Vitriolic emails

[Asif A. Saberi, MD]

As-Salaam alaikum my fellow-signatory 'dispute solvers'

Like many of you I have been drawn into this mail-group through no connivance on my own part. I frequently ignore these postings. Occasionally an email draws a chuckle. But like many, I am most guilty of looking the other way. I have been looking the other way  to a dangerous trend that has eaten at the heart of Muslim unity for some fourteen hundred years; viz., our lack of constraint in the face of disagreement.

I have not seen anywhere in our sources - Quran or Sunnah - an exhortation to forcefully airing our difference of opinion. Quite the contrary in fact. Examples abound of the gentle manner in which the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) dealt with people, his companions as well as his detractors.

Granted that both sides (and if there are more, all sides) speak from very strong emotional positions, and mean well in their own ways. I beg you to consider the consequence of the manner of expressing your sentiments. Today, we, the American Muslims are called upon to answer a challenge we have never been asked to address before. We cannot afford any action that weakens our ability to rise up to this challenge. The present vitriolic interlocution threatens our fragile unity.

I cannot stop without addressing my dear friend and brother who questions the credibility of our ‘yuppie Amir’: if you disagree with the Amir, there is now a democratic process through which you can voice your concerns - either through the electoral process by standing for and becoming elected or by bringing your specific grievances before the Majlis-e-Shura. Before you do this however, let me share this much from my limited experience: in organizations depending upon voluntary cadre of workers, the most difficult task is one of finding those volunteers who deliver consistently. It is not easy to find people who will selflessly spend hours for such a cause. Before we discredit and cast aside this Amir, be sure to remind yourself that even if he made mistakes in your eyes, he has given selflessly for this community and commands our consideration for his yeomen service.

I therefore respectfully suggest an approach in which we do as little insulting and belittling as possible - that way we alienate no one. A true grievance should not be overlooked, but let us address them without injury. It is a longer route, but surer. It is harder, but on the end we all win.

I wish not to stir the maelstrom in our midst with this email, but intend my endeavour to affect a reconciliation between brothers that we can ill-afford to not have.

Regards,

Asif

 

 

Asif A. Saberi, MD Piedmont Pulmonary Consultants 2001 Peachtree Rd NE, #600 Atlanta, GA 30309 Ph: 404-352-3110 Fx: 404-352-4104