By TROY MUKUPA
In a world where misinformation and stereotypes often obscure the truth, the Muslim community has been a frequent target of misunderstanding. Yet, beyond the headlines and misconceptions, lies a rich tapestry of Islamic traditions and values. In pursuit of a deeper understanding, we sat down with Sheikh Yusuf Ayami, a respected leader in Zambia’s Muslim community, who graciously shared his insights on the fundamental principles of Islam, its shared values with Christianity, and the transformative power of interfaith dialogue.
When asked to contrast Islam and Christianity, Sheikh Yusuf Ayami provided an overview of the fundamental principles of Islam. “The fundamental principle of Islam is based on the proclamation that there is none worthy of worship but God, whom we call Allah,” Sheikh Ayami explained. “Allah has many attributes, as documented in the Holy Quran, including approximately 99 attributes such as the Provider, the Giver, and the Merciful.”
Sheikh Ayami outlined the six principles of the Islamic faith, starting with the oneness of God. These principles also include belief in prophets like Muhammad, Jesus, and Moses, as well as Angels, holy books such as the Quran and the Bible, the Day of Judgment, and destiny as decreed by God. “The foundation of our faith is built upon six pillars: Tawhid (the Oneness of God), Mala’ikah (Angels), Kutub (revealed Books of God), Anbiya’ (Prophets sent by God), Qiyamah (the Day of Judgment), and Qadar (divine Destiny). Faith is not complete without accepting all of these principles,” Sheikh Ayami emphasized.
When asked about Islamic and Christian views on God, Sheikh Ayami responded, “A fundamental difference lies in the concept of God’s nature. Islam emphasizes the oneness of God, whereas Christianity is rooted in the Trinity – God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This concept poses a challenge for Muslims, as it suggests a division within God’s nature, contradicting the core principle of God’s oneness. In Islam, God is conceived as an indivisible, singular entity, possessing absolute uniqueness and unrivaled sovereignty, devoid of any equals or counterparts.”
Sheikh Ayami also discussed the significance of the Quran in Islam, explaining that it holds paramount importance as the literal word of God. “The Quran is a sacred scripture that serves as a direct communication from God to humanity. The Quran is revered as a divine guide, offering insights into life’s principles and God’s expectations for humanity. Notably, its original Arabic text has remained unchanged for over 1,500 years. While the Bible has undergone revisions, Muslims acknowledge its original form as the word of God, recognizing the shared divine origin between the Quran and the Bible, as seen in the shared stories of Moses, Noah, and Abraham.”
Sheikh Ayami dispelled common misconceptions about Islam, including Muslims worshipping Muhammad and promoting terrorism. “Muslims worship one God, Allah, and Muhammad is a prophet, not a deity. This distinction is crucial in understanding the fundamental principles of Islam,” he firmly asserted. “Another damaging myth is that Muslims are terrorists. This is untrue. Groups like ISIS are political entities, just like some extremist Christian groups don’t represent Christianity as a whole.”
On the role of women in Islam, Sheikh Ayami emphasized their importance in society. “Women hold a revered position in Islam, complementing men in their unique roles,” he said. “Islam recognizes that we have different anatomies, abilities, and responsibilities. However, this doesn’t exclude women from working or men from helping with household chores.”
When asked about zakat and Christian tithing, Sheikh Yusuf Ayami offered his insights, “While both Islam and Christianity emphasize the importance of charitable giving, there are distinct differences between zakat and tithe. Zakat, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is obligatory for all eligible Muslims, with a specific rate of 2.5% of excess wealth. In contrast, tithing in Christianity is voluntary, with a typical rate of 10% of one’s income.”
Sheikh Ayami further explained, “In Islam, zakat is a fundamental aspect of our faith, purifying wealth, promoting social justice, and alleviating poverty. It supports the poor, needy, and those in debt. Zakat is a divine mechanism that enables the affluent to support those in need, testing their willingness to share. It also assesses the patience of the less fortunate, and presents humanity with an opportunity to address disparities between need and want, fostering a more equitable and compassionate society.”
Sheikh Ayami emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue and cooperation, saying:
“By working together, we can promote peace, address global challenges, and leverage our shared values to create a more just and peaceful world. This approach has succeeded in initiatives like combating HIV/AIDS and supporting vulnerable children, uniting diverse communities towards a common goal.”