We are a few weeks away from Ramadan, a month where we look to increase our God consciousness.
A big part of this is understanding the reasons for Islam - not just the practice, but Islamic philosophy.
A top Muslim police officer recently suggested that an aversion to alcohol was a sign of extremism. He may not have understood his faith, but he was far from the truth.
He may have made such statements to score points with people, but it also suggests a mentality that doesn't comprehend the reason for Islamic principles. Islam is not an anachronistic religion. It can be argued that it was never even conservative - in fact historically it has had the opposite effect - its adherents have been rather revolutionary.
We must all understand that wedo not avoid things like alcohol for the sake of avoiding alcohol. Rules are not present merely for the purpose of being present.
In the Qur'an we are told that alcohol has its benefits, but its disadvantages and harms to society are far greater.
The prohibition of alcohol is in our interests. This isnt understood only by muslims but by others too, though not too many will acknowledge it. Nurses and doctors who work in accident and emergency units can attest to the damages of alcohol.
Alcohol does not damage just the individual, but the family and the whole community. A dulled community that is pre-occupied with other things will not be revolutionary and will not stand against wrong or stand for justice.
A Muslim is one who benefits those around him and things like alcohol - and gambling - do not allow this to happen. they cause harm
We live in a society where some prohibitions - such as interest - are unavoidable, but even here we should understand the harms that these things cause and understand that Islamic rules and prohibitions are not archaic but for our own good.
This ramadan if we can spend some time increasing our knowledge of our religion, that time will be well spent.
Articles:
Mahdi Hasan - Why Islam doesn’t need a reformation
Blog Posts:
1 May 2015 - £1 a day food challenge.
2 May 2015 - Why I have voted for Labour
6 May 2015 - Why I want 'Ed Miliband to be the next prime minister
14 May 2015 - David Cameron on British Values
17 May 2015 - Remember when Tariq Jahan single handedly saved Birmingham from race riots after the murder of his son?
17 May 2015 - Fate of the Rohingya at Sea
21 May 2015 - Perfect Imperfection
25 May 2015 - Top Muslim Cop: Negative attitudes towards Santa Clause and Alcohol signs of extremism
30 May 2015 - Maghrib/Fajr times in the summer
Forum Topics
8 May 2015 - Perform Wudhu like the Prophet 
11 May 2015 - Ramadan 2015 Preparations
12 May 2015 - 'Star Wars' or ISIS: Which is more Islamic?
14 May 2015 - Theresa May’s Humiliating Radio 4 Interview on ‘Extremism’
15 May 2015 - Western liberals fear destruction of history while ignoring human lives in Syria
17 May 2015 - WE ARE MANY - Official Trailer- In UK Cinemas nationwide from 21 May 2015
Polls
7 May 2015 - Did you vote?
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