This is to make clear that Islam is one and only Muslims are diverse,

1. WE VERY VEHIMENTLY REJECT BRANDED ISLAM LET IT BE SALAFI BRAND OR SUFI BRAND. WHY THIS DECISION? YOU MAY FIND CLARIFICATION IN PAGES AHEAD PRESENTED BY FORUM FOR RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL STUDIES FRCS

2. WHILE there is only one “ad-deen al-islam”…..But there can be many types of “muslims”Some are true, WHILE SOME OTHERS MAY BE false TO ITS TRUE TEACHINGS.

3. WHOM TO OBEY? (COMMAND TO FOLLOW THE BOOK OF ALLAH AND THE SUNNAH) “O ye who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those charged with authority among you. If ye differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger if ye do believe in Allah and the Last Day: that is best, and most suitable for final determination.” (Qur’an: an-Nisa’: 4: 59)

4. BE UNITED IN HOLDING TO “ROPE FROM ALLAH” “And hold fast, all together by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude Allah's favour on you ...” (Qur’an: Aali ’Imran: 3: 103)

5. Be warned …. “O ye who believe! if ye obey those who disbelieve, they will make you turn back on your heels (from this religion), and ye turn back (to Allah) as losers.” (Qur’an: Aali ‘Imran: 3: 149)

6. َـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ حَقَّ تُقَاتِهِۦ وَلَا تَمُوتُنَّ إِلَّا وَأَنتُم مُّسۡلِمُونَ “O you who have attained to faith! Be conscious of Allah (TAQWA) with a true consciousness, and do not allow death to overtake you unless you are (in state of submission to Allah) in Islam.” (Qur’an: Aali ‘Imran: 3: 102)

7. LET US NOT BE LIKE THE FOLLOWING.... ” The likeness of those who are entrusted with the Law of Moses, yet apply it not, is as the likeness of the ass carrying books. Wretched is the likeness of folk who deny the revelations of Allah. And Allah guides not wrongdoing folk.” (Qur’an: Surah Jum’ah: 62: 5)

8. “O you who have attained to faith! Ward off from yourselves and those who are close to you that fire (of the Hereafter) whose fuel is human beings and stones, [lording] over it are angelic powers awesome [and] severe, who do not disobey Allah in whatever He has commanded them, but [always] do what they are bidden to do.” (Qur’an: Surah at-Tahrim: 66: 6)

9. NO PLACE FOR PART HERE & PART THERE “O ye who believe! enter into Islam whole-heartedly; and follow not the footsteps of the Evil One; for he is to you an avowed enemy.” (Qur’an: Surah al-Baqorah: 2: 208)

10. Remember ……………. “For, if one goes in search of a religion other than “al-Islam” (self-surrender to Allah), it will never be accepted from him, and in the life to come he shall be among the lost.” (Qur’an: Aali- ‘Imran : 3:85)

11. Remember ……………. “Today, those who are bent on denying the truth have lost all hope of [your ever forsaking] your religion: do not, then, hold them in awe, but stand in awe of Me! Today have I perfected your religious law for you, and have bestowed upon you the full measure of My blessings, and willed that Al-Islam (self-surrender unto Me) shall be your religion.” (Qur’an: Al- Ma-idah : 5 : 3)

12. Ikhtelaaf(Differences) & Khilaaf (Conflict) in Jama’ah

13. Ikhtelaf- It represents a justifiable difference of opinion and includes exertion of sincere intellectual effort to arrive at a judgment or decision. It represents an objective methodology

14. Two conditions for legitimate difference of opinion Each disputant must have evidence or proof (dalil) to authenticate his argument. Failure to provide such evidence would invalidate an argument. Divergent opinion should not lead to anything preposterous or false.

15. Khilaf or Conflict Khilaf or Conflict- It represents dispute which departs from one or both conditions mentioned above. It is a manifestation of impulsiveness and obstinacy. It has no relation to objectivity.

16. Reasons for genuine Ikhtelaf or difference of opinion There are natural differences in intelligence, understanding, analytical capacity, wisdom and experience in people. Genuine desire and effort to ascertain the truth through investigation and discover the purpose of the Lawgiver

17. Reasons for genuine Ikhtelaf or difference of opinion Interpretation of the language and its meaning Differences over Hadith Differences over Juristic Methods (Usul al Fiqh)

18. Etiquettes of Genuine Ikhtelaf in Islam Sincere intentions and good purpose Patience and tolerance Acceptance of good opinions from others Express opinions politely and with proper mutual respect Conclude the meeting with unanimous or majority decision, clean hearts and dua for each other and the Jama’ah

19. Types of Conflicts 1- Personal- There could be personality clashes between two individuals and that may spill into the Jama’ah function. 2- Family- There may be some family disputes affecting some individuals. 3- Organizational. There may be purely differences on the organizational strategies but could lead to conflicts 4- Business. There may be disputes in business relations

20. Types of Conflicts Religious differences in Fiqh may affect a person’s attitude Political- Opinions on political issues or stands

21. Symptoms of Dispute Jealousy. One may develop jealousy against others and have deep rooted ill will. - Shamatah or feeling happy at the downfall of other person End of communication with no salutation - Loss of respect. One may act in an insulting way - Ghiba or backbiting.

22. Symptoms of Dispute Nameemah or gossiping. One may start reporting rumors Tamaskhar or ridiculing Violating others rights Physical violence

23. If two parties among the Believers fall into a quarrel make ye peace between them: but if one of them transgresses beyond bounds against the other then fight ye (all) against the one that transgresses until it complies with the command of Allah; but if it complies then make peace between them with justice and be fair: for Allah loves those who are fair (and just). The believers are but a single Brotherhood: So make peace and reconciliation between your two (contending) brothers: And fear Allah that ye may receive Mercy.Hujurat 49: 9, 10

24. A- General Steps 1- Think positive and have good estimation of the disputing person’s thoughts and actions. 2- Good communication. One should keep the lines of communication open and try to remove any misunderstandings. 3- Always have good will for others and keep the heart clean of any ill feelings. 4- Always make dua for others especially with the person with whom there is dispute.

25. [39:53] Say (on My behalf), ―O servants of Mine who have acted recklessly against their own selves, do not despair of Allah‘s mercy. Surely, Allah will forgive all sins. Surely, He is the One who is the Most-Forgiving, the Very-Merciful. [39:54] Turn passionately towards your Lord, and submit to Him before the punishment comes to you, after which you will not be helped.

26. [22:78] Struggle for (seeking the pleasure of) Allah, a struggle that is owed to Him. He has chosen you and did not impose any hardship on you in the religion, the faith of your father Ibrāhīm. He (Allah) named you as Muslims earlier and also in this (Qur‘ān), so that the Messenger becomes a witness to you, and you become witnesses to (other) people. So establish Salāh, pay Zakāh and hold fast to Allah. He is your patron. So, how excellent He is as a patron, and how excellent as a supporter!

27. [2:185] The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Qur‘ān was revealed as guidance for mankind, and as clear signs that show the right way and distinguish between right and wrong. So those of you who witness the month must fast in it. But the one who is sick, or is on a journey (should fast) as much from other days (as he missed). Allah intends (to provide) ease for you and does not intend (to create) hardship for you. All this is so that you may complete the number (of fasts as prescribed) and proclaim the Takbīr of Allah for having guided you, and (so) that you may be grateful.

28. [2:143] In the same way We made you a moderate Ummah (community), so that you should be witnesses over the people, and the Messenger a witness to you.

29. Our du’a “Our Lord ! Let not our hearts swerve from the truth after You have guided us; and bestow upon us the gift of Thy Grace (Mercy): verily, You are the (true) giver of Gifts (bestowals).” (Qur’an : Aali ‘Imran : 3 : 8)