Cultural Appropriation; Peer Pressure of 'Fitting In' & It's Effects - Maulana Syed Muhammad Rizvi

- Peer pressure and its impacts, especially as a Muslim minority - We can even be influenced by other Muslim groups who have abandoned fundamental Islamic beliefs, blending in with non-Muslims - Some have the belief that for us to progress, we must do the same - Qur'anic example of Bani Isra'il, who witnessed and felt miracles, yet they adapted customs and traditions of others - In our marriage ceremonies today, Islamic values are violated - At birthday parties, Islamic akhlaq is ignored - Nasheed reciters imitate pop singers in their behaviour - Islamic centres organize Halloween to make the children 'fit in' - Growing desire to celebrate Christmas in Muslim homes, with the justification that we also believe in Isa - Blindly imitating others at the expense of Islamic values is not going to get you respect - Adapting norms that are in line with Islamic values are ok, but not blind following - The founder of Turkey, Ataturk who ended the caliphate system, had a secularization policy, where the role of Islam was totally reduced, forcing the Latin alphabet, European clothes, forbidding hijab, etc. And yet still today, Turkey is not being accepted as a member of the European Union - The Riza Shah of Iran attempted as similar campaign, but was not fully successful "The question I've been asked more times than I can count, across N America: Can we celebrate Christmas in December? They'll throw in a religious twist: 'After all, we believe in Prophet Isa, we celebrate Milad-un Nabi'. I just respond with one question: Didn't you believe in Isa when you were in India, Africa, or the Middle East? Or is this a new aqida you carry regarding Isa ibn Maryam? How come you didn't observe it then? Only when you come here?" "One Shia Centre in USA organizes Halloween parties so the children don't feel 'left out'. Why don't you do your own celebrations (Wiladats, Eids) in a big way, so they don't feel 'deprived', if thats the mentality you carry. You don't see Jewish children clamoring for Christmas trees out of wishes to fit in, or the majority Christian population putting up Hanukkah Menorahs; every family observes their own rituals. Why are we the only ones holding such an inferiority complex?" "Look at our wedding ceremonies today, total violation of our values. 'Oh Maulana this is the norm, our children interact with others, there are non-Muslim guests coming'. If they're non-Muslim, show them your culture and religion. You don't go to Christian wedding where they'd change things for you. You don't go to the Mandir where the Hindus will change their program for you. Why should we always change our ways to appease others?" "Adapting customs and traditions of others, especially when they're connected to another religion, this not only displays ignorance, rather it is a sign of our sense of inferiority." Blindly following for the sake of assimilation is a danger, which will still not get you the respect you crave from others. Look at the founder of Turkey, Ataturk who ended the caliphate system. He had a secularization policy, where the role of Islam was totally reduced, forcing the Latin alphabet, European clothes, forbidding hijab, etc. And yet still today, Turkey is not being accepted as a member of the European Union! The Shah of Iran attempted a similar campaign, but was not fully successful. "We aren't looking for conflict with others. Rather, Sura Kafiroon states it clearly: To you, your religion, and to me, my religion. I respect you and what you practice, but don't expect me to follow you, and I don't expect you to follow me." MP3: https://f001.backblazeb2.com/file/Jaffari/Fridays/FridayKhutba_Rizvi_2018-06-29_13-55-37.mp3 Friday Juma Khutba Recited By: Maulana Syed Muhammad Rizvi Date: June 29th, 2018 www.facebook.com/IslamiCentre.org www.twitter.com/sayyidmrizvi www.islamicentre.org