Abu Bakr Al-Mashhour:Muslim scholar speaks on Yemen’s Islamic roots, qat epidemic, and relations with other nations [Archives:2007/1071/Reportage]
By: Abdulkawi Sha'lan
For Yemen Times
With the yearly advent of the month of Rajab, many Yemenis recall a place reached by the Prophet's emissary, Mu'ath Bin Jabal, who called the people of Yemen to embrace Islam. The commemoration of Mu'ath's venture to Yemen is accompanied by practices that are harmful to the reputation of Islam. Some people even go further and declare such a celebration as a bi'dah (innovation) with no foundation in the religion, deeming it a heresy.
Despite such claims, Sufis launched festivals in celebration of this occasion last Tuesday. Festivities include practical lectures and cultural readings before gathering in Al-Janad Historical Mosque to hear the Friday sermon. Recognition of this event is most prominent among Sufis, who claim that celebration of this occasion in Yemen's history serves as a reminder to Yemenis of their glorious past when they embraced Islam as well as serving as a reminder of the establishment of Al-Janad mosque. Islamic scholar Abu Bakr Al-Mashhour clarified some points about this historic yet controversial celebration.
First of all we would like to know some indications about celebrating Rajab's Friday every year?
Celebrating Rajab's Friday is to commemorate Mu'ath Bin Jabal, the Prophet's emissary. It is also to create a Yemeni window to the outside world in order to know the scholars of this country as well as those who serve religion, Jihad and science for the sake of God.
What are the issues you discuss during this celebration?
During the celebration of this occasion we bring a lot of religious issues back to memory through conducting scientific researches and lectures.
What is the message you want to convey to the government and community via this celebration?
The celebration of this occasion coincides with the election of President Saleh, long-time president of the Republic of Yemen. This has a symbolic indication, inviting us to call for Saleh along with the government to realize the nation targets and take reforming steps for the sake of the country.
Some people consider celebrating this occasion as a heresy. How do you react to this?
I do not want to answer. Everybody is free regarding his or her thoughts. We are living in a democratic community. Visiting Al-Janad Mosque is a norm. But if the visitors commit something wrong during their visit violating the Sharia' (Islamic law), we consider it a heresy. In regard to visiting and gathering, the Prophet called us to do that; however, some people object visiting the mosque due to the mistakes committed there. I prefer to correct mistakes rather than to stop visiting the mosque.
What do you think of terrorism?
Terrorism is a blight attributed to the lack of education inside schools, mosques and houses. If kids are not educated, they become terrorists and with time, they start to carry guns and commit crimes. However, Islam calls for good deeds and prohibits evil things.
During the lecture you said that there is a group of Ahlul-Bayt that has extremist trends. Can you explain that?
We are living in an age that everyday new issues emerge to break down the community. For instance, before a period of time issues regarding Al-Kitab (the Qur'an) and Al-Sunnah (statements and actions of the Prophet Muhammad) emerged and there was a dispute over it. After that the issue of Ahlul-Bayt also came to the minds. They say that the relatives of the Prophet do not have their rights [therefore] they have the right to take their status back in history. And some others call for taking revenge of the killer of Al-Hussein (grandson of the Prophet Muhammad). [Old] troubles cannot be tackled by new ones.
What do you think of the suicide attacks happening here and there?
The one who commits the crime of suicide is highly responsible for his/her sinful act. The Prophet, peace be upon him, put a limit for this thing.
Before conducting this interview with you, four people were killed in the qat market. What is your opinion about the qat issue in Yemen?
I think [the use of] qat is the biggest problem Yemen is cursed with. The problem is that if you speak about qat, you speak about the beloved people [of Yemen]. The state should take adamant steps towards this dangerous issue. We have to fight [the production of] qat, not those who chew it.
Do you call for uprooting qat trees?
Yes, of course. Uprooting qat trees must be taken step by step. There must be a good plan that finds new alternatives and then the government starts preventing citizens from selling and chewing qat. Mosques as well as schools play a major role in this concern. They can educate people about this tree and how it puts their lives in jeopardy.
What about the fatwa about qat trees?
We must be aware of anything that may lead to death. As you said four people were killed and the majority of patients infected by hepatitis virus is because of chewing qat. Islam does not call for incurring loss of lives.
How do you react to the terrorist attack that took place in Ma'rib, claiming the lives of seven Spanish and two Yemeni nationals?
I think it is a curse upon the nation. It is attributed to the misunderstanding of our relations with other peoples. There are some people who think of removing other nations such as removing Israel. These people are not well educated. They must fight the ones who [fight them]. Killing innocent tourists incurs problems over the country such as harming Yemen's interests and its relations with the outside world. Subsequently, the conflict circle becomes wider and wider between nations.
We understand from you words that removing Israel is an escape from the world of reality to the world of elusion?
On the contrary, removing Israel is a demand, but how can we do that? It can be done through principles that Islam talked about. Palestinians as well as Lebanese must refer to these principles instead of the dissension and chaos currently taking place.
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