On the night of 29th of January, at an event which saw unprecedented attendance, famous sheikh Ilyas gave a sermon about “paradise” and how to get there. Prior to the event, a friend quipped that if anyone desired to go to “paradise” he or she would hop onto a ferry and pay the $50 for the night; referring to the resort hotel Paradise.
As hilarious (or insulting) as it maybe, the practicality and the truth of the my friend’s quirky suggestion cannot be questioned. One can indeed go to Paradise via ferry. But the same cannot be said of sheilk Ilyas’s sermon as I have reason to believe that he may have lied.
Now, it must be said that I did not personally attend this event; I did however, download the recording of the speech and listen intently for 15 minutes. I am not a scholar of religion (and certainly not a religious scholar). But I am capable of common sense and critical analysis and 15 minutes of it was enough for me to stop and think.
To set the stage for this 1 hour long ramble, he related, what he claimed to be, a true story. At the preamble (at 5:48 into the sermon) he ensured the gathering that the story he was about to relate was a “haqeeqee” story. In my view, when something is said to be the “haqeeqath” it is authentic. This adjective is far more potent than it’s sibling “thedhu” (English: true) and is used in matters of reliable, verifiable and accurate historical events.
The story was about an “Arab” Muslim man who traveled to the United States for education. There he befriended a Christian who invited him to the church. At the church he encountered a priest who rudely requested that he leave the church premises promptly (audience’s contempt requested). The Muslim man, apparently feeling hopeless (audience’s sympathy requested), was about to leave when the priest stopped him and challenged, Hey Muslim man, before you leave can you answer 22 of my questions? This question, sheikh Ilyas said, was intended to belittle and ridicule the Muslim man (audience’s sympathy established).
Here sheikh Ilyas had exploited one of the oldest tricks in fiction writing: he had established the Muslim man as the innocent hero deserving sympathy and the priest as villain. The audience was now captivated and anticipated the confrontation ahead anxiously as if they had been watching a thriller on silver screen. Unfortunately, this was the point at which the story, the supposedly authentic event, started to sound more like a cock-and-bull concoction that the good sheikh invented to sensationalize his sermon.
The bulk of the priest’s questions had been designed and handpicked to be identifiable with Islamic theology; not Christian – as one would imagine a priest’s challenge to be. A priest could not have asked these questions unless he was an impostor within the clergy – a mullah in a cassock.
Interestingly, in line with popular fundamentalist doctrines, the answer to the 21st question (at 12:35) posed by the priest was misogynistic. Before leading to the answer sheikh Ilyas slyly took cover behind his characters by claiming that he was merely relating answers to questions and apologized to the audience (at 12:41), implying that his opinion on the matter maybe different to that of his protagonist’s.
Priest: What was it that was created and was a big thing [for God]?
Muslim man: Women’s deceit.
One is tempted to ask about men’s deceit: the reason for so many wars, mindless killing and violence, animosity, intolerance, hatred and contempt. What about the deceit of people like the good Sheikh? Indeed, if sheikh Ilyas’s opinion in the matter of God’s contempt for women’s deceit was different then surely either sheikh Ilyas or the Muslim man had blasphemed.
Why did sheikh Ilyas apologize to the Muslim man’s reply at the risk of blaspheming? Why must he apologize for God’s work (that was related by the priest and confirmed by the Muslim man)? Was he expecting the audience to disregard that particular question and answer? This is unlikely considering that such a misogynistic comment did nothing to make the priest think twice or stop from spontaneously converting to Islam. That the priest may have been a mullah in a cassock made it easier is a possibility. But then the conversion to Islam of the entire congregation present at the church? That’s pushing it into the realm of fiction.
Sheikh Ilyas’s parable probably left the audience in a state of triumph, the men feeling superior now that their deceit isn’t such a “big thing” with God, the women wondering if by merely breathing they were deceiving. Never for once would anyone have thought:
- When did this event take place? Surely not in ancient times because America was discovered relatively recently.
- Why haven’t I heard about this miraculous event?
- Why isn’t this Arab Muslim man, who after a simple Q&A converted an entire churchful, famous? What’s his name?
- Realizing his potential, has he done any other churches?
- If this was simply a case of Allah’s will, then why didn’t sheikh Ilyas just say that Allah converted an entire church one fine day? (Possible answer: would have been less dramatic)
- In that case why aren’t Christians by the churchload getting converted?
These questions and more lead me to believe that sheikh Ilyas’s story was a work of fiction, a lie, cock-and-bull. It was never the “haqeeqath” that he claimed it to be. It was improbable. I challenge sheikh Ilyas to produce evidence of this miraculous and sensational event taking place in the United States exactly as told by him in the sermon.
A friend told me before the event that sheikh Ilyas was a great speaker. Yes, and an even greater showman.
Unfortunately neither quality is a guarantee of absolute truths.
Great post on how important it is to use one’s intelligence to seperate truth from falsehood. I believe intelligence is one of those things that “if you don’t use it—you lose it”.
“I am not a scholar of religion (and certainly not a religious scholar)” Nicely put Simon. Ilyas is not the only one with some tricks down the sleeve. Very subtle and straight. And I think what should be put there within brackets reading what is expected of audience is (audience should get that I am a scholar myself too)
On some of the question you’ve asked, there have been and always have been miraculous events taking place but the western media works well in hiding them. Some facts like no Jew being killed in the 9/11 event. Many western celebrities have converted and is converting to Islam. Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world despite all the hatred and ridicule from people like you. Many western democracies have taken note of Islamic banking system. Sure these events may not be miracles but these things are being kept away from mainstream media.
I am sure to get some more ridiculing from you on what I’ve written. I wouldn’t be surprised. There are stronger “scholars” just like you the world over bashing on Islam. But it doesn’t affect Islam or Muslims. You will just quit at some point in time in the future. And by then you would have realized that you have been up against a force much mightier than your mind can even comprehend.
~peace~
Hi Al,
A scholar, by definition is a person who studies an academic subject. I expect readers (such as yourself) to understand clearly that I am not a scholar of religion but I may have studied (and continue to do so) a subject of academic interest.
I fully anticipated the ‘western media covering up’ excuse. But assuming that the story was covered up it is still highly unlikely that the hero of the story would disappear into obscurity. And since sheikh Ilyas knew the story in great detail it is likely that the protagonist and the priest would have names and that the incident occurred in a specific place; not an entire continent.
Sadly, Al, in this piece I am not writing anything against Islam at all and yet you seem to think so. And you seem to think that when I clearly said I was not a scholar of religion that it meant I was claiming to be a scholar of religion. That’s absurd, don’t you think?
But I am happily agreeing with you on one point and that is all I need really: That Ilyas tricked the audience.
“Many western celebrities have converted and is converting to Islam. Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world despite all the hatred and ridicule”
Bravo! just what we need. they know the best don’t they, the celebs. im a fan. cheers!
Well written as usual, Simon.
@Al: It always strikes me, this claim that Islam is the ‘fastest growing religion’. Muslims seem to take great pride in it for some reason. Especially considering the global Jewish Conspiracy to thwart this very possibility, and despite the entire Western Hemisphere ganging up on Islam, it STILL GROWS! Maashallah!
I do however, reserve my doubts. What can you say about a religion that nobody can leave? How many Muslims can declare themselves ‘no longer’ Muslim and convert to say, Hinduism, and live to tell the tale?
Of course, the likelihood that they’ll survive is far greater in a non Mullah infested land. But seriously, celebrities? I’ve seen ‘Muslim’ celebrities in India who don’t have a second thought about popping the champagne in public. But even THEY do not dare to call themselves non-believers.
Why?
Oh you must be kidding me.
As always, how interesting to read your articles! :), secondly, if you could refer me the link for the sermon please?
Good post! keep going!
He really is a great showman. I have noticed that during his speeches he cries and with tear running down on his cheek. This trick serves as an additional tool to exploit peoples’ weakness. Often he would glorify Allah before he starts to cry.
The church event is certainly a big lie. Most of what he says in his speeches is utter nonsense.
People should be aware of Mullahs such as Ilyas because they pose a serious threat to weak minds. That’s their profession anyway.
duniyeyga mashoorukan abaduves libeynee haasa sifathah libifa hunna meehunah…. eh jinsun gulhun hingun fada nubai amalu thah kuraa meehunakee eh irehgaves showman akah vaane gotheh nonaanee, mao hussain ge mi comentun ilyas deke j vaakan haama vanee kekeke….
also this article is not bad…
Yes a great scholar you want to be. Behind all these words I see man, a weakling who cannot stand up to the trials and tribulations. Whether you like it or not, there is a day ahead when all beings will come together and then convert. Disbeliever you are and you ramble about the religion with nuances between sentences to squeeze a giggle and that gives you a boost of self confidence. Better to repent. For you are not aware of the sufferings of hellfire or the blessings of paradise. And you joke about prostate!
May Allah guide you .. waittaminute it is said – for one who had chosen the right path, there is no astray ahead but for those who went astray may never be find the right path! The clock is ticking. Forget madhana , let the spender of the family take care of it for you’re nuthing without him. What a waste of brain.
“Forget madhana , let the spender of the family take care of it for you’re nuthing without him. What a waste of brain.
At least you concede that Simon has brain – contrary to you. Yours has been washed away obviously by delusions and “religious” fanaticism.
Fanaticism in general makes people blind.
Despite, I wish you that you never get seriously ill and in need of real medical help to save your sorry life.
Madhana is a convenient way for poor people in a poor (least developed) country to get help, maybe life saving help, without having later to foot a bill they can never manage to pay. You appear to prefer that people have to go and beg from some politicians who then do sort of a triage…while the few well off Maldivians fly to Singapore or to UK to enjoy the best what modern medicine has to offer.
And btw, somebody remarked that healthcare is nearly free in European countries. That is also very far from the truth!
FYI, the normal European sees the government deduct a huge fee from every gross salary – every month – by LAW.
The average amount deducted is around Euro 400 per individual in private insurance or per family if you are a member of a publicly run insurance scheme.
The insurance does not only allow you to see a family doctor anytime but also a specialist if needed and of course it covers a stay in hospital for whatever operation necessary. Health insurance also includes regular tooth care which is very important not only for children but for grown ups as well.
And btw, some of those sheik stories appear to be far from the truth as well and often sound rather like pure Friday “entertainment” for the unsuspecting masses.
And people would easily believe such sensational news… I live 3 blocks from the Vatican, which is one the most holy sites of Christianity… To this date, no one here in Italy has asked me, “which religion are you from?, Why dont you convert to Christianity? etc etc
I have visited many churches in Spain, Italy and Austria out of curiosity for their beautiful architecture, no one’s asked me to leave. And the fact that I enter a Church doesnt make me question my own faith…
I think people who are so insecure about their faith, that visiting a church, a synagogue or a temple means taking in the beliefs of these religion, should really re-think about how strong their faith is..
lol… meehunah athifa leave kuran bunan engeynee athifa akee isalm ehkan engigenthaa? ehen noonas ilyas kee akee hurihaa chuch thakehga vaa kamehge vaahakayeh noon dho….
you are right, no arguments that Ilyas was not talking about all the churches ;)
but yes, they do know I am a Muslim.. I live with 2 very devoted Christians who goes to Mass every Sunday, they dont ask me to come along with them, they dont invite me to their religion, they dont forbid to do my prayers.. they dont say I cant recite Quran in their house..
what I dont like is the intentional misunderstandings created by Ilyas and the like among religions and people. Doesnt Quran say “unto you your faith, and to me mine”.. there should be a way of co-existence without the hate mongering..
You must be a COCA COLA MUSLIM
Sura Al-Asr
By time,Verily, man is in loss, Except those who believe and do righteous deeds and exhort one another to Truth and exhort one another to patience.
Great article! The truth is there are too many of them conveniently lying about such “haqeeqee” stories using their ‘gifted’ oratory skills and performance. Some of their nonsense is so believable ..so some of us completely loose our mind and go beyond reasoning and thinking. A minority of people get too pissed off to care and tend to rebel and prefer not to be identified as a Muslim regardless of their belief. As far as I know there are few women who wore veil by their choice but recently gave it up just because these sheikhs were obsessed about preaching about the importance of it and branding women for all the things evil. They have their own agenda and versions of how to go to paradise. The most popular versions in Maldives must be the veil and giving consent for your man to have more young wives!
Simon, your fugitive mind might make you end up in hell.
doubt he read the bible because Nowhere does it say to worship Jesus Christ. (ask any christian scholar and they will say no). Infact it says that jesus prayed to GOD in the dessert.
Matthew 14:23 After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone.
Mark 1:35 In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.
Luke 6:12 It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God.
So why do we reject the bible. Why do we not read it. The answer is simply because we have been brainwashed to believe that it is an evil book full of lies. I have a question for them! Why do you read and accept or handpick hadith or categorize it when the hadith and bible can be compared judging from number of times they contradict to the Koran.
One cannot reject something one doesn´t know and can therefore not judge.
You have your “scholars” who allow you what to read, think and what not. By insisting, they have total control. Why allow people to read the Bible or any book on other religions besides Islam?
See, having a choice is not good for your health.
If I were in “scholars” shoes, I would love to keep it this way! After all, the method is time proven and wonderful for those who intend to exert power.
No Koran/Bible comparisons for those interested in the issue but instead the often repeated and unproven mantra: Islam is the fastest growing religion…hey!
Can you imagine how fantastic it is to read every book one really wishes to read? Browse the online booksellers, read what other readers have to say and then order…? It´s a whole world apart. No, believe me please, I didn´t want to make you envious…