First of all, I want to apologize for the delay in writing the second part of what I started with my last post (“When You’re a Statistic”). On top of an overwhelming schedule and a family crisis, I have not been well. I’m very grateful to those who expressed concern as to why we hadn’t posted. I shall do my best at being consistent with the blog; I have requested that we set up an alert mechanism so people are notified when there is new content.
As promised, here are some ways I feel we should respond to the crisis that I described in my previous blog.
1. Understand the problem. The first thing that we must do is recognize the scope and the depth of the problem. Spend a little time on the Internet, and search for issues related to Islam, the way people who have little or no knowledge about Islam might do if they were curious about our religion. Try Google searches for terms like “jihad” or “women in Islam,” and see the top websites and links that appear. Compare some of the websites run by Muslims with the ones run by people attacking the Muslims, and note the difference. Spend some time browsing at bookstores in your community to see the sections on Islam, and see what others are being exposed to about our religion. Notice the number of negative books. Then look at the Christian or Jewish section, and see how it compares with the Islam section. In other words, try and experience what a person curious about Islam and Muslims is likely to find if he or she browsed the Internet or bookstore shelves.
2. Pray for our community. Do a daily litany (wird) with the intention of our protection. We are encouraged in the Sunnah to be consistent in our remembrance of God. There are many fine litanies that have been prepared by scholars based upon the prophetic invocations. Personally, I prefer Imam al-Hadad’s or Sidi Ahmad Zarruq’s as over-the-counter litanies. The spiritual benefits of consistent litany recitation are many, and they are well-tested and true. There is also another reason, in my estimation, for consistently reading such litanies, and that is to help create what is termed in medicine as “herd immunity.” When enough people have built up resistance to a disease through inoculation, others are protected by the critical mass that has been achieved. I believe this is what historically protected the Muslim community from attacks. There were enough people calling upon God for protection for the entire community so that even those who weren’t asking for help received it anyway. We need to pray for our community’s well-being everywhere and ask God to ward off harm. This is one of the prayers in Imam al-Hadad’s litany: “Suffice us by protecting us from the evil of oppressors, and remove any harm from the Muslims.”
3. Strengthen and grow Muslim organizations. Support the existing organizations, and create new ones that are needed. For instance, we need a Muslim legal defense fund. Take a look at the Anti-Defamation League. Go to its website and read about its mission and its activities. The ADL was established to combat anti-Jewish sentiment in this country. Given the anti-Muslim sentiments prevalent now, Muslims need an Anti-Defamation League of their own. And we need endowments to adequately support such groups. The Jewish community donated millions of dollars to strengthen such organizations to ensure that what happened in Germany is not repeated in America. And indeed they succeeded – despite the many anti-Jewish people that still exist in this country, it is no longer the anti-Semitic country that it once was.
The Muslims need to strengthen our existing organizations, such as CAIR and ING. Despite its unfortunate problems of the past, and the fact that it could improve itself in many ways, CAIR is a solid organization that has been built with a lot of hard work by sincere and dedicated people, and it can withstand the attacks if it has the backing of a larger number of Muslims. The seeds of a really strong American Muslim institution have been planted at CAIR, but it must be watered with money and constructive criticism.
The Muslim organizations, including Zaytuna College, have a fiduciary responsibility toward their stakeholders, i.e. the Muslims we claim to represent and serve, as well as those who are funding us. Islamic Networks Group (ING), for instance, is one of the most important organizations in the United States; it does not proselytize, but educates and presents a clear picture of normative Islam. ING understands that we have zealots, that we have fringe Islam, but it focuses instead on educating people of other faiths about what the majority of Muslims believe and practice. This is what people need to know, just as they know that David Koresh and what occurred at Waco, Texas in the early 1990s does not represent the Seventh Day Adventists, and his actions do not represent all Christians or even all Seventh Day Adventists. The same is true for Jewish extremists, like Meir Kahane, or the American-born medical doctor Baruch Goldstein, who went into a mosque in 1994 and opened fire, killing 29 Muslims during their prayer. Americans know that he is not the same as their kids’ pediatrician, who happens to be a competent and peaceful Jewish doctor named Dr. Goldberg. Yet, when they see Dr. Abdallah, they wonder if he is secretly supporting some violent organization. He looks a little shady. And what’s with that Osama-like beard? And why does he have a picture of himself on Hajj hanging on the wall in his office?
So the more organizations Muslims establish, the easier it will be for people to see that normative Islam has nothing to do with what the militant extremists do. We have a large number of Muslim doctors in America, and yet we are not serving the underclass very well through free medical clinics, such as the Umma Free Clinic in Los Angeles. I think our Muslim doctors should donate a day every two weeks to treat the needy who have no medical insurance. In other words, Muslims need to enhance the existing Muslim organizations and also create new ones, especially social service organizations.
To be continued….
annonces gratuites Posted on 05/13/2011
Your place is valueble for me. Thanks!�
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Ustadana wa Habibana Shaikh Hamza.
This is exactly what needed to be applied. these are
(labinat)bulks that once we put in the building of our communities,
and muslim ummah in large they strengthen the house of
islam. the kind of house would even spread lights (noor),
and enlighten the ways for others to come as it did in the past.
these remedies you´re teaching us can also be described
as organs, or elements of the body that are ill, or weak which
make the whole body (the ummah) ill, or weak.
Thank you for your diagnoses and treatment plans you taught us.
on a personal level, may Allah keep you well.
i miss your classes. this is one of your students back
in the years of 1994 to 1998. Saeed Alghamdi de Makkah.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Asalaamu alykum
I would like to add that Muslims (as should anyone who believes) should be open with their faith and willing to discuss it with others when asked. Silence encourages rumor.
I agree with another comment on this post. A march on DC might be needed here. Personally, i think it should include the sallah. It would be very inspiring to see hundreds of thousands of muslims praying on the DC mall.
Syed Muntakim Posted on 04/15/2011
Dear Shaykh
Assalamualaikum. I pray to Allah that you feel better and all the problems go away. May Allah bless you and your family. I have listened to many lectures of yours over the years and benefited from them. May Allah preserve you in good health.
About the blog’s topic , I would like to comment on some of my own personal experience.
I am a very ordinary muslim but over the last few years I saw a major shift in my non muslim friends, colleagues’ perception about our religion . In central London, we used to go a mosque maintained by a unversity Islamic society for prayers. One Friday we have been told that the University is considering not allowing outsiders to pray in that mosque. They have some concern, respecting that and also not to create problem for muslim students in that university we looked for another mosque and went there for prayer. I am just giving this example that this is related to a university which is also fearful of bad press and also think that mosque may create problem. I still remember during my student days people were eager to know about Islam which is often not the case any more.
I think as a Muslim we generally fail to potray the beauty of our religion. Our charecter ( I will include my own as well) fail to convey the messsage of peace, justice. Let me give you an incident happened few days ago which made me very sad as a muslim. During the recent remembrence of 2nd world war’s dead soldiers in London ,some muslim men were burning poppy flower and gave provactive slogans. I am not a scholar but my understaing is that this is not good manner of a muslim to disrespect other’s rememberence, Specially in 2nd world war many unknown muslim soliders died as well ( many of them were recruited from undivided India’s muslim population).
To outside world Islam is defined by we as muslims. When people generally find our people are intolerant , can they really think our religion as tolerant ? I was born in a muslim family but I feel in our community people are increasingly serious about the rituals while ignoring the spiratuality of the religion. It has become like a tribe where I find myself as a stranger.
I apologise for my long comment and once again Pray that May Allah bless you and your family and keep you under his protection.
Syed
North London
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Excellent points, I could not agree with you more, especially with point #3. Our community recently set up a legal fund following the “accusation” of two of our members. Every community should do this, as well as set up some sort of media committee that can counter the negatives by promoting the positives. And I believe every community should have Cair-Can or Cair-USA to come in and do their “Know your rights and responsibilities” seminar.
Jazakallah khair, and I pray for ease for you and your family.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Thanks for the timely advice. Imam Al-Haddad’s awrad (Ratib and Wird al-Latif) have been translated by our beloved translator Dr. Mostafa Al-Badawi (May Allah preserve him). Has the litany of Ahmad Zarruq been translated? Any plans to publish this litany? Any books that you can recommend (in English) from Ahmad Zarruq?
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Salaam Shyakh Hamza.
We often forget the fact that our beloved Shuyukh are also afflicted with crises and tests from God Almighty, especially through love for His servant. I pray that God Almight, The Most Beneficient & Most Merciful, eases your affliction, grants you patience, cures your illness and increase you and your family in this life and beyond.
Your advice is so much appreciated and is as important as ever in this increasingly panic-stricken world. As Muslims in the West, you are absolutely correct, thay we simply do not contribute freely enough to serve our neighbours and community. “As long as our family and friends are ok, as long as we can pray our Jummah and Eid prayers, that’s good…” – this is absurd and totally alien to what our Beloved Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, taught.
Right now in Europe, one of the biggest problems and cause for heated debate, is lack of integration and the claim of “impossibility” of integration into Western society – here in the UK, in France and most recently in Germany – and this claim is gaining further support. Initially it was aimed at “all immigrants” – but in Germany, momentum is gathering from a minority faction that in fact, it is something to do with Muslims and the Islam within the immigrant population which is the problem. And what are the Muslims within these countries doing actively to dispel such myths? How are they reassuring their non-Muslim citizens that one beautiful attribute of being Muslim is to to be a protector and to of service to God’s creation?
Muslims need to stop whinging and falling into the victim role. Do something for others and let others speak up for you.
Just my tuppence.
Salaams and du’a,
Dr Atif Ghaffar, UK.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Asalaamualaikum Shaykh Hamza,
This is fascinating. As a young Muslim trying to make an intelligent difference in this world for the sake of Allah, it is great to hear your insights and wisdom on these issues. I cannot tell you how helpful it is to hear people that have experience and knowledge discuss what the next generation has to do. If we are to carry the torch of this religion into the future, as your replacements, inshallah, your sharing with us is vital. Thank you for this great work you are doing and may Allah lighten your burdens and grant you ease, more blessings and increase you in your Love of Him and His Prophet(pbuh). Ameen!
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
As salam `alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. Thank you for providing your thoughts and assessments as a service to our community.
I think we need to be honest that this problem is based on individuals, and on the common inability to address the concerns. Like the _Agenda to Change Our Condition_, we need a similar publication that deconstructions common misconceptions about our religion. This should be made available as a PDF file downloaded at purchase, and you be included for free as part of student registration at local, regional, and national conferences. Likewise the perpetually up-coming publications need to be released with a companion CD commentary to instruct a beginner, as many Muslims have no clear idea as to how to practice the fundamentals of their faith. This introduction should also be heavily promoted and encouraged.
Furthermore Muslims need access to reliable answers: Zaytuna should set up its own service, particularly for the Maliki maðhab, and should consider partnering with people at SunniPath/Qibla, SeekersGuidance, LivingIslam, TheMedinaWay, & Lamppost Productions and their existing databases of questions and answers. This should be for the purpose of creating a prominent online resource for inquiries and questions on Islam. Included in this endeavour should be an apologia to answer misconceptions.
I hope these suggestions prove useful; tawfiq.
Rafael
http://www.trobador.wordpress.com
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
As Salam Alaikum wa Rahmatullah,
Truly this is a jihad. Alhamdullilah. I think if as many individuals can be as pro-active as possible it would make waves of difference. I personally have talked on my local radio station and given talks in Churches, as well as being forth coming as I can be with talking to neighbours and always making them welcome in my home and the Masjid. I also distribute as much of the dawah brochures we have as possible. I am in the process of arrangeing talks as High Schools and the Library. Due to the overwheliming amount of negative books on Islam in the library we also donated some books, which they were only too happy to put on their shelves. However, overall I think more effective than talking is when we make ourselves visible in activities that benefit the community, such as volunteering at soup kitchens, etc. I have had numerous people come and tell me that they had really believed that Islam taught violence and that they had feared and hated Muslims until they had been enlightened to the truth. Therefore, I recommend all these means, and the more different means we use the more people we will inshaAllah reach.
JazakAllah Shaykh Hamza for the article and we await more practical advice.
May Allah swt make grant you sound health and make your sickness a purification and may He Most High grant all your family wellness and iman. Ameen.
Imran Zeb Posted on 04/15/2011
Dearest Sir,
I hope by the grace of Almighty God this finds you to be in good health. My journey as a practicing Muslim reached a new level in November 2008 when I made a conscious effort to Pray routinely. This undertaking was itself a direct result of hearing a statement you made & as such Sir I always pray for your well being & that God Almighty keeps your feet firm in both this world and the Next.
Sir, it is often exclaimed that understanding stems from knowledge and knowledge itself merely constitutes an assimilation of information-as such it is possible to know without understanding and one can understand without knowing(though the latter is rather more in the realm of metaphysics).Many Orientlists have a sound book knowledge of Islam but have not entered into Islam. I believe it was Imam Malik who stated that true knowledge was itself a light placed into the heart and as such not attained from books. Understanding moreover is socio specific. The common perception of Islam say in the UK or US is starkly removed from that of China, regardless of what the State media may purport Islam to be
I went to a local bookstore in central Shanghai last week to by my wife a birthday gift. I had decided to purchase a copy of The Dream of The Red Chamber (红楼梦) which constitutes one of the four classics of Chinese literature. I was curious as to what books, if any they would have on Islam. Chinese bookstores are strictly monitored and books pertaining to religious propagation are strictly prohibited. Knowing this acutely I should not have been surprised at what subsequently befell me. I walked to the counter and asked for the afore mentioned book. It is always interesting to see Chinese reactions towards non Chinese who speak fluent Chinese. Usually it is surprise, followed by a barrage of questions. I then asked her ‘Excuse me Miss, Do you have any books on Islam’. She looked at me with a confused look and asked in sincerity, ’What is Islam? I smiled at her and said that it was the religion of the ‘Hui Minority. She said she didn’t know any Hui & merely knew that Hui people do not eat pork-because the pig is their ancestor (This is a common belief in China, that the pig is sacred to Muslims/Hui and so not eaten. This fabrication was spread during the Cultural Revolution when China had its equivalent of the Soviet Red Imams who were forced to spout such Doctrine) Han people even today have little access to knowledge about Islam. She was able to find a book about the History of the Hui People China. She asked a number of questions, often replying with the expression ‘hen you yisi’(how interesting!)
Understanding comes from knowing and often there is no chance to know or what is known is not congruous with the reality. Now of course in freer societies where there are indeed a plethora of books which de fame Islam, written by those whose mere aim is to spread misinformation is a real issue. Muslims, amongst many other things however unfortunately lack Scholars who are able to seriously engage with the modern world. This leads often to an over spilling of anger due to, what I see as frustration at the inability to respond accordingly. So I would say the most important factor in responding is indeed understanding our condition & our differing environments. In so doing we will be able to respond effectively.
世上无难事，只怕有心人
PS. Sir, as a man who consumes many a book I would just like to give you the name of the 4 Classics of Chinese Literature & strongly recommend everyone read them-they are insightful as much as they are beautiful-even in translation.
-Romance of the Three Kingdoms(三國演義; sān guó yǎn yì)
-The Water Margin (水滸傳;shuǐ hǔ zhuàn)
-Journey to The West (西遊記; xī yóu jì)
-The Dream Of The Red Chamber(紅樓夢; hóng lóu mèng)
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Asalam Alaikum Warahamat-Allah Wabarakat,
Brother Hamza, May God bless you.. May God place in your heart tranquility, May God grant you success in your goals, with your mission, with your family, and more..
I think I can fill this page with praises of you, but I will not do that for many others have written it already. :)
I was actually a little shocked by how rapidly Islamophobia is spreading in there.. Obviously, to some extent, I did know that the image most people have of Islam is not so good. But as a (half) Japanese, a student -in Japan,- I think there is much more to know about the world. I was upset, as I am always, when I read how there are many anti-Islam books in the bookstores. But, I appreciate your advices, and it has encouraged me to really watch my actions, my speech when I am outside or at home. Because, I think we have to face it, it is quite natural for humans to think that a person from a supposed group represents the whole of that group. I too have experienced it, and I as a Muslim, I hate to admit that because this way of thinking can sometimes be very wrong.
Sorry, I actually wish to write more and summarize my comment better, but due to lack of time, I will be looking forward for your next article. Insha-Allah.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
As salaamu alaikum wa rahmatullaahi wa barakaatuhu,
Ya Shaykh,
I will make heart-felt dua, insha’Allah, that Allah subhaanahu wa ta’aala give you and your family patience and perseverance through all the calamities of life, and specifically the crisis aforementioned.
May Allah keep us all steadfast on the deen, and I really like the “spiritual herd immunity” concept. That’s great, and I also definitely believe it would work, too. I’ve never heard that before but I totally agree that if enough of us were practicing it the beneficial effects would manifest.
May Allah subhaanahu wa ta’aala grant us all success in this world and the next, jazaakAllahu khairan, wassalaamu alaikum wa rahmatullaahi wa barakaatuhu.
AbdulRaheem
P.S. – Let us sincerely heed Shaykh Hamza’s advice! Start the wird (litany)! I can give you a personal account that I’ve been practicing this for a period of time now after hearing bits and pieces from different Shaykh Hamza lectures and I can say it *works*.
Research it, look it up, listen to lectures, ask Shaykha Hamza, whatever you have to do just build a good repertoire of these duas within the litanies and make it a consistent practice in order to reap the physical, spiritual and other-worldly rewards.
Shakyh Hamza has mentioned himself (through other scholars, I believe) that we should not leave an atom’s weight of our regular devotional practice, and that includes these duas. Also, he has mentioned that they are spiritual protection, which we all desperately need.
JazaakAllahu khair for reading this far, barakAllahu feekum, wassalaamu alaikum wa rahmatullaah.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Assalaam-alaikum Shaykh Hamza,
I am enjoying your blog. Your entries are constructive, reflective and well-presented. It is absolutely vital that we increase civic engagement among Muslims, and there are several organisations in the UK which aim to do just that… I run one of them, and while it is very rewarding work, you are right that we urgently need to increase our capacity / resources.
May Allah bless you and grant you a speedy recovery.
Yours sincerely,
Tehmina Kazi
London, UK
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Salama’likoum,
JazakAllahokheir for your advice regarding prayer for community. I used to pray for me first, my family and my closest friend but now more and more I pray for muslims in general.
I think I have understood what you want to say even if english is not my mother tongue. But, there is one point, I think it’s not easy to establish : “Strengthen and grow Muslim organizations”
I mean : the more I learn about islam the more it seems, in our time, that believers are very few. So, how to investigate time on this project if people around us, who say “I am muslim” is not really one , because he is not following the Sunna. It’s quite scary right ? we need to have good people on which we can trust, true believers !
al hamdulilah, there is some but we don’t have structure nor serious organization so that we can work towards that.
Here, as far as I am concerned, it’s like the begining of the begining :) what we do is : all our best in our speciality. I hope… gift Allah gave us, we have to share it. That’s what I have understood. But doing good together ,like A Oumma, I don’t see that..yet…
Thanks in advance for more explanation towards that issue.
Salama’likou
muslima
France
NB : May Allah help you and your family. As you certainly know it, all believers should be tested. May Allah give you success.
TAHOUR INSHA’ALLAH.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Salaamu alaikum,
We need to educate ourselves on the Muslim institutions that DO exist and are getting it right in a relevant, steady way. No fly-by-night operations concerned with arcane theological points.
Once we identify those orgs (Zaytuna, Nawawi Institute, etc.) we must put our money where our mouth is. If we don’t have the money we should use all means necessary to introduce other Muslims to these orgs and their work.
I lived in a community where most people seemed completely unaware of the community that has built up around Zaytuna. It was only until I helped bring Usama Canon to town that that city finally heard speakers who inspired them, and they are now “connected.” (UC is a great speaker to bring to your community, by the way).
Zaytuna should have a speakers bureau list so it can send people out to different cities that request it. Right now Caifornia is hogging all the up-and-coming imams and students of knowledge. I hope they will begin to take up residence in other states too so that this burst of indigenous Muslim scholarship is not limited to Cali. The East Coast is particularly plagued by narrow strands of conservatism which by their nature do not develop lasting institutions.
~ thecivilmuslim.wordpress.com
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Assalamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu my beloved Shaykh,
Your articles are very much appreciated and are always a source of guidance Alhamdulillah. I am sure I am not alone in saying, though, that you are free to take as much time as you like. You have given us so much of your time and effort; waiting a bit for an article is the least we can do.
May Allah ta’ala reward and protect you and your family. Please remember this brother in your du’a.
- Jibran
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Assalaamu’alaikum sidi.
I pray all is well with you and your family. Jazaakumullah khair for sharing your thoughts with us. I was excited to hear of your blog.
In order to counter those who attack islam: could someone like yourself not write a point-by-point rubuttal of what they say. This would help not only those who are fair-minded and who wish to understand this religion but also those muslims who wonder what the response to these accusations is?
I look forward to hearing from you.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Dear Sheikh Hamza,
As always thank you for your insights. I hope and pray that Allah rewards u for u patience and perseverance.
But I would like to add my own two cents. I believe that one problem that Muslims are facing in the West is that there is a lack of a strong political or economic Muslim class that can help to combat a lot of the stereotypes. The Anti-Defamation League must have had a few prominent but powerful backers to help it stand up for them in addition to the masses. Much like Uthman ibn Affan (may God be pleased with him) who spent from his own money to help the cause of Islam, the Muslims need the power and clout of the powerful and prominent amongst them to help finance their organizations. The problem is when there are few powerful or economically wealthy Muslims.
What Muslims I believe really lack is a strong highly successful class of businessmen, politicians or whatever that are concerned about the current rhetoric aimed at Islam.
Once again thank you very much for your insights.
Ibrahim Said
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Barak Allahu feekum, Ya Ustadhana ‘l-azeez, wa shafaak Allahu ‘l-Adheem.
May God protect you and your family and bless you in your time and work.
Jazakum Allahu khayran for engaging us via this blog. It is heartening and beneficial.
I love you for the sake of God.
‘Abd al-Rahman
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
May Allah Most High grant you shifa and ease your difficulties. Amin.
Jazak Allah for posting this thoughtful answer; it is very helpful.
Your last post actually helped me dialogue with my mother, who is a Christian missionary. It is important for Muslims to talk with non-Muslims especially family members that are open-minded, even if we ultimately agree to disagree. Explaining our beliefs and understanding where White Anglo-Saxon Protestants are coming from is very important. It reduces fears and misgivings (some of which are baseless and others quite genuine). In this emotionally charged climate it is easy to feel hate or intense anger toward “the other,” which is destructive interpersonally, emotionally and spiritually.
That is why your second and third recommendations are extremely helpful. We need to act in a constructive way to address the prevailing stereotypes and media bias. Otherwise, alienation sets in. We have to reach out to each other and our co-religionists, even if they support the 700 Club and religiously listen to Rush Limbaugh. In point of fact, if they belong to the Religious Right it is imperative that we do so. I dare say, most Christians (even conservatives) do not want to hate anyone but they tend to listen to rhetoric that engenders fear and gross misconceptions. We need to interrupt that conversation and prove that extremists are a minority. Mainstream Muslims are peaceful, non-violent citizens of this great nation, who want stop hate crimes just as much as they do.
May Allah the Exalted grant you good in this life and the next. Amin.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
salaam
inshallah i hope your family is well and that you remain healthy
i agree with all the above. i think that if we aren’t praying at night and spiritually refined, it will be hard to bear these hardships and have patience.
i have some practical suggestions that i would like your feedback on:
1. “Million Muslim March”
I watched much of the Rally to Restore Sanity put on by Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. I was impressed by the numbers and the message. How about a similar idea for muslims? How about a rally at the Mall where thousands of Muslims are flying American flags and wearing American colors yet hold signs with their love of Islam. Picture a mall scene similar to the sanity one but have Muslim veterans in the military speaking about defending freedom as Americans and as Muslims. Have famous Muslims like Muhammad Ali, Dave Chapelle, Lupe Fiasco, Hakeem Olajuwon appear because they are a part of the American fabric now. This would show Americans the visibility of Muslims and how human we are in much the same way that people who watched the jon stewart rally felt about yusuf islam. he was a hit at the rally!
2. Creating narratives
The problem with America’s perception of muslims is that they are just ignorant of Islam and muslims. We need to create PR campaigns that humanize Muslims and make people understand that we are normal citizens. The Pew Study from a few years ago shows that if you know a Muslim, you have a more favorible impression of Islam. Here are ideas:
a. Start blogging about life as an american Muslim
b. encourage writing/arts/drama that integrate muslim themes into american culture. the muslim hip hop scene is great example of this. outlandish and kareem salama are other great examples!
c. organize activities that provide american muslim stories. things like storycourt thru npr or organizing a night at a public library where you can talk about growing up as an american of islamic faith
d. for our immigrant parents, lets collect their stories of leaving their countries and how they came to america and how they love being muslim in america kind of like the one thousand roads to mecca book but something like 1000 muslims roads to america.
3. becoming civically involved at a local level like PTA boards, school educations boards where your influence is going to be greatest
just some thoughts
salaams
shamael haque
detroit, michigan
ps. much of these ideas come from a book called “a whole new mind” by daniel pink who recommends right brain activities for our age. right brain activities are stories, arts, etc.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
May God make things easy for you. Amin.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Asalaam Alaikum Shaykh,
The first couple of sentences of this post saddened me, I hope InshAllah you are feeling better and that your family is doing well. I have listened to so many of your lectures and have benefitted so much from your insight and the thought of you feeling overwhelmed truly saddens me. I hope that this entire ummah keeps you and your family in their duas, I truly feel that you are a blessing and I thank Allah SWT for bringing people like yourself into this beautiful deen.
Thank you again for starting this blog and continuously offering advice to the seekers. May Allah SWT reward you and protect you and your family.