By Imam Shamsi Ali*
In the Holy Qur’an Allah reminds us: “Indeed, before that they had already sought to create chaos and devise all kinds of deceit for you (twisting the issue), until the truth (Allah’s aid) came and the cause of Allah prevailed, while they disliked it”. (At‑Taubah 48)
Among the traits of the disbelievers (kuffar) and hypocrites (munaafiquun) as mentioned in the verse above and others, is the twisting of facts and issues. Good people are accused of evil, those struggle for betterment of the society are labeled trouble makers, criminals are crowned nobel peace prize, freedom fighters are called terrorists, while colonizers and traitors are supported and defended.
This act of distorting facts has been carried out by the disbelievers and hypocrites throughout every age—past, present, and forever.
Allah gives an example from ancient times: Pharaoh accused Prophet Moses of trying to change the religion of the Egyptian people and spread corruption on earth, even though everyone knows Pharaoh was a tyrant who slaughtered thousands of infants of Bani Israil in Egypt. Likewise, everyone knows that Moses was a messenger sent by Allah to stop Pharaoh’s oppressions (Quran Ghafir: 26).
In our own time we can point to the executive order of the Florida Governor. At Netanyahu’s request—a war criminal and perpetrator of genocide in Gaza—he issued an executive order labeling CAIR, a Muslim organization a terrorist organization. Yet Americans know that this organization has played a huge role in defending American civil rights and has tremendous great contributions to the nation.
The verse also indicates that one of the most dangerous forms of “fitnah” is the distortion of facts, which can mislead people into supporting falsehood and opposing the truth and its supporters. Remaining silent about this distortion can itself become a form of fitnah, especially if one supports it. The verse also points out that hypocrites and disbelievers are skilled at twisting facts, especially today because they control the media, possess great wealth, and hold power.
The verse concludes: “…until the truth (Allah’s aid) comes and the cause of Allah prevails.” This reminds us that truth will ultimately be victorious, and we must ask ourselves whether we are among those Allah uses to bring that victory.
Dr. Ali al‑Shallabī warns that Netanyahu and his allies, including in some Muslim majority countries targets are not only CAIR in US. In fact, if this criminalization succeeds, Islam and its institutions worldwide will be next. Even though this is just a funny display of stupidity. How could the truth possibly be defeated by foul‑mouthed lies?
Allah says: “They seek to extinguish the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah will perfect His light, even if the disbelievers hate it”. (As‑Saff: 8)
Be careful of twisted information!
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*Director of Jamaica Muslim Center & President of Nusantara Foundation
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