Joining IRF and Jamaat-Islami

[DefendingIslam]

Salam Alaykum,

How far can a person participate in the activities of organizations like the IRF and Jamaat Islami, especially in areas where these types of organizations are the only vehicles for Islamic group activities (for example, attending their lectures, volunteering for their programs, participating in any social cause they might be working for, donating money,etc).

Also, these organizations are known to have some Aqeedah problems. So at what level does a normal, average Muslim's Aqeedah to suffer when joining these groups.

Wa Salam.

[Nomadic]

If there is a common good work like social work, aid then one does not have to restrict oneself to so called islamic party. Surely being a muslim who follows his relegion and is visible being involved with non relegious party is form of dawah.
Most people see through the superfical claim of relegiosity specially likes of Jamati Islami, though there are few who are sincere in their approach.

[DefendingIslam]

If there is a common good work like social work, aid then one does not have to restrict oneself to so called islamic party. Surely being a muslim who follows his relegion and is visible being involved with non relegious party is form of dawah.
Most people see through the superfical claim of relegiosity specially likes of Jamati Islami, though there are few who are sincere in their approach.

But as I mentioned in the first post, these are the only vehicles Muslims see in many areas for participating in group activities.

And also if the Muslim has to do some work for Islam, be it social or organizing religious programs and lectures, etc., then he has to associate himself with an Islamic organization, since he cannot do this all by himself.

I just want to know up to what extent can a Muslim get involved with such organizations and at what level do they actually affect the Muslim's Aqeedah.

[drjash]

But as I mentioned in the first post, these are the only vehicles Muslims see in many areas for participating in group activities.

And also if the Muslim has to do some work for Islam, be it social or organizing religious programs and lectures, etc., then he has to associate himself with an Islamic organization, since he cannot do this all by himself.

I just want to know up to what extent can a Muslim get involved with such organizations and at what level do they actually affect the Muslim's Aqeedah.

I don't see what it should be an issue to associate with such groups, so long as they are within the limits of the Sharia. Muslims groups should work together and complement each others work as opposed to always competing with each other and having feuds.

As for Aqida, I am not sure how the Aqida of Jamati Islami or any other group that adheres to Sunni Islam can be an issue. The fundementals of Aqida or always the same for every muslim. If you dwell into the branches then that should be a secondary issue and not one that divides you when it comes to working together for the common good.

What area are you in and what type of work are you looking to get involved in?

[seeker_ikb]

Salam Alaykum,

How far can a person participate in the activities of organizations like the IRF and Jamaat Islami, especially in areas where these types of organizations are the only vehicles for Islamic group activities (for example, attending their lectures, volunteering for their programs, participating in any social cause they might be working for, donating money,etc).

Also, these organizations are known to have some Aqeedah problems. So at what level does a normal, average Muslim's Aqeedah to suffer when joining these groups.

Wa Salam.

There is a subtle point in your question. Such a question should be answered by a good Mufti who has profound knowledge.

When a political party do a social activity, they do it for many reasons -- for better image , for group cohesion etc. But some so-called Islamic political parties are modernists (!) who promote a sanitized ( ! ) version of Islam to the public.

So , you should not let your good intention be exploited by some wolfs in sheep skin. However, you should please consult a good Mufti first.

[qaazi]

As far as IRF is concerned i know it very well. Bcuz its very near to my resident. They hardly bring out fiqh issues. Whatever they say has a reference and they encourage the audience to check and study for themselves. Their main aim is to clear misconceptions among non-muslim and bring them closer to Islam.

and Allah knows best !

[DefendingIslam]

As far as IRF is concerned i know it very well. Bcuz its very near to my resident. They hardly bring out fiqh issues. Whatever they say has a reference and they encourage the audience to check and study for themselves. Their main aim is to clear misconceptions among non-muslim and bring them closer to Islam.

They do have Q& A sessions at IRF where people can ask questions and people do bring out Fiqh issues and Zakir naik does answer them. Issues related to Islamic economics, Salat, and so many different things, and of course since he is a Salafi he gives them the Salafi point of view.

Also on Peace TV which is his TV channel they have Q&A programs broadcasted where common people ask Fiqh questions which are answered by him.

Since he is Salafi and his Aqeedah is not proper, how far can this affect a normal Muslim volunteering or working for his organization. I am asking this not for myself but is just a general question because many Muslims do get involved with these organizations (IRF and Jamaat-Islami).

[Nomadic]

Bismillah
i have worked with ISB and Jimas. There is no harm in working these organisation provided you are vocal and can justify your views which I have done many times when working with ISB and told them of their shallow understanding of sciences. I recall at one instance I corrected Br. Ajmal on the radio ramadhan when I was a producer. I have also pointed out mawdudi falacy and when delivered with evidance, the sincere amoungst them take heed. But you have to be good in your conduct to have any effect. As for jimas, I remember it was only me at the time who overtly followed Hanafi Fiqh and have to give a lot of credit Br. Muntasir for being open minded. This qualities I found lacking in vast majority of the TJ grass root worker along and not to mention dynamism needed to uplift the ummah. Long gone are the days where likes of Shaikh Khandawi, Ilyas, Asad Al Madani lived by example and inspired others. Please refer to my other posting on UK institute and Gujrati backwardness (in the education section)

[qaazi]

They do have Q& A sessions at IRF where people can ask questions and people do bring out Fiqh issues and Zakir naik does answer them. Issues related to Islamic economics, Salat, and so many different things, and of course since he is a Salafi he gives them the Salafi point of view.

Also on Peace TV which is his TV channel they have Q&A programs broadcasted where common people ask Fiqh questions which are answered by him.

Since he is Salafi and his Aqeedah is not proper, how far can this affect a normal Muslim volunteering or working for his organization. I am asking this not for myself but is just a general question because many Muslims do get involved with these organizations (IRF and Jamaat-Islami).

True, but as i said they provide references from quran and saheeh ahadees, which no one can reject. Well then its matter of taqleed, if one can understand that evolution of fiqh, then theres no argument.

..and Allah knows best !

[Nomadic]

The Q&A session causes a lot of confusion amoung the mass. But to be honest, the so called ulema of haq has to take the blame for this. They are so aloof from public that even till this day with the exception of few don't answer any question or provide avenues to ask question. Not every one uses internet to seek answer. Surely after each bayan they can open a q&a session. The deobandi ulema are also averse to appearing on TV. For this reason likes of Dr. Mursil has asked various scholar to be active in the media. If the ulema are not capeble of leading the mass in the modern day context, perhaps likes of Zakir Naik is doing what is expected of him.
I rmember one brother telling me when the Shephered refuses to lead, sheep goes to wolf for guidance. Refer to my other posting regarding about UK education and Gujrati backwardness.

Why do one have to work under the banner of islamic group. As I have said, your visible muslim appeareance, working with other secular or similar minded organisation can yeild the same fruit. Dawah can be done in different ways. It is fraustrating muslim being so insular. Help one another in common good be they be non muslim.