I understand it has been time since I've posted. Honestly it has been difficult to sit down and write, because I still have so much to learn. The last thing I would ever want to do is write something that would mislead or misinform someone about Islam. It seems our media does that job well enough already without my assistance. One thing I did want to post though is a response to an e-mail that is cycling. A friend of my received it from a member of her own family. She is American and also converted to Islam. She has been a Muslimah for 3 years now. She was able to write some counters to the (mis)information contained in the e-mail, and I would like to share them here.
The Subject of the e-mail is "Can a good Muslim be a good American?"
The content of the e-mail will be in italics.
Troubling food for thought?.
Subject: Can a Good Muslim be a Good American?
Better think about this long and hard.....
Can a Good Muslim be a Good American?
Interesting questions for the Muslim Community to
discuss & for research on our part also.
Can a good Muslim be a good American? I forwarded
that question to a friend who worked in Saudi Arabia
for 20 years . The following is his forwarded
reply:
Kadijah says in response... "The first time I got this email the 'friend' was
Muslim...I guess this time he's not"
Theologically - NO. Because his allegiance is to
Allah, the moon God of Arabia.
Kadijah: "Please go ask an Arab Christian who he
worships...go ahead...he/she will say
Allah...literally THE GOD. We worship the God of Adam,
Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Ishmal, Jacob, David, Moses and
Jesus."
Religiously - no.
Because no other religion is accepted by his Allah
except Islam (Quran, 2:256)
Kadijah: "This country was founded on Religious Freedom, any of
our founding fathers would agree. Take this quote by
Thomas Jefferson
'Where the preamble declares, that coercion is a
departure from the plan of the holy author of our
religion, an amendment was proposed by inserting
"Jesus Christ," so that it would read "A departure
from the plan of Jesus Christ, the holy author of our
religion;" the insertion was rejected by the great
majority, in proof that they meant to comprehend,
within the mantle of its protection, the Jew and the
Gentile, the Christian and Mohammedan, the Hindoo and
Infidel of every denomination.'
Even at the founding of our nation they were conserned
with making sure our nations laws did not impose on
other's beliefs. Although our government was founded
by Christians...IT WAS NOT SET UP TO PROMOTE
CHRISTIANITY ONLY.
'Christianity neither is, nor ever was a part of the
common law.'-Thomas Jefferson"
Scripturally - NO. Because his allegiance is to
the five pillars of Islam and the Quran (Koran).
Kadijah: "Firstly, how can someone be scripturally a good
American if the government does not promote one
religion. Secondly, the five pillars are to worship
none but Allah, give charity, pray 5 times a day, fast
during the month or Ramadan, and go to Mecca once in
your life. Which of these pillars go against any law
in America??? Even some Christians feel importance of
making a pilgrimage to Jerusalam...are they 'less'
American?"
Geographically - NO. Because his allegiance is to
Mecca, to which he turns in prayer five times a day.
Kadijah: "Would I like to go to Mecca...sure, in fact one day
I have to, but do I want to live there...NO.
Please read this fatwa (religious ruling) on alligence
to one's country
(http://www.islamonlin... )
Socially - NO Because his allegiance to Islam
forbids him to make friends with Christians or Jews.
Kadijah: "I know you're referring to the verse 'O ye who
believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians for your
friends and protectors...'
Allah forbids you not with regard to those who fight
you not for your faith, nor drive you out of your
homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them. For
Allah loves those who are just.
Allah only forbids you with regard to those who fight
you for your faith, and drive you out of your homes
and support others in driving you out, from turning to
them for protection (or taking them as wali). Those
who seek their protection they are indeed wrong-doers
So to sum it up...as long as my friends aren't
attacking my religion or trying to turn me out of my
home or seeking ill will against me then we're fine.
(Personal comment to recepient edited.)"
Politically - NO. Because he must submit to the
mullah (spiritual leaders), who teach annihilation
of Israel and Destruction of America, the great Satan.
Kadijah: "Blah Blah Blah...rubbish read the fatwa again!"
Domestically - NO. Because he is instructed to
marry four women and beat and scourge his wife when
she disobeys him (Quran 4:34 ).
Kadijah: "Ah. Domestically a good American...so what about
those who commit adultery? Are they 'less' American
because they are commiting a sin? Hmmm...and
instructed to marry 4 wives is a lie (rubbish)
'If you fear that you would not be able to deal justly
with the orphans, marry two, three or four of the
women who are lawful for you. But if you fear that you
would not be able to deal justly [with them] then
[restrict yourself to] one only (An-Nisa': 3)'
So during times of war, poverty, or special
circumstances it was allowed (How many wives did
Abraham have?) but if the need didnt call for it or
the husband found himself unable to provide for each
on equally then ONE!"
Intellectually - NO. Because he cannot accept the
American Constitution since it is based on Biblical
principles and he believes the Bible to be corrupt.
Kadijah: "Wow the author of this is really running out of
ways to discredit Islam...should I provide more quotes
on how the constitution is not a biblical document?"
Philosophically - NO. Because Islam, Muhammad,
and the Quran do not allow freedom of religion and
expression. Democracy and Islam cannot co-exist.
Every Muslim government is either dictatorial or
autocratic.
Kadijah: " There is freedom of religion, during early Islam
the Christians and Jews were kept safe from the Roman
empire...some one needs a history lesson.
Say, ?Now the truth has come from your Lord: Let
those who wish to believe in it do so, and let those
who wish to reject it do so?] (Al-Kahf 17: 29).
There is no compulsion in religion: true guidance
has become distinct from error, so whoever rejects
false gods and believes in Allah has grasped the
firmest hand-hold, one that will never break. Allah is
all hearing and all knowing] (Al-Baqrah 2: 256)."
Spiritually - NO. Because when we declare "one
nation under God," the Christians God is loving and
kind, while Allah is NEVER referred to as heavenly
father, nor is he ever called ?love? in The Qurans
99 excellent names.
Kadijah: "How many times to I say it...we have the same God.
And just for fun to prove the author a complete LIAR
Ar-Rahman The All-Compassionate
Ar-Rahim The All-Merciful
Al-Ghaffar The Forgiving
Al-Ghafur The Forgiver and Hider of Faults
Al-Karim The Generous
Al-Wadud The Loving One
hmmmmmmm....."
Therefore after much study and deliberation....
Perhaps we should be very suspicious of ALL MUSLIMS
in this country. They obviously cannot be both
"good" Muslims and good Americans.
Call it what you wish?.its still the truth. You
had better believe it! If you find yourself
intellectually in agreement with the above
statements, perhaps you will share this with your
friends. The more who understand this, the better
it will be for our country and our future. Pass it
on Fellow Americans. The religious war is bigger
than we know or understand.
And Barack Hussein Obama, a Muslim, wants to be
our President...
Kadijah: "WHAT? OBAMA a MUSLIM...I THINK NOT!"
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Friday, May 18, 2007
Anonymous...
Unfortunately I will no longer be able to accept anonymous comments. I say this is unfortunate because I believe every opinion is valuable, however if people posting must insist on being trollish, I must insist that they give some sort of name other than just "anonymous".
As to the snide remark about stoning... I would like to point out that stoning appears in the Torah and the Christian Bible as well. Nothing in either says that the practice is outdated. However we're still intelligent enough today to know that it is barbaric and unacceptable. And we know that both Christianity and Islam teach mercy and grace.
As to the bigotry found "within Islam" one only has to look as far as the Qu'ran to see that this is not something that Islam teaches. But no matter where you go, or what religion you look at, people will be people will be people. There is as much narrow mindedness in the Christian community. At times it leads to alienation and criticism, at other times it leads to fanaticism... and in some cases... yes it does lead to terrorism (i.e. people who bomb abortion clinics), blackmail, social and other types of personal sabotage. Even though these things are also not taught in Christianity. I faced more ostracism as a Christian over inane things. If all I am snubbed for as a Muslim is wearing a head scarf by outsiders, then I can handle that.
However I find most intelligent people do not treat me as if I look freaky, but they actually are quite curious about the religion and why someone whom they have come to know as a very opinionated and independent person would choose something they perceive from the American Media as so backwards and narrow minded.
In response to the links I will be putting up links that have better information and explanations, and I also encourage a stop by your local Islamic center. You may not agree with or be able to stomach the beliefs of Islam, however you might be surprised to find out that these folks are just... people. They are people that are very devoted to God, to their families, and here in America to this country.
But that would require having a mind open enough to actually want to know. So do you?
As to the snide remark about stoning... I would like to point out that stoning appears in the Torah and the Christian Bible as well. Nothing in either says that the practice is outdated. However we're still intelligent enough today to know that it is barbaric and unacceptable. And we know that both Christianity and Islam teach mercy and grace.
As to the bigotry found "within Islam" one only has to look as far as the Qu'ran to see that this is not something that Islam teaches. But no matter where you go, or what religion you look at, people will be people will be people. There is as much narrow mindedness in the Christian community. At times it leads to alienation and criticism, at other times it leads to fanaticism... and in some cases... yes it does lead to terrorism (i.e. people who bomb abortion clinics), blackmail, social and other types of personal sabotage. Even though these things are also not taught in Christianity. I faced more ostracism as a Christian over inane things. If all I am snubbed for as a Muslim is wearing a head scarf by outsiders, then I can handle that.
However I find most intelligent people do not treat me as if I look freaky, but they actually are quite curious about the religion and why someone whom they have come to know as a very opinionated and independent person would choose something they perceive from the American Media as so backwards and narrow minded.
In response to the links I will be putting up links that have better information and explanations, and I also encourage a stop by your local Islamic center. You may not agree with or be able to stomach the beliefs of Islam, however you might be surprised to find out that these folks are just... people. They are people that are very devoted to God, to their families, and here in America to this country.
But that would require having a mind open enough to actually want to know. So do you?
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Interesting Responses...
I want to thank the two posters who commented on the previous post! I originally thought of deleting the anonymous comments, but then thought, "Why? They represent a point of view that is incredibly prevalent in Western culture." So thank you, anonymous. You felt that what I had to say warranted the time to make a response, whether it is one I agree with or not, I do appreciate it.
It is strange though that there is this notion that Islam treats women as if they are subservient. It is an unfortunate preconceived notion that I held as well before my reversion. But in reading the Qu'ran I have found that in some instances more allowances are made for women. For centuries in European countries a woman could not inherit or own property. Anything that was given to her by her family became her husband's property, not her own. If she brought property into a marriage her husband could sell it and keep all the profits with or without her permission. Essentially she and everything she owned belonged to her husband or her nearest male relative. In the Qu'ran men are instructed that women are to be given their inheritance, that her property is her own to sell or keep, and that if she chooses to share it with her husband, that it is her choice. This is only one example. There are many more throughout the Qu'ran. Women who are menstruating or who are pregnant or nursing are relieved of their obligatory five times daily prayer. The reason for this? One is because generally in those circumstances a woman is in a state of perpetual discomfort, or in the case of a woman nursing, it is difficult to predict when an infant will become hungry. It is meant to be a respite and relief for the woman.
It's also interesting that the previous commenter would mention education. If you ask most Muslims they will tell you that we are absolutely obligated to continuously educate ourselves. That does not just mean men, but women also. We are to educate ourselves about our beliefs, about history, about the world around us, about medicine, and science, and literature, and art, and culture. We are never to stop learning. Else how will we find the evidence necessary to support what we believe? How will we become better and more credible people. No one takes someone who is ignorant seriously. If we suppress information, and do not educate ourselves, we will only represent ourselves to be a collection of fools who say meaningless things, and do meaningless things.
What we have the misfortune of seeing in this country is much media coverage on "Islamic Governments" (which if you read the Qu'ran should not exist because there is supposed to be a separation between religion and government) that try to dictate to their populations what they should wear, what they should believe, what to do in the bedroom, what to read, and what to think. This is absolutely wrong. No government has a right to dictate any of those things to their population, no matter what set of values they are trying to push. This is the difference between governments and a religious belief.
Islam teaches choice, and rewards and consequences for those choices. Governments make mandates and impose penalties for not obeying them. If you remove a believers choice to practice what they believe, then how can God reward them? God looks closely at the intentions in our hearts. If we practice what we believe God wants us to do out of fear of the law, instead of out of a desire to please Him, then it is not being done for the correct reasons. How can they receive a reward for acting out of fear, doing something that means nothing to them other than preserving their lives? It is wrong for governments to take those choices away from their citizens.
One thing that also strikes me, is that we see pictures coming out of Afghanistan and Iraq where in some cases these dictatorial regimes have been toppled, but there are still women choosing to wear the hijab, or in some cases the full Burqa. Why is that do you suppose? It isn't because they are told they have to. Perhaps it is something that they also value.
If I am judged or ridiculed for wearing the hijab in America, so be it. It just goes to show that we as a society are not so much more civilized as we thought, as we still struggle with the racism and bigotry that we condemn in other parts of the world.
It is strange though that there is this notion that Islam treats women as if they are subservient. It is an unfortunate preconceived notion that I held as well before my reversion. But in reading the Qu'ran I have found that in some instances more allowances are made for women. For centuries in European countries a woman could not inherit or own property. Anything that was given to her by her family became her husband's property, not her own. If she brought property into a marriage her husband could sell it and keep all the profits with or without her permission. Essentially she and everything she owned belonged to her husband or her nearest male relative. In the Qu'ran men are instructed that women are to be given their inheritance, that her property is her own to sell or keep, and that if she chooses to share it with her husband, that it is her choice. This is only one example. There are many more throughout the Qu'ran. Women who are menstruating or who are pregnant or nursing are relieved of their obligatory five times daily prayer. The reason for this? One is because generally in those circumstances a woman is in a state of perpetual discomfort, or in the case of a woman nursing, it is difficult to predict when an infant will become hungry. It is meant to be a respite and relief for the woman.
It's also interesting that the previous commenter would mention education. If you ask most Muslims they will tell you that we are absolutely obligated to continuously educate ourselves. That does not just mean men, but women also. We are to educate ourselves about our beliefs, about history, about the world around us, about medicine, and science, and literature, and art, and culture. We are never to stop learning. Else how will we find the evidence necessary to support what we believe? How will we become better and more credible people. No one takes someone who is ignorant seriously. If we suppress information, and do not educate ourselves, we will only represent ourselves to be a collection of fools who say meaningless things, and do meaningless things.
What we have the misfortune of seeing in this country is much media coverage on "Islamic Governments" (which if you read the Qu'ran should not exist because there is supposed to be a separation between religion and government) that try to dictate to their populations what they should wear, what they should believe, what to do in the bedroom, what to read, and what to think. This is absolutely wrong. No government has a right to dictate any of those things to their population, no matter what set of values they are trying to push. This is the difference between governments and a religious belief.
Islam teaches choice, and rewards and consequences for those choices. Governments make mandates and impose penalties for not obeying them. If you remove a believers choice to practice what they believe, then how can God reward them? God looks closely at the intentions in our hearts. If we practice what we believe God wants us to do out of fear of the law, instead of out of a desire to please Him, then it is not being done for the correct reasons. How can they receive a reward for acting out of fear, doing something that means nothing to them other than preserving their lives? It is wrong for governments to take those choices away from their citizens.
One thing that also strikes me, is that we see pictures coming out of Afghanistan and Iraq where in some cases these dictatorial regimes have been toppled, but there are still women choosing to wear the hijab, or in some cases the full Burqa. Why is that do you suppose? It isn't because they are told they have to. Perhaps it is something that they also value.
If I am judged or ridiculed for wearing the hijab in America, so be it. It just goes to show that we as a society are not so much more civilized as we thought, as we still struggle with the racism and bigotry that we condemn in other parts of the world.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Who Hijacked Islam???!
I found this video on YouTube. Unfortunately since I am so new in Islam I have much to learn before I can speak out much, though the desire is there. I have a responsibility not to misrepresent my Muslim brothers and sisters out of ignorance. But this video puts it well:
And on an unrelated topic is a video about the head covering:
I personally chose to wear the hijab (head covering) almost immediately after saying my shihada because the reasons behind it made sense to me. I do believe it is a very valuable thing to be judged for my mind and for my ability to contribute over how nice my hair looks and how shapely my body is or is not. My husband had nothing to do with my decision to wear hijab. In fact he was quite concerned about the consequences of such a visible sign of my reversion. But fortunately I have been met more with curiousity than anything else. The possible edge I had in this is people came to know my very independant and outspoken nature before hand, and what hijab represents to them based on their knowledge is incredibly contradictory to the person they know me to be.
I have found a hidden aspect to wearing hijab also. 1) It serves as a constant reminder to me that I am an incredibly visible representative of my beliefs, and that if I thought God's eyes were on me before, now I also have other people casually observing me to see how I conduct myself. 2)I have developed a sense of appreciation for myself since donning it that I do not know how to describe. There is something empowering about being able to say to the world, "I'm off limits. I'm not on the meat market." 3) I have found as a bonus it has added a dimension of intimacy to my marriage. Why? Well there is something incredibly romantic about the notion that my husband is the only one priveliged enough to see me let my hair down, and that regardless of whether I doll up or just relax, he is the only one who gets to share that with me.
As I think of more i will try to post it.
And on an unrelated topic is a video about the head covering:
I personally chose to wear the hijab (head covering) almost immediately after saying my shihada because the reasons behind it made sense to me. I do believe it is a very valuable thing to be judged for my mind and for my ability to contribute over how nice my hair looks and how shapely my body is or is not. My husband had nothing to do with my decision to wear hijab. In fact he was quite concerned about the consequences of such a visible sign of my reversion. But fortunately I have been met more with curiousity than anything else. The possible edge I had in this is people came to know my very independant and outspoken nature before hand, and what hijab represents to them based on their knowledge is incredibly contradictory to the person they know me to be.
I have found a hidden aspect to wearing hijab also. 1) It serves as a constant reminder to me that I am an incredibly visible representative of my beliefs, and that if I thought God's eyes were on me before, now I also have other people casually observing me to see how I conduct myself. 2)I have developed a sense of appreciation for myself since donning it that I do not know how to describe. There is something empowering about being able to say to the world, "I'm off limits. I'm not on the meat market." 3) I have found as a bonus it has added a dimension of intimacy to my marriage. Why? Well there is something incredibly romantic about the notion that my husband is the only one priveliged enough to see me let my hair down, and that regardless of whether I doll up or just relax, he is the only one who gets to share that with me.
As I think of more i will try to post it.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Insha' Allah...
I always seem to think of things I want to write down about what I am learning, and about my experiences... when I am away from the computer! Insha' Allah I will be able to be a little more active sooner or later on this blog. God seems to continuously pour out his blessings on my family. It hsa shocked, surprised, and humbled me to no end the endless flood of wonderful new opportunities that seem to be engulfing our family.
Some of my struggles remain the same. Which is fine. A friend of mine let me know that in Islam a person is not expected to make a complete and radical turn around. After all Muhammed (peace be upon him) did not turn the people in his society around right away. It took many years. I have however noticed that where God has not removed some of my personal struggles, they have become much easier.
I have had the opportunity every Saturday to "teach" the nursery school class at the Arabic School that they hold at a Masjid in a neighboring city. Each child is incredibly beautiful, and each in their own way with their unique personalities are amazing. I feel blessed for the opportunity to get to see the interaction between them. It is also helping me to learn basic Arabic words, so that I have a better understanding of some of the prayers and lessons that are spoken in Arabic.
I have uncovered a deep and unsatiable fascination with languages. I always sort of knew it was something that interested me... but as I learn how many interpretations a single word can have in another language... how many languages and dialects can spin off of one another... I can't help but want to know more.
So I have uncovered two very useful passions... the passion to teach and the passion for the written and spoken word. Both my husband and I are looking into getting into school, and I believe that I wish to major in linguistics and pursue a teaching degree, Insha' Allah.
Some of my struggles remain the same. Which is fine. A friend of mine let me know that in Islam a person is not expected to make a complete and radical turn around. After all Muhammed (peace be upon him) did not turn the people in his society around right away. It took many years. I have however noticed that where God has not removed some of my personal struggles, they have become much easier.
I have had the opportunity every Saturday to "teach" the nursery school class at the Arabic School that they hold at a Masjid in a neighboring city. Each child is incredibly beautiful, and each in their own way with their unique personalities are amazing. I feel blessed for the opportunity to get to see the interaction between them. It is also helping me to learn basic Arabic words, so that I have a better understanding of some of the prayers and lessons that are spoken in Arabic.
I have uncovered a deep and unsatiable fascination with languages. I always sort of knew it was something that interested me... but as I learn how many interpretations a single word can have in another language... how many languages and dialects can spin off of one another... I can't help but want to know more.
So I have uncovered two very useful passions... the passion to teach and the passion for the written and spoken word. Both my husband and I are looking into getting into school, and I believe that I wish to major in linguistics and pursue a teaching degree, Insha' Allah.
Friday, May 4, 2007
The Monster In The Mirror
I have been frequenting the MSNBC photoblog as of late. When work slows down, and the only web-sites you can access are that of your employers, MSNBC, and WebMD, you work with what you have. What greatly surprised me was the lack of knowledge about other cultures... particularly Islam. A particular picture stands out in my mind. It is of an Iraqui man that has been arrested. He is handcuffed, blindfolded, and facing a wall. A soldier stands a bit in the background with his gun pointed down towards the floor. Many used the photo for political statements about the war. Others used the photo to make negative comments about the "awful terrorist" that they managed to arrest. I could not help but feel angry and sad at the narrow mindedness of the American public. For starters as an American I believe in the concept of innocent until proven guilty (no matter what our system dictates now). We have no way of knowing from the photograph if the man is or is not a terrorist. All we know is that the soldier is doing his job and arresting the man on suspicion. It could be the man looks dejected in the picture because he got caught doing terrible things... or it could be because he's guilty of no crime and is being unjustly arrested. Just as we have no way of knowing... neither does the soldier holding him. One commenter pointed out that if it was the American handcuffed and blindfolded, and it was the Iraqui holding the gun, there would be a public outcry that it was unpatriotic of MSNBC to publish the photograph. I can't help but think that they're probably right. Where do we get off? We claim to embrace diversity and religious freedom, but it is clear from the general tone of the responses of the American public that is not the case. A nun can choose to wear a habit, a Hindu woman can wear a Sari, and an Israeli woman can choose to wear a cover over her hair, but if a Muslim woman chooses to wear a Hijab (head scarf), Niqab (face veil), or a full Burqa, she is oppressed and/or brainwashed. We claim to respect the beliefs and cultures of other people... but the largest response I see is that other countries are backwards and barbaric. 20 years ago this nation was crying, "Death to the Commies! Communism is unAmerican!" Now it is "Death to the Muslims/Terrorists!" Because... haven't you heard? Muslim is now synonymous with Terrorist. I love the country I was born and raised in... but sometimes you have to face the monster in the mirror before you can go out and slay the monsters of the world.
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