Us and Them
The book ‘Us and Them’ represents a jurisprudence scholarly research that delves into the intricate relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims, both in times of peace and conflict. It also offers an elucidation of the interactions between the minority and the majority, as outlined in the Holy Quran, Sunnah, and the Jurisprudence of balance.
The author, Dr Ali Qaradaghi, undertakes the crucial task of addressing pressing issues within the Muslim community, notably the blurred interactions between Muslims and non-Muslims, which have been further complicated and violated by external influences, leading to heightened conflicts. To unravel these complexities, Dr Qaradaghi meticulously examines the topic across six primary chapters, drawing upon sacred Quranic verses, Sunnah, and decisions by most Islamic scholars, maintaining a balanced approach without unnecessary elaboration.
In the initial chapter, Dr Qaradaghi discusses the appropriate manner of treating others, beginning with the Islamic individuals and the community itself. He advocates for self-strengthening emotionally and materially, positioning this as the cornerstone of his discourse. Then he emphasizes unity, collaboration, and harmonious communication within the Islamic world as one of the fixed and unchangeable principles of Islam. After that he distinguishes between fixed and flexible jurisprudential matters, urging Muslims not to sacrifice their unity due to minor differences in flexible subjects. These differences, he asserts, are manifestations of God’s mercy for humanity.
The second chapter outlines the theoretical and intellectual religious principles that Islam advocates for coexistence and collaboration between Muslims and non-Muslims. Dr Qaradaghi consolidates these principles into 17 well-designed points, providing a solid foundation for mutual acceptance and cooperation.
In the third section, Qaradaghi explores Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) approach towards others, intertwining it with discussions on international relations. After that, he explains the rights and duties of non-Muslims in a Muslim society, as well as some Islamic-prescribed professional behaviours for interactions with non-Muslims.
The fourth chapter offers a comprehensive definition of the term ‘jihad’ from both linguistic and Sharia perspectives, accompanied by explanations of its rules. Dr Qaradaghi also explores the principles of Islamic jurisprudence and international relationships during times of war.
The fifth chapter delves into Muslims’ interactions with the non-Muslim communities they reside in, elucidating their rights and roles. Dr Qaradaghi draws wisdom from the stories of Prophet Joseph and the pilgrimages of ‘Habasha’.
In the sixth and final chapter, Dr Qaradaghi provides an insightful analysis of the interactions between Muslims and Western communities. He talks about the realistic portrayal of the Western world, the influence of movies and prominent Western figures… etc.
Key details about the book include:
– Original Language: Arabic
– Author: Ali Muheddin Al-Qaradaghi
– Translated into Kurdish by Tariq Najeeb & Abdulqadir Salih
– Number of Pages: 305
– Year of Publication: 2010