December 12, 2016—The following statement was given by Earl Abdulmalik Mohammed to a conference of Muslims meeting on the theme: "Muslims in the Era of Trump."
IMAM EARL ABDULMALIK MOHAMMED: I understand the emphasis in the language 'era of Trump' to be a clever way of saying 'era of fear.' Allah says: "was-saabireena feel-ba'saa-i wad-darraa-i wa heenal-ba's -and those who endure with patience during severe hardship, adversity, and 'eras' of desperation; uulaaikal-ladheena sadaquu -such are those devoted to truth; wa uulaaika humul-muttaquun -and such are they who show proper regard for God."
Muslims are commanded to follow revealed knowledge. By putting it this way our Sacred Book instructs that we are to seek authority for our decisions and actions from principles above the influence of our own fears, and in recognition of the gravity of our own failings. In times of anxiety we are to confidently maintain our relationship and bond with the Guidance, and our leaders must insist that they inform themselves with the best and most thoughtful and responsible explanations and use of it in order to serve the society properly.
In times of fear we are permitted to alter our ritual practices, and while we should not turn away from considering this concession which God and His Messenger have allowed us, we should increase our works of kindness, our attachment to the virtue and many wise expressions of patience, and our commitment to the principles of justice that govern society. Society needs circumspect and insightful leadership in times of trepidation, and while we are yet vigilant for our security as communities of faith and as citizens, we are to recite the best applications of our knowledge to the society in efforts to aid it and strengthen it, not weaken it by desperate reactions.
Muhammed the Prophet, upon him be the prayers and the peace, is reported to have said: "attaqil-laha haithumaa kunt -show proper regard for God in whatever circumstances you are; wa atbi'es-sayya'atal-hasanata tamhuhaa -and follow a bad deed with a good one and it will wipe it out; wa khaaliqin-naasa bikhuluqin hasan -and behave with excellence towards the people."
To feed anxiety is anti-Islam and un-Islamic, and therefore our choice of language during any time of difficulty should not bolster and encourage the cries of desperation above our aims at eradicating our own weaknesses and neglect. Muslims may not think that addressing the issue of a Trump-influenced era should have this emphasis or is this simple, but we will agree that for those following Islamic faith, taqwaa, that is, proper regard for God and proper behavior befitting Muslims, is and will always be our best defense and weapon.