African Islamic Mission Beliefs

 

There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is henceforth distinct from error. And he who rejecteth false deities and believeth in Allah hath grasped a firm handhold which will never break. Allah is Hearer, Knower. (The Noble Qur'an 2:256)

La ilaha illa Allah: A phrase sublime in its meaning, brief in its construction, vast in its effect, noble in its rank, brilliant in its light, and unique in its merit. It comprises four words upon which the Faith is founded and the qibla set. This is the phrase that was given in every Book sent down by God to every one of His noble Messengers, and through which one is rescued from the infernal fires and wins eternal happiness in the Gardens. God the Exalted has said: Know that there is no god but God! (Quran, 47:19); I am God, there is no god but Me, so worship Me! (Quran, 20:14); God, there is no god but He, the Living, the Sustainer (Quran, 2:255); God, there is no god but He, to Him belong the Most Beautiful Names (Quran, 20:8); and We sent no Messenger before you without revealing to him: 'There is no God but Me, so worship Me' (Quran, 21:25).
Who are we?

We are Africans in the Diaspora Muslims who believe that THERE IS NO DEITY WORTHY OF WORSHIP EXCEPT ALLAH, THE MOST HIGH, who is ONE, UNCREATED spiritual existence that is the Creator of everything known and unknown.  We only bear witness to the witnessing statement that is given in the Noble Qur’aan that was revealed to our beloved Prophet Mustafa Muhammad son of Abdullah during the 6th century, which states that “ALLAH, HIS ANGELS AND MEN OF KNOWLEDGE BEAR WITNESS TO THE ONENESS OF ALLAH”.

 

For us, a Muslim is one who agrees and abides in their actions to the ONENESS of Allah, The Most High.  This is the definition of a Muslim as described by Allah, The Most High, in the Qur'an.

 

For us, our LAWBOOK (Guidance) comes from the Scriptures given to man by Allah.  Our Lord teaches in the final Revelation (Qur’an) to adhere to the Torah, Psalms, Gospel and the Qur’an.  Any other readings are OPTIONAL for determining what is LAWFUL.

 

We believe in regular prayer (Salaat), fasting (Sawm) during the month of Ramadhan, charity (Zakat) and pilgrimage (Hajj) to the Holy land at least once in our lifetime.  While most of us are vegetarian, we do not frown upon those who choose to eat meat.  To each his reach.

 

We believe that the very first humans on earth were Muslim which began as a race of human beings (Adamites).   These beings were created in the most fertile part of the earth which was Africa; hence the first Muslims, according to Scriptures and science, were those who we now call Africans and are among various tribes coming from that continent and the Diaspora.

 

We believe that Islam spread from Africa to the rest of the world.  Among the first Muslims were the African Hebrews who descended from the seed of Shem son of Noah, then by Abraham son of Terah,  then to Arabia via the Ethiopian wife of Abraham Hajr and her son Ishmael, to Moses, Jesus son of Mary and finally to Muhammad son of Abdullah in the Arabian peninsula. 

 

We believe that all humans came to knowledge of our Creator prior to coming into earthly existence and all humans are born in a state of Peace (Islam).  Many born correct are eventually mislead by their parents or society and become other than Muslim.  Many return back to their original overstandings and become Muslim again (reverts).

 

We believe that only good behavior and constant study is what makes a difference between peoples of this earth.  We recognize that some existences on earth are prone to evil and misguidance; hence we are to stay clear of them and not use them as examples.  Our belief is that the best of humankind are those who are most honest, diligent, trustworthy, dutiful, hardworking, charitable, kind, consistent, merciful and intelligent.

 

We believe in rules of living as ordained in the Scriptures of Allah mentioned in the Qur’an.  We believe these rules are simple and not bound by any Nationalistic preferences.  Islamic rules are universal for every Nation and every Nation should be respected for their own peculiar cultures that identify them.

 

We believe that some men and women of times past were given special consideration of the knowledge of life and living and they were called Prophets.  We do not exalt any of these people over another.  The first of these "special humans" was with the race of Adam and the last was Muhammad son of Abdullah of the 6th century with many, many others in-between and the numbers of them are unknown.

 

We do not believe in ancestor worship, or people-veneration of any kind.  Our faith is with the Creator ONLY.  We do allow for respect of leaders past and present.

 

We do not believe that women are inferior to men.  We believe them to be partners and helpmates to men and women have their own functions in life.  Sometimes these gender functions overlap, but in most cases each gender has its own special duties to serve in their lives.  Peace in the home and Community is when there is MUTUAL COOPERATION between the sexes in the roles that they are best individually fitted for and hence, no CONFUSION

 

We believe that some of Allah’s creation have been subjected to the worse kind of cruelty and inhumane treatment (slavery) and deserve special recognition to solve that issue.  Namely, people of African descent who have been mistreated by every Nation on the earth, need to have their collective self-esteem uplifted and direct attention given to them for the purpose of spiritual augmentation and emotional and economic stability.  Therefore, we relate to ourselves and direct our attention toward the salvation of our people primarily and humanity in general.

 

We believe that Islam if properly overstood is the best Way of Life for all humanity.  We further believe that most misunderstandings about Islam come from the traditions handed down thru the ages from man to man and nation to nation.  If Muslims were to stick more to the Noble Qur'an we believe there would be more unity among the ranks and sects of Believers.

 

We believe that ‘every tribe knows its drinking hole’ and all African people need to identify with and know themselves before mixing with other tribes and Nations.  We believe strongly in unity among Believers once each Nation (tribe) is aware of themselves and are self sufficient.

 

We believe Islam IS science, mathematics, technology and spirituality, but not RELIGION (deification of ancestors).  Islam IS a Way of Life that is based upon clean living, good manners, respect for creation, respect for self, high morals, closeness of family, spiritual awareness, avoidance to unproductive behavior, brother and sisterhood and recognition of the ONENESS of the Creator whom we call Allah, The Most High.

 

We believe that all those who are believers in ONE DEITY are Muslim and we are in solidarity with any and all humans who strive toward righteous (positive) conduct regardless of their religious or political affiliations.

 

We believe in family and extended families as the core of human existence. 

 

We believe that African people, in order to be totally free and to be able to get the respect of all Nations, must do for self and not be dependant upon everyone else for their needs.  We believe in self-determination of African people and that once independent they must unite with others who are the same for the purpose of a strong united Community and Nation.

 

Our congregation includes men, women and children whom most strive to be entrepreneurs, some are Mystics following African Sufi orders, some are Community Activists, some are professionals serving humanity, some are students and workers and all are expected to strive to be Servants of Allah The Most High by being quality members of society.

 

We accept membership to our Organization by anyone who believes in OUR principles of Faith and direction.  We do not require any dress code other than modesty for our affiliation.  Most of our membership chooses to dress in African attire and choose to identify with West African culture.  Others do not.

"The Believers are but a single Brotherhood." [Al-Hujurat Q:49:10]

"O Mankind!
Most certainly, it is 
We( Allah Almighty) who have 
Created you all

From a single (pair)
Of a male and a female,

And it is We (God almighty) who have made you into 
Nations and tribes,

That ye may recognize each other
(Not the ye may despise each other.)

Verily the noblest of you

In the sight of Allah
Is (he who is) the most
Righteous of you."

"...and be not of the polytheists. Of those who split their Religion, and become sects, each sect rejoicing in that which is with it."

"Surely, those who believe, those who are Israelites,
the Christians the  converts; anyone who
(1) believes in God and
(2) believes in the Hereafter, and
(3) leads a righteous life,
will receive their recompense from their Lord;
they have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve."
[Quran 5:69, 2:62]

"Then we inspired you (O Muhammed) to follow the religion of Abraham, monotheism; never was he an idol-worshiper." 16:123

 Peace IS in Oneness

Your Brother In Faith

The Amiyr

Abdul Latiyf Abu Hamin