It’s been said that a liberal is just a conservative that hasn’t been mugged yet. Sometimes it takes something traumatic to wake us up to the realities of our situation, and to force us to rethink our beliefs and behaviors.
Americans are essentially civil and decent people and not prone to violent reactions, but now millions of Americans are being exposed to a profoundly radical and extremely distorted view of Islam, which is that 1) Islam is an evil religion; 2) it was born in the crucible of violence, and engenders violence in its followers; and 3) a significant number of American Muslims are actively working to undermine the government of this country, and to establish shariah law.
These ideas may sound outlandish and farfetched, but some of the major websites promoting such views get hundreds of thousands of visitors each month. The trouble with such misinformation is that when someone wants to learn about Islam and Googles, for instance, shariah law and women, they’re likely to see an image of a girl with her nose cut off. Worse yet, most of the top ten articles returned from such a search are not expository articles explaining what shariah actually is – they are articles propagating the idea that the shariah is evil.
Hence, even if people sincerely search for information about Islam, they are likely to get misinformation and anti-Islam propaganda. Moreover, even educated people are having a harder time sorting the wheat from the chaff, distinguishing what is accurate from what is propaganda against Islam. There are also a lot of very negative emails circulating on the Internet either misquoting Qur’an and hadith or quoting out of context.
In fact, if you walk into a bookstore today and simply browse under the subject of Islam, about half the books are anti-Muslim or written by apostates from Islam who actually hate Islam. If a person scans the shelves for a book on the Qur’an, the best looking book that catches their eye could very well be The Infidel’s Guide to the Koran, and so one starts to read it, and it distorts Islam using the sources of Islam, such as Qur’anic verses or hadith. The verses quoted are explained without historical context, and are used to distort the holistic message of the Qur’an.
It is easy to make Islam look like the most evil religion on the planet using quotations from primary sources. It is also easy to do the same with Christianity, Judaism, or any other world-religion, but most people, Christopher Hitchens and Richard Dawkins notwithstanding, know that Judaism and Christianity are not evil. However, they do not know that about Islam because we have allowed other people to define Islam. Look in the bookstore sections about other religions, and you’ll see a vastly different set of books. For instance, you will find nothing negative about Judaism in the section on Judaism, and if you did, rest assured that major Jewish activist organizations would soon have a slew of volunteers writing to the publishers and the bookstores and have the book pulled from the shelves in record time. The Christian section is so vast as to overshadow the few titles that present Christianity in less than a positive light. Even the section on Wicca and Paganism comprises of titles mostly like, How I Found Inner Peace by Worshipping the Moon and How Satan Can Cure Your Migraines.
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When Alice is in Wonderland and questions Humpty Dumpty about his usage of words, he says, “When I use a word, it means just what I choose it to mean – neither more nor less.”
Alice responds, “The question is whether you can make words mean so many different things.”
Humpty Dumpty replies, “The question is which is to be master – that’s all.” That is, which definition is going to be definitive?
When we say “Islam,” is it the beautiful religion of peace and spiritual elevation that sustains millions and millions of people during their journeys through life and inspires countless good deeds, or is it the violent, misogynistic, anachronistic medieval madness that is now infecting America?
When we say “jihad,” does it mean an honorable struggle for social justice and the internal struggle with our own selves against the ego, envy, pride, miserliness, and stupidity, and the universal right to defend one’s land or one’s home from aggressors, or does it mean brutally and barbarically chopping off heads, cutting off noses, lopping off ears, flogging women, or blowing up innocent people for simply not being part of the faith?
Who is going to define the words? Is it going to be every Tom, Dick, and Humpty Dumpty? Are we going to leave it for those who have passed through the looking glass and are living in Wonderland where black is white, up is down, and right is wrong, and where, like the queen reminds Alice, “Sentence first – verdict afterward” is how things work? Who is going to decide?
This unrelenting and hateful messaging is taking an effect over time. We can see this in the changes in public views of Islam. In polls taken immediately after 9-11, most people did not have a negative view of Islam. That has changed dramatically now. The majority of people in the United States do have negative views of Islam now. This is because the people who want to propagate that narrative have been working hard. They have been funding organizations, funding the publication of books, getting anti-Muslim messages on TV shows, and in general, they have been the only voices heard by most Americans. Muslims have been sleeping through this, or else simply watching in horror as the propaganda takes hold.
Here is what happens. Most people out there who do not like Islam or have a negative view of it are not going to do much, as most people mosey along through life and do not think about much other than their own concerns and preoccupations. However, talk-show hosts, editorial writers – what Malcolm Gladwell in The Tipping Point calls “mavens, connectors, and influencers” – are reading the negative books on Islam that are best sellers, such as Islamic Infiltration; Muslim Mafia; Muhammad: Founder of the World’s Most Intolerable Religion; Infidel’s Guide to the Qur’an; Why I am Not a Muslim; Infidel; Islamic Invasion – and a lot of these books are being sent to congresspersons and senators. The majority of people in this country do not read books or even newspapers, but many watch Fox News. They listen to talk-show hosts. They listen to Rush Limbaugh, Ann Coulter, and Bill O’Reilly. And these pundits have access to millions of Americans and for many of them, this is the only view of Islam they’re getting.
Now, you have some media figures, such as Keith Olbermann, who do attempt to present another view, but he and those like him are more often than not preaching to the choir. You also have court jesters who can speak the truth without losing their heads, such as Jon Stewart, and millions tune in to such programs, but such audiences are considered either pinheads or potheads according to the other camp. These shows do not reach the large segment of Americans who are conservatives (or even moderates) and who need to hear a different and more accurate portrayal of Islam. I don’t want to be Manichean about this, as many of the right-wing voices also address other issues that are necessary to address and are often ignored by the left. They are not hearing any counter voices because we have not made strategic alliances in the conservative community.
According to a recent study, over 50 percent of Evangelicals believe that people outside of Christianity can go to heaven, but only 34 percent of that same group believes that Muslims can go to heaven. There are millions of people out there who think that all Muslims are hell bound.
Among that segment of society, there are people whom the Qur’an terms sufahah. These are the fools, the idiotic people – the jahilun: people of ignorance, impetuousness, and zealotry. Every community has such people in it. The Muslims have them; the Jews have them; the Christians have them; the secular humanists have them. Every community has sociopaths or irrational people who may even slit the throat of a Bengali taxi driver because he said, “Yes, I am a Muslim.” Those people are going to be empowered increasingly. And people are more susceptible to new villains during times of economic hardship. As the unemployment rate rises and crimes increase, and people are looking for new targets for their aggression, why not a Muslim? Already, we’ve had “Burn the Qur’an Day” – will it be “Mug a Muslim Day” next?
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Our choices are clear. We can sit here and watch all that is happening and think that things are fine. We can think to ourselves, “My neighbors are fine; everybody is nice to me at work.” But if that is what you think, you are living in a bubble. And your bubble is about to burst. I have been watching a trend that is getting worse and worse. And if something is not done, if there is nothing done to countervail, no other mitigating force, things are headed in a dangerous direction. Newton’s law of physics applies here as well: Bodies at rest will remain at rest, and bodies in motion will remain in motion, unless acted upon by an external force.
We have a body of messaging in motion, and it is hateful, it is effective, it is well-financed, and it is having its impact on opinions that were at rest before 9-11. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, “Civil strife is asleep, and may God curse the one who wakens it.” This hadith indicates that calamities are waiting to happen, and people’s passions are easily aroused. This is a recurring phenomenon over the ages and all around the world. Just ask a Bosnian refugee in America how his Serbian neighbors turned on him and his family after being friends for all their lives. This happened through a powerful and violent campaign of propaganda waged by Serbian nationalists allied with certain extreme elements in the Orthodox Church. The result was tragic, but people thought then as we do now: that could never happen here.
Unless there is another force out there to counter this, Muslims are going to wake up in a very different America, an America that has drifted far from its own admirable and noble ideals, and they are going to wonder what happened.
What happened was that you were asleep. Just like people slept before. People forget that the 1920’s in Germany was one of the most liberal periods. But there was hyperinflation, high unemployment, a lot of social problems, and before they knew it, they democratically elected fascists into power. The fascists did not seize power; they were democratically elected. Right now, we have several angry and hateful candidates in close races in the House and the Senate and even governorships. You can say, “Oh, well, they are only a handful of people.” But this is how it starts. And in hard times, people turn to demagogues. And they are waiting in the wings.
I plan on writing next about what Muslims can and should do to counter this wave of anti-Islam propaganda.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Asalam-o-alaykum Sheikh Hamza,
This is a beautiful post. There are lots of Muslim over here in States that are looking for guidance and clear directions from our Shuhaykhs. Post like these are definitely very beneficial and a good jolt.
I totally agree that we need to come out of our cocoons and start interacting with our neighbors, co-workers, non-muslim friends etc. Even a simple act of taking a cake to our neighbors, smiling at them, chatting with them, inviting over to our houses goes a long way. Actions speaks louder than words.
Each of us are ambassadors of Islam and have a huge responsiblity on our shoulders. May Allah bless us more shukuhs like you and give our shukuhs the strength to continue doing this amazing work. May Allah protect our Shukuhs and bless them and their families for taking on such momentous task (ameen).
Jazakallah,
F.B.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Great article. My daughter brought it to my attention. I am not a Muslim, but respect Islam and other faiths, as well as those that choose other paths. My point is, thoughtful and thought-provoking discussion is always a good thing. It has been said, in the beginning was the Word, and I have always thought how amazing that is when you think about it – our thoughts expressing in the written word has power. Thank you for sharing…
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Assalamu aliekum wa rehmatullah:
One problem i have noticed in the muslim youth today is the lack of knowledge about islamic history and civilaztion. all they see is poverty and corruption all over the muslim world and muslims/islam being put down constantly in the media and the muslims in america fighting over the moon and eid. i have come across comments like “look at the idol worshippers and atheists, they are honest,caring and law abiding people, and muslims are nothing”. in order to have pride and dignity, the youth should be taught that all this progress they see around them has only been around for 200 years while the muslims have 1200 years of glory, 700 of which were in the indian subcontinent(mughals). it would be equally beneficial for muslims and non muslims if you wrote about our past and showed that we are not some lowly people and we, as muslims, should not always put down ourselves.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Assalaam aleykum,
Should we be alarmed or is our beloved Shaykh being an alarmist? In the latter case, your field of knowledge, your sphere of action, your circle of associates, and your resources and investigations are convincing or irrefutable proofs of your concerns. An optimist and inspiration like you, a beacon of hope and fountain of life, it is to awaken us that prompts you to act and write, and alarmed we need to be.
Lesson from history:
Modern times has painfully brought us two types of war that have disturbingly salient features; the indiscriminate mass killing of civilians in WW II accounted for over half of the dead and injured that is above the 20 million figure. Such a massive loss of human lives at the hand of other human had never before been witnessed or recorded (perhaps a reflection of 59:14). While this was interstate war, the other one is ethnic cleansing war. Ethnic cleansing is defining a number of ongoing wars around the globe and ethnic tensions are a worrisome feature in many countries today. This also has civilian deaths as its major characteristic, accounting for over 80% of deaths, and it is taking over from interstate wars. The profoundly shocking element in them is the loss of respect for life, a very modern affliction, how easily humans can be turned against each other and be influenced by ethnocentric and egocentric notions whose ideals are manufactured and transient is a disturbing trend that should be taken seriously by all. Another disturbing feature of these wars is the democratic element in them. Countries which are democracies are ready to participate actively or passively in the ethnic cleansing of their citizens or to wage interstate wars that seem to be driven by ethnic notions, as the wars waged on Muslims nations presently seem to indicate.
A new ruling class has emerged that ascends to and maintains power by lighting the fires of ethnicity all over the world including such paragons of democracy as western countries. We Muslims will do well to study the causes, effects and outcomes of these wars and movements (read Michael Mann – The Dark Side of Democracy, page 4)
We should heed the Shaykh’s call as the signs are proliferating around us, not only in America but Europe and Africa included. Michael Mann states with regards to murderous cleansing (pg 7 and pg 8) “they are 3 main levels of perpetrators: a) radical elites running party-states; b) bands of militant forming violent paramilitaries; c) core constituencies providing mass though not majority popular support (pg 7). Elites, militants and core constituencies are all normally necessary for murderous cleansing to ensue”. Also “Finally, ordinary people are brought by normal social structures into committing murderous ethnic cleansing and their motives are much more mundane” And further quoting Charny who “observes the mass killers of humankind are largely everyday human beings”
All they need are social tensions like the current global recession, ethnic other and demagogues notwithstanding complicit media to execute their plans.
Our problems: Dynamic vs. Static or smallness vs. greatness?
Our Islamic history is pointing to several maladies afflicting the Ummah that are deeply entrenched in our mindset. We are foremost losing sense of our oneness as narrated by the Prophet Pbuh, in numerous hadiths and as prescribed by Allah swt. We are not behaving and thinking as an Ummah. They are a number of units positively and actively engaged but the collective mentality is deeply lacking and the worst case scenario is these units end up being divisive and/or subversive.
This is a gross negligence of Allah’s command in 49:10 reminding us of our brotherhood and unity, a command which I believe the creator only obligated upon this special Ummah of his most beloved 3:110.
How can we say we are seeking the pleasure of Allah by being partially blind to what He imposes on us? Are we picking and choosing our forms of obedience to Him? Yet what is even a greater malady is the individual attitude and input to the collective or Ummah ideal. The majority of Muslims in minority populations, especially in this case, western Muslims, are pretty much static if not outright aloof. I use the term comfort zone Muslim for these brothers and sisters of ours, and not in a derogatory manner. Their devotion is mostly for their own selfish ends, and sitting back and watching over a distance is their contribution to the Ummah. We wait for others to make the world a better place for our children and ourselves and ask others to fight our little battle, exposing themselves to all forms of abuses and threats. The Shaykh is now letting us know the level of threat we are a t and our ineffective response to it. But why are we Muslims content with smallness, with weakness when we have greatness with us? Don’t we know that Allah, the Merciful one is the Lord of the believers? (47:11)
We are content with being followers rather than leaders, with bread crumb rather than the whole. We behave like weaklings who don’t trust in the will and power of Allah. If we feel abandoned, maybe it is because we have abandoned the true message of Islam, the calling to good and forbidding of evil and above all the witnessing to humankind (2:143 ; 22:78)
Sharif
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
As-salamu alaykum,
Thank you for such a great post. We as Muslims need to all wake up and do our bit to change the hearts and minds to those who are ignorant to the real message of Islam. May Allah reward you for your good work.
From a revert brother whose heart was opened to the truth, alhamdulilah.
Daniel
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Dear Shaykh Hamza,
Your next blog hasn’t gone up for a while, and knowing your level of dedication and commitment, I fear you may not be well or that something else is wrong. May Allah relieve you of whatever difficulties you may be facing, grant you good health and a high rank in this world and the next, and protect and bless you. This world is in great need of you, and you are a great blessing to us all. Barak Allahu fikum wa jazakum Allahu khayran.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
I think Sheikh Hamza this is great, love to hear what your plan is to counter this anti-Islam wave! I personally enjoy reading the refutations of Loonwatch and other sites that are having a real effect when it comes to google rankings and key terms. Something of that nature is vital.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
I do npot know whether you will get my message but I am really glad to see this and thanks to the person who has introduced me to this blog of your
You call yourself “not a computer person” but as you already know it can work better then “sword”
Keep up the good work.May Allah bless you and bring out really fruitful consequences from this blog
Wahaj D Ahmad in Raleigh NC
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Elhamdulillah, you are a great blessing from Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala for the ummah.
May Allah increase your tawfeeq and be pleased with your teachers.
As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu.
Mehmet Uysal
Izmir, Turkey
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
AAWRWB Sh. Hamza,
I am indeed awaiting some suggestions on how we can counter these issues. i think all too often we are able to diagnose the problems but the difficulty comes in how to address them. This in effect causes some individuals to waddle in a state of confusion and helplessness.
May Allah Bless you for the work you have done!
Kaleem Venable
Alexandria, Virginia
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Dear Sh. Hamza,
It is a thoughtful eye opener for the Muslims. I am glad that you intend to write how to solve this problem because we all see and identify it as a problem. I firmly believe the only soloution to this problem is to go back to the real teachings of Islam. Muslims in general are far away from the teachings of Quran and sunah just as Bani Israel had done. People before had the book but they did not follow the teachings so Allah punished them by different trials. we are no exceptions, if we as muslims will fail to revive our faith now future for us will not be very different from Bani Isreal.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Dear Sheikh,
I agree with your words whole-heartedly. Muslims need to be more proactive inshallah. I am interested in art, and on this website i came across the journal entry of a christian brother (this is the link: http://berhane-negus.deviantart.com/journal/34875198/).
If we could be as proactive as he suggests then we can show people the true islam, the peaceful, people loving, faith respecting, character building, society improving Islam that we have had the opportunity to believe in.
p.s. this is may be unrelated but i find the whole ‘creationism vs. evolution’ topic creates a lot of unnecessary tension. It would be of great benefit to myself, and my fellow brothers and sisters if Sheikh Hamza could address this issue – from his lectures i understand he has an interesting perspective, but we’ve never heard it :(
May Allah grant you jannah inshallah,
Aboubakr
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Salaam alaikum, dear Sheikh Hamza,
May Allah bless you and reward you for all your efforts on behalf of the entire ummah, but more especially for those of us who live her in the USA. Muslims in America are just like people everywhere—content to let things slide until something happens to jolt them into consciousness. The mosque controversy appears to have done that, and all of us who had been lulled into complacency since 9/11 have come to realize that we have been idel for too long.
I have a suggestion: Would it be possible to have a coordinated national effort, where knowledgeable brothers and sisters can go out to schools, malls, other public events, etc., and talk to people about Islam? A sort of “Sharing Islam” month. Like you said, there is a lot of misinformation, and communicating a correct picture of Islam is the way to combat this scourge. Coordination through local government offices and agencies would be a good start; public libraries; local TV and radio programs.
May Allah give us the wisdom and guidance to change our condition.
Jazak Allah khairan.
Sherifa
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
As-salamu alaykum,
Negativity towards Islam increased due to the actions of extremist Muslims living outside of North America (911), not because of the irreligious Muslims in it.
No-thanks to fatawa on; permissibility to kill apostates/Shias, use of wmd aka fire and brimstone laden catapults, collateral damage/suicide bombing aka martyrdom ops. and the like, Muslim radicals continue to reek havoc in the world against Muslims/non-Muslim more frequently than any other lunatics from other faiths. This is true unless the Mosad/CIA conspiracy theories we’ve heard are true… So, if a comprehensive website was going to be constructed aimed at clearing up misconceptions, a detailed and through section dedicated to rebuttals on extremest fatawa/material would be required. There are scattered resources online but unfortunately, not all of them are in direct responses to specific fatawa or materials so they fail to address exact proofs used.
w/salam
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Excellent point brother David. If our Islam was pure we would be more inclined to use the langauge of everday life at least occasionally. Sometimes saying In the name of God is more powerful to our own senses than saying Bismillah. But for many it easy to say “I am muslim” but they can hardly say “I am one who submits to God” while looking others in the eye – they might just have to live up to it. If you want to know what the early sahabah felt like when proffessing their faith as a minority then speak in the language of the people you are addressing.
p.s. I am not suggesting by any stretch of the imagination that the arabic terms are irrelevant.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Assalaam Alaykum Shaykh Hamza,
Thank you very much for writing such an insightful article. I completely agree with you that this Anti-Islamic fervor has been building all summer and has no end in simmering down anytime soon. I fear with the recent elections that those who gain power will use it to spread more hate and could potentially use their power to make life for Muslims more miserable in this country.
I do however to some extent blame what is going on in this country and around the world on us Muslims. First there is absolutely no unity amongst us. Saudi Arabia just bought 60 Billion dollars worth of military equipment from the US to protect itself against Iran since they are receiving “intelligence” that it is a threat to them. Palestine is slowly being eaten away and the poor Muslims there are under such suffering that it’s rich Muslim neighboring countries ie Saudi Arabia especially are doing pretty much nothing to help it. Pakistan, Iraq and Afghanistan are being overtaken by “terrorists” and the Muslim world is sitting by watching them kill innocent Muslims everyday along with giving the rest of us a bad name.
We need to stand up to these “terrorists” who have hijacked our religion and at the same time show Americans that we are against violence and “terrorism” just like everyone else is. We need to send them a message loud and clear that they are not us and we do not believe in any of the hate they are spreading and justifying in the name of Islam. If we stand up in America as Muslims and unify and condemn these barbaric acts I think that it will go a long way and send a message loud and clear that these Muslims are united and they do not believe in the hate that everyone claims them to believe in. We need a leader in these times, a strong leader Inshallah and we need unity first and foremost.
Something absolutely needs to be done about these anti-Muslim crusaders who are cashing in millions on spreading hate. http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_upshot/20101025/pl_yblog_upshot/tennessee-newspaper-says-anti-muslim-crusaders-make-millions
Inshallah I pray that they allow them to build the mosque in Tennessee. That situation is just horrible.
A Muslim March on Capitol Hill might be a far fetched idea, but a very peaceful hopefully large gathering of Muslims would show non-Muslims that we are normal peaceful citizens. Interfaith dialogue is a very effective way to build bridges and develop understanding among people. I have read Masjid’s across the country have been holding open houses and inviting non-Muslims to promote interfaith dialogue.
I read an article by Ethan Casey who is a journalist and he wrote something similar saying it is time for Muslim movement in this country. http://www.ethancasey.com/2010/10/muslims-in-america-time-for-a-movement/
I am looking forward very much to your next article Inshallah.
Jazakallah Khairun
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Hello,
I’m currently writing a paper expressing the complexities and contradictions of western societies distorted view of Islam. As an Australian, I have been witness to a disturbing socio-political trend which is against Islam; I know for a fact that the Australian government considers itself progressive because it wishes to ban Islamic practices which it considers oppressive (such as wearing traditional clothing and engaging in traditional practices) ; I find this so called ‘progressive’ desire, absolutely appalling, and why my government cannot see how racist and xenophobic this desire is, eludes me still. It angers me that I live in a country that has such a hateful, and negative view of Islam as a religion and culture. It deeply saddens me, because every Islamic individual I have met in my life has been incredibly friendly, tolerable and pious. What I find most amazing about the Islamic religion is that, even though I am non-Islamic, Islamic people treat me as if I am no different from them; they are a very welcoming group of people! Anyway, to conclude, I just wanted to say that I admired and greatly appreciated this essay, and hope to read more of your work in the future.
Zoe.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
As salaamu ‘alaykum Shaykh Hamza,
Thank you for this reality check to wake those of us who may be asleep. One of the most jolting statements in the post is:
“Just ask a Bosnian refugee in America how his Serbian neighbors turned on him and his family after being friends for all their lives. This happened through a powerful and violent campaign of propaganda waged by Serbian nationalists allied with certain extreme elements in the Orthodox Church. The result was tragic, but people thought then as we do now: that could never happen here.”
Thank you for using the blog as a means to keep us awake.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Assalamo aleykum wa rahamtullahi wa barakatuhu!
MashaAllah. Looking forward to your next post about what we can do to counter this.
Wasalam,
Rehan, Norway
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
kong xue lai feng wei bi wu’(穴来风未必无因)
I want to agree with Imran. Beautiful saying. Second Class Muslim is a nice metaphor for many converts feel. There are advantages to traveling second class, though: You have a lot more interaction with everyday folks and you get to hear their perspective.
Here is what happened last night: A former army reporter was at an MSA halaqa. We went out after that and he told me, that from his time in Afghanistan and Iraq he had many positive impressions of Muslims (literally, “You guys are the most serious about worship and charity of all!”). However, he said, Muslims manage to have the worst PR of all religions. I asked him why he thinks that is the case. We reflected and agreed that one of the many reasons that Humpty Dumpty actually has such an easy time redefining Islam in America, is the lingo Muslims use. Arabic is totally meaningless to most Americans. Anyone attending Muslim chutbas, dars or halaqas end up having the feeling of being a dim-witted outsider (just like many converts). The reporter I talked to is an interested person. But how many people can we actually expect to stay interested under these circumstances? And also, many loanwords end up having totally different meanings in other cultures (like “handy” ends up being a cell phone in German). Humpty Dumpty’s job in the context Muslims are setting up is fairly easy. Words without meaning can be redefined in a minute.
Salaamu alaykum,
David
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Alsalamu Alaikum,
Can someone please tell me or more apropriately help me here? I wear the hijab, but with our situation here in the UK, I am constanly made to feel lonely and isolated. No one wants to engage with you in conversation or even just return your smile and you are considered an outcast just because there is a hijab on. Even the Muslims who are from my social background do not wear the hijab, find it difficult to include me in their social circle. I feel very lonely and isolated, and when I pick my kids up from their school, the feeling worsens. I always think to myself, I miss the days when I was just a NORMAL person, who is made welcome wherver she goes.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Salaam. This was a very wonderful and inspiring post. I really hope I am able to read more, Insha’allah. I was hoping that on your next post you can add on what teenagers like myself can do to “counter this wave of anti-Islam propaganda.” I am a part of my school’s MSA and would like to know what you feel is the best approach to show off what the real Islam is all about. Jazak Allah!!!
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Assalaam aulaykum Shaikh Hamza,
Masha’Allah, your commentary has shaken me as an American Muslim, and I hope it has shaken others. Your analogies to Bosnia and 1920 Germany are haunting, and I have yet the courage to really try to see the similarities – for understaing the truth that we are heading down a dangerous path is still too frightening and hard to believe. Until reading this blog entry, I had shrugged off comments from friends that things are getting worse. However, your words have struck a nerve.
I impatiently await your future entry on what we lay-Muslims can do to counter this hate rhetoric.
May Allah reward you,
Angelique
Seattle, WA
Chris Blauvelt Posted on 04/15/2011
Incredible post – very observant, and I look forward to hearing what we should do to counter this wave. I’ve always believed that part of the solution, aside from the obvious inner purification, is to get more involved with media; TV, movies, sitcoms, blogs, news, etc. It doesn’t need to be in-your-face materials, but we do need to gain control of who defines Islam and how.
walaikum as salaam,
Chris Blauvelt
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
You know, it is definitely a scary time for Muslims, and we don’t have look very far back into history to see how cruel humans can be to each other. Additionally, Muslims seem mostly confused about what is really important in life as far as religious priorities. For instance they will burn cars and protest in the streets over a cartoon, but will be deafly silent about bombings and massacres.
But here in the States, I really think part of the problem is actually what a lot of average Christian Americans usually point out themselves. That is Muslims fail to “integrate.” I know it sounds trite, but I think it may be the root of our problem. Many Muslims keep to themselves, and only stay within the confines of their own community, and are not comfortable venturing out into the regular community. It is easy to demonize someone who is not willing, or even able to present himself in a way people can relate to, and stick up for. I know personally, when my wife (who is an American Muslim convert) and I go out to dinner with our Christian friends, she is not comfortable. Also, there are practical issues that inevitably come up like what to do if they order alcohol, etc. Do we impose on them our beliefs? But to form a true bond, and really become part of a community, we must do more than just show up at “events” we must venture out into the community and form true friendships, which will lead to true alliances. I am of course not suggesting we start drinking to become closer with our Christian friends, but there are some real religious barriers out there that may prevent common bonds from quickly forming, that other minority groups do not have to deal with. At the end of the day, a lot of the time it does come down to who you know, and those friendships/partnerships can make a huge difference. This is probably an issue that needs to be addressed on a religious level, as far as how to handle these situations, and how we should feel about them.
Then of course, there are those in our community who should stay behind the scenes, but always want to be in the spotlight, who do lots of damage not just because of the strong accent etc., but the total inability to relate to American culture. But you know Arabs, they are always right, and always know the answer to every question (I can say this b/c of my Arabic heritage).
I think “integration” is a key problem. What makes you so unique Sh. Hamza, is not just your intelligence and clear thinking with the ability to articulate your ideas and thoughts, there are many with those qualities. But actually your total understanding of Western culture, as well as Arabic culture, and the mastery of both languages. That is a rarity. Those of us out there who were raised here, but our Arabic is weak, may be well suited to be in front line positions representing and defending our religion, but in reality lack the religious knowledge to be there.
-Hosam
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
jazakAllah for this great article as your efforts are greatly appreciated. May Allah give you Jannatul-Firdous. As mentioned many times in the comments, we really need real and able solutions for this issue. Certainly looking forward to your next posts.
JazakAllah hu Khair
Wasalamualaikum
Harris Wahid
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Asalamu ‘alaykoum,
Whilst I am not in America and perhaps don’t comprehend the situation completely, I can’t help but feel that the article is a little sensationalized much in the same way the Shiekh mentions the media outlets and society in general have over sensationalized the view on Muslims into a rather negative one.
I got some negative responses when I mentioned the same thing on another website where this article was posted and one member went a little awol at me and that is expected when there is feverish admiration and love for a particular figure but I don’t think he is aware that I love and admire much of Shiekh Hamza’s work and have followed him for 15+ years and own many of his works.
Loving him doesn’t mean I have to agree with him on everything as students have loved their teachers and elders for centuries and still managed to have disagreements with them or not see eye to eye.
Our very own scholars of the four schools of thought are enough proof, each one linked to the other in one way or another. I mean Imam Al Shafi’i student of Imam Malik yet disagrees with him on many things, likewise Imam Ahmad with Imam Shafi’i.
This rigidness that ensues from having too much love that one is blinded from having their own mind or having a difference of opinion is more dangerous than any outside influence.
Back to the point though, as Allah, Mighty and Majestic is he states that “They plot and they plan and Allah is the best of planners”. The point should be how do we become the recipients of the Master plan that is His?
Surely the plan needs a vessel to contain it in, a decent and able vessel.
Should not the point be to continue to be upright, teach our own and take care of our own from within and not worry so much about fitting into media molds or in the words of the Sheikh, shouldn’t the ‘force’ that we become merely be by way of our sincere practice of religion and remembrance of Allah at all times?
“Surely in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest”.
Many a Muslim of the past has been outnumbered and out classed with technology but with their hearts attached to Allah, they defeated their enemies and detractors against all odds.
With respect
J.A.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Dearest Sir,
I feel that though Islam is indeed demonized by certain media outlets, not merely in America(Fox is a good example) but in Europe & in China-the Chinese state media is very subtle in its references to Islam & terrorism but the Chinese oft used is to infer that terrorism is a normative Islamic practice. Given the Chinese State claim over Xinjiang, the treatment of the Ulgar minority & the Strike Hard Policy it can be understood but does not negate the fact that America is not alone in its mistreatment of Islam at the media level.
In Chinese it is said however, kong xue lai feng wei bi wu’(穴来风未必无因). This is akin to the western notion of ‘there is no smoke without fire’. Many Muslims I feel have made Islam a very insular thing to which all outsiders have no access. In China ‘only’ Hui people will/can enter a mosque. China purports to have 56 minorities of which the Hui(China’s indigenous Muslims) are one. You are born ‘Hui’ & until very recently it was thought that you can not convert to Islam. Many Muslims in a much freer & open societies have almost adopted a similar idea whereby it is ‘us’ & ‘them’ and if someone does convert he/she is akin to a second class Muslim. It makes something very beautiful now seem very ugly-just as modern construction has done yto the beautiful cities of Suzhou & Hangzhou.
Imran(Shanghai)
Solutions to counter negative propaganda is context specific as the situation of communities in different lands is is different-but I am sure you know this better than lil’ old me :)
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Bismillah wal Hamdooleelah wa Salatoo wa Salam ala Rasool Allah wa ala aleehee wa man wala
To: my beloved teacher, & friend Shaykh Hamza
Masha Allah very insightful piece of work …. ALLAHOO AKBAR….. BRAVO….. Insha Allah we will wake up before its too late. Being that i live in NYC & was here 4 the attacks & after i have been very closely aware of the sentiments of the public. In general being an African American i dont get the same treatment that Arabs & sub-Continent immigrants get. Yet this Sept. 11th 2010 at ground zero, i was shocked to see the increased anti-Islamic venom being spewed against Islam & our Prophet alay he Salat Allah wa Salam. Alhamdoo lee lah there was also, many pro-Islam activists at ground zero. Many of them 9/11 Truth-ers ~ non Muslims, who held signs like “SOLIDARITY WITH ISLAMIC COMMUNITY”, & “HATE ALL MUSLIMS THE NEW RACISM” ~ these are those who know that True Muslims were not really responsible for what happened on 9/11. As we were out there we carried two signs, i made and we taped to phone booths and walls, one said “is a NAZI Germany mentality, hijacking us Americans now? True Muslims are NOT supporters of ANYONE being Terrorized!” and the second one said, ” We Americans don’t want to see a Muslimocaust!”
Masha Allah as U have told me in the past and Allah ta ala has shown me, the hearts of the believers are on the same page no matter how far they are apart in the world; their spirits are close together. From this beautiful article it would seem that i wrote up those signs after reading this article even though U wrote it a month after. Look forward to reading Ur proposals of solutions to counter the wave of anti-Islamic propaganda thats out there. i have a few ideas myself, i would love to run past U. Contact me if possible insha Allah & i would love to share. May Allah ta ala purify our intentions & make our hearts incline toward His better ways & make us amongst those who are helpers of His Messengers message SalAllahoo alay he wa ala aleehee wa Salam. Ameen Allah Ameen Allah Ameen Allah
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
How is the belief held by millions of evangelicals that all Muslims are going to go to hell any different than the belief held by millions of us Muslims that non-Muslims are going to hell (along with who knows how many Muslims are sent there to be purified)? Let’s be honest about our teachings here! The most tolerant expanse the majority of us have on the matter is that some shaykhs said that after a time – how long that time is, is unknown – the mercy of Allah will extinguish the flames of hell and those unbelievers will no longer be tortured. But they still have to endure hell first. But if we are honest dear shaykh, we know that every Friday – and Saturday night and Sunday and any other time – men, women and children alike are taught in the masjid that the kafiroon are going to hell forever, and it’s backed up with Quran and Sunnah. So it strikes one as a bit disingenuous to complain that evangelical Christians say the same of us.
Living in America means we need to accept and work with the fact that private, free enterprise – the bookstores here – can and will sell books we don’t like. It seems like you think we should demand that bookstores no longer stock these books, which is antithetical to one of the core American ideals and not something that a Muslim would wisely align himself or herself with. After all, someone might then demand that we stop teaching some of our beliefs that the rest of the society says are barbaric or outdated or reprehensible.
Shaykh, why don’t you say something about the fact that Islamic bookstores, the tables at the masjid on Friday, the online catalogs have long sold books and videos like ‘Protocols of the Elders of Zion’ and books calling for the beating of women or tape sets by Anwar Awlaki? Everything you’ve said about how non-Muslims are looking at us can be said not only of Muslims overseas but Muslims here as they look at non-Muslims.
Sidi, I think also what someone else said is that there is a confusion of voices out there. Not only for the non-Muslims to hear but us as well. If I may be very frank and clear with you shaykh, a lot of my previously hard attitudes about non-Muslims and my country came from things you were teaching ten or fifteen years ago. I think that you have distanced yourself from some of that in that you don’t repeat it any longer, but I’ve never heard you clarify some of your positions about Jews or homosexuals or the general American public that you used to mock as hopelessly stupid. This is the honest truth wallah, sidi, and you deserve and are obligated to hear it as a public figure.
No, most of us don’t like that stuff, but it’s still out there and in America, it is their right to sell it. We have to clean up our house first, do our own soul searching before we wag our fingers at the rest of America. We can’t point the finger at “them” if the mote is in our eye.
I don’t know if this comment will get published because it’s probably considered lacking in adab compared to the praise that gets posted, and hey, I’m just an ammi person and how dare I think I can question a scholar, but shaykh, these are real things that you need to address in the context of everything else you’re talking about.
— Aminah, Lansdale, PA
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Asalaamu Alaikum Sh. Hamza,
I once saw a clip where the late Human Rights activist Malik Shabazz (Malcolm X) said that Islam has a public relations problem. I have also heard you in lectures point to the fact that the East has substance but it doesn’t have form, and the West has form but not substance. I think you have an uncanny ability to put your fingers on the existence of the problem and its roots. But if I may- this brush fire of anti-Islam propaganda will have to be cooled via the airways primarily. We need to align ourselves with a proven public relations firm and stop letting others define Islam as you mentioned. I am strongly in favor of our first Television Network that will be available on satellite and cable. Of course all this will take time but we should start now…
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
asalam aliakum
I am so truly delighted to see this article and that you plan on having action steps!
For many years now as I too have witnessed this perpetuating fear of Ilsam increase in this country I want to try and assist in bringin Islam into a positive light.
As a revert to Islam , born in the US, I do not want to sit and wtch this unfold. I am anxiously awaiting your following texts!
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Dear Shaykh Hamza,
You have expressed so accurately the concerns that I have harboured in every inch of my being. What you write is most astute and accurate – the parallels between the second world war and our current state are striking for those who reflect. When faced with such a challenge, my personal response is to do what one must: not to remain complacent and to strive in every possible way to build bridges and to make friends.
However, it is a fine balancing act so as not to become disheartened and the thought that ultimately God is the author of history keeps me in a state of calm. Nonetheless, I cannot express the extent to which it is soothing to keep talking through it all: to share experiences: to feel and to know that one is not alone. In this vein, thank you for your consolatory and stirring words.
May He keep you always in the best state of health and may He preserve you.
Sevda
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
This is a very good and insightful post.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Assalam aleykum
Ok, we are awake now, please send a detailed agenda and please send it to every mosque in America.
I live in New Haven, Ct, attend Masjid Al-Islam (Imam Zaid Shakir’s former masjid) and I would say that the Muslims here are awake, but WE LACK DIRECTION. WE NEED AN AGENDA with numbered steps to be fulfilled. I believe that you are surrounded by bright minds and that you can come up with a plan. (If not, I would love to offer my services in brainstorming what we can do).
I beg this of you.
Jazak Allahu Khirun
Rebeca Hernandez
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Assalamualaikum,
I am very much looking forward to hearing what you have to say about what we as Muslims can do to counter this wave of anti-Islam. I have been thinking about this same issue for quite sometime now and have been wondering what the popular Islamic voices in this country were thinking about all of this. Inshallah I really and truly hope that we can change this negative tone in this country and make the future for our children a positive one Inshallah.
Jazakallah
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Asalam walaikum Dear Shaikh…
I love you for the sake of Allah. (Uhibuka fi-llah ya shaikh)
Hope you are in the best of health and spirit. May Allah reward you for all your efforts and may he re-unites us in this world and the next, ameeeen ya rabb.
wsalam
Your student Ihsan.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Incredible information!
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Asalaamu’Alaikum,
Thank you Sheykh Hamza for writing this. Our families looks forward, God Willing, to receiving and following your guidance on next steps for improving our condition.
Warm Regards
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
How do we counter those Muslims who say we are following a watered down version of Islam that has left jihad? (Folks like Anwar al-Awaki who have a significant youth following on places like Islamicawakening.com forums.) I recently stumbled across them quite accidentaly, and found their discussions (the approved ways to “fight non-Muslims, can we burn them with fire?”) to be not only spiritually devoid but also backed up with quite a bit of references to the Salaf. How do we counter the internal threats, especially when they seem to command such textual authorities?
I’d be interested in a future blog entry in which you explore Anwar al-Awlaki, how he ended up on this path, and who (if any) were the teachers he learned from? If we cannot face down our internal problems, how can we face down those outside?
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
As-salalmu `alaykum Shaykhana,
May Allah reward you for an excellent post. In sha’Allah, I will repost and link at the Harvard Muslim Chaplain’s blog.
May Allah exalt you in this and the afterlife.
Wa s-salam.
Taha Abdul-BAsser
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Salaams Sheikh Hamza,
Thank you for your article. You do know how much of an influence you have on muslims in the West.
If you tell them that there is danger ahead many of those who have no guidance will start saying there is danger ahead….if you write we live in a beautiful society in US and Europe they will start saying it is a beautiful society….
Please start doing what you were doing in the late 90s- telling people from the heart what they need to begin to change their lives- first expose the corruption in society and anti muslim sentiments, then give the people naseeah on practical solutions on what to do etc
This means a lot of hard work ahead doing speaking tours across the West but noone can speak as eloquently as yourself. Forget those who reside in the ivory towers- help those who have set up muslim schools and learning institutions based on the dawah you did in 15 years ago. This is hard work but the work of the ulama and awliya….
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
asalamu alikum
dear sh.hamza yusuf,
thanks for clarifying this phenomena and to write about it, i am actually recently googles about subjects like that and i did not notice any information about it…sometimes i wonder why these anti islamic websites and books did not be pulled from markets and bookstores…finally i found someone to address this subject…and i cannot wait about the next articles about how we can counter this porpaganda, and even i am live in the middle east, and i do not hear the anti muslim comments, but we are muslims, we should be united in every issue that we face, and we should face it together across the continents…..cannot wait to read the solution
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Assalaam Alaykum Shaykh Hamza,
May Allah bless you for a very cogent and insightful piece. Please keep writing.
While I think trying to influence public opinion through media channels is vital, ISPU here in Michigan does a lot of good work in this regard, there is another safety measure I think we can take which is to invest in the indigenous Muslim communities in our cities who have a right of brotherhood over us.
Wassalaam,
Aiyub
another Michiganer
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
BismiLlah wa assalaamu alaikum wa rahmatu Allah
Dear Sh. Hamza,
Thank you for this wake up call.
It reminds me of your talk in Copenhagen Denmark after the cartoons, it had some similar key points; these points should be re-emphasized in connection with the current tide facing Muslims in the US.
One of them was: The cartoons were the work of a few and “This should be an immense opportunity to understand each other better at a deeper level.” He stressed that it was time to be fire-fighters and quoted from the Holy Prophet’s last sermon ‘spread peace.’
source: http://www.m-i-d.dk/default.asp?side=aktiviteter&id=36
The situation you write about is something we as Muslims in Denmark have been facing for the past 15 years, it bobbled with the cartoons and got more “open”, and a lot of the Muslims back then where hoping for words like “You can say, “Oh, well, they are only a handful of people.” But this is how it starts.”
The trend in USA is inspired by Danish anti-Islam activists (Anders Gravers and other like-minded), and they are very active in spreading their poison to the rest of the western world.
May Allah give us success in standing up for what is right, and forbidding what is wrong, spreading peace and make us do it the in the character of our Master and Guide, ‘alayhi asalaat wa assalam.
wa assalaam,
Carim El Husseini
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
As salaam alekum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh,
The German Chancellors speech yesterday may be the tipping point. Please keep writing. I am a doctor working in Uk, my daughter is working on a thesis ‘integration of muslim children in Western Europe” (MA Degree).
Would appreciate your thoughts on the subject.
jazakallah khairun kaserun
We pray for you, to get reward in this life and next,
ZQ, London UK
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
As Salamu Alaikum Shaykh Hamza
This piece of article is timely and much needed discussion and guidance is required. I am certainly looking forward to next piece.
I would like to give some observation that I had about this whole confusing state we are in. I have grown up with activism from early childhood. From the very inner circle of these activist leaders I have observed hypocrisy when it comes to what they say and do; what they say to one and another.
So, when I first came in contact with Traditional Islam, I was very pleased to see the very absence of such. I saw them as what they say they are and what they asked others to do. But post 9/11, things changed. Our religious leaders were very unclear about different groups within us. They would attend conventions and seminars hosted by these groups or leaders who are the very group constantly undermining and creating a tense atmosphere for between different groups. These groups are the incubators for creating extremist.
I do believe while the benefit of such unified front could be considered as necessary, the long term impact of that is confusion. Who are the real authority of our religion? Who should we listen to when we get all sorts of mixed messages. I do feel that scholars like yourself should consider these and see whether they are also adding anything to this confusion.
There is a need for clarity not just for our non-Muslim neighbors, but for us to ensure that we are not drowned by these conflicting messages coming from our religious leaders.
Was Salam
Imran Chowdhury
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
I see a lot of readers agree with the article. The question is what each us are willing to do about what’s happening to our country. Let’s get out and meet you neighbors, friends and colleagues. Let’s show them what a Muslim is really like and impress them with your good character, one individual at a time. Inshallah we can turn this around.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Salam Alaikum–
I’m looking forward to reading your ideas about how we can take action. I do what i can through my blog and facebook and just generally being a nice person at work and in the community.
The big problem as I see it is our community has no organization and except for CAIR, nobody out there looking out for us and our rights. Even CAIR has been maligned by the right as a group in bed with terrorists.
So glad you decided to blog by the way
Stephanie Hare
http://muslimmamatheblog.blogspot.com
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
as salamu aaykum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuhu dear shakh.
after reading your insightful and inspiring words and the suggestions in the comments, i’m quiet anxious to see your suggestions. i do agree with the suggestions in the comments. if we could learn the model of the jewish/israeli political apparatus in america and the great influence it has on american politics, and model one similarly for muslims, i believe we could have a greater effect on the policy making in this country. after reading “they dare to speak out” and “silent no more” by congressman paul findley, i learned how an apparatus like this can be so powerful and effective.
i also have just returned from a trip to birmingham, england and although the level of establishment the muslims have achieve there was amazing, i also seen some other realities that concerned me a great deal. i pray Allah(s.w.a.) protects us from these. examples are the division of the community itself within the city. 5 or more masajids on one street. we’re following in their footsteps already. a bit of alienation to anyone who doesn’t have the muslim look. a felt unwelcome in the muslim area of town. to them i didn’t look muslim in my dress, but we should have warmer feelings towards non-muslims if we want them to be warm to us. let alone see islam as we have or even become muslim. i believe we have to do more to engage the local non-muslim communties as the number one priority in or grass root efforts. i just finished listening to your cd “dawah:speaking to people of other faiths” and one of the main things that stuck out in my mind was the condition for giving dawah to the people of america given by habib umar from tarim,” look at them as though they are better than you”. amazing. another major thing i believe that should be focused on is the establishment on a national scale of a muslim owned and operated media apparatus including radio and television/news. insha Allah we can establish islam in america with a more balanced, united, and tolerant spirit than the rest of the west. i personally believe that that is what you have and are continuing to establish at zaytuna and i dream of attending, learning, and assisting in establishing that type of islam in america. if i can be of any assistance, it would be my complete honor.
ma salaamah- rayyan abdullah golden – richardson,texas
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
AS-Salaamu alaikum
After 9/11 muslims and muslim leaders were saying wait to see the evidence. Today still no evidence or Evidence pointing away from Muslims and Muslim leaders are convicting Phantom Saudis. The shift was Muslim leaders agreeing without evidence Muslims carried out 9/11. Muslims need new leadership thats real and not academic. Academia seems to be the best way of destroying a religion and promoting doubt in it’s place.
Islam has been sold out to the state department and culture ambassadors. It’s about money money money these days.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Salaam,
Many Muslims are introverted. We need to come out of our shells for the sake of Islam. Brush up on your public speaking skills, brothers and sisters! If you live close to a college or university, contact the various departments and let them know if they need a Muslim speaker on Islam to contact you or a group of friends who are able to speak on basics and a few topics at least.
Incidents of mistrust of Muslims go down amongst those that have actually met a Muslim. My friends and I present topics on Islam about five to six times a semester from sociology to comparative religion to counseling education. find a way that works for you!
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
wealth and numbers will not turn anything around. all the information in the world at your fingertips is not going to do anything. All that is needed of muslims is sincerity of faith and conviction for the Book. no distortions and no compromises.. do things for the sake of Allah. we eat haram, we take and pay interest when we can avoid it and justify it to ourselves, willingly take part in a flawed system, and we give our allegiance to the enemies of God and their manmade laws — the only good if which came from islamic ideas in the first place. we pick and choose our religion.. until we dont have leaders brave enough to make us realize that, we can’t get anywhere by trying and trying our hardest to please non-muslims. that will keep on backfiring.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Selam a lekum Shaykh Hamza
May Allah (sbut) guard, protect and preserve you, your family and all your relatives and give you a long life inshallah. amin. :)
Thank you very much for the wake up call.
The last paragraph in your post mentions late Widmar Germany. That analogy may sound far-fetched but after a deeper reflection could become a distinct possibility. The first thing which came to my mind after reading your post was Professor Noam Chomsky’s comments on the far right-wing media. A few years ago you were appeared on the Sunday Salon (KPFA) with Larry Bensky (I think). On the following link, Mr. Bensky is interviewing Professor Noam Chomsky and Chomsky makes the same analogy that you rightly struck:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2zYaKXeyXE&feature=related
I viewed the full interview a few months ago and was really struck by what he said. In hard times, people look for someone or something to blame. The fascists came to power by blaming Germany’s problems on the Jews and the Bolscheviks. We all know what happened ten years later.
Today, the Tea Party members and others are looking for answers to some real grievances. I don’t blame them for their complaints but unfortunately they are being given wrong answers and fed misinformation, lies and slander about Islam from these pundits and talking heads.
Unfortunately, many of our Muslim brothers and sisters, even the educated ones, do not know how to make the right counter arguments. And if even they do, they do not have the deep knowledge and understanding of Islam to explain certain things. Too many of our people are caught up in the rites and rituals and basic knowledge of fiqh and usul. This is not to say that these are not important but one has to be cognizant of the time and the era we are living in and prioritize which knowledge is more pertinent to the times.
You know, you were right about what you said once in the past that too many muslims have gone into medicine, engineering, law and other sciences and there are not enough people in comparative religion and other social sciences. We have people who have a Masters in Economics or Finance or have a law degree speaking about Islam but they do not have a Masters in Theology or Comparative religion.
One of the things needed to counter this propaganda is a national effort, an initiative by the major Muslim organizations in the country to perhaps purchase air time on a major network for a few hours a week or a month.
I think I have written too much on this post for now. Please forgive me.
Thank you for your time and patience in reading.
I look forward to your next writing.
Jazakallah khairun :)
was selam a lekum
hamid, Staten Island, New York
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
May God reward your efforts Shaykh Hamza.
My only recommendation would be to sign your name on these blog posts because, for a first-time reader, they won’t know who the author is if they are simply given the direct link.
Salam,
Tarek El-Messidi
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
The message is loud and clear. Thank you. We need thinkers and writers to define and propagate the Islam we know to be true to the world. It is also incumbent on the rest of us to speak to non-Muslims around us about how we live our lives so that they see us as one of them, and not the other.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Bismillah.
As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh
Dear Hamza
This is my first time ive read your post, please keep posting and give us ideas on how we should deal with these issues as university students, school teachers or community workers.
Umar Khan
Manchester,UK.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Thank you, Shaykh Hamza, and may Allah preserve you! We desperately need some guidance!
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Salaam
I beleive what is meant by “this… anachronistic medieval madness” is that we are going through what the Chrisitans went through in that period, and the prophet sallallahu alaiyhi wa salam said, “You will follow those who came before you (Jews and Christians) step by step…”.
Salaam
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
As Salam Alaykum,
Please do not take this comment as being overly critical because that is not my intent. I am just afraid that the focus of the Muslims in being “hijacked” away from the pressing problems that our community faces on a day to day and being replaced with trying to find a remedy to the negative portrayal of Islam in the media. Islam does not exist in a bubble, rather it exist in the hearts and minds of the Muslims. Many of whom are having problems fulfilling the basic obligations and avoiding the basic prohibitions of the religion. This lack of religious vigor is causing our interpersonal relationships to implode and making us an easy target for the demagogues. Truly, if the millions of Muslims that live in America could represent the religion by being beacons of strong families, honesty and uprightness the attempted media representation would not stand a chance.
On the contrary when non-Muslims come in contact with many adherents of the Islamic religion they often see no distinction between the way the Muslim lives and the non-Muslim counterparts. The non-Muslims disrespect their elders and so does the Muslim, the non-Muslim has a substance abuse problem and so does the Muslim (who is often the proprietor of the business where the substances are obtained), the non-Muslim has marital discard and so does the Muslim, the non-Muslim has 3 of 4 girlfriends and so on. However, the every day problems that we all face in this country is what Muslim leaders seem to be losing sight of. Leaving the rank and file searching for answers outside the religion assuming that the religion is incapable of helping them. That is to say, if a hungry man comes to you looking for bread and all you tell him is that Sears has a good batteries–he will go find someone else for nourishment. Muslims are not coming to Masjid because they no longer feel that the solutions can be found there.
Every since September 2001 we have been in full court press to deal with our media portrayal while the everyday American Muslim and non-Muslim, who doesn’t have the time or the luxury to concern themselves with a 10 year old crime, is left to fend for himself. They can barely deal with their lives that are closing in on them and that’s what our religion should be offering them help with.
We cannot control what the ideologues say about us but if we improve our behavior and offer solutions to everyday problems, they can say what they want–no one will believe them.
May Allah be with us all
Sundiata Rashid Oakland Ca.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Bismillah, wasalatu wasalam ala sayyidina Muhammad.
I am not sure what it is like in the states, but things are getting increasingly claustrophobic for muslims in the UK. The last year has seen the rise of the “English Defense League”, which is basically a right wing group of Fascists who are attempting to restore some form of lost homogenous cultural ‘English’ identity back to the melting pot we call England.
There chief aim is to reverse the ‘islamization’ of Britain, (whatever that means), and to show incompatible ‘islam’, ‘the shariah’, ‘the quran’ are with modern britain and the west per se.
They have cells in Europe now, and they are even working with Jewish Rabbis from the states!!!!!!!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_Defence_League
http://www.englishdefenceleague.org/
In reality, the EDL is largely comprised of former football hooligans, who are unemployed and bitter at their government. They bounce their ‘policies’, if you can call them that, off the Tabloid’s scandalous, confabulatory reportage of muslims in UK.
They have only been established one year, or just under a year and they already have a very, very large following. At their last demonstration in Leicester, they had 1, 500 members.
It is all very disconcerting.
Capitalism is lying flat on it’s back, the bankers have raped the masses, too much money has been printed and when these racists realize that their ‘savings’ aren’t even worth the paper they were printed on….
They’re coming looking for the darkies, aka the Muslims.
Allah protect us.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Assalam alaikum,
This article has a a profound message and we should be disturbed enough to ‘wake up’ as the Eminint Shaykh suggests. Sadly, we Muslims are good with words, but not actions, and we are sleep-walking into trouble.
Regards,
Mohammed Zahid
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
AsSalaamu Alaikum shaykh Hamza
…looking forward to your next post.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Interesting piece Sidi and we await to hear you views on how to counter this anti-Islam propaganda. However I wondered what you meant by “this… anachronistic medieval madness” since most of the madness one sees around one is unmistakeably modern!
Tahir.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
assalamu alaykum
I have always thought of this idea of tipping point as the waswasa from Surah Nas. There is waswasa among men that causes this contagion of ideas, narratives.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Salama’likoum,
I am totally agree with you when you say that muslims are asleep.
As a muslim in Europe, it’s quite scary to see all the violence towards us. And, when I compare our situation with the jewish situation in 1938 (more or less) there is a lot of similarities.
Honestly, I make more invocations. I have learnt the invocation the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) teachs us against a lot of dangers. But, how to make others to wake up ? Honestly, I don’t know. Each of us has to make efforts, du’aas…
The body’s heart, only Allah have access on it. I used to speak about Islam, all its Beauty, its Logic etc… according to what I have learnt to some people but subhanAllah, I don’t see any difference before and after I say it. Anyway, result is not up to me…
I trust in Allah even if the situation is really scary…
Salama’likoum
Muslima
France
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Salam alaikum, Sh. Hamza
Thank you so much for this message, it is so important to see these things clearly during times like these. I live in Germany, the situation for Muslims here is already very poor and is worsening as well. My friends and I have also been living in this bubble, but now they are starting to lose their jobs because of their hijab. I just became aware of your blog and I look forward to your next messages very much!!
May Allah make your work very easy and light inshallah, and help our jumma during these difficult times!
Nafissa in Germany
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
salaam
as usual, great post. i would love to share some of the ideas that us in michigan have in my comments below. thank you for taking the time to read our comments.
its always amazing to me that media shows bring on non-mainstream muslim voices (e.g., irshad manji) or nonmuslims (pipes, etc) to talk about islam (see recent abc news 20/20 episode on islam in america). its as if they have an agenda and they find people to support their bias
as you said, when there is problems in our society – wars, unemployment, social ills – the demagogue voice becomes resonant in society. this is excellently captured in this village voice article: White America has gone crazy
http://www.villagevoice.com/2010-09-29/news/white-america-has-lost-its-mind/
here the author states that mexicans have become the scapegoat out west and muslims have become the scapegoat throughout the country and especially in the east. it highlights the rise of white backlash especially after obama’s election
it is scary to see the growth of this blatant xenophobia. and it is starting to become armed as well. i read a recent time magazine piece on the growth of militias in this country:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20100930/us_time/08599202251600
in fact, we had a militia in michigan called the hutaree militia that was brought down this year. they had very strong anger towards muslims as well.
there has to be a response to this growing hysteria as you said . here are some suggestions that some of us in michigan would like to add:
1. we need to research the islamophobes well – where do they get there funding and what ideas are they putting forward. for example, we should find out by calling the publishers when books by robert spencer and the like are going to be published and have responses to his book ready before the book is even published. we should expose people like aubrey chernick and try to go after the funders of these islamophobes so that they are hampered in their misguided and evil efforts. in michigan, some of the brothers did a great job in cutting the funding for debbie schlussel (another islamophobe) and she is now blogging requesting donations because she lost all her money.
2. we need to work from the grass roots and work on addressing the ills people have in society. there is a great book called switch that has some ideas on changing people’s perceptions
http://www.amazon.com/Switch-Change-Things-When-Hard/dp/0385528752
maybe, starting out as good neighbors and taking care of our communities so that nonmuslims see the positivity we bring to america.
that can be as simple as taking care of your neighbors lawn to having health care clinics, etc
3. a lot this is going to take funding to change people’s perceptions. we need a lot of money directed at campaigns to change people’s perception of islam.
interesting piece on how the koch brothers have funded the tea party and other groups to try to influence the negative perception towards obama
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/08/30/100830fa_fact_mayer
May Allah reward you for your efforts and bless you with a long and healthy life
Shamael Haque
Detroit, Michigan
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
this is a very disturbing analysis for any muslim who cares deeply about the well being of his family and loved ones . Do you think relocation to another country should be considered to escape any chance of oppression or is it a over reaction? thanks, jazakumullah khairun.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Bismillah
Dear Shaykh- write, write, write, this is right now mashAllah the most powerful means. Because it’s free, and easy access. I think everyone is devouring your words. Esp. since you have soo much on your plate, this is the best way to keep a connection to the community, maybe you feeling like telling the Ummah something, but logistics don’t allow you. This is really the best venue. Update your blog often, really often, and if there is a way to even
have it’s own blog page-Non-Muslims will have access to. Otherwise people don’t take much time, they will think this is a store website and not really browse around. Like you said it might just be preaching to the choir, your messages are powerful and they need a big stage mA.
h.a.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Bismillah.
As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh…
Dear Sh. Hamza:
Although this is not your first post, I would like to say that I (we) are exceedingly happy and very pleased that you have begun this effort. Please do continue to write pieces like this. We desperately need them and sincerely enjoy them.
May Allah reward you immensely, and may all the readers benefit greatly!
Sincerely your brother,
Khalil Moore