Excerpt from an Interview with Dawood Salmon Al Essa.
(Arab Times 11th May 2009)
Q: Religion is fundamentally about beliefs, which differ from person to person. As beliefs are not supposed to be imposed on anyone, don’t you think those who want to live life the way they want to must be given the right to do so? Take for example segregation in universities; those who want to send their children to unisex schools must have an option, and likewise those who want to send their children to coed schools must also be given a choice. Isn’t that a fair deal?
A: We have a clearl scripture sent by God to us. And we have in our midst scholars who can explain that to us. The prophet said that he has taught us everything that takes us close to God, and forbidden us from all that which takes us away from God. It’s easy and simple.
Q: No, what I am asking is that when Islam is clear on issues of Halal and Haram, does it say that these should be enforced on people, irrespective of what they believe?
A: No. Islam does not force people to accept Islam. It just invites people to its fold. If you are not a Muslim you can’t stay in an Islamic country, until you have a contract with the government that you will not spread your beliefs and practices in the society. You can live by your beliefs personally, but it should not be made public. Yes, non-Muslims have rights, but it should not in any way cross the limits set my Islam. For example, if a woman decides to wear minis and walk in the street, then she will be forced to cover herself more modestly. But she can do so in her home.Good and evil have been clearly demarcated in Islam, and evil must be stopped while good has to be encouraged.
Q: But in very orthodox countries, I heard that people of other faiths are not even allowed to practice their religion. Is that justified by Islam?
A: That’s what I said. If you practice your religion, other than Islam, then it’s seen as corrupting the society.
Q: How does it affect the society if a person of a different faith reads his scripture or worships his god?A: From an Islamic point of view, the meanest of all deeds is the worship of a deity other than the one true God. So, when a man practices his faith openly, he could cast a negative influence on Muslims who may not be well versed in Islam, and they in their ignorance might take to this false worship. That can affect them. A Muslim is a Muslim whether he is knowledgeable in religion or not. But when you are not a Muslim and practice a different faith, you can have a negative influence on those Muslims who are not very knowledgeable. If these create problems for non-Muslims, then they are free to go to their country and practice their faith.
Q: But can’t you practice your faith privately?
A: That’s okay. Because then it’s only between you and God. But you can’t come out on the street flourishing a cross and preaching your religion. Such acts are prohibited in Saudi Arabia. Though Kuwaiti law does not prohibit this, it is prohibited in the religion.In Kuwait, they permit people to do whatever they want. This can affect Muslims. But, Muslims here are well grounded in religion and live the correct life. Alhamdulillah.
Q: Coming from a country like India, I enjoy complete religious freedom. India is a secular nation, but more than 80 percent of its population of a billion are Hindus. Yet, I have the right to practice and preach my religion there. So is the case with most modern nations. Don’t you think in an increasingly interdependent world we have to be more tolerant of each other’s faith, at least to be fair to those people who give us freedom to practice our faith in their countries?
A: We have to be allowed to follow our religion wherever we are because Islam is the true religion of God. There is no room for formalities and niceties here. Our prophet (PBUH) is the last prophet and everyone has to believe in him. It’s more a question of right and wrong, and not about diplomacy. Would you allow foreigners to indulge in corruption in your country, just because their countries have treated you well? It’s similar to that. If a country doesn’t allow you to practice Islam then a Muslim shouldn’t go to that country.It’s on this basis, that some scholars say that Sharia does not allow a Muslim to go to non-Muslim lands.
Q: But as a person who has traveled a lot, you have enjoyed religious freedom in countries like the US. Now when a person from America comes here, don’t you think it’s a basic courtesy that we give our guests at least the same treatment that they offered us, if not better?
A: No. As I said, this is not about courtesy. The situation is more serious. It’s about truth and about salvation in the hereafter.
Q: I heard a Hadith that the Prophet (PBUH) once received a non-Muslim delegation and permitted them to conduct their prayers in the mosque. Is that correct?
A: I didn’t hear anything like that. I don’t think this is authentic Hadith.
Actually this man is very consistent in his beliefs and views and I truly respect him for that. However I cannot help wonder what this would mean for the many residents of Kuwait who do practice another religion. There is for example a native Kuwaiti Christian community - how would sharia' law affect them? What do you think?
