Imam Luqman Ahmad Mosque Without Borders

The question has to be asked, how can a scholar give a fatwa about Muslims in Philadelphia if he can’t even point to Philly on a map? Or he never heard of Broad and Olney, or 52nd and Market? How can do it if he doesn’t know what a cheesesteak is, doesn’t understand the nature of Philadelphia neighborhoods, never heard of a ‘fair one’, or a crack addict, or never drove on the Schuylkill expressway during rush hour? How can he do it if he thinks that the Germantown section of Philadelphia is a town full of Germans?

This dilemma underscores an on going problem of American Muslims in the US City of Philadelphia Pennsylvania, as well as in many other cities in the United States. Religious edicts (fatwas) issued by scholars living abroad about affairs of Muslims living in the United States. This has produced an avalanche of confusion and dysfunction amongst American Muslims, many who are new converts to Islam, who often get stuck between religious edict from abroad inconsiderate of their situational reality at home.

People who purport to lead Muslims should know what’s going on with them. This world is way too complex now. There is simply too much going on. You can’t lead a people in intricate, nuanced matters of deen, or judge them fairly if you don’t know them . Leadership in local matters of Muslims should take place through local leaders wherever possible. This is my personal opinion. And Allah knows best.

Imam Luqman Ahmad
Imamabulaith@yahoo.com