While growing up in London during the 80's, I dreamt about the time Gaddafi would go and allow the Libyan nation to be an Islamic nation. After all, it is a 100% Muslim nation, populated by a people whose level of practising may vary but whose staunch belief never wavers. In my youthful, beautiful naivety I never imagined this could ever be controversial. After all, Libya is 100% Muslim nation. Why should that be an issue to anyone?
Obviously, I now know that the secular and democratic ideals of "Tolerance" and "Live and Let Live" are only meant to apply domestically and have no place in foreign policy. And so, with victory against Gaddafi assured, the scaremongers come crawling out to inform the world that alot of the fighters are "Islamists", with ties to al-Qaeda. And with that they play to the fearful prejudice that has been instilled within their people.
It's an amazing word "Islamist". There aren't too many in the English language that compete. It is a word with so much negative connotation but with no meaning to it whatsoever. And it's etymology would suggest it comes from the word "Islamism". A word that is never used and so "Islamist" is a word with little origin. Say "Islamist" to your "man on the street" and thoughts of big beards, multiple wives, suicide bombing and world domination come to mind. But how do you really define an "Islamist" (sorry, the quotes are going to remain throughout as it's an odd word)? Essentially, an "Islamist" is a follower of Islam, right? However, we have a word for that, which is Muslim. So that can't be it. OK, so an "Islamist" is a fighter who fights in the name of Islam? Nope, that is a Mujahid. Someone who believes in the rule of Allah over the rule of man? Nope, Muslim again. It's a word that is akin to the words "Mussleman" and "Mohammedan". Words with no meaning but much influence.
Essentially, it's a word that has been created to strike fear in the hearts of the public. It is a creation that allows politicians to say "Look, you think we're bad, at least we're not those 'Islamists'". There is a fear now that with the advent of democracy in Libya, an "Islamist" regime will come to power. It is a fear that is at no point explained. I have many articles and most have statements about fearing the advent of "Islamists" in Libya, but at no point do they really articulate that fear. Vague statements like "They wish to setup an Islamist state with Shariah Law". Read this article in the Washington Times. With AbdelHakim Belhaj becoming the latest in a long line of "Islamist" boogie men, with his supposed ties to Al-Qaeda. It is amazing that people were surprised that some of our fighters are those with a strong religious background. But what will this mean to non-Libyans, if this man or his ilk gain a foothold in the political landscape in Libya.
There are a few points to address here. Firstly, a democracy is where a people are ruled by those they determine are fit to run their country, whoever they may be or whatever their policies may be. It is not for any foreign nation to influence that process or to refuse to recognise the outcome. Tony Blair told us that the war in Iraq was justifiable simply on the basis that it instilled democracy in the country. Therefore, if it is worth sending your people to die for democracy, let it plays it's true course without any interference. If that is what we, the Libyan people want, it is what we will get.
Next, let's be clear. Libya will be an Islamic nation.There is no choice. We believe in Islam, totally and wish to see the laws that God gave us used. On a personal note, I hope the constitution in Libya has as it's overriding element, above all else, the Quran and Sunnah. This is what is right and best for us Libyans.
But what I don't understand is what there is to fear from an Islamic nation. Domestically, the laws and justice systems (Shariah) that are brought about do not affect any people outside of the country. I once had a debate with a colleague many years ago about the punishments in place in Saudi Arabia, like chopping off the hand. I made the point that this is something the people want as they feel that to safeguard their society was more important than safeguarding the thief's hand. She made the statement that the punishment was barbaric and she would never live in a country that did that. So my answer to her was simply "I don't believe you living there was a driving force behind implementing the law". In other words, you may abhor them, but we don't do it to please you. Or, you may love them. But the laws we implement in our country are for us and if you don't agree with it, you don't need to live in Libya - as Allah said "Allah's earth is widespread so live within it where it suits you".
The fear for many people in the West is that Islam is the only religion known to man that does not have a pacifistic element to it. This is very true. In many places in the Quran and the sayings of the Prophet are the fighters - Mujahideen - and matyrs - Shuhada - exalted and praised. They have a special place alongside the prophets and scholars of the religion. Verses in the Quran like "Fight those that fight you" can be used against Muslims by the likes of the English Defence League in the UK and others. It is a very different approach to "Turning the left cheek".
However, what those who would like you to believe bad about Islam don't include is the full context of that verse:
﴾وَقَـتِلُواْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ الَّذِينَ يُقَـتِلُونَكُمْ﴿
(And fight in the way of Allah those who fight you,)
﴾وَلاَ تَعْتَدُواْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لاَ يُحِبُّ الْمُعْتَدِينَ﴿
(but transgress not the limits. Truly, Allah likes not the transgressors.)
This verse means, `Fight for the sake of Allah and do not be transgressors,' such as, by committing prohibitions. Al-Hasan Al-Basri stated that transgression (indicated by the Ayah), "includes mutilating the dead, theft (from the captured goods), killing women, children and old people who do not participate in warfare, killing priests and residents of houses of worship, burning down trees and killing animals without real benefit.'' From the explanation of the Quran by Ibn Kathir.
So, Allah and Islam is very clear that we (Libyans) we only fight those that attack us and even then only within the limits of what Allah has allowed us. So, there is nothing to fear.
Certainly there have been those that have expressed fears that with an Islamic government in place, human rights will be impinged upon. But I go back to my first point. In a democratic country, where people vote for who they see fit to run their country, then we will all receive the rights we deserve. And since it is our choice then the fears are unfounded. We are a grown up country who have the right to live as we see fit and not how anyone else believes we should live our lives. We don't wish to displease and upset anyone, but if the choice was to displease the people or displease God, the answer for the majority of Libyans is easy. We want a society that has the perfect balance of freedom and safety.
So what does Islam look like in Libya? It is prayers 5 times in mosques. It is fasting Ramadan. It is respecting elders. It is safeguarding the property and wellbeing of others. All very beautiful ideals.
As Libyans, I know that we hope for a country that is welcoming to all, Muslim or otherwise and that we continue to show our hospitality to our foreign guests. Come and enjoy our warm weather and our warm welcome. But Islam will continue to be a central part of our country. It will shape our economy. It will shape our foreign policy. This is us. This is how we want to live. I sincerely hope that people in the West understand this. I have been brought up amongst British non-Muslim people, and as individuals I know how tolerant they are. They accept me and my religion and will still happily go out and play golf with me. So, when we have an Islamic government, which we will, I hope everyone understands that this is for us and is not about taking on the rest of the world. As Allah says in the Quran "For you is your way of life and for me is my way of life".
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