salam Sr. Norma,

You might be aware of this, but as it is clearly visible from the state of the Muslims, most Muslims are not. Clearly, this is directed to those who may not have understood the importance of this point.

Secondly, who exactly are “these people” and what do you expect them to do? They are mostly acadamians, teachers, and scholars, and are working in their environment with the tools at their disposal. I think the more important questions is – what have we – the people on the ground, in the communities done to help? How have you and I actualized this to bring benefit to people?

Once, a man yelled at one of the scholars in Egypt saying: “You have preaching and teaching and talking for 20 YEARS and NOTHING has changed! What use is your speaking?”

The scholar responsed: “You are right – nothing has changed….because you have been listening for 20 years, and you have done nothing.”

wa salaam
Abdul Sattar

Assalamu Alaikum Leo,
This is a great question which many people generally ask. I will explain your question and InshaAllah you will be pleased with my answer.

Imam al-Hafiz al-Suyuti says in his short treatise Jazil al-mawahib fi ikhtilaf al-madhahib (The abundant grants concerning the differences among the schools):
”
The hadith “Difference of opinion in my Community is a mercy for people” has many benefits among which are the fact that the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) foretold of the differences that would arise after his time among the madhahib in the branches of the law, and this is one of his miracles because it is a foretelling of things unseen.
Another benefit is his approval of these differences and his confirmation of them because he characterizes them as a mercy.
Another benefit is that the legally responsible person can choose to follow whichever he likes among them.
”

….and indeed Allah has made the Deen easy for us to follow. Glory be to Allah, He is the Lord of Mercy.

This is nice. I’ve known this information for years. Don’t understand why they had to have a conference now to state the obvious. The real question is what can we do about extremism and ignorance in our communities? Can’t these people get proactive?