Taped on: May 22nd, 1992

Title: Why America Needs the Religion of Islam

Speaker: Imam Yahia Abdul Rahman Ph.D.

Location:

     In the weeks following the civil upheaval in Los Angeles, Dr. Yahia Abdul Rahman delivered this stirring sermon (khutba) that today still carries the poignancy it had in 1992. His presentation includes just some of the following themes:

• The infinite vision of God (Allah) misses nothing. And in time, all of us will be held to account for our actions. Among the sayings of the blessed Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), we are reminded that, “Many civilizations were destroyed when they applied the law only [to oppress] the weak, leaving the wealthy and privileged [who were transgressing] alone.” Furthermore, in the Holy Qur’an, God (Allah) has announced that those who are without fear of the consequences of their misdeeds are greatly misled.

• Identify injustices and strive to overcome them. Islam has been as great a source of social and political liberation as it has been spiritually. From the inception of Islamic rule in Arabia over 1400 years ago, the Muslim government went beyond providing the basic needs for the poor, to requiring that those with greater resources be more (not less) accountable to aiding the community at large.

• Never did any of the Messenger’s of God (Allah), from Prophet Moses, through Prophet Jesus, and to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon all of them) side with an oppressive establishment. Instead, they came to free people who lived under tyranny and hardship and call them back to belief and worship of God, and onto righteous path. With this message, Islam spanned the globe as the fastest and most potent movement in history.

• It is imperative to educate your community, and our nation about the values and beliefs of Islam. Emphasize that Muslims are opposed to consumption of all intoxicants, or anything that corrupts the health, mind and spirit of an individual; that infidelity and all spousal abuse or mistreatment is intolerable; that premarital sex is prohibited because such intimacy is only permissible when done within the bounds of honorable marriage; and that the rights of another’s property are inviolable, and must defended, be they those of a Muslim or not.

• We need to build strong communal networks serving the needs of faith, family, education, and recreation. Muslim schools must be supported, and in their absence they must be built. Sports leagues should also be formed so adults and children alike have fun, healthy outlets to meet and interact with their fellow brothers and sisters. And finally, those who are of marrying age must consider doing so immediately. These are only some of the goals we as American Muslims should strive for.