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In this
verse, language doesn't only mean language in its verbal form.
Prophets addressed the concerns, values, beliefs, and needs of the
people to whom they were sent. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was born in
Arabia and naturally spoke the language of his people. He knew his
people and their customs, and was familiar with how they thought.
The Prophet would send Companions to invite tribes and kings to
Islam. By conveying the message in a manner that the non-Muslims
understood, they were able to clarify the message of Islam. This
is why we educate other Latinos about the important role of the
Virgin Mary and Jesus (pbuh) in Islam. This is also why all
Muslims must seek to make the message of Islam accessible to
non-Muslims in their own language. We are Latinos and Muslims, and
we, Latino Muslims, want to call others to this beautiful religion
of Islam.
We are Latinos. Latinos are generally identified by considering
the person's descent. Latinos come from many countries. Some
people disagree about whether Latinos are only from
Spanish-speaking countries, for some South and Central Americans
speak only English or Portuguese. Although Latinos don't always
share the same culture, Latinos are generally known for their love
of family. All Latinos live in the United States. For example, you
will not hear people from Mexico refer to themselves as Latinos or
Hispanics. Some Latinos are recent immigrants, while others have
had family in the United States for generations. Recent immigrants
generally have less command of the English language, whereas those
Latinos who have lived here for generations may know little or no
Spanish.
We are Muslims. As Muslims, we bear witness that there is no one
and no thing worthy of worship except Allah, and we bear witness
that Muhammad is His last Prophet and Messenger. We believe in the
oneness and uniqueness of Allah, the sole Creator and Sustainer of
the universe. We believe that Prophet Muhammad is the best example
for humanity. We agree that salvation is gained, with the grace of
Allah, through the five daily prayers, fasting the month of
Ramadan, giving zakat, and making the pilgrimage to Makkah, if one
is capable of doing so. We believe that Allah created the angels
and sent honorable Messengers with Divine Books to guide humanity
and warn of the Day of Judgment. We believe in the Divine Decree,
which is the knowledge and consequence of Allah over His creation.
We seek perfection in worship, such that we worship Allah as if we
see Him, and although we cannot see Him, we undoubtedly believe
that He is constantly watching over us.
We are Latino Muslims. In 1997, the American Muslim Council
counted approximately 40,000 Hispanic Muslims. Current estimates
range from 25,000 up to 75,000. Religious conversion is generally
a personal choice. People, places, and events are all significant
factors that affect a Latino's decision to embrace Islam. Most
Latino Muslims embrace Islam because they believe that the
religion is true. Many Hispanics think that leaving Catholicism
means rejecting their identity. However, defining culture by
religion is not very effective, because our ancestors were
Christian, Muslim, Jewish, or pagan. If most American Latinos are
Muslim 100 years from now, the typical Latino would consider Islam
to be inseparable from Latino culture. The Latino culture of today
could become the Latino Muslim culture of tomorrow. Islam sets the
framework and direction that this Muslim culture will assume..
Taking up Islam means rejecting some old ways, accepting some new
ways, and adapting when necessary.
By calling non-Muslims to Islam, we are inviting them to join a
universal brotherhood and sisterhood in Islam. We thank all
Muslims who assist the growing Latino Muslim community. Any
accomplishments are a success for all Muslims, because we Muslims
are one ummah. The greatest thing that Latino Muslims offer isn't
literature, events, or speakers, but rather hope, patience, and
truth. And we do this by our invitation to peace through
submission to our Creator. Knowing that we have given the smallest
deed for the sake of Allah (swt) is most rewarding.
Juan Galvan |
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