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 BE  CHAPTER FIVE A Sūfī Perspective on Christian-Muslim Relations in Eastleigh and Beyond Sūfī Merabaqsh Abdul-Aziz Bunni Abstract In Eastleigh and the neighbouring estate of Pumwani, sufism 53 is widely practiced. The sūfī brotherhoods represent the majority of Muslims in Eastleigh and Pumwani. The Brotherhoods, spread throughout the streets of the estates, are comprised of many turūq (sūfī orders, or brotherhoods) such as Qadiriya, Shadhiliya and Da’watil Islami from Pakistan. Yet, the wider world seems hardly to be aware of this mystical dimension of Islam. In this article, therefore, the existence of this rather unknown world of Eastleigh will be presented. From a rights-based perspective in Islam, the question is discussed of how sūfīs think about Christian-Muslim relations in Eastleigh and beyond. Introduction “In the name of Allah, the most gracious, the most merciful”, All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the universe, and peace and blessing be upon our Messenger Muhammad Bin Abdullah (peace and blessing of Allah be upon Him, P.B.U.H), and upon his descendants and companions. Islam is the religion of mercy to all people. The Lord says in the Holy Qur’an, “These are clear evidences to men, a guidance and mercy to those of assured faith” (Al-Jathiyah, 45: 20).There is goodness in Islam for all living beings for those who believe in it, and for nonMuslims as well. This fact can be ascertained by anyone with insight, and only someone who is arrogant or ignorant of the realities of Islam could deny its virtue. The Lord says, “That is the true religion but most among mankind know not” (Ar-Rum 30: 30). It is very important, with regard to Muslim-Christian relations, to learn these important verses of the Holy Qur’an and Ahadiths (traditions) of the Holy Prophet (P. B. U. H.).Anyone who is familiar with works of fiqh (Islamic Law), knows that Muslim scholars of fiqh use the  DB Here I have to explain some terminology of Sufism (mysticism). A sūfī (mystic) is a member of a Muslim group who tries to become united with the Almighty God through prayer and meditation, and by living a very simple and strict life. So without explaining a few ayās (verses), I will not have explained in detail about a devoted Muslim sufi-member, who is obviously part of Ahli Sunna Wal Jamaa,specifically from the Ahli Twarika. As a sūfī, you must be attending dhikri (remembrance) maulīd (celebration of the birth of the Prophet), du’a (public supplication) and many occasions of Ahli Twarika. It is actually not bid’a (innovation) or haram (forbidden). We have the full support of some verses of the Holy Qur’an and ahadiths (traditions) of our beloved Prophet (P. B.U.H.) and also from the ijma’ (consensus) of our scholars of Ahlu Sunna wal Jamaa and from the Ahli Twarika.              BF  technical term “people of the covenant” (dhimmi), to refer to citizens who are non-Muslims. It is an attractive term and not a pejorative one as some would claim. It means “the people of testament and trust”, because they are under the protection of the covenant, extended to them by the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) and Muslims. This covenant is valid forever54 . We should respect our neighbours and non-Muslim relatives. To be a devoted Muslim, one must know and respect the rights of non-Muslims everywhere. It is very important to have positive Muslim-Christian relations in all aspects. The Dignity of All Humanity Every Muslim must know the rights of non-Muslims, their right to the preservation of their dignity as human beings. Almighty Allah has endowed mankind with dignity, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, and has elevated humanity’s status above that of much of the creation. The Almighty says in the Holy Qur’an, We have honoured the sons of Adam; provided them with transport on land and sea; given them for sustenance things good and pure; and conferred on them special favours, above a great part of our creation. (Banī Al-Isra’il 17: 70) The Almighty Allah even commanded His angels to prostrate themselves in humility before Adam, the father of mankind (P.B.U.H.). This command was to elevate the status and honour of humanity. The Almighty Allah also said, when He addressed the angels, “Prostrate yourselves to Adam; they prostrated themselves, but not...

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