Refuting Misconceptions About Islam

“REFUTING MISCONCEPTION ABOUT ISLAM & MUSLIM”

Notes: From http://zhulkeflee-archive.blogspot.com/2008/04/why-hate-bees.html

Why Hate the Bees?

Translation of article written by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail in response to careless remarks and wild
accusation made by certain quarters that quot;Madrasah are breeding grounds for terrorismquot; and Asaatizah
are liken as quot;the Queen beesquot; (original in Malay written and published in ‘Risalah’ quarterly magazine of
PERGAS – Singapore Islamic Scholars & Religious Teachers Association)

ِ‫حيم‬name‫ٱ‬of ‫ ل لللهِ للرحۡ َملٰن‬Mercifulِ ‫ب‬
ِ ‫سم ِ ٱ ٱ َّ ل ِ للر‬ ۡ
َّ
In the Allah, Most Compassionate, Most

Why Hate the Bees?

In the creations made by Allah s.w.t, there is much wisdom and secrets to be found in them.
Only those who would care to ponder with sincerity and humility, while appreciating
through the glorification of the Essence of the Wisest Creator, can understand this truth.
They would realise how insignificant is the knowledge that they possess in comparison with
the knowledge that is with Allah and that they should be wary of coming to hasty
conclusions with the superficial understanding that they have. This even more so when they
maliciously cast aspersions on His creations by trying to rouse man's anger towards some of
these creatures which can lead to the latter's destruction. We, the followers of Islam, have
been enjoined to follow the example of the Angels who when made aware of the dangers of
unwarranted questioning of things beyond their comprehension, they would glorify Allah by
uttering:

ٓ‫سبۡحلن َك ل علۡم لَنَا‬
‫ُ َ ل ٰ َ َ ِ َلل‬ َ َ
‫إ ِل ما ع َل ّ ۡلَنَا‌لٓ إلللِن َّك أَنت للع لَلِيم للۡحكِيم‬
ۖ‌ ‫ّ َ مت‬
َ
ُ ‫ُ ٱ َل‬ ۡ‫َ ٱ‬
quot;Sub-haa-naka Laa-‘ilma-lanaa il-laa maa-‘al-lam-tanaa, in-naka antal-‘alee-mul-Hakeemquot;

(Glory be to You (O Allah!) We possess of no knowledge except what You have taught us.
Verily You are the All-Knowing, Most Wise!).

All rights reserved©Zhulkeflee2008
For permission to reprint – zhulkeflee@gmail.com
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http://an-naseehah.blogspot.com/

What is the fault of the species known as the quot;beequot;, which after all is created by Allah to be
a quot;beequot;? Doesn't the bee have the basic right to existence as a quot;beequot;? What wrong has the
bee (as a specie) done, just because some men may have been stung by some bees? If a bee
attacks someone and by doing so causes its own death, should we say that it has
quot;committed suicidequot;? Why did it do such a thing? What is the cause of its action? And is it
true that those who had stung them are really bees? This we should verify as there are
many insects which can sting. Is it true that bees are by nature aggressive and dangerous?
Do bees live only to sting people and that they pose a danger to all other creation? We have
now come to the point that there are people who clamour for revenge against the quot;beesquot;
and advocates that the quot;Queen Beequot; be the target for destruction. Is it the fault of the
quot;Queen Beequot; to bear and reproduce quot;beesquot;? Is it the fault of the bee that it be brought up
as, and advised to be, a bee? Is it wrong to be a bee?

Why they choose to forget..........

‫وَأَوۡ َحى رب ُّك إِلَى للنَّحۡل أ َن تل َّخذِى من للۡجبَال‬
َ َٰ ‫ل‬
ِ ‫ِ َ ٱ ِل‬ ِ ‫ِل ِ ٱ‬ ‫ٱ‬
َ َّ ‫ًلل َ ِ َ ٱ‬
‫بُيُوت۬ ا ومن للشجرِ وَمما يَعر لِشون ث ُم كُلِى من‬
َّ َ ُ ۡ َّ ِ
ِ
‫ك ُل للث َّمرٲت فٱ ۡ لُكِى سب ُل رب ِّك ُ ً لل ‌۬‌‌‌ۚي لَخۡ ُرج‬
‫ل‬ ‫ِّ ٱ َ َ ِل َلل سل‬
‫ُ َ َ ذ ُِلل‬
ُ‫ل‬
ٌ۬‫منۢب لُطُونِهَا شراب۬ ّل ۡلَل ِف أَل وَلللٲ ن ُهۥفليه شفآء‬
ٌۡ ُ
‫َ َ ٌ مخت‬
َِ ِ ِ ُ ِ
َّ ‫ل ّلنَاس‌ إللن فى ذٲ لك لَية۬لل ّقوم ل۬يلتفك‬
‫ِ ّ ِ ‌ۗ ِ َّ ِ َلل ِ َ َ َ ً ِ َ ۡ ٍ َ َ َ رون‬
َُ
“And [consider how] thy Sustainer has inspired the bee: quot;Prepare for thyself
dwellings in mountains and in trees, and in what [men] may build [for thee by
way of hives]; and then eat of all manner of fruit, and follow humbly the paths
ordained for thee by thy Sustainer.quot; [And lo!] There issues from within these
[bees] a fluid of many hues, wherein there is healing for man. In all this,
behold, there is a message indeed for people who think!quot;
(Qur’an: al-Nahl: 16: 68-69)

Glory be to Allah for His Guidance. As a point for deep reflection on this analogy, the
Messenger (saw) once urged Muslims to follow the attitude and the life of the bee:

‫ان مثل المؤمنين كمثل النحلة‬
“In-na mathalal-mu’-minee-na ka-mathalin-nahlati.”

“Verily the analogy (likeness) of a believer is that of the bee.”

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(Al-Hadith).

And if we reflect and ponder on the history of the Muslims since the period in the lifetime
of the Messenger (saw) up until today, we will be able to discern a close resemblance
between the Muslims and the bee.

Inspiration/ Revelation as Guidance to Life

The bee depends on the inspiration (Guidance) from its Creator to guide its life. The same is
also true of the life of a Muslim as he too depends on Guidance (Revelations of Allah in the
Qur'an and the teachings of His Messenger as inspired by Allah to him) from the same
Creator, Allaahu Rob-al-‘Aa-lameen (Allah, the Lord, Master of all Creation). It does not
matter where they live or exist; everyone of their member knows the role that he has to
fulfil and will strive with all his ability to carry out the responsibilities that have been
entrusted on him. They are industrious when carrying out their responsibilities and
diligently earnest in fulfilling their tasks in life. They are loyal to the demands placed on
them and socially responsible in the community that they exist in.

When seeking sustenance, they have been enjoined (through revelation and inspiration) to
‫حل َللٰلً۬ طلَيًللّب۬ ا‬
َ
ِ
seek what is quot;lawful and goodquot; (halaa-lan-toy-yiban: Qur’an: al-
Baqarah: 2: 168). They would go to places which are clean, sweet-smelling and beautiful.
They have been forewarned to stay far from things and places which are filthy and foul-
smelling. They have been commanded: quot;do not wreak havoc on the earthquot; (laa tufsidu fi-al-
‫ل تُفۡسدُواْ فِى ٱ ۡلَرۡض‬
َ
‫للأ‬ ‫ِلل‬
‫ِلل‬
ardh: Qur’an: al-Baqarah: 2: 11), consistent with
the bee that has never defiled any flower nor broken any branch. As a result, they have
multiplied on the earth in peace and have contributed to the prosperity and well-being of
other life forms.

Cross-pollination
In the life of a bee, it plays a very important role in the life of plants through its role in cross-
pollination. This similarity is seen from the life and the civilization that has been promoted
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by Islam. History records that much of the knowledge, sciences and wisdom from various
nations and past civilizations were rediscovered, reassessed and reintroduced to all other
nations by these Muslims. It is the existence of the Islamic civilization that led to the rise of
Western Civilization after Europe has long been in the Dark Ages.

If we analyse with sincerity, the civilization that has been advanced by Islam and the
Muslims is truly a cosmopolitan one, that we saw how it genuinely and purposefully forged
co-existence of various races and religious groups. In fact, the civilization that has been
advanced by Islam encourages the sharing of knowledge and deeds that are beneficial and
good from all races. The concept of quot;ummahquot; that every Muslim understands, if analyse
carefully, is similar to the global community that is currently on everyone's lips. This has
long before been introduced by Muhammad (s.a.w), Allah's Last Messenger and the Seal of
the Prophets.

Honey
The product of the effort of the bee is honey of various types and shades of colour which is
from a source so pristine and it contains the elixir for man. The good and benefit that comes
from honey is well-known, such that man has strived to encourage the existence of bee
colonies in their orchards and plantations. This is not only for the honey that the bee
produces but also because he knows that with bees, their agricultural output will be
multiplied. The similarity with Islam and Muslims can be seen from the point of view of
several of Islam's teachings with regards to the resolving of issues faced by man, which
other communities may learn and benefit – i.e. from the efforts to eradicate ignorance
through education and the learning culture; the commitment to the removal of all
falsehood through the upholding of truth; the emphasis towards achieving correct
understanding through knowledge which has been validated and not based on conjecture,
myth and false assumptions; the eradication of ignorance and abolishment of all manners of
slavery – be it slavery to our primal urges or towards fellow men; the advocating that every
man must display the best etiquette and virtues; the support and respect for the freedom to
practise basic human rights through the promotion of tolerance within a multiracial or
multi-religious community; emphasising peaceful resolution rather than enmity; supporting
justice for all through the eradication of discrimination by anyone towards any other; and
through the promotion of good acts between fellow men.

Perhaps there will be those who say, quot;But this is not seen among the present Muslims!quot; It is
important to note that benefit (the metaphorical honey) from the Islamic point of view is
that of its teachings – i.e. the religion; which can cure all the ills affecting mankind,
especially for those who believe:

Page 4

۬‫وَنُن َزِل م ن للۡ ُقرء لَا ن ما هُو شفآءٌ۬ولرحۡ َمة‬
‫ّ ُ ِ َللل ٱ ل ۡ ِللل َللل‬
َِ َ
ٌ ‫ََ ل‬
‫ل ِّلۡ ُمؤۡ ِمنِين‬
َ‫لل‬
Wa nunaz-zilu minal-Qur’aani maa-huwa shi-faa-un
wa-rah – matun – lil - mu’-mi-neen

quot;And We (Allah) who have brought down the Qur'an as a healing and a blessing for the
believersquot;
(Quran: al-Isra’: 17: 82).

From here it is clear one must differentiate between quot;Islamquot; and its followers who are
known as quot;Muslims.quot;

Sadly, Muslims themselves today are besought with all manner of quot;illnessesquot; that needs the
cure that can only come through the practise of the teachings of Islam. These illnesses are
made to appear even worse when certain quarters regard these illnesses as being caused by
Islam itself! However, the fact of the matter is that ad-Deen al-Islam is the one and only
cure for the now suffering Muslims. It would therefore, be very sad if certain quarters do
not like to see the suffering Muslims return to practising and appreciating their religion, so
that they can get the cure for their illnesses. It would be tyrannical if they prevent the
suffering (the sick) to avail themselves to the only effective cure for the illnesses that they
are suffering from!

Identity
Like the bee, the identity of a Muslim can also be discerned by his outward appearance. The
bee with its yellow colouration and black strips on its body. The Muslims, through their
clothes, actions and manner of interaction. For the bee, it is important that their identity is
known by all. Should it not be considered good that they make themselves known
(identifiable)? We shouldn't be feeling uneasy just because they are unique in their
appearance. There is no need to change the bee's appearance. Furthermore, the bee must
also know that it IS a bee! Like the bee, Muslims too must have clear means of
identification. Of course these unique identification marks may seem strange to others, but
it is only natural that different life forms have different identification marks. Isn't it sad that
while in the world of insects the unique markings of a bee is accepted by all other insects
and they co-exist in harmony without forcing one insect to adopt the way of another, yet in
the world of human, we see the unique identity of a Muslim becoming the subject of a
debate? Why are his identification markings questioned? The modest dressing that covers
the 'aurat' (nakedness according to Islam) seems to be hated and be prevented from being
adhered? Yet they have allowed or even encouraged cultures which, not only challenges the
values of modesty but also, are of foreign origins. Why are they behaving like this? Isn't this
quot;prejudicial and discriminatoryquot;?

Page 5

Changing the nature of the bee

Is it logical to think that just because the bee is different from the rest of the other insects, it
therefore cannot live in harmony with them? Must the bee be forced to change its identity
because it is naturally so different from the rest of the insect world? And, is it also fair that
because of the difference in its appearance, it is a tear in the fabric of harmony among the
insects? And if it is forced to change, to which specie of insect should it become? The fly?
The hornet? The firefly? The mosquito? The butterfly? And won't this lead to confusion
among the bees themselves? Won't it be dangerous if we get (inadvertently create) bees
who forget what they are, and instead think of themselves as a type of hornet which if
compared to the bee, is more easily provoked and is more aggressive?

Perhaps the aspect of the bee that is most worrying to some is its sting, which has been
naturally created by Allah s.w.t who is the Most Just and Most Wise. But are we not to
understand that the sting is only needed for self-defence, for the continued existence of the
bee so that it would not be trampled and be subjected to tyranny, so that it is able to
defend itself, its home and its community? The sting is never a weapon of tyranny but to
protect the bee from tyranny. It is there so that others will respect the bee’s existence. The
existence of such clear indications of its uniqueness (clear identification) serves also as a
warning to the others. Furthermore, each bee knows that each time its sting is used it will
lead to its own death. As a result, very rarely do we find incidence of its use without reason
or due cause.

Like in the case of the bee, many are not happy with Muslims today, especially with regards
to Islamic teachings on quot;jihadquot;. Although the word quot;jihadquot; generally means quot;striving with
the utmostquot; with regards to the carrying out of one's obligations to Allah, it possesses
certain specific elements dependent on the issues at hand and the situation (which usually
is linked to the effort to improve the individual and community, generally through peaceful
means). What makes others wary of Muslims is the concept of quot;jihad bi-saifquot; (jihad with
sword or with weapons) which is included among the various categories of jihad. Because of
this, they accuse Islam of being a religion that supports and encourages terrorism and war.
They want Muslims to eradicate the concept of jihad totally from the teachings of Islam. It is
even sadder when there are some Muslims, who already without the proper knowledge of
Islam, chose to ignore the learned opinion of the ulama' and accept the call for its
abolishment by pronouncing their disagreement with the concept of jihad, especially quot;jihad
bi-saifquot; with words like - quot;it is no longer relevantquot;, or quot;the existence of such teachings as
jihad, only serves to besmear the image of Islamquot; and so on. Do they realize that what they
are commenting on is part of Islamic teachings that were made clear from Allah (s.w.t) and
His Messenger (s.a.w).

Page 6

Do they seriously want to remove the sting which is an integral and natural part of the bee?
And what is a bee without a sting? It is important to be reminded that despite the sting, the
bee sometimes becomes the victim of humans who are greedy for its honey. What more if
there is no sting?

quot;Beesquot; who terrorise
Perhaps there are those who take issue with Muslims who are said to be “violent” or who
indulge in quot;terrorism.”

If however, there are people who have been stung by bees, there are sure to be causes for
their stinging. Usually this occurs when an error has been made with regards to reading the
signals such that perhaps the bees felt really threatened. This occurs sometimes even with
healthy bees.

Perhaps there are also quot;unhealthy beesquot; who are so ill that they don't function like normal
bees anymore. For example, there are bees who have been confused by sound waves which
affected their receiving the correct signals from their correct source. Or sometimes, it is
because they are so far astray from their hive that they lose all sense of proper guidance.
There are also bees who have been separated from their natural environments to be placed
in laboratories and be quot;lab-trainedquot; with the goal of changing their nature. The goal of this
experimentation is of course the creation of quot;the new beequot; and this; they then intended to
be released later to the environment. If the actions of these quot;new beesquot; prove to bring
about destruction (na-‘udzu-billaah! God forbid), should the whole bee community be
faulted? In truth, the cure for the sickness afflicting these quot;beesquot; is to encourage efforts to
bring them closer to their real nature as bees because naturally, bees are not aggressive or
dangerous. To make general and unwarranted accusations against their specie can make all
bees to feel uncomfortable. If they run amok, it will be bad indeed for all!

Admittedly there are also bees who sting, but they do so only in defence of their rights.
Perhaps their hives have been destroyed or damaged or their families have been unfairly
evicted out of their natural homes. If this occurs should the bees alone be blamed for
retaliating?

Hence, from this, it is imperative that before we judge an act as an quot;act of terrorismquot; or not,
it is important to find out the issues fully with all fairness and justice.

Therefore, it is also with care that we should analyse the issue of a Muslim who is said to
have quot;terrorisedquot;. If we are honest about wanting to know about its true cause, we must be
careful not to make simplistic assumptions that dares to accuse Islamic teachers (through
Page 7

the use of all-inclusive appellation of quot;teachersquot;) that somehow puts the blame upon all
those who educate the Muslims. Even more so, it reflects the ignorance of the accuser for it
is seen as besmearing the good name of an institution of learning. If it is true they are
teaching terrorism (hidden as an Islamic teaching), this would be against the nature of the
quot;Queen Beequot;. Perhaps what you have is a quot;hornet's queenquot; masquerading as a quot;Queen
Beequot;. This is most certainly an exception to the rule. If we are correct and sincere in the use
of terminology, because what we want to highlight is the erroneous practice (that is
terrorism), then we should call the perpetrator of such acts, quot;criminalquot;. And he should be
dissociated from those whose role is to educate. Education after all is a noble profession. Do
not associate the noble role of educating with criminality. And it must be remembered that
to accuse someone of a crime, we too must act justly through the provision of clear proofs
that can link him with the crime he is accused of. Not just by making unwarranted or wild
accusations. One may claim to have the facts, but is one's interpretation of it correct? By
this act, wouldn't it be seen as tantamount to inciting? If the hornet is given due respect in
the adage quot;sarang tebuan jangan dijolokquot; (Malay proverb – quot;the hornets' nest is not to be
stirredquot;) - it does not mean that although if the nest that is stirred belongs to bees, this
warning should be ignored!

Up till today, when a species of insect goes on a rampage, only those that goes on the
rampage should be feared, and there should be no attempt to implicate the rest of the
insect species. Even then, in the insect world, it seldom involves the bees. A similar analogy
can be applied with regards to the dissemination of information by the mass media in its
treatment of Muslims. Whenever the one who goes on a rampage is a Muslim, his action is
somehow inextricably linked by the media to Islam, or his “Muslim” identity is stressed or
suggested. Moreover, when the one who goes on a rampage belongs to another religious
group, the mass media does not even attempt to link the rampager with his religion. Why
this difference in attitude when churning out news? Who is behind this?

Is there a moderate bee?

The efforts to besmirch the good standing of Islam increases and today there is a even a
debate about who is a “moderate Muslimquot; to differentiate from those Muslims who are
perceived as “extremists”. It is as if any Muslim who is involved in violent acts is an
extremist, without seeking the reasons for his acts; without giving due consideration for
their acts in the light of justice and the teachings of the religion they lay claim to. For
example, there are those who fight for their rights. Should those who have been forcibly
evicted and exiled and subjected to tyranny; those who have lost many family members or
suffered torture; whose right to live has been cruelly robbed to leave with no choice but to
resort to violence to protect themselves, since the world has not done anything to
safeguard them, nor offered any relief of their suffering and tragedy? In truth, the
categorization of Muslims as “moderates” or “extremists” is irrelevant. What is relevant is
“whether a Muslim follows his religious teachings or not?” Those who do not follow its
Page 8

teachings are those who trivialise or go against the principles of the teachings of the religion
or goes beyond what has been approved by innovating what is actually non-existent and
against the principles and teachings of the Islam itself. And the teachings of Islam are
complete with regards to giving guidance to its followers to resolve issues with justice and
good intentions:

َ
‫إ ِن للل ّه يَأۡ ُمرِللٱ لع لَدۡل وٱ ۡلِحۡسلن‬
ۡ ‫َّ ٱ َ ل ُ ب‬
ٰ ‫َل‬ ‫ِ ل َلل لإ‬
ِ
(In-nallaaha ya’-muruu bi-adli-wal-ih-saan)
quot;God has commanded you to deal with (uphold) justice and with compassionquot;
(Qur'an: Surah an-Nahlu: 16: 90)

If we, the Muslims, are certain of our belief in Islam which advocates our lifestyle to be that
of quot;a people who follows the middle-wayquot; (ummatan wasotan), then there is no need for a
discussion about “moderate” or otherwise. The concept of quot;Ummatan wasotanquot; is centred
on justice which allows for the right to self-defence whenever necessary depending on
conditions.

On this issue we see a similarity with the bee again. Would it be relevant to categorize a bee
as “moderate” or “extreme”? Is it because of our fear of bees using its sting? A bee is a bee!
All this while a bee is an insect that loves peace. We should not be afraid of it, as long as its
rights are not trampled, because it is clear that naturally the bee is a peaceful insect.

Why the Queen Bee is now threatened?

In the instances of quot;Muslim terroristsquot;, there is an attempt to frighten the world with this
“danger or threat”. Some try to do this by making the conclusion that Islamic educators in
the madrasahs are the source of this danger and threat. Sadly, no attempt is made to
identify who exactly, where it is done, or to provide any clear and responsible proofs.
Clearly the “Islamic preachers” who are regarded as queen bees of the madrasahs have
been accused. They have been accused of having taught “suicide bombers” or training
“suicidal bees”.

Perhaps because of their lack of understanding about bees and perhaps their negative
sentiments towards bees too, but should anyone in such a situation suggests that the
Queen Bee be made the target of for eradication? And this too because only a handful of
bees have been found to have embarked on violence? There is little effort to investigate
with sincerity why they embarked on violence. Is it rational to justify this intent by saying
that it is because these bees are bees? Because the bees have been educated to be bees? If

Page 9

this is true why is it that only a tiny minority resorts to violent acts? Why not all? What is, in
all probability, more true is that these bees have not been educated properly to be true
bees and this is the cause for their resorting to violence. Hence the solution is to ensure that
they are educated to be true bees, to ensure that every bee acts like a true bee. The same is
true of the Muslims. They should be educated to the utmost to follow proper Islamic
teachings so that they are truly able to follow its teachings completely (“ud-khulu fii-sil-mi
kaa-afaa” ۬‫( دلۡخلُواْ ف ِى للسلم لِ َللللآفَّة‬Qur'an: Al-Baqarah: 2: 208) ) – quot;Enter you into the
ً ‫ٱ ِّ ۡ ڪ‬ ‫ٱ ُل‬
fold of Islam completelyquot;).
And not by keeping the Islamic educators and preachers away from them (as the accusation
towards Queen Bees seem to suggest)!

It is most sad that by using over simplistic reasoning, there are some who accuse loudly that
the quot;Queen Beesquot; as the source of danger and threats. It is as if the sting of the bees which
are violent can be stopped by casting aside the queen bee. What is interesting is that no
mention is made of which quot;queen beequot; is responsible for these alleged teachings? Which
hive are they talking about? Let us honestly investigate whether they indeed are Queen of
bees or of hornets!

Making a general threat to the queen bee can bring about danger. Perhaps those bees
which have no association with them who commit violent acts will regard it as a general
threat to the well-being of all bees? Because the queen bees are the most important
symbols of the existence of each bee, wouldn’t this only serve to muddy the waters further?

In truth, to reject terrorism, we need to be sensitive in our use of words especially to the
general public so that our words would not in turn be labelled as “verbal terrosrism”, such
that that those who are innocent also becomes the subject of such attacks and will feel
threatened. And there is the possibility, that they will see it as part of an attempt at the
eradication of their specie and regard it as a step in the direction towards “genocide”. Isn’t
it true that the threats towards the queen bee and the frightening of people about the bees
cause the spread of what is known as “apiphobia”, the quot;fear of beesquot;? Like with the bees,
there are those among men who suffer from a psychological illness called “Islamiphobia”.
Why make matters worse? Where can the bees and Muslims complain about the threats
towards them?

“Oh Allah! To You Alone we seek a place of solace and submission. You are our Helper, so
help us with regards to those who seek enmity with us.”

Signs for those who choose to think.....

Islam has long been the target of efforts by its enemies to besmirch its good standing since
the Messenger (saw) was with us. Despite these efforts, Muslims have shown perseverance
Page 10

and patience through a display of peaceful tolerance and openness of mind and heart. By
doing so they have succeeded in exposing the malicious intent of such efforts to dirty the
good standing of Islam and its teachings. With it also, Islam has continued to grow and its
followers is represented by all manner of race and is to found everywhere on this earth.
Even though the number of Muslims has reached approximately 1.2 billion people, still the
attitude of the other communities towards Muslims is now being poisoned by the
propaganda coming from certain quarters. The teachings of Islam has been purposefully
distorted and specific situations have become “proofs”, especially the emotional reaction of
certain Muslims (the people) in the political chessboard of the world is offered as though it
is the failure of Islam (the religion).

To counter these unwarranted accusations towards Islam, we as Muslims, with the
Guidance from Allah (s.w.t) should reflect on this analogy. It is hope with the Muslims
following the guidance (found in Islam) which advocate our striving with wisdom and which
emphasize the use of reason and rational engagement, it will (insyaAllaah) resolve the issue
that has arisen. The comparison made between Islam and the bee is effective for those who
want to think. Each of Islam’s teachings need not be compromised and every Muslim should
not feel apologetic or suffers from guilt as though we have done wrong, as long as we are
steadfast in upholding the noble teachings of the religion. This truth is evident because
Islam is the natural religion and those who seek to find fault with it are like those who seek
to find fault with nature. The signs of the greatness of Allah are clear for those who are
sincere in their analysis and who do not show pride and arrogance. And if there are still
people who reject its clarification, it will not perplex us in the least, because the attitude of
such people is already mentioned by Allah (swt):

َ
‫سأَصر لِف عَنۡء لَاي َٰلت ِى لل ّذِين يَتَكَب َّرون فِى‬
‫َٱ‬ َۡ
ُ
َُ َ
‫ٱ ۡلَرۡض بِغَير لِ للۡحق‬
ِّ ‫ِل ۡ ٱ َل‬ ‫للأ‬
From My messages shall I cause to turn away all those who, without any
right, behave haughtily on earthquot;

(Qur’an: al-A’raf: 7: 146 )

َ
۬‫كَذٲ ل ِك ي َ ۡلَعُ للل ّه عَلَىٰ ُللللل قَلۡب متَكَب ِّر۬ جبَّار‬
ُ ‫َ طب ٱ‬
ِّ ‫ڪ‬ ‫َلل‬
‫ٍ َل‬ ُ ‫ِلل‬
ٍ
“It is in this way that God sets a seal on every arrogant, self-exalting heart.”

(Qur’an: al-Mu’min:40: 35)

Page 11

Wa-Allaahu a’lam

(Verily Allah alone knows the best)

Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.

1 Ramadhaan1424H

(Translated by Amran Nordin from an article in Malay quot;KENAPA PULA LEBAH DIBENCI?
written for quot;Risalahquot; – Quarterly publication of PERGAS- Singapore Islamic Scholars and
Religious Teachers' Association) -

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Page 12

Refuting Misconceptions About Islam

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