- YEMEN
UPDATE
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- YEMEN
ARTICLES
Conversations with a
Religious Shaykh
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- [Yemen Update 36
(1995):7,11]
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- The following interview was
published in the Yemen Times, September,
1994.
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- The increasingly religious
orientation of Yemeni politics does not escape anyone. As a
result, religious scholars and clergymen are a more visible
influence and role in society, but particularly in politics. This
new atmosphere is visible in Ta'izz, as it is in many parts of the
country. By far, the spiritual and religious leader of Ta'izz is
Shaykh Nasir Muhammed Al-Shaybânî. Shaykh Nasir, 49,
is the father of seven children. A highly respected scholar, he
is the author of over a dozen books on various aspects of
religious thought and public life. He is also a preacher in the
largest mosque in Ta'izz City.
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- Shaykh Nasir is the Vice Chairman of
the Board of Islamic Theologians, Yemen's highest religious
authority. Yet, he is a very simple man who moves around freely
and without armed guards, as do most so-called religious leaders.
Dr. 'Abd al-Azîz Al-Saqqâf spoke to Mr.
Al-Shaybânî last week and filed the following
report.
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- Q: What exactly is the purpose of
the Board of Islamic Theologians?
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- A: The Board is a gathering of
religious scholars and theologians from all over the country. It
serves as a reference point for giving answers to questions on
religious matters. It is also a forum for discussion in various
issues as religious commandments are needed to explain the do's
and don't's of our modern civilization. The Board also plays a
critical role in homogenizing attitudes and positions across the
country, thus blocking any dissent or diverting stands. We also
provide advice to the political leadership on various
issues.
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- Q: Would you say that your Board has
failed in doing exactly what you said in the recent political
differences. I remember the president had his own religious
scholars backing him, and the then-vice president had his own
group. How do you explain that?
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- A: I think the problem was not with the
advisors, it was with the advisee. The religious scholars had
worked very hard to bring the two sides together to what we saw as
the right path. I remember following our meeting with the
then-vice president in Aden, I told him, "God bears witness we
have advised you and tried to show you light but you would not
listen."
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- Q: Some political parties are
demanding the full application of Islamic shar£'a in Yemen's
system. What does that mean?
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- A: First of all, let me say that no
political party can claim that it is pursuing the Islamic (read,
right) path while the others do not. No one can excommunicate the
others in Islam.
- Second, even if we claim to be applying
Islam as a system, very little will change in Yemen. Our society
adheres to Islamic tenets as much as possible. Except for minor
superficial steps, very little will change.
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- Q: How do you see the role of
religious preachers and clergymen in politics?
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- A: Let me insist that all people,
whatever their profession, have the right to participate in
politics. That includes, obviously the religious scholars. Then,
I would like to say that the scholars have a larger responsibility
than others because they are seen as role models. Unfortunately,
some will contend with far less than their real role, and they
would agree to become servants of the politicians. In answer to
your question, I see the role of clergymen in politics as advisors
and guides to the politicians and the general public.
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- Q: Do you see an inherent conflict
with the West?
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- A: Not at all. I think part of the
problem is that we scared the West with what is not in our
religion. Look at the violence, look at the terror, and look at
the destruction carried out in the name of Islam. So what do you
expect the West should think of Islam and Muslims after all the
damage we have done. Even then, I am not trying to be apologetic,
but the West should not judge Islam by the shortcomings of the
people who profess it. I think we have basic, common and shared
objectives which we could implement together. We need to work
harder to understand each other and help each other. Islam is a
logical and rational religion. We should focus more on this
aspect, especially in our dealings with non-Muslims. Then we can
strike a harmonious and mutually-beneficial
relationship.
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- Q: Shaykh Nasir, you are the
chairman of the Fund-Raising Committee for Ta'izz. How much money
was raised and where did it go?
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- A: I think we have raised a total of YR
100 million in Taiz. Some 30% of this in cash, and the rest is in
kind. I am sure the money has gone to the war effort and in
helping alleviate the suffering of our people in the aftermath of
the war.
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- Q: Is Ta'izz a pro-Islâh
governorate given that it was the largest party according to the
last parliamentary elections?
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- A: Many people thought Ta'izz was
captive to the socialists. The elections proved them wrong. I
think the people of Ta'izz voted for the Islâh in the lst
election because they were fed up with the other two parties which
they had known in the past. I think this is the basic explanation.
I am sure that the future holds other surprises.
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