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Hussam has been a lifelong human rights activist who is passionate about promoting democratic societies, in the US and worldwide, in which all people, including immigrants, workers, minorities, and the poor enjoy freedom, justice, economic justice, respect, and equality. Mr. Ayloush frequently lectures on Islam, media relations, civil rights, hate crimes and international affairs. He has consistently appeared in local, national, and international media. Full biography at: http://hussamayloush.blogspot.com/2006/08/biography-of-hussam-ayloush.html

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Khutbah/Sermon: Understanding and Defending "The Shariah" - by: Hussam Ayloush

What is Shariah and what are its foundations and purposes?

Why is Shariah attacked? Who is behind those attacks?

Can a good Muslim who follows the Shariah also be a good American?

Is the Shariah opposed or a threat to the US Constitution?

Find out. (English part begins after 3 minutes into talk)



Khutbah: Understanding and Defending "The Shariah" by Br. Hussam Ayloush from Islamic Institute of Orange Cty on Vimeo.

3 comments:

Nooreen said...

I feel uplifting and inspired after hearing your khutba, alhamdulillah. I pray more people will gain that understanding of Shari'a, including Muslims as we practice it and our fellow citizens so they can understand what Islam is truly about.

Siarlys Jenkins said...

I was referred to the video of your talk from the site of Gary Fouse, who insinuated I would be shocked and appalled. I wasn't.

Thank you for a straightforward presentation, as an American and a Muslim, of how faithful adherence to Shariah looks under the civil law established by our Constitution. My faith is Protestant Christian, but I have to believe that God had his own reasons for keeping some Jews within the covenant of Moses, just as God had his own reasons for introducing Islam through the Prophet Muhammed (peace by upon him), and God has his reasons for all three of these faiths to still be practiced in the world today.

I've been responding to Fouse at this address:

http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=59324506101124457&postID=3562197119985258541

As a matter of logic, I have to admit you COULD be deceiving us, but the best way to test that is to take you at your word. If your actions live up to your words, your sermon is a very welcome one.

Hussam Ayloush said...

Dear Mr. Jenkins,

Thank you for your kind and honest words.

As you correctly stated, God has his own reasons to make us different. According to Islamic teachings, those differences are deliberate and are intended for a good purpose. In the Quran, God states:
"And if God had willed, He could have made them one nation" (Quran 42:8).
and he also states:
"O Mankind, We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female (Adam and Eve) and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other. Verily the most honored of you in the sight of God is he who is the most righteous of you" (Quran 49:13).

Unfortunately, there are some who wish to focus on the differences and ignore the many similarities and shared values.

I pray that we all can best serve God's requirement from us rather than our own ego and pride.

As for the possibility of deception, logically, it is always possible for people to engage in such immoral practice. However, this is not the characteristics of Islam nor of any of God's prophets and messengers whom we try to emulate. Keep in mind, the sermon you watched was given to about a thousand Muslims and not as talk at a church or university. This is what I learned from my religion, this is what I teach fellow Muslims, and most importantly, this is what I continue to live by.

Best regards and God bless.

Hussam