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Rabbani is a man inspired by his faith. From the beginning, his choice stemmed from the realm of the divine.[1] While many have commended him for his bravery, the reality is that he had no choice but to make this stand if he wanted to remain faithful to the principles of Islām.[2]
This single action was filled with spiritual gems and principles from which we can all benefit.
Gem #1 Protect your Amāna (trust)
At the centre of Muhammad Rabbani’s case is the fact that a Muslim, who had been tortured by the US, had entrusted him information so that Rabbani and CAGE could assist him to seek justice.[3] If he had handed over his password to the police as they ordered he would have breached this trust.
Would it be befitting of a Muslim to betray his trust when he claims to be walking in the footsteps of a Prophet known as “Al Amīn” (the trustworthy)?
The principle of “amāna” is often neglected in today’s society and it needs to be revived and preserved. The Prophet (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) informed us:
“The first thing that will be taken away [from Muslims] is the trust and the last thing remaining will be the prayer”.[4]
On a personal level, the betrayal of trusts a major sin and a sign of hypocrisy. Hence, in the grand scheme of things, a potential three months in prison would have been worth it if it meant preserving this principle.
Gem #2 Help your brother
Brotherhood and solidarity are key values in Islām. Rabbani made it his mission to assist and bring some solace to a man who had been horrifically tortured for years. This in itself should be enough motivation to stand firm. The Prophet (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) said:
“Whoever fulfils the needs of his brother, Allāh will fulfil his needs; whoever removes the troubles of his brother, Allāh will remove one of his troubles on the Day of Resurrection.”[5]
He also said:
“The best of all deeds is that you bring happiness to your Muslim brother.”[6]
Gem #3 Benefit mankind
Schedule 7 is a law which gives power to the police to harass, detain, search and violate the privacy of innocent people. This goes against the balanced teachings of Islām according to which one’s privacy is sacred. The Prophet (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) even warned that mass surveillance and generalised suspicion by those in power will destroy society.
In a hadith mentioned by Abū Dawūd, it is narrated that the Prophet Muḥammad (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) said:
“If you start prying into the secret affairs of the people, you will corrupt them, or at least drive them very near corruption.”[7]
Therefore, by standing for privacy, Rabbani is benefitting society as a whole.
The Prophet (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) said:
“The best of people are those that bring most benefit to the rest of mankind.”[8]
Gem #4 Courage and steadfastness: the path to success
Despite all the above, a few people asked: “Why is he going through this headache? Why not just give your passwords?”
With regards to this, we must remember that Muslims should not have a defeatist mentality. By preserving Allāh’s commands, we bring about victory.
Allāh (subḥānahu wa taʿālā) says:
“O you who have believed, if you support Allāh , He will support you and plant firmly your feet.”[9]
It is by trusting Him while doing good that His barakah can be sought as Allāh says Himself:
“And whosoever fears Allāh…He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine.”[10]
Gem #5 Go beyond the “weakest of īmān”
We all know the ḥadīth:
“Whosoever of you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand; and if he is not able to do so, then [let him change it] with his tongue; and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart and that is the weakest of faith.”[11]
We see many things which are wrong in this world, and some of them even affect us directly. Yet, it seems we have become accustomed to not say or do anything. We are content with disliking evil in our heart. Rabbani chose to change evil with his tongue and his hand.
Muslims in Britain cannot continue to opt for the weakest of faith while they can do more. What is lacking is often not the ability, but the courage. And when one takes that step, one man’s courage is contagious. This was evident by the swell of support that came from you, the community, and others in wider society.
It is by being hopeful in Allāh’s promise and taking positive actions that we can change this world for the betterment of all, inshāAllāh.
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Source: www.islam21c.com
Notes:
[1] https://cage.ngo/press-release/muhammad-rabbani-we-have-won-the-moral-argument/
[2] https://cage.ngo/article/rabbani-trial-reactions-a-moral-victory-against-schedule-7/
[3] http://passwithprivacy.com/
[4] Hassan Hadeeth in Saheeh Al-Jami’ 2575 by Al-Albani
[5] Agreed upon, Al-Bukhari and Muslim
[6] Authenticated by Al-Albani, Al-Silsilah Al-Saheeha 906
[7] Sunan Abi Dawud, Narration 4888, Authenticated Al-Albani.
[8] Hassan Hadeeth in Saheeh Al-Jami’ 3289 by Al-Albani
[9] Al-Qur’ān, 47:7
[10] Al-Qur’ān, 65:2-3
[11] Saheeh Muslim 49