JEDDAH, 11 November — Islamic organizations and charities must take up the task of bringing out an immaculate translation and commentary of the Holy Qur’an in English, primarily for the Western audience, according to a Canadian Islamic scholar.

Shaikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior faculty member at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, told Arab News the task should be delegated to a high-level committee of accomplished Islamic scholars.

“When the Christians translated the Bible they set up a committee of 100 scholars as they wanted to convey their message as effectively and intelligently as possible,” he said.

“But we Muslims, each one of us thinks that he is a scholar by himself and does not need anybody’s help and everybody wants to bring out a translation of the Qur’an,” he pointed out.

“God likes perfect work. Imam Malik had spent 40 years to compile his work Muwatta (a collection of Hadith). If we respect Islam and the Qur’an, we have to bring out an excellent translation.”

He said he believed that “The Message of Qur’an” by Muhammad Asad was the only translation presentable to a Western reader.

Shaikh Kutty described the Sept. 11 attacks in the United States as a major calamity that had upset the priorities of the Islamic world. The Sept. 11 events had weakened Islamic lobbying efforts in North America.

There are potentials for the propagation of Islam in North America. “If we take the message of Islam the proper way with qualified people in the vanguard I am certain they will be more than willing to listen. They are open to change, and receptive to fresh streams of thought,” he pointed out.

“If we believe that Islam can solve all problems and have done our homework and willing to articulate our vision we have a golden opportunity. But are we ready to take this responsibility? Are we up to the task?” he asked.

Kutty urged Muslims to present Islam as a religion of peace and benevolence. “Islam is first and foremost a message of mercy. It should not be used as a message of terror and ruthlessness,” he said.

“Sometimes people emotionally support those who resort to violence and extremism to bring about changes. This is the biggest mistake they make. We should come out and tell the world that Islam has nothing to do with terrorism. Where is the justification for hijacking a plane and using it as a missile to kill innocent people?” he asked.

“We have to first imbibe the morals, the compassionate aspect of Islam and we must assert that,” said Kutty, who has been active in Islamic Da’wah activities in North America for over 30 years.

“Justice is the hallmark of Shariah. If there is no justice there will be no Shariah,” he said quoting Imam Ibn Qayyem, a well-known Islamic scholar.

“When we talk about Shariah, the whole emphasis is on hudud (punishments) as if it is the main objective of Shariah. But the main objective is social justice, compassion, moderation and balance that should be given priority.”

“There is huge gap between what we preach and practice. The true grain of a person depends on how he/she deals with people who are lower to them in status. When there is no compassion for the weak, God’s mercy will be taken away,” he said quoting the Prophet.

Kutty said that most people in America are pro-Israeli because they are brainwashed by influential Jewish lobby groups. “There is no conspiracy there. It is an open market. The Jews are smart to use the keys and opportunities available.” He urged Muslim businessmen to buy media organizations in the West.

Kutty said Muslims have to learn many things from Westerners. “In the West we see Islam and not many Muslims but in Muslim countries we see many Muslims not Islam,” he said quoting a statement by the late Shaikh Muhammad Al-Ghazzali, a great thinker.

“Even if you come to the US or Canada illegally, you have the right to court and lawyer. The government will pay you to get the legal aid. You have your dignity as a human being.”

Kutty, who answers questions at Islamonline.net and Islam.ca, said a person should become a true human being to become a true Muslim.

“Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was a true human being. He was compassionate, caring and faithful before he became the Prophet. When he stood up to preach, the question he asked was ‘Do you know me.’ They said: “We know you as a trustworthy person.’ He had already established his credentials.”

Kutty said an Islamic preacher should establish his credibility in society. “We should not blame other people for our failures. We must look within and ask ourselves: Why all these things happen to us? Do we deserve anything better?”

Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab once said: The best gift you can give me is to tell me about my own faults,” he said and highlighted the significance of self-criticism to make progress.