I Stand For...

All mankind is from Adam and Eve; an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor does a black have any superiority over a white; except by piety and good action.

These words are shared by prophet Muhammed ﷺ in his farewell sermon. He was an Arab religious, social, and political leader and the founder of Islam - a timeless message of love, mercy, peace, freedom, justice and unity. He was a prophet divinely inspired to preach and confirm the monotheistic teachings of Adam, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and other prophets.

Many people don't know much about prophet Muhammad ﷺ and, even worse, some may have a distorted view of him and Islam. As a former Member of the Dutch Parliament, I know how power, politics and media operate and the game of perceptions for social control. I am also very familiar with the lack of transparency of the agendas behind this game. That’s why I believe it is our own responsibility as individuals to try to look beyond what is presented and to practice our freedom of thought. 

After reading many books about prophet Muhammed ﷺ - his biography, history and facts - in my opinion he is the greatest man who walked the earth. In South Africa I have taken time to explore his last words for humanity. In my opinion it is the most powerful speech in history, which reverberates through time.

Also in my opinion, the lessons from the farewell sermon are: hurt no one, keep away from usury, be aware of the evil spirit, honour women and eliminate the false sense of superiority and inferiority between human beings. Initially, looking at my own life I felt pretty on track with these lessons. However, after visiting Ahmed Deedat’s Islamic Propagation Centre International (IPCI) in Durban, I realised that I wasn't doing nearly enough. I felt the fiery motivation to do more, especially when it comes to honouring women and eliminating the false sense of superiority and inferiority between human beings.

Since centuries, European powers have mastered the art of brainwashing human beings with feelings of inferiority and superiority. It is the fundament of the successful colonisation by Europeans all over the world, South Africa is just an example. Deedat grew up in South Africa wounded by colonisation, with a nation full of deep racial divides, and the disparity between white and non-whites was ever increasing.

Convenience was found in Christian ideology; the more blacks and colored people converted to Christianity, the more they were willing to accept their “rightful” places as the subordinate, younger brethren of their white colleagues in faith. Christianity was a stable servant of the “apartheid” authorities through which they could numb and pacify the masses. 

Deedat strove to expose the truth about Christianity and the brainwashing of people in feeling superior or inferior. Using Islam as a reference point, Deedat was a menace to Christian missionary work, and he was not unwilling to distance himself from stirring up volatile debates. One of Deedat’s more memorable debates was with the evangelical figurehead Jimmy Swaggert.

We may differ in opinion when it comes to Ahmed Deedat and his legacy, but I hope we can agree on the importance of eliminating the false sense of superiority and inferiority between human beings. This false sense is still alive and thriving in every society around the world. Once you are aware of it, you’ll be surprised how horribly intertwined it is in your daily life. 

"If someone among you sees wrong he must right it by his hand if he can (deed, conduct, action). If he cannot, then by his tongue (speak up, verbally oppose); if he cannot, then by his gaze (silent expression of disapproval); and if he cannot, then in his heart.”

Again, the words of prophet Muhammed ﷺ echoed in my mind and heart in South Africa. I stand for eliminating the false sense of superiority and inferiority between human beings. I stand for reminding societies to uphold the standard of the status and rights of women. I stand for (self) dialogue - re-connection with Allah, from my heart to my tongue to my hand.

Although I am very much still a humble student in life, I do feel like sharing my insights so far. That’s why I have created Messenger of Dialogue - a 1 session of 1 hour online personal coaching with me where I combine my new insights with my-over-6-years-proven-tools-for-powerful-transformation in your personal growth. You can sign up directly and easily for one or as many sessions you wish, click here for more info. 

Questions or whatsoever? Leave me a message in the comment section below or send me an email, I'd love to hear from you.

- W.