"We live together, we eat together, we pray together; then we fight. It's the natural condition of mankind."
This quote suggests that despite sharing common experiences such as living, eating, and praying, humans inevitably find reasons to conflict with one another. It implies a universal pattern in human behavior where cooperation and unity are followed by disagreement or strife. The quote serves as a reminder of the paradoxical nature of humanity, capable of both unity and discord in various aspects of life.
"The great challenge of our time is to harness the creative and productive power of Islam in the service of a just and equitable world."
This quote by Feisal Abdul Rauf suggests that the primary challenge in today's global context lies in leveraging the abundant creativity, productivity, and values inherent within Islamic thought and tradition, with the ultimate goal of contributing to a more just and equitable world for all. It implies a call to action, encouraging the integration of Islamic principles into contemporary efforts towards global peace, social justice, and sustainable development.
"Islamophobia is a reaction to fear, much like anti-Semitism following the Holocaust, or racism following the end of slavery."
Feisal Abdul Rauf's quote suggests that Islamophobia, the fear or dislike of Islam and Muslims, is a response born out of anxiety, similar to other forms of prejudice that emerged in the aftermath of significant historical events such as the Holocaust (anti-Semitism) and the end of slavery (racism). The implication is that in times of uncertainty and fear, stereotypes and negative biases can arise, leading people to judge entire groups based on a few individuals or incidents. This quote encourages empathy, understanding, and education as means to combat such prejudice.
"In the Quran, God states, 'We have created you from a male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, so that you may know one another.' This verse underscores the importance of dialogue and understanding among people, encouraging us to learn about each other's differences."
Feisal Abdul Rauf's quote emphasizes the significance of dialogue and mutual understanding in Islam as highlighted by a verse from the Quran. The verse suggests that human diversity, whether in terms of gender, nationality, or ethnicity, is not a source of division but rather an opportunity to learn about each other. This perspective encourages openness, empathy, and respect for cultural differences, promoting a more harmonious and inclusive world.
"The true jihad is inward: it is about self-purification, self-control, and inner struggle. The term 'jihad' has been tarnished by those who misuse it to justify acts of violence."
This quote emphasizes that the authentic interpretation of Jihad, a fundamental Islamic concept, is an internal struggle rather than an external one. It involves purifying oneself, exercising self-control, and engaging in introspection. Unfortunately, it has been exploited by some individuals to justify acts of violence, which deviates from its original peaceful intention.
The truth is that killing innocent people is always wrong - and no argument or excuse, no matter how deeply believed, can ever make it right. No religion on earth condones the killing of innocent people; no faith tradition tolerates the random killing of our brothers and sisters on this earth.
- Feisal Abdul Rauf
One of the misperceptions that exists in the Muslim world, which needs to be fixed, is the perception that Muslims in America are - are - are living in - in very, very, very bad circumstances. They cannot practice religion freely. It is not the truth at all. The fact is, we are practicing. We fast, we pray, we do our prayers.
- Feisal Abdul Rauf
There are individuals who are working very hard to promote fear and antagonism towards Islam and Muslims in this country. It's fueled, in part, by the first African-American president that we have. Obama's father was a Muslim and people have used this to arouse hostility against him.
- Feisal Abdul Rauf
I was completely surrounded by religion from a young time. I was taught by my father. I engaged in discussions with him and many of these scholars who visited and came around the dining table, the lunch table, and attended many lectures with my dad. And so I learned the apprentice way.
- Feisal Abdul Rauf
Americans must outgrow the unbecoming arrogance that leads us to assert that America somehow owns a monopoly on goodness and truth - a belief that leads some to view the world as but a stage on which to play out the great historical drama: the United States of America versus the Powers of Evil.
- Feisal Abdul Rauf
We are Americans. We - we - we are - we are doctors. We are investment bankers. We are taxi drivers. We are store keepers. We are lawyers. We are - we are part of the fabric of America. And the way that America today treats its Muslims is being watched by over a billion Muslims worldwide.
- Feisal Abdul Rauf
There are moderates in Israel. There are moderates in Iran, there are moderates in the Republican Party, moderates in the Democratic Party. What we need to do is we need link all of these moderates together and to figure out a way by which this particular coalition can speak to important issues to marginalize the voice of the extremists.
- Feisal Abdul Rauf
If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.