The book of truth and guidance for humanity

By Starla Muhammad -Assistant Editor- | Last updated: Mar 13, 2015 - 11:12:11 AM

(L-R): Panelists Sister Ikhlas Saleem, Imam Darnell Karim, Imam Sultan R. Muhammad and moderator Richard B. Muhammad participated in a Saviours’ Day plenary on the Holy Qur’an. Not pictured is activist and rap artist Bro. Ali who participated via Skype. Photo: Lens of Ansar

CHICAGO (FinalCall.com) - The Holy Qur’an, the book of scripture of Muslims is revelation from Allah (God) to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) that is a guide for humanity.

It is known by many majestic names including The Healing, The Guidance, The Light, The Blessing and The Inspiration.

The important and critical need for the Holy Qur’an’s use as a guide and framework for agreement and solutions among Muslims and humanity was one of many topics explored in a plenary session during Saviours’ Day 2015, titled “The Holy Qur’an: The Unifying Force for Peace and Justice.” Moderated by Final Call Editor-in-Chief Richard B. Muhammad, panelists included Imam Darnell Karim, a long-time Muslim pioneer, Imam Sultan Rahman Muhammad of Mosque Maryam, Sister Ikhlas Saleem, an Islamic scholar and graduate of Harvard Divinity School and hip-hop artist and activist Brother Ali who participated via Skype.

The light of the Qur’an has helped lift Black people out of a state of darkness and elevates them stage by stage to be an example not just for the world of Islam but for the whole of humanity, said Imam Muhammad during opening remarks. “This book is a foundation of science, it is a foundation of civilization, it is a foundation of health for in the Qur’an itself it states that there is a healing for everything,” he said. The contents of the Holy Qur’an has stimulated the minds of scholars and those who study the world to find wisdom, knowledge, and understanding and healing, added Imam Muhammad.

Sister Ikhlas Saleem spoke to the issues of sexism, racism and classism that have also impacted the Muslim world but how Islam is the unifying force that can eradicate these societal ills which are reflections of the world. The Holy Qur’an is the guidance to unify, she said. “I’ve always thought about unity as a representation of the ummah (Muslim community), the nation, the community and that we are to represent this unity and Allah mentions this in the Qur’ran,” said Sis. Ikhlas Saleem.

Imam Darnell Karim shared with attendees some of the rich history of the Nation of Islam and how the Holy Qur’an was introduced to the students and followers of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad. The importance of learning the principles and guidance contained in the Muslim holy book as well as knowing the Arabic language in which it was revealed was something the Nation of Islam patriarch wanted for his followers.

Imam Karim said in 1947 Mr. Muhammad went to a Palestinian / Arab-owned store he would go to and told them he needed a teacher to instruct students at Muhammad University of Islam in Qur’anic Arabic.

Brother Ali’s album cover, The Undisputed Truth

Brother Ali shared though it is important to focus on external forces of injustice from systems of domination outside of the Muslim community as stated in the Holy Qur’an, the book also talks about turning inward to face internal realities of struggles we face. As a rap artist, Brother Ali’s lyrics often reflect a consciousness as he is not afraid of addressing social justice issues. As a Muslim, the Holy Qur’an and principles of Islam impacts his artistic expression.

If we place the light of the Holy Qur’an in our heads by reading and studying from it, it becomes a guide for our daily lives, shared Imam Muhammad.

“This book is not just to be put on our top shelf and dusted off every Ramadan. It is to be put into our hearts and put into our actions,” said Imam Muhammad.

To view a rebroadcast of this program, visit http://noi.org/webcast-archive.

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