Xenophobia

Allah Says:

Those who entered the city and the faith before them love those who flee unto them for refuge, and find in their breasts no need for that which hath been given them, but prefer (others) above themselves though poverty become their lot. [59:9]

O people! Verily We created you from a male and a female and have placed you in tribes and nations so that you may recognise one another (49:13)

The example of the Ukhuwah (brotherhood) which Rasulullah Salallahu alayhi wa-sallam established between the Muhajireen of Makkah and the Ansaar of Madina is a sterling example of nation-building on the base of piety and selflessness. Not only did he encourage it, rather he himself incorporated Muslims from beyond the Arab peninsula within his close circle of companions.

Among the foreign nationals around the Prophet Salallahu alayhi wa-sallam were:

Bilal radhiyallahu anhu was a freed Abyssinian slave, at the same time he was the Muadhin of Rasulullah Salallahu alayhi wa-sallam.

Salman radhiyallahu anhu hailed from the region of the fire-worshippers, Persia. His plan of warfare strategy proved beneficial in the Battle of Ahzaab.

One of the beloved wives of Rasulullah Salallahu alayhi wa-sallam, Safiyyah radhiyallahu anha, was of Jewish origin.

A man once entered Masjid An Nabawi wherein he found a group of people sitting and discussing matters of faith. Among them were Salman radhiyallahu anhu, Suhayb radhiyallahu anhu and Bilal radhiyallahu anhu. The man said: If the (Madinan) tribes of Aws and Khazraj support Muhammad, (it is understood because they are Arabs like him) they are his people. But what are these (foreign) people doing here? (Implying an obvious dislike for foreigners) Rasulullah Salallahu alayhi wa-sallam became very angry when this was reported to hi m. He went to the masjid and summoned people to prayer. He then addressed them saying:  “O people, know that the Lord and Sustainer is One. Your ancestor is one; your faith is one. The Arabism of anyone of you is not (by virtue of the nobility of) your mother or father. It is no more than a tongue (language). Rasulullah Salallahu alayhi wa-sallam further said: Let people stop boasting about their ancestors. One is only a pious believer or a miserable sinner. All men are sons of Adam, and Adam came from dust.” (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi).

Rasulullah Salallahu alayhi wa-sallam has said: Humanity is the family of Allah, the best human is one who is kind to His (Allahs) family. (Mishkaat) Humanity is one society bound together by a common origin, which is so comprehensive that it includes all differences within its oneness. Extending a helping hand to a foreigner is extending your hand to your own family member.

As humans, we often tend to pledge indiscriminate allegiance to people of our own kind. We do so at the cost of justice and impartiality. To love your own kind is but natural, but when that love drives you to support your own kind to subvert the truth, and to act unjustly it is tantamount to bigotry. In no way does Islam condone injustice and oppression.

It is in a Muslims belief that ones sustenance from the Provider cannot be taken away by another but the Almighty Alone. At the heart of the violence is a sense of deprivation. Yet the reaction is misdirected.

“There is no moving creature on earth but its sustenance depends on God: He knows the time and place of its definite abode and its temporary deposit: All is in a clear Record”…(11:6)

The spate of xenophobic attacks gripping the nation has a potential of taking all sorts of dimensions that would reverse of the gains the country has made. It is our responsibility as believers to continue engaging the government to deliver on its promises so as to improve the lives of ordinary citizens living in squalor amidst perceived plenty.

As Muslims we also have an added responsibility of protecting the vulnerable who have become victims of these unfortunate circumstances. Contribute towards relief efforts initiated by different organisations involved in relief work.

Let us open our hearts and homes in the same way the people of Madina opened up to the fleeing believers from hostile Makkah.

courtesy: Jamiatul Ulama South Africa