“REFUTING MISCONCEPTION ABOUT ISLAM & MUSLIM”

Notes: From http://zhulkeflee-archive.blogspot.com/2008/04/why-hate-

bees.html

Why Hate the Bees?

Translation of article written by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail in response to

careless remarks and wild accusation made by certain quarters that
"Madrasah are breeding grounds for terrorism" and Asaatizah are liken as
"the Queen bees" (original in Malay written and published in ‘Risalah’
quarterly magazine of PERGAS – Singapore Islamic Scholars & Religious
Teachers Association)

‫حيم‬
ِ ِ ‫ن ٱلَّر‬ ِ ٰ‫مـ‬
َ ۡ‫سم ِ ٱللهِ ٱلَّرح‬
ۡ ِ‫ب‬
In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful

Why Hate the Bees?

In the creations made by Allah s.w.t, there is much wisdom and

secrets to be found in them. Only those who would care to ponder
with sincerity and humility, while appreciating through the
glorification of the Essence of the Wisest Creator, can understand
this truth. They would realise how insignificant is the knowledge
that they possess in comparison with the knowledge that is with
Allah and that they should be wary of coming to hasty conclusions
with the superficial understanding that they have. This even more
so when they maliciously cast aspersions on His creations by
trying to rouse man's anger towards some of these creatures
which can lead to the latter's destruction. We, the followers of
Islam, have been enjoined to follow the example of the Angels
who when made aware of the dangers of unwarranted
questioning of things beyond their comprehension, they would
glorify Allah by uttering:

ٓ‫م لَنَا‬ َ ‫عل‬ۡ ِ ‫ك َل‬ َ َ ‫حـن‬ٰ َ ۡ‫سب‬ ُ

َ َّ َّ
‫م‬ ‫ي‬‫حك‬
ُ ِ َ ۡ ‫ل‬ ‫ٱ‬ ‫م‬
ُ َ ‫ي‬ ِ ‫ل‬ ‫ع‬ ۡ ‫ل‬ ‫ٱ‬ ‫ت‬َ ‫ن‬ ‫أ‬ ‫ك‬َ َ ‫ن‬ ‫إ‬
ِّ ََ‌ ۖ ٓ ‫ا‌ـ‬ ‫ن‬ ۡ
‫مت‬ ‫َل‬ ‫ع‬ ‫ما‬
َ ِ‫إ‬
‫ل‬

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"Sub-haa-naka Laa-‘ilma-lanaa il-laa maa-‘al-lam-tanaa, in-naka
antal-‘alee-mul-Hakeem"

(Glory be to You (O Allah!) We possess of no knowledge except

what You have taught us. Verily You are the All-Knowing, Most
Wise!).

What is the fault of the species known as the "bee", which after
all is created by Allah to be a "bee"? Doesn't the bee have the
basic right to existence as a "bee"? What wrong has the bee (as a
specie) done, just because some men may have been stung by
some bees? If a bee attacks someone and by doing so causes its
own death, should we say that it has "committed suicide"? Why
did it do such a thing? What is the cause of its action? And is it
true that those who had stung them are really bees? This we
should verify as there are many insects which can sting. Is it true
that bees are by nature aggressive and dangerous? Do bees live
only to sting people and that they pose a danger to all other
creation? We have now come to the point that there are people
who clamour for revenge against the "bees" and advocates that
the "Queen Bee" be the target for destruction. Is it the fault of
the "Queen Bee" to bear and reproduce "bees"? Is it the fault of
the bee that it be brought up as, and advised to be, a bee? Is it
wrong to be a bee?

Why they choose to forget..........

‫ل‬ ‫ا‬ ‫جب‬ ۡ

‫ل‬ ‫ٱ‬ ‫ن‬ ‫م‬ ‫ى‬ ‫ذ‬ ‫خ‬
ِ َ ‫ت‬ ‫ٱ‬ ‫ن‬ َ ‫ك إلَى ٱلنَحۡل أ‬ َ ُ ‫رب‬ ٰ
‫حى‬ ۡ
‫و‬ َ ‫وأ‬
ِ ِ َ َ ِ ِ ّ ِ ِ ّ ِ ّ َ َ َ
‫من‬ ِ ‫م كُلِى‬ َّ ُ ‫ن ث‬ َ ‫شو‬ ُ ِ‫ما ي َ ۡعر‬ َّ ‫م‬ِ ‫جرِ َو‬ َ ‫ش‬ َّ ‫من ٱل‬
َ ِ ‫وت َو‬ ‫بُي ُ ً۬ا‬
ۢ ِ ‫ج‬
‫من‬ ُ ‫خُر‬ ۡ َ ‫ك ذ ُل ُ ً۬‌ۚلي‬ ِ ِّ ‫ل َرب‬ َ ُ ‫سب‬ُ ‫ت َٱفسـۡ لُكِى‬ ِ ‫مَرٲ‬ َ ّ ‫ل ٱلث‬
َ ّ ُ‫ك‬
ِ
ۗ‌‫س‬ َ ّ ٓ ٌ۬ َ ‫ش‬ َ
ِ ‫فاءلِلن ّا‬ ِ ِ‫هۥ فِيه‬ ُ ُ ‫ونـ‬ ‫ف أ ۡل َٲ‬ ۡ ُّ ‫ب‬
ٌ ِ ‫مختَل‬ ۬ ٌ ‫شَرا‬ َ ‫بُطُونِهَا‬
َ َ ‫قو ۬ميت‬ ً۬ َ ‫ك َلَي‬
َ ‫فك ُّرو‬
‫ن‬ َ َ ٍ ۡ َ ِّ ‫ة ل‬ َ ِ ‫ن فِى َذٲلـ‬ َّ ِ ‫إ‬
“And [consider how] thy Sustainer has inspired the bee: "Prepare
for thyself
dwellings in mountains and in trees, and in what [men] may build
[for thee by
way of hives]; and then eat of all manner of fruit, and follow
humbly the paths

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ordained for thee by thy Sustainer." [And lo!] There issues from
within these
[bees] a fluid of many hues, wherein there is healing for man. In
all this,
behold, there is a message indeed for people who think!"
(Qur’an: al-Nahl: 16: 68-69)

Glory be to Allah for His Guidance. As a point for deep reflection

on this analogy, the Messenger (saw) once urged Muslims to
follow the attitude and the life of the bee:

‫ان مثل المؤمنين كمثل النحلة‬

“In-na mathalal-mu’-minee-na ka-mathalin-nahlati.”

“Verily the analogy (likeness) of a believer is that of the bee.”

(Al-Hadith).

And if we reflect and ponder on the history of the Muslims since

the period in the lifetime of the Messenger (saw) up until today,
we will be able to discern a close resemblance between the
Muslims and the bee.

Inspiration/ Revelation as Guidance to Life

The bee depends on the inspiration (Guidance) from its Creator to

guide its life. The same is also true of the life of a Muslim as he
too depends on Guidance (Revelations of Allah in the Qur'an and
the teachings of His Messenger as inspired by Allah to him) from
the same Creator, Allaahu Rob-al-‘Aa-lameen (Allah, the Lord,
Master of all Creation). It does not matter where they live or
exist; everyone of their member knows the role that he has to
fulfil and will strive with all his ability to carry out the
responsibilities that have been entrusted on him. They are
industrious when carrying out their responsibilities and diligently
earnest in fulfilling their tasks in life. They are loyal to the

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demands placed on them and socially responsible in the
community that they exist in.

When seeking sustenance, they have been enjoined (through

revelation and inspiration) to seek what is "lawful and good"
(halaa-lan-toy-yiban: ‫حل َ ٰـ ً۬ل ط ًَ۬ي ِّاب‬
َ
Qur’an: al-Baqarah: 2: 168).
They would go to places which are clean, sweet-smelling and
beautiful. They have been forewarned to stay far from things and
places which are filthy and foul-smelling. They have been
commanded: "do not wreak havoc on the earth" (laa tufsidu fi-al-
ۡ َ ‫ف سدوا ْ ف ى ٱ ۡلأ‬
ardh: ‫ض‬
‫ِـ‬ ‫ر‬ ‫ِـ‬ ُ ‫َل ت ُ ۡ ِـ‬
Qur’an: al-Baqarah: 2: 11),
consistent with the bee that has never defiled any flower nor
broken any branch. As a result, they have multiplied on the earth
in peace and have contributed to the prosperity and well-being of
other life forms.

Cross-pollination
In the life of a bee, it plays a very important role in the life of
plants through its role in cross-pollination. This similarity is seen
from the life and the civilization that has been promoted by Islam.
History records that much of the knowledge, sciences and wisdom
from various nations and past civilizations were rediscovered,
reassessed and reintroduced to all other nations by these
Muslims. It is the existence of the Islamic civilization that led to
the rise of Western Civilization after Europe has long been in the
Dark Ages.

If we analyse with sincerity, the civilization that has been

advanced by Islam and the Muslims is truly a cosmopolitan one,
that we saw how it genuinely and purposefully forged co-
existence of various races and religious groups. In fact, the
civilization that has been advanced by Islam encourages the
sharing of knowledge and deeds that are beneficial and good
from all races. The concept of "ummah" that every Muslim
understands, if analyse carefully, is similar to the global
community that is currently on everyone's lips. This has long
before been introduced by Muhammad (s.a.w), Allah's Last
Messenger and the Seal of the Prophets.

Honey
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The product of the effort of the bee is honey of various types and
shades of colour which is from a source so pristine and it contains
the elixir for man. The good and benefit that comes from honey is
well-known, such that man has strived to encourage the
existence of bee colonies in their orchards and plantations. This is
not only for the honey that the bee produces but also because he
knows that with bees, their agricultural output will be multiplied.
The similarity with Islam and Muslims can be seen from the point
of view of several of Islam's teachings with regards to the
resolving of issues faced by man, which other communities may
learn and benefit – i.e. from the efforts to eradicate ignorance
through education and the learning culture; the commitment to
the removal of all falsehood through the upholding of truth; the
emphasis towards achieving correct understanding through
knowledge which has been validated and not based on
conjecture, myth and false assumptions; the eradication of
ignorance and abolishment of all manners of slavery – be it
slavery to our primal urges or towards fellow men; the advocating
that every man must display the best etiquette and virtues; the
support and respect for the freedom to practise basic human
rights through the promotion of tolerance within a multiracial or
multi-religious community; emphasising peaceful resolution
rather than enmity; supporting justice for all through the
eradication of discrimination by anyone towards any other; and
through the promotion of good acts between fellow men.

Perhaps there will be those who say, "But this is not seen among
the present Muslims!" It is important to note that benefit (the
metaphorical honey) from the Islamic point of view is that of its
teachings – i.e. the religion; which can cure all the ills affecting
mankind, especially for those who believe:

۬‫ة‬
ٌ ‫م‬َ ۡ‫فآءوََرح‬
ٌ۬ َ ‫ش‬ِ َ‫ما هُو‬ ‫قرۡ ءَا ِــــ‬
‫ن َــــ‬ ُ ۡ‫ن ٱل‬
‫م َــــ‬ ُ ِ‫وَنُنَّز‬
ِ ‫ل‬
‫ن‬َ ‫منِي‬ ۡ ُ ۡ‫ل ِّل‬
ِ ‫مؤ‬
Wa nunaz-zilu minal-Qur’aani maa-huwa shi-faa-un
wa-rah – matun – lil - mu’-mi-neen

"And We (Allah) who have brought down the Qur'an as a healing

and a blessing for the believers"
(Quran: al-Isra’: 17: 82).

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From here it is clear one must differentiate between "Islam" and
its followers who are known as "Muslims."

Sadly, Muslims themselves today are besought with all manner of

"illnesses" that needs the cure that can only come through the
practise of the teachings of Islam. These illnesses are made to
appear even worse when certain quarters regard these illnesses
as being caused by Islam itself! However, the fact of the matter is
that ad-Deen al-Islam is the one and only cure for the now
suffering Muslims. It would therefore, be very sad if certain
quarters do not like to see the suffering Muslims return to
practising and appreciating their religion, so that they can get
the cure for their illnesses. It would be tyrannical if they prevent
the suffering (the sick) to avail themselves to the only effective
cure for the illnesses that they are suffering from!

Identity
Like the bee, the identity of a Muslim can also be discerned by his
outward appearance. The bee with its yellow colouration and
black strips on its body. The Muslims, through their clothes,
actions and manner of interaction. For the bee, it is important
that their identity is known by all. Should it not be considered
good that they make themselves known (identifiable)? We
shouldn't be feeling uneasy just because they are unique in their
appearance. There is no need to change the bee's appearance.
Furthermore, the bee must also know that it IS a bee! Like the
bee, Muslims too must have clear means of identification. Of
course these unique identification marks may seem strange to
others, but it is only natural that different life forms have
different identification marks. Isn't it sad that while in the world
of insects the unique markings of a bee is accepted by all other
insects and they co-exist in harmony without forcing one insect to
adopt the way of another, yet in the world of human, we see the
unique identity of a Muslim becoming the subject of a debate?
Why are his identification markings questioned? The modest
dressing that covers the 'aurat' (nakedness according to Islam)
seems to be hated and be prevented from being adhered? Yet
they have allowed or even encouraged cultures which, not only
challenges the values of modesty but also, are of foreign origins.
Why are they behaving like this? Isn't this "prejudicial and
discriminatory"?

Changing the nature of the bee

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Is it logical to think that just because the bee is different from the
rest of the other insects, it therefore cannot live in harmony with
them? Must the bee be forced to change its identity because it is
naturally so different from the rest of the insect world? And, is it
also fair that because of the difference in its appearance, it is a
tear in the fabric of harmony among the insects? And if it is
forced to change, to which specie of insect should it become? The
fly? The hornet? The firefly? The mosquito? The butterfly? And
won't this lead to confusion among the bees themselves? Won't it
be dangerous if we get (inadvertently create) bees who forget
what they are, and instead think of themselves as a type of
hornet which if compared to the bee, is more easily provoked and
is more aggressive?

Perhaps the aspect of the bee that is most worrying to some is its
sting, which has been naturally created by Allah s.w.t who is the
Most Just and Most Wise. But are we not to understand that the
sting is only needed for self-defence, for the continued existence
of the bee so that it would not be trampled and be subjected to
tyranny, so that it is able to defend itself, its home and its
community? The sting is never a weapon of tyranny but to protect
the bee from tyranny. It is there so that others will respect the
bee’s existence. The existence of such clear indications of its
uniqueness (clear identification) serves also as a warning to the
others. Furthermore, each bee knows that each time its sting is
used it will lead to its own death. As a result, very rarely do we
find incidence of its use without reason or due cause.

Like in the case of the bee, many are not happy with Muslims
today, especially with regards to Islamic teachings on "jihad".
Although the word "jihad" generally means "striving with the
utmost" with regards to the carrying out of one's obligations to
Allah, it possesses certain specific elements dependent on the
issues at hand and the situation (which usually is linked to the
effort to improve the individual and community, generally
through peaceful means). What makes others wary of Muslims is
the concept of "jihad bi-saif" (jihad with sword or with weapons)
which is included among the various categories of jihad. Because
of this, they accuse Islam of being a religion that supports and
encourages terrorism and war. They want Muslims to eradicate
the concept of jihad totally from the teachings of Islam. It is even
sadder when there are some Muslims, who already without the
proper knowledge of Islam, chose to ignore the learned opinion of
the ulama' and accept the call for its abolishment by pronouncing

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their disagreement with the concept of jihad, especially "jihad bi-
saif" with words like - "it is no longer relevant", or "the existence
of such teachings as jihad, only serves to besmear the image of
Islam" and so on. Do they realize that what they are commenting
on is part of Islamic teachings that were made clear from Allah
(s.w.t) and His Messenger (s.a.w).

Do they seriously want to remove the sting which is an integral

and natural part of the bee? And what is a bee without a sting? It
is important to be reminded that despite the sting, the bee
sometimes becomes the victim of humans who are greedy for its
honey. What more if there is no sting?

"Bees" who terrorise

Perhaps there are those who take issue with Muslims who are
said to be “violent” or who indulge in "terrorism.”

If however, there are people who have been stung by bees, there
are sure to be causes for their stinging. Usually this occurs when
an error has been made with regards to reading the signals such
that perhaps the bees felt really threatened. This occurs
sometimes even with healthy bees.

Perhaps there are also "unhealthy bees" who are so ill that they
don't function like normal bees anymore. For example, there are
bees who have been confused by sound waves which affected
their receiving the correct signals from their correct source. Or
sometimes, it is because they are so far astray from their hive
that they lose all sense of proper guidance. There are also bees
who have been separated from their natural environments to be
placed in laboratories and be "lab-trained" with the goal of
changing their nature. The goal of this experimentation is of
course the creation of "the new bee" and this; they then intended
to be released later to the environment. If the actions of these
"new bees" prove to bring about destruction (na-‘udzu-billaah!
God forbid), should the whole bee community be faulted? In truth,
the cure for the sickness afflicting these "bees" is to encourage
efforts to bring them closer to their real nature as bees because
naturally, bees are not aggressive or dangerous. To make general
and unwarranted accusations against their specie can make all
bees to feel uncomfortable. If they run amok, it will be bad indeed
for all!

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Admittedly there are also bees who sting, but they do so only in
defence of their rights. Perhaps their hives have been destroyed
or damaged or their families have been unfairly evicted out of
their natural homes. If this occurs should the bees alone be
blamed for retaliating?

Hence, from this, it is imperative that before we judge an act as

an "act of terrorism" or not, it is important to find out the issues
fully with all fairness and justice.

Therefore, it is also with care that we should analyse the issue of

a Muslim who is said to have "terrorised". If we are honest about
wanting to know about its true cause, we must be careful not to
make simplistic assumptions that dares to accuse Islamic
teachers (through the use of all-inclusive appellation of
"teachers") that somehow puts the blame upon all those who
educate the Muslims. Even more so, it reflects the ignorance of
the accuser for it is seen as besmearing the good name of an
institution of learning. If it is true they are teaching terrorism
(hidden as an Islamic teaching), this would be against the nature
of the "Queen Bee". Perhaps what you have is a "hornet's queen"
masquerading as a "Queen Bee". This is most certainly an
exception to the rule. If we are correct and sincere in the use of
terminology, because what we want to highlight is the erroneous
practice (that is terrorism), then we should call the perpetrator of
such acts, "criminal". And he should be dissociated from those
whose role is to educate. Education after all is a noble profession.
Do not associate the noble role of educating with criminality. And
it must be remembered that to accuse someone of a crime, we
too must act justly through the provision of clear proofs that can
link him with the crime he is accused of. Not just by making
unwarranted or wild accusations. One may claim to have the
facts, but is one's interpretation of it correct? By this act,
wouldn't it be seen as tantamount to inciting? If the hornet is
given due respect in the adage "sarang tebuan jangan dijolok"
(Malay proverb – "the hornets' nest is not to be stirred") - it does
not mean that although if the nest that is stirred belongs to bees,
this warning should be ignored!

Up till today, when a species of insect goes on a rampage, only

those that goes on the rampage should be feared, and there
should be no attempt to implicate the rest of the insect species.
Even then, in the insect world, it seldom involves the bees. A
similar analogy can be applied with regards to the dissemination
of information by the mass media in its treatment of Muslims.
Whenever the one who goes on a rampage is a Muslim, his action

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 is somehow inextricably linked by the media to Islam, or his
“Muslim” identity is stressed or suggested. Moreover, when the
one who goes on a rampage belongs to another religious group,
the mass media does not even attempt to link the rampager with
his religion. Why this difference in attitude when churning out
news? Who is behind this?

Is there a moderate bee?

The efforts to besmirch the good standing of Islam increases and

today there is a even a debate about who is a “moderate Muslim"
to differentiate from those Muslims who are perceived as
“extremists”. It is as if any Muslim who is involved in violent acts
is an extremist, without seeking the reasons for his acts; without
giving due consideration for their acts in the light of justice and
the teachings of the religion they lay claim to. For example, there
are those who fight for their rights. Should those who have been
forcibly evicted and exiled and subjected to tyranny; those who
have lost many family members or suffered torture; whose right
to live has been cruelly robbed to leave with no choice but to
resort to violence to protect themselves, since the world has not
done anything to safeguard them, nor offered any relief of their
suffering and tragedy? In truth, the categorization of Muslims as
“moderates” or “extremists” is irrelevant. What is relevant is
“whether a Muslim follows his religious teachings or not?” Those
who do not follow its teachings are those who trivialise or go
against the principles of the teachings of the religion or goes
beyond what has been approved by innovating what is actually
non-existent and against the principles and teachings of the Islam
itself. And the teachings of Islam are complete with regards to
giving guidance to its followers to resolve issues with justice and
good intentions:

َّ َ
‫ن‬ ٰ
‫سـ‬َ ِ َ ِ َ ِ ُ ُ َ َ ‫ن ٱلل‬
ۡ
‫ح‬ ۡ
‫ـإ‬ ‫ـ‬
ِ (In-nallaaha‫ل‬ ‫ٱ‬
‫و‬ ‫ل‬ ۡ
‫د‬ ‫ع‬ ۡ
‫لـ‬ ‫ٱ‬
‫ب‬ ‫ر‬‫م‬ ۡ
‫أ‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ه‬ ّ ِ‫إ‬
ya’-muruu bi-adli-wal-ih-saan)
"God has commanded you to deal with (uphold) justice and with
compassion"
(Qur'an: Surah an-Nahlu: 16: 90)

If we, the Muslims, are certain of our belief in Islam which

advocates our lifestyle to be that of "a people who follows the
middle-way" (ummatan wasotan), then there is no need for a
discussion about “moderate” or otherwise. The concept of

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"Ummatan wasotan" is centred on justice which allows for the
right to self-defence whenever necessary depending on
conditions.

On this issue we see a similarity with the bee again. Would it be

relevant to categorize a bee as “moderate” or “extreme”? Is it
because of our fear of bees using its sting? A bee is a bee! All this
while a bee is an insect that loves peace. We should not be afraid
of it, as long as its rights are not trampled, because it is clear
that naturally the bee is a peaceful insect.

Why the Queen Bee is now threatened?

In the instances of "Muslim terrorists", there is an attempt to

frighten the world with this “danger or threat”. Some try to do
this by making the conclusion that Islamic educators in the
madrasahs are the source of this danger and threat. Sadly, no
attempt is made to identify who exactly, where it is done, or to
provide any clear and responsible proofs. Clearly the “Islamic
preachers” who are regarded as queen bees of the madrasahs
have been accused. They have been accused of having taught
“suicide bombers” or training “suicidal bees”.

Perhaps because of their lack of understanding about bees and

perhaps their negative sentiments towards bees too, but should
anyone in such a situation suggests that the Queen Bee be made
the target of for eradication? And this too because only a handful
of bees have been found to have embarked on violence? There is
little effort to investigate with sincerity why they embarked on
violence. Is it rational to justify this intent by saying that it is
because these bees are bees? Because the bees have been
educated to be bees? If this is true why is it that only a tiny
minority resorts to violent acts? Why not all? What is, in all
probability, more true is that these bees have not been educated
properly to be true bees and this is the cause for their resorting
to violence. Hence the solution is to ensure that they are
educated to be true bees, to ensure that every bee acts like a
true bee. The same is true of the Muslims. They should be
educated to the utmost to follow proper Islamic teachings so that
they are truly able to follow its teachings completely (“ud-khulu
fii-sil-mi kaa-afaa” ‫ة‬ً۬ َّ‫سلم ِ ڪَآف‬
ۡ ِ‫خلُوا ْ فِ ـى ٱل ّ ـ‬
ُ ۡ‫( ٱد‬Qur'an: Al-Baqarah: 2:
208) ) – "Enter you into the fold of Islam completely").

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 And not by keeping the Islamic educators and preachers away
from them (as the accusation towards Queen Bees seem to
suggest)!

It is most sad that by using over simplistic reasoning, there are

some who accuse loudly that the "Queen Bees" as the source of
danger and threats. It is as if the sting of the bees which are
violent can be stopped by casting aside the queen bee. What is
interesting is that no mention is made of which "queen bee" is
responsible for these alleged teachings? Which hive are they
talking about? Let us honestly investigate whether they indeed
are Queen of bees or of hornets!

Making a general threat to the queen bee can bring about danger.
Perhaps those bees which have no association with them who
commit violent acts will regard it as a general threat to the well-
being of all bees? Because the queen bees are the most important
symbols of the existence of each bee, wouldn’t this only serve to
muddy the waters further?

In truth, to reject terrorism, we need to be sensitive in our use of

words especially to the general public so that our words would
not in turn be labelled as “verbal terrosrism”, such that that
those who are innocent also becomes the subject of such attacks
and will feel threatened. And there is the possibility, that they
will see it as part of an attempt at the eradication of their specie
and regard it as a step in the direction towards “genocide”. Isn’t
it true that the threats towards the queen bee and the
frightening of people about the bees cause the spread of what is
known as “apiphobia”, the "fear of bees"? Like with the bees,
there are those among men who suffer from a psychological
illness called “Islamiphobia”. Why make matters worse? Where
can the bees and Muslims complain about the threats towards
them?

“Oh Allah! To You Alone we seek a place of solace and submission.

You are our Helper, so help us with regards to those who seek
enmity with us.”

Signs for those who choose to think.....

Islam has long been the target of efforts by its enemies to

besmirch its good standing since the Messenger (saw) was with

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us. Despite these efforts, Muslims have shown perseverance and
patience through a display of peaceful tolerance and openness of
mind and heart. By doing so they have succeeded in exposing the
malicious intent of such efforts to dirty the good standing of
Islam and its teachings. With it also, Islam has continued to grow
and its followers is represented by all manner of race and is to
found everywhere on this earth. Even though the number of
Muslims has reached approximately 1.2 billion people, still the
attitude of the other communities towards Muslims is now being
poisoned by the propaganda coming from certain quarters. The
teachings of Islam has been purposefully distorted and specific
situations have become “proofs”, especially the emotional
reaction of certain Muslims (the people) in the political
chessboard of the world is offered as though it is the failure of
Islam (the religion).

To counter these unwarranted accusations towards Islam, we as

Muslims, with the Guidance from Allah (s.w.t) should reflect on
this analogy. It is hope with the Muslims following the guidance
(found in Islam) which advocate our striving with wisdom and
which emphasize the use of reason and rational engagement, it
will (insyaAllaah) resolve the issue that has arisen. The
comparison made between Islam and the bee is effective for
those who want to think. Each of Islam’s teachings need not be
compromised and every Muslim should not feel apologetic or
suffers from guilt as though we have done wrong, as long as we
are steadfast in upholding the noble teachings of the religion.
This truth is evident because Islam is the natural religion and
those who seek to find fault with it are like those who seek to find
fault with nature. The signs of the greatness of Allah are clear for
those who are sincere in their analysis and who do not show pride
and arrogance. And if there are still people who reject its
clarification, it will not perplex us in the least, because the
attitude of such people is already mentioned by Allah (swt):

‫ض‬ ۡ
‫ر‬ َ ‫ن ءَاي ٰـتى ٱلَّذين يتكَب َرون فى ٱ ۡلأ‬ۡ ‫ع‬ ‫ف‬ ۡ
‫صر‬ َ ‫سأ‬
ِ ِ َ ُّ ََ َ ِ َ َ ِ َ ُ ِ َ
‫ق‬ َ ‫بِغَ ۡيرِ ٱ ۡل‬
ِّ ‫ح‬
From My messages shall I cause to turn away all those who,
without any
right, behave haughtily on earth"

(Qur’an: al-A’raf: 7: 146 )

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 َّ
‫جب َّ ٍ۬ار‬
َ ‫متَك َ ٍ۬بِّر‬ ِ ‫ل قَ ۡل‬
ُ ‫ب‬ ِّ ‫ڪ‬ ٰ َ ‫عَل‬
ُ ‫ى‬ ُ ‫طبَعُ ٱلل‬
‫ه‬ ۡ َ‫ك ي‬
َ ِ ‫ك َ َذٲلـ‬
“It is in this way that God sets a seal on every arrogant, self-
exalting heart.”

(Qur’an: al-Mu’min:40: 35)

Wa-Allaahu a’lam

(Verily Allah alone knows the best)

Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.

1 Ramadhaan1424H

(Translated by Amran Nordin from an article in Malay "KENAPA

PULA LEBAH DIBENCI? written for "Risalah" – Quarterly
publication of PERGAS- Singapore Islamic Scholars and Religious
Teachers' Association) -

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