Donald Trump and Joe Biden are obviously not Muslims. Muslims will, of course, align with candidate they think would best serve their interest (Islam).
So what is the fate of Islam and the Muslims in the Unite States? The Muslims do not fare well under the conservative republican Trump due to his immigration policy which was apparently aimed at some Islamic countries, and his special revulsion for Islam and the Muslims. He did not (and does not) hide it! That he is defeated, many I believe will do a thanks giving. Would Islam be different and the Muslims fare better under liberal democratic Biden? Many Muslims would answer ‘yes’. I will neither say ‘yes’ nor ‘no’. I will rather remain indifferent. My reasons are as follows:
Trump’s conservatism share some similarities with Islam. Being a republican conservative, his view on morality has some similarity with Islam. He kicked against abortion, so he is on the same page with Islam. He condemns lesbianism, homosexualism, and same marriage; so does Islam. The society which his political conservatism would have created would have been good for the spread of Islam. The seed of Islam would have germinated in the soil of Trumpian America. However, his racism, crude temperament, atavistic nationalism, uncouth verbalism, and incurable narcissism make him antagonistic to the Muslims and far away from Islam.
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Biden is a liberal democrat. Considering his ideological orientation, he, at least, should be tolerant towards the Muslims. Some of his campaign utterances give credence to this speculation. But we should be mindful of the fact that he is not the Muslims’ bride. He is not in love with Islam and that is why he is not a Muslim. His liberal/democratic thought is the reason behind his utterances which many interpreted to be favorable to Islam. Being a democrat, he should, ipso facto, be tolerant not only towards the Muslims but also towards the adherents of other religions. Don’t be hoodwinked that Biden would be for the Muslims when it comes to the issue of religion. Recall that the Qur’an says:
“And never will the Jews and the Christians approve of you until you follow their religion…” (Q 2: 120).
This explains why some Muslims were disappointed at Barak Obama who is believed to have come from a Muslim family. His policies were expected to be tilted in favor of the Muslims and Islam. However, he is not a Muslim. Therefore, it is not appalling that his eight year leadership did not better the lots of the Muslim world nor did it, in any visible way, serve Islam. Muslims who had hinged their hopes on Obama were grossly disappointed. The lesson is: American Muslims should stop thinking that the defeat of Trump and triumph of Biden will in anyway give impetus to Islamic course. They should focus on disseminating the message of Islam and rely on Allah.
While Biden should in principle be tolerant to the Muslims, liberalize the stiff immigration policy; let’s not forget that he is from the liberal democratic school which teaches tolerant to homosexualism, lesbianism, bestiality, idolism etcetera. In fact in 2016 when Biden was the Vice President to Obama, he officiated a wedding for same sex couple. Now that he is the President, what do you expect? You should expect state sponsored advocacy for abortion, same sex marriage, transgenderism, and nudism. All other forms of moral corruption which have already permeated the American society will get the government’s thumbs up. Worst still is the fact that immorality has a very strong magnetic pool. No one is safe save the one whom Allah saves. It is in this social milieu that the American Muslims shall struggle to practice their religion.
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It appears that American Muslims stand to benefit nothing, be it Trump or Biden. This is what I see. Or what do you see? Please share your thoughts. At any rate, Muslims must exist on American soil and elsewhere. Nothing will change this. It is an ironclad fact. It is those who attempt to change the fact that will labor in vain; the fact shall remain. Why did I say so? It is because the Qur’an says it. Contradicting the Qur’an is itself a contradiction. To avoid contradiction of thought and analysis is to accept the Qur’an as the ultimate truth. Its wordings are crystal clear. It says: “they want to extinguish the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah refuses except to perfect His light, although the disbelievers dislike it. It is He who has sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to manifest it over all religions, although they who associate others with Allah dislike it.” (Q 9:32-33; see also 61:8-9).
The Muslims should not rely on anyone in achieving their religious goals which include among others: spreading peace, worshiping Allah, ensuring Justice, nipping corruption into its useless bud, settling disputes, giving rights to those who deserve it, and feeding the poor. What is more, the goals include kicking against racism, nepotism, tribalism, jingoism, favoritism, and other destructive ‘isms’. That is when we can live in peace. These goals are set by the Qur’an for the Muslims to achieve. It says:
“You are the best nation produced [as an example] for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah.” (Q3:110).
Therefore, American Muslims should not wait for Biden. They should go on—to enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong.
It further says: “O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves, or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both…” (Q4:135)
“And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [Saying], “We feed you only for the countenance [i.e., approval] of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude. Indeed, We fear from our Lord a Day austere and distressful.”
So Allah will protect them from the evil of that Day and give them radiance and happiness. And will reward them for what they patiently endured [with] a garden [in Paradise] and silk [garments]. (Q76: 8-12).
When the Prophet (SAW) arrived Madinah his first set of instructions are: “O people! Spread salaam, feed the hungry, be in touch with your kin, and pray while people are asleep (at night) you will enter paradise peacefully” (Trimidhi). This is what the Muslims should be doing. Let the American Muslims focus on these rather than Biden. O Allah! Always help keep the banner of Islam aloft; do not let us waver in our imaan (faith).
Abdulkadir Salaudeen writes from Gashua, Yobe State, Nigeria.
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@salahuddeenAbd
