of
(nothing to do with speed, for many Muslims are as Islam and experts within the relevant field (in this
case medical doctors), consulting with each other, detriment of the pig making a dash for it).
drew important lessons from the Quran and Furthermore, I can assure all animal rights activists
Hadith, and came up with an extrapolated ruling that the pig bolted into a hole and was saved by a
making such an allowance legitimate. whisker. So was the man, by the way—in case this
These two simple examples are merely a dip in a book is being read by human rights activists to
vast ocean of detailed and exhaustive studies and check if I neglected to place human rights on the
deductive analog}’ (Kiyas) that make up Islamic agenda.
jurisprudence (Fzq/i). The reason why I bring up
these terms that is causing you some consternation
(as all you wanted to know was what happened to Anthropomorphize.
the pig) is simply to demonstrate that Islam is an Say anthropomorphize five times in quick
immersive, scientific, analytical, and methodical succession. Now for the general meaning: to
religion with the ability to keep current with new attribute human characteristics or behavior to
developments and scientific progress. animals. The five times repetition was just to get
If you are thoroughly confused with all these you into the mood for what conies next.
terms, do not worry. So was the chap on the island, Since the beginning of time and up to the
but things did eventually become clear (to the
present day, humans, in general, have regarded all as an indicator of intelligence? It is one form of
other life forms as exploitable, since those forms do intelligence, yes, but let us not forget the
not speak any human language (and certainly not resourcefulness of animals as they hunt (think of
the foul words you hear when someone stubs his the intelligence of lions hunting in tandem, keeping
toe), or look (as pathetic as some of us do in the low, stealthily approaching prey while keeping
early morning), smell (try sniffing a human who has themselves upwind, positioning themselves
not showered for a month), walk (or crawl, like the strategically before an ambush), hide and
remnants leaving the pub at closing time), or act camouflage (think of the mimic octopus, the
like us (though considering how some of us act, it is chameleon, and the baby deer), protect their young
best that animals don’t try to mimic us). (think of how the buffalo form a fortified circle,
Our idea of “intelligence” has been extremely horns flashing outwards, to keep the lions at bay
limited—we have defined it from the human and away from their young), and communicate
perspective. So, if an animal can use a tool, then it (think of elephants and how they communicate
surely must be intelligent to some degree, but only across hundreds of miles with others of their kind
a limited one, since we are so much more capable of by making infrasonic rumbles beyond the range of
using tools. human hearing).
Why should the ability to use tools be regarded Elephants: that reminds me. One of the best
books I have read is a book by Lawrence Anthony Amaze us with your technique, intelligence,
titled The Elephant Whisperer. I have suggested to resourcefulness, and skill. The macho man or
some of my friendlier patients and associates to woman is truly macho when he or she opts to use
read the book, and I have been informed by some of the camera, despite having the choice to kill and
them that they liked the book so much that they deny future generations to see lives of other
started buying copies as gifts for their friends creatures in their dazzling array, and not the gun.
during Christmas and other special gift-giving Now that is real willpower, showing the fraudulent
events. Try this book: you will come out humbled at gun-wielding “macho” wimp that it takes more
the intelligence, empathy, and resourcefulness of courage to choose an option that allows future
these giants and how, if humans are willing to generations to enjoy the beauty of life. True grit is
understand and respect animals, what bountiful this: the ability to come close to the animal, to wait
insights these gifts of nature can reveal. patiently, and then take a stunning picture.
Then there are these fake macho’s in their 4X4's,
purposely revving up and honking, annoyed that
Macho they are getting late for work, as little creatures try
Shoot! Not with the gun, silly, but with the camera. to cross roads that we have crisscrossed in their
birthing or foraging area. Many do not care to slow
down when little ducklings following their mother side of the road. We got out, niv daughter assuring
are trying to hurry up with their tiny feet to cross me it may still be helped by gluing its shell, having
the road, leaving little bodies scattered on the taken courses at a turtle rehab center. Then we saw
pavement. a big pickup truck come zooming down the opposite
One time my daughter (wrho is studying to side, going the other way. I have no doubt it must
become a veterinarian and has a passion for helping have seen us and the turtle; we would certainly
wild animals in distress) and I were coming home stand out like sore thumbs, since it is a lonely
to Sudbury, three hours in on the road, having stretch of the highway. The vehicle pummeled down
picked her up from the airport in Toronto. without slowing, shifting its bearing towards the
It is a lovely four-hour drive home, the highway turtle. The vehicle had actually maneuvered to
meandering around some pristine lakes, thick wrong side of the road and wre heard the tires going
forests, and wetlands. We happened to see a large over the injured animal. My daughter picked up the
injured turtle on the road, its shell cracked open by bloodied animal, her face wret with tears at this
a passing vehicle. It wras moving very' slowly across obvious injustice and ignorance, and the animal
the divide, leaving a bloodied trail across the path. I soon died in her arms.
braked firmly, slowed down, and parked safely on One particular macho individual, knowing my
the side of the road. The turtle was partially to our love for wildlife and aware that he was making me
upset, was trying to rub it in. He was a big man wanted to hunt to eat, the least he could do is show
complaining of chronic heel pain and he had been respect for the animal he was going to consume, as
booked in for a cortisone shot. As I loaded the many members of indigenous cultures, such as the
syringe to inject the medication into his foot, the Maasai of Africa, native North Americans, and the
previously cocky guy was soon reduced to a Australian aboriginals do.
blithering wuss at the sight of the needle. He And then there are people who pose with a gun,
insisted on holding his wife’s hand, sweating and while a beautiful giraffe that one may have killed
trembling. The lady, clearly amused, reminded the —often the intention is not to eat the animal to
macho man that she had delivered “a few young sustain life (you may recall some recent
’uns without much ado.” A few minutes earlier, this photographs in some major newspapers)—lies dead
chap had been boasting about his hunting exploits, behind the person. No respect for life—especially
recounting gory' details with such insensitivity that when it comes to life that is not one’s own. Reverse
would make you wonder about the human species. the role, and see how bravado evaporates. Animals
He could not brave a small thin needle, but was are no match for guns and fast vehicles. Neither
brave enough to put large bullets shot until great would humans if they were on the receiving end.
velocity' into animals, and recounting gory' details Engineers and officials responsible for building
with such cold detachment. If the macho chap the new four-lane highway called highway 69 going
south, in Sudbury, niv home town, have made a different kind to humans, that they have emotions
provisions where they have fenced major portions and even exhibit empathy. [68]
of the highway while creating bridges and pathways I have seen such empathy (not the convoluted
dedicated to animal crossing. It is a pleasure definition concocted by certain behaviorists who
driving on this stretch of road with the knowledge are keen to point that it is not tine empathy but
that animals are safe (or relatively safer), and rather complicated methods of self-survival, but the
humans are safe too. When human intellect takes simple definition that most of us understand and
into account that we need to live and let live, appreciate) first-hand at my farm in Stouffville,
amazing things can happen. Kudos to those Ontario. We had a number of chickens and one
highway engineers. cockerel, kept free to range for the purposes of
harvesting organic eggs. One fall, when prey birds
began to migrate south prior to the winter setting
Empathy in, a peregrine falcon established itself in the
Fortunately, in the last three decades, there has vicinity, and attacked our chickens for food.
been a growing appreciation of animal rights, a Unfortunately, two chickens were killed as a result.
recognition that animals have intelligence, albeit of We started seeing our chickens afraid to venture
into the open field, tending to tuck themselves
beneath bushes in the area when foraging. One day love animals and plants and go out on a limb trying
as they ventured out, the falcon swooped down and to anthropomorphize different species to encourage
attacked one of the chickens. The cockerel, though a humans to protect and care for them. For example,
distance away came lushing to fend off the attacker, we tend to anthropomorphize monkeys or
and in the process was attacked and injured, but chimpanzees, assigning them certain human
refused to abandon his mate until the falcon characteristics and attributes to justify their care
decided to flee. and protection. Such efforts deserve our praise—but
This is not an isolated incident; I have do not stop there. The care and protection we can
witnessed many similar episodes. Farmers and offer should not be limited by anthropomorphic
animal behaviorists see it all the time, provided criteria.
they keep their eyes open and their admiration for In many ways, humans are limited in their
these beautiful creatures kindled. Regardless of ability to outperform many of those with whom we
whether we can prove that a certain animal has share this Earth, so are human characteristics really
these qualities of empathy and intelligence, it the only relevant criteria to assess the value of the
behooves us to accord all animals our respect and inhabitants of our world? Let us continue to ask the
kindness. smug human some questions.
There are some well-meaning individuals who How many of us can hibernate like the bear or
the squirrel, for months, in deep winter? And in this to mimic other species like the mimic octopus
challenge, we allow the human to use any amount (again, try some YouTube videos) which can so
of winter clothing and gorge as much food as they transform itself that it blends into myriads of
can before any competition commences. terrains as it moves along at speed? The mimic
How many of us are as nimble and sure-footed octopus was discovered in 1998 along the coast of
as the mountain goat (w’atch some YouTube videos Sulawesi in Indonesia. In this challenge we provide
to see w’hat I mean). In this challenge we buy you the human with as much make-up material he or
the latest mountain shoes with steel spikes and the she desires to try to match the octopus’s ingenuity’
best mountain gear money can buy, and the human (“You don’t expect me to apply make-up on the
has to follow’ the goat-leader as it clambers along whole body now, do you?”) and shape (“Can’t
narrow rocky’ ledges, often suspended thousands of change shape unless you give me a few months to
feet in the air, before nimbly jumping across a deep either shed a few pounds or gain weight”). I doubt if
chasm onto a small cliff edge, where one slip could anyone could match the mimic-ingenuity’ of the
spell doom? (“That mark on the bottom of the octopus or indeed that of lionfish, jellyfish or sea
valley? Oh, that was left by the last chap wrho took snakes.
up the challenge, jumped, and missed the ledge.'’)
How many of us can change shapes and colors
Bird Brain specialist in bird migration, using tracking radars.
If a bird could speak, it would probably say, “You [69.]
choose to use animal names to insult other humans, “Did you know that before chicks hatch, they
call them pigs or dogs, even donkeys or turkeys. can communicate with each other and their mother
Let’s talk about birds for a moment. Did you know through a special sound system? Did you know that
that the swift (a bird with a bird brain—the term a hummingbird can fly backwards and sideways,
used with respect and not mockery), without any that its weight is about the same as a penny, and
satellite navigation system or air traffic control that its wings beat about 100 beats per second? Try'
guidance, can fly at the same altitude as the most to click your tongue. It probably took a second. In
sophisticated of your planes and stay on course, that one second, the hummingbird has already
adjusting flight paths and speeds and maintaining beaten its wings 100 times to both boggle the mind
accuracy both at nighttime and daytime, while, wait and the poor clicking tongue. When the
for it... often asleep, in flight, and staying in the air hummingbird dives, its wings beat 200 times per
for ten months at a time? This amazing fact was just second, and those wings can rotate a full circle. The
recently discovered by one of your scientists, known hummingbird can also hear and see better than
as Dr. Backman from Lund University' in Sweden, a humans. Did you know that the sooty' tern sleeps
only a few seconds, while in the air and still flying,
and only lands to lay eggs and raise its young? Look even at the most familiar of animals:
“Birds with bird brains. Yeah, right. Consider a sheep or cows. How many of us can live off grass (I
tiny creature like the honey bee, with its highly do not mean that “grass,” silly) for years on end
developed community structure and the benefit it sustaining their young and our young by producing
provides to humans via delicious healing honey, or milk? It is fodder for thought, right? Let the human
in contrast the mighty elephant, until its ability to compare himself to the tiny fruit fly—or “mighty7”
smell water buried deep in the ground, an ability fruit fly, if you consider its ingenious design, with
that helps sustain its community and many other its miniature wings, two compound eyes and three
animals that would otherwise perish in times of triangular eyes, powerful sense of smell that can
drought. detect fruit from miles away, tiny muscles,
“Each animal has unique characteristics, if only miniature nerves, a GI tract that produces insulin
you took time to study us. Unfortunately, we are and modulates energy, and gut microbiota that
disappearing before you find out even more special gives it immunity. Can you imagine the size of the
things about us. Clumsy, greedy and wanton tiny nerves that lead from the miniscule eyes to its
sanctimonious humans. You know what we call our brain? Even at that size, it can fly with tiny
animal kind when they underperform? We call miniature wings controlled by tiny muscles, land
them humans. Just kidding.” vertically, and maneuver in remarkable ways.
 There is no creature that could fail to fascinate Mohammed and the “right to free expression,” as
us if we are humble enough. We need a dose of promulgated by many on the other side of the
humility' and a bigger dose of knowledge to really divide—but only when they are not the ones being
understand our interdependence on each other. subjected to crude attacks.
Where do we start? The letter goes like this:
Humility7. Why not start there?
Please allow me to put this into context.
And there is no creature on the earth or For too many years Islam and Muslims
bird thatflies with wings except [that they hove been demonized, ridiculed and
are] communities like pou.(Quran 6:38) mocked at without regard for the feelings
and hurt this causes to low abiding
citizens in different societies. This over­
Free Speech reaction, if we call it that, is a result of
One time I wrote a letter to the BBC—you can find such actions. Most medio coverage hardly
this by doing a Google search—when the debate was mentions the positive contribution that
going on about cartoons being drawn of Prophet Islam and Muslims have made or are
making to the present world we live in.
 There appears to be a subconscious poor' taste and make a very conscious
animosity regarding Muslims pervading effort not to read them, however funny
most media likened to: “these heathens...” they may appear to be. We all have to
(with all its negative connotations). I respect our dead who lived to teach us to
would also like to advise Muslims that the do good. We all have boundaries of ethics
Creator (remember I am a Muslim) and out' rights of the freedom of
created us all and there are very good expression should stop where the rights of
people in every society and religion. We others begin.
have to be very careful that we do not
trample the rights of the innocent who —Riaz Bagha, Sudbury, Canada [70]

have nothing to do with this. This reaction

in almost all Muslims is a deep sense of Freedom of speech is good and dandy so long as
love for the prophet of Islam and the one is not on the receiving end. Reverse the tables
reaction is “the straw that broke the and watch how quickly the freedom of speech lovers
camels back”. I also view cartoons and swing to the other side of the pendulum if someone
jokes on any prophet of God, be it Moses they love is mocked. In this letter to the BBC, I
or Jesus Christ (peace be on them all) in made the point that “we all have boundaries of
ethics and our rights of the freedom of expression portrayed as freedom of speech—their argument
should stop where the rights of others begin.” will appear crude and base to you. In fact, you are
Muslims love their Prophet and are sensitive that still not very' likely to agree with them even if they
he not be belittled, portrayed in a negative manner, stated, “Your grandparents are dead anyway, so
or made fun of. why do you care so much for dead people? They are
Let me put this another way for some individual not going to come back and complain, are they?”
clarity: If you are not okay with your street You will still not want them to be mocked.
neighbors hurling abuse at your dead grandparents, You too would be saying the same thing—
or until people drawing caricatures of your children “These people’s rights should end where my rights
in your local paper (since it does not affect them in begin” —right?
the way that it affects you), then would you not Freedom of expression therefore has to have
agree with me that your rights too are being limits. Leave the nasty ones alone and let bygones
violated? Or would you nonchalantly shrug your be bygones? Raise your hands in defeat and go
shoulders, or join the throng in the streets waving home? Nope. When besieged with negative rhetoric,
placards proclaiming “Freedom of Speech”? To do not cower. Give bullies a free hand and, as a
those who do not see it the way you do—because to psychologist will tell you, they will be encouraged to
them it may be funny, abstract, or cleverly intensify their behavior. That said, should Muslims
respond in kind to those who inflict abuse and and makes humanity impossible. It creates
deprecate them? One has to have courage not to bitterness in the survivors and brutality in
stoop to the level of the abuser, but, rather, in the the destroyers ... In winning our freedom,
course of discourse always maintain dignity7 and we will so appeal to your heart and
address the other with sound knowledge and conscience that we will win you in the
education. Education can change the strongest process.
minds. If your first attempt at imparting education
fails, could it be a problem with the delivery?
Improvise and try again. If all your positive The Right and The Left (with torn pants)
attempts fail, leave the other party' in their A person with extreme ideologies is like the
depravity. Tit-for-tat blows will only come to an end sanctimonious macho man setting himself high
when one party—I encourage Muslims to be the above all others and swinging like an ape to the
first ones— has the courage to say, “Enough! Let us extreme end and then having to bear its
have peace." Martin Luther King Jr. stated: consequences, especially if the vine were to snap. I
do not simply mean the political far right or far left,
The old law of an eye for an eye leaves for we also have those suited guys, many of them
everyone blind. It destroys communities
wealthy heavyweights, who often get hold of the want. No more restrictions. What do you say to
vine with their extreme political fringe support­ that?”
base and swing to the extreme end. All you have to Besides saying, “Those who bit the dust—please
do is wait, for soon enough the taut vine is going to first pay a visit to the local tailor to salvage the torn
untangle and the chaps will hit the good old Earth pants” (since we must also care for the environment
with a mighty wallop; extreme ideas are self­ and support local industry), I would add a caution:
limiting, and justice, like the gravitational force “Please don’t be too hasty and suing to this other
acting upon the load, will soon exert its influence. extreme which I see you beginning to contemplate.”
The Earth is becoming more cosmopolitan until Both extremes have potential for problems if not
each passing year and people will eventually assert carefully and thoroughly planned out since we
their due rights. cannot—in our rush to appease populism-
“Aah! I get it now,” someone might say, having accurately predict the different paths a quickly
read what happens to those who suing to one side enacted legislation may traverse and undulate over
of the human pendulum towards extreme ends a long term. How often have we seen governments
(extremist ideas) and as a result damage the seat of produce legislation hurriedly because it seemed a
their pants as they hit the dust. “Let us therefore good idea at the time, and then decades later try to
keep our minds open and allow all that the people enact more laws to contain the original legislation?
We are being encumbered with legislations upon You can hand them this idea to debate: we are all
legislations till we have it coming out of our ears. for women’s rights, yes? Yet we allow the porn
As an illustration, the Canadian government industry essentially unfettered access to the Net in
now allows recreational marijuana; soon enough we order to disseminate images in which many women
shall have children coming to high school with their and girls are subjected to different types of
own personal “highs.” See what I mean? We have bondage—all under the guise of “art” and “freedom
been shifting the goal posts so often that we can no of expression.” See where the legislative protection
longer recognize what were acceptable codes of of “art” and “freedom of expression” has taken us?
conduct, common to all major religions and It has allowed parts of the porn industry to take
cultures. I am not saying pot is bad per se. I am advantage of this very legislation to the detriment
saying that we must study the repercussions by of some of the most vulnerable: our womenfolk, the
means of wide consultation before taking the daughters and sisters of mankind, many forced to
decision to proceed with reform. participate under duress.
You want another example to hand to the chaps A few points need to be clarified, however. Am I
who have happily gone into the Canadian advocating pornography provided it is conducted
Parliament after partaking of the legalized pot? I property? No, I am not. I am a Muslim (yes, realty)
hope you are successful while they are feeling jovial. and imagery is forbidden in Islam, while great
emphasis is placed on modesty7. My concern is other to feel good about the whole thing, whatever
about legalizing something without considering that thing is. I imagine a bunch of wooden-headed
long-term repercussions. There have to be limits Pinocchios, nodding in unison, and telling tall tales
and stricter safeguards. If we are truly in favor of till their elongated noses connect with each other all
women’s rights, we need to go all the way, and limit over the world in their comforting prejudice.
any potential abuse. One vulnerable woman under To travel is an idea.
distress is one too many. Travel opens up horizons of knowledge and
breaks down barriers of bigotry. Mark Twain once
said, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry7 and
Confirmation bias and Pinocchio narrow-mindedness.”
Adoption of extremist ideas and wanting to remain Since traveling widely is good education, my
cocooned in monocultures and thought patterns— wife and I have made mindful choices over the
as for example, confirmation bias in which a person years in exposing our children to people from many
reads and follows only material from like-minded different countries, consciously making an effort to
people who confirm one’s own worldview— are interact with the locals, especially from the lower
essentially people nodding in unison with each economic strata. I will say this: we have found the
welcome and the generosity of the poor unmatched
wherever we have traveled. We all have so much in ignominy. There are newer ones now (you will hear
common, and we need to be fair. We all like to be such things as “if you are not with us, you are with
appreciated, loved, smiled at, fed, not harmed, and them” from new twenty-first century models), but
treated with civility. On the subject of travel being a they too shall be relegated to historical pages under
good idea, less chilies in some Indian restaurants the title of transgressing thugs and goons.
would also be a great idea. In Islam, being moderate, and making certain
One has to be very careful not to be insidiously that one does not stray even close to the edges,
drawn towards denying others their due rights. though it still be within its confining limits, is
Religious zealots would rather asphyxiate our emphasized and encouraged. In Islam this is known
minds against recognizing other perspectives. They as dinnul-wasat: a religion of the middle course,
delude themselves and others that utopia is adopting balance, justice between parties, and
achievable by barricading themselves behind a tolerance.
holier-than-thou homogeneous facade. Prophet Mohammed said that a shepherd w’hose
Extremist ideologies give rise to such things as sheep stray close to his neighbors have the potential
the KKK, apartheid, the Holocaust, and the Spanish to cross over, thus causing difficulty for both sides.
Inquisition. Such ideologies are self-destructive and He warned, “Beware of extremism in religion, for
you will always find them banished to historical the only thing that destroyed those before you were
extremisms in religion.” tidings) and do not repulse (them).”
Some Muslims, contrary to the direction of their
Prophet, have abandoned this middle course and And we have made you [Muslims] a
fallen prey to one or the other of the extremes; Median Community [ummaton wasato
religious fanaticism or religious abandonment. —meaning a people of moderotion/o
There are fanatics in every religion. They think balanced medium] in order that you may
fanaticism is the right course in religious matters, be a testimony or model for humanity.
and that religion has to be strict and unyielding. (Quran 2:143)
Think of the Spanish Inquisition or Daesh. They are
intolerant and unkind to those who do not adhere
to their brand of extremism. Prophet Mohammed Apps.
advised, “Allah is Kind and loves kindness in every' Ditch ahead. Brake! The chap missed all the beauty'
matter, and kindness has been granted capacity' around him while watching pixels on a screen but at
which violence could never attain.” least he is safe.
Prophet Mohammed further stated, “Make We need to stop, appreciate, and enjoy our
things easy for the people, and do not make it surroundings; savor human-to-human and human-
difficult for them, and make them calm (with glad
to-nature organic connections. We are becoming “Hi, Nancy.”
like robots until ever-present screens; inanimate “Hi, Alfred.”
objects guiding us instead of innate and instinctive “What are you doing tonight, honey?”
principles. Even Apes would be amazed at our apps. “Eating at a restaurant.”
A senior and experienced pediatrician friend “Which one? With whom?” texts Alfred, a frown
recently confided to me, as we were waiting for the appearing on his forehead.
elevator, that practice was becoming rather “With you, dummy. I am sitting across from
challenging due to the surge in teenagers coming in you.”
with depression and anxiety7. He figured it must be “Oh. Sony. I was paying proper attention to my
due to social media. Maybe he figured it right. cell phone, honey. What are you eating?” asks
Whenever a trip takes me to Toronto for a Alfred, fingers typing quickly on his cell phone.
conference, I take my family for an occasional treat “Pasta, with some tomato-garlic sauce. Let me
to a restaurant to sample some ethnic cuisine. We send you a picture.”
often see couples, friends, and families peering into “Wow! That looks yummy,” texts Alfred, “I can
their cell phones the whole time they are sitting almost smell the aroma.”
there. I imagine the text conversation would go like “You should. You are sitting quite close to my
this: plate if you haven’t noticed. Once the door to the
restaurant opens and a breeze comes in through the savoring. You just gulp down food and then you go
door in a north-north-easterly direction, you will be home.”
able to smell it better. I have a new app which Nancy is impressed, and sends a quick text,
shows wind direction.” “This is so much fun! Can we meet again next
“I think a person just walked in through the month? At this restaurant and do this again?”
door, honey. Aah! Yes! It does smell good. I am “Yes, sure!” types Alfred. “Before we meet again,
soon to get a new cell phone with two tiny holes honey, let me share an amazing text with you. I
that will absorb and analyze smell. It will tell me if have reserved a helicopter flight over the Niagara
the aroma is good or not. I will not have to bother Falls this summer. It’s a five-minute flight. I will be
smelling things when I have the new app. And then sitting next to you, honey. You will be given a
there is another cell phone that comes with a small limited number of bytes of data courtesy of this new
spoon. You press a button and a tiny spoon pops helicopter company. You must type your texts
out the side of the phone. You scoop a little bit with quickly to me. If you waste time looking at the falls,
this spoon, it automatically withdraws back into the you will miss out on the free data. It is best you look
cell phone, and an app analyzes the taste. Then out at some aerial pictures of Niagara Falls before you
comes the tiny spoon and you clean it. It tastes the come, honey, otherwise you will miss this amazing
food for you. You do not have to bother tasting and data deal.”
 “Wow! Thanks!” Nancy texts back, sending a sit across from me.
smiling emoji to the chap sitting across from her. I only hope I won’t turn into a cell junkie too.
“Please don’t forget to charge your cell phone like That said, I agree most of us make good use of
you did last time. You ruined our dinner by not cell phone technology. We can search, research,
being observant.” communicate with families and friends, and call an
We are losing good old face-to-face social emergency sendee or family when in trouble.
bonding, replacing real physical touch and I said most of us. Then there are some who
interaction until screens. Maybe I am overreacting think cell phones are toys. Give them a cell phone
to, “Sony, what did you say?” culture. I often have and chaos may well result. Especially if they do not
to tell my younger patients as they sit on the understand that, when in a position of authority,
treatment table glued to their cell phones (and the one cannot just go ahead and tweet, worldwide, off
cell phone virus has now even jumped my older the cuff and without foresight, on an emotional cue.
patients!) that I need information so that I can If it be tweets, I hope you agree until me that they
properly assess the medical condition they came be from cute feathery creatures sitting atop trees,
complaining of, “Kindly look at me, sir, ‘cos I asked from true bird brains and not fake ones, real tits­
you an important question” Recently I have been not twits.
thinking whether I should text the questions as they
 Chapter 6 An orphan was about to change history
Mohammed was born in a polytheistic idol­
Prophet Mohammed worshipping community', with some 360 idols in
the immediate vicinity' of Mecca alone. Mohammed
was of noble lineage, descended from a family of
“History makes it clear, however, that the
chieftains. Both his parents had died by the time he
legend offanatical Muslims sweeping
was six years old, leaving him an orphan at a young
through the world andforcing Islam at
age. The custody of Mohammed fell to his 80-year-
the point of sword upon conquered races
old grandfather, the leader of his tribe.
is one of the mostfantastically absurd
The grandfather loved him dearly, and when the
myths that historians have ever
old man passed away two years later, he had
repeated/'
already entrusted the care of Mohammed to his son,
—De Lacy O’Leary, Islam at the Crossroads Abu Talib. Abu Talib, Mohammed’s uncle, took
good care of Mohammed for many years, unaware
that the child in his care was about to unite the
superstitious, warring, and idol-worshipping desert Mecca is isolated in a harsh desert environment.
tribes into a unified force under the flag of Most tribes-people lived a nomadic existence,
monotheism. grazing animals, or were involved in trade. The two
The idolaters performed special rituals in main powers of the time, the Persian and Roman
respect of their idols, the main ones called Hubal, empires, had little control over these tribes,
Al-lat, Al-Uzza, and Manat. The idols had very' perceiving them to be uncivilized and not worth
special status, until people often swearing oaths subjugating or colonizing. Furthermore, these
upon them to confirm agreements or contracts, or communities were difficult to reach, living in harsh,
seeking their protection or blessing. The numerous hot environments, generally poor, and lacking the
tribes of the surrounding regions would often come basic resources of water and good agricultural land.
to the Kaaba (a cube-like structure, originally These isolated polytheistic communities of the
dedicated to the worship of One God by Prophet time developed crude rituals, practiced female
Abraham and the center of pilgrimage since ancient infanticide, enslaved other peoples, and generally
times) to offer sacrifices and perform rituals at the treated women like chattels: used, abused, and
location of these stone or wood idols, covering them “disposed” of at whim. Animals were treated cruelly
with expensive clothing materials, and embalming and made to work and cany burdens beyond their
them with oils and precious perfumes. capacity. Tribal affiliations determined power, so
the more populous and wealthier tribes tended to Mohammed’s tribe—the noblest among the tribes of
oppress those who lacked these attributes. the time—disagreed with his call, they were duty­
Prophet Mohammed was about to transform bound to protect him and to retaliate if he was
these idol-worshipping pagan Arabs into a nation killed.
that would submit to the worship of One God The enemy chiefs therefore plotted to select elite
(monotheism). Once he began this mission, the warriors from each tribe in the region (with the
infuriated Meccans used every means to get exception of Mohammed’s tribe) who would attack
Mohammed to abandon his call of monotheism: and kill Mohammed in the middle of the night.
promising him wealth in such abundance that they Because all the other tribes would share
would make him the richest among them, offering responsibility for this deed, Mohammed’s tribe
him the most beautiful and noblest of women to would not be strong enough to retaliate against
marry, and promising to make him chief over all such numbers (do you see a similar method being
other chiefs in Mecca. When he refused to accept used whereby some militarily powerful nations
their bribes, the chiefs plotted to assassinate him. gather together and unify so that the blame is
They would have done this easily had equally shared, and then isolate a country refusing
Mohammed not been from a powerful tribe. to be subjugated and impose sanctions on it?)
Though a majority of the members from However, the plot was revealed to Prophet
Mohammed by the Archangel Gabriel (Jibreel), and skirmishes; an economic and social boycott of his
when the warriors stormed the house, Mohammed fledgling movement by rich and powerful chiefs and
had already escaped with his best friend and businessmen; ridicule and mockery; torture and the
companion, Abu Bakar, making a difficult journey murder of the poorer residents and slaves who had
to Medina (his mother’s town). Rich rewards were dared to forsake idolatry; assassination attempts;
offered by the conspirators to foil Mohammed’s attempts at bribery by offering positions of power
escape, but these attempts were unsuccessful. and wealth. And when such attempts failed to
The call to monotheism continued from dissuade Mohammed's followers, they were forced
Medina: Prophet Mohammed insisted he would not into exile. The BBC documentary Life of
abandon this objective since it was not merely a Muhammad and the PBS documentary Empire of
choice he had made, but a command from God. Faith provide an excellent glimpse of the challenges
Here was a man giving up eventhing he had to facing Prophet Mohammed at this time.
fulfill the mission assigned to him by God. In the A little history at this point, perhaps, would help
end, he was ready to forsake all his possessions in understanding these idol-worshipping Arabs at
—including his home, and his beloved town. the Kaaba, in Mecca. Abraham, to whom the three
Mohammed’s call for monotheism faced strong main monotheistic religions (Judaism, Christianity7,
opposition from the outset: wars, battles and and Islam) trace their roots, had historically built
and dedicated this house to the worship of the One therefore, the more idols stored at the site, the
True God. With the passage of time, however, the merrier.
tine purpose of the Kaaba was “corrupted and For the leaders, this perspective of more idols
adulterated,” but remained a focus of worship for for increased trade was going to be turned on its
polytheists. head.
People over a large area still attributed to the A major reason for the animosity' displayed by
Kaaba a religious significance and came from near the leaders and some residents of Mecca towards
and far to deposit their idols inside it. For the Mohammed was an economic one; more tribes
Meccans, the Kaaba was a source of pride and coming to the area with their individual gods
financial benefit (as is Hollywood for newer-model increased commerce, and yet this man was asking
entertainment pilgrims). As caretakers of this place people to worship only One God. He was reciting
of worship, the leaders capitalized on its prestige verses openly—at God’s command, he claimed—
and power, receiving dignitaries and numerous such as, “Say (O’Prophet Mohammed, to the
gifts. As people came from afar to deposit and people): He is Allah, One; The Self-Sufficient
worship their idols in the immediate precincts, they Master, Whom all creatures need, He neither eats
also conducted trade at this focal point, enriching nor drinks; He begets not, nor was He born; and
the inhabitants. For the caretakers of the Kaaba, there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him’'
(Quran 112:1-6). History7 was to prove the chiefs’ The leaders of Mecca were of one mind:
fears unfounded, for as soon as the religion was Mohammed’s message must be resisted at all costs.
established in distant lands, throngs of people They realized that if his message was accepted by
flocked to Mecca to do pilgrimage. They came not the masses, their status would be challenged sooner
only from the Arabian Peninsula, but from all over or later. They preferred the status quo. But here was
the world (in fact, for many years now, Saudi Arabia a man, a Meccan like themselves, preaching a
has had to impose quotas on many countries whose radical message to the resident idolaters and the
residents want to come and perform pilgrimage. idolaters who came during pilgrimage: women and
This may simply be due to a logistical headache men earn good and evil for the sake of their own
trying to accommodate millions more wanting to souls; women are inherently and distinctly free,
come by the plane load! Since those ancient times, even in marriage, and not “owned” (in Islam,
the whole region has seen commerce increase many women keep their own surnames even after
folds. Saudi Arabia does not have to have oil to marriage); women have a right to inherit and vote
support its economy or spend millions to promote (known as bayyah, personal freedom to exercise
tourism; all they have to do is open the human­ the oath of allegiance, 1,400 years ago, in contrast
entry floodgates and people will come to do to women in the U.S. only gaining the right to vote
pilgrimage and spend billions of dollars there). in 1920). Mohammed was encouraging the masters
to eat until their servants promising that such Mohammed encouraged the master not only to dine
actions were noble and would earn them the with his slaves and seiwants and to share the same
pleasure of God. He preached that men are born type of food with them, but also to clothe them as
free and cannot be enslaved and bondage was he would clothe himself. He enforced the
permissible only during times of war when worshippers to stand shoulder to shoulder during
opposing fighters were vanquished and captured prayers in order to unite their hearts (be ye rich or
(as was practiced universally in those times). poor or be ye king or seiwant). [71]
He also insisted that to free a slave would earn Mothers were given an elevated status in this
the master a place in heaven. The directives in the new religion, which taught that a person could earn
Quran and the Prophet’s life made so many his place in heaven simply by serving his mother
references on manumitting slaves that any with kindness, and a man could lose his place in
occasions that presented a sin, the absolution of the heaven by being unkind to his parents though he
sin would be to free a slave (compare that to a bitter may have done other good works.
civil war in the U.S. to establish—on paper, at Prophet Mohammed taught aspects of basic
least—since discrimination is less overt but still empathy one may easily overlook, such as
exists entrenched subtly in various forms—rights counselling his followers that while on horseback
for blacks and other races of color). Prophet the horses were to be treated with empathy and
were meant for riding and not meant to be used as upon by the early followers. But then, slowly, albeit
couches while the riders engaged in idle talk. He reluctantly at first, they were soon embraced by the
taught people that they are duty-bound not to populace as they saw the wisdom and justice
neglect the animals under their care: show inherent in this new approach.
compassion to them, feed them properly, and never The pagan Arabs who had at one time fought
overburden them. Hunting for sport was vehemently against Mohammed now began to fight
prohibited, using animals for target practice strictly for him—with even greater zeal, ready to lay down
forbidden, as was adorning oneself with the skin of their lives for the religion of One God. Thereafter,
wild animals. [72] with a poorly armed and much smaller contingent
of fighters, Prophet Mohammed would go on to
Likewise; prisoners of war must be fed properly challenge the power of the Roman and Persian
and treated until justice. [73] empires with their advanced weaponry and well-
A mandatory “tax” of 2.5 percent was to be trained armies, liberating many from the autocracy
levied on the rich (to help the poor) to be paid of man and showing them in its place the power of
yearly. This is known as Zakat in Islam. [74] God.
These were such revolutionary directives that Readers may not immediately appreciate the
they angered the idolaters and were even frowned profound nature of these directives, as society' has
undergone much change in the 1,400 years since The lies [Western slander] which well-
Prophet Mohammed lived. His were truly meaning zeal has heaped round this man
revolutionary messages of the time: in almost the [Mohammed] are disgraceful to ourselves
whole world over, basic human rights were only ... How one man single-handedly,
minimal, women were treated like chattels; slavery' could weld warring tribes and wandering
was an accepted norm; “might” was “right,” and Bedouins into a most powerful and
conquerors dictated the fate of the vanquished civilized nation in less than two decades ...
—often putting the males to death with little A silent great soul, one of that who cannot
remorse, while the women of the defeated enemy, if but be earnest. He was to kindle the world;
lucky', would be taken as slaves and concubines. A the world’s Maker had ordered so. (Heroes
question for those who hate Prophet Mohammed: and Hero Worship)
does this look like a person who deserves
malevolent balderdash?
Why Mohammed? Why the desert? Why
Thomas Carlyle, the Scottish philosopher, had Arabic?
the correct perspective on Prophet Mohammed: One can only conjecture as to why God acts in the
way He does. God does not need human sanction as harmony between each other, conscious that
to whom and where He chooses to send His misplaced words or actions would easily give rise to
revelations. God dictates and is not to be dictated offence and bloodshed that would last generations
to. Abraham, Jesus, and Moses were also chosen by for these proud people.
God. He did not need our approval when He chose Furthermore, since communication wras
them. God chose Jesus from one Semitic people, the conducted primarily by the spoken rather than the
Jews; and He chose Mohammed from another written word, perfection in the use of language wras
Semitic people, the Arabs. It is as simple—or as all-important. The settled Arabs and the Bedouin
difficult, if one wishes—as that. Arabs developed great accuracy of expression using
The Arabs of the region had developed words, phrases and language to such an extent that
governance systems based on tribal affiliations poets would travel far and wide to display their
without strong central authority. The harsh life of skills.
the desert gave the Arabs fierce independence at an It wras important that the right words be chosen
individual level while at the same time the threat of for each subject and occasion. For example, a bare
famine or scarcity of water meant the need to dinner table is called a kheewan. When it is laden
maintain tight tribal affiliation. Tribes engaged in with food it becomes a maa’idah. Wind is called
skillful and sensitive negotiations to ensure reeh, a gust of wind is asfah, and a blast of wind is
referred to as habah, while a gentle wind, or breeze, of a man’s dignity'. So, even Mohammed’s fiercest
is known as naseem, and so forth. There are about critics and enemies never accused him of being a
300 words and epithets for lion in classic Arabic to liar. Indeed, such was the trust of the pagan Arabs
indicate the context in which the word is used. For in Mohammed that they would often leave their
example, Asad is lion; al-Afdah is a lion whose coat financial wealth with him for safe keeping.
blends with the early morning; al-awf, a lion who The combination of the richness of the Arabic
stalks in the night; al-muzafar, a lion whose coat language and the fierce independence of the Arab
has a reddish tinge; Sibl, a lion cub, and so on. people (demonstrated in their resistance to the
Classic Arabic, especially, is so precise that it is influences of power, thought, and culture of
difficult to distort its desired meaning. [75] dominant Persian and Roman empires) could help
Even before the revelations of the Quran were explain why one of them (Mohammed) may have
sent down to Prophet Mohammed, he was known been chosen to receive God’s final message to
as “Al-Ameen,” meaning “The Trustworthy.” The mankind, the Holy Quran (which Muslims believe
pagan Arabs, though idolaters, considered the to be the last testament from God), revealed in
“word given” to be sacrosanct. Once a man gave his Arabic. The beauty of the message so
word, in most cases, he would rather die than break overwhelming—and the prose, grammar and syntax
it. To tell a lie was a sign of weakness and unworthy of the Quran so precise and rich—the poetic style so
unearthly—the finest poets and wordsmiths take on the powerful armies of the Roman and the
instantly knew they would never be able to match Persian empires.
even one verse of the Book. It sounded poetic but While Prophet Mohammed had been laying the
was not poetry. In fact, the Quran cast a challenge: foundations of a monotheistic civilization in the
produce one verse like it if you can! (Unfortunately, Arabian Peninsula—for example, through directives
the rhythm and beauty tend to be lost with English for the humane treatment of prisoners of war and
and other translations. Despite this little setback, the proper treatment of animals under their care—
the Quran still provides important lessons and the abuse of power was all too evident in other parts
instructions, and translations are available in all of the world. For example, the Roman Empire of
major languages spoken in the world. Try listening the time was hosting gory7 gladiatorial contests,
to the Quran being recited by different reciters in pitting men against animals, the spectators
Arabic on the internet. It sounds quite unearthly.) clamoring for more blood and newer ways of
Slowly, Islam took root in the Arabian Peninsula entertainment through cruelty. One such estimate
and began to extend its influence. Once faith had reveals that 2,000 people and almost 9,000 wild
entered into the hearts, Muslims were now ready animals died in the space of 100 days within one
and morally equipped—and this despite being coliseum. It is estimated that in the 390 years of
vastly outnumbered and with fewer resources—to this practice, more than 400,000 people and
1,000,000 animals died in the Roman Colosseum. with a person either born into the nobility or into
This death toll included thousands of exotic the socially and economically inferior
animals, such as leopards, lions, elephants, and “untouchable” (daZzt) caste. [77] Indian society7 also
bears. It is believed that the demand for animals for required widows to practice sati, the horrific
such gladiatorial entertainments was so great that it tradition of being burned alive on the funeral pyres
may have contributed to the extinction of certain of their husbands. [78]
species in some areas. [76] While on the one hand leaders in other parts of
While Prophet Mohammed was preaching that the world continued to exploit women for sexual
widows had the societal right to be cared for by the gratification or as by treating wives as little more
whole community, and that people were equal than “glorified” domestic servants. Prophet
before God except in relation to piety and good Mohammed on the other hand was leading by
works, widows and the poor in other parts of the example on the domestic responsibilities of a
world were being segregated into inferior social spouse- (except for two women, the rest of those he
classes and considered a burden on society; married were widows, a captive from enemy
mistreated, maligned, and often ostracized. For combatants, and divorcees; and having taken them
example, in the Indian subcontinent, social in marriage, these women were thus given an
stratification was a permanent feature of society, honorable status) by continuing to do domestic
chores to help his wives while leading a aware of Bilal’s suffering, he offered to buy the
bourgeoning government with its ever-increasing slave. Despite the slave’s owner seeking an
demands. exorbitant price, Abubakar bought Bilal and then
Prophet Mohammed also adopted, liberated, immediately set him free. Bilal became Prophet
and raised slaves to positions envied even by Mohammed’s confidante, consulted for his wisdom,
nobles, such as giving military leadership to the son and was given the envied status of the first
of a former slave. The slave in question, Zaid, was Muadhin in Islam, one who is given the honor of
freed and then adopted by Prophet Mohammed as a calling the people to assemble for prayers or crucial
son. Zaid’s son, Usamma ibn Zaid, 17 years old, meetings.
would lead a military expedition, commanding While Prophet Mohammed chose people for
veteran and experienced warriors. [79] positions of leadership based on merit, thus
Prophet Mohammed ennobled former slaves, teaching his people the importance of not excluding
such as Bilal ibn Rabah, who had been subjected to others from positions of responsibility7 because of
torture by his former master for converting to the their previous status or former servitude, the serfs
worship of One God, renouncing polytheism, ready in Russia were slaves in all but name, made to work
to die for his new belief. [80] When a close friend of pitilessly by their masters, with no prospect of ever
Prophet Mohammed, called Abubakar, became owning land. The underclass in other parts of
Europe, such as Anglo-Saxon or Norman England, are not alike. Repel the evil deed with one which is
were not faring any better than their counterparts better, then lo! He, between whom and thee there
in Tsarist Russia, China or India. [81] was enmity' [will become] as though he was a bosom
I am reminded of a quote by Joseph Campbell, friend”(Quran 41:34).
the American professor and writer: “The black Prophet Mohammed’s moral stance, even in
moment is the moment when the real message of times of war, won him devoted friends among his
transformation is going to come. At the darkest enemies and strengthened the commitment of his
moment comes the light.” The Earth was once again followers to his mission of goodness and mercy. The
to witness the light of tine freedom and justice result? Islam spread like wildfire from Arabia deep
many years after Moses and Jesus—this time in the into the Indian subcontinent, into Central Asia,
person of Mohammed (peace be upon them all). China, Africa, and Spain; areas of the Balkans; and
soon the capital of the Byzantine Empire,
Constantinople.
Islam’s stance on justice Islam blended into the fabric of different
Prophet Mohammed embodied the Quranic nations and cultures, adapting to the variety' of
injunction that “The good deed and the evil deed circumstances it encountered. Islam was on the
march: monotheistic worshippers from a tiny speck
on the planet, deep in Arabia, were forging ahead, ritual worship; no destruction of fruit-bearing trees,
unstoppable, seeking to relieve people from palm trees, cultivated fields, crops, or vegetation;
subjugation to earthly masters and mortal kings, no killing of cattle, sheep, and camels except for
revealing to them the freedom and awe of the Ever- food; no killing of the vulnerable—children, women,
Living Ultimate Master of the heavens and Earth. the sick, and the elderly [82] Prophet Mohammed
The Persian and the Roman empires, the insisted that these rules be adhered to by Muslims,
greatest and most powerful empires of the time, even if the enemy had perpetrated such acts. His
having experienced internal conflict and endemic injunction to be merciful to prisoners of war was
corruption, would soon fall to the armies of Islam. carried out with such diligence by many of his
The Muslim armies were characterized by a firm companions that prisoners would sometimes eat
discipline and great mercy almost unheard of at better than their Muslims captors. [83]
that time. Recent history has seen blacks suffer
As noted earlier, Prophet Mohammed would discrimination, segregation, and violent oppression
often pardon those who had fought bitterly against in many parts of the world, yet if you walk into any
him, he also enforced strict rules to his fighters: no mosque in any part of the world today, you will be
desecration or destruction of places of worship; no reminded of the legacy established by Prophet
harassment of monks or those people engaged in Mohammed 1,400 years ago: “All mankind is from
Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a between the races gathered together. Chinese,
non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over Japanese, Russians, English, and German Muslims
an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black present themselves in uniform rows before One
nor a black has any superiority over a white except God without the rancor that divides nations and
by piety and good action.” races. Rich and poor alike bow down to the Lord,
As you open the door and step inside a mosque who, in His wisdom, has distributed wealth with the
in Texas, Russia, China, or Malaysia, you will most responsibility that it must be accounted for on the
likely step onto a carpet (“You are most welcome Day of Judgment (the poor, accordingly, answering
and kindly place your shoes here. As you know, fewer questions for a smaller amount of wealth
people assume the position of prostration by received. The rich, who think thy are the favored of
placing their foreheads on the ground as part of the God on earth will have another think coming in the
ritual prayer, and the ground or carpet needs to be hereafter when they have to account for how they
clean”) and hear some melodious verses being earned and how they spent each iota of extra wealth
recited from the Quran. You might become on that True Day of Justice). In the Mosque, the
conscious of something: whites standing shoulder king and the subject standing side by side without
to shoulder with blacks, browns, and others of difference as they prostrate themselves before the
color—an absence of distinction or separation King of kings.
 It is well known in Islamic history that when “Muslims” who cheat, lie, sell narcotics, and
people came for an audience with Prophet commit various other crimes are Muslims only in
Mohammed, and he happened to be in a gathering, name. They do not embody the true teachings of
they could not tell who Mohammed was until they Islam. If you want to have a tine taste of Islam,
made specific inquiries. Prophet Mohammed had travel and interact with Muslims in small villages.
no airs about him, he was one with the people, They, fortunately, often remain untainted by
blending well with the masses. He did not criticize materialism, greed, and dishonesty7 apparent in
but counselled gently, was empathetic, smiled multitudes from the big cities.
easily, and took pleasure in the achievements of his
companions. He paid special attention to the poor,
as was Jesus. Beauty in difference (and not beauty­
The elitist strata created by the new-model indifference).
tyrannical leaders in the Muslim world are alien to Humanity7 has much in common and those
Islam. Many such despots have acquired this differences that exist should be appreciated rather
authority7 in order to subdue the masses, courtesy of than frowned upon. There are those among us who
the Western power, a modern manifestation of the have an intolerance of differences. I think a great
colonialism of the past. Some present day
way to overcome bigotry is to travel to culturally the semi-nomadic proud Kazakhs of the mountains
different places on Earth. with their ancient tradition of hunting with eagles;
I have been fortunate to travel widely, and I the fearless Huli warriors of Papua New Guinea,
notice in my children the ability to look at with their ornate headdresses and their faces
differences with awe rather than derision. We are painted with vivid yellow clay and red ochre to
all different, and it should not be a cause for attract the females; the whistling bird-language
dissension. In fact, variations in skin color; cultural means of communication in the rugged hilly
differences; difference in language, foods, clothing, terrains of the people of the Black Sea mountains of
facial features, hairstyles, and adornments simply Turkey; [84] the clicking language of the Xhoza,
add to the beauty’ of humanity’. Zulu, Sotho, and Mbukushu peoples of Africa. Even
We are all uniquely beautiful, if we have the the names of these people and tribes evoke awe.
humility’ to see it: the short pygmies of the Congo Unfortunately, we are increasingly and
Basin and the tall Maasai of the African steppes; the universally becoming a pixel-image, movie-look-
Mongoloid races of Asia; the fair colored people of desiring, Hollywood-type monoculture.
the Caucasus and of other parts of Europe; and the Sad, really.
Semitic tribes of the Middle East. We have amazing
cultures out there and we are losing them rapidly:
Animal and Environmental Rights in Islam fulfill; entrenched cultural norms of thousands of
To the old order in the Arabian Peninsula who were years were certainly not going to deter him on his
resistant to change, Prophet Mohammed’s mission.
challenge had gone quite far already—including A short span of 23 years of prophetic mission to
advocacy of the rights of women, slaves, and the convert intolerant savages to a moral community'
poor—and now he was advocating on behalf of advocating for human and animal rights—and then
animals to ruffle more feathers on established the inspired followers avowing to spread his
powers. Imagine the collective headache the chiefs message to the four corners of the w’orld—must
and enemies of Prophet Mohammed must have had require a man of real grit and substance with a
as he preached that all creatures had rights and that unique ability' to trigger change. It must certainly be
no person could not deny them those rights. They a unique character that would make the
must have sat in their tents in the heat of the companions of Prophet Mohammed try and
Arabian desert holding their pounding heads, emulate their leader and strive to live up to his
without any Paracetamol, looking at sheep and standards long after he had passed away—a
camels, wondering “what next?!” This noble man character that still engenders awe and love for him
had a mandate from God he was determined to in billions of people to this day.
Prophet Mohammed’s teachings on our
obligations towards all animals—vertebrate or half of these beautiful creatures are euthanized due
invertebrate—are of such magnitude that it could to lack of space and the availability of people to
easily form the substance for countless doctoral adopt them. Suddenly, we are not even close to
dissertations. We will not go there for too long—my matching the loyalty' of the dogs we own. Or at least
cat is looking at me accusingly since it is past her many of us are not.
dinner time. Check out the Yulin Festival on the internet, or
Many of us will relate to animals we commonly ask your humane society' about it. Do not gag when
find in our midst. The two most common animals they explain it to you. It is a festival in China where
are cats and dogs. There may be others, but those sometimes dogs are beaten to death, or skinned
are less common. There are about 70-80 million alive, before being eaten. I am not making this up.
dogs and about 74-96 million cats owned as pets in Next look up “Dog Fights” and you will not need to
the U.S. alone (source: APPA and AVMA). That is a gag this time since the defeated dog has already
lot of pets! We seem to love cats and dogs, so it is a gagged on its own blood in its final moments. This
shock to discover that approximately 6.5 million of practice continues in parts of India, Japan, Russia,
these animals end up in animal shelters in the U.S. and many other countries.
every year. We like to think that we are good to Cruelty to cats is often even more extreme.
animals, but many of us can also be fickle. About These clean animals, which make excellent pets, are
often treated miserably when things in the homes carried great moral significance in an age when
go wrong, or when the human has had one too even humans were denied basic rights in many
many. One is reminded of Marty Rubin’s parts of the world.
observation that “The mark of the coward is that he One of the closest companions of Prophet
attacks the vulnerable.” Mohammed was Abu Hurairah, who reported the
Some of the Ahadith (the teachings, sayings, or following:
practices of Prophet Mohammed) in this twenty- Allah’s Apostle said, “While a man was
first-century' age of awareness of animal rights may walking on a road, he became very' thirsty'.
not look so profound to some of us, but once we Then he came across a well, got down into
reflect that these directives were given about 1,400 it, drank the water, and then came out.
years ago, as noted earlier, they become Meanwhile he saw a dog panting and
breathtaking in their depth and were indeed licking mud because of excessive thirst.
revolutionary for their own time—some are even The man said to himself, “this dog is
extraordinary for this age of much-touted progress. suffering from the same state of thirst I
When Prophet Mohammed related the following did.” So, he went down the well [again]
sayings, or practiced them in everyday life by way of and filled his shoe with water, held it to
example, the message was not lost on his people. It the mouth of the dog and watered the dog.
 Allah thanked him for that deed and a bird, or a person, or an animal eats thereof, but it
forgave him [his sins]. The people asked, is regarded as having given a charitable gift” and “If
“O Allah’s Apostle! Is there a reward for us the Final Hour [doomsday] conies while you have a
in serving the animals?” He replied, palm-cutting in your hands and it is possible to
“[Yes.] There is a reward for serving any plant it before the Hour conies, you should plant it.”
animate being [living thing].” [85] [86]
If you ever visit Istanbul in Turkey, you will be
In fact, the name Abu Hurairah is a nickname surprised to see animals treated with love and
meaning “father of the kitten,” as he used to be very' compassion by its inhabitants. One time we were
kind to cats and often kept a kitten in his sleeve. vacationing in Turkey, wanting to take in the
Environmental awareness was an important history' of the place. In this great metropolis, I tried
characteristic of Prophet Mohammed. The growth to feed cats and dogs with morsels I had saved from
of vegetation and ecological interdependence was the meals we had in restaurants, but they would
given the highest priority in Islamic society. This is often simply sniff at the food and walk away. I
illustrated in what the Prophet had to say about remarked to my family tagging along with me,
planting a seedling: “There is none amongst the “They are so spoilt. Look at the dog, it sniffed at the
believers who plants a tree, or sows a seed, and then left-over meat I put down for it, and simply walked
away!” Maybe it was the chefs cooking he was to stand in the searing heat while the owner was
objecting to, making me pause and think about probably inside his house having a meal and then a
having that stuff in my belly. Of course, I knew the possibly a nap. We have observed, as we drove by
food was good, and my worry, unfounded. The fact much later in the hot afternoon sun to find the poor
was that the animals were well fed and lived donkey, in the same spot, his head now bowed
contented lives—even the strays. down with fatigue, still waiting.
The whole community looked after them, We also saw tourists enjoying a donkey ride in
sharing the responsibility. People would open their the city of Fez in Morocco, laughing at some inside
doors for them to shelter inside when it was joke, oblivious of the scrawny animal struggling to
pouring rain. The imam would let the animals into pull the heavy-laden cart while being whipped by its
the mosque and feed them when it was cold. This owner to go faster. These resident Muslims were
was Islam in action. living apathetic lives in clear contradiction to the
I remembered that while vacationing in counsel of their Prophet.
Morocco a few years earlier, we would often find This is the same Fez which boasts the oldest
bedraggled cats and dogs on the streets, thin and continuously nmning library in the world, founded
starving. We saw emaciated donkeys being whipped by a woman named Fatima al-Fihri in the ninth
to cany loads they could scarcely lift and often left century! [87] What a disgrace to a country for not
enacting strict laws to penalize obvious cruelty! Messenger of Allah said: “A woman was
Prophet Mohammed's instructions to his followers punished for a cat which she imprisoned
could not have been clearer: to treat all animals until it died, and she entered Hell because
with kindness, to accord respect and to show of that. She did not feed it or give it water
empathy. Sadly, while people in one Muslim when she imprisoned it, and she did not
country honor Prophet Mohammed’s instruction to leave it free to eat of the vermin of the
be gentle with animals, the people of another earth.” [88]
Muslim country7 have, to my dismay, abandoned
Prophet Mohammed’s teachings. Causing emotional distress to an animal is also
The protection of an animal in our care is a forbidden in Islam, and if we reflect that these
serious responsibility, and one must ensure that the directives were established by Prophet Mohammed
necessities of life are provided for the animal. One 1,400 years ago, they are quite revolutionary. One
particular Hadith illustrates the scale of that of Prophet Mohammed’s companions by the name
responsibility: of Abdullah ibn Mas’ud relates an incident that
occurred when they were returning from a military7
Abd-Allaah ibn Umar, one of the expedition: “During the Prophet’s absence, we saw
companions of the Prophet relates that the a bird with its two chicks; we took them [to stroke
them]. The mother bird was circling above us in the Be merciful to those on the earth and the One in the
air, beating its wings in distress. When Prophet heavens will have mercy upon you.” [91]
Muhammad returned, he asked, ‘Who has hurt the In our mutual desire to coexist peacefully7 and
feelings of this bird by taking its chicks? Return the cooperatively with each other while taking care of
chicks back to her.’ He ordered his companions to the Earth, its species, and the environment, we
return the chicks back into the nest.” [89] need to have the courage to change our pre­
In his book Muhammad: Prophet, and conceptions and to learn about one another and our
Statesman, William Montgomery7 Watt remarked environment. Let us remember the words of George
on Prophet Mohammed’s remarkable kindness to Bernard Shaw, the famous Irish playwright and
animals given the social context of his times. [90] political activist: “Those who cannot change their
He cites an instance where Prophet Mohammed, minds cannot change anything.”
while travelling with his army to Mecca in 630 ce, Conscious of the context in which Prophet
posted a sentry7 to divert the army away' from a Mohammed operated (more than a thousand years
female dog which was feeding her newborn babies, ago)—when animals were often subject to
so that the animals would not be disturbed. Prophet maltreatment and abuse, and environmental rights
Mohammed counseled that “Those who are were not even subjects for discussion—I would
merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful. argue that he was the first politico-religious animal
rights activist and environmental activist. I have The Quran makes a remarkable prediction:
enough evidence to prove my point, but this would “Corruption doth appear 071 land a7id sea because
mean having to digress, make historical of [the evil] which men’s hands have do7ie, that He
comparisons, and consider other notable historical may make them taste a part of that which they
figures—but what would all this accomplish in the hove do7ie, in order that they may return” (Quran
end? Would it bring us together to tackle the 3o:4i)-
immediate challenges facing all of us, with many We need to clamber up to a common platform,
species at risk of extinction and vast environmental this common Earth platform, and recognize that
changes underway? since we are all in this together, it is imperative that
Since Muslims and non-Muslims are culpable in we work together.
causing global climate change (let us not pretend it
is only the West), both parties must cooperate to
solve the problem they have jointly created. The The Maasai and the Zulu. Dolphins too
Quran does not make an exception by stating that Human rights, animal rights, and environmental
only those people who are not engaged in rights are in themselves such noble causes that
addressing climate change will be affected, but that political, religious, and ethnic differences must not
all of mankind will be affected, the whole caboodle.
get in the way of dealing until them. Ego, argument, more”(Quran 16:97), and that “Their Lord
and rancor need to be put aside to allow us to answered their prayers saying, ‘I do not neglect
engage with each other in achieving our objective. anyone’s labor whether the laborer be male or
We honor all those who are, and have been, female. You are all related to one another'” (Quran
engaged in this endeavor, be they Muslim or non­ 3:195)-
Muslim. We stand on the shoulders of these giants Women deserve honor—and protection from
who taught us to “do good.” It is not a mere cliche; those who dare to oppress them. We also need to
we must persevere and remain steadfast in condemn ydolence against the Earth, our mother:
pursuing the truth, using wisdom, scientific data, “Mother Earth,” as many cultures call it. An apt
and education. name for the planet that sustains us, nourishes us,
When enough numbers have been attracted to gives us life. We do not need to subdue the Earth
this cause, a tipping point will be reached, and subjugate it, as we have so thoughtlessly been
overwhelming the ignorant. We are now starting to doing. Most ancient cultures, such as the Native
more actively condemn violence against women, Americans, the Inuit, the aboriginals of Australia
our mothers. The Quran states that “All righteously and New Zealand, the Zulu, or the Maasai invoke
believing male or female will be granted a blessed blessings from Mother Earth—and Islam accords
happy life and will receive their due reward and the highest respect to mothers. God commanded
that mothers should be honored and respected: “to idea and I have an idea and we exchange these
lower the wing of humility' to mothers” (Quran ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.”
17:24). We face derision, ridicule, intolerance,
For those few who have already decided to animosity by the corporate greedy, and the
remain ignorant and are set in their ways, refusing obliviousness of the distracted. The latter might
to change their minds about their environmental find entertaining the poor dolphin performing an
obligations or their wasteful lifestyles, despite act in some Gulf state aquarium, but they give no
scientific, historical, and moral exhortation, the thought to the possibility that, as a baby, the
Quran says, “Show forgiveness, enjoin what is right, dolphin was snatched away from its mother in Taiji,
and turn away from the ignorant” (Quran 7:199). and that the mother’s spine was severed so she
The ignorant, however, shall not weaken our would drown. [92] If dolphins could talk, they
resolve. We cannot afford to lose the moral high would probably ask if this was how humans had
ground and we need to hear each other out. We decided to reward dolphins for protecting them
would again be wise to take a lesson from George from shark attacks. [93]
Bernard Shaw, “If you have an apple and I have an What do you think we should do? Sit back and
apple and we exchange these apples then you and I let selfish people decimate wildlife? Raise our
will still each have one apple. But if you have an hands in defeat and go home? I guess not. You and
I are going to plan strategies. We are going to act.
The first thing to do is to turn the page, an act that Chapter 7
will tell us what other activists do.
Activism and Martha

“The greatness of a nation and its moral

progress can be judged by the way its
animals are treated.”

—Mahatma Gandhi

“I care notfor' a man's religion whose dog

and cat are not the betterfor it”

—Abraham Lincoln
 I only wish these guys would settle for a kick in the
seat of their pants to satiate a “kick longing”
—preferably bending down and facing homewards.
A tin of sardines. A can of tomatoes. Canned lion Animals to be used, abused, and killed. And we
hunt. What did you imagine? A canned-lion hunt is have been doing it for so long that some who will
not a tin one opens to eat some canned meat from read the book will carry on with life with little
an animal that a lion killed to give someone some change. And then there are some who, to limit or
sort of gory kick. It refers to the rearing of baby lion stop abuse will act. Activism.
cubs to maturity' solely for the purpose of allowing Activists want to make a difference. They are
some spoilt, cash-loaded, bored individual addicted people who send forth ripples of change. They do
to guns and quoting the Second Amendment in a not always worry7 about big changes—small
country not his own—or a slippery7 oil sheikh who changes are fine, too—the ripple effect they create
stole millions from his people by selling crude—to is like the proverbial pebble thrown into a pond. It
kill a lion in an enclosed “canned” space for some will catch others, and soon the whole pond will be
crude gory satisfaction. This happens to this day in alive until dynamic shift. When confronted with
South Africa if one has the money he no longer pessimists as they go about saving the life of a small
needs to empathize with the poor and the wretched. squirrel injured by a cat whose owner allowed it to
roam free and thus harm indigenous species, a continue learning how the creatures synchronize
turtle whose shell is broken by a speeding vehicle, with each other, and how together they grace our
or an animal injured by a bullet, they respond Earth. Each life form, be it plant or animal,
calmly, sometimes with a smile, as they see the supports and interacts with the other in a myriad of
healed animal released back into the wild, “I may dazzling ways.
not make a difference to the whole world, but I did Dead, the animal simply collects dust on
make a world of difference to that one” someone’s wall. Probably killed in the prime of life;
If people opted to shoot only with a camera, and now pathetically lifeless, motionless, with artificial
not a gun, the life of an amazing animal would be eyes staring into space, or its body parts used in
preserved, giving joy to thousands of people as they crude medicine.
witness the living creature again and again, Alive, this single amazing animal would have
prancing, running, giving birth, fending for its continued to provide tourist dollars for a poor
young, hunting, competing, and trying to eke out a nation. The momentary adrenalin rush experienced
living in this wonderful circle of life. We could study by one selfish individual as he pulls the trigger
how beautifully the animal fits into its habitat, how comes at the expense of the countless poor who
other animals interact with it, how the cycle of life would otherwise have benefited from foreign
ebbs and flows like the pulse of the heart. We could visitors who want to witness this wildlife in its
natural environment. Wildlife safaris bring much wildebeest, hundreds of thousands of zebras, and
needed foreign currency into poor countries, many other endangered animals—with numbers
thereby helping sustain the lives of those who work declining rapidly—I have a particular sense of what
in the tourism industry or in associated activities we stand to lose. As a young boy, I remember
that spring from it, such as food production or hippos emerging from the water just 500 yards or
transportation. This income from abroad might so from our front door, on the shores of Lake
help a sick mother to buy medicine and provide Victoria. Monkeys, snakes, bats, and many other
porridge for a starving child; it can enable girls to small animals were regular visitors to our property7.
get an education and escape the downward spiral Almost all the animals that frequented that part of
that often leads to involvement in prostitution; and the wild near our home are now gone. Animals
it can help fund the provision of safe drinking water enrich our lives, and without them, it is truly a
to save millions of lives. lonely world.
We must be wary of being dazzled by the dollar As a little tyke, I once had a cheeky monkey
bill or the euro note, which promise a quick reward strategically place itself on a branch of a mango tree
but ultimately exact a high price. Having been born above me and pee, catching me unawares, and
next door to the Serengeti, which has the greatest forcing me to take a bath—which was not
number of lions in the world, millions of something a young boy wanted to do in the middle
of the day. I had previously climbed that same tree gone from the area. The monkeys disappeared soon
to shoo away a troop of Velvet monkeys that I felt after.
were “stealing” from the family orchard. While the We now have screens to peer at, and we giggle
others scuttled away making loud noises of at animated animal cartoons. And we also have
annoyance, this one must have come back to exact people who boast that they killed the biggest
its revenge. It had positioned itself directly above elephants and harvested the biggest tusks. As a
me and calculated with an impressive degree of result, selective genes that determine size may have
precision the trajectory7 of the yellow liquid. vanished and the collective knowledge that
To the monkey, the mangoes were his, and elephants pass on to their progenies to help them
having gained a bit more wisdom, I can easily survive and form communal relationships may have
appreciate that since monkeys were there before also disappeared—because we wanted ivory keys for
humans—he had more right to the land than I had. our piano to play soulful music of bygone days
Even if I waved the title deeds to the property7 in his when the Earth was pulsating with exotic life forms
face, he would not give a monkey’s hoot, and would in abundance.
probably leave a wet yellow stain on the paper and We also have humans who brag about killing the
scamper off into the woods. Within a few years, biggest lion. The majestic king of the jungle no
with urbanization exacting its toll, the hippos were longer marks its domain with the low guttural growl
that grows to a deafening crescendo, holding us kill wildlife, which included some nasty ones
enthralled by its awesome power. The lion’s head is limning them down with their vehicles. [94] Is the
now hung with a rusty nail on someone’s wall, ban still in effect? No, because, as of this writing,
quiet, glassy-eyed, and collecting dust. they have quietly been granted permission to come
We have a duty to educate one another about again to these animal reserves—some politicians in
our common earthly heritage: land, air, water, Tanzania likely dazzled by oil dollars on offer.
forests, animals, and the whole interwoven This is not just Africa’s loss—everyone loses
biomass. from this death and destruction. We share the same
People across the world should cherish not only planet—and it’s the only one we’ve got.
their own homelands, but also other countries such
as some poor nations in Africa, which some people
view as places to exploit because of their poverty7. Activism can get us results. Remember
Money, greed, and ignorance enable exploitation in Blackfish?
many countries to go unchecked if the world does We are quickly losing important habitats, and the
not monitor the goings-on. Often, it is the animals species that depend on them, because some of us
taking the brunt: Tanzania had previously banned believe that the few that are tiling to tackle this
rich Emirati Arabs coming in by the plane-load to
issue—such as PETA (like them or not, they have humane societies and environmental organizations
indeed brought in important legislative changes), that fight and advocate for animal rights,
WWF, Greenpeace, and Friends of the Earth—are sometimes at a cost to individuals involved. These
enough for all of us. This is like believing that these are noble institutions representing the best of
few organizations can collect or stop the 8 million humanity'. Join them. There is ample goodness in
metric tons of plastic that enter our oceans every' you. Here are a few examples to show you what we
year, or replace the 90 percent of all the big fish we are capable of.
have already lost in our oceans, or replant the 18 When enough of us spoke out, even a household
million acres of forest we destroy every7 year. [95] It name like Ringling Brothers had to take heed. In
is just not possible for a handful of organizations to May 2017, Ringling Bros, and Barnum and Bailey
meet those targets. Circus announced an end to their tours. [96]
We all need to pitch in, volunteer, and raise our Cockfighting became illegal in 50 U.S. states
individual voices. Our collective voices must rise to when we spoke out. [97]
a crescendo that will blow the socks off our In 2009, the European Union began to phase in
politicians who have been busy catching up on their a ban on the testing of cosmetics on animals. [98]
forty7 winks. Apparently, many' of us decided we didn't need to
There are many animal rights advocates, look pretty7 if it was at the expense of animals
undergoing agony. Also, in 2009, the EU banned resources for basic survival has not already begun.
the import and sale of seal products (with We either respond willingly' now or it will be
exceptions granted for the Inuit). [99] forced upon us whether we like it or not. And if
In 2013, the widely-viewed documentary some rich bourgeois elitists think otherwise, they
Blackfish initiated a public outcry' against the use of better think again. When anarchy-caller conies
animals for our entertainment. [100] calling en masse, the castles of the rich built upon
Time is mnning out—very' quickly! Unless a exploitation will crumble faster than cookies.
concerted effort is made to curtail such destruction, Prophet Mohammed warned his companions of the
we will all lose out. The criticism of honest research danger that can arise due to a lack of vigilance. The
by scientists who have challenged the status quo gist of the message or Hadith is as follows:
serves only to put us further back in this race
against time. ... there are people on a ship. There are
We will not be able to reverse the centuries of two decks, one above the other. Those on
destruction quickly enough unless we severely the lower deck do not want to bother
curtail our wasteful lifestyle. We cannot indefinitely asking those on the upper deck constantly
pretend that the beginning of worldwide famine, for water. So, they decide to get the water
wars, disease, anarchy, and rapid depletion of the with greater ease by making a hole in the
 bottom of the ship. Unless the ones on the that we are preventing “progress,” they fail to
upper deck stop those on the lower deck appreciate that in the end they and their own
from doing so, all of them will perish. progenies will also be saved by those of us who
Stopping the ones on the lower deck from advocate that we treat the ship as one ship; sinking
pursuing such an idea would save all of this Earth-ship benefits no one.
them, fioil Together we ride this beautiful Earth-ship, and
duty7 dictates that we take from Earth that which is
The same kind of scenario applies to us on this sufficient for our needs—and no more. Treat this
Earth-ship. Unless the wise among us stop the few Earth with wisdom, and its inhabitants with
greedy, unscrupulous, and foolish ones among us, compassion and kindness, and it will keep us
we shall all pay a high price by letting them dictate healthy, happy, and alive.
our lives through clever arguments and promises. Since we are on the topic of ships, the Bible too
(Wisdom, unlike education, is a special blessing offers a snippet of wisdom for the sanctimonious
given to those with humility. It cannot be taught. It human. We read that Prophet Noah loaded his ship
is not the exclusive possession of those who possess with different animals in preparation for the
fantastic degrees and libraries full of books.) coming flood. Why mention animals at this critical
Though the greedy and unscrupulous will complain juncture when human life was at stake and humans
were going to go glug-glug? Why not focus on the much space. No? You want to stay and stabilize the
loading of humans, since many of us consider boat? Okay, you stay too. Cast off. I hope these
ourselves so much more important than all other humans can swim.”
life on the planet?
One of the old timers supervising the loading of
passengers on Noah’s Ark may have been heard
saying, “These other conceited human folks have And then there were none. Poor Martha
just arrived after mocking us for building this ark. Well, almost none. Once, there were millions of
They are late. They want to come on board. But we bison on the Canadian prairies. The settlers had no
don’t have enough space. Now, who wants to qualms about gunning a few hundred here, a few
volunteer to step off the ship? How about you, hundred there, posing with piles of carcasses and
giraffe? No? You want to stay and look into the thinking how strong, adventurous, and courageous
distance with your long neck so we don’t hit any they were. I bet these people hardly gave a thought
rocks and ground the ship? Okay, you stay. How (or maybe they did) about how their actions might
about you, chicken? Oh! You want to lay eggs for affect the livelihoods of countless indigenous North
us? Organic ones, at that? Okay, you stay. What American men, women, and children who had
about you, elephant-size elephant, you take too
survived for thousands of years with these landscape.
magnificent animals, existing in a delicate balance Merely pointing a gun at the sky with closed
with the land and animals, making use of all parts eyes, humming off-tune “Two Little Dickie Birds”
of the animal including the pelts for moccasins and and pulling the trigger could easily have brought
tepees. down not two but perhaps half a dozen passenger
And then there j'eally were none. No need for pigeons. Pigeon stew could be served up for the
the human to pull out the felonious hand and start family and leftovers for the dogs—which they would
counting the guilty fingers, for there really were all ignore having been fed on the same mush for the
none that one could count. To explain what I mean, previous fortnight.
I need to take you into a bit of history, pull out Within a few decades, we killed so many
some parchments from an old chest, and hand you passenger pigeons, and our reckless presence
an interesting fact. There once were billions of affected them in so many other ways, that they were
passenger pigeons in North America, one of the completely wiped out. From billions to extinction
most numerous bird types on the planet. There —within decades! The last surviving passenger
once were so many such pigeons that when they pigeon, called Martha, a 29-year-old lonely soul,
took flight, the sun’s rays would be blocked and died in Cincinnati Zoo in 1914. IT02I And so we are
darkness would momentarily descend over the left with zero passenger pigeons, zilch, a big o, and
it’s-not-hiding-under-the-rug kind of zero. If there anyway!” Such a question is going to get my wife
was one hiding under the rug, another trigger- going.
happy culprit would probably want to flush it out. My wife’s reply usually takes the form of a
Indigenous peoples across the world—be it in rhetorical question, presented in a deliberate
Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or the polar manner that would leave no doubt where her
regions—have lived in such harmony with nature loyalties lie: “What purpose do humans serve on
that we often find little trace of their existence: this Earth, then? We are also going to die
“from earth to earth” in a very' real sense, leaving eventually. The Earth wras in a better state of
behind few environmental footprints. balance before we started invading its pristine
When my family goes to great lengths to regions. In fact, the only species that often does not
advocate on behalf of animals, especially wildlife, fit naturally into a habitat is the human one.
we are often asked a certain question, framed in Introduce a human, and chaos often results. The
different ways: “Why exert yourselves so much to only thing that matters to a human, much of the
try to save this animal [referring perhaps to an time, is how the environmental space can be
elephant, a porcupine, a chipmunk, a beaver, or one subjugated or tamed and then exploited for the sole
of a hundred different creatures]? It doesn't serve benefit of our self-centered species. While humans
any useful function. It is eventually going to die can and will let us know when their comforts are
upset, animals are unable to express the hardship in Australia and aboriginals in many parts of the
they experience at the hands of some humans. I world also acknowledge this view of the
think I will speak for the animals.” interdependent nature of life. It makes absolute
Should we only care if something gives us a sense. Every' habitat and species form individual
tangible and recognizable benefit? The Earth cogs in this wheel or circle of life and each unit
belongs to every species: you and I and, plays an integral part in keeping the whole system
unfortunately for my wife, that cricket making that of life on Earth functioning optimally.
atrocious racket that kept my spouse awake the In verse 67:4 of the Quran:
whole night.
Then look again and yet again [and
however often you do so, with whatever
The circle of life. Yes, it includes racoons instruments to your sight], your sight will
and chipmunks. fall back to you dazzled [by the splendor of
The native people of North America believe in the God’s creation], and awed and weakened
circle of life and our dependence on natural gifts [being unable to discern any flaw].
bestowed upon us by Mother Earth. Native cultures
There are many things we can do even at the
grassroots level. For example, my family invited can motivate others to get involved and produce
Ronald Orenstein—a zoologist, lawyer, and wildlife their own ripples. One positive can be transformed
conservationist, and the author of Ivory, Horn and into a multitude of positive actions: what more can
Blood—to give a presentation at the Science North you ask?
interactive museum in Sudbury, which was filled to I currently live in Sudbury7, a thriving mining
capacity for the event. [103] My wife paid for the town, which a few decades ago resembled a
venue and we had local coffee places agree to moonscape-type landscape, what with millions of
deliver free coffee and donuts. Volunteers joined to tons of toxic sulfur dioxide pollution spewing into
make it a success. The full-house attendance is an the air from its smelters, destroying all greenery7
indication of how we have grown as a society7 and and turning the land into a black monstrosity for
that many of us are eager to learn more about our miles around. Astronauts had a field experience
responsibility to the planet. akin to the surface of the moon, with its treeless
Organizations and individuals can come barren rocky7 mineral-rich terrain.
together and host such events, and although this Today, thanks to ambitious community-led
inevitably involves sacrifice in terms of money, regreening conservation efforts where millions of
time, and effort, the rewards can be far reaching, trees were planted in and around Sudbury, and
like the proverbial pebble in the pond. The ripples have since taken to self-regeneration, the area
resembles a green paradise, with beautifully We all love a good story. If the story has a natural
restored lakes and rivers and wild animals that are earthy tone to it, —incorporating the beauty and
free to forage close to the city (some venturing right intelligence made into its creation—then the better
up to niv house—one bear climbing the crab apple it is for it. So, let’s have a story that gives vigor to a
tree in my front yard, to the great consternation of wealthy character called Igor who is rolling in the
one of my neighbors). Racoons, chipmunks, dough and is eager to continue making a bigger pie
squirrels, wild ducks, and a myriad of birds have for himself.
established themselves around my own “habitat,” or Mike is a 6 foot 4 inches-tall male built like a
are regular visitors. wrestler who in his youth would have been found
In 2015, Stats Canada considered Sudbury to be occupying the ideological high horse seat, touting
the happiest city in Canada. I think they may have “development and progress by taming the land.”
taken my house into account after looking at the Now in his mid-forties, he has grown wiser, able to
unkept and wild backyard space until its array of accept other ideas, and willing to change his
busy creatures who live contented lives. opinion if some other argument made more sense,
especially when it came to the environment. Today
he is physically sitting high on the horse, in contrast
A Green Story to the metaphorical one he had once ridden during
his former “humans-are-better-than-animals” days. “Oh, Nancy? She lives here. She eventually
He is holidaying in a pristine part of Africa. persuaded her American husband to make the
Jacob, the editor for the local newspaper, is a move because she wanted to live somewhere that
short distance away. He is walking in the meadows was still largely pristine. She thinks she will make
and is admiring wild flowers. He stops suddenly her husband start caring for the environment. She
and peers at a man approaching on a horse. He is patiently persevering hoping to change him.
recognizes him as one of his former classmates in Personally, I don’t think there is hope that man will
Canada where they both hail from. He quickly goes change. Her husband is a rich chap who is now
over to meet the rider. “Hi, Mike. Remember me?” proposing to stand for election here, as town mayor.
Mike does remember Jacob and is quite happy His name is Igor. They live at the edge of the forest
to see him; they are graduates from the same in that big house with the green fence.”
university where they attended botany class as part “I believe it is the same person I am about to
of their studies. They share anecdotes on their meet,” says Jacob. “I am going there right now to
youth and catch up on what has happened in their interview him for our paper. His name is Igor as
lives. Jacob queries about Mike’s sister, a well. It must be the same person.”
passionate animal rights and environmental rights “I wonder if you’ll hit it off with him. His values
activist. are different from Nancy’s. All he cares about is
money. I am sure Nancy will be happy to see you”. one time had teemed until wildlife. He informs
“I would certainly like to see how she is doing. I Jacob that with new technology’ that could extract
am glad she moved here. In this small part of oil from tar-sands, his father sold the land to mega­
Africa, we have established a formula for corporations. The land was no longer habitable,
governance that allows people to live comfortably with the runoff of toxic chemicals into the soil and
with minimal impact on the natural habitat. Even the waters changing the landscape catastrophically.
cutting down one tree or draining a wetland When he moved his family to the nearby city to
requires official approval. The committee that escape the ravages inflicted on his former home, life
makes such decisions is made up of became very hectic. He loathed having to endure
environmentalists with degrees in engineering, the super-highways, concrete jungles, smog, the
biolog}’, veterinary, social sciences, and related constant clamor for wealth, selfishness, and greed.
subjects. They are committed to caring for the “I find it stressful living in the city, Jacob. Our
environment as their top priority7. Did you not own idea of paradise is that it is green with trees in the
a lot of land back home, Mike?” summer, birds chirping or singing in the trees with
Mike recounts how his forebears owned their beautiful melody, pristine lakes to fish or take
thousands of acres of land back home, a land dotted a swim in, fresh air to breathe, and animals in the
with lakes full of fish in his native land and which at forests. Yet, we are busy destroying the very7
paradise we all yearn for. We run to the city and we get atropine?”
then look at glossy pictures in tourist magazines of “Notice this one, Mike?” Jacob is pointing at
paradises that are quite similar places to what we something on the ground.
had a short while ago. We are a queer bunch, we “Is that ugly slug the kind we use to help clean
humans.” He takes a bottle from a bag tied to the our hard-to-heal wounds? Here is something that
horse and walks to a nearby stream. He fills the should interest doctors. I think this looks like the
container from the clear flowing water, walks back Madagascar periwinkle that is being studied for its
to where Jacob is waiting, and takes a swig. Jacob two anti-cancer activity components. Aha! A worm.
asks Mike if he would like to see some of the Better watch where I place my foot as I don’t want
amazing things that are around them, knowing to harm it. Its forebears could very well be
Mike’s natural curiosity. Mike smiles, pleased to responsible for much of the organic material
have someone who shares his admiration for breakdown that allowed the Earth’s fertility to
nature. continue unabated for millions of years, giving us
“Look at this here, Mike,” says Jacob, pointing. all these wonderful trees and shrubs. Look, a beetle.
“Ah,” Mike responds, “is that the fungus that Better not touch it. Who knows how important its
gave us penicillin? If we culture it in a Petri dish we contribution may be to the finely balanced
may know for sure. Is that the Beladora from which ecosystem?”
 Mike points at an ant and they both peer at the environmentalists are cuckoo. He curses them and
little creature earning a leaf possibly 20 times its spites them whenever he gets a chance. He is
body weight. While they have been looking at the stomping on some poor creature on the ground that
ground, Jacob has noticed Mike’s boots. “Those are was probably minding its own business. He likely
real nice shiny boots you're wearing. They are big!” saw me and is trying to mock me by killing an
“They are size 14; I can’t find my size here, so I innocent creature. We have people like that in every
bought these steel-toed ones.” society7. I was talking about greenhouse gas in one
They both straighten up. “Gotta go,” says Mike. of my presentations, and this guy was shouting that
“My wife is waiting for me. She told me to bring there is no such thing, since he hasn’t seen a gas
something for dinner. Wait till I surprise her until that is green. He thinks he is clever. Could I ask you
this fine fish I caught upstream. Give me your a favor, Mike?”
phone number. I’ll call you later. You must come to “Go ahead” says the large man, muscles rippling
our cottage for dinner tonight” under the T-shirt as he holds the horse’s reins.
Mike is about to leave, but then he notices “When this joker bends down to see if the
someone a little distance away jumping up and creature that he has been stomping on is dead,
down. “What’s with that fella?” he asks. would you mind doing the honors with your nice
“Oh, that. He is the local joker who thinks boots?” Mike instantly understands the meaning.
 Jacob parts company with Mike, as the hulking They ate good organic food, bartered a fair bit
man goes to leave his boot’s trade mark on the seat (to the despair of bankers), drank clean water and
of the joker’s pants. It is not long before Jacob enjoyed all that nature had to offer. They were
hears a loud yelp in the distance. “Good for you, generally content and worked hard. They did not
Mike. You scored a hit!” He chuckles. desire the creature comforts of city-dwellers.
The man Jacob is about to meet is a candidate Families were intact for the most part; divorces
for the upcoming mayoral race, a race in which were low, and children helped the parents and
protection of the environment was dominating the played happily outside without fear of being
political sphere. He was a new man, a rich man abducted by crazies.
bristling until some novel ideas. Voting for the Jacob clambers up the steps to shake the hand
mayor was next day. of this man, this new billionaire in the community7
Many different faiths made up the community' who wanted to become a candidate for the mayor’s
in this large remote and pristine part of Africa. They office. “Hi, Igor. Thank you for seeing me.” says
were people from all colors, cultures and Jacob, shaking hands and taking the proffered
backgrounds. What they had in common was the leather-covered chair, sinking into the soft seat.
conviction that simplicity7 in living was good and “As you know, Igor, I work for the local paper
wholesome. here and we also have some volunteers who supply
us with local tidbits. I heard you want to stand as a slowly into the air. “Look, I want to change the way
candidate for the mayor’s office. Would you like me we do things around here. I want to set up a paper
to put something in the paper about your political and pulp industry right here in this beautiful
platform?” country that will provide jobs for the locals. We
“Certainly,” replies Igor. “Have some caviar and have an abundance of mature trees, and this
pour yourself a drink while we talk. There is shark- craziness that trees capture carbon dioxide and
fin soup in that container and roasted turtle eggs in release oxygen for us is pure bull. Even if it was true
that bowl if you feel peckish. All this hype about and we do need trees, the Amazon is big enough; it
protecting the Earth and whatnots is regressive, can do the job for us. The locals—queer language
and you know it.” they speak, eh? I could hardly make out what they
“Do I?” asks Jacob, a little curtly, hoping the were saying when I visited their village with their
man might recognize that not all humans are apt to chief—sounded enthusiastic about the prospect.
think as he does. But Igor was not about to be put Hundreds gathered in a large area and heard me
off. speak.”
“Yes, you do,” says Igor, more emphatically, “What did you tell them?”
lighting a cigar and drawing in deeply with a “I told them we can clear vast tracts of land and
contented smile on his face, releasing a jet of smoke set up golf courses,” says Igor. “I told them we could
teach them how to golf. Of course, I would have to and she is the brawn. We make a fine team, so long
charge them a small fee for golf lessons. If some of as she does what I tell her. I do not like her taking
the runoff from the pesticides from our finely the cows out of the barn because I love this
manicured golf courses and our factories end up in beautiful huge lawn here and want to keep it free
our waters, so what? They’ll spoil only a few of the from cow dung. I am a clean guy, /know! The cows
many rivers and lakes we have here—we can afford do not know that grain and mush made of animal
to lose a few, eh? Make sure you write that down.” and vegetable waste is better for them. They grow
“Some people say—and I think they are right, faster and fatter. Cows never learn. Leave them
—that it is defies logic that we put insecticides and outside for only a little while and they go for grass.
pesticides in our lawns that eventually end up in Nancy insists that animals should be let out and
our lakes and rivers, and then we go about drinking should be free to forage, but I will not let her.”
that stuff’ “I know your wife. Nancy used to be the local
Igor shrugs his shoulders, dismissing the rabble-rouser at our university in Canada. I must go
argument. He points to someone in the distance, speak to her.”
shoveling some stuff for the cows penned in a small “Go ahead. I will still be here.”
enclosure. “That is my wife, Jacob.” He points to a Jacob goes over to speak to Nancy. She has
woman in overalls. “I am the brains around here become gaunt, the normal fiery' sparkle in her eyes
faded. Igor, relaxing on the porch and enjoying his complexes for animals.”
cigar, sees her listening attentively to Jacob. She “I read somewhere that cramped, windowless,
laughs. She is clearly amused at something Jacob dark, and must}’ places can make animals sick.
has told her. What Igor does not know is that Jacob They are more prone to diseases. You land will get
was telling her about her brother’s size 14 steel-toe free organic fertilizer if you let them out.”
boots and the novel uses they can be put to. “All our animals eat food containing antibiotics
After a brief chat, Jacob returns to the porch so they do not get sick in confined spaces. I know
and takes a seat. “Igor, why don’t you allow your how to look after their health.” He thinks the
animals to forage, to enjoy space outdoors, along reporter must be ignorant of current progressive
with the sun and the air?” practices. “I do not want chicken crap all over the
“Let them out? No. See that barn there? There place. We can always buy fertilizers to feed the
are chickens in that barn. If animals stay inside grass if ever we needed natural fertilizers. It is
barns, the lawn is kept free from muck” says Igor, faster, cleaner, and more efficient.” Igor feels a
pointing to a huge windowless building, wanting to sense of superiority due to the reporter’s obvious
emphasize who was the boss around here. “I am in lack of knowledge on these matters. Jacob senses
the business of growing chickens for food and the haughtiness, and decides to pursue the matter
harvesting their eggs. I do not 11m entertainment more tactfully.
 “Mmm. Do you mind if I told you a little bit “It is an acronym for multi-drug resistant
about antibiotics?” asks Jacob. bacteria. There is ongoing research to try to isolate
“Go ahead. I can take a little criticism,” Igor antibiotics from soil bacteria, called Malacidins, but
replies confidently. it is still in the early stages and we have no way of
“Widespread use of antibiotics in animal farms knowing if it is going to be widely available. IT04I
is causing growing antibiotic resistance in bacteria Then there is an antibiotic called Carbapenem, after
and other infectious organisms, you know. If I were which we are in deep trouble, hmm ... maybe I
to lay a bet, I am sure you or your family members should stop there as this story7 may7 not have a
have taken antibiotics. We need antibiotics to help happy ending.” [105]
treat infections and we need them for prophylaxis “I can afford to go to the best hospitals if I get
for more complicated surgical interventions like sick,” Igor retorts. “I don’t worry about it. If the
knee surgery7, heart surgery7, kidney transplants, and locals have more money, they too will be able to
during hospitalizations if physicians feel they' are afford to get sick more often and go to better
needed. Recently7, MDR bacteria have been able to hospitals. They too can afford to buy medicines and
breach the newer last-line-of-defense antibiotics filters to keep nasty7 antibiotic-resistant bacteria
such as Colistin.” —things that you seem to worry unnecessarily
“What is this MDR?” about—out of their drinking water. Let us talk about
the election. I plan to create jobs for these people. making money by charging high fees for an
Please write that down.” elephant shoot, they too will want to join in and the
Nancy, having finished her work, joins the two movement will spread, making money for all
men. She listens attentively, wincing at some of her concerned. We may even be able to overturn the
husband’s proposals, but does not interrupt the CITES moratoriums on elephant culling. You know
conversation. Igor is domineering, and would not what CITES is now, don’t you?”
hesitate to insult her if she offered her opinion. “Actually, I know about it but I do not know
“Go on,” says Jacob, quickly jotting down the what the letters stand for,” Jacob replies.
pertinent points on a small pad. “It stands for the Convention on International
“Excellent. We have quite a bit of wildlife here. Trade in Endangered Species. Endangered, indeed!
We can open up hunting retreats and advertise The only endangered thing right now, my friend, is
widely for hunters and tourists to come. In a few the right to enjoy ourselves.”
years we will have so much money, we will be able The reporter interrupts. Jacob feels duty-bound
to buy and import more wild game to replace to state some facts. “Rhino and Forest Elephants
depleting stocks,” asserts Igor with a greedy gleam are endangered and some are on the verge of
in his eyes. “There is a demand for elephant tusks in extinction. Do you really think it’s a good idea to
places like China and Vietnam. If others see us keep on killing them for their horns and tusks? The
local aesthetician told me that the Rhino horn is keratin will come from toenails, not rhinos. How do
composed of agglutinated keratin similar to you like my idea?”
toenails. Some people in the East use it in some folk “I don’t know what to say,” Jacob replies,
medicine. Keratin has no healing properties.” The unamused. He is awed by the man’s astute business
reporter continues, “And we have plastics now that brain. “You are quite sharp when it conies to
are so much better than ivory for the purpose of business. Does your mind always work like that?”
carving...” “Yes. But let’s talk about this place for now. I am
“Sshh. Not so loud, my friend. You will destroy promising jobs. With jobs conies money. Even if all
the ivory7 and horn trade if you keep talking loudly. I of our waters get polluted over the next 30 or 40
have an idea. Why don’t we ask aestheticians years as a result of the innovations I have outlined,
everywhere to ship us toenails? We will compress we can easily buy bottled water with the wealth we
them into rhino horn shapes and ship them to those will have generated. Impressed?”
who want to buy rhino horns for medicine. They “I am not sure what to say.” Jacob is wary of
won’t know the difference since keratin is keratin. saying what he truly feels in order to prevent the
They can use it to make soup if they want. And I interview ending prematurely. He therefore has to
have another idea. We can market it as sweet and exercise some restraint. “Anything else?”
sour rhino horn soup with a dash of soy sauce. The “Yes, there is. Now for my brilliant idea. You are
one of the very' few I share this with. You know by about this idea.”
now that I am a shrewd businessman. I have “This contraption will use very little fossil fuel to
assembled a team of scientists and we are going to operate, but will make use of some solar power. As
change the world using my idea. It has never been sunlight is a free source of energy, the overall costs
tried before, and if it has, it must have failed of operating the machine will be kept relatively low.
because we don’t hear of it. We have designed a Though the machine will potentially occupy a large
prototype of what we call a ‘CO2-reducer.’ It will area of land, that too will be minimized by placing
reduce the level of carbon-dioxide in the the solar panels one above the other, capturing the
atmosphere. Since the world is becoming obsessed sunlight more efficiently. Furthermore, parts of the
that we are producing too much CO2, I plan to machine will be made of biodegradable materials
capitalize on their fears. Different governments like since there is a lot of hype about biodegradation.
the U.S., Canada, Germany, and other European This invention will not only capture CO2 from the
countries will buy into this idea. I may even win the atmosphere, but will do another amazing and
Nobel Prize! My team will make billions! I plan to spectacular thing—are you ready?”
become the richest man on the planet!” “Yes,” replies Jacob, eager to hear what the man
“Sounds interesting,” Jacob responds warily, has to say.
but Igor has perked his interest. “Tell me more “It will capture CO2 and ... produce oxygen!”
 “Oh!” Jacob exclaims, barely able to suppress a of designs by the Ultimate Designer? They sprout
chuckle. “Igor, you know we already have such beautiful leaves loaded with chlorophyll to capture
machines, if ‘machine’ is the word I am looking for. sunlight to power their own selves. They produce
These machines capture sunlight, convert carbon food and seeds that make replicas of themselves so
dioxide into oxygen, and grow upright to minimize that they often self-propagate, beautify the
land occupied. They are also 100 percent landscape, and allow many animals and birds to
biodegradable, and have small beautiful green live on them and eat the fruits they produce. These
panels to capture sunlight. Not only do they trees have utilized solar power for millions of years
produce oxygen—they produce many types of before mankind even started thinking about it as a
amazing fruits! And these machines don’t need free source of energy. Even to this day, they
millions of dollars to construct or maintain.” continue to capture and utilize energy from sunlight
“Impossible. There are no such machines. What and provide us with fuel for our fires, helping
are these machines called?” Igor’s eyes narrow. sustain humankind for millennia. Amazing, isn’t it?
“Has someone stolen my prototype design?” And yet humans are busy chopping them down and
“No one has stolen your design, don’t worry7. clearing vast tracts of forests hardly aware of their
These machines are called—now wait for it, Igor— tine value.”
they are called trees'. Isn’t this the most ingenious Igor scratches his head, not liking this reporter
one bit. But Igor, being Igor, is not to be outdone. will keep on chopping down trees and then come
He did not become rich by giving up when he faced running to me to fix things. I can wait. But
a challenge. He is resilient, and he will not be regardless, my plan for this area will proceed. I will
knocked off-course by imbecile reporters like this clear the trees, make golf courses, and establish
one. Of course, he could simply dismiss the type of hunting retreats. I think the indigenous locals are
information Jacob had presented as “fake news”— behind me on this one.”
just like a politician he knew in the States did “Go on,” says Jacob. “I am writing it down.
regularly. Igor had crushed many mortals and had Were the locals impressed? What did they say?”
bankrupted many in his ambition to amass wealth. “Aah, now you are talking. Ever}7 time I made a
Many of his acquaintances were still wringing their proposal, they smiled—their excitement and
hands in despair at having had the misfortune of enthusiasm palpable. They were slapping each
having met him. They—and their lawyers as well— other on the back and laughing happily. I felt sorry7
were still scratching their heads trying to figure out for them. They must have been very deprived of
how Igor had outmaneuvered them. material comforts. You should have seen them
“Jacob,” Igor resumes, “you are naive. You don't punching the air with their fists and shouting
know the greed that some people are capable of. ‘Nyoka mbayaV”
They are not like me. They have no scruples. They “Oh! Did they?”
 “Yes! ‘Nyoka mbaya!’ ‘Nyoka mbaya!’ Smiling strike, but Igor manages to step out of its reach. The
and shouting ‘Nyoka mbaya!’ Be sure to put that in snake slithers into the undergrowth and disappears.
your paper.” Igor was eager to go on, but Jacob was “Aah! Bad, bad, nasty snake!” Igor yells. “All snakes
looking at the setting sun, and got up to leave as it should be killed! All of them, without exception,
was getting late. and in whatever form they come!”
“I think I better go now. It is late and I need to “Oh. Do you know what the natives call a bad
get this interview written up and ready for the early snake? They call it Nyoka mbaya” Jacob says this
morning edition of the paper,” Jacob explains, hesitatingly, waiting for the reaction, aware of the
politely excusing himself. man's temper.
“Wait, I will walk you down to the gate.” “What?” Igor exclaims. “They were saying ‘bad
“Very well, then. And thank you for the snake’? How dare they call me a snake when I am
information,” says Jacob. offering to improve their lives!”
Together they walk down to the gate, with “The snake you nearly stepped on was
Nancy in tow. Unfortunately, Igor, still excited by camouflaged well,” Jacob responds. “The natives,
his own plans for the future, fails to look down as he however, saw through your guise. They may have
is walking and nearly steps on a snake camouflaged seen that your real aim is to make money—for you—
in the undergrowth. The snake rears its head to and were probably not willing to sacrifice
something that is more permanent and wholesome indignant, defiant sparkle in her flashing eyes. She
for that which is fleeting. They called you as they seems to have had about enough.
saw you. It’s called honest}’.” Igor scratches his head. The reference to a steel­
Igor seethes. “If I am not elected as mayor, I will toe boot did not make any sense. Nancy’s outburst
leave these philistines to rot in their primitive ways. did not make sense. Natives wanting to stay
If I am not elected, I will go home—and won’t waste “uncivilized” did not make sense. The reporter must
any time about doing it. What’s the fastest way back be crazy. They were all going crazy. It seemed he
to America from here?” was the only one until some sense. Yes, he would
Nancy, who has been growing more and more leave. He would go back to his sensible corporate
exasperated listening to her husband’s ideas, could brothers who advocated consumerism to support
no longer contain herself. “Igor, I thought you economies. He would tell the people what they were
would change coming here. You haven’t. The missing by not having him lead them into the
quickest way to get back to your corporate office is glorious future. “Jacob, tell the philistines that if
to assume a ninety-degree posture and a size 14 they don’t elect me as their mayor, I will go away
steel-toe boot! I have just the person to help you on without even saying goodbye. I will not give them
the journey!” the benefit of my wonderful ideas.”
Jacob turns to look at Igor’s wife and notes the And so, it was; the paper came out the next day.
It reported that Igor had left the area. Jacob’s use sunlight to synthesize foods from
paper, which he was holding at breakfast, fluttered carbon dioxide and water. Photosynthesis
in the air. This sudden gust of air was unusual. The in plants generally involves the green
natives must have gotten hold of the paper, he pigment chlorophyll and generates
figured. The air must be a collective sigh of relief. oxygen as a byproduct.]

And We furnished the land out with And it is He, Who produces gardens, with
orchards of date-palms and vines and gave trellises and without, and date-palms, and
vent to affluence of flowing springs, that crops with produce of all kinds, and olives
they may enjoy the fruits of this [artistry]: and pomegranates, similar [in kind] and
It was not their hands that made this: will different [in variety]: Eat from their fruit
they not then give thanks? (Quran 36:35) in their season, but give the dues [in
charity7] that are proper on the day that the
He is the One who creates for you, from harvest is gathered. But do not waste by
the green trees, fuel which you burn for the way of excess: Verily, Allah does not
light. (Quran 36: 80) [Photosynthesis: love the wasteful. (Quran 6:141)
Noun. The process by which green plants
 O men! Call to mind the grace of Allah This “havoc,” if one were to reflect, may have
unto you! Is there a creator, other than come in the form of waterways, rivers, streams, and
Allah, to give you sustenance from heaven ponds as a result of the genius of the “buck-tooth
or earth? There is no god but He: how then rodent,” as it builds dams to create water pathways
are ye deluded away from the Truth? that have, over the course of centuries, enabled
(Quran 35:3) trees and wildlife to thrive in many places across
the Canadian landscape, enriching the environment
and kick-starting habitats that Canadians can enjoy
Activism by education. The polar bear and today.
the beaver. I am not criticizing the senator and she is
A Canadian senator wanted the official symbol of certainly entitled to her opinion, but the remedy for
Canada, the beaver, to be replaced by the polar humans who are often too quick to judge and make
bear. IT06I According to her, the beaver is “a short-sighted comments is to study indigenous
bucked-toothed rodent, a dentally-defective rat, a communities who live close to the land and to read
toothy tyrant and a nineteenth century has-been about each individual species from the many
that wreaks havoc on its environment.” resources that are so readily available in this
information age.
 Whenever you stumble upon nature’s beauty on national symbol as they all play a part in creating
your travels and the absolute wonder takes your the Canada we love. Any animal, if we study it with
breath away, thank the myriad of insects, worms, humility, has the ability to delight us and take our
plants, and animals that made you gasp at the breath away, while some callous people in their
miracle, for a miracle it surely is. It needed a cavalier attitude kill and take its breath away.
harmonious and multifaceted arrangement, each The Bible, the Quran, and the Torah all relate
playing an important role, to accomplish the the story of Adam and Eve and their fall from grace
magnificent overall effect. We need to linger long after breaking God’s command. They were sent
enough to reflect on the amazing qualities of all from a heavenly paradise to spend time on Earth.
species. Yet God, in His infinite mercy, still gave both Adam
If we have so much time on our hands that, and Eve—and therefore all of us—a beautiful earthly
instead of marveling at the wonders of nature, we paradise to inhabit. We, as viceroys, must
now start arguing about which of these iconic safeguard, and not harm, what we have been given.
Canadian animals should be our national symbol, Though humans have power over much of living
simply to satisfy a current whim, then we need to creation, it behooves us to accord justice to those
step back and reflect. The animal, or the owl if you subservient to our power and ingenuity7. This is a
wish, cares not a hoot who (or hoo) is made the sacred trust from God, a trust we shall be required
to account for. rank above others, that He may try you in
what He has given you. Surely thy Lord is
He has made subservient to you [men] swift in retribution; and surely He is Oft-
whatsoever is in the heavens and in the Forgiving, Most-Compassionate. (Quran
earth. (Quran 45:13) 6:165)

And when thy Lord said unto the angels: Short-sighted human behavior, such as trying to
Lo! I am about to place a viceroy in the change the natural order of things on this planet,
earth, they said: Wilt thou place therein can often be followed by desperate attempts to
one who will do harm therein and will undo such embarrassing handiwork (think
shed blood, while we, we hymn Thy praise Australia and rabbits, or bees and nicotinoids).
and sanctify Thee? He said: Surely I know Is humanity, then, clever? Maybe, but do not
that which ye know not. (Quran 2:30) quote me on it. And wise? Hmm. Are we wise in
how we interact until this Earth? Think of the tar
sands in Canada, palm oil and deforestation,
It is He who has appointed you viceroys in overfishing and bottom trawling, and ozone layer
the earth, and has raised some of you in destruction. Look around and draw your own
conclusions. Despite his infinite ingenuity, the Homo sapiens
Sudden disasters, like the oil spill from tankers, (Latin: “wise man”; believe me, that is the
or the Shell oil release in the Gulf of Mexico, make definition—I am not making it up) is too short­
headlines, but much worse is our inaction when we sighted to think of the mess his grandchildren will
see environmental protections being chipped away be inheriting. His progenies will be spending much
by our politicians. We must confront our more wealth and resources, not to mention the
ambivalence and act to establish environmental health costs, to clean up the planet than the paltry
standards so that we can continue to enjoy what the sum he may have amassed from his reckless
Earth is willing to keep providing. We need to ventures. Can we force powerful corporations,
curtail insidious pollution, such as the damage whose main agenda is to make money and then
caused by tar sands, with its toxic residue spillage more money, to put brakes on their greed and
into our most precious of resources: our air and confront the consequences beyond the buck?
waters. We need to minimize deforestation and Stop-gap and premature legislation without
therefore the depletion of the planet’s carbon-sink. educating the masses first, such as the
We need to limit fossil-fuel-guzzling machines like implementation of a carbon tax, is seen as punitive.
the ones sitting in our driveways, and reward efforts We should seek to motivate and educate, adding
towards renewable resources. some honey to sweeten the medicine, so that
change comes from within and people become Consider the Standing Rock episode on the North
willing participants. Education can be the honey. As Dakota plains. IT07I Kudos to those who made a
Abraham Lincoln said, “a drop of honey gathers stand. The resident population, many of them
more flies than a gallon of gall.” indigenous people, did not wrant an oil pipeline
Governments need to spend millions on built across their waters and land, fearing an
education first: the payoff will be acceptance of environmental catastrophe if a spillage were to
change and an end to wasteful behavior. The occur. Even army veterans, many of wrhom would
positive knock-on effect will be greater public normally support established authority, took up the
understanding and an appreciation of the difficult fight.
choices governments face when asking us to tighten As this wras happening, I recalled an earlier
our belts. The previous budget in Canada (like all episode when I, a non-native, wras selected from a
budgets everywhere), should have committed large spectator crowd to take part in the annual
millions to this type of education. It would have pow-wow dance ritual on Manitoulin Island in
been a win-win. A win for the government, and a Ontario. In the mid-1990s, I often visited First
win for the environment and our future. Nation communities such the Wahnapitae First
Sometimes, however, the public needs to take a Nation, the Mchigeeng, and the Wikwemikong in
firm stance if government is unwilling to do so. the course of my professional practice, where I had
the benefit of learning from the elders about the welcomed immigrants in the U.S. and Canada, they
challenges these communities face. were rewarded by being marginalized from
My family looked on, amused and delighted, mainstream society' and sequestered into reserves—
wondering how I would fare, as I warily joined the and this was their land. Yet they were still ready to
circle until many others who had been selected to reach out with goodwill—and I for one was
take part in the pow-wow. I aimed to do my best to determined to show solidarity’ with their causes. We
show support for the ancient culture. One by one, must recognize the indigenous people’s generosity’
others who were less adept at the ritual dance were and accord them respect for their grace. How many
pulled from the circle and returned to their seats. At of us would show such goodwill after what the
the end, I was the only one left from the non­ colonizers did, if we were in their shoes, their
natives, still performing the classic foot rhythm. I moccasins?
had won. They gave me a small monetary prize I was elated when I heard that the U.S. Army
(which I returned to be reused on another Corps of Engineers had dropped the fight at the
occasion). Standing Rock. The protesters had won. Bravo! But
This gesture from the indigenous people on wait. Didn’t the new U.S. president want to allow
whose land I had done the traditional dance should such pipelines to be built? I guess some people
be a powerful reminder to us all: though they had never tire of ruffling feathers. The indigenous
people should not even have to ask any government
for concessions. They should have full control of Chapter 8
what happens to their land. This is their land. We
need to belt up and accept that. Poverty, Greed, and Aladdin’s Lamp
Then there is all this talk in the US about
allowing or not allowing people to migrate to,
essentially, the indigenous peoples’ land. The “Compassion for animals is intimately
presidents and politicians who are not indigenous connected with goodness of character;
behave as if their forefathers did not immigrate to and it may be confidently asserted that he
this, what was to them also, a foreign land. If who is cruel to animals cannot be a good
immigrants should go back where they came from, man”
guess who in the White House should be packing
—Arthur Schopenhauer
their bags? But before they buy one-way tickets,
they would do well to learn about Sherlock Holmes,
ostriches, and Aladdin’s lamp in the next chapter.
They too deserve a snigger before they board the
Prophet Mohammed was an amazing
plane.
communicator. He had a profound effect on people attention and prime them for the message he was
with whom he came in contact. One could write about to deliver.
books on Prophet Mohammed’s communication He was also adept at drawing analogies to
skills, and there are indeed many books that offer everyday life and people’s experiences to make his
insights into his character (listed at the end of this teachings easy to understand, while leaving no
book), and skill in conveying a message. Certainly, room for ambiguity. He placed great emphasis on
students should not limit themselves to sources on directly facing the person he was speaking to, and
the internet, or indeed to books by Muslims only. would often grasp the person’s hand to emphasize
Objective and honest historians—books by the same what he was saying and to show how much he
historian dealing with other subjects in an valued that person’s attention and how important
academically impartial manner would give you an the person was to him.
idea of the author’s scholarship—are available He was as ready to listen as he was to speak,
widely. conscious not to interrupt the other person. He
Prophet Mohammed often communicated the listened attentively and engaged with the speaker
same message three times—in quick succession—so fully. He had that rare ability to make others feel
that his audience remembered the detail. He would special, and he would look for the best quality in
often ask a question in order to keep his audience’s them, emphasizing the positive. All those who met
him would think they were the most beloved to injunction of the Quran:
him; such was his concern, attention, and empathy.
He would always put the interests of others first, to O ye who believe! Be ye staunch injustice,
the extent that his companions would be hesitant to witnesses for Allah, even though it be
admire anything he had, since he would be so quick against yourselves or [your] parents or
to give it to them. [your] kindred, whether [the case be of] a
He would go hungry in times of scarcity, so that rich man or a poor man, for Allah is nearer
his companions and family could eat. When he was unto both [them than ye are]. So, follow
annoyed by someone’s act of disobedience to God’s not passion lest ye lapse [from truth] and
commandments, he would not reprimand them if ye lapse or fall away, then lo! Allah is
with harsh words—his displeasure was apparent ever-informed of what ye do. (Quran
from his facial expression, and that was enough to 4:135)
make them feel sad or humbled. Such disapproval
would deeply hurt his companions simply because There was to be no differential treatment of rich
they loved him so much. and poor, a standard that his close companions
He would not show favor to family over those sought successfully to uphold after the Prophet had
who were not related to him, but practiced the passed away.
 Prophet Mohammed said, “Whosoever begins the teachings had profound depth of meaning for
the day having family security' and good health and astute scholars who could draw many lessons from
possesses provisions for the day, it is as though he within the messages. The messages were to the
possesses the whole world.” [108] He preferred to point, using few words, and repeated in order to
be with the poor and the weak, and it was their give emphasis. His life, words and example left
rights that he particularly sought to protect. He indelible marks for generations that followed.
gave no thought for his personal comfort, content to His companions remarked that Prophet
sleep on a mat of palm fiber and wear patched Mohammed never ate his fill, but prioritized others
clothes, and he would even mend his own footwear. so they would have enough to eat; he loved and
If he was presented with expensive clothing, he honored the poor. What gifts or grants he received
would quickly give it away to someone needy. He were always passed to others without delay. Even in
did not desire worldly goods or rewards, but times of plenty7, his simple dwelling would only
remained focused on his Lord and the welfare of his have the basic necessities such as a straw mat and a
people. Even in times of plenty7, he would continue small jug for water.
to live as he did in times of scarcity.
He purposefully kept his teachings clear and When Prophet Mohammed died, even though
simple for any lay person to understand—and yet wealth was pouring into the State he had founded,
he was still surrounded by these modest of the Prophet:
possessions—the water jar, the straw mat, and so
on—having given away most of his wealth during Head of the State as well as the Church, he
his lifetime. His companions had often expressed was Caesar and Pope in one; but he was
concern for the way he subjected himself to such a Pope without the Pope’s pretensions, and
frugal existence. Caesar without the legions of Caesar,
Prophet Mohammed’s followers knew he was without a standing army, without a
sincere. Convinced of his sincerity, honesty, and bodyguard, without a police force, without
resolute determination, his followers were therefore a fixed revenue. If ever a man ruled by a
quite receptive to his concern for the welfare of all right divine, it was Muhammad, for he had
creatures, and ready to inculcate the directives in all the powers without their supports. He
their own lives—for did not God affirm Prophet cared not for the dressings of power. The
Mohammed’s mission, “We have not sent thee, O simplicity' of his private life wras in keeping
Prophet Mohammed, but as a mercy unto all with his public life. [Topi
creatures” (Quran 21:107).
In Muhammad and Muhammadanism A present-day leader or politician could learn
(London, 1874), the Reverend Bosworth Smith said something from the life of Prophet Mohammed on
ways and methods on how to motivate the public to amount to nothing in the end of mortal life on
stick with him on his “goodly” agenda (that he is so Earth, and that the duty was to strive and serve
good at marketing on the podium to win your vote) others? If you were lucky', the politician would leave
if he were to study this great man. But that is not you a little piece of meat stuck on a bone if you
going to happen because the key ingredient is came knocking at the door when a famine was
lacking: sincerity. Their words are empty. Time and imminent. If the famine was already raging—and
again the public tires of selfish politicians and though he may have a fridge full of goodies he had
replaces them once they have the opportunity to do kept hoarded to wolf down when you were not
so. It is a familiar pattern: we no longer vote the looking—he would come chasing for the bone
leaders in, but rather vote them out. The next guy thinking he had been overly charitable.
comes in, and the last one with a recently acquired With such generous politicians in our midst,
pot-belly and a Swiss account goes out. We will even wolves would make better role models.
soon need to replace the revolving door.
Can you imagine a politician enduring hunger
so you could eat? Can you imagine a politician The first four caliphs after Prophet
sleeping on a bare mat so that he would be Mohammed
reminded of the fleeting pleasures of this world that
Abu Bakr Sideeq, the first caliph to assume had indeed learnt well from his Prophet.
leadership of the Muslim state when Prophet Umar ibn al-Khattab, who became the second
Mohammed passed away, wanted to cany on caliph of the Islamic Empire, related the following
trading in the local market to support his family story:
while leading the state. At least, that was his hope—
but it was not to be. I went to the Prophet and saw that he was
Reluctantly, he was persuaded by the arguments lying on a mat of the leaves of the date-
of his companions this was not feasible on top of palm, and there was no bedding between
the burden of leading the growing empire, which him and the mat, and the texture of the
had to be his top priority. So, he accepted a salary mat had left deep marks on his body, and
from the treasury and focused on his role as caliph. under his head was placed a leather pillow
However, over time he reduced what was in any stuffed with the bark of the date-tree. On
case quite a modest salary, on the basis that the seeing this, I said, “My Master! Pray to
original amount was more than he required. When Allah to grant prosperity7 to your followers.
he was on his death bed, he instructed that his He has bestowed riches upon the people of
possessions be sold to replace the salary he had Rome and Persia even though they are not
withdrawn from the treasury during his tenure. He believers.” [Prophet Mohammed replied],
 “O son of Khattab! Do you also think like without putting up barriers to complaints.
that? They are the people who have been Umar was very conscious of his duty to be a fair
deprived of the blessings of the Hereafter ruler, having learnt the qualities of justice from
[owing to their ungodly ways], and hence, Prophet Mohammed, his friend and his close
the comforts [Allah wanted to confer upon companion. In his first speech as caliph, Umar
them] have been granted to them in this pledged, “O people I swear by God that there is no
world.” [no] man among you as powerful as he who is helpless
until I restore his rights to him, and there is no man
Umar had accepted leadership of the state very' amongst you as helpless as he who is powerful until
reluctantly, keenly aware of the burden of having to I relieve him of what he had usurped from its
account for his rule on the Day of Judgment. rightful owner.” [in] His approach to leadership
Nonetheless, the empire continued to grow under was further illustrated in the comment that, “The
his leadership, providing security and care for the most beloved of people to me is he that points out
poor and the powerless under its just authority. niv flaws to me.” [112]
Like Prophet Mohammed, Umar lived a life of By this stage, the Persian Empire had fallen to
austerity, residing in a simple mud house that did the armies of Islam, while the Roman Empire was
not even have doors, ever accessible to help people on the verge of collapse. Both Syria and Egypt were
under the rule of Islam. Any wealth accumulated received a subsistence from the treasury, which was
from these conquests was distributed back to now the central depository7 not just for money but also
subject peoples in the form of state pro\dsion. Umar for food and other items that could be used to help
meanwhile continued a frugal life, wearing patched those in need. He established a kind of child welfare
clothes and eating only enough to stave off hunger. system, possibly7 the first such system in the world,
Once, two travelers presented Umar with a gift of whereby a stipend was paid to a mother as soon as a
sweet-dish sent by his governor in Azerbaijan. He child was weaned.
asked the bearers of the gift if people under the
governor’s authority7 were also easily able to partake Umar practiced a policy7 of being open and
of such sweets. When informed in the negative, available to any7one who had a grievance, and could
Umar declined to eat it, and commanded the be approached directly or through an intermediary.
governor to partake of only such foods as could also But he was also proactive in seeking to address the
be affordable by the lay. needs of his people, aware of his responsibility7 as
Umar strengthened the role of the Bait-Ul- the caliph, often roaming the streets of Medina at
Maal, the equivalent of a modern state treasury7 night, incognito, to see if anyone was in need.
department. The poor, the needy, the orphans, the One night, when Umar was on his usual round,
widows, the wayfarer—anyone who required help he saw a distant fire in the desert. When he reached
the place, he found a woman stirring a pot in the loaded food into a sack, and hoisted it over his
company of some children. The children were shoulder. One of his companions insisted that he
crying, and he asked permission to come closer. should help him carry the sack, but Umar
When he asked why the children were crying, he adamantly refused: “What! Will you carry my load
was told that they were hungry and that there was on the Day of Judgment? I must cany this bag, for
no food. He asked what was in the pot, and was told it is I who would be questioned [in the hereafter]
it was water, which she was stirring in the hope that about this woman.”
the children would tire and go to sleep. When the food was finally prepared and given to
Unaware that she was addressing the caliph, the the children, the grateful woman expressed her
woman lamented, “Allah will judge between Umar gratitude: “May Allah reward you for your kindness.
and myself, on the Day of Judgment, for neglecting In fact, you deserve to take the place of caliph
me in my distress.” Umar started to weep, and instead of Umar.” Umar consoled her and said,
asked how the caliph would know of her distress. “When you come to see the caliph, you will find me
The woman replied that as, caliph he was duty­ there.”
bound to be kept abreast about the affairs of the There is an interesting story of this God-fearing
people under his rule. caliph. When Jerusalem was conquered during his
Umar quickly hurried back to the Bait-Ul-Mcial, reign, the city’s leaders insisted that they would
only hand over the keys of the city' over to the Furthermore, while Umar was being shown around
caliph—and no one else. So, Umar made the the city', they happened to be near a church when
arduous journey until one guide/servant and a the time for prayer arrived. The church leader
camel. They took turns riding on the camel during invited Umar to pray inside the church, but the
the journey. As they approached the outskirts of caliph politely declined to do so, explaining that he
Jerusalem, it was the guide’s turn to ride but he would rather pray outside near the entrance in case
argued that Umar continue to ride since they would Muslims in the future sought to honor him by
very' soon meet the receiving delegation. Umar building a mosque where he had prayed. Umar’s
declined, insisting that it was only fair that the first thought was to protect this church—and in so
guide have his turn on the camel, and so they doing he showed remarkable foresight, for, much
proceeded, with the guide on camelback and Umar later, a mosque was indeed built on or near where
walking. When they were met by the delegation, a he had prayed! It is today' called Masjid Umar,
gracious welcome was extended to the rider, while situated very close to the Church of the Holy
the guide/servant was also acknowledged—until it Sepulchre.
was pointed out to them that Umar was the one on At the end of his life, stabbed by an enemy with
foot and leading the camel! Umar’s humility' greatly a poisoned dagger, in pain, and conscious that the
impressed both Muslims and non-Muslims. wound was mortal, Umar still managed to leave a
last testament for his successor: Prophet Mohammed was preserved.
So that now we know that authentic Islam has
Treat all people equally and do not be much good to offer, let us first look at the Muslims
influenced by any person who deserves leaders of today, so that we can make a distinction
punishment, and take no notice of any between them and the Muslim leaders of the past.
person’s censure provided you have The leaders of the past left a legacy that was like
pronounced a just sentence. Never allow water to a parched nation.
your preference or partiality for any “And what of the leaders in Muslim countries
person to influence your judgment in the now?” one may ask.
affairs of the people whom God has “Nothing like water to a parched earth. The oil-
entrusted to our authority. [113] covered and slippery leaders in Muslim-majority
countries of today are as different as water and oil,”
Four of the closest companions of the Prophet— would be a fair reply from someone looking at them
who had been taught directly by him—became the with disgust. “They do not mix.”
first four caliphs, in succession: Abu Bakr Sideeq,
Umar ibn al-Khattab, Uthman ibn Affan, and Ali
ibn Abi Talib. IT14I They ensured that the legacy of Autocrats and Sherlock Holmes
The leaders of today, both in Muslim and non­ so that he can emerge safely to retire and write
Muslim countries, say such heart-wrenching and books about generosity’.
passionate words of generosity that the less Not to be outdone by many leaders in non­
resilient, including you and me, empty' our pockets Muslim countries, the present leaders of some
and tear sacs—and as we do so, their well-paid Muslim-majority countries, male despots under
lawyers and accountants are hard at work to protect religious fagade, win the race well ahead of their
their “investments” and off-shore accounts while contemporaries in non-Muslim countries, with
wringing their dirty’ hands with glee. The leader—I their copious apparel flailing in the wind like the
will let you consider one, any one, that sets your mast of a sail-ship as they cross the finishing line.
teeth on edge—will possibly bemoan and wipe those They heed not the counsel of their Prophet who
hard-to-produce tears with that handkerchief (with warned them not to show garments with pride and
a freshly-cut onion hidden in it) that he only owns make ostentatious display of wealth, as they will be
two private jets to take him to his own few golf hot-branded in the hereafter with the riches they
courses in sunny, exotic places (did I hear someone accumulate.
say, “Sunny places for shady people”?). We yet These despotic chaps go about their thieving
provide him with a retinue of bodyguards at ever}’ “businesses” because the public cannot build up
stage of his travels, funded by our taxpayer dollars, enough courage to heed the call of their Prophet
who said that the best jihad is to speak against a embezzlement of billions, some of whom were
tyrant’s oppression. Tariq ibn Shihab said “A man incarcerated in an expensive hotel (by the way, it is
asked the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings improper in Islam to demarcate social classes into
be upon him, ‘What is the best jihad?’ The Prophet the “high” and “low.” I believe that the clever
said, ‘A word of truth in front of a tyrannical ruler.'” public, while stifling a snigger, may mean the
[115] euphoric opiod-use “high” when addressing these
These twenty-first-century model tyrants in aristocrats as “your highness.” Gulf princes and
Muslim countries may even get a bonus cup from their cronies have also been caught with evidence of
the event organizers for cleaning the race-track until drug mischief in some reports. [117] One has to
apparel that trail on the ground to clean the dust, to wonder if the bulbous expensive apparel functions
be shared with the tailor for stitching expensive as clever conduits to carry things across the border.
behemoths with gold frills that can trail but not trip How they can purloin vast amounts of their citizen’s
the owner (as explained earlier,the Prophet forbade wealth with such treachery is a shame to the world,
one to trail his clothes on the ground out of especially the duped Muslim populace.
arrogance). [116] These pilferers fly through the finishing line
With the recent purge of Saudi princely carrying sacks of their country’s treasury with such
“highnesses” following allegations of the cunning speed that even the normally astute
Sherlock Holmes, sitting as a spectator watching their replacement by wiser leaders and having their
the race with his friend Watson, would probably chicanery’ revealed.
exclaim, “Did you see the person cross the finishing Speaking of these potty despots, one must
line, Watson?” To which Watson, knowing that his understand that “kingship” and “aristocracy” are
astute friend would then supply information on the alien concepts to Islam, imposed upon the Muslim
minutest detail about the party’ in question, would world by its colonizers. Some of the Western
simply reply, “No, Holmes, I did not see much at colonizers may have gone, but these oil sheikhs
all. Only dust when the person crossed the finishing continue with the legacy of colonization, wanting to
line.” At which point Holmes, for the first time in keep it intact.
his career would be found scratching his head: As a Bedouin in the desert would say as he
“Neither did I, Watson. Neither did I!” watches the new oil sheikh boarding a private plane
Much of the oil wealth of the Gulf States and to go to Las Vegas to gamble only a small bit (like
Middle East countries is used by the ruling the Titanic); “If there be oil, efendi, niv ffiendi, I
autocrats to buy armaments to keep the public in bet you there be da colonizers by da dozen. Take
check, using Muslims to kill Muslims, so that their one out, and another da take da place. Dis time it be
royal and privileged dynasties can maintain their our own people.”
dictatorial rule within these families, preventing Actually, even the richer Bedouins now have
refined English accents, having accepted the legacy “Verily, every7 nation has a trial, and the trial of my
of colonization within their bosoms. Rather he nation is wealth.” [118] In Islam, the leader is
would say, “My man, Smithers—I know that is not chosen by consensus among wise elders, whose
your confounded name—but it sounds more selection is based on a person’s lead qualities,
English. You see that oligarch boarding yonder including piety7, wisdom, tact, and an ability to do
aircraft? The toff with his smart attire and justice even if it be against oneself.
cultivated English accent has a briefcase full of
greenbacks to distribute to deserving casino Harvard Law School, one of the most
personages. What ho! I know ‘What ho’ sounds prestigious law schools in the world has posted a
ridiculous in this particular context, but it does verse from the Quran (Verse 4:135) at the entrance
sound more English, so I anticipate using it until of its faculty7 library, affirming one of the greatest
greater frequency, forsooth, and perchance. Righto, statements made on justice for all time, “O ye who
niv man, Smithers?” believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to
Money corrupts and makes the head spin, and Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents,
more money makes the head spin faster, and also or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or
do cartwheels, especially in casinos. Prophet poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the
Mohammed predicted correctly when he stated, lusts (of your hearts), lest you swerve, and if you
distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily Allah countries were the first to make a stand when it
is well-acquainted with all that ye do”. The Arab came to helping the vulnerable in Bosnia, Rwanda,
autocrats would do well posting this verse on their and Yemen—they were not prepared to turn a blind
opulent castles and handing pamphlets of this verse eye to the injustices that were being perpetrated.
to their favored kindred. Maybe the chap in the The public outcry7 in non-Muslim countries rose to a
White House should get a copy? crescendo upon seeing the devastating famine in
This reminds me of the recent ethnic cleansing Yemen. The famine was man-made: very rich
in Myanmar, classified by the U.N. as a crime Muslim neighbors using weapons against the
against humanity. [119] While rich Arab states are region’s poorest Muslim brethren, killing and
fighting each other for power and wealth, members injuring thousands of civilians, often bombing
of their faith are being subjected to the worst marketplaces where thin, starving people were
atrocities imaginable. Who came to the rescue? going to buy food with their meager earnings or
Mostly, non-Muslims. No wonder I live in the West. rummaging in the garbage to find edible
We often find that when atrocities occur in throwaways.
different parts of the world, it is non-Muslims who
intervene first. Think of Germany accepting scores
of refugees from the war in Syria. Non-Muslim The copycat phenomenon
Autocrats in Muslim countries no longer need criticism: “Did you say you are hungry? Don’t you
colonizing Western powers to bend their arms in see I can no longer rent a whole hotel when I go to
order to have them do their bidding. The colonizers Vegas? I now have to rent only one floor. Don't you
have left, but their legacy remains—they are out of see I am suffering too? If you do not shut up, I will
sight but not out of mind. The colonial mindset is call the head chopper.”
entrenched in these despots who now hold sway The following scenarios, believe it or not, are
and who seek to increase their power and prestige, not entirely hypothetical. I imagine the following
trying to outdo their cousins in other neighboring conversation occurring in the desert among a few
Middle Eastern countries: “You’ve got a tall friends who arrive in limousines and BMWs
building; I will get a taller one. You have a dozen (camels are sitting idle, chewing cud). Wannabe A,
political prisoners who were demanding one of the favored princes, opens the conversation:
accountability7—I will get myself a thousand
prisoners.” Wannabe A: Despite trying to rein in
Nepotism, flagrant violations of human rights, overspending, one of my cousins bought a dinghy
and extravagant squandering of these countries’ and a hut. Here we are trying to reduce our
resources is so rampant that it has become the dependence on our oil wealth, and he is getting a
norm. These autocrats cannot tolerate any dinghy for himself. This cousin does not realize we
are all facing austerity while he is buying stuff. The to be fed. When we say there shall be no million-
people are complaining of hunger; they say they dollar handouts, they yell that it is unfair. They will
now have to pay taxes too. But my cousins are the not belt up! They are getting spoilt. They borrow
worst. They complain they are not able to throw money from the banks but do not pay it back. Many
away a ton of food after eating a few morsels. They bank managers are in the jail because they
say they only get half a ton allocated to them every' demanded repayment.
lunch, so their garbage cans remain empty—
unfulfilled, you might say. Wannabe B: These princes need to belt up.
Wannabe B: We should not have started bombing
the poor starving Yemenis, you know. With every' Wannabe A: Belt up? Literal or metaphorical?
expensive bomb, a few thousand more of our own
country folks go hungry. Wannabe B: Does it matter?

Wannabe A: Now we have to impose taxes for the Wannabe A: I guess not. I will take the literal
first time. These thousands of princes ... Are there meaning.
thousands now? ... I lost count... Anyway, all these
dozens upon dozens of princes and princesses have A month passes, and the friends are again sitting in
the desert. Camels are nowhere to be found. They They are so ungrateful. I went to meet them
are redundant because of lack of work. yesterday. You know what they said? They said,
“It’s a jail.” So, I asked them, “How can a hotel be a
Wannabe A: Efendi, my friendi, last month after jail?”
cutting rations, some princes started to cry7 out that
we were being unfair, and would not belt up. I Wannabe B: And what did they say?
found a way to belt my cousins up. The austerity7
measures imposed on the people and the princes Wannabe A: They said, “Hotel or no hotel. We
are working well, but we need better results. The can’t go out. That is what makes it a jail!” I pointed
princes have started to lose weight and are now a finger at the crowd outside who said they wanted
having to tighten their belts. My belt factory is to go to jail too. The commoners had heard that
going full swing as it is the only one in operation in nowadays one can go to a hotel instead of a jail.
the country. The government was told to issue only Many were committing petty crimes so they could
one license for a belt factory7, and of course, I got be sent to a hotel. Before I left, I told the crowd
the license. I am imposing more austerity7 measures, about the new cinema that opened up today and
so I can sell more belts. I put a couple of cousin tickets have just gone on sale. They all ran to get
princes in a classy hotel with a one-way pass: in. tickets. So, we are free from their ruckus. I ordered
the guards at the hotel to feed my cousins only until
hummus and falafel. Wannabe A: “Yes. Some friends and I have
decided to set up some magic clubs. The magic
Wannabe B: They will lose more weight. clubs will be located in foreign countries inside our
embassies. People go into these clubs—especially
Wannabe A: That is the idea. I \dsited the hotel reporters we don’t like—and they simply disappear
again yesterday and they had started to thin down. I into thin air. To make sure no government
told them I was having a “Sale” on belts and they complains about these disappearances, we have
have placed some orders. I told the guards no more placed large orders for armaments with them.
falafel for the next few months. Only hummus. I can Whether they like it or not, it should keep them
sell more belts to them when their pants slip down quiet.
once again. My belts are a special design for these
princes—each belt has only one hole, so it can only Wannabe B: You must be tired working so hard.
be tightened once. If the cousin loses weight, he has You need to relax.
to buy a new belt.
Wannabe A: I will. It has been hard work doing
Wannabe B: Clever. Any new projects coming up? all this. I have already rewarded myself. I bought a
big yacht costing only a few hundred million dollars Desert Chap: Did you bring my pince-nez?
and a chateau in France costing about the same. I
got them real cheap as you can see. These country Servant: But master, you don't need one as your
folks do not understand austerity7 like I do. eyes are perfect.

Desert Chap: Nonsense. How can I fit in and look

Opera house in the desert less conspicuous if I do not have a pince-nez? Did
One country7 even built a fancy opera house in the you bring the Italian fellow, so he can translate
desert (I am not making this up), probably because, when the Italian lady yodels?
as one chap said, “If someone has an opera house,
we should have one too.” I imagine the following Servant: No, sir. He said he cannot abide this
conversation taking place as the desert chap with a confounded heat. And by the way, it is not yodeling.
huge turban (that could have dressed a hundred The venue hosts a soprano singer. She does not
destitute folks in a poor nation) gets off his camel, yodel.
dragging his long thobe across the hot sand.
Desert Chap: Fine, fine. No need to be so peeved
about a little bit of inaccuracy. Bring that portable
air conditioner that is tied to the camel. I wonder if Then someone had an idea to build one of the
it is working because it did nothing to reduce the largest wooden dhows in the world somewhere
temperature while we were coming here. I kept it close to the desert. (Again, I am not making this up.
limning full blast, but I am still sweating. They It is there, believe me.) You may hear someone
must have sold us a dud. Bring it anyway, as we sensible in a non-Muslim country sending a general
want people to know that we too like it as cold as it email asking, “Oh! So, when is the launch date?”
is in the Alps—wherever that is. If they like it cold, If the person is lucky7, someone from the desert
we like it colder. And while you are at it, bring my may send him an email replying, “I don’t know. We
cowboy hat and the lasso that got tangled up until wanted the dhow to look something like the
the camel—and bring my ski boots, too. I want to originals we used when pearl diving. We do not
show the chaps inside we are very modern. I hope have a pearl industry anymore. The pearl divers ran
you can translate everything into Arabic, because, away into the desert to look for oil. It was just as
as you know, I don’t know a word of Italian! well, because some rich sheikhs had eaten up most
of the oysters. The rest of the oysters looked very
lonely and could not find mates, so we buried them
Wooden dhow and ostriches under millions of tons of desert sand that we
poured into the ocean to create man-made islands
called the Palm Islands. They can be seen from English chap we imported developed a strained
outer space. So now we don’t have any pearls. The shoulder when he tried to lift it. He is now trying to
camels were looking for their desert sand but since sue us, so we keep sending him to a court where
we poured it into the ocean, we had to teach them trials are conducted in Arabic.”
to swim so they can still go to see what happened to “Was he successful in suing you guys?” asks the
their desert sand. Some camels did not want to sensible person from the West.
swim, so we sent those ones to outer space so they “No,” types the desert fellow. “It has been two
could see it from there.” years now, and he is giving up and going back home
The sensible person from the non-Muslim because he can’t understand Arabic and the lawyers
country may ask a second sensible question: “For and the judges that we cleverly assign him do not
the big wooden dhow, won’t you need very big speak English. Let us not talk about law. Let us talk
oars?” about dhows. We like doing things big, so we just
“As for the oars for the dhow, yes, we made very' thought that by spending huge sums while the poor
big ones,” the desert fellow replies, typing on the starve, we could show the world that we have a
keyboard. “We could not find a man big enough to gargantuan wooden dhow. The fiberglass ones are
use the huge oars—though it is not because we too cheap and we had money lying around
didn’t try. We had made a big oar, but the big collecting desert dust. I doubt the dhow is meant
for any flood like Noah’s flood because I do not have the biggest cell phones in the world. I had
think it could float carrying animals such as an someone make me the biggest cell phone in the
ostrich. It is hard to get ostriches in the desert. We world, but the camel refused to cany it. So now I
looked everywhere for one. Darned things must am trying to bring elephants and camels together in
have buried their heads in the desert sand and so, one pen and see if I can get a baby, I plan to call an
obviously, we could not see them.” Ele-Camel that can grow big enough to cany the
“Any big projects happening in your countries?” cell phone. I wish I could see your face right now
The sensible person is typing way, happy that showing your surprise and amazement.”
ostriches could not be found. “Wow! I do not know what to say.” The sensible
“Yes. You know we like to impress people by person is chuckling at the other end. “Any other
making big things and tall things. We do this even amazing projects?”
when we see Muslims starving in different “Oh! Yes,” replies the person in the desert,
countries. No, this is not a tall tale. It is true,” types squinting at the computer screen. “Have you been
the fellow from the desert. “We have the tallest to our Art and Civilization Museum called the
building in the world. The poor Japanese and Louvre as in Paris? I guess we did not have any
Koreans are trying to make cell phones smaller, but civilization till it was discovered by mere chance in
we are smarter and we will show the world that we the Louvre by one of us while walking in France
wearing very dark sunglasses. He probably
stumbled, his glasses fell off, and he suddenly saw Aladdin’s lamp
light. Now we in the Gulf are civilized too. We paid Islam advocates that the public must obey the
a little over U.S.$500 million just for the use of the leader unless the leader strays from the principles
name. The poor in different parts of the world must of Islam. These principles are contained within the
put down their bowls of thin soup just to think Quran and the do’s and don’ts taught by the
about the terrific bargain we had made. You must Prophet during his lifetime. The problem is that the
admit we are clever, for we did not buy the Louvre masses do not read about Islam from these sources,
name for keeps. We leased it. We wanted to confuse but rely, as most people do, on emotional rhetoric
the camels when they come to see if they can spot coming from people who claim to be “scholars” of
the Louvre name a few years from now. It will be religion. The lay also want to get their daily news
gone, just like a mirage in the desert! We have been from WhatsApp and Facebook. The autocrats in
chasing mirages for so long; we thought we should Muslim-majority countries, knowing this
create the biggest mirage of them all! See how predilection of the lay, assemble sheiks and
clever we are? What a bargain, right, effendi, to get “scholars” of Islam and either cajole, coerce, or
civilized?” bribe them to give “fatwa” (Arabic for Islamic
justification) to justify their actions. and generosity7. They wore rags, but the raiment of
True scholars of Islam and Muslims would do respect from the public more than made up for the
well to heed their Prophet Mohammed who told patches on their clothes.
them that the biggest “jihad” (now that we know What would I wish for if a genie appeared while
what jihad means—it means to “strive”—in case I was rubbing Aladdin’s rusty lamp, which, if I was
someone skipped Chapter 5) is to speak up or so lucky7,1 had found thrown out from the house of
correct the tyrant when he does wrong, such as an Arab authoritarian (as he had acquired new gold
using a nation’s army to subdue its own citizens. ones with labels saying “made from parts coming
These autocrats try to impress people in the from the U.S., U.K., China, Germany, Japan, but
West, who only snigger at their antics. They flaunt definitely not the Middle East”)?
around like the “Emperor in his new clothes,” After recovering from the shock of my life
wearing expensive regalia but oblivious that they seeing a genie emerging from the lamp, I would
are actually attired in the “naked” truth of tyranny wish that these autocrats get a copy of this book so
that others can see clearly. They are a disgrace to they would know how ridiculous they look flaunting
their noble predecessors who awed people by their around like copycats. Maybe then they would know
simplicity, their fortitude in maintaining justice in that the free oil they have been given by God was to
times of difficulty, and for their intellect, wisdom, be used to serve humanity7, not kill the poorer
members of the human race. Maybe the autocrats Operation Decisive Storm
would appreciate the beautiful and merciful legacy Maybe I am wrong about copycats. They are not all
of Prophet Mohammed from which they can take copycats. I agree that the condemnation of the
lessons. Maybe then the autocrats would donate horrors in Myanmar by Arab autocrats was feeble,
large sums to help animal orphanages. Maybe then considering the extensive reports of women being
they would build hospitals in poor countries. Maybe raped, men subjected to torture and death, and
then they would not give large sums to those children being burned alive. They kept pretty7 silent,
hawkish warmongers who enrich themselves while the leaders from the West expressed outrage
producing lethal weapons that cause widespread at these obscenities. No leader in the Arab world
anarchy, death, and mayhem in the guise of really matched up to the stand taken by their
“democracy” in other nations, and in their own Western equivalents against the Myanmar regime.
countries. No copycat attitude this time. So, I was wrong.
The genie, I am certain, would be happy to carry But I can safely say that the copycats did come
out the order. If you see him on the way, please up with a unique name for the military operation
wish him “Godspeed.” against poor Yemenis—truly original and clever, a
“never been used before” title that was their very7
own. They called it “Operation Decisive Storm.” I [doomsday] when the rule will be entrusted to those
guess Bush’s “Desert Storm” mustn’t have who don’t deserve it.” [120]
registered when they picked that one. But maybe it The Apostle had clearly prophesized that prior
was “decisive”? to Judgment Day, the barefooted and poor
“Decisive” my foot—or rather, “the sandal­ shepherds of the desert would vie with each other in
wearing foot bogged down in the desert sand”—for constructing tall buildings and boast about them.
the chaps are still waging a campaign that began in [121] Imagine the starving Bedouins with tattered
1995- clothes listening to the prophesy while scanning the
The following Hadith sums up the matter miles of desert sand which cold not even support
perfectly. Abu Hurairah (one of the closest basic agriculture. Guess what? The tallest building
companions of Prophet Mohammed) reported that in the world at present is in Dubai, with
whilst the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him neighboring Gulf countries trying to outdo it. [122]
peace, was talking, a Bedouin came to him and I have a friend in the United Arab Emirates who
asked, “When will the hour [doomsday] come to owns high-rises. On one of our trips, my family and
pass?” He replied: “Wait for the hour when trust I were invited to spend some time in one of his
will be destroyed.” He asked, how it would be opulent properties on the fringes of the desert. One
destroyed, and he said: “Wait for the hour day he informed us that his father was coming to
visit the family. Where was he coming from? The population and became one with them.
desert—he is a Bedouin who preferred to stay in the You can easily see the evidence of close
desert. So, the son owns high-rises while the father intermingling in East Africa where a whole new
follows a traditional Bedouin lifestyle. One language developed, known as Swahili, from a
generation separates them—but what a contrast! mixture of Bantu and Arabic, spoken by millions of
Prophet Mohammed’s prophesy came tine—it people. You can see this in Indonesia, with the
nearly took my breath away. largest Muslim population of any country in the
world; or the Caucasus region of Russia and Bosnia
with people with blue eyes and skin the whitest of
Ultra-right and neo-fascists white going to prayer at their mosques and reciting
Unlike the Western colonialists who subjugated Arabic in prayer; or the Uyghurs of Xinjiang in
native populations and generally kept themselves China with a unique cuisine that is both Chinese
apart and avoided too much intermingling with the and Middle Eastern.
locals while stealing their resources (think Muslims generally—yes, there are certainly
Australia, Africa, North America, New Zealand, and exceptions—engaged with local peoples,
Canada), Muslims generally interacted with a local appreciating the differences in culture and race,
becoming one with them like an interwoven colorful
fabric, enriching one another. (through different countries and their colored
What is the problem with appreciating peoples) and arrives back where he started.
differences? The ultra-right or fascist-right in The neo-chap now sees the ultra-chap saying a
Europe want to barricade themselves inside a sad eulogy for the loss of someone who shared his
monoculture against what they describe as the intolerant values, and comes up from behind and
“Islamization of Europe.” But this fear-rhetoric is pats the ultra-chap on the shoulder. The ultra-chap
not based on historical fact—it is as unfounded as jumps until fright.
the “flat Earth” belief. Ultra-chap: What! You did not fall off? You are
Let an intolerant ultra-right chap give a sad alive and well and put on some weight! You look
neo-fascist (who is planning to commit suicide by nicely browned with a tan. You have grown a nice
falling off the flat Earth when he reaches the end beard. You look happy and you are more cheerful.
simply because he can no longer tolerate “others” What happened?
coming to his country7) a picnic basket with some
cheese and bread and some water. Let them both Neo-chap: I was welcomed every7 place I went.
shed farewell tears, and then the neo-fascist can Colored people fed me and shared their meager
embark on his flat-Earth journey. Imagine the meals without hesitation. We in the West have done
shock when the neo-fascist does a full circle some nasty7 things to them by devaluing their
currencies and buying precious resources at throw­ they bring this whole fagade down with them, us
away prices. It is not fair. No wonder they want to included. As Hammond Innes has cautioned, “He
come to our countries now. It is actually our doing. who lets the sea lull him into a sense of security is
I have decided to become a neo-afro-indo-multi- in very grave danger.”
chap!

The ebb-and-flow of history, with peoples and New slavery

nations dominant at one time and vulnerable at How about the subject of slavery? It was abolished,
others, is well known. No civilization remains right? You do not find the slave in tattered clothes,
dominant forever, and we must understand that if polishing shoes, and blowing colorful bubbles for
our generation is to thrive then we need to alter the little kids as your neighbor goes out with his
course before our illusory infallible ship, like the missus to play croquet now, do you?
unsinkable Titanic, starts to disappear beneath the Unfortunately, slavery is far more extensive now
waves. Like teeth, civilizations eventually crumble. (sorry to burst that bubble), if you care to know. It
We do not want to go down into the depths until is simply distance that now separates the “Master”
them: hook, line, sinker, and false dentures. We (superpower developed nations) from the “Slave”
must learn to resist the arrogant and greedy before
(underdeveloped nations). they try to mount a more robust resistance. It is
God, In His Infinite Wisdom, allocated different robbery, plain and simple.
resources to different geographical areas of this We say we hate slavery while sipping coffee and
Earth, so that we can mutually exchange goods and munching on chocolate, not realizing that we are
sendees. The powerful have no right to steal the participants in a slave trade, keeping it intact and
resources of others in different guises that they thriving—the only difference being the physical
have become so adept at conjuring up through word distance that separates master and slave. We must
play. Take for example the subjugation of the make a stand on what is a moral issue and demand
natives of South Africa, the Americas, Australia, or that our institutions act in an ethical manner in our
the establishment of puppet regimes in oil rich dealings with those over whom we have power.
countries. If the poor are exploited by our corporations, we
We artificially manipulate the currencies of must be willing to take these corporations to task
different countries so that we can buy, say, coffee and require them to be transparent in their
for our lattes, or cocoa for our smooth chocolates, business deals, explaining the “small print” to those
trading pennies for these resources, keeping the with whom they trade, so they are treated fairly.
poor in abject destitution and quickly crushing any The Prophet of Islam instructed traders to
opposition with brute force and deception in case conduct themselves with honesty7, to neither cheat
nor hoard goods or artificially increase the price of Africa, my continent of origin. I advocate on behalf
such goods. As Prophet Mohammed said, “Verily, of the poor in both places. I love and advocate for
the traders will be raised on the Day of Resurrection the protection of their natural resources and their
with the wicked except for those who fear Allah, wildlife, too. Both places have treated me and my
behave righteously, and are truthful.” [123] forebears with dignity7.
Those countries that have taken a lead and To protect and advocate for the weak and the
allowed the poor to immigrate (such as Germany), vulnerable being is our common duty. It is not a
according dignity' to these unfortunate people, will complicated science. Can we also welcome
in the long run, and despite initial hiccups, Muslims? Are they really tolerant? Let us see.
experience greater growth, prosperity, and strength Walk into any mosque today and you will find
through diversity. I am certain of that. What the rich, the poor, the black and the white all
guarantees such an outcome? The key is dignity. standing shoulder-to-shoulder praying to the One
Any person, whether a resident of France, the God. Islam is not opposed to cultural diversity (so
U.K., the U.S., Canada, Germany, or any state, long as that cultural diversity is not in direct
when accorded dignity7 will be loyal to that country7. conflict with its moral teachings). One can retain all
It is not magic. I am a Canadian citizen. I love my the essentials of a distinctive way of life and mold
country and am loyal to my country. I also love into Islam with ease. When Malcolm X visited
Mecca for Hajj, he was surprised at how people, But we were all participating in the same
seemingly different, blended with one another into ritual, displaying a spirit of unity' and
a universal brotherhood: brotherhood that my experiences in
America had led me to believe never could
Never have I witnessed such sincere exist between the white and non-white ...
hospitality7 and overwhelming spirit of true During the past eleven days here in the
brotherhood as is practiced by people of all Muslim world, I have eaten from the same
colors and races here in this ancient Holy plate, drunk from the same glass, and slept
Land, the home of Abraham, Muhammad on the same rug—while praying to the
and all the other Prophets of the Holy same God—with fellow Muslims, whose
Scriptures. For the past week, I have been eyes were the bluest of blue, whose hair
utterly speechless and spellbound by the was the blondest of blond, and whose skin
graciousness I see displayed all around me was the whitest of white. And in the words
by people of all colors ... There were tens and in the deeds of the white Muslims, I
of thousands of pilgrims, from all over the felt the same sincerity7 that I felt among the
world. They were of all colors, from blue­ black African Muslims of Nigeria, Sudan
eyed blondes to black-skinned Africans. and Ghana. IT24I
 the air, it eventually spreads and soon enough a
It has never been any different since the time of person who had kept himself hidden in a remote
Prophet Mohammed, in any mosque and in any part of Iceland is breathing it in.
part of the world. Walk into a hospital or a company When smog in France from fossil fuel burning
and, if prayer time is due, you will often find saturated the air in 2016, Paris suffered the worst
physicians, police officers, or the CEOs of air pollution in a decade. [125] They began to ban
corporations praying behind the local cleaner or the use of cars in the city7 center on certain days to
doctor, if he happens to be more knowledgeable in overcome the crisis. A BBC report of May 2018
Islam and knows more verses from the Quran. It is states that “According to a study carried out in 2016
knowledge of the Quran—and not status, wealth, or by France’s national health agency, air pollution is
race—that determines who will lead the prayer. responsible for 48,000 deaths a year across
We now see environmental crises occurring all France.” IT26I
over the world. Air pollution is an increasing The China Morning Post reports that 1 million
problem in many parts of the industrial world, a people are dying from air pollution per year and
problem that threatens to engulf us all at its current costing the economy 267 billion Yuan per year.
rate of acceleration. The Earth is a global village. [127] A report by the WHO has warned that “Air
When one country in one part of the world pollutes pollution is especially dangerous for children, and
accounts for nearly one in 10 deaths among speedboats (the little ducklings following the
children under five around the globe.” [128] mother should have been quicker), or going hunting
A tipping point, such as a nuclear disaster, a to decimate the last remaining wildlife in
meteorite strike, a major volcanic eruption, or vulnerable areas. They shrug their shoulders when
major fires in the Amazon or the Congo could easily you tell them about the damage that wre collectively
cause worldwide catastrophe: “Then watch for the cause in producing and throwing away tons of
day when the sky will bring a kind of smoke, plainly plastics into the oceans. They are the “want”
visible, smothering the people. This will be a generation.
terrible penalty. [They will say] “Our Lord, remove They want fine mahogany furniture and soft
the penalty7 from us, for we really do believe” tissue paper to wipe what they must wipe.
(Quran 44:10-12). They want the most expensive fine wooden
Despite these warnings, there will always be the coffins and to be embalmed with such materials
naysayers who won't accept the evidence. You will that, even when they die, they refuse to give back to
find them oblivious to any ominous signs as they the Earth the organic materials wiiich they greedily
continue to live as if the rest of us are making took in life: stingy to nature, even in death, caring
“much ado about nothing.” They keep themselves little about the circle of life.
busy playing golf, or going for joy rides on They w?ant finely manicured lawns which must
be kept free from insects and weeds by spraying I ask that we be true to ourselves and not
toxic chemicals which will then seep into their encumber ourselves until prejudice, bigotry, and
drinking water, and then drink that same water. intolerance. There is much good that is hidden like
They are ever heedless of every warning. pearls within all of us, without exception: we just
They? Think again. need to pry open the shells.
God is aware of those who dispute, despite Sometimes all we need is a slight nudge or a
warnings and lessons: “We have given various reminder to take stock of where we are headed and
examples in this Quran for people to learn a lesson, we may still be able to shine with remarkable
but the human being is the most contentious beauty. We are a single humanity, and this fact
creature" (Quran 18:54). alone should be enough to unite our divided hearts.
At this point, some authors would draw a Our busy lives have made us oblivious to each other
conclusion, or an impact statement of sorts. They and the world around us. Like sheep rushing
may use a few words, carefully considered, that headlong en masse to a precipitous cliff, we are
would motivate the reader towards an objective. being pulled in a direction often not of our
Some would ask a question that would cause choosing. We should veer a little bit (if I say left or
introspection or reflection. I guess I have already right, I may sound political) to the side, or stop and
begun that process. try to go back—back to the beauty of nature that
was ours. advocate, a human rights advocate, and an animal
Living busy lives, many of us do not reflect rights advocate into the same room and sit them at
deeply enough on the tine wealth in our midst. the conference table. Let the environmentalist
Humans are an odd bunch; we find something that speak. Soon you will hear some loud banging at the
exists in plentiful numbers and then we damage table: it is the human rights guy demanding equal
it—say, pristine waters or healthy forests— or kill it attention. Wait a bit more, and soon there is more
—say, the bison or rhinos—and then scramble to banging. You will not have to draw lots to see who
save the remaining vestiges before the destruction the third chap is.
is absolute. There is a tendency for humans to move from
Prophet Mohammed was a pragmatist. He knew one event to another and blow it out of proportion
the balanced approach to global environmentalism; in relation to others, and then relegate it to the back
one cannot negate global human rights and animal pages soon after. There was the “me-too”
rights when promulgating for the environment as movement not too long ago that dominated the
they are all inherently tied together. His legacy are headlines for some time because we recognized that
lessons for us. You cannot have environmental the protection of the vulnerable—though the rich
rights without human rights, and if you want to test and powerful thought would remain untouchable—
this theory, simply bring an environmental rights deserved our attention. The “me-too” movement
needs our constant vigilance. greed.”
Environmental abuse and human rights abuse Once we were richer, much environmentally
anywhere is abuse everywhere. Environmental richer, if you think about the pristine state the
abuse, for example, the increase in deforestation in Earth was in a few centuries ago. We have been
Brazil is human rights abuse (and animal rights steadily losing tine environmental wealth. We are
abuse) everywhere. This is because the earths lungs not only physically poorer, we are also emotionally
provide oxygen not only to Brazil but provides discontent. Most of us have enough food for the
oxygen to us all, including Bolsonaro, unless he next day, but did you know that there are 795
wants to breathe something other than oxygen. million people on the planet who suffer from
Kudos to Leonardo DiCaprio and Greta Thunberg chronic hunger, according to the United Nations
for bringing the spotlight on the Amazon forest. World Food Program? [129]
Let us step back for a moment and take stock of As Prophet Mohammed stated, “If the son of
our obligations towards all life and towards the Adam had a valley full of gold, he would want to
Earth. The plunder and ravage we inflict upon the have two valleys. Nothing fills his mouth but the
Earth and the environment are not sustainable. dust of the grave, yet God will relent to whoever
Mahatma Gandhi said, “Earth provides enough to repents to him.” [130]
satisfy every man’s needs, but not every' man’s The world has its poor wishing, envying, or
striving to get what the rich have—and the rich we are connected to nature. Evidence-based
constantly clamoring for more. Prophet scientific studies conducted to produce “before” and
Mohammed spoke the truth when he said, “Riches “after” measurements of forest bathing showed a
are not from an abundance of worldly goods but significant reduction in pulse rate and in the scores
from a contented mind.” [131] for depression, fatigue, anxiety, and confusion; and
We were rich with pristine waters; clean air; a marked increase in the score for vigor. Those who
good soil enriched by organic nutrients; engaged in forest bathing also had a marked
unadulterated food; a mostly vegetarian diet to decrease in the levels of the stress hormone cortisol
sustain healthy living; and an active lifestyle that with an increase in “happy hormones” and immune
did not involve the car. cells. [132] We now also have a better
“Rich living” does not mean materially-endowed understanding of the benefits of drinking pure
lives—as many of us now appreciate. We now water, of eating organic foods (unadulterated by
realize the value of forest bathing, known in pesticides and hormones), of eating more
Japanese as “Shinrin-Yoku.” We now know that vegetables to sustain a healthy gut, and of walking
plants release phytoncides that have significant and daily exercise.
health benefits for those who walk or spend time in We are trying to circle back, but even as we
forests, once again demonstrating how intimately make the attempt, our minds are bombarded with
images on screens to forever make us discontent. Contentment and true wealth lie in the contentment
We need to accept that not all of us will have what of the heart. You and I probably have many things
others may have (though nobody will have all that others do not have: eyes that can still see; ears that
they desire): maybe a melodious voice; maybe a can still detect sound; legs that have not been
strong physique; skin that looks young and hair amputated.
that is thick and shining; or that cheerful positive We are “naturally” rich, but due to discontent
attitude to life we occasionally witness someone and the clamor for more, we are increasingly
experiencing (who may well have little in terms of becoming emotionally poor and dissatisfied wrecks:
material wealth). No one wins all the gold medals at humanity7 unhappy until itself. Dissatisfaction
the Olympic Games. appears to be clinging to us like huge hungry
Again, Prophet Mohammed provides a leeches that drain us of the wholesome blood of
prescription for this pervasive discontent. If we see contentment. Many seem or are made to think that
someone possessing greater wealth or beauty7, we the solution is to ravage the Earth and quickly
should consider those who have fewer of those extract its entire lifeblood which was meant to
attributes we might desire. [133] sustain us for millions of years.
We need to learn to be grateful for the things we Our politicians will say they are here to serve us.
have, and put aside envy of those who have more. “Water, is it? And so, they shall have it,” pointing to
fluorescent greenish-blue waters with the last You would be wrong.
bloated fish floating upside down in the toxic
mixture. “There, your grandchildren can quench
their thirst from that water there. Who said we steal The Earth
waters from the mouth of babies?” They are busy If the Earth could speak, it would still try to reason,
appeasing the masses for votes, and the masses are “You extract drops of dirty oil from Tar Sands in
voting to keep them in. As if the politicians have the Utah and Alberta—literally the most damaging
power to wave magic wands on our behalf that will industrial practice to the environment, ever—while
reverse all the damage done to the environment, polluting fresh water, good land, and clean air on a
wands that can force nature to keep providing, for massive scale. The oil wall be burnt, the good land
greed, forever. and pristine waters will be lost, and more pollutants
If one is already standing in green paradise, and will spew into the air. You are creating an
a blind politician is pointing at the desert, inhabitable desert.”
promising, “greener grass up ahead,” does one have “What? What desert? If that is true, it’s still a bit
to close one’s eyes to mimic the politician and rush far,” you would hear the nonchalant quip, ignoring
headlong? You would think the answer to any sane the symbolism, looking at the toxic pond with toxic
mind would be obvious.
spillage from industrial waste: a wet desert. The Earth ignores the question, for the answer
The Earth persists, for the sake of its should have been obvious. “The UN predicts that
inhabitants, “You cut down large swathes of old one million species will become extinct within a few
forests in the Amazon, Congo, and Indonesia. You decades. [134] Do you really have time to think
want palm oil, hardwood furniture, and ultra-soft about all this before you make drastic changes in
tissue paper to wipe what you must wipe. You want the way you live?”
plastics galore. You know this type of extravagant A few decades pass.
and ultra-soft lifestyle is unsustainable. You need to The nonchalant person is no longer shrugging
think of sustainable and renewable resources.” his shoulders when he hears of environmental
“We are not worried. We do not need to increase disasters that are spreading and approaching ever
investment in renewable sources of energy at the closer. Politicians have gone into hiding. The
moment. We can wait a bit more, can’t we? Oil is aftermath of nuclear disaster has made the air toxic.
much cheaper and more convenient,” the He thinks back to when he used to say politicians
nonchalant person states, and then, as an were smart enough not to engage in nuclear war
afterthought, he poses a brilliant question. “Is there and that deterrence by amassing more weapons was
some source of air or water that comes from space, enough. He should never have trusted them. There
or is the air or water we have, finite?” is universal food shortage. Most low-lying cities are
under water. There are many forest fires and the air Then he looks through the window and sees
thick with smoke. Disease is widespread. them approaching in the smoky haze. His eyes open
Civilization, as he knew it, is convulsing in the wide, his stomach cramps into a tight knot, there is
throes of death in the aftermath of carnage. All this an ominous shrill sound in his head, and he can
because he was too busy mocking. hear his heart pounding, making dull thuds in his
He was busy mocking environmentalists ears. Anarchy. Starving mobs with pitchforks,
because he thought they were merely alarmists who machetes, and guns are pillaging the neighborhood.
had too much time on their hands. For too long he A month ago, it was a nearby village. There is a
thought these were temporary nightmares one scream next door.
always wakes up from, back to reality, back to a He has not yet heard the Earth speak, for the
pristine, green, wholesome environment. Havoc Earth has been quiet for some time, haying been
happened elsewhere. This other reality of unable to change the behavior of humans. Even
devastation has been the true new reality for years through the dull thuds of his heart, he is able to
now, but it happened in other places, though it had hear the ravaged Earth speak clearly. The Earth
been getting closer. Today, some kind of an speaks for the last time, before it permanently stops
ominous feeling is in the air, and he tries to put a engaging the human species in conversation.
finger to what must be bringing it on. Earth: “Sorry, can’t go back to what life used to
be. The damage is irretrievable. The waters are Is there any good news in all this? Yes, fortunately,
toxic. The air you breathe is toxic. Ecosystems there is, if we take stock quickly enough. Sad
cannot be revived because there are toxins though the state of affairs, we are optimists. We
everywhere. Millions of species are extinct. Didn't have to be. Despair is not going to overwhelm us.
you realize that extinction is permanent? You left Despair would breed apathy, making it hard to take
all that was good, wholesome, healthy, and until a step forward. We can start by using the human
ecosystems working in amazing harmony, to get intellect to drastically alter our wasteful lifestyles,
here. Without food, water, and the ability to stop and even reverse the damage being inflicted on
breathe, did you not think anarchy and chaos would ourselves, the animals who inhabit this planet, and
result? Now, please enjoy what your collective the environment.
hands have wrought.” How can one sum up—in one short sentence—
our absolute optimism and obligation to do our
utmost to care for this Earth—to never lose hope—
Oo even though things may look so bleak, so
overwhelming, and so calamitous?
A profound sentence—one sentence—that sums
it all up? A twenty-first-century-type statement,
now that we have finally woken up and realized that
we are part and parcel of the circle of life—plants,
earth, air, water, animals, ourselves—the whole
caboodle?
How about, “If the Final Hour [Doomsday]
comes while you have a palm-cutting in your hands
and it is possible to plant it before the Hour comes,
you should plant it.” That about sums it up, until
astonishing clarity: our unfailing duty' and our
optimism for our Earth. It is a startling message.
You know who said that? It was said 1,400 years Oo
ago by an orphan from the desert. His name was
Prophet Mohammed. He was an environmentalist
par excellence, a human and animal rights activist.
 https://knowingthetruth.wordpress.com/tag/3-course-
meal/">https://knowingthetruth.wordpress.com/tag/3-course-
meal/; https://en.wikipedia.org
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 [Aajnimal [Rr]ights 1, 2, 3,4, 5,
Index 6,7, 8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,
17, 18,19, 20, 21, 22

[Aajtheism 1, 2

[Aajboriginals 1, 2, 3 [Bb]eaver 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7

[Aajctivism 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6 [Bb]ison 1, 2, 3,4

[Aajlchemy 1 [Bbjolsonaro 1

[Aajlcohol 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6,7, 8, 9, [Bbjulls 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6,7, 8,9,10,

10 11

[Aajlgebra 1, 2 [Ccjaliph 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,7, 8,9,

10,11,12
[Aajlgorithm 1
[Cc]ats 1, 2,3,4, 5, 6,7,8
[Ccjaucasus 1, 2, 3 10,11,12,13,14

[Cc]ircle of life 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8 [Ee]mbryology 1, 2, 3,4

[Ccjommon sense 1, 2, 3,4 [Eejmpathy 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6,7, 8, 9,

10,11,12
[Ccjonfirmation bias 1, 2
[Ee]ntropy 1, 2,3
[Ccjrusades 1, 2
[Eejnvironmental rights 1, 2, 3,4,
[Ddjaesh 1, 2 5,6
[Dd]alit 1, 2, 3,4 [Eejvolution 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6,7, 8,
[Ddjolphins 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 9, IQ, 11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,
19., 20
[Ddjrones 1, 2, 3
[Ffjrogi, 2,3
[Eejlephant 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6,7, 8, 9,
[Ffjruit fly 1
[Ggjenie 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6,7, 8 [Hhjoney 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6,7, 8,9,
IQ,11,12,13
[Ggjiraffe 1, 2, 3
[Hhjuman rights 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6,7,
[Hhjadith 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6,7, 8, .9, 8,9. IQ, n, 12,13,14,15
IQ, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, IQ,
20, 21, 22, 23, 2.4, 25, 26, 27, 28, [Hhjuimningbird 1
29,30
[Iijndustrial [Rrjevolution 1
[Hhjaffidh 1, 2, 3
[Iijnfectious disease 1, 2, 3
[Hhjeaven 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6,7, 8,9,
io, 11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19, [Iijnterstitium 1, 2, 3
20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28
[Iijslamophobia 1, 2
[Hhjell 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6,7, 8, 9
[Iijvory 1, 2, 3,4, 5,6,7
[Hhjolocaust 1, 2
[Kkjaaba 1, 2, 3
[Kkjahve 1, 2 [Mmjacho 1, 2, 3,4,5

[Kkjasparov 1, 2 [Mmjanuka 1, 2

[Kkjiyas 1 [Mmjelanin 1, 2, 3

[Lljion 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6,7, 8, 9,10, [Mmjimic [Oojctopus 1, 2

11, 12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19, 20,
21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, [Mmjocha 1
30,31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 3.7, 38, [Mm]osque 1, 2, 3,4,5, 6,7, 8,9,
39,40,41,42,43, 44,45,46,47,
12,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,
48,49, 50, 51,52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 20, 21, 22
57, 53,59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65,
66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72,73, 74, [Mmjughal 1
75,7_6, .77
[Mmjuwatta 1, 2
[Mmjaasai 1, 2, 3,4
[Nn] euroscience 1
[Nnjucleari, 2, 3,4,5 [Ppjolar bear 1,2

[Oopera [Hhjouse 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, [Ppjopcorn 1, 2, 3,4, 5

7, 8, .9, 10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,
18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, [Ppjorki, 2, 3,4
27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35,
[Qqjuarantine 1, 2
36, 37, 38, 3.9, -40,41, .42,43,44,
45,46,47,48, 49 [Rrjhino horns 1, 2

[Ppjaradise 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6 [Ssjabun 1

[Pp]ig 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6,7, 8, 9,10, [Ss] aladin 1, 2, 3,4

11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18
[Ssjaqq 1, 2
[Ppjlague 1, 2, 3
[Ssjhaman 1, 2, 3,4
[Ppjodiatric [Mmjedicine 1, 2, 3
[Ssjhariah 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6,7, 8,9,
10, 11, 12 8, 9, io, 11, 12,13, U, 15,16

[Ssjiwak 1 [Vv]irgin [Bbjirth 1

[Ss]lavery 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6,7, 8 [Ww]orld [Bb]ank 1, 2

[Ssjmog 1, 2,3,4, 5,6 [Zz]akat 1, 2,3

[Ssjmoke 1, 2,3,4, 5, 6,7,8 [Zz]iryab 1, 2

[Tt]allest [Bbjuilding 1, 2

[Tt]ar [Ss]ands 1, 2, 3
Abraham 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9,
[Ttjen [Ccjommandments 1
IQ,11,12,13
[Ttjhe [LI]eft 1, 2
Abraham Joshua Heschel 1
[Ttjhe [Rrjight 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6,7,
Abraham Lincoln 1, 2, 3
Abraham Maslow 1 Alberta 1

Abu Bakar 1 Alexandre Bissonnette 1

Abu Hurairah 1, 2, 3 Amazon 1, 2, 3, 4

Abu Sufyaan 1, 2 America 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6,7, 8,9,10,

11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, IQ, 20,
Adam 1, 2, 3, 4 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26

All Anatomists 1, 2
Aisha 1, 2, 3 Angel Gabriel 1
Al Shabab 1 Angela Merkel 1
Al-Zahrawi 1 Anglo-Saxon 1>
Albert Einstein 1 Anthropomorphize 1
APPA1 AVMA1

Apps 1

Arabic 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6,7, 8, .9,10,

11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19, 20, Balkans 1, 2
21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29,
30,31. 32,33. 34, 35 Battle of Badr 1

Aramaic 1, 2 BBC 1, 2, 3,4

Archangel Gabriel 1, 2 Bedouin 1, 2,3,4,5, 6, 7

Astronomy 1, 2 Bible 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6,7, 8,9,10,11,

12,13,14,15,16,17.18
ATCC1
Big Bang Theory 1, 2
Australia 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6,7, 8,9,
10,11,12,13,14.15.16,17 Bilal [Iijbn Rabah 1
 Blackfish 1, 2 21, 22, 23

Bob Hunter 1 Catholic 1, 2

Boko Haram 1 CBC 1, 2, 3

Bosnia 1, 2, 3,4, 5 China 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6,7, 8,9,10,

11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18
Brazil 1
Christ 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6,7, 8,9, 10,
Bukhari 1, 2, 3,4, 5
11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19, 20,
21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29
Byzantine Empire 1
Christians 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6,7, 8,9,

c io, 11,12,13,14,15,16

Church of the Holy Sepulchre 1

Canada 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6,7, 8, 9, 10,
11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19, 20, CITES 1
Colistin 1 D
Columbus 1
David Suzuki 1
Confucius 1, 2
Deep Blue 1, 2, 3
Constantinople 1
Dr. E. Marshall Johnson 1
Cordoba 1, 2
Dr. Keith Moore 1, 2
Covid-19 1, 2, 3
Dubai 1
Craig Considine 1, 2

CTC1 E
Cuba 1 Egypt 1,2,3,4,5

Ellie Weisel 1
 Empire of Faith 1 First Nation 1

England 1, 2, 3,4 First World War 1

Europe 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,7, 8,9,10, Fort Knox 1

11,12,13
Friends of the Earth 1
Eve 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,7, 8,9,10,11,
12,13, 14, 15,16,17,18,19, 20, 21,
22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, G
31, 32, 33, 3.4, 35, 36, 37
Gary' Miller 1

Geneva Convention 1
F
George Bernard Shaw 1, 2
FBI 1
George Orwell 1
Fezi, 2,3
George Washington 1 Great Famine 1

Germany 1, 2, 3,4,5, 6,7, 8 Greek philosophy 1

God 2, 3,4, 5, 6,7, 8, .9, 10,11,12, Greenpeace 1, 2

13, 14, 15,16,17,18,19, 20, 21,
22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, Greta Thunberg 1
31, 32, 33- 34, 35, 36,37,38, 39,
42, 41, 42,43,44, 45,46,47,48,
49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56,57,
58,59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, Hammond Innes 1
67, 68, 69, .70,71, 72,73, 74,75,
.76, .77, .78,79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, Harvard Law School 1
85, 86, 87, 88, 89,90,91,92,93,
Harvey Weinstein 1
.94,95, 96, .97, .98, 99,120,101,
102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108,
Hitler 1
I Ishmael 1

Islamic Law 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
I CONO 1, 2

ICSR1

IMF 1,2
Jacinda Ardern 1
India 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9
Jacob 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9,10,
Inuit 1, 2 11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19, 20,
21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29,
Iraq 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7
3O> 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 3£, 3.7
Ireland 1 Japan 1, 2, 3,4, 5
Isaac 1, 2, 3,4 Jerusalem 1, 2
Isaac Newton 1, 2, 3 Jesus 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6,7, 8,9,10, 11,
 12,13, U, 15,16,17,18,19, 20, 21 KKK1, 2

Jews 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,7, 8
L
Jibreel 1, 2, 3
Leo Tolstoy 1
Jihad 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Leonardo DiCaprio 1
Jody Williams 1
Libya 1, 2
John Perkins 1, 2, 3
Louvre 1
Joseph Campbell 1

Josh Radnor 1
M
Madame Louise Arbour 1
K
Malcolm X 1, 2, 3
Manitoulin Island 1 Memorial Park 1

Mark Twain 1 Mennonite 1

Martha 1, 2, 3 Michael H. Hart 1, 2

Martin Luther King Jr. 1, 2 Mine Ban Treaty 1

Mary 1, 2,3, 4, 5, 6,7, 8,9,10,11, Moses 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6,7, 8

12,13, 14, 15,16,17,18,19, 20, 21,
22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, Mother Teresa 1
31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 3.9’ Musa 1
40, 41, 42,43’ 44, 45,46,47,48,
4.9, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 Mussolini 1

MDR1, 2 Myanmar 1, 2, 3

Mecca 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9,10

N North Korea 1, 2, 3

Nagasaki 1
o
NASA1
Oklahoma City 1
National Geographic 1
Optics 1, 2, 3
Nelson Mandela 1
Oscars 1
Nepal 1, 2
Ottoman 1, 2
New Testament 1

New Zealand 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6,7, 8 p

Newsweek 1, 2 Panama Papers 1

Nobel Prize 1, 2 Paul Kennedy 1

Paul Watson 1 53, 54., 55, 52, 57, 58, 59, 22,61,
62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70,
PBSi
.71,72,73,74,75, .72, .77,7-8,79,
80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88,
PETA1
89, .92, .91, .92,93, 94,9.5, .92, .97,
Pinocchio 1, 2 98, 9.9,100,101,102,103,104.
105,106,107,108,109.
Pol Pot 1
Ptolemy 1, 2
Pope John Paul II1

Prophet Mohammed 1,2, 3,4, 5,

2, .7, 8, 9, 10,11,12,13,14,15,16,
Q
17,18,19,20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, Quebec 1, 2, 3,4
26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34,
Quran 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, .7, 8,9,10,
35.32, 37, 38, 3.9., 42,41, 42, 43,
4_4,45, 42,47,48,49, 52,51, 52, 11,12,13,14,15,12,17,18,19,22,
21,22,23,24,25,22,27,28, 29,
32,31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36,37, 36, R
39,42,41,42,43,44,45,46,47,
46,49, 52, 51, 54, 53, 54,55, 56, Reverend Bosworth Smith 1
57, 56, 59, 62, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65,
66.67.66.69.. 72, 71,72, .73, .74, Ringling Brothers 1
75, .76, .77,.76, 79,60, 81,82, 83,
Rohingya 1, 2
64,65,66,67,66,69, .92,91,92,
93, .94, .95, .96, .97, 96, .99,122, Roman Colosseum 1
101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107,
108, lOQ, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, Roman Empire 1, 2
115, 116, 117, 118, 11Q, 120, 121,
Ronald Orenstein 1
122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128,
129., 130,13I, 132, 133, 134.,135, Russia 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8
136,13.7’ 138, lag, M-Q, Ml, 142,
M3 Rwanda 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6
s Standing Rock 1, 2

Stephen Paddock 1
Saskatchewan 1, 2
Stouffville 1
Saudi Arabia 1, 2, 3,4,5

Science North 1 Sudbury 1,2, 3,4,5,6,7, 8, Q, 10,

11,12,13
Second World War 1, 2
Swahili 1
Serengeti 1
Sweden 1, 2
Shashi Tharoor 1

Sherlock Holmes 1, 2, 3, 4 T
Shinrin-Yoku 1 Tanzania 1, 2

Spanish Inquisition 1, 2, 3,4 The Amazing Quran 1

Thomas Carlyle 1 u
Timmins 1
U.K. 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Timothy McVeigh 1
Umm Amara 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Tirmidhi 1
Ummayad 1
Titanic 1, 2, 3,4
UN 1, 2, 3,4, 5
Torah 1, 2, 3,4
UNESCO 1
Toronto 1, 2, 3, 4
Untainted Press 1, 2
Tsarist Russia 1
Uthman Ibn Affan 1
Turkey 1, 2, 3,4, 5,6
Uyghurs 1, 2, 3,4.
V Yulin Festival 1

Vatican 1

w Zului, 2,3

William Montgomery Watt 1, 2

Winston Churchill 1

WWF1

Y
Yemen 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, .9, 10,
11