Arnold Yasin Mol

The Qur'anic Global Ethics

arnoldmol@deenresearchcenter.com — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:59:00 GMT

The first commandment is the only religious creed of the list, and refers to the duty of understanding that Allah is above and beyond existence. We can philosophize and discuss this subject with other people, as many people have an irrational and childish view on God which does not confirm with the framework of the universe, and are thus stuck in unrealistic ideas, but nobody may ever be forced into accepting a view. We can only truly understand ourselves correctly, when we try to understand the universe and its Creator, as this framework will explain to us His Manifestation. Many people reject religion and faith in a God, because of the irrational ideas perpetrated by many traditional theologies, as they contradict reality (al-Haqq).

The second to ninth commands are all ethical values which are shared by all human beings, taking care and protection of the weaker persons among us, to not kill other people, to be honest in all dealings and moments of life, from paying for your gum to testifying in courts, to equal sharing of all resources, foods etc., to hold to our oaths and agreements. This the way we must follow, and these ethics do not contradict our natural disposition (fitrat), as this the path which keeps mankind erect (sirati mustaqim) and righteous (attaquna), and these are the most honourable with God (49:13), and certainly also with all the rest of mankind. The world would be a lot safer and more prosperous if the majority of the people were to uphold these universal ethics and the obligation (al-Din) of peacemaking (al-Islam), which unites mankind in their humanity and positive behaviour.

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New essay: State of Mankind: Introduction into Qur'anic Universalism.

arnoldmol@deenresearchcenter.com — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 21:41:00 GMT

State of Mankind: Introduction into Qur'anic Universalism.
How God sees us, how we see ourselves
by Arnold Yasin Mol

A detailed study of the Qur'anic inclusive message which calls for a cooperation between all people on earth who want to create and maintain peace and welfare. The Qur'an induces people on two levels. Al-Islam is the universal and natural thought and behaviour system (al-Deen 30:30, 2:62, 41:33, 3:64) which represents a pluralistic ethical value system that induces cooperation between different groups among mankind. While al-Iman is the system of the people who accept the truthfull origins of all religions and the Qur'an, are responsible for maintaining peace (amina) and encourage dialogue and justice among all the groups. As expressed in this essay:

"The potential of the Qur’an as a universal guide towards peace and progress can thus manifest itself more clearly. It unites mankind in purpose and direction, while respecting their differences."

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My speech at the press conference of the Dutch Muslim Party (NMP)-Mijn speech bij de NMP pers presentatie + photo's

arnoldmol@deenresearchcenter.com — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 07:29:00 GMT

Chairman Henny Kreeft (Dutch Muslim convert & reformist thinker), you can see me sitting in the back (on the right) being filmed by the Dutch media.

Speech press conference NMP 5-feb2-010

Salaam Alaikum, Peace be with you,
Hello and Welcome,

I am Arnold Yasin Mol and am president of the Scientific Bureau of the Dutch Muslim Party.

Muslims are now some decades part of Dutch society, the first generations were brought here to help rebuild our country.
From dikes to buildings, in almost every province they were deployed and have contributed to what the Netherlands is now; a modern country with good infrastructure and housing.

Now we are several generations later, and the immigrant children and grandchildren are completely part of Dutch society. They grow up with the same cartoons, freedom, education and ambitions as any other Dutch person.

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Moslimpartij presenteert partijprogramma- Dutch Muslim Party presents policy

arnoldmol@deenresearchcenter.com — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 07:23:00 GMT

Moslimpartij presenteert partijprogramma

ALMERE - Henny Kreeft, voorzitter van de Nederlandse Moslim Partij (NMP), heeft vrijdag in Almere het landelijke partijprogramma gepresenteerd. ''Investeren in jongeren is de rode draad die door ons hele programma loopt'', liet Kreeft weten.

Doel van de NMP is de kloof met moslims te dichten. De partij wil onder meer dat Marokkaanse jongeren worden gezien als Nederlandse jongeren.

Daarnaast moet er een einde komen aan de discriminatie bij sollicitaties. Ook zouden er begraafplaatsen en verzorgingshuizen voor moslims moeten komen.

In het landelijke partijprogramma zijn ook internationale punten opgenomen. De NMP wil dat Turkijke onmiddellijk wordt toegelaten tot de EU en dat Nederland zich direct terugtrekt uit Irak.

Almere

De NMP doet in zeven plaatsen mee aan de gemeenteraadsverkiezingen. De lijsttrekkers in Alkmaar, Almere, Den Haag, Noordoostpolder, Rotterdam, Tilburg en Woerden zijn vrijdag gepresenteerd.

In Almere is de 21-jarige Shangram Karim lijsttrekker. Partijvoorzitter Henny Kreeft is lijsttrekker in de Noordoostpolder.

ALMERE - Henny Kreeft, Chairman of the Dutch Muslim Party (NMP), has presented last Friday in Almere the national party program. Investing in young people''is the thread that runs through our entire program'', let Kreeft knows.

Purpose of the NMP is to close the gap between non-Muslims and Muslims. The party wants to include that Moroccan youth are seen as Dutch youth.

In addition, an end to discrimination in job applications. Also there should be Muslim cemeteries and elderly homes.

The national party also included international issues. The NMP wants Turkey to be immediately admitted to the EU and the Netherlands to withdraw from Iraq immediately.

The NMP participates in the city council elections in seven places. The party candidates in Alkmaar, Almere, Den Haag, Noordoostpolder, Rotterdam, Tilburg and Woerden were presented last Friday.

In Almere, the 21-year-old Karim Shangram is candidate. Kreeft is candidate in the Northeast Polder.

© Reuters

Generalisatie van Islam; Wilders en Islamofobie - Generalisation of Islam; Wilders and Islamophobia

arnoldmol@deenresearchcenter.com — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:41:00 GMT

See for the English translation below.

De afgelopen 3 jaar is Geert Wilders een fenomeen geworden op de anti-Islam/Islamofobie scène. Zijn anti-islam retoriek werd harder in de afgelopen 5 jaar sinds de moord op regisseur Theo van Gogh. Theo van Gogh werd vermoord door een gek die dacht dat hij handelde in naam van Islam. De moordenaar volgde middeleeuws gedachtegoed van verscheidene ernstig dogmatische geleerden, die in een tijd van oorlog en chaos leefde. Het idee dat een persoon die Islam of de profeet Mohammed beledigd, moet worden gedood, is in tegenspraak met de Koran op vele punten.

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A Small Reflection on a Big Question: 'What is the Purpose of Creation?'

arnoldmol@deenresearchcenter.com — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:10:00 GMT

The Qur'an mentions several purposes for creation. So to connect them, the main purpose must be identified. Verse 11:119 says that mankind was created for رحم Rahma:

الا من رحم ربك ولذلك خلقهم

11:119 Except those upon whom your Sustainer/Developer has bestowed His grace/unselfish bestowal of potential and growth. And to this end has He created them.

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The Qur'an, Democracy and Global Ethics: An Introduction

arnoldmol@deenresearchcenter.com — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 14:30:00 GMT

The Qur'an is meant as a spiritual and moral guidance for mankind. The Qur'an calls itself Hudan anNass (2:185), a guide for humanity, and calls us to Dar asSalaam (10:25), a life and state of Peace. A guide which guides to peace can therefore never be used for oppression and tyranny.The Qur'an says that humanity is a connected nation (10:19) with a common origin (4:1), that each person as a human being is honoured by God (17:70), has complete freedom of thought (2:256) and that all people from all belief systems that improve mankind are honoured and respected (2:62, 5:69, 49:13). That there are differences between nations is a positive thing (49:13) and should never be a reason for exclusion or conflict. Justice is the only real criteria. Like many other belief systems, Islam strives for social justice, peace, spirituality and morality in society (16:90). Democracy belongs to the core value of Islam, in which the whole world and each society together discussess important matters (42:38). The government should be entrusted to honest and decent people who can safeguard the freedom, peace and rights all people (Amanat = peace and security, 4:58, 2:188). The governments must be respected if it is democratic (3:159).

This is the way in which the first Muslim generations acted, but unfortunately leaders came to power who removed the democratic elements from the Islamic society, which had a direct impact on government policies, theology and law that arose in the early and late Middle Ages. This has created misunderstandings among Muslims and non-Muslims about the flexible and liberal potential of the Qur'anic Message, and we at DRC are working hard together with scholars, thinkers, organisations, universities and activists from all the world to clear up these misunderstandings and neglected potentials.

Cooperation between different population groups and religions is the way to peace and social justice (3:113-115, 5:48, 60:8). This is best expressed in a global multi-party system. Each group in mankind is represented and each can ensure that their interests and ideas are heard and carried (39:18, 42:38-43). The Qur'an calls on Muslims, all peaceful persons, to work together for the world we live in to maintain and improve it (3:110, 11:11, 23:61, 38:28 etc.). The Qur'an emphasizes this with the story of Joseph (Yousouf) who helped to improve the land of Egypt and a high position in the government (12:54-56). The story of Joseph is mentioned as one of the lessons for humankind (12:111), to stress the importance of his life as an example.

Morality is central to Islam:

1. Honesty in actions and thoughts

2. Social assistance to all people: old, young, sick, poor etc.

3. Not harm society by violence or crime

4. Maintain purity of body and mind

5. Being peaceful with fellow human beings and the environment

6. Responsibility to maintain social harmony and improve society

ان الله يامر بالعدل والاحسن وايتائ ذى القربى وينهى عن الفحشاء والمنكر والبغى يعظكم لعلكم تذكرون

16:90 God commands justice, creating balance in the society, benefiting humanity, kindness to His creation, and giving to relatives. And He forbids all indecent deeds, immodesty, stinginess and rebellion. He instructs you (again) so that you may take it to heart.

الذين يستمعون القول فيتبعون احسنه اولئك الذين هدىهم الله واولئك هم اولوا الالبب

39:18 Those who listen to the Word, and follow the best of its application (in a given situation), such are the ones whom God has guided, and they are the ones endowed with insight.

ولقد كرمنا بنى ءادم
17:70 Surely, We have conferred dignity on the descendants of the human species (as a birth right, regardless of where the child is born).

لا اكراه فى الدين قد تبين الرشد من الغى فمن يكفر بالطغوت ويومن بالله فقد استمسك بالعروة الوثقى لا انفصام لها والله سميع عليم

2:256 There is no compulsion in the system; the proper way has been made clear from the wrong way. Whoever rejects the transgressors and unjust rulers, and trusts on God, has grasped the firm branch that will never break. God is Hearer, Knower.

والذين استجابوا لربهم واقاموا الصلوة وامرهم شورى بينهم ومما رزقنهم ينفقون والذين اذا اصابهم البغى هم ينتصرون وجزوا سيئة سيئة مثلها فمن عفا واصلح فاجره على الله انه لا يحب الظلمين ولمن انتصر بعد ظلمه فاولئك ما عليهم من سبيل ولمن صبر وغفر ان ذلك لمن عزم الامور

42:38-43 They respond to their Lord by establishing Salaat, and conduct their affairs by mutual consultation, and they keep open for the welfare of others what We have given them. And whenever gross injustice is inflicted upon them, they defend themselves and stand up for their rights. [In the Divine System, the oppressed is helped and the oppressor is requited. Yastansiroon carries the meanings of defending and standing up for rights] But requiting evil may become an evil in itself! So, whoever pardons and makes peace, his reward rests with God. Surely, He does not love the violators of human rights. And those who stand up for their rights and defend themselves, when they have been wronged, for such, there is no blame.The blame is on those who oppress people and cause disorder on earth resorting to aggression, unprovoked. They are the ones for whom there is an awful doom.Certainly, whoever is patient and forgives, that is from the strength of character.

ان الله يامركم ان تودوا الامنت الى اهلها واذا حكمتم بين الناس ان تحكموا بالعدل ان الله نعما يعظكم به ان الله كان سميعا بصيرا

4:58 God commands you to entrust your Rights and Protection to those who are capable, competent and sincere. They shall rule and judge equitably. Give your trusts to whom they belong. The Enlightenment from God is a blessing for you. He is Hearer, Seer of all that transpires in the Universe and in your society.

ولا تاكلوا امولكم بينكم بالبطل وتدلوا بها الى الحكام لتاكلوا فريقا من امول الناس بالاثم وانتم تعلمون

2:188 So, knowingly, do not devour the wealth and property of one another in a wrongful manner, nor bribe the officials or the judges to deprive others of their rightful belongings. This kind of behavior drags down your own humanity and harms the collective welfare of the society.

فبما رحمة من الله لنت لهم ولو كنت فظا غليظ القلب لانفضوا من حولك فاعف عنهم واستغفر لهم وشاورهم فى الامر فاذا عزمت فتوكل على الله ان الله يحب المتوكلين

3:159 It is God's mercy that you (O Messenger!) are lenient and compassionate with people. For, if you were harsh and stern of heart, they would have broken away from you. So, pardon them, arrange for their security, and consult with them in matters of public interest. Then, once you have taken a decision, put your trust in God. Surely, God loves those who do their best and then trust in God.

له معقبت من بين يديه ومن خلفه يحفظونه من امر الله ان الله لا يغير ما بقوم حتى يغيروا ما بانفسهم واذا اراد الله بقوم سوءا فلا مرد له وما لهم من دونه من وال

13:11 Each person has forces in rotation surrounding him. They guard the person and record his actions according to the command of God. Most certainly, God does not change the condition of a people until they first change themselves. And when God intends a people to suffer calamity (as a consequence of their misdeeds), there is none who can repel it. For, they have no protector besides Him.

وما كان الناس الا امة وحدة

10:19 All mankind were and are but one united community.

يايها الناس انا خلقنكم من ذكر وانثى وجعلنكم شعوبا وقبائل لتعارفوا ان اكرمكم عند الله اتقىكم ان الله عليم خبير
49:13 O Mankind! We have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes so that you might (affectionately) come to know one another. Surely, the most honored among you, in the sight of God, is the one who is best in conduct. God is Knower, Aware.

والله يدعوا الى دار السلم ويهدى من يشاء الى صرط مستقيم

10:25 God invites to the abode of peace and wholeness, and guides whoever wills (to be guided) on a straight path (towards justice and protection for all mankind).

ولكل درجت مما عملوا وليوفيهم اعملهم وهم لا يظلمون
46:19 And for all there will be ranks according to what they did so that He may recompense their actions. And none shall be wronged.

واما ما ينفع الناس فيمكث فى الارض
13:17 ...While what is of benefit to mankind, abides on earth.

اولئك يسرعون فى الخيرت وهم لها سبقون
23:61 It is those who race with one another to improve the quality of life for humanity, and it is those who are worthy of winning good things.

ان الذين ءامنوا والذين هادوا والنصرى والصبين من ءامن بالله واليوم الءاخر وعمل صلحا فلهم اجرهم عند ربهم ولا خوف عليهم ولا هم يحزنون
2:62 Indeed, those who believe (in the Qur'an and call themselves Muslims, peaceful and protecting other human beings), and those who are Jews, and Christians and those who follow other religions and beliefs; whoever has trust in God and the Future and does works that benefit humanity, their reward is with their Developer and Sustainer of all their stages of existence. For them shall be no fear from without, nor shall grief touch them from within.

وانزلنا اليك الكتب بالحق مصدقا لما بين يديه من الكتب ومهيمنا عليه فاحكم بينهم بما انزل الله ولا تتبع اهواءهم عما جاءك من الحق لكل جعلنا منكم شرعة ومنهاجا ولو شاء الله لجعلكم امة وحدة ولكن ليبلوكم فى ما ءاتىكم فاستبقوا الخيرت الى الله مرجعكم جميعا فينبئكم بما كنتم فيه تختلفون

5:48 (O Messenger!) We have sent to you this Divine writ, setting forth the truth. It confirms the remaining truth in the earlier scriptures since it is a watcher over them. So, judge between them by what God has revealed, and do not follow their desires diverging from the truth that has come to you. For each (community) among you We have appointed certain rites and a traced-out way. If God had willed, He could have made you all one single community. But He decided to let you test yourselves by what (potentials) He has granted you. So, outdo one another in doing good to the society. To God you will all return, and He will then make you understand wherein you differed.

ليسوا سواء من اهل الكتب امة قائمة يتلون ءايت الله ءاناء اليل وهم يسجدون يومنون بالله واليوم الءاخر ويامرون بالمعروف وينهون عن المنكر ويسرعون فى الخيرت واولئك من الصلحين وما يفعلوا من خير فلن يكفروه والله عليم بالمتقين

3:113-115 They are not all alike. Among the People of the scripture are those who take a firm stand for the right cause, reflect on the revelations of God all night long and submit in adoration. They believe in God (as the One True God), and in the Last Day. They advocate virtue by example, and close the doors to vice by example, and try to lead in acts of collective good. Such are the ones who enrich the society, increase the human potential and thus, rectify their own 'self'. Of the good they do, nothing will be rejected of them. God is Aware of those who live a life upright.

لا ينهىكم الله عن الذين لم يقتلوكم فى الدين ولم يخرجوكم من ديركم ان تبروهم وتقسطوا اليهم ان الله يحب المقسطين

60:8 God does not forbid you from being kind, and fully equitable to those who do not fight you on account of Religion, and do not evict you from your homelands. God loves those who lead a just, balanced life.

The Apple That Fell On My Head: My trip to Kazachstan (part 1)

arnoldmol@deenresearchcenter.com — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:06:00 GMT

In April I was asked by Edip Yuksel, my brilliant accomplish and friend in Islamic Reform, to go to Kazachstan with him for a conference. My first reaction was ‘Kazachstan. Who wants us there?’ I told my wife, and she was reluctant about the idea, and we forgot it for a while. Edip mailed me again in late August and was thinking why not, the organizers paid everything, and even agreed for me coming only for 3 days. I work fulltime next to my studies, and it is not always easy to get days off, so my father picked me up from work to bring me to the airport.

One suitcase and one bag full with around 20 books, Qur’an tafsirs, dictionaries and a laptop, it was luck it all fell under hand luggage. The reason I agreed on going was curiosity, to spread information on rational Islam, to see Edip again, meet other scholars, and simply, because I love travelling. I love standing in the line waiting to go somewhere, love sitting cramped in a plane, because I am going somewhere. I didn’t sleep during the flight, which I had planned to do, but an idea came into my head and I started writing. The end result will be published later as an article. As I was the only passenger still awake, the stewardess came to see if I needed something. The seat next to me, and the seat plank, were stacked with books making it sag through to its maximum. She asked what I was writing and starting looking at the books and seeing the word “Qur’an” on almost every one of them. “I am a theologian” gave her reason not to freak out, and started telling about modern Islamic thought. It is weird that I always have the feeling to be careful with having the Qur’an out in the open when travelling. We still have much to do to make the Qur’an seen as valuable for mankind outside of the Muslim world.

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Important verse on how to approach subjects in the Qur'an and some examples

arnoldmol@deenresearchcenter.com — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:31:00 GMT

aw/Or, zid/increase/add a little aylahi/on it. wa/And ratili/arrange/order/make distinct/convey/read in a calm fashion al-Qur'an/the Qur'an/the Recital/the Reading tarteelan/good ordering/well arranged/distinct/correct-right state of arrangement/set in order.

Or, you shall increase it . And calmy read, convey and arrange the Qur'an in a distinctive, well-arranged, good, orderly, and correct manner.

Tartilan/ترتيلا means here to to group together related subjects & put in a good & meaningful sequence/order.

The root ر ت ل Ratala is for example used for subjects as an army that groups together & starts marching. An army is grouped by rank, company & type of soldier (foot-soldiers, cavalry etc.) (Ratila Al-Jaish / رتل الجيش ). It is also used for a set of nice teeth (Ratlun jamil / رتلجميل), as they are ordered nicely and correct.

The Qur'an has all of its subjects spread out over its text as a woven carpet. To get a good vision on each subject, we are told in this verse to arrange them together so we can understand them. But you must always start with the main subject of the Qur'an, its basic teachings and its main goal. Then you can move on to other subjects without ignoring the Qur'an worldview and focus. For example, the Qur'an says that Silm, the acceptance of Peace and Non-conflict is the Din, the behaviour/obligation, is the only manner accepted by God. Thus this the main focus of the Qur'an when it comes to human laws, advice, conduct, rituals/appointed behaviours.

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My involvement with the Dutch Muslim Party made frontpage news

arnoldmol@deenresearchcenter.com — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 20:03:00 GMT

It discusses how I became a Muslim, my ideas about Islam, science and Dutch ethics, and how I am involved as a researcher for the Dutch Muslim Party (NMP). It is very exciting that the media is focussing on positive Islam. An excerpt, the whole article will be translated later:

De Nederlandse Moslim Partij (NMP) werkt aan een Leidse fractie. Of die ook aan de komende gemeenteraadsverkiezingen meedoet, is nog onzeker. Een van de trekkers is Arnold Yasin Mol, opgegroeid in Oegstgeest, sinds kort Katwijker, en bezoeker van Leidse moskeeën.

Ook Leiden heeft grote behoefte aan een moslimpartij, zegt Mol. ,,In Leiden komt ten slotte een van de grootste moskeeën in Nederland.''
De standpunten van de moslimpartij moeten zich nog uitkristalliseren, maar de islamitische denktank van Mol en Raja kiest vooralsnog een linkse koers.
,,Nederland is misschien wel een van de meest islamitische landen ter wereld'', stelt Mol, die bevestigt dat zijn partij ondanks het religieuze karakter meer raakvlakken heeft met GroenLinks dan met CDA of ChristenUnie.

The Dutch Muslim Party (NMP) is working on a Leiden group. Or who also participate in the upcoming municipal elections, is still uncertain. One of the tractors is Arnold Yasin Mol, grew up in Oegstgeest, and visitors of Leiden mosques.

Leiden also has a great need for a Muslim party, says Mol. "In Leiden is finally one of the largest mosques in the Netherlands.''
The positions of the Muslim party must still be discussed, but the Islamic think tank of Raja and Mol choose yet a leftist stance.
"The Netherlands is perhaps one of the most Islamic countries in the world'', proposed Mol, who confirmed that his party despite the religious character has more in common with GroenLinks (social-liberal left) than CDA or Christian Union.