MAY 27 — A running joke among English tourists is that when they visit South-east Asia, they are sure to return with counterfeit goods. Goods of inferior quality and of course, very low prices but nevertheless, bearing that all important logo.
That logo symbolises a particular brand. It is not about performance or the function of the product but rather the prestige of the brand.
Zakir Naik’s Islamic smartphone is based on the very same idea. Some clever entrepreneur realised what the Zakir Naik brand can do and made the “Islamic smartphone” a reality.
It calls itself “Peacemobile 2” and styles itself as “the world’s only authentic Islamic android smartphone.”
It comes with all of Zakir Naik’s apps, 80 hours of his lectures as well as Islamic art set as wallpaper, Islamic ringtones and various other features.
But we have to ask — what makes a smartphone Islamic anyway? In order to determine if something is Islamic or otherwise, we must investigate the nature of the word “Islam” itself and how it is used in the world.
People (especially Muslims) tend to throw around the word without careful consideration and like brand piracy, the quality of the product becomes unimportant.
Perhaps the most callous use of the term “Islamic” is the so-called “Islamic index.” Apparently, Malaysia is high on the Islamic index. What does this actually mean? Does it mean that our citizens are prosperous or living fulfilling lives?
Rather, it may refer to the increase in our tribalistic Islamic identity. The fact that we say solat, deen and eid rather than sembahyang, agama and hari raya is an indicator of this. In other words, it is an outer expression rather than inner one. Substance does not matter, only the brand counts.
Zakir Naik’s “Peacemobile 2” is as Islamic as wearing an Arabic robe (jubah) and skullcap (kopiah). These items themselves may be produced in China and items of other origins (such as pants and hats) may fulfil the very same function but these items become “Islamic” simply because of their cultural positioning.
Not only that, they associate Naik himself with the “Islamic” label due to his popularity. How did Naik get the authentic label when even Sunni scholars from his native India denounce him as a fraud?
And why aren’t other scholars included? There are numerous Sunni scholars like Nouman Ali Khan whose Quranic knowledge far exceeds Naik’s.
And what of Shia and Sufi concepts which Naik eschews? Who gave Naik the sole entitlement to the concept of “authentic Islam” as the “Peacemobile 2’s” brand suggests?
In my understanding of the Quran, what makes something “Islamic” is not determinant on its cultural positioning at all.
There is no such thing as an “Islamic smartphone.” If a smartphone works, then it must be Islamic. And by this I do not mean that Muslim scientists first conceived of it a thousand years ago but rather, to be “Islamic” implies that it be concordant with universal laws (being at peace with Allah, as it were).
No machine can work if it is not. It is the same with social entities as well. No government can be Islamic if it is not honest in its dealings and takes a year to disclose its finances. Neither can it be Islamic if it preaches the notions of racism and a chosen people. It does not matter how many Arabic terms it uses.
Earlier this week, we had Nik Abduh following his late father’s footsteps and making another brand-promoting remark. He said PAS , as opposed to Parti Amanah, possessed the “truest Islam” (Islam sebenar). He offered no substantiation for his claim, nor does he need to have any. His very outer appearance (skullcap and beard) along with his spiritual pedigree (from his father) makes him credible. Never mind Kelantan’s dismal performance in caring for its own flood victims although that should be the measure of Abduh’s Islam sebenar. No, rather it is all about the brand.
And it seems that even though Zakir Naik’s phone is only Islamic by brand and its true smartness is how it dupes Muslims, it would still be a best seller.
* This is the personal opinion of the columnist.
