1. Secular Versus Islamic
Zainul Abideen
Secular Versus Islamic
Interplay of Various Parameters
A.S. Hashim

2. What kind of World? Physical: Spiritual:
Zainul Abideen
What kind of World?
Physical:
Limited
Temporary
Spiritual:
Unlimited
Permanent
Mixed as Physical and Spiritual

3. Development of the Self
Within a few months of birth
Grows in family
Grows further in school and community
Sees differences in:
Being Religious or Secular
Behavior and Customs
Family Status

4. To Pursue Depending on: a person can Pursue: his genetics and
Zainul Abideen
To Pursue
Depending on:
his genetics and
environmental Influence
a person can Pursue:
Secular Course
Spiritual Course
A Mixture of Partly Secular and Partly Spiritual of Variable Proportion

5. As a Consequence The Path Taken Can be an Incentive:
Zainul Abideen
As a Consequence
The Path Taken Can be an Incentive:
to flourish and
innovate
But the Path Can be Negative:
Harmful and Damaging, and
Lead to Tyranny and Abuse of Power

6. Secular Identity Built on Self-Interest
Zainul Abideen
Secular Identity
Built on Self-Interest
Motivation is Selfish
Greedy Demands
Can Lead to Power Overindulgence
May Lead to Corruption
Deals Indifferently with Various Faiths:
Religion is a Dilemma, Treated Lightly
Nationality Supersedes Other Identities
Appointing People of Dubious Character

7. Islamic Identity Deals with Psychological Framework
Zainul Abideen
Islamic Identity
Deals with Psychological Framework
Very Basic and Fundamental
If it is Islamic:
Belief Mandating Good Behavior
Less Corruption
Motivation is for Personal Integrity (العدل)
Deals Tolerantly with Various Faiths:
Secularism is a Dilemma, Discouraged
Nationality Accepted
Appointing People of Good Character

8. Before the Seventies Islamicly: Secular Powers: People: Marginalized
Zainul Abideen
Before the Seventies
Islamicly:
Marginalized
Moving Toward Secularism
Secular Powers:
Superceding Other Identities
Alliances with Other Powers to Rule
People:
Murmuring in Discontent
Scared to Express their Islamic Alienation

9. By the Seventies A Man of Remarkable Courage Spoke out
Zainul Abideen
By the Seventies
A Man of Remarkable Courage Spoke out
Awakened the Dormant Islamic Identity
Persisted in his Call for the Magnificent Change
Suffered Personally and in his Family
The Call Awakened the Religious Spirit in:
His Country
Regionally
World-Wide

10. Focused on Islamic Identity
Zainul Abideen
Focused on Islamic Identity
Know your Islamic Affiliation: Shi’a or Sunni
Educate yourself about your Conviction
Focus on the Upcoming Generation
Express yourself with Conviction and Vigor
Talk with Confidence and with Pride

11. The Effect: Like a Volcano: Like a mountain:
Zainul Abideen
The Effect:
Like a Volcano:
The Call Triumphed Over Secularism
Established a Proud and Stable Administration
Induced High Religious and National Pride
Like a mountain:
Resisted Local Attacks: The Press or Otherwise
Undid War Against Islam
Withstood World Press Attacks
Moved Forward to Enhance the Country

12. Spillover Influence Locally: The Country of Origin
Regionally: Middle East
World-Wide: Mainly the West
Washington Area: Potomac Maryland

13. Statistics as of 1996: SHI’A ……………………………………… …..…….. 282 Millions
Zainul Abideen
Statistics as of 1996:
SHI’A ……………………………………… …..…… Millions
SUNNI
Hanafi …………….……………………...…………. 380 Millions
Maaliki ………………………………………………. 305 Millions
Shafi’i ……………………………………………… Millions
Hanbali …………………………………… …….. 52 Millions

14. 1. Local Influence Pride in Islam and Islamic Doctrine
Systematically Improving the Lot of Citizens
Tolerated the Complaining Shi’a:
Explosion of Islamic Information
Shi’a are a Complaining People by Nature
Shi’a are Crying-Happy People
Shi’a are Self-Hitting and Chest Beating People

15. 2. Middle-East Influence
Zainul Abideen
2. Middle-East Influence
Coming back to Islam
Attempts to better understand Islam
Polarization of the Islamic versus the secular powers
The Media of regional Areas bundle up Against him

16. 3. Global Influence The World Responded Gradually
Awakening of the Deep Religious Feelings
Extremes Could Show up, Understandable
World Denies him his Due Worth
The World Refuses to Acknowledge his Influence
Politically: He Stood Unmovable
Religiously: Steadfast and Resolute

17. 4. Washington Area: Potomac
The IEC is initiated, registered, and incorporated
IEC Bought the Property
Mostazafan Foundation buys the IEC
IEC grows steadily, nourished by the new Islamic Fervor
Despite the Ups and Downs, IEC Continues to Grow Steadily

18. IEC holds on Heritage Ghadeer Khum Ashuraa
Ramadhan Du’aas (Supplications)
Celebration of Birthdays of the Prophet and the 12 Imams
Haj Services and Visitations of the Shrines
Reading special Du’aas (Supplications) at different occasions.

19. IEC Remembers Al-Baaqir
Zainul Abideen
IEC Remembers Al-Baaqir
"By Allah our Shi'a is: he who obeys Allah, is pious, and upright. He
obeys Allah, is pious, and upright.
Our Shi'a are recognized for their modesty, humility, excessive worship, frequent offering of Salat, observance of fast, and they honor their parents.
Our Shi'a care for neighbors, the disadvantaged, the needy, the indebted, and the orphans,
Our Shi'a always speak the truth, recite the Holy Quran, hold their tongue against speaking ill of others, and
Our Shi'a are trustworthy in all matters of social and spiritual relationship.
 والله ما شيعتنا إلاّ من إتقى الله وأطاعه  
وما كانوا يُعرَفون إلاّ بالتواضع والتخشع وأداء ألأمانة وكثرةِ ذِكر الله
والصوم والصلاة
والبرِّ بالوالدين وتعهُّد الجيران منَ الفقراء وذوي المَسْكنةِ والغارمين والأيتام وصِدق الحديث وتلاوة القرآن
وكفِّ الألسن عن الناس إلا من خير

20. IEC and Cultural Identity
Zainul Abideen
IEC and Cultural Identity
Hold to your ways but be discerning
Make effort to befriend people of your nationality
Be friendly to Americans
Explain your ways with pride to Americans
Frequent and consistent visits to Islamic Centers

21. IEC and Nationalistic Identity
Zainul Abideen
IEC and Nationalistic Identity
Speak your language with parents
Teach children Arabic as well as your own language
Celebrate your usual national holidays
Attend meetings catering to your national aspirations

22. IEC Recognizes opportunity in America
Zainul Abideen
IEC Recognizes opportunity in America
The US is your host country that gives you freedom of expression and work opportunity
As its guest you ought to:
respect the ways fit for the Americans, but
keep your ways intact and sound
Be innovative and aggressive in pursuit of your goals and aims

23. The Explosion of Influence
Zainul Abideen
The Explosion of Influence
Because of His:
Vision
Courage
Tenacity
Obstinacy
Splendid Dedication
Who is This Man?

24. Who is This Man? Saddam Hussein Imam Ali Imam Al-Husain Khumaini
Zainul Abideen
Who is This Man?
Saddam Hussein
Imam Ali
Imam Al-Husain
Khumaini
The Shah
Haroon Al-Rasheed
Khoe
Sistani

25. Finally Let us Read Surah al-Asr Together

26. Thank you and may Allah Bless you
Zainul Abideen
Thank you and may Allah Bless you
Be in Allah’s Care
Dr. A.S. Hashim