It was a chance meeting between the two Muslims. Their
deaths occurred only days apart, a coincidence for those who believe in
coincidence.
Muhammad Ali arrived first. The line of autograph seekers
surrounding the Champ at the Pearly Gates shortened considerably by the time Omar
Mateen arrived. Mateen recognized his fellow Muslim and smiled, betraying a
misplaced confidence that he’d arrived at a place where only Muslims go after
their life on earth.
Ali realized who this man was. “You know me,” he said. “I've been a Muslim for years. I've been
called “The Greatest.” People recognize me for being a boxer and a man of
truth. I wouldn't be here representing Islam if I were terrorist. I think all
people should know the truth. Islam is peace.” (Actual Ali quote).
“But you,” Ali said to Mateen, “you’re the one who caused
Allah to weep since the early hours of this morning.” Mateen was confused. “Why
would Allah weep over what I’ve done? I have slain infidels and those who are
sexually impure. I’ll be received with the honors promised a martyr. Who are
you to say I have caused Allah to weep?”
Ali looked past Mateen, casting his eyes on the 49 who
followed their killer to those gates. Mateen seemed annoyed. “Why are they here,”
he demanded to know. “They’re not Muslims.”
Ali explained that people are often surprised to find who
is there. “Anyone
who does the will of Allah may enter through these gates.” Ali explained the
word “Islam” means “submission.” He told his Muslim brother that according to
the Quran, Adam was first to do Islam and others, including Moses, Abraham,
Noah, and Jesus followed.
Ali taught him that though they were not Muslims, they were doing
“Islam,” that is following the will of Allah. “Anyone can enter Paradise if
they follow the will of God and not that of humans.”
Walking away, Ali added, “You have not done Allah’s will.” He looked
back at Mateen and said, “Have you not read the words of the Holy Quran?”
“No,” said Mateen,
his voice now evidencing growing desperation. “I have not read them but I’ve
been told that Allah will reward me, as He does all martyrs, with seventy-two
virgins.” Mateen recited verses from the 78th chapter of the Quran. "Verily for the righteous there will
be a fulfillment of the Heart's desires; gardens enclosed, and grape-vines;
companions of Equal Age.”
Ali responded.
“Nothing in what you have committed to memory speaks of virgins much less a
reward for your great evil.” Mateen assured him that an Imam with whom he had
spoken interpreted those verses to guarantee him the reward of virgins in
exchange for the killing of non-believers.
Ali’s countenance
fell. “You my brother, you have made the mistake that many fundamentalist
radicals of all faiths make. You have put your life on the line for a bad
translation of a single verse taken casually from the entirety of the Word of
Allah.
“Allah never takes
delight in the killing of His creation. The Quran is clear and certain. Allah ‘loveth
not mischief.” (2:205). Ali pointed to the fifth chapter, 16th verse
of the Holy Quran. “Wherewith Allah guideth all who seek his good pleasure to
ways of peace and safety and leadeth them out of darkness, by His will, unto
the light, guiding them to a path that is straight.”
“Islam is a religion of peace,” Ali continued. “What
you’ve done is evil in the eyes of Allah. “According to the Word of Allah given
to his Messenger in the Quran (5:32), ‘We decreed for the Children of Israel that whosoever
killeth a human being for other than manslaughter or corruption in the earth,
it shall be as if he had killed all mankind, and whoso saveth the life of one,
it shall be as if he had saved the life of all mankind.”
They
departed one another’s company, each to face Judgment for their own
understanding of Islam.
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