Shaykh Hamza Yusuf Is Not a Racist

Posted in articles by Imam Zaid Shakir on 2016-12-30

This past weekend, the internet was set ablaze by a maelstrom of opinions originating from some statements made by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf in an interview with the journalist, Mehdi Hasan. Although there were three distinct controversies arising from that interview, the one eliciting the most intense and wide-ranging discussion is connected with the issues of race, police violence and the black family. Were my grandmother alive to reflect on the myriad ways discussing such an emotive combination could go awry in today’s tense sociopolitical climate she would have shaken her head and said, “Lord have mercy.”

In attempting to discuss these very “hot” topics in a state of sheer exhaustion with a provocative interviewer, Shaykh Hamza made some disjointed, incomplete and misleading statements, which could anger even some normally level-headed, sober folks. I do not intend in these lines to delegitimize anyone’s anger, nor do I intend to engage in an analysis of what Shaykh Hamza said or intended to say, others have done that. I can mention in that regard, Abdullah Ali, Caner Dagli and Ubaydullah Evans. I will merely say here that a lot of folks heard some upsetting things and got upset.

That being the case, part of the intense backlash is understandable and in many ways justifiable. There are, however, some aspects of the response to Shaykh Hamza’s remarks that cannot be justified, countenanced, or tolerated. Foremost in this category, to me, is the charge that Shaykh Hamza is a racist. I find this charge to be slanderous and patently false.

Shaykh Hamza is a dear friend whom I have come to know intimately over the course of the past two decades. He is not perfect. Some find his personality difficult, others feel that some of his opinions are so strong as to be discomforting. Most significantly, like all of us, Shaykh Hamza can just plain get things wrong. What is indisputable, however, at least in the hearts and minds of anyone who knows him, is that Shaykh Hamza is not a racist.

I can say with absolute confidence that there is not a racist bone in Shaykh Hamza’s body. A racist is someone who believes in the superiority of one race over another. Shaykh Hamza, like any serious Muslim, totally rejects that idea. He believes that God has distinguished some people as opposed to others, as illustrated in the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) words, “The Adhan is for the Ethiopians,” “Faith and wisdom are Yemeni,” “The Europeans are the quickest to regroup after a defeat and the most compassionate in their treatment of the disabled,” etc. He also believes that any superiority among humans is conferred by God upon individuals, based on their piety, and is not inherently the possession of any individual, race, or nation. As we read in the Qur’an, “The most noble of you with God is the most pious of you, and God is All Knowing, Well-informed.” In all of the years I have known him I have never heard Shaykh Hamza say or do anything to contradict this Qur’anic principle.

People often make false assumptions about people they do not know. I want to give those who would care to know something about Shaykh Hamza a brief glimpse into his life. He was raised in the home of a mother who was a dedicated civil rights activist. Although his mother marched with Dr. King, her activism transcended marches and boycott’s. Her firm commitment to integration led her to voluntarily place one of her daughters in a majority black high school. Her commitment to poor Mexican farm workers and their children led her to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) classes until she was almost ninety years old, and her commitment to her children gave them a rich foundation, which would have made even the thought of any of them being a racist a source of stunned bewilderment to her.

Were Shaykh Hamza a racist he would not have joined a religion, which in America, among many whites, has historically been viewed as a black religion. He would not have traveled to the non-white “Third World” to pursue Islamic knowledge sitting at the feet of Africans and Arabs. The fact that he could do these things and much more in this regard was owing to the strength of his foundation, a foundation laid in large part by his amazing mother.

After his conversion, Shaykh Hamza immediately moved from California to New York where he spent time in the streets of Harlem, Manhattan and Brooklyn, selling oils and incense, living and dodging bullets with the African American Muslim brothers in those communities. A shootout between some of the Muslim brothers and a group of non-Muslims over a block party on the street adjacent to the Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood (MIB), Imam Talib Abudr Rashid’s masjid,then led by Shaykh Tawfiq, encouraged Shaykh Hamza to return to California.

There are African American brothers and sisters I personally know in New Haven, Connecticut, Harlem, Masjid Taqwa in Brooklyn, New York, and other urban communities who would readily give their lives for Shaykh Hamza; not because he is white, but because he spent time in their communities, as their Muslim brother, showing them love and respect. They also deeply appreciate his teachings. One of the brothers who would undeniably fall into this category is the recently deceased, Amir Idris Abdur Rahim. Those days of Shaykh Hamza on the streets in the ‘hood are long gone, but for many they are not forgotten. The outpouring of support Shaykh Hamza has gotten from many African American Muslims over the course of the last week bears witness to this fact.

An example of such support was expressed by a delegation of black athletes and intellectuals who met with Shaykh Hamza Monday night, just before midnight, at his hotel in Toronto. They altered their travel plans to personally come to him to express their support. They also offered a detailed explanation of why they, and they were speaking only for themselves, were not offended by his remarks.

Shaykh Hamza would not wish for me to share the following, but I feel compelled to do so. One of the reasons he was so frazzled and ill-prepared for his interview with Mehdi Hasan was because he stayed behind an extra day in the Middle East meeting with the Archbishop of the Central African Republic (CAR) to help consolidate a plan to bring lasting peace between the Muslims and Christians in that land. As we know, the CAR has recently witnessed a genocidal anti-Muslim campaign, which led to many Muslims losing their lives and property. There is great irony in the fact that one of the reasons Shaykh Hamza was so ill-prepared to talk about black lives was because he was too busy working trying to save black lives.

When our community can produce a feeding frenzy of slander and abuse (clearly, not everything said in reaction to Shaykh Hamza’s remarks has been slanderous or abusive) against leaders, yes fallible, flawed and imperfect leaders, who have dedicated their lives to serving our religion, based on a few minutes of ill-considered verbiage, we are in deep trouble. Nasiha, or sincere advice, is for everyone. As our Prophet (peace upon him) reminded us, it is for “…the leaders of the Muslims and their ordinary folk.” Anyone has the right, as a Muslim, to offer Shaykh Hamza, or any of us for that matter, constructive criticism. Character assassination, however, has nothing to do with Nasiha and it has nothing to do with Islam.

We are a community that urges its members to be loving and merciful to one another. We are a community that is encouraged to offer sincere advice to each other. We are a community that has been commanded not to hate one another. We are a community that has been taught to entertain a good opinion of each other. We are a community that has been enjoined to interpret each others words in the most positive light. We are a community that has been instructed to make excuses for each others perceived or real errors. We are a community that is taught to respect and revere its elders (Shaykh Hamza will soon be sixty years old). In this latter regard, our Prophet (peace upon him) has reminded us, “He is not among us who is neither merciful to our young folks nor reveres our elderly.”

We are also a community that has been taught to uphold justice and to command good and forbid wrong, but not in an absolute sense that leads us to discard all of the other teachings of our religion. Were the latter scenario to become our dominant reality, we would no longer be a Muslim community. We would be something else. Unfortunately, the recent brouhaha indicates, in many painful ways, that we are losing touch with what Allah and His Messenger have encouraged us to be.

Many of those who have viciously attacked Shaykh Hamza because of his recent statements have accused him of being ignorant and ill-informed about realities in the black community. If they sincerely believe that then they would do well to heed the Qur’anic advice, “…and when the ignorant address them they respond, ‘peace.’” Far too many have made what they describe as his ignorance the basis of a call to war.

In conclusion, I know that I will likely be attacked by some as being a “racist” for defending a “racist.” So be it. One of the most valuable lessons my mother taught me was that “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” I just want those who might hurl such an accusation to know that I love you just the same and look forward to sitting down with you to have a meaningful conversation around some of the issues under discussion. May Allah bless everyone as long as we are in this world, and may we all be blessed to succeed when we meet our Lord in the next. At the end of the day, that is all that really matters.

Imam Zaid Shakir

Comments



By Manna on January 2, 2017 at 3:01pm Thank you brother for a well written article in support of an amazing human being, mashaAllah. You have mentioned what I felt to be true about Sheikh Hamza's character even though I am not close to him like you are. I grew up both in years and in faith listening to him and being educated and inspired by him. He taught me so much about my faith and for this I love him dearly for the sake of Allah and I am deeply indebted to him. As a global Muslim community, we have gained so much from him. Zaytuna Institute is no small achievement and there are many more successes, even more than I am aware of, under his belt (by Allah's grace). People are envious and they can be hateful and ignorant about it. Life is not a popularity contest. I encourage our beloved Sheikh to speak his truth even if it is unpopular for the protection of his heart. I encourage him to be sensitive to people's feelings for the protection of their hearts. Whatever he did wrong, this unholy response has been way more than that. In an effort to hold him accountable people have overstepped the limits. That's a big shame. I think Sheikh Hamza needs a big hug. Really.. He has been really noble about it all but as a human being, it must hurt. I pray Allah will give him the patience and generousity of spirit not to beat himself up too much about this or feel alienated from the people or both. Life happens and it is not always pretty. I hope everyone will put his all behind them and let us move on to bigger and better things. The best is yet to come, Sheikh Hamza, keep your chin up and keep that proverbial flag flying. Your sister, Manna



By Abubakar on January 3, 2017 at 4:27pm I was saddened to see the amount of backlash Sheikh Hamza received as a result of his remarks. There was no benefit of the doubt, no etiquette in their responses. I have listened to his lectures and learned a lot throughout the years. I describe him as a gift not only to Muslims but to mankind. May Allah preserve him, protect him and his family. All he did was to offer a constructive criticism. We should always be open to criticism as no movement and no community or perfect.



By Abdelaziz on January 4, 2017 at 1:27pm This is such a bewildering fact that one of three co-founder of the Zaytuna University himself has to come in defense of Shaykh Hamza by stating the so obvious that biographically and most importantly Shaykh is antithesis of a racist! . No wonder why the Ummah is such intellectually a disarray. In fact , when one think more clearly, it would have been surprising if they were not to be this uproar, otherwise Shaykh Hamza would not have to make this remarks in the first place. But it gives the lesson that people are not moved by a spiritual quest to improve themselves but by nationality and race affiliations and we are so identified with it that we completely derail from reality. It is only when we see yourself as we truly are, that we can begin our inner transformation, in each one of us. And maybe Shaykh Hamza should be more careful when addressing an entire community singlehandedly, but to (that he is not willing to die for, just as Malcolm is perceived to be). Yes he should have been more contextualizing since African-american in the US are exceptionally being discriminated against, but that does not make him a racist!! who would think that, seriously ?



By abdullah on January 4, 2017 at 7:14pm I have not seen the interview, where is it posted? nevertheless, I do believe Sheik Hamza Yusuf to be among the best of us, Allahu Akbar!



By wakil rashid on January 6, 2017 at 9:14am Another tactic of trying to discredit a North American muslim, and from a former comrade, Shuaib Webb, who post such non-sense. A never ending personal displeasure that continues to fester. Allah the Most HIgh is the only who can elevate and debase, and though Nafsi lawammah wants to be known.



By Sarmad on January 7, 2017 at 8:04pm Assalamu 'alaikum, People commented on what the Shaykh said at RIS as if he was an unknown quantity! If African-Americans could adopt someone as their own, as the native americans do, SHY would be the first, I think.



By Jahmal on March 11, 2017 at 1:13pm I have seen the interview as well. Mehdi Hasan has a way of being combatative with people when interviewing them at times and Shaykh Hamza was not backing down when trying to get his point across. When he was mentioning about Black on Black violence, that is a real thing that needs to be dealt with! Also, that not all Cops are racist is also true. Many are and many are trained to be racist to a degree by criminalizing Black folks just the way the media, TSA and the Trump Administration have criminalized the Muslim community. I think that constructive criticism is good if we are all to grow. I also find it funny that a person who went to Africa and the Middle East to live and study for about a decade what many in this country used to consider a black phenomenon, Islam, is an anomally. Shaykh Hamza is always talking about Africa and Murabit El-Hajj with warmth and reverence. How cound he be racist? On a personal note, I have never met Shaykh Hamza or Imam Zaid Shakir, but what they and Zaytuna College have done for Muslims in America and Globally is a source of pride for me and has renewed my faith when I was lost. I can never repay them that debt. Jazakum Allah Khair.



By umm abdalRahman on March 22, 2017 at 3:02pm My family and I too love, honour and respect Sidi Shaykh Hamza deeply. Decades ago, someone happened to give us a cassette tape (imagine that) of one of Shaykh Hamza's lectures, and both my husband and I were reduced to flowing tears. He was the catalyst of transformation of hearts for us, and the catalyst for the biggest blessing in our lives today. We would put our lives on the line and openly reject anybody who chooses to speak ill of our noble teacher. Shaykh Hamza transformed a whole generation of young muslims at at time that we desperately needed guidance. We are in his debt, and owe him immense gratitude. He has put the love and concern of others before his own life. How lowly have we become that there should be such vileness spoken about our noble ulema. Thank you Imam Zaid and Shaykh Hamza for all you have done and continue to do for the ummah, selflessly, for the sake of Allah. May your reward be infinite and in a measure of greatness only possible through Allah Mighty and Majestic.



By Rubina from saudiarabia on June 11, 2017 at 11:37am I miss his lectures in this ramadan, never knew people have less patience for such a big scholars. we here all love shakh hamza because he explains with such a wonderful way and as our friends and family together sit and watch his lectures. I request to people that Please if you are hurt by some of his words than please focus on those words he always teach best about islam. my whole family is missing his youtube lectures . please let him talk there will be no more prophet but these good people are worth to explain and make us strong in our faith. Shaikh may Allah gives you long and healthy life and make you made more lectures on youtube.



By Diane C. Brown on September 9, 2017 at 10:09am Hi, I’m Diane C. Brown. Thanks for sharing. I have gone through your articles. This really is just about the most essential post. Shaykh Hamza is a dear friend whom I have come to know intimately over the course of the past two decades. He is not perfect. Some find his personality difficult, others feel that some of his opinions are so strong as to be discomforting. Most significantly, like all of us, Shaykh Hamza can just plain get things wrong. What is indisputable, however, at least in the hearts and minds of anyone who knows him, is that Shaykh Hamza is not a racist. http://onedaytop.com/cilla-musical-magnificent-venture-concentrate/



By Philip Early on January 5, 2018 at 12:07pm As salaam alaikum, Brother, I will not attack you for being a racist, but you threw a lot of stuff against the wall hoping that it would stick. But did not answer the question as to whether his statements are views that he still currently holds with regard to police conduct, black families, black lives matter, institutional racism. (...I also am sick to my stomach, at the notion that he is "sick to his stomach" that we, or some Muslim of al races choose to speak up against injustice. We can't draw on the 5th and 6th 've, for every solution to todays issues. What I would suggest is after Brother Hamza, has a good night sleep, and a nourishing meal; that he take another "prepare" shot at answering this relevant, American Muslim, question presented by the moderator. If Zyatuna College is to be a transformative vehicle for change in America, Muslims who claim to have the formula for that, must avoid, at all cost, sounding like uninformed, poorly educated "white guys." :-) Also, you must know that the bar for being a "racist" is variable depending on one's definition. Com'on man let Hamza speak for himself. He has work to do in my opinion--in cleaning up this mess. Luqman Wasallam



By Abu Mumtaz on January 19, 2018 at 6:15pm I know it has been over a year since Brother Hamza made his statement. I do agree his is not a racist. I think brother Zaid has given a good defence in a lengthy and detailed manner. I got it.... But. Hamza Yusuf statement was prejudicial whether he was fatigued or not. I still think he did not address well documented , scholastic research on the race problem in America. Hamza never answered Mehdi's question " accurately". But I must agree with the comments made by Phillip Early. I like to add that maybe Zaytuna should implement a course or forum on the issue of race in America, inviting Muslim and Non muslim speaker and author who have done indepth research like Michelle Alexander, Author of "The new Jim Crow." Dr. Craig Steven of MIT author of "Ebony and Ivy "race, Slavery, and the Troubled History of America's Universities ..... Debbie Irving author Waking up White. Ta-Nehisi Coates, of MIT, who wrote the Article a " A case for reparations" in the Atlantic. I think being that Hamza Yusuf if trying to help the cause of Islam and Humanity. He should read these books, take very, very, good notes, to start with , then sit with Muslim of African American descent address racism and class issue that African American Muslim have been facing amongst of immigrant Muslim population. Simultaneously address the issue of the historical, systemic problem of racism in America. Then give these lectures at large Muslim conventions like RIS and other conferences on what he has learned. I firmly believe that his response was incorrect and unscholarly. Which means it would have been prejudicial. lastly I know from my own research police are not killing more white than blacks. Hamza responds was a knee jerk Atypical prejudicial remark you hear from the uninformed. And Allah truly Sees and Knows everything.



By Naila H. on June 14, 2018 at 12:22pm As a non-Muslim, I'm just an outsider, but the reason why I'm commenting because the comments made by Hamza Yusuf (yes I know it was 2 years ago) are just examples of how many White people are resistance to view racism as an institutional problem. Based off what I've learned about SHY, he comes from a privileged background, nothing wrong this, and there's nothing wrong with this. I also understand that he's a close friend who's traveled around the world and has witnessed inequality, but even those experiences, it's still possible to be blinded by one's own privilege. Finally, I just want to add, the reason why his comments received so much backlash is because many people felt hurt by them. We as African Americans are often told that our community is dysfunctional, broken, immoral, etc. Many feel SHY's comments reinforced those beliefs. I hope that SHY learned from this experience, and is learning to examine his own privilege.