I will not forget the day that Imam Yusuf approached me concerning the need to establish the Islamic Tribunal. This institution will serve an important niche in our society because we as Muslims in the United States need to unite on our common belief and creed. United under one tent, have one voice, with no differences, and stop all the infighting. Allah SWT says, “And hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves.” (3; 103) The need is great in our community to initiate the Islamic Tribunal (IT) to get an Islamic solution for our disputes and conflicts. It is permissible to disagree with each other but it is not permissible if we as Muslims cannot find a proper solution to our issues. Allah SWT says, “Nothing have we omitted from the Book.” (6; 38) We need to trust our leaders as well as love and respect their decisions. The Islamic Tribunal does that because we have respected Imams, founders, and members in the Islamic Tribunal (IT). Allah SWT says, “O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and those charged with authority among you.” (4; 59)

The Islamic Tribunal (IT) is a good example and model for other organizations where leaders from the masajid, the madrassa, the youth centers and the private sector can come and work together for the common good of all Muslims and others within the community. It is through this comrodery and combined effort that they can be the epitome of dawah in the path of Allah SWT as he says in the Quran, “Help ye one another in righteousness and piety, but help ye not one another in sin and rancor.” (5; 2)

With the phenomenal growth of our institutions it is obvious that American Muslims need to work together for a common goal, helping each other for the sake of Allah SWT and show non-Muslim communities that we are here in this country to spread peace and love. It is important to always show support and that we are willing to lend a helping hand to all Muslims and non-Muslims, to let them feel the mercy of Allah SWT. This was the sole purpose of Allah SWT sending the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah’s peace and blessing be upon him. Allah SWT says, “We sent thee not, but as a Mercy for all creatures.” (21; 107)

Several meetings have been conducted with Imams and scholars across the DFW metroplex and have agreed unanimously that a common objective must be instituted and defined to meet the needs of the people. The conclusion was made that a growing pandemic of marital problems has plagued the American Muslim community in regards to women whether through abuse or abandonment by their husbands. Allah SWT says, “A divorce is only permissible twice; after that the parties should either hold together on equitable terms, or separate with kindness.” (2;299) Also Allah SWT stipulates, “…even if it is your ardent desire; but turn not away (from a woman) altogether, so as to leave her (as it were) hanging (in the air). If ye come to a friendly understanding, and practice self-restraint, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (4; 29) With the help of Allah SWT and the efforts of those involved with IT, we will be able to resolve this crucial issue, amongst several others, that are paralyzing the community.

A lot of people have contributed their resources to this project either through valuable time, hard work and money in order for the Islamic Tribunal to become a reality. I ask Allah SWT to reward all of them. Many of these same people in our community have refused monetary compensation for said efforts, I ask Allah SWT to protect them and their families and reward them all Jannat al-Ferdaus, Ameen. Allah SWT says, “And whatever good ye send forth for your souls ye shall find it in Allah’s presence,-yea, better and greater.” (73; 20)

I ask Allah SWT to help us to achieve and complete this noble project, and I ask Allah SWT to accept our good deeds and make the Islamic Tribunal (IT) a supporter for all people in our community. “I only desire (your) betterment to the best of my power; and my success (in my task) can only come from Allah. In Him I trust and unto Him I look.” (11; 88)

Dr. Taher Elbadawi