MOST mirrors reflect the true image of objects. However, there are mirrors that distort the images of whatever objects put before them. Some mirrors, with the aid of certain lighting and angle manipulation, could create images that are not there in other words, creating virtual images that do not really exist.
We can indeed use the mirror analogy when talking about the image of Islam. For centuries, the religion of Islam and its followers have been given a rather distorted image. In most cases, the image that is used to describe Islam is far from accurate.
This century, with the advancement of the mass and electronic media, we see that Islam has been portrayed rather negatively. Islam is viewed as being backward, violent, intolerant and extreme. The Muslims meanwhile are coloured with images of poverty, retrogression, fanaticism and narrow-mindedness.
The events that took place in the US last September did not help in alleviating these negative images of Islam. Instead, we find more negative images in the media which are attributed to Islam.
The Islamic faith does not represent backwardness, violence, intolerance and extremism. If the true Islamic teachings are followed, then Muslims would not live in poverty and be destitute, nor would Muslims be perceived as fanatics and narrow-minded people.
Au contraire, Islam is a dynamic religion, suitable for all people, all times and all places. The religion is regarded as a “way of life”, surpassing merely ritual acts of worship.
Islam addresses how one should live his or her life in achieving success in all fields in this world as a preparation to attain the much sought success in the next world.
Therefore, in doing so, all dimensions of human life, be they physical, spiritual and mental, are given due attention by Islam in providing a balanced approach towards achieving success both in this world and the hereafter.
Such is the charm of Islam. The faith of Islam could propel individuals, societies and nations into the realm of success. If we look back at history, we could see the success attained by the Civilisation of Islam. The beauty of this civilisation is that it is not a civilisation based on any particular race. Instead the Civilisation of Islam was and is a civilisation that is global in nature.
In truth, fardu kifayah goes beyond that. It is a collective responsibility that should be undertaken by all to ensure the success of the ummah. Only when all members in the Muslim ummah partake in tackling issues related to fardu kifayah would Muslims be able to address societal issues such as poverty, backwardness, underdevelop-ment, illiteracy, technophodia and other problems that need urgent attention.
When this is done, then at least the image of Islam as portrayed by Muslims themselves would improve. We must remember that most mirrors would reflect the image of the object that stands before it. If we use this analogy, then if the Muslim standing in front of the mirror is poor, illiterate and malnourished for example, then that would be the image that is reflected.
Hence, to correct the image of Islam, we must first correct the object to be reflected by the mirror. And to do this, it takes the whole of the Muslim ummah collectively to partake in this fardu kifayah.
Of course, as stated earlier, there are also mirrors that distort the image it reflects. This can be used in a negative light. Facts, information and news are distorted to the effect that Islam is connected with terrorism, to illustrate a recent example.
In actuality, there is no such thing as Islamic terrorists, when Islam itself vehemently abhors acts of terror. People who condone terrorism are not followers of the true teachings of Islam. Therefore, to relate terrorism with Islam is an irresponsible act.
There are many other examples of distorted images of Islam as portrayed by the media. To counter this, Muslims must themselves be able to access and control the media in order to provide an alternative perspective on issues, especially those that concern the Muslims.
This is of course easier said than done, as with most other things. Nonetheless, this is a fardu kifayah that must be undertaken by Muslims so as to ensure that the image of Islam is not distorted by irresponsible media.
Another type of mirror that was mentioned earlier is the type that reflects images that are not there. In the case of these images, they create myths about Islam. More often than not, we find Islam is surrounded by certain myths that are baseless and far from the truth.
One example of this myth revolves around the word jihad which is equated with holy war, thus giving the word a negative connotation. In truth, the word jihad has got nothing to do with holy war. The term holy war is not even coined by Muslims in the first place.
Perhaps it is not wrong to say that Islam is a religion that goes beyond the geographical, political and national boundaries. This is attested to in the Quran when it is stated that Prophet Muhammad was appointed as a blessing for the whole world, not just for any particular race or group of people.
Why is it then, a religion that is so beautiful is viewed in a very negative manner by others? Why the barrage of negative images said to be synonymous with Islam and Muslims? Part of the reason for the distorted image of Islam is due to the lack of understanding and even misunderstanding of the religion. Most look at Islam as a religion that is merely ritual in nature, confined only to specific acts of worship such as the proclamation of the Oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad, daily prayers, fasting in the month of Ramadan, payment of alms and pilgrimage to Mecca.
Very few people really translate the teachings of Islam as a complete way of life. It is true that Islam revolves around the five pillars that are the core of the religion. But it does not and should not stop there. The five pillars of Islam should be translated into all actions undertaken by Muslims all the time.
Take the daily prayers for instance. The prayers teach Muslims virtues such as discipline, patience, perseverance and concentration. These virtues should be observed even after the prayers. In other words, Muslims must use these virtues as part and parcel of their character at all times, not just during the compulsory prayers.
For this to be done, Muslims must really understand the teachings of Islam. The importance and significance of fardu kifayah or collective responsibility must be emphasised. The five pillars of Islam fall under the category of fardu ain or individual responsibility, whereby each Muslim is responsible and accountable in ensuring that each of the acts is carried out properly without fail.
Nonetheless, it must be noted that fardu ain is actually a process that must be undertaken by all Muslims in preparing them to tackle issues pertaining to fardu kifayah such as the eradication of poverty, increasing the quality of education, creating more professionals to serve the community and the like.
The misconception among most Muslims is that fardu kifayah is a task only to be undertaken by one person or one segment of the community, hence relieving the burden of responsibility from the shoulders of the rest of the community.
Unfortunately, because the myth is perceived as true, we find that even Muslims have begun to believe them. In this instance, we see Muslims themselves referring to jihad as holy war.
As such, these myths must be “demythified”. To do this act of fardu kifayah, Muslim scholars must come forward and explain to the masses so that they know how to differentiate between fact and myth. If this is not done, then we will face a situation whereby everyone will be staring and believing in the image that is not really there in the first place.
All in all, the most important thing is that there is a concerted effort on the part of Muslims to project the true image of Islam through deeds and actions. Mere words do not hold water as actions speak louder than words.
In the context of correcting the image of Islam, Muslims must first understand the true teaching of Islam and make Islam a way of life. This could create a stronger ummah that would be able to withstand any form of challenges and problems. From there onwards, hopefully no “mirrors” in this world could distort the true image of Islam.
