Posted on 11/29/2001 10:30:57 AM PST by EclipseVI
Myself included, there are over one billion humans on earth who call God by his Arabic name, Allah. Out of that billion, over seven million of us call America our home. Many of us are born as Americans, study in American institutions and go on to work and pay American dollars to our tax system. Like everyone else, we eventually find our better half, have chubby babies, go to zoos, get season tickets to the Chicago Bulls, go on our childrens' field trips and fix the leak in our roofs. With all the growing pains in the life that we lead as normal Americans, everyday we turn our face to Mecca to pray to what our Christian brothers call God, our Jewish sisters call Yahweh and whom we call Allah.
Islam, Christianity and Judaism have exactly the same origin. We each believe in the monotheistic deity of Abraham, who was the father of all three of these noble religions. Islam's moral and ethical standards are equivalent, if not more stringent, than those of modern day Christianity and Judaism. We, as Muslims, believe in every prophet of both Judaism and Christianity. We believe the world began with Adam and Eve and great prophets, namely Moses, Aaron, Jacob, Joseph and Jesus (peace be upon all of them) were all divinely inspired by God.
We revere Jesus as a great prophet and the messiah of God. He is mentioned by name in the Quran 33 times. We equally revere the Virgin Mary as the mother of the Messiah. She is the only woman mentioned by name in the Quran and she is mentioned 34 times. Anyone who says Muslims don't respect women, read the entire chapter dedicated to Mary (peace be upon her). How many times was our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) mentioned by name in the Quran? Five.
In Islam, a woman receives a monetary dowry from her husband, of which he has no legal claim. A woman is not obligated to change her maiden name. CNN happily broadcasts women being oppressed by the Taliban regime. Islam abhors the oppression of women. The Taliban says women are not allowed to work, yet the Prophet Muhammad's wife, Khadijah, was one of the most successful merchants in all of Arabia. Should we base our belief on a bunch of tribal warlords or the teachings of our Prophet?
In Islam, both men and women have to dress modestly. One aspect of this modest dress for women is the hijab (head covering). This is a religious mandate, but whether a woman decides to wear it or not, is an issue between her and Allah, because as the Quran categorically states, "there is no compulsion in religion." The hijab symbolizes empowerment, not oppression of women. It allows women to be judged on the content of their character, rather than the physical features that we men today objectify onto them. When we see a nun covered from head to toe in her habit, we commend her on her devotion to God. But when we see a Muslim woman wearing hijab, she is oppressed. In how many likenesses of the Virgin Mary, sculptures or paintings, is her hair not covered? Not one. Was she oppressed? Hardly.
Muslim American is not a paradox. As Muslim Americans we currently live in a diaspora having to deal with an attack on our, yes, our, country. We also have a dual anxiety because our way of life, which is not far different from our Christian and Jewish counterparts, is under attack.
I am a law student. I study international human rights. I have been to U2, Sarah Maclachlan, Dido and Outkast concerts. I have been a ball boy for the Chicago Bulls. I have owned a Ford Mustang. I pray for peace and have read Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech ninety-six times. I may be a dreamer, but I promise you, I am not the only one.
I am a Muslim and I am an American. I am proud of both and will compromise neither.
"I may be a dreamer, but I promise you, I am not the only one."...will receive at least half the comments on this thread.
We conservatives love to hate our liberal scapegoats like John Lennon.
Also, I understand that Islam reveres Jesus. Islam doesn't see Jesus as the son of God by he is the messiah (I thought the two were the same)? I have read that Islam believes in the virgin birth, but if Islam does not see Jesus as the son of God, how do Muslims understand the virgin birth.
In fact, I once knew a Jewish man who would *spit* every time he heard "that name." He explained that "his people" had suffered for centuries all because of "that Jesus guy."
Hey...here we go again!!!!
We revere Jesus as a great prophet and the messiah of God. He is mentioned by name in the Quran 33 times.
It also says that He was an apostle of God, nothing more.
How about a discussion about how the Quran directs the Muslim not to be a friend of the Christian or the Jew? Or that it says that a Muslim that kills a kafir or unbeliever should not be punished? Or directs that the unbeliever should be killed?
Could you explain how Mohammed's attitude towards Christians and Jews got more and more hostile as he gained political and military power?
"...yet the Prophet Muhammad's wife, Khadijah, was one of the most successful merchants in all of Arabia."
Was this the nine year old?
...pray to what our Christian brothers call God...
What I call God is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. For you, that's Allah, a special human prophet, and the angel Gabriel. Not quite the same thing.
Now, this is news to me. Moslems believe that God is one in essence, and eternally exists in three distinct Persons -- Father, Son and Holy Spirit? Moslems believe that salvation can be enjoyed only through believing in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord? Moslems believe that we are saved by grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ alone? Moslems believe that the Bible alone is His verbal self-revelation?
This isn't what I was given to believe.
Or you're being just a little loose with your words.
I have other responses, but this will do for starters.
Great logic there, Spock.
That in nearly all middle east Muslim countries it is against the law to practice Christianity and that is punishable by death for conversion?
That your religion teaches that anyone not Muslim is an infidel and is not to be treated as human?
That in nearly every country with a Muslim majority there is severe persecution of non-muslims?
So far, I have not heard even one Muslim answer, "yes". As soon as you ask the question, all the weasel words come out, "I do not support aggression of any kind." "The Taliban is reacting to years of American foreign policy." blah, blah blah.
Stinkin' unAmerican weasels!
Please, where are the peace-loving Islamic Americans showing support for this great nation? I watch the news, and nothing. I listen to the radio, nothing. What are you waiting for?
Good luck.
Huh?
American born and bred, and he states he's living in a DIASPORA?
Fiddlestix!!
END your diaspora now, young man: LEAVE America. Go home NOW.
Me, I hope he does start replying. And when he does, I sincerely hope he answers YOUR questions (among others').
Dan
Maybe you don't get out much.
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