LESSON 36
SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS OF ISLAMIslam has various attractions which have different appeal to different people. Most Muslims were born and raised in their religion. Since Islam is not only a religion but also a society stronger than blood relationship, Muslims will adhere to their religion even if their convictions are weak, provided the religion appears intellectually and socially respectable. The same provision applies when someone becomes a Muslim for ulterior motives, such as to get a job, a promotion, a contract or a spouse, as is frequently the case.
Islam appears respectable first in its claim to be a reasonable religion. Although its theology and law are complicated, its basic creed and practices are simple and everyone can learn them without a long catechumenate. This simplicity extends to a congregational equality without priesthood or much supervision or authority, although some people do function as imāms and teachers.
Respectability also comes from the claim that Islam is not a mushroom religion, but builds on previous revelations and has all the previous prophets as its spiritual ancestors. The claim to possess the best of other religions inoculates Muslims against being lured away by the claims of these religions. Moreover Islam goes on to claim that it is the final and perfect revelation displacing Christianity as Christianity displaced Judaism.
Respectability also comes from Islam's legal system, which determines a uniform correct way of doing everything, from praying to eating to sleeping; conformity to these rules gives a sense of propriety and justification.
Islamic history is also looked upon with pride because it has been a story of success, and success is taken as a sign of God's approval. The person of Muhammad and the early age of Islam are idealized, while the faults of early Muslims are discounted. The setbacks of later ages are attributed to the sins of Muslims or to God's permission of trials in order to bring the best out of true Muslims. A true Muslim will not fear suffering or death and has an attitude of trust in God (tawakkul) no matter what happens. The conviction remains that Muslims are God's chosen people, the best people, and that success and prosperity are rightfully and normally theirs in this life and in the next. "Seek the abode of hereafter by means of what God has given you and neglect not your portion of the world" (Q. 28:77; cf. 3:148; 4:134). The successful alhaji is a role model for Muslims, and his generosity to the poor and to Muslim causes, especially at launchings, makes Muslims proud of their community.
Community pride is also reinforced by demonstrations of solidarity on the occasions of pilgrimage, the two `īd observances, Friday jumu`a services and Ramadān observances. It is also reinforced by "Islamic" dress, which is a matter of pride among West African Muslims, although the styles are not always distinguishable from the dress of non-Muslims.
International solidarity is another strong point of Islam. Muslims rally to the plight of other Muslims suffering anywhere else in the world. Oil-rich governments provide aid especially for the spread of Islam in Africa.
Muslims everywhere have great regard for the Qur'ān. It is not so much a book to be analysed critically as a sacred mystery to be revered. A Muslim's first presupposition is that it is God's own speech, and every aspect of its message, grammar and vocabulary is surpassingly excellent. So a Muslim yields himself unreservedly to the fascination of its music and rhythm, allows its phrases to echo through all his thought processes, and lets its message permeate his whole outlook on life.
Particularly in Africa, Muslims view the Qur'ān as an instrument of divine power. The Qur'ān itself takes the existence and danger of spirits seriously, and attempts to provide protection in the power of God watching over believers. The last two sūras of the Qur'ān are prayers against evil spirits. The Qur'ān has been used for centuries in West Africa as medicine (see Lesson 21), whether verses are wrapt in amulets or people drink the water that washed Qur'ān verses from a slate or people recite certain verses to ward off evil or gain desired blessings. The Qur'ān is one of the chief resources of holy men reputed to read minds, perform divination and prescribe remedies for any problem.
In Africa, Islam is said to have an advantage because of easier and more realistic moral demands: A man may have more than one wife; divorce is allowed and is easy. Revenge is allowed. There is considerable practical toleration of participation in traditional religious practices as Islam takes root and begins to grow among a people. On the other hand, alcohol is forbidden, even though the ban is not always enforced.
Islam is sometimes made out to be part of African identity, a rallying point against colonialism and neo-colonialism. Even the Arabic names and Arabic cultural appendages of Islam are presented as traditional and now native to Africa, whereas Christianity is depicted as Western and foreign. This African image has won some points for Islam in Africa, but it is counterbalanced by the image of Christianity as progressive.
QUESTIONS
- Show how Islam has an image of respectability in West Africa.
- Explain the force of Islamic community solidarity upon its members.
- Explain why the Qur'ān is so important as an instrument of Muslims' loyalty to their religion.
- Outline the particular advantages Islam has in attracting West Africans.
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