Even if Islam is complete as a faith and perfect as a religion, Muslims are nonetheless human beings, with their qualities and faults. Therefore, you are bound to find a Muslim who is arrogant, egocentric, blasphemous, racist
 A Muslim is not excluded from error or sin. Yet, whoever models his behavior on the Quran and the prophet Muhammad (ppuh) will truly be a remarkable person in this life and the afterlife. A main component of Islam is preaching it, in speech, and especially in deed. This is in fact the essence of Islam and that is what the prophet did for 23 years of his life.

This brings me to the story of a man who passed more than half his life on this path, the same path taken by prophets and messengers; and whoever follows this path knows that it is a long and arduous one. This man is Abdul Rahman Al-Sumait. Unfortunately, I can’t elaborate enough on this incredible person since this is only a blog and not a book, so if you want to know more about him and his work, look up the links at the bottom of the page.

So back to his story, Abdul Rahman was born in Kuwait in 1947 in a well-off family. He was accustomed to praying at the mosque near his house and never missed morning prayer (morning as in before sunrise). He had a passion for reading and was a talented student. He always had a sense of wanting to help others. And when I mean helping, I don’t just mean helping an old lady cross the road, I mean investing time and money to solve problems. While still in high school, he and his friends chipped in to buy a used car that they would use to drive poor laborers to their place of work every morning before they would go to school. As in most regions, especially where the disparity between rich and poor is noticeable, the transportation system is not at par. So, instead of watching poor workers scorching away in the desert sun, he took action. Just as a sidenote, when you want to change the world, you shouldn’t wait for others to move, you get going first and others will follow.

But Abdul Rahman’s appetite for helping did not stop there, he pursued his education in medicine and became a doctor and specialized in internal medicine. He graduated from Universities in Bagdad, Liverpool, and Montreal, where he worked as a practicing physician in the late 70’s. Even then, he would use a good chunk of his salary to translate religious books into English and to print pamphlets on Islam to distribute in Canada and abroad. How he accomplished this, by living a life of necessity and not of want. He would have everything he needed to live but not all he desired. He would have a car, but a used one; he would live in an apartment, not a villa; He would have clothes, but not a wardrobe. Hey! We are talking about a doctor! Generally speaking, the highest-paid civil servant. If he wanted, he could afford a new car every year!

When he finished his studies and moved back to Kuwait, he could now resume his life in the lap of luxury, right? He could have, but he didn’t. He could have occupied any prestigious position in any hospital in Kuwait
 Kuwait! That was like the Dubai of the 70’s moneywise. Instead, he concentrated his efforts in Africa.

Islam has always had strong roots in Africa, and I do mean Sub-Saharan Africa, Black Africa. Islam has no boundaries of geography nor race. Since the time of Negus of Abyssinia, at the time of the prophet, there have been Muslims in that region to a point that half the continent was Muslim in number and in area. This is the flame that Dr. Al-Sumait wished to rekindle. At the start, it was just supposed to be a little stint to build a mosque and return home, but that stint turned into 29 years of relentless aid, support, building, and preaching. 29 years of fighting poverty, ignorance, and tribal squabbles. 29 years of braving the elements, living in huts, and navigating through dense forests to barren lands. 29 years of preaching and living by a mindset that can change the present and forge the future.

That’s nice to hear, but what does it mean in numbers? This is a list of realizations and accomplishments by organizations he founded and was part of:

I mean, entire countries aren’t as productive as this! I would just like to focus on the last number, 11 million converts to Islam. Skeptics would be quick to point out that these people converted out of need, which is false for two reasons. First, charity and humanitarian relief were offered regardless of faith, whoever was in need received help. Secondly, if someone just believed out of need, he would revert right back to his previous way of life as soon as he got the chance.

Moreover, what opened and won the hearts of the people that Abdul Rahman Al-Sumait rubbed shoulders with is exactly that; he rubbed shoulders with them. He wasn’t a missionary that lived in a villa and ate meat every day, he lived in the same conditions as the people he served and helped. It was his honesty, his sincerity, and his manners that enticed millions of Africans to embrace Islam. One must not forget that the vessel is as important as the message. This is comparable to the 8th-century Muslim merchants who traveled to South East Asia, and through their attitude and manners helped convert an entire region to Islam (contrary to the grave misconception that Islam was spread by the sword). Not one single Muslim soldier set foot in that region. To this day, Indonesia is the country with the largest Muslim population at around 230 million Muslims.

Fortunately, he was not alone in this endeavor, thousands of people chipped in to help financially and on the ground, may Allah bless them all and accept their deeds. However, it is more often than not the people closest to the heart that keep you striving forward. In Abdul Rahman Al-Sumait’s case, it was his wife, Um Suhayb, who was his trail mate and spent wisely her entire inheritance on humanitarian causes. It is one thing to have an understanding wife, but it is another thing when she keeps you steadfast on the right path. The prophet (ppuh) said:

“Whomever Allah blesses with a righteous wife, He has helped him with half of his religion, so let him fear Allah with regard to the other half.”

Saheeh al-Targheeb wa’l-Tarheeb, Al-Albani.

We have mentioned multiple times before that results are not the goal, the satisfaction of Allah is the goal. Yet, seeing these results encourages us to be better. Let’s face it, we are not all forged from the same ore as Abdul Rahman Al-Sumait, but seeing our contemporary’s actions and accomplishments inspires us to greater heights.

In sum, spreading the word of Islam is an integral part of this religion. However, it can only be done accompanied by exemplary conduct and righteous action. This is something that Abdul Rahman Al-Sumait understood fully and applied rigorously. May Allah accept his good deeds, forgive him for his shortcomings, and enter him in the gardens of Paradise.

If you’re still hungry to find out more about this Muslim hero and role model, here are a few links that just might satisfy your tastebuds. Just don’t forget, nothing can replace righteous action for the sake of Allah.

Direct Aid Organization: Abdul Rahman Al-Sumait was one of its founders

https://direct-aid.org/cms/en/about-us/dr-al-sumait/

Magazine article on the life of Abdul Rahman Al-Sumait

Video from The Great 100 Muslims, episode 18 on Abdul Rahman Al-Sumait

And if you enjoy reading Arabic, here is a good read:

Fi Suhbah Al-Sumait, Rehlah Fi A’maq Al-Qarrah Al-Mansiyya (In the Company of Al-Sumait, A Journey to the Depths of the Forgotten Continent) A book about preaching, humanitarianism, and adventure. I enjoyed it, hope you will too.

https://www.docdroid.net/RcQjf4e/fy-shb-alsmyt-fhd-alsnydy-pdf#page=8

The word ‘Alim in Arabic means scholar or scientist. The word ‘Alim itself derives from the word ‘Ilm, which means knowledge or science. However, when used alone, by default, ‘Alim means a religious scholar. Therefore, the religious scholar knows with the utmost certainty the truth of Allah and his religion.

Of all of Allah’s servants, only the knowledgeable Ëčof His mightËș are ËčtrulyËș in awe of Him.

Surah Fatir (35 – 28)

So anyone who is unaware of His might or is in awe of someone or something else than Allah is truly ignorant. Moreover, if someone has knowledge of the Quran and ignores Allah’s directives or bows to another entity or power besides Allah for worldly gain is among the scum of this Earth.

Those who hide the clear proofs and guidance that We have revealed—after We made it clear for humanity in the Book—will be condemned by Allah and ËčallËș those who condemn.

As for those who repent, mend their ways, and let the truth be known, they are the ones to whom I will turn Ëčin forgivenessËș, for I am the Accepter of Repentance, Most Merciful.

Surely those who disbelieve and die as disbelievers are condemned by Allah, the angels, and all of humanity.

Surah Al-Baqarah (2 – 159-161)

Indeed, those who trade Allah’s covenant and their oaths for a fleeting gain will have no share in the Hereafter. Allah will neither speak to them, nor look at them, nor purify them on the Day of Judgment. And they will suffer a painful punishment.

Surah Ala-Imran (3 – 77)

Have you ËčO ProphetËș not seen those who were given a portion of the Scriptures yet trade it for misguidance and wish to see you deviate from the ËčRightËș Path?

Surah An-Nisa (4 – 44)

I know, many hypocrites (people who feel targeted) will be quick to say that these passages are specific to Rabbis and Priests who used the past Scriptures (Torah and Gospel) to their advantage. Didn’t the prophet Muhammad (ppuh) say:

“You will most certainly follow the ways of those who came before you, arm’s length by arm’s length, forearm’s length by forearm’s length, hand span by hand span, until even if they entered a hole of a mastigure (lizard) you will enter it too.” They said: “O Messenger of Allah, (do you mean) the Jews and the Christians?” He said: “Who else?”

Sunan Ibn Majah, Tribulations, 3994.

The original reason for revelation might have been corrupt Rabbis and Priests, but the intended audience is that of similar deeds in action and speech. Allah never singles out a denomination without making them an example to follow or to avoid. Therefore, mimicking past people begets the same retribution; good and bad.

Now, the position of a Muslim scholar is not an enviable one. Since there are no more prophets, they have inherited their burden; scholars are the sieve of truth. They are the defenders of Islam, they maintain its limits, they are more powerful than any ruler! And tyrants know this, that is why these tyrants use corrupt scholars to mislead people. And don’t think that this is a recent phenomenon. After the Rashidun Caliphate, pressure has been exerted on scholars to comply with the ruler’s desires. For instance, the example of Imam Ahmad (the Quran is a creation instead of the word of Allah). He was imprisoned and lashed on multiple occasions for staying steadfast on the right path. Now, practically all Muslims have heard about him, but how many remember any of the “scholars” that served the tyrant of his time. However, in recent years, all limits have been transgressed. “Scholars” are not just used to acquire worldly advantages or support a perverse interpretation of the Quran; they are presently being used to actively destroy this religion.

Despots hide behind this shield, yet scholars comply?! Once again, the devil’s advocate speaks: “You think you’d do a better job than these so-called religious scholars if you were in their place?” The answer
 I thank Allah that I am not in their shoes for two reasons. I never wish to have this burden of responsibility on my shoulders and I would not wish on anyone to witness the reckoning they will receive on the Day of Judgement. With this said. Scholars have accepted the responsibility that comes with the job.

Fortunately, not all scholars are corrupt hypocrites. Many do actually stand up for what is just and true. On the downside, they more often than not they are the first to face the brunt of unjust rulers. They are imprisoned, tortured, or killed; thus, leaving the court empty for the remaining “scholars”, i.e. hypocrites.

So for these remaining “scholars”, all we ask of you is to be quiet. We do not wish to see you harmed, so just be quiet. Forget about taking a stance, it is not everyone that is up to the task, and it is very, very understandable
 but please, just shhhhuuush!!! We don’t need more people to be led astray and we surely don’t need tyrants to find legitimacy in your words. This life is short enough as it is. This life is not worth the eternal anger of Allah.

In conclusion, A religious scholar is judged by his stance, not his knowledge. He is judged by his actions, not his appearances on national TV. He is judged by his tongue, not his Facebook likes. Moreover, he is judged by Allah, not his worldly leader. So say the truth, or say nothing.

Leaders lead, in speech and in action. They inspire their people to aspire to better. They challenge their surrounding to a higher moral standard. Unfortunately, this is a pipedream for Muslims in the Middle East. Why? Because the heads of state are hypocrites.

It’s easy to accuse someone of being a hypocrite, but what exactly is a hypocrite. Well, hypocrites are a special breed of people, and I don’t mean special in a good way. If they “are Muslim”, they display their Islam on the outside but conceal their disbelief in their hearts.

So if hypocrisy is in the heart, how can we know if someone is a hypocrite
 By his deeds.


but you will surely know them by the tone of [their] speech


Surah Muhammad (47 – 30)

Have you not seen those ËčhypocritesËș who ally themselves with a people with whom Allah is displeased? They are neither with you nor with them. And they swear to lies knowingly.

Allah has prepared for them a severe punishment. Evil indeed is what they do.

They have made their ËčfalseËș oaths as a shield, hindering ËčothersËș from the cause of Allah. So they will suffer a humiliating punishment.

Neither their wealth nor children will be of any help to them against Allah whatsoever. It is they who will be the residents of the Fire. They will be there forever.

Surah Al-Mujadalah (58 – 14-17)

They have made their ËčfalseËș oaths as a shield, hindering ËčothersËș from the Way of Allah. Evil indeed is what they do!

This is because they believed and then abandoned faith. Therefore, their hearts have been sealed, so they do not comprehend.

When you see them, their appearance impresses you. And when they speak, you listen to their ËčimpressiveËș speech. But they are ËčjustËș like ËčworthlessËș planks of wood leaned Ëčagainst a wallËș. They think every cry is against them. They are the enemy, so beware of them. May Allah condemn them! How can they be deluded Ëčfrom the truthËș?

Surah Al-Munafiqun (63 – 2-4)

The Prophet Muhammad has also underlined the characteristics of a hypocrite:

“Four are the qualities which, when found in a person, make him a sheer hypocrite, and one who possesses one of them, possesses one characteristic of hypocrisy until he abandons it. These are: When he is entrusted with something, he betrays trust; when he speaks, he lies; when he promises, he acts treacherously; and when he argues, he behaves in a very imprudent, insulting manner.”

Sahih Bukhari and Muslim

Now, tell me one Arab leader that does not check all of the boxes listed above


Hypocrites are distasteful at best when among the population, a scourge when given rank, and a catastrophe when in charge. So imagine when a hypocrite is a state leader
 You don’t need Freud to analyze where things can go wrong from there.

These people are not interested in pleasing Allah, they are not interested in pleasing their people, they are only interested in indulging in their passions. That is why you see them like lions with their own people and like sheep with their puppet master. At the least, someone who has a little self-respect would act the opposite way.

As it goes for world leaders, they all act hypocritically. The only difference is that it varies in degrees. However, the Middle-East has a way of infusing a special flavor and aroma of hypocrites; one of tyrants, despots, and dictators; kings, generals, and princes.

Muslims in the Middle-East bear the brunt of hypocrite leaders; imprisonment, torture, and executions on a personal level; and on a global level, normalization of relations with the Zionist state, trivializing France’s actions against Muslims, and controlling what religious scholars can say.

In the end, Muslims have a saying:

People become corrupt when the leaders become corrupt, and the leaders become corrupt when the (religious) scholars become corrupt. This is the kind of world we are living in, but that does not mean you can’t change it!

We ended last week’s blog on aspirations with some that don’t get to see their aspirations to fruition, yet this does not mean that their contribution was in vain. Often, what is even more important than victory itself is building victory; instilling the moral change and belief that higher truths are attainable through rightful action, even if it comes from a small group. Breaking the chain is hard, so it is truly remarkable when you see the people who actually did this.

For instance, there is Ertugrul, he was the father of Osman. If you don’t know who is Osman, he is the founder of the Ottoman Empire, one of the greatest empires in history. Ertugrul himself became leader of the Kayi tribe (a Turkmen people from the Oghuz clan) at a low point in time. You had the crumbling Seljuk Dynasty (which he served under), coupled with encroachment on two fronts from the Mongols in the East and the Byzantines from the West while trying to establish a safe haven for his nomadic people in the middle of Anatolia (Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey). His lifetime dedication to his religion firstly and his duty towards his people pushed him to aspire for justice for his own people and for whoever lived in his domain. By controlling Sogut and its surroundings, he laid the groundwork for his descendance who were rulers of their destiny for 6 centuries. His youngest son Osman took over as leader and pursued his father’s quest and aspired to found a state and got a glimpse of victory. As for his 9th generation descendant, Mehmed II (Muhammad Al-Fatih, the conqueror), he literally aspired to great heights and tasted victory in conquering the capital of the Roman-Byzantine Empire: Constantinople. A city that was the capital of the Roman empire for over millennia and had unbreachable walls (that is, until Muhammad Al-Fatih).

Once again, his aspirations were cultivated at a very young age, his Sheikh (Akshamsaddin, who was also his mentor) cultivated within Mehmed the goal of conquering that city by repeating to him this following Hadith:

“Verily, you shall conquer Constantinople. What a wonderful leader will he be, and what a wonderful army will that army be!”

Musnad Ahmad

Moreover, the Ottoman Empire reached its apogee under the rule of Suleiman the magnificent, which is a nickname given in Europe at his time, in Arabic, he is known as Al-Kanuni (the lawgiver). His domain was only rivaled by Alexander the great and Suleiman’s tenure, 46 years, was the longest of any Ottoman Sultan or Caliph. Unfortunately, all things come to pass. Once squandering and decadence are prevalent in a society, the auto-destruct sequence has been launched and is practically impossible to stop even if you have a head of state that is well-intentioned or rightful. That is what happened during the life of Abdulhamid II, the last true Ottoman Sultan and Caliph for Muslims. After him, the position became a figurehead and was abolished when Mustafa Kemal took over as president after WWI.

Now, do not think that building victory is only reserved for history or is not attainable nowadays. A contemporary example of building victory is found today in
 you’ve guessed it
 Modern-day Turkey. During the reign of Mustafa Kemal, wrongfully nicknamed Ataturk (meaning Father of Turks, in an affectionate way), he destroyed anything that had to do with Islam and turned towards secularism and nationalism. After his death, a series of military coups followed to overturn any government that might lean towards Islam (the most famous one, the coup, and execution of prime minister Adnan Menderes). However, a decade later, Necmettin Erbakan showed up on the political playing field. He founded multiple political parties based on Islamic principles. Obviously, these parties were often banned or dissolved and Erbakan would commute between political life and prison on a regular basis. He passed most of his adult life on the political scene striving to implement change, obtaining at best a flickering success
 baby steps. It is only when Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a pupil of Erbakan, became the mayor of Istanbul, that the tide started to turn. His pragmatic stance on social and economic issues granted him popular support. In the late 90’s, the political party Erdogan was part of was deemed unconstitutional on grounds that it threatened the secularism of the state. It is then that the Turkish people truly saw his intentions and his convictions. After his imprisonment, his popularity grew, and he ultimately became the president of Turkey. We are now witnessing a glimpse of victory, and only Allah knows where things will go from here.

All these aforementioned people (except for Ataturk) had a willingness to support the religion of Allah. It is not to say that they are perfect and without fault. Just the fact of being in politics tarnishes a person. Politics at an international scale is like dealing with the mafia, militias, and pimps, but under international conventions; it is therefore practically impossible to come out white like snow (I don’t mean this as a drug pun). At best, a leader is often compelled to choose between the lesser evil rather than do what is best. However, these people (except for Ataturk, once again) did their best for their religion and people; and that is a big difference from most current leaders of predominantly Muslim countries.