6 things every Muslim should learn from the street fight video.
The world was taken by storm when Ibn Ali Miller, who is a Muslim, intervened in a street fight involving two youths in Atlantic City. The original video has been viewed thirty-five million times and has since inspired people from all around the world.
Ibn Ali Miller was also recently interviewed on the Steve Harvey show and was able to open up further about the incident. Despite the well-deserved praise that he has perceived this far, there are actually many important points surrounding Ibn Ali’s approach that Muslims should take note of. We have compiled a short list for everyone to benefit.
1. The importance of being involved in your community.
In his interview, Steve Harvey noted that in the original video, Ibn Ali can be heard telling one of the onlookers “I know your family… your dad is doing life”. This is evidence that Ibn Ali’s intervention wasn’t a spur of the moment decision, but rather he has been involved in his community. He knows very well who he is talking to and this is why he was effective.
2. The importance of speaking to people at their level.
In his interview, Ibn Ali Miller presents himself in an incredibly eloquent manner, yet in the viral street fight video, he was speaking very informally E.g. “Y’all are men yo. Look yo.” This highlights the importance of speaking with people at their level and in their own language for maximum impact.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is recorded himself to have spoken in different dialects according to the people or tribe he was conversing with.
3. Don’t be a bystander in the face of wrongdoings.
Let’s face it, it’s not easy to intervene in a street fight, but Ibn Ali Miller did so. It’s not only courageous but it’s a noble practice taught to us by the Prophet Muhammad.
The Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said
Whoever among you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand [by taking action]; if he cannot, then with his tongue [by speaking out]; and if he cannot, then with his heart [by hating it and feeling that it is wrong] – and that is the weakest of faith
(Muslim)
4. The importance of reconciling between two opposing people.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has informed us of the great virtue of rectifying between two people in this incredible narration:
“Shall I not tell you something that is better than the status of (voluntary) fasting, prayer and charity?” They said: “Yes.” He said: “Reconciling in a case of discord…” (Tirmidhi).
In another narration, the Prophet also informs us that
He is not a liar who seeks to reconcile between people and says good things.
(Bukhari)
5. The importance of being proud of your religion.
One of the standout features of Ibn Ali Miller throughout this entire process is his unapologetic attitude towards his religious belief and faith. He has appeared on National TV on many occasions wearing an unambiguous Islamic garment and head covering. This is a great example of someone being proud of representing their religion, especially in the face of doing good.
6. The importance of staying humble.
Ibn Ali Miller became famous overnight, yet that didn’t make him arrogant nor boastful, throughout the entire process he would repeat the message that he doesn’t need to be thanked, but rather he is doing what every human being should do. This humility is a true characteristic of a Muslim that everyone should strive to embody.
We ask Allah to bless our brother Ali Miller in his community work and his family. May we all learn to follow the footsteps of our beloved Prophet Muhammad and become ambassadors of the Islamic faith.
Ameen.
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