Sorry I wrote this article while I was at school so I wasn't able to engage in a dialouge with anyone on here until now. Actually I wasn't born in the United States but I grew up here and the U.S. is pretty much all I know. It's where I swear my allegiance to, I don't say i'm anything else but American. I am an observant Muslim and no I didn't convert. I went to public school like most others and I live on the east coast. I don't want to get more specific in case some angry people do read this.
Actually it's really interesting that you ask about the issue of the mosque, I do attend regularly as well as the prayer services we have on campus. In terms of the main mosque I attend, they severely limit political speech to avoid this very issue all together. They have zero tolerance for people mixing religion and politics or trying to use Islam to justify various political opinions. The Imam says things like, remember to vote and participate in the political process like everyone else so that you are represented but that's about it. In terms of the members of the community though most don't identify or sympathize with any sort of militant elements. I would say almost everyone is very embarrassed by the actions of these groups, and that they have brought more damage to us all than anything anyone else could possibly do. But what some have said on this thread is why they don't speak out. One is because they do fear for their families because you never know where one of those psychos may pop out from and if they hear you. People really do fear these people because of the reputation they have, especially in the countries where most Muslims come from. I also feel that the community rather needs a tipping point to will overtake the fear and I do believe that is coming to the growing pressure where Muslims are really starting to feel like outsiders and they really don't want to feel like that. So if being more inclusive means actually being active and not passive in trying to keep and extra ear out for anyone really radical than they are going to do it.
A prime example recently has been this guy Osama El Dawoody in NYC who turned in a would be homicide bomber on a subway train.
Excellent post. You need to encourage others who believe the same as you to speak out, and as has been shown on this thread, we need to encourage others to listen to what you have to say.
Update at 181.
Please know that there are some of us who support you.
I admire your courage, and the attitude that you have taken towards our society's treatment of muslims. It takes a mature intellect to understand why some people feel the way they do. I only hope that as time goes by that we will be hearing from more and more people like you. I have to admit that I am not entirely optimistic about that proposition, but that is what I am praying for.
That being said, I work in downtown Manhattan, and it is my opinion that I have a better than average shot at losing my life at the hands of somebody who professes to be a follower of your religion. Do you see the dichotomy?
Thanks for the insightful post.
I have the feeling you represent the distinct majority, but it's a start.
You sound like an intelligent and sincere person, so I would like to ask your thoughts about the essential aspect of these issues:
(1)Can there be legitimate dissagreement about the specific words of the Koran regarding what to non-muslims seems to be repeated commands to slay "non-believers" if they do not convert? and (2) If the answer to the first question is no, how do you avoid the conflict between the concept of freedom to practice (any) religion and these commandments?