Dr. Umar Johnson is known for his controversial and perceived pro-Black stances. His statements above is indicative and common amongst many Black orientalist who attack Islam with claims about its ‘Arabness’. Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali addresses Dr. Umar’s comments with some wonderful reflections on the reality of Islam
“I saw how we completely ignore Black people’s problems, we completely ignore Black culture, We completely ignore Black reality. It was all Islam, learn your Arabic and I’m like-I’m a practicing Arab-I’m not practicing Islam, I’m practicing Arabism. Why I got to learn arab language to worship God, why I got to eat like the Arab to worship God, why do I have to dress like the Arab to worship God…”
Dr. Umar Johnson
Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali response:
“Well, Islam is called “submission to God’s will.” And if God expects you to speak a certain language to worship Him, you surrender inasmuch the same way that Abraham—upon him God’s blessing and peace—did when he was expected to sacrifice his son.
Secondly, it seems that Dr. Umar is very comfortable speaking and worshipping God in English rather than a language indigenous to Africa. That’s if you worship God at all. Are you guilty of adopting white English culture because of that?
Thirdly, plenty of Africans speak Arabic and didn’t feel it beneath them to learn it. And that didn’t make them feel inferior to Arabs. They did it because they wanted to understand God’s holy book and to speak the lingua Franca which connected them to the global community of Muslims. Fourthly, Arabic is the language of Muslim ritual and scholarship. Just as Catholics use Latin during their mass, Muslims use Arabic during our ceremonial prayers. Of course, that doesn’t mean we’re just modeling ourselves after Catholics. Beyond the ceremonial prayers, one is free to supplicate God in one’s native language; you can ask God for whatever you want from the heart. No need to speak Arabic for that. This is just the nature and norm of ritual. Doesn’t mean you’re becoming an Arab or worshipping them. God judges people by the content of their character and state of their hearts.
Fifthly, you are not required to eat and dress like an Arab to be Muslim. It sounds like childhood trauma is what led you to leave Islam. Lastly, there are plenty of Muslims and scholars who write and speak about the concerns of black people. Look up Dr. Sherman Jackson and his works for example. I even have a book entitled, “The Negro in Arab Muslim Consciousness.” There are also others. Come back to Allah, Dear brother.
Exciting News!
The highly anticipated second edition of Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali’s groundbreaking work, “The Negro in Arab-Muslim Consciousness,” is coming soon! This expanded edition delves deeper into the complex relationship between race, identity, and Islam, offering fresh insights and analysis. Stay tuned for its release!
