[lit-ideas] What Hamas says
- From: Omar Kusturica <omarkusto@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: lit-ideas@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Thu, 16 Mar 2006 23:34:20 -0800 (PST)
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=5&article_id=23020
Those who voted for Hamas believe Islam is the
solution
By Yehya Mousa
Commentary by
Friday, March 17, 2006
Hamas was founded on the premise that Islam is a way
of life that can provide a solution to any problem
faced by humankind. Hamas does not seek to impose this
perspective by force. Rather, the movement's position
is that such an understanding comes only through
conviction and after a long-term and gradual process.
We believe in the comprehensiveness of Islam and that
one part of it cannot be separated from another. All
the components of a dignified life are provided for in
Islam and this includes political, security, economic
and social rights.
Hence, the creation of a truly Islamic state does not
come about abruptly or spontaneously but after a long
process of work and action.
That process has been evident in the gradual emergence
of Hamas. Over the years, the movement has succeeded
in raising a generation of people who have taken in
the meaning and values of Islam through an ongoing
educational process. Hamas started out by focusing on
social and institutional work through its charitable
societies and organizations. The movement also
participated in the resistance against the Israeli
occupation. Finally, it joined the formal political
life of the Palestinian nation. Having gained the
trust of the people, it emerged from a number of
elections victorious. Thus, Islam in Palestine today -
as both values and action - is represented in mosques,
charitable and social institutions, municipalities,
universities and now in the Parliament as well.
Islam is not merely the enactment of laws. It is
preceded by a broad process of mobilization and
education. Furthermore, Sharia, or Islamic law, cannot
be realized unless an independent and sovereign state
is established, which is not the case at present.
Therefore, we in Hamas are first concerned with
completing the liberation of Palestinian land.
But once this liberation is accomplished, we will
leave it to the Palestinian people to choose the
political system they want. We believe that if Islam
is implemented, it will be the reference for values of
freedom, democracy and respect for human rights. That
is, we seek to build a civilized civil society where
everyone enjoys rights and equality. This society will
not be unjust or ignorant, as some have tried to
portray it. The main goals that Islam seeks to achieve
are represented in the preservation of five pillars:
religion, intellect, self, money and progeny.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb
For example, we believe that all women have rights in
terms of education, work, choice in marriage and
political participation. These are guaranteed by
preserving the status of women and their privacy, and
not allowing them to be exploited or harmed. We do not
seek forcefully to restrict women to a certain dress
code, but instead try and guide them to that which
would preserve their wholesomeness.
We also believe that before punitive measures are
carried out against those who transgress Islamic
values or laws, the basic necessities of life must be
provided. We cannot talk about cutting off the hand of
a thief if we have not provided a good economic life
for the Palestinian people. We are also concerned with
domestic social relationships, especially as regards
minorities and safeguarding their rights, allowing
them freedom of belief without harassment or
persecution.
As for the political system, there is no specific
model to be followed. It depends on the nature of
interests at certain stages of a society's
development. The ruler may set up alliances or become
involved in international organizations if it serves
the public. Islam is far from extremism or radicalism;
it is a religion of tolerance and openness. Islam is
not fearful of others. The coming together of peoples
to communicate and exchange experiences and cultures
is a tenet of the religion. Islam works hard to move
mankind away from war and to defuse conflicts through
dialogue. Always, people are urged to adhere to their
innate humanity.
An Islamic state must develop gradually. However, we
must strive for agreement between our laws and the way
of Islam. One thing made clear by the Palestinian vote
for Hamas was a definite desire for change through an
Islamic approach. Those who voted for Hamas have
complete faith that Islam represents a way out of the
crises that surround them.
Yehya Mousa is a Hamas legislator from Khan Younis in
the Gaza Strip. This commentary
first appeared at bitterlemons-international.org, an
online newsletter that publishes views on
Middle Eastern and Islamic affairs.
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