There is a general perception that Islam is not a very tolerant religion. We often hear that countries that are predominantly Muslim sometimes persecute religious minorities...
…I would say that Islam, as practiced and "used" by radical leaders, is not tolerant. In fact, in some so-called Islamic countries, it is not only non-Muslim minority groups who are persecuted; Shia or Ahmadis are also persecuted. In Iraq, for example, although the Shiites are a majority, they are persecuted with minority groups. The problem is not with Islam and the true teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The problem with human (mis) interpretations and subsequent actions to suit the political motivations or economic objectives of the parties in power. This kind of persecution is more related to political tactics to obtain or maintain power.
Course, there is also the "hatred" for other religions, rooted in bigotry. And we know all that fanaticism continues to exist because carry ignorance. Muslims who believe that non-Muslims deserve no respect or compassion are the example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). In fact, he taught that Christian and Jewish tribes who accepted Islamic law should be allowed to worship in their own way and to live according to their own laws.
In any discussion about Islam, the issue of women always arises. Many people think that Muslim women have a status less than men and they are generally oppressed by men (either by their husbands or fathers, brothers, uncles, etc.). What is your opinion?
Let us be clear on this subject: a woman in Islam is not less than a man. There are so many verses of the Koran and the teachings that indicate that God (Allah) both in a large part considers the same way. Islam emphasizes distinct roles and responsibilities for women and men based on their natural characteristics and opportunities. for example, the task of fostering children will naturally to women who carry and give birth to them, whereas the responsibility of men consists in providing the material means for the survival of the family. But this does not mean that a woman may not be economically active; in fact, it should be noted is that, if a woman has its own source of income, it is not the obligation to spend for his family. Now, that would be foolish enough to think or to say that one of these roles is upper or lower! The idea of superiority exists only if you think that work outside the home is more important that take care of the family. but nobody can deny the importance of the family unit as the basis of society and how is in the form of an individual character by his family life. Islam promotes these values and empowers men and women in their respective roles.
The notion that women are generally oppressed by men is true to some extent, noted that such because earlier, Islamic laws are subject to human interpretation and patriarchal societies tend to favour male dominance. Can I also add that this dominance and oppression exist in all patriarchal societies and are not only to find in some Muslim countries. Generally, many Muslims as men, they are husbands, fathers or brothers, are very aware of the real of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) teachings and treat their women with respect and affection, to say that "Paradise is located at the feet of mothers" or "the best amongst you is those dealing with women."
It is very interesting to note how the Prophet (PBUH), to just the title and of course, stressed the importance of girls education when he said: "educate a girl, you educate a family.
I know that Sufism is important to you. Can you tell us is Sufism?
Sufism is the dimension internal or spiritual Islam, which one comes to know oneself. This is the path on which we are committed to Jihad akbar - which is the largest battle - which is the battle against the lower self, desires and fears, its usual impulses that make us get out of harmony with the Divine Nature. It is only after this battle has been fought and won that humans can really exist. In fact, it implies to recognize our shortcomings and defects of our character - diseases spiritual as they are called. Examples of these diseases include anger, violence, envy, arrogance, selfishness, etc., that affect our feelings and thinking processes. The next step is to find the remedies and the means to cure them. This is why the Sufi disciple has need of a Sheikh or Pir - a spiritual guide is one who can, by councils and the permission of Allah, reaching depths of the soul of the disciple and transform its negative qualities. Indeed, Sufism revolves around the master-disciple relationship, and no one can pretend to walk on the path of Sufi without the part of a master of life. A famous Sufi teaching says even Shaytaan [the devil] to become the master of that has no master. Ultimately, the purpose of the applicant is to his Lord, as the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has said that he who knows himself knows his Lord.
Sufis strive to reach God and the main feature of this track is love. Sitting in the love of God, the Sufi seeks to discover the reality of the laa ilaaha it lal laah, there is no God, but it A very important practice called dhikr or remembrance of God which causes the heart become base until it is completely consumedannihilated (fana).
But Sufism is adopted by some and rejected by others. Why do you think that this is the case?
One of the reasons for rejecting the Sufism are certainly the lack of knowledge on what is in reality. Some people don't bother even to discover, they just take for granted some critical that they hear while others choose to dismiss Sufism because their parents have always done and they just follow suit. On the other hand, the Sufis are known to be tolerant while radical Muslims accept not this so-called non-compliance with regulations and Islamic. Again, it is a question of understanding and interpretation.
Cultural trends may also explain this difference. For example, in many traditions Sufi, music or singing is allowed.
If there are different schools of thought Sufi, Maurice is not spared because it seems to me that there are different brands of Sufism in our country, and even among the fighters in Mauritius, there is apparently divisions...
…Quite true. But the diversity is a necessity? There certainly also many marks of Sufism in our country (and elsewhere) are a human preferences. In my view, divergence should not be regarded as a curse: it provides a measure of our magnanimity or its absence. As Cheikh Abdoulaye used to say: everyone can wear of 42! [All use us a pair of shoes size-42!]
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