By Abba Abdullahi Garba
There is an apparent misunderstanding of what a kingdom in the Arabian Peninsula (Saudi), Islam, and Muslims mean and what they represent, especially when it comes to the point of view of some Nigerians.
This short, precise, and well-clarified article, under 700 words, will differentiate these things and conclude with the reason why the Saudi Kingdom does not represent Muslims or Islam but Saudi Arabians.
Saudi Arabia Kingdom
The Saudi Kingdom rules Saudi Arabia and represents it worldwide. It acts as the president, prime minister, and legislative body of Saudi Arabia.
Anything that is outside Saudi land is outside the control of the Saudi Kingdom [from religion, spirituality, international politics, et cetera], except what directly relates to it or its citizens.
The Kingdom, just like its counterparts in Qatar, the UAE, and others, has the authority to allow things [like entertainment, sports, et cetera] to take place within their land. And that is their business, not Muslims!
Islam
Islam is a non-modifiable religion practised by over one billion people all over the globe. And those people come from all walks of life and different races.
However, what makes it the perfect choice for many people is the fact that there is no racism, discrimination, indecency, or so many other leftist things. It is a religion that uses over 1,400 years of old scripture, which, to date, no one has modified, and it will remain like that till the end of the world.
Islam does not have a representative country, kingdom, or race. Its representatives are the teachers who taught it appropriately, and even if they cannot modify its teachings, they must teach it the way it is.
Islam promotes peace, tolerance, love for each other, good manners, truthfulness, and honesty, among other things.
I can’t tell you everything about Islam right now because this article is supposed to be short. But, sincerely speaking, Islam is a way of life!
Muslims
Muslims are the people who accept and practice the teachings of Islam regardless of their race, country, or region. And when I say Muslims, I mean all Muslims.
And it is impossible to say this: all Muslims are good people, or all are bad! Some are good people, and some are bad people. Everywhere and in every religion, there are those kinds of people, good and bad.
And the behaviour of one Muslim does not represent Islam if it is against Islamic teachings. It represents that person, not his religion.
And the behaviour of a kingdom that rules a country of people who follow and practice Islam does not represent Islam; rather, it represents that country and its leaders.
Any Islamic preacher or ordinary Muslim whose actions or words are out of Islamic context does not represent Islam but rather his person.
Conclusion
Islam is a religion. Muslims are those who practice it. And the Saudi Kingdom does not represent Muslims or Islam. It represents the people of Saudi Arabia. And Muslims all over the world have no say in what the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia decides for its people in any aspect of life.
So, for those who think the Saudi Kingdom represents Islam, then it is time to change your perception on this topic, for Islam is a religion with no authoritative body that can speak or act on its behalf. And Muslims are those who practice it.
And you can be one too!
Abba Abdullahi Garba wrote from Zugachi, Kano, Nigeria. He can be reached via abbaabdullahigarba@outlook.com.