This issue looks at Islamic Socialism.
SINCE YOU ASKED
Islamic socialism is a new concept to most of us, but we had better start paying attention, because it is playing a major role around the world as a variety of groups are coming together to help enact their common goals. On the surface, its hard to imagine what Western leftist socialists could possibly have in common with the Islamist movement. You don’t have to dig very deep, however, to see a common thread. Both repress individuality in favor of what they perceive as the “common good.”
So what is Islamic socialism? According to Wikipedia, it “a term coined by various Muslim leaders to meet the demand for a more spiritual form of socialism. Muslim socialists believe that the teachings of the Qur’an and Muhammad are compatible with principles of equality and the redistribution of wealth. But some orthodox Islamic scholars declare various socialist practices, such as the confiscation of private property, to be oppressive and against Islamic teachings.”
Its beginning goes all the way back to the time of Muhammad. One of his companions, Abu Dharr al-Ghifari, was upset by the accumulation of wealth by the ruling class and urged for a more equitable “redistribution of wealth.” Zakat (charity), one of Islam’s five pillars, continues the concept by redirecting money to the poor, elderly, orphans and widows, and through the expectation that the Caliphate should stockpile food supplies throughout Muslim nations to assist in times of famine or disaster. Notable Muslim socialists include Gamal Abdel Nasser & Yasser Arafat.
The whole idea of uniting the forces of Islam and socialism becomes even more frightening when we consider that this is a fundamental ideology of the Muslim Brotherhood. They have shown that they are willing to work with anyone if it helps them achieve their goal of establishing shariah law. Having spawned both Al Qaeda and HAMAS, the MB has no problem with violent affiliations if necessary. On the other hand, American Islamist groups like CAIR and ISNA (likely front groups for the MB), have formed open alliances of convenience with far-left groups like ANSWER (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism) Coalition and the ACLU despite some deep ideological differences. The leftist organizations seem oblivious to where they will likely end up should the Islamists gain a majority.
As with socialism in general, Islamic socialism replaces individual ‘Islamic’ charity with governmental taxation. In both cases, the wealth of the citizens is seized and redistributed through socialist taxation under the guise of charity. In both cases, legitimacy is “bought” when the government is seen as the dispenser of vitally needed goods and services including… are you ready? Health care. In case you didn’t notice, Congressman Keith Ellison (D-MN) brought leading Muslim Brotherhood front groups like the Muslim American Society (MAS), the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) and the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) to the Hill to lobby for Obamacare. Why wouldn’t Muslims be lobbying for it? They’re exempt from its requirements, but reap all the benefits. Now, doesn’t that give you the warm fuzzies?
AS I SEE IT
When the socialists, communists, far left radicals and the Muslims become joined into one body, regardless of how temporary the arrangement may be, America is in big trouble. Too many of our politicians just don’t get it, have been brainwashed by politically correct “thought,” or don’t have the guts to tell it like it is. If they have not been born again (John 3:3) and given the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16), they will be blind to the truth, no matter what their political affiliation. In this case, we can’t expect miracles from them. I think we are way beyond the point of redirecting our own course. If God doesn’t intervene, we’re doomed.
It’s time for the Church to start acting like the Church, doing the things we’ve been called to do, and saying the things we’ve been called to say. Only then will God be inclined to bring relief to our embattled nation. These are indeed tough times, but the Church has always grown the most in times of persecution. Dark days lie ahead, but God will never leave or forsake His children. How we respond will determine our future.
ON THE LIGHTER SIDE
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