Page 26 - Demo
P. 26
26No. 293 | May 2025bara%u2019a (disavowal of or dissociation from) polytheists and how this principle helps differentiate between authentic Islam and the compromised version of %u201cAmerican Islam.%u201d This section would probably explore how the idea of bara%u2019a can be interpreted as a broader rejection of any system or ideology that contradicts the core principles of Islam, including those that focus on worldly gains over divine commandments. It would probably be argued that %u201cAmerican Islam,%u201d by allegedly aligning itself with interests perceived as antithetical to Islamic values, compromises the principle of bara%u2019a and deviates from authentic Islamic practice. The section would probably analyze specific examples of policies or behaviors associated with %u201cAmerican Islam%u201d and contrast them with Islamic teachings on issues like justice, equality, and resistance to oppression. It would need to carefully define %u201cpolytheists%u201d within this context and explain how the principle of dissociating from them applies to the contemporary challenges faced by Muslims.7. Global Effects of Disavowal of PolytheistsThe ceremony of %u201cdeclaration of disavowal of polytheists%u201d transcends its historical origins and specific religious interpretations, resonating with far-reaching and complex global effects. Rooted in particular understandings of Islamic scripture and historical events, the ceremony, with its central theme of distancing oneself from polytheism, has evolved into a powerful symbol of resistance and a call for unity within the Muslim world. This call has been used to mobilize Muslims against perceived %u201cglobal arrogance%u201d, a term often interpreted as encompassing Western hegemony, neocolonialism, and perceived injustices perpetrated by powerful nations and international bodies.The disavowal of polytheists has significantly contributed to the broader phenomenon of the Islamic awakening, a period of renewed religious consciousness and activism across the Muslim world. This awakening fosters a strengthened sense of religious identity, promotes solidarity among Muslims facing diverse challenges, and inspires movements advocating for social justice, self-determination, and resistance against various forms of oppression and perceived foreign domination. The idea of distancing oneself from polytheism is often interpreted broadly, encompassing not only traditional idolatry but also secularism, materialism, moral decay, and perceived deviations from what are considered core Islamic principles. This broadened interpretation serves as a rallying cry for those seeking to purify and revitalize Islamic societies, often aiming to establish a social and political order based on their understanding of Islamic law and ethics.ConclusionBy reviving and emphasizing the idea of disavowal of polytheists, Imam Khomeini (RA) tried to re-emphasize core Islamic tenets and confront what he perceived as distortions and corruptions of the faith, introduced by internal and external factors. Crucially, he introduced and popularized a distinction between what he termed %u201cpure Muhammadan Islam%u201d %u2013 representing an unadulterated, revolutionary, and activist interpretation of the faith, focused on social justice, resistance to oppression, and the establishment of a just Islamic society %u2013 and %u201cAmerican Islam%u201d (or sometimes %u201cEnglish Islam%u201d). He viewed the latter as a diluted, politically subservient, and passive version promoted by Western powers and their allies to weaken genuine Islamic resistance and maintain their dominance. This distinction served as a potent ideological tool to mobilize Muslims back to what he considered the original, Islamic principles, emphasizing social justice and resistance to unjust power structures, and to encourage active struggle against ideological and political deviations he argued were undermining the strength and unity of the Muslim world.These ideas, particularly the duality of %u201cpure Muhammadan Islam%u201d versus %u201cAmerican Islam,%u201d have been pivotal in fueling the Islamic Awakening, providing a framework for understanding and resisting what is perceived as %u201cglobal arrogance%u201d and its insidious influence on Muslim societies. They continue to hold significant relevance in contemporary sociopolitical discourse within various Muslim communities, shaping their perspectives