and hopefully i have a Sunni answer.
Is the political views necessary as muslims? In other words, do we need to strive to establish shariah, instead of secularism? Do we need to wage jihad in order to force out dominance in places?
Hmm good question well in a Non-Islamic country certainly not but being in a country what as a majority of Muslims i think its better to advocate for a Sharia based society then secular one.
Secularism was never part of Islam history, secularism can lead to individualism and many other aspects in extreme forms and therefore contradict Islam teachings. Also the whole notion that secularism and a majority of Muslims can co-exist is foolish these countries become more "Westernized" and the "Islam" inside it will be finished off by the secularists.
I also have another question. In America, a lot of muslims seem to adopt Saudi culture. The women wear the Saudi style khemars and niqabs, while the men wear the keffiyah and thobes. Some even go and change their names to Arabic names. Is all of this necessary?
The Niqab is not a Saudi cultural clothing rather its a Middle-Eastern/Africa clothing in Iran, Somali, Afghanistian and many different countries its wearied. Most of the women who do live in Europe or America who do wear these clothes belief that showing your body-form and parts of your body (not including hands, face) is not Sunnah therefore they use these kind of clothing to be sure off it.
Islam does not oblige Muslim people to choose specific names, Arabic or non-Arabic, for their children, whether boys or girls. It is rather up to people to choose the names for their children. However, selecting names should be pursuant to some Islamic rules that will be stated below. Islam emphasizes that Muslims should have good names and give good names to their children. It is reported in a Hadith that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "
You will be called on the Day of Resurrection by your names and the names of your fathers, so have good names." (Reported by Abu Dawud)
We must certainly avoid names that indicate any trace of shirk or association of partners with Allah. Therefore it is forbidden to call someone `Abd al-Ka`bah, or `Abd al-Nabi (servant of the Ka`bah or servant of the Prophet), since all of us are servants of Allah alone.
We must also avoid names that imply meanings that are offensive or unpleasant in connotations. The Prophet (pbuh) changed names such as Harb (War) with Salam (Peace), ‘Asiyah (Rebellious) with Jamilah (Beautiful), Sa`b (Difficult) with Sahl (Easy to deal with), etc.
Having said this, I must add: There is nothing in the Islamic sources to indicate that we are allowed only to give our children Arabic names. Since Islam is a universal religion, there is no such requirement. Any name is okay so long as we keep in mind the above points. But, at the same time, while choosing names, we must strive our best not to compromise our Islamic identity.”
And more information can be found
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