Islam & Europe - Peace, Identity & Integration — Page 74
74 ISLAM & EUROPE: PEACE, IDENTITY & INTEGRATION scope of neighbours to be extremely wide. The Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said that God Almighty had emphasised the rights of neighbours so strongly that he came to think neighbours would be included amongst a person’s rightful heirs. 2 Furthermore, in Islam, neighbours are not only those who live nearby but also those who live further afield, travel companions, work colleagues, subordinates and many other people besides. In effect, Allah the Almighty has made it a moral imperative for Muslims to fulfil the rights of all members of society. The Founder of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) also taught that a person who is not grateful to his fellow human beings, cannot be grateful to Allah the Almighty. 3 What a beautiful principle! Thus, it is necessary that alongside the worship of God, a Muslim must fulfil the rights of humanity. Again, I would ask how can such a teaching be a threat to Western civilisation? These Islamic teachings are the means of cultivating peace and stability in society and can only help advance economic output and social development. Hence, in my view, it is counter-productive for Western people to suggest that Islam or Muslims have no place in this part of the world. If Muslims come here seeking to integrate, to fulfil the rights of neighbours and strive for the peace and betterment of society, then surely this is something to praise, rather than to condemn or castigate. Moving on, some people argue or believe that Muslims are