I have some questions and could use your honest insights. Many mosques have been implicated in recent years in the dissemination of extremist political ideologies. Some like the EDL rest their case against all Islam on the claim that among Muslims extreme politics are endemic. I point out extremist ideologies are endemic among football hooligans and that going to mosque is not a political statement, but that doesn't actually confront what might be a moot point. How much is politics a totem of your mosque? Is it common to hear sermons about politics in mosques in the UK? What is the dominant gist and what space is there for disagreement?
I thank you.
Throughout my life i've been to many masjids yet i have heard very little if any talks about politics etc. IMO opinion it's the lack of it that worries me.
Lets reunite the ummah under one flag LA ILAHA IL ALLAH MUHAMMADUR RASULULLAH
Why's that?
"Verily, in the remembrance of Allah, do hearts find rest"
Generally I would suspect that the more extreme stuff is taught outside the mosque, where it can be less examined by others, while the mosque will be open to any comers and thus people could kick up a fuss.
There is politics involved, but its more a local politics thing, where the "pillars" of the mosque may be older people who also are involved in the local politics.
The mosque I go to could not even organise its own coaches to the stop the war marches a few years ago - they would hitch a lift through the socialist worker, who were more than willing to try and convince the people on the coaches about their views.
"For too long, we have been a passively tolerant society, saying to our citizens 'as long as you obey the law, we will leave you alone'" - David Cameron, UK Prime Minister. 13 May 2015.
It looks from the answers like politics is kept out of the main services, which makes sense anyway, but I am unclear on whether the assertion that Muslim communities preach politics can be denied.
The marches don't represent extremism, save that of the SWP - but it does represent political mobilisation of mosques, in this case abetted by the SWP. What I am wondering is how much the underlying ethos of a mosque is or allows for open or tacit support for extremism. I'm asking as an intermediary really, and to know what's what, and in good faith, and because extremism was recently discussed and is well understood here.
politics with a small p most of the time in my experience.
most Political khutabah (friday sermons) i've heard were at london school of economics when i used to go (not to the uni, just to the friday prayers when i worked nearby).
i believe LSE has been highlighted as a 'hotbed' of 'extremism' or something like this... but i have to say it was more about the importance of engaging in politics and getting our voices heard, rather than 'inciting' (which is a word i've only heard in the last few years, and only in relation to speeches made by Muslims... not sure quite it would ever be possible to 'incite' someone, or if it is what that would mean)
in mosques, it seems that when the DO try to tackle politics, it just displays how out-of-touch or clueless (and i should add 'harmless') the imams tend to be.
how about synagogues? is Politics (or politics) ever/frequently/rarely mention in (im not sure if u have) sermons (or the equivalent)?
and if so, is it mainly/always in relation to Israel/Palestine?
if not, what is the main topics dealt with? Because thats the stereotype that is presented about judaism.
thanks
Don't just do something! Stand there.
Erm why the emphasis on the capitalisation of the word? What's the difference? :S :oops:
"How many people find fault in what they're reading and the fault is in their own understanding" Al Mutanabbi
http://www.insiderspolitics.com/politics-are-you-a-small-or-big-p/
Don't just do something! Stand there.
Well IMO opinion it would be a means of educating alot of the young muslims of today. Alot of young muslims are witnessing injustiices taking place against their fellow muslims and naturally they want to take action against it.
Now instead of turning to an 'extremist' group because they're the only ones who they see addressing the issues they should be able to find guidance in the masjids. I just think Masjids should be more active within the communities and and be a part of changing the world for the better. As opposed to staying quiet an not being involved in what is happening around them.
Lets reunite the ummah under one flag LA ILAHA IL ALLAH MUHAMMADUR RASULULLAH
Everyone thanks very much for the thoughtful feedback.
Foysol89 the issue with that is that many of the injustices you refer to are committed by Muslims, and so if there is a strong element that agrees with you it will amount to Muslims whose focus is exclusively on the culpability of non-Muslims in select conflicts, and whose own culpability in those or other conflicts is not considered. In other words surely the right thing for religious bodies to do is to promote a religious and charitable way of life despite, apart from and in contrast to politics and corruption.
Generally not, although if a major world event has occurred it will of course or most likely get a mention in the context of shock or charity.
The overwhelming focus of Judaism is law and prayer from the Torah and Talmud, acquiring habits that make the world Godly, but we consider ourselves a tribe and we are conscious of our community and its histories. There is a support for Israel in most congregations and many in their discussions and fundraisers will give to or have time for Magen David Adom or a similar charity. There is no organisation pushing for violent activism. It would be fair to say there is general support for the serving IDF even if there is intense disagreement over Israeli policies.
Jewish learning is entirely about the commentaries on observance of Jewish law and understanding of the Torah, and for the mainstream synagogues (numerous chasidic groups may have all kinds of opinions) it would be a brave rabbi who called on Torah to advance a political view. He is much more likely to be discussing the height of a Succah or the baking time for Matzot. But Israel is the only Jewish country, and most of us have numerous friends and relations there and have visited, so naturally it is of major importance. I don't know what you mean about the stereotype tbh.
i'm not sure what i meant either! Maybe that synagogues incite (sic) violence against palestinians or the like...
But to be honest, from what you've said, it seems mosques are pretty much on the same wavelength as synagogues in what/how they deal with things.
politics is/are changing, and we (as people of faith) are both concerned with an Unchanging Reality (God/Allah/Yahweh), we worship the same god as you do.
So I guess we're pretty similar; the precise details of what is said in a mosque or synagogue would be different, but the overall message might be the same.
Politicking (on both sides) must go on behind closed doors rather than under large domes.
EDIT: except of course for the tribalism thing. That is expressly forbidden in Islam, it is supposed to be universal and for all people. But I'm sure you knew that.
Don't just do something! Stand there.