QUESTION: Imam Abdulmalik, what is your opinion of the President Trump's decision to cut funding to the World Health Organization?
IMAM EARL ABDULMALIK MOHAMMED: Our religion wants us to concern ourselves with the issues of universal justice. This is an area of our duty to G'd as human beings. We are to look after the orphans, feed the indigent, free the oppressed, and house and clothe the needy. This is the path of those accepting responsibility to promote G'd's Mercy in the world.
This President's decision does not appear to me to be a decision at all. It does not appear to me to follow the processes of decision-making associated with that office, or that the American people would think are associated with that office. I know it is his decision, but it struck me more as his pronouncement, not a decision. I don't think this President thought it through or consulted with anyone, or took time to consider the seriousness or potential harm in this.
It appears as if he is reacting and wanting to deflect blame, and lashing out. I do not know what this says about him as a leader of Americans in a world where our nation's leadership influence is valued by most nations. There may be just criticism that is due toward all international and national health organizations concerning general areas of improvement.
There may be issues of a political nature that pose difficulties. However, I cannot see any cause for wholesale blame or punishment on the World Health Organization for this pandemic -an organization associated with the United Nations, that has done and is doing great works to relieve suffering in this world, and is depending on America's contribution to its global service. I know for a fact that Imam W. Deen Mohammed's Ministry donated to UNICEF and other world relief organizations as a reflection of our Islamic and humane interests.
To arbitrarily cut significant and substantial funding to an internationally-respected health organization when the international community is in the middle of fighting a global health pandemic, does not appear to be the action of one respecting or appreciating the role of just authority in the world. Just authorities in the world seek just alliances and seek opportunities to promote the good. I know for certain that the American people have not changed their interest in promoting what is just in the global community of Man.
Prophet Muhammed, the prayers and the peace be on him, and his following in Madinah were in a long-term struggle against powerful forces wanting to limit his preaching of Faith. Those forces that opposed him were bitter and ruthless because they saw Prophet Muhammed's message of universal justice as threatening their rule over their own subjects, and their grip on resources.
During one period these forces -the Quraish rulers and the community of Makkah, were hit hard by drought conditions and were experiencing severe shortages in their food supply. The Prophet advised that half of the date-fruit crop of Madinah be donated to the Makkans, even while he was in the midst of this life and death conflict with them. The Prophet's interest was not pride or glory or dominance. His interest was Faith and Justice, and he saw that it was necessary and that he had the ability to help human beings who were suffering for no reason owing to the conflict itself. And he acted in the interest of Faith and Justice and to advance the good.
This is our opinion. We say to the powerful, "Seek with the means given you by G'd the Just Conclusion -the Last Day, and do not neglect your responsibility in the world" -Qur'an.