When Islam was presented to me, I was presented a religion of worshiping One God alone and as a practical solution for mankind’s social ills. It was a road map for improving our lives. I was told about an Islam that is about togetherness, sharing, caring and strengthening familial bonds. An Islam that was about creating communities, doing business together and uplifting people.
I was told about an Islam that promoted the equality of all men and no person is superior to the other except by his righteousness. An Islam that eschewed racism. I was told about an Islam that was about kindness to neighbors regardless of religion. Islam and Muslims were known as a force for good in the community and a sign that things are going to be cleaned up. This is the Islam that I know and love. An Islam of hope, love, kindness, concern and mercy. An Islam that promoted a mosque that affected the community around it in a positive manner and met the needs of a broken people. An Islam that was PART of the community and not apart from it. An Islam that provided a place for outsiders
A Muslim was a symbol in many neighborhoods - AMERICAN NEIGHBORHOODS - of standing for justice and making improvement in one’s life. A Muslim man was the personification of manly pride and responsibility to his family and his community.
I was told of an Islam that spoke of God’s Infinite Love and Mercy for His creation. I was told of an Islam that inspired people to make positive changes to their lives. I was told of an Islam that offers to serve others and offered solid solutions to problems. All of these things were attractive and this is the Islam that people were flocking to in the 1990’s. This is the Islam I accepted
Now all of those things are a “waste of time”. This new “Islam” is about hate, killing, rape and murder. I am told by a person visiting this site that I should be praising the daily carnage that I see on the news and to believe in wacky conspiracy theories and blood libel. (I have been accused several times by my co-religionists of being a spy and a closet Zionist)
Now I am told that I never understood Islam and that the things I mentioned above represent an “American” Islam and hence bidah (rejected innovation) and that I should accept this “real Islam”
Nowadays I see people coming to these boards trying to convince me that Islam is actually not about the things I mention above. No! Islam is about hate. You don’t pray FOR people, you pray AGAINST them and invoke the worse CURSES you can think of upon them. You don’t talk about God’s Love, you constantly talk about His Wrath. We should be fire breathing dragons that hate and invoke curses upon people.
I am now told by these people that there is no family togetherness or community building in Islam. Oh and by the way, that thing about all human beings being equal except by righteousness? Cancel that! The Arabs are superior to all men. They now tell me that Islam is firmly grounded in a medieval social order where Arabs are on top and I (as a black) am on the bottom.
I just don’t recognize this “Islam” of hate, murder, rape, stealing, explosions and chaos and I hate this “Islam” passionately. This is why I am so vehemently opposed to this “Islam” of Bin Laden and the other creeps. You see, I was told about a very different Islam than the one that we see on TV and hear about on the media and even the one that some Muslims try to promote. This new “Islam” that we see now would have been very strange in the 1990s to those of us who were accepting Islam. This is just not the Islam we were sold. And we would have never ‘bought’ it in the first place.
I find it very strange that I would be criticized by any Muslim for my rejection of throat cutting, rape and murder as being a part of Islam as if it were a pillar of some sort. I am not familiar with this Islam that calls for a lack of love and human emotion, but now this is what we hear. Slavish dogmatism, slogans and a culture of death.
Because of the lack of emphasis on self improvement (denounced as alien to Islam) and cloaking failure as “religious commitment” a Muslim is now one that is mired in many of the social ills that the rest of community suffers from. Because of this new “Islam”, Islam has begun to cease to be a force for positive change in the inner cities.
It has gotten so bad that a person will say to a Muslim: “you are too rational to be a Muslim” or they think that he is about to leave Islam or it will be said to him “you are not like them“
Now I am finding more Muslims from the 90’s era that are even beginning to think a “bait and switch” has been pulled on them and are confused because of the mass chaos set off by the Bin Ladens of the world
This is why I reject this “Islam” of carnage, irrationality, social disorder and murder. I accepted an Islam of problem solving, love and rational thought. That is an Islam that people can accept and live with.
Filed under: Black American Muslims, Convert Issues | Tagged: good Islam, Muslim
Man, you need to hang out with Muslims on the path of Tasawwuf.
Preach on brother.
[...] Tariq Nelson: I was told of an Islam that spoke of God’s Infinite Love and Mercy for His creation. I was told [...]
I dont have anything I could add to that Brother. Thanks.
Sir,
I am totally at loss to describe my emotions after reading this. Your article has really shown me the another or more preferably the good and the real form of Islam. I suppose you may excuse me for saying this that before reading this article i had a very different view about Islam. But now due you i am able to think differently about it. I would only like to say ‘Thanks’.
Remember dont judge the people(Muslims) but the Religion that ALLAH (swt) sent…Keep you faith in Allah and in yourself and family because you need to save yourself and your family from the fire.
“bait and swtich”
I love it! I have been trying to come up with the right words for 10 years, and THAT says it all!
“bait and switch”
PERFECT description!
Tariq, you are feeling the world with filth. Unfortunately, you are speaking of issues that you have been exposed to (directly or indirectly). You are giving a bleak picture of who we are and what we stand for. Quite frankly, the statements you gave earlier is a misrepresentation of facts. It’s simply not true.
Don’t get me wrong, but I think you give a simplistic spiel on our current status as Muslims in this country. It is clear that you are over exaggerating the disadvantages of who you identify with (or who you call “co-religionists”) I personally know you and I suggest you seek therapy.
The problem is, you are right on some things and totally wrong on others. That will only make it more difficult for you to be developed into what you should be. Some helpful hints would be to pass your articles to a mentor of yours, to get a better feel of how to develop effectiveness. Right now, at your current rate, you are harming many and benefiting few.
Salaam
Tariq you know many times AA told you to watch out for the old Bait and Switch that was coming. Tell me that others did not warn you. THE MALCOM X ROMATICISM WAS POLITICAL EXPEDIENCY. We have to wise and not naive of people’s true intention at cultural domination under the guise jihad and arabism
Its okay brother just return to your own and build and uplift.
Salaam
Even in 2001 when I accepted Islam after 9/11 it was still the same bro - so it was not just the 90’s. I think that these kinds of people and their approach has grown exponentially in the last few years only, although they always existed in the fringes - except Muslims knew to avoid them. Right now it is becoming that they are somehow looked up on as ‘religious’ when they never were before.
[...] “Good Islam” October 19th, 2007 — Dr Esam Omeish Tariq Nelson has an outstanding article on the kind of Islam that he accepted and that we all know and love Posted in Muslim Americans. [...]
Islam is NOT Buddhism, hey kid. It’s an ideology, its religion and state, it’s the source of inspiring everything you talked about here AND revolt against the tyrants and oppressors too, COWARD.
Salaam alaikum Brother Tariq,
I can’t imagine what all this negativity must be doing to your iman and heart. You’re basically getting dumped on by both sides–the so-called Muslim extremists and racist right-wing extremists. I’m glad you are living in the DC area where there are a lot of positive Muslims doing good things in the community. Surround with these Muslims as much as possible because these folks who are attacking you may gnaw away at your faith.
It’s sad but the reality is that there are some really sick people in this world. They have dark, hardened hearts. Some hearts are so hard that no amount of reason, mercy or civility can soften them. You can site Biblical or Qur’anic scripture-you can even can even try to appeal to their God-given common sense. Racism, intolerance, and hatred are diseases that can, if left unchecked, destroy a person’s soul.
But only God Most High can change and all you can do is pray for them and ignore them. You gotta keep away from those people because they are poisonous and I’ve known some Muslims whose hearts were totally drained by their negativity. Besides, truth always drives away falsehood and as the old folks say, “God don’t like ugly.”
Many duas
Izzy Mo
Look where these nominal Muslims get their ‘textual evidence’ from: “old folks”!!! HAHAHAHAH. And is that “God don’t like ugly” a verse in your qoran too, Izzy Mo? Oh, such a screwed name for a Muslim trying to hide his Islamic name, I guess.
Btw, Tariq, the only Arab who’s been wasting time here is me. And like you retarded friend from Philly, you will keep accusing me of racism and that I called for Arab supremacy. All my posts are available, everyone is welcome to read them carefully, and no one but a bigot and an Afrocentric like you and the idiot from Philly will come up with the conclusion that I’m a racist Arab. You may not be NOI, but you breathe like them, idiot.
One like me wouldn’t fall into racism, idiot. I know Islam way more than you and all your ilk.
Your head is screwed on backwards, you and all these brainwashed West-worshipping “Muslims”. Go on spreading the news from an American perspective, we don’t care, we don’t need your support, Allah is with us, we’ll liberate Palestine, Iraq, and Sudan will NOT break up (Darfurians are our brothers, and it is your American masters who should have some courage and allow the media to make full reports on their massacres in Iraq and Palestine before they hypocritically defend black Darfurians -a hoax only idiots like you would believe, moron!). We’ll open gates of hell to ANY invading troops, and to Hell Allah will cast all the munafiqs in our ranks.
hey Tariq, CHECK THIS OUT:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=F6vTG3PnAzo
I know you only find credibility when a non-Muslim talks, so there you go.
But don’t forget to call it “conspiracy theory” because it doesn’t suit your whims, okay?
@ Izzy
I have received hundreds of hate emails from both sides. It is amazing how much they are alike. However I am sad to say that while the racists have sent some very racist things, (those were only words) many of them did not reach the viciousness of some of my co-religionists who have made some of the most vile and hateful threats you can ever imagine. I just don’t get it.
This is why I had to post on me email contact page that I WILL REPORT them if that continued. The threats stopped at that point.
Finally, yes, alhamdulillah there are lots of Muslims here in the DC area and many are doing a lot of good work in the community at large. Unfortunately it is these loud mouths that talk of drinking blood and slitting throats that get the attention
new movie “911 an inside job”, coming to LA this Nov 10th:
http://zeitgeistmovie.com
Tariq hates them. Islamists must be behind everything in the world, including probaby his parents parting years ago.
Tariq:
What you and Izzy failed to mention is that: it’s not only extremists and right-wingers attacking you. There are progressive and centrist people aiming their sights at you also. Take a look at your last ten blog post. Tabulate the criticisms, corrections, advise givers, sympathizers and “yeah, preach on brother” types.
You will find that there are a big portion of people in the middle of what you and Izzy mentioned. Now I might just say I am one of them. I, by know means whatsoever, believe in murders, killings and shootings. But I think you are WRONG in a lot of the approaches you take, the different angle you (supposedly) present and the so called solutions you betray to create by writing in the manner you do.
I agree with Falls Church, Umm Sultan and Izzy. On your blog, you should STILL abide by the sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessing of Allah) and not abandon his way. It seems to me that you rant and rave about Muslims returning to their deen, but you pose a bad example of how to do so.
Don’t get me wrong, I believe in solutions, I also believe in creating discussions; but what you are doing is pouring out your scorn over the World Wide Web for everyone to see. In fact, you are very valuable to our enemies. You have become one of the top-tier referrals to show others why NOT to join Islam! Don’t you see?
Salaam
Br Tariq
Keep up the excellent work and don’t let the nay sayers stop you from doing the outstanding work you have done in the community
Hussam,
OK which is it? I thought that you guys praised the hijackers for being the “magnificent 19″. OBL has continuously praised them. Bakri has praised them. Extremists that you know and love have praised them and their actions. You still deny that they did it even after they admitted it and praised it?
Salaam’Alaikum Wahrahmatullah
Autho billhai mina shaytanir rajeem
BismillahirRahminir Rahim
Dear Brother Nelson:
Before I say what I “need” to say I want to make it clear that I do believe in freedom of speech, I do believe people have a right to disagree with each other, and I do believe that you can’t change what you don’t acknowledge. I do believe some of your articles both here and at the Muslim link have been accurate and beneficial to a degree. Your blog has given us an outlet to vent, to exchange ideas and even opportunities. Your blog has given those of us who are truly recovering from what you call a movement/cult the affirmation that we were not crazy, it wasn’t just in our heads, and we should move forward now.
Constructive criticism strengthens communities and you offer much indeed, but it remains to be seen, if you are sincerely open to receiving it yourself.
( I’m listing as a way to keep it short and simple, not trying to be sarcastic.)
1) You do an excellent job of denouncing terrorism, and you do an excellent job of denouncing Islamic extremism. I personally applaud your courage to call out the brokenness you see in our families in the Muslim community. But you do come off as a hypocrite becuase you write for and are affiliated with certain Masjids in the MD, DC,VA area, that although may not be of the same strain as the Salafi’s talked about on UmarLee’s blog, are known to be another type of Salafi. Also, these Masjids have been in the Washington Post becuase they are being investigated by our government and some have had parishioners incarcerated, and deported for terrorist related charges.
2) I am an African American woman, and I’m also a mother of what I know to be a beautiful, intelligent, and inspiring daughter. Many of your articles about our people in both the “mainstream” communities and sects are very negative and no solutions are offered to those who have already made bad decisions ( although I would never call a child a bad decision or a mistake not only for psychological reasons but Allah has a Qadar whether it we accept it or reject it.) I personally “feel” that as a result of your articles, and also a certain Imam I pray Allah exposes, paints all African American Muslims with the same brush. We are all like that. I think that’s unfair and a bit slanderous. I have never read an article about a happy African American Muslim family and what they are doing? I’m not sure if it’s time constraints on your part, but there were several “men” and women who asked you what could they do to improve themselves if they have already made “bad decisions”- brother, you never responded, at least on this blog. I’d also be cautious in advising people about their family with out the proper legal consultation, and mental health/social services support.
- an example of all of us AA’s being painted with the same brush is the home school debate that occurred in your kindergarten article. That was the most one sided, unbalanced, negative discussion I’ve ever seen on home education in the United States. Mainstream sources were cited and completely dismissed becuase of negative stereotyping.
Just my two cents for what it’s worth. When I first accidentally stumbled on this blog I half to admit I felt very discouraged, and a bit depressed about my decision to remain Muslim. Now that I’m a mom, I wake up everyday, and wonder how my daughter is going to fit into this very complicated, frusterating, Muslim community, and half the time, I don’t even want her to becuase I no longer want to.
Salaam’Alaikum
Brother Hussam Hariri
There is no need to call Brother Nelson or anybody else out of their name, no matter how much you disagree with their views.
Be the bigger man and just walk away.
Rest your soul and move on.
It’s doing wonders for me. : )
Salaam
Borther Tariq,
I’m a Seeker’s comments are part of a pattern I see on your blog…
“I’m a Seeker”
Thank you for the kind words
On your first point, I do not write for and associate with anyone that supports terrorism. Yes some people have been arrested on charges, but - even if they are guilty - that should not smear the entire community with that. I am willing to work with people to get message out that things need to change. I don’t know a single person that I work with that disagrees with my stance on terror.
On #2, on several occasions I have given solutions as well as posted opportunities I have found for scholarships and practical advice for people leaving the cult mentality to get their lives back into order. My shining the light on these problems has not been pretty, but these are the facts. I have received tons of hate mail and even sadistic death threats for bringing these things to light. Some obscure newspaper has accused me of working with zionists. In a small community in the south (they know who they are) it is a so-called “well known fact” that I am an FBI agent trying to destroy Islam from the inside. But I am - for now - undeterred in trying to act to solve problems and work to do so in the community. This is not to brag, but to explain that I am a man of not just words but of action. Anyone who knows me, knows that.
I do not give any legal advice. Anyone making legal decisions based on my blog is out of their mind. I speak in general terms.
As for your last paragraph, you have no idea how often I have people to write or say to me that they are just struggling to remain Muslim because of these horrible experiences and what is going on. I wish that I could give a rosier picture, but I can not.
However, the good news is that more people are listening and taking initiative to do something about the problems. These shyster “Imams” and “students of knowledge that use and abuse women are not going to be able to get away with this any more as people become more educated about this crap
People have really been through it and MANY people are hurting. Trust me…I feel the pain as well
And finally, I certainly have no intention to smear all African-Americans. I am one myself
Hussam even justified the slaughter of Shi’as by the Taliban, you guys expect him to be civil?
Good post Tariq.
On another topic I was just thinking about the Dajjal and wanted to remind all about it….Remember Allah (SWT) will send him after the Imams stop talking about him on the membar, and after 3 years of drought across the planet starting with 1/3 less… There is extreme drought now. What better time than now to restore your Iman memorize surah Kalf. The times before and after the Dajjal will be worse than we can ever imagine…So is it reallly that bad now? Allah (swt) knows best. Everything that I said right came from Allah and everything wrong came from me.
Hussam: are you a crackhead?
A strong and excellent post. Dear Brother
Every Muslim should read it all over the world. Let them scream and rant and rave and name-call. Allah knows the Truth. And all who love peace and knowledge and reason and justice and mercy will applaud. Bravo!
Ya Haqq!
MR,
Why am I a crackhead, you cross-eyed? You won’t run away with a one-liner. Prove me wrong, coward.
Hussam, post a pic AND your location if you’re not a coward.
If you’re anywhere near Dallas, I’d have no problem meeting up with you in person for a “debate”.
Showing you my pic is of what use to you?
I’m not the famous InshallahShaheed. It’s enough that I don’t use any anonymizers (if that’s what they’re called), my IP I believe is at the mercy of this ignoramus running this blog, and you have my full name, and I know I didn’t support killing innocents EVER (nor did InshallahShaheed, from what I know).
As for debating you,….you are a Shia-lover, what kind of a debate would I hold with someone like you??? At least these ignorant nomianl Sunnis maybe I have some common ground with them, but YOU????? loool, you’re hopeless!!! FORGET IT. Plus, I’ve seen your comments on my comments ever since I knew these 2 pathetic blgos (unfortunately): you are all about rumours and myths, can’t back anything up, you just make fun and belittle and move on, like the rest of these ignorant Sunnis who look like you. you all belong to the same cult of Ignorance.
And these ignorants here who criticize us…for what? Killing innocents and raping women by Islamists (in Algeria, as alleged) we say it never happened, and if they refer to 9/11, I believe the US gov’t allowed it to happen to use it as a pretext for what eventually followed. OBL and the Islamists are naive, I read what they say in their forums. They think the 2 towers fell because of the airplanes. I know he planned and perpetrated the attacks, and he was indeed the one in that video sitting with a handicapped man, laughing at the falling of the towers, but the US gov’t perfected the plot, so they are also responsible but no one is pointing fingers at them, and perhaps never will.
And I believe there is a punishment for a Muslim who kills a non-Muslim for no reason. But I also know that actions are judged by intentions, NOT OUTCOMES. I mean, if OBL could secure empty airplanes fully fueled, and hit the towers when none were there, I don’t think he’d have hated that. I hate knowing that 3000 people died then, but what about more than 300,000 Palestinians dead since Israel was established by the Western powers? What about more than 3 million Iraqis since the war of liberation of Kuwait, the economic embargo, and the current invasion??? What about 6.5 million Algerians at the hands of French colonials??? Not to forget the other areas for when Muslims died at the hands of kafirs (and don’t count here what you call Muslims killing Musilms. It was hardly anything like that when it happened after the first civil wars during the Sahaabah’s times -their wars were of peculiar nature, due to ta’weel from both sides, and the fitnah caused by the first Shia, the Saba’ites, other than that…it was always heretics killing Muslims, like the Alawite Syrian regime of Assad against Sunnis of Hamah, killed more than 20,000 people.)
And I said it before: revenge killings of 9/11 (even if the intention was to strike America’s economic arteries and its military and political centers of defense and governing) are ugly and they defame Islam. It’s problematic that we have Quranic verses that allow punishing the enemy like he punished us, but we don’t have to apply those verses, esp. when we are commanded right after that part to be patient instead!!! 9/11 shouldn’t have happened, and so said al-Qaeda’s #1 thinker Abu Mus’ab the Syrian in a 1600+ page book that Jihadists themselves ban because he disagreed with OBL on these attacks!!! The book (described by Ameicans to be the ‘Munual to become a Jihadi’ is itself boycotted and not hosted on Jihadists’ #1 site for Jihadi literature!!!)
I have nothing to fear. I only said we have the right to fight and resist American occupation and hegemony over the Muslim world, and that includes fighting and elmininating all collaboraters and agents, be them the rulers now or even the fake muslim scholars / imams / mullahs who issue fatwas in favour of the ruling regimes.
Instead of raising awareness to the danger of US foreign policy on the welfare of Americans, Tariq chooses to whip the victims even further by giving the Americans more reasons to target Muslims (and when they do, they do so indiscriminantly, and he knows that, or he’s just an idiot).
Instead of calling the Americans to revolt against the political system that’s run by fundamentalist jews and christians in america, he’s providing them with support to go on with their religion-based plans for the middle east: the return of THEIR messiah on the skulls of Muslims!!!
Educate the Americans about Christian Zionism, you idiot!!!!! Shed light on Muslim suffering that OBL is using to justify his attacks!!!! Tell the White House to leave the Musilm world alone, to let us choose our leaders with Shura (democratic elections, but with Sharia implemented), and to exercise the right of independent political will for our leaders!!!! and control of our riches (the oil), and the right to be left alone if we choose to unite in one islamic empire again (the caliphate).
will they leave us alone then, Tariq? because that’s what we want only, not their blood or land!!!!
I have my proofs from quran that i can’t take my news from neither western media nor state-run arab / muslim media, because the former are kafirs, and the latter are hypocrites and apostates. the idiot who thinks i believe muslims dont lie..should read what i just said. i dont call them believers those who lie. the prophet told us they’re not.
and i believe the islamists when they say they didn’t kill innocents. of course revenge killings like that of daniel pearl are stupid, just like the retarded “nutters” (yes, I quote Tariq here) who raise stupid slogans in their demonstrations here in the West, including the Islamic Thinkers’ Society of idiots), I believe they all should be deported to where they are originally from. I am one who’s against foreign policy of America, and the deception being spread about others. Wallahi if the others were Communists, I’d still spread what the Communists say is the truth of the matters. It’s a matter of principle here, not necessarily that of me siding with Islamists because they belong to my religion!!! I seek the truth wherever it is.
Can’t put your money where your mouth is, huh? Typical of e-jihadi cowards.
I have been struggling with the same feelings these past years. In fact, it has felt suspiciously akin to all the hypocrisy I balked at in the Christian church. Lately, I find that I am keeping my religious worship very private so I don’t get tainted by the wackos.
Salaam Alaikum,
PM
Hariri is not a crackhead, he is a Palestinian.
Danial,
won’t put myself where your likes want me to be. that is for sure.
Eliza,
just another Western agnostic WHORE.
Peacefulmuslimah:
Don’t allow Tariq’s article beguile you from worshipping in public (or whatever you meant) faith is not meant to be contained. I am sure that there is much chaos in your community (mine as well) ,but do you think you will enter Jannah without trials?
This world is full of people. We must not seclude ourselfs from others because we don’t like them. We must create energy for them to take from - in order that they may have the provision to carry on. This is what I think brother Tariq’s articles lack: energy. They lack what Allah encourages us to give to each other in Surah Asr “…except those who encourage others to the truth and those who encourage others to patience.” The lesson is: encourage one another to patience.
People of the hereafter gain energy from one another. For this reason, I am critical of Tariq’s “different angles”. You did not become a Muslim to live in a perfect society (not to belittle its importance), you became Muslim for Allah. And I assure you, the greater your faith is, the more the fear of worshipping in public (whatever that means) depletes.
You have a bright future (if Allah Wills) you just need others to coach you along the way. Not zapping you of the little air you have left… [real] knowledgeable people will show you HOW to persevere, achieve and be successful. Hang in there!
Salaam
Hussam: It was a serious question, not a one-liner. No joke.
PS - If you think I’m a coward, then tell me where to meet you
Eliza - Hussam may be a crackhead, but he doesn’t represent all Palestinians. I know plenty who are much saner and exhibit the noble character of the beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) unlike Hussam.
split the Quran in good and bad sura and you will see
Tariq:
Can we get your reaction?
This is horrible and I don’t know what type of Muslims you call yourselves, but there are many bloggers here with mental instabilities. Silence is golden. Ignorance is not bliss. This is not the sunnah and this blog is not conducted with mutual consultation.
MR, my question was why you think I’m a “crackhead”? All I said is basic Islam, which if you (and your “Palestinian” friends) don’t accept, you’re outside the fold of Islam automatically, you stuipd idiot. You can all spare me the time and go to Hell right now and not later.
Yalla, ya idiot, show me where I went wrong with what I said. I extend my generous offer to you, ya 7mar: you have all the time in this world, and some cash, if you prove me wrong from Quran and Sunnah.
Hariri is probably right, and muslims of good sense and good will are deluding themselves.
My sympathies to you who were born into this coil. Converts may become dismayed and leave, as the teeth of what they are embracing become apparent.
“Gone Palestinian” may become a phrase like “gone postal”.
Hariri I hope you keep a bucket of cold water and a defibrillator handy. I imagine you as sitting like Marat in a bath of rage and hate, the computer on a board across your tub.
Salaam alaikum Tariq,
It takes a lot of courage to bring up issues that people want to remain hidden. We can’t expect you to come up with solutions for everything. But it is important that we begin to work on coming up with answers. One thing is that we need to ask our community leaders, scholars, and imams to begin to address these issues. I get tired of Muslim leaders more concerned about PR than addressing issues that are directly affecting all of us. A lot of people say “that’s not Islam” or “if we lived in an ideal Islamic society.” Who is willing to take action so that we can implement our Islamic ideals in this society or any other. People are so prone to build this imaginary Islam in the sky, while so many problems on the ground fester. I believe strongly in the distinction between Islam and the practices of Muslims. But that does not mean that we as Muslims should not be constatly striving to hold true to those ideals. But if we continually try to hide the problems in our communities, and tell people that their lives will be all fixed and everything will be easy for them when they convert, then there will converts who feel like somebody pulled the old bait and switch.
As for the critics of Tariq’s blog, I say this with the best of intentions. You can also be a part of the solution by offering solutions. On this blog I have read entries from some desperate and troubled Muslims. But I don’t know of anyone who has offered to help them or speak with them in order to work out their problems. I don’t see too many places where people who are struggling can get sound advise and encouragement. We need inspiring stories also.
Margari,
You people don’t want to believe that our countries are controlled by bandits who draw legitimacy from their military power or direct Western support.
Muslims are NOT allowed to choose their leaders, because the West knows that only ones with strong Islamic leanings will come to power (that’s why you no longer hear Bush talking about democracy in the Middle East, because it only means Islamists rising to power -not those of al-Qaeda, but Islamism means ’state and religion’ almost all the time, and part of our religion is Jihad, Jihad as in ‘defending our lands against any outside sway’).
We are not allowed to advance (as in becoming industrial nations; we are allowed to only remain consumers of outsiders’ products). Just today on Aljazeera was a report that at least 50% of Arabs are UNEMPLOYED!!!!!!!! Failed states, indeed, but who to blame??? The leaders, yes, but can we topple them??? We’re not allowed!! When did you last hear of a popular revolt against an Arab leader that either went unnoticed in the media or crushed ruthlessly???
We are run by very ignorant puppets of the West. No one should shamelessly claim its something inherent in us that we’re where we are!!! Egypt gained independence pretty much when Japan and Germany came out of the WWII, but why are the 2 latter countries where they are now while Egypt is going from bad to worse? Because Egypt is majority Arab and Muslim, it’s not allowed to prosper. When Saudi started exporting wheat, the Americans were like: “whoa whoa, easy easy, who’s gonna buy our wheat???” so Saudia had to cool things down and just kill its own national projects so that the neo-colonialists can continue to sell their goods.
The only solution is Islamists coming to power, and ruling by Islamic Shari’ah. Never in human history did prosperity and equal opportunities were available to all but under Islam, to the point that when the subjects starved, the ruler would starve with them, and Zakat is given out equally until no one needed money (like at the time of Omar bin Abdul-Aziz, the Umayyid caliph).
This is when there were no usurous dealings, credit cards, or bank loans.
They should leave our countries alone, and our people to regain independence and overthrow the tyrants who cripple our economies and keep us at the consumption level. But the West won’t allow this to happen easily.
Look at how Europe is uniting, despite all the differences in languages and religions, while the vast Arab world (one language, one religion) isn’t allowed to (because of the greedy bastards on top, and the Western worry from the threat of an Arab political union on the southern shores of the Mediterreanean).
We have it all, the raw materials (Japan has none), the brains, the money, the strategic location, we are high birth rates (so our societies aren’t aging, our population is not near extinction like Europe’s, we don’t need immigratns), YET…we are where we are.
And you don’t want to tell me this is a conspiracy to keep the Muslims down???????
I don’t blame the political divisons among Arab or Muslims states, for Muslim Spain enjoyed its height of civilization during the ages of petty states. Those emirs of those petty states were competing with their Muslim-Arabic rival states in reaching new heights of modernity, scientific innovations, and cultural advancement. That’s what happens when there is political will fuelling societal advancement. This could happen in any country where those ruling are educated and aware of the needs in their eras. But when you are ruled by thieves, who remain entrenched in power by Western support, you get the contemporary ‘Arab world’.
Nothing will change until Western support for Arab tyrants ceases, and Arab / Muslim peoples overthrow the ruling regimes and replace them with Islamic ones.
This will happen eventually, our Prophet told us. But it will take time (because the conspirators are so cunning, but Allah plans their destruction too), and I believe the process of liberation has started already, and you’ll see its fruit in your lifetime.
This will conclude my unfortunate visit to this blog, stubborn, arrogant ignorants may now thrive uninterrupted, but we’ll meet before Allah in the Day of Judgement.
Hariri describes the Arab world as a passive entity
controlled by the West. He is possessed by delusions of Islamic Utopia, hope he lives long enough to see them crash.
Margri:
Cc: Tariq
As a matter of clarification, I (and others) am not criticizing all of Tariq’s work. In fact, there is a lot of good he does in the community and in this blog. However, I am referring to this particular article (and a few others) not generalizing like you have done in your rebuttal. Once you generalize, you miss the opportunity to see the constructive nature of the advise I posed.
I take issue with pouring out problems without the solution attached! There are ways of raising awareness (and being effective) than revealing controversial issues to the whole world to view. Malcolm X made a profound statement when he said “we should not argue and discuss our differences on the sidewalk, if you did that, they would call you uncouth, savage and uncivilized. You don’t do that -you do it behind close doors…” [or like he said it] and I ask you, what about the old saying “never let them see you sweat”. You know the one, the one maw and paw taught us.
Your argument is that these issues need to be raised. I agree, where we disagree is method, messenger’s competency, and the message itself. We must find ways to bring these issues up, without showcasing it on the World Wide Web (in this way). One way to do this is focus groups, members (muslim) only blog, lectures, 1-800-numbers, counseling sessions, etc. You must win by-in from the Imams, Kateebs and knowledgeable people. And convey to THEM the seriousness of these issues. I don’t agree with going behind our backs throwing spit-balls at us is helpful. There is too much harm involved.
There is a verse in the Qur’an that refers to others bringing their issues to the proper people. That’s what’s needed. It is very easy to create a blog and expose “hidden” (or what ever you meant) problems and point out controversial issues to establish a name for yourself (what I would call cheap applause) And am sure that not your intention, however, I know stayton is very deceitful and clever. We must constantly examine ourselves (which I am sure you do) and obtain feedback from others.
This is why I am writing this advise, I don’t seek a name for myself or any reward. I just think you are wrong to construct this article in the manner you did. I think you should make tawbah to Allah and seek his guidance.
This “bait and switch” argument is also deceptive in it nature and I am sad that it has gotten the steam it has. Let me just say, when you give dawah, you should speak the truth. You should inform the person of what to look for, what to focus on and how to proceed to Jannah. And those who don’t do that are wrong. But my question is, was your accepting Islam worth it? Are you upset that Islam was “sold” to you? Do you regret the bargain? Would you change Islam for ANYTHING now that you know the truth. If it was not for that person, trying to do his/her best to guide you, would you know about Allah, His Messenger, His Book, the wisdom and the way.
Let’s look further, I am sure you are aware on the statement of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be with him, “Allah laughs [or smiles] at the one(s) who enter into Jannah in chains”(or like the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah, said it)
Why does Allah smile?
It has been stated that the reason is that they where locked up non-muslim and entered into paradise muslim, that is one interpretation. The other interpretation is because of listening to the Qur’an as non-muslims they embraced Islam.
Why do I say this, I think if you were not given a clear picture about the deen (which is not good) the bright side is: YOU ARE MUSLIM. That means you are almost there, you almost made it to paradise; unless you refuse…
Salam
Good advisor,
I never thought you were being critical just to be mean spirited. What makes you think I didn’t think your advise was constructive. I was just saying that each one of us can be part of the solution. The truth is, that for 14 years I have seen shady things occur because people are ignorant and people prey on that. Raising awareness that there are charlatons who misuse the name of Islam is not sinful. It is important to distinguish between what is Islam and what Muslims do, better yet what hypocrites do.
This is the most important thing you’ve said:
“We must find ways to bring these issues up, without showcasing it on the World Wide Web (in this way). One way to do this is focus groups, members (muslim) only blog, lectures, 1-800-numbers, counseling sessions, etc. You must win by-in from the Imams, Kateebs and knowledgeable people. And convey to THEM the seriousness of these issues. I don’t agree with going behind our backs throwing spit-balls at us is helpful.”
We can agree on that. I don’t think just blogging about problems is going to solve much. We have to do something about it. Doing something is not about getting a name for yourself or gaining popularity.
I wonder what do you mean about me constructing. Can you provide me some daleel on why I should make tawbah for my comment? Not to say that I am perfect, I have plenty of things to work on. But I am just curious.
Some people come to Islam for more wordly things, not that all of it is wrong. Some dawah efforts focus on sense of belonging, community, brotherhood, marriage, politics, an identity. Some people expect that once they become Muslim that all their problems will be solved. You are right, the stress should be on jannah. I think the Muslims who feel like they were short changed came to the Deen for different reasons. Nor do I feel that they understand this Deen. This is why I have always had faith, even though I have often despaired of integrating in a welcoming and healthy Muslim community (anywhere in the world).
Margari,
I was referring to Tariq making tawbah. Your reply to my advise was rightly placed and highly appreciated. You have the spirit of a go-getter that is what we need in our communities. However, I disagree and hope you would reconsider showing your awrah for everyone to see. You are to beautiful to display what Allah wants preserved for your husband.
I hope you would reconsider…
Salam
EVERYBODY MUST WATCH THIS NEW FILM:
http://www.zeitgeistmovie.com
NOTHING, and I mean NOTHING, will save u from these greedy capitalists but ISLAM.
and they know it, and that’s exactly why they are defaming, and trying to halt, the tidal waves of the coming Caliphate.
Conspiracy deniers, read this too:
http://www.armedforcesjournal.com/2006/11/2129512
Read how the devils in America think and would act!!!!
[...] blog as a Muslim, when privacy is so important? After reading Tariq Nelson’s latest entry and the subsequent critique, I was inspired to do a little search on resources out there for [...]
Hussam who are the scholars you study under?
Aslam-u-Alaikum Brothers and Sister:
May Allah Inshallah guide us all. I am not new to this forum which I mean I have been reading your comments and heard about them through my beloved husband.
I am a born Muslim if that makes any difference to all of you and I came from a background where Muslims went through allot and have seen lots of ups and downs. But still they have grown stronger. I read brother Tareeq’s article which is profoundly deep and emotional.
Brothers/sisters, if we look at the history of Islam after Prophet (SAWS) passed away everyone was thinking that what will happen to Al-Islam. As you all know that even after him (SAWS) from cities of Makkah and Madinah in the Arabian desert , the message of Islam went forth with electrifying speed. Within half a century of the Prophet’s death, Islam had spread to three continents. Islam was destined to become a world religion and to create a civilization which stretched from one end of the globe to the other. We all will see all those successes again Inshallah. Moreover, this is Allah’s Dean neither Osama’s nor one special nations.
We still don’t know the value of Islam, this Dean had been presented to us with two hands by hard work of our muslims in the past that they not only spread the dean but also contributed to the building of Islamic civilization. Now, what we do is just study it we don’t do much instead one become Bin Laden and one become Zarqawi. We don’t try to become Omar (AS) we don’t want to become the Khalifas we want to become murderers and gangsters. If we have faith in Allah and emphasis upon His Mercy we never give up and get tired of what a number of gangsters are doing.
Wasalam
hey Tariq,
Twisting issues and writing lies so you can live a “comfortable 21st century house negro” life won’t help you. Prove that Shaykh Osama advocated “rape”. This conflict didn’t begin with 9/11, it started the day Amreeka started annihilating innocents around the world.
The more you write these posts, the more your nifak (hypocrisy) is on display for all to read.
I highly recommend you repent, you munafiq.
18-part series on the Jewish Rothschilds banker dynasty mentioned in the Zeitgeist video (linked above):
http://www.buscatube.com/videos/pag1/youtube/rothschilds.aspx
Salaam’Alaikum Wahrahmatullah
@ GoodAdvisor
Just wanted to let you all know that Brother Nelson did respond to my concerns privately via e-mail. I found him to be a very compassionate, concerned, and honest individual. I believe many misunderstandings and misconceptions were dealt with in a respectful manner.
My primary concerns were the following:
1) That the reputation of African American Muslims, particularly African American Muslim males, is tarnished to the degree that all of us who are African American Muslims will be painted with the same brush as those he speaks about in his articles on this blog and in the Muslim link.
2) That all working class ( those with a “real” trade or skill that are financially responsible) African American Muslims will be excluded in both the immigrant run Muslim communities and the African American Muslim community based solely off their income and educational levels, becuase they are believed to have nothing to contribute. The promotion of class-ism as a safeguard from the very real dysfunctions and pathology he writes about in his articles would be saying that salvation is only for those with wealth and nobility while the poor are not worthy or deserving of it.
3) That African American Muslims who prefer a more orthodox or what some call a medieval approach to Islam will be classified as “nutty” “wacko” “pathological” or “dysfunctional” just based off their approach with out testing that assumption and basing it on their character, life management skills, and quality of life.
As a parent, this is a HUGE problem, becuase our children will have no moral support or encouragement to remain Muslim, our children will have no place to call their own. Unless the Masjid Muhammad community builds more Masjids in other areas other than the predominately black populated states the rest of us are doomed. They are done before they even start becuase our reputation is so awful. Also, non-Muslims, particularly non-Muslim whites with a strong orientalist streak, are quick to separate us ( black Muslims) from them ( immigrant Muslims) which is a strong way of saying: You’re not a real Muslim!
I explained to him, that I’m a convert, from a Midwestern state ( with roots in Dixieland), and grew up in a “sanctified church”- this was before the Prosperity Preachers and false Prophets took over the pulpit. I came from an experience where the bulk of our congregation were police officers, fire fighters, commercial drivers, construction workers, plumbers, electricians, and other “blue collar” or “working class” trades but that I had never seen the dysfunction he spoke of being tied directly to their income and educational level until I became Muslim.
My belief is and will always be that the it’s the quality and quantity of one’s home training not their income or education level. My belief is and will always be that the dysfunctions we see happening amongst African American Muslims isn’t about their income or educational level, it’s about culture and character. The African American culture has been corrupted and watered down. It’s the family that should teach manners, morals, life skills, and basic skills. When I relocated to this part of the country, I had never seen so many single black mothers in my life! I’m not promoting underachievement but people from all income and education levels can become sick and make bad decisions.
< < > >
@ Sister Azizah Hill
My intention is not to censor Brother Nelson or anybody else. I believe in the Golden Rule: Treat others the way you wish to be treated. I don’t want to be silenced either. Our country has thrived becuase we value and protect freedom of speech.
I’m also a realist. With that being the case, I believe ” you can’t change won’t you don’t acknowledge.” Life has taught this woman, that if you dismiss your problems they will be their waiting for you when you come back to them, only they would have snow balled by that time.
I just never imagined that being a Muslim in America could be got damned complicated, stressful, and at times overwhelming.
I’m sick and tired of living between two worlds not being accepted in either one. Middle class blacks are standoffish( especially those in the military) becuase I’m a practicing Muslim who wears a veil ( one of the medievalists practices I guess) and than Muslims are standoffish becuase I’m black and our culture has become so corrupted or dysfunctional ( look at Cosby and his rants lately). It’s not in my head, the struggle is very real, and I can barely deal with it anymore, I’m sure in the hell not going to ask my daughter to.
I’m not trying to snap off on your sister, but our reputation is really awful and I don’t want to be associated with something I don’t do, nor do I want my family to be as well. Remember ” No one bears the sins or burdens of others” is apart of the Unitarian concept of G-d. That was what taught to me and I see it’s not true, another bait and switch tactic I guess.
By the way, to the person who told Brother Nelson to get professional help, I’ve been to three psychologist in D.C. and I can tell you, any professional with their salt, will tell you to leave the community but not your religion.
Salam
AA- MR,
HH says to you “Yalla, ya idiot, show me where I went wrong with what I said. I extend my generous offer to you, ya 7mar: you have all the time in this world, and some cash, if you prove me wrong from Quran and Sunnah.”
Is this kid for real? I’ll say one thing…he is entertaining.
Let us all learn proper adab from him…
Seriously, why are you and anyone else wasting their time with him?
As-salamu alaykum brother Tariq, I think the solution to many problems, especially problems regarding people’s various wrong views lies in ignoring them, blocking most of the information that we get from the outside and focusing on the information that we can get from a group of well-trusted religious scholars and circle of friends. This will let us have more peace of mind inshallah. All the people in this world, including Muslims, have different ways of thinking and they make all sorts of errors in thinking. In my humble opinion, we should just choose to ignore them. As the Qur’an says, in the Judgment Day, all the disputes will be settled in the presence of our All-Knowing, All-Wise Lord. No need to worry inshallah.
But this is not to say that we need to seclude ourselves from the society around us. No, we should go on trying to do what is right and advising people what is right, but we needn’t care about how people take our advice and how they go on to behave. The effort is ours, the consequence is from God. He allows some evils to take place in this world for a better Hereafter. So don’t care about those evils.
@ Good Adviser
Thank you for what seemed like some sincere advice. If you truly do know me personally, then I invite you to email me or come up to me when you see me around so that we can speak in person. If you truly know me, then you will know where to find me. If not, then please feel free to email me.
I have no problem with a person disagreeing. My problem is when these people (especially regarding a post like this) send me HATEFUL and DERANGED profanity laced emails wishing bad things on me and my family in the name of Islam.
It is truly sad that I have gotten so much hate mail from these psycho-paths who are my co-religionists. The SPAM blocker blocks the comments they sent that contains profanity so you don’t get to see some of the more “intelligent” comments from these people. I am blown away at the level of their hate and venom for me.
To make a long story short on your comments above, I DID try going to people about these issues and was met with nothing but denial that these problems even exist at all. Many of the people working in the field have expressed similar frustrations to me.
It is not like people can’t see that there are Muslims that have bad understanding of Islam. Me denouncing them on my blog is not bringing attention to the fact that there are criminal Muslims who do criminal things in the name of Islam. I want people to know that Islam is FREE from these things and that reasonable people are Muslim. We ARE NOT a bunch of irrational medievalists.
Finally people are hurting and for a person to basically deny to them in their face that they are not is in itself hurtful. There is a disconnect out there and I am trying to do my part to bring attention to these problems so that they can be solved.
Again, as you have acknowledged, I AM doing what I can about these problems, so I find the acusation that I am only complaining to be false.
PS: I should also mention that I have gotten MANY MANY positive emails (outnumbering the psychos) and comments as well. Thanks to all of you for your du’a and kind comments
Asalaamu alaikum brother Tariq,
I can’t even get through all the comments, and don’t care to subject myself to so much negativity…
I am one who came into Islam in the late 90s, following my brother who had converted about 3 yrs prior. Even I know what you are talking about here.
I do not always agree with you, a few times I’ve been mildly offended by you. Does that mean I have to call you names or question your deen, or your right to call yourself a Muslim? By no means. You are my brother in faith no matter what. We sometimes have different experiences and therefore different perspectives. But I’ve never felt that you were racist or in need of professional help as some say.
You know, you are probably doing something right if a lot of people don’t get it and are angry about it. Because we tend to gripe louder about what we don’t like, and that doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with what you are saying necessarily so much as that it is hitting a nerve. When too many have nothing but kind words to say about you, that is the time to question if your nafs is being stroked and you aren’t working against oppression.
When you are saying what needs to be said it will anger a lot of people who don’t want to have to do the work your criticism requires. When you are posing solutions (which I see you do frequently), some will claim that you aren’t posing solutions because they don’t want to actually try them out. Shaytan doesn’t need to mess with the ones who are full of it already, they are on their own path to hell without his help. But he messes with those who are striving on the path to Jannah, to try to get them to veer off. So when you encounter all the ignorance and negativity, it is really a sign that you are getting at something real, alhamdulAllah.
You have my support brother. I know I never comment on your blog, and I thought about just emailing you. But I am not a coward, and I am not ashamed to say publicly that I find your efforts of benefit. Even if I don’t always agree, you keep me thinking, alhamdulAllah. I make du’a for your safety and that Allah accept your deeds for the good intentions you have, ameen.
Hussan Harriri -
Your vile speech speaks of your desire for destruction. I am at a loss as to why your are even allowed to be in our presence with such language. This fake muslim does not belong on this board. This guy needs to be banned. Your hatred is unacceptable.
Salaam
It appears to me that there is an internal conflict amongst Muslims here. Tariq has expressed his dismay to what he deems the “bait and switch” from the Islam he initially embraced and the Islam that is being presented as “true” by others, these “others” who’s criticism of Tariq can and have descended into overt threats of violence. Tariq’s feelings and opinion need no qualifier, for they are simply his.
There are some posters here who are critical of Tariq’s position, as is expected, for there are always two sides to a coin. The two positions that I saw here, as an observant non-Muslim outsider, is that Islam is indeed open to many different interpretations. One man’s blessing is another’s curse. This is an undeniable perceptive reality in all things.
We non-Muslims ion the West wish to see inquiry such as what Tariq put forth. We do not indict all Muslims or Islam in totality. Most of us do not require abandonment of Islam to bridge the gap of peace and friendship.
What we do require however, is more dialogue internally in the Muslim community to find out what makes people like Hussam Hariri “tick”, and less time decrying the baseless claim of bigots and racists to anyone in or outside the Muslim community who is critical of tenets of Islam or the aords and actions wjo act upon them.
Our concerns as non-Muslims are as valid as Tariq’s opinions and feelings. There is no difference there. Our concern is those in the Islamic world who actively support violence against non-Muslims and who seek the global imposition of Sharia law.
it is not a difficult concept to grasp.
I’m a seeker,
Just to clarify, I never thought you were trying to silence brother Tariq. But there are a lot of people who believe that we should not discuss these problems at all. I don’t agree with him either Tariq Nelson all the time. There have been postings and comments that have left me dismayed. But he has provided a forum to think about issues.
Importantly, I think you raised some important issues. These are things I think about a lot also. I too have issues with classism. For me, it has always been inspiring to see a working class African American Muslim community. That is very different from ghetto Islam, which I have also been exposed to. I’m not saying that I don’t understand the struggle of our brothers with long wrap sheets and our sisters who married young and did not have an opportunity to educate themselves. I’m not down for leaving them behind in our pursuit of living “integrated” lives like many of the immigrants. For me, Islam was supposed to address the social ills in the inner city. It wasn’t an escape from our community’s issues by pretending we’re something that we’re not (Desi or Arab).
As for all of us Muslims, and especially African American Muslims, is time we reclaim our image. LIke you said, I don’t want to be associated with something that I don’t do. I believe in proactive Islam. I like thinking just as much as anyone else. But even more so, I love doing something that will alleviate suffering or help heal our communities.
Whenever I see muslims raving, I just assume they read the verse “kill them until they convert” or similar scriptural gems. I cannot imagine how anyone thought Islam was a peaceful enterprise. Hariri makes sense to me, it’s the others I can’t figure out. They seem deluded.
As’salamu Aleikum Br. Tariq.
First, this is your Blog and it should apply to your terms. Even though I haven very critical on most of Tariq’s views (sometimes very harsh), I have never questioned his deen or Iman. I see him just another person with different opinion.
It saddens me it got this far. Please don’t allow this to delete this blog.
Your sister in Islam, gess.
@ Azizah Hill
Salaam Alaikum Sister Azizah Hill, thank you very much for understanding what I’m trying to say.
I’m not denying any of the problems brother Nelson writes about, my frusteration is becuase the problems he writes about DO exist, and are affecting those of us who aren’t like that .
One day people will see..
Our reputation is finished..
@ Brother Nelson
I forgot to mention to you in my e-mail that I used to work for a Federal Government agency in Fairfax City that specializes in security and ran into a group of employees who were investigating the masjid the Muslim Link is affiliated and another Masjid in Fairfax county.
I mentioned point number not based only off of what I’ve read, but from my personal work experience.
I don’t know what is going, but not only do I want to be disassociated from the dysfunctions and ills you write about in your article, I also want to be disassociated from the immigrant masjids who are being investigated for laundering and racketeering, tax fraud, and financing terrorism.
One masjid here in the Fairfax County/Falls Church area, I once went to a protest with the masjid and the next day, the FBI, and ATF with a sheriff came to my apartment at 4am in the morning and barely let me put my night gown on.
If I were you I’d be very careful.
Salaam
Seeker,
I am confused by your last two posts. In the former, you seem to throw in the towel and declare defeat in that, for lack of a better term, cultural Muslims, devoid of political Islamic principles, will have their reputation condemned in totality.
You then followed it up with a claim that just for being a Muslim, you were unfairly scrutinized. I am not saying whether you were or were not, for I do not know any of the specifics, but I am compelled to ask you…what were you protesting?
This sounds like a self-fufilling prophecy excuse to me. You put forth that you neither have nor want any affiliation with the hardline Islamic agenda, but then go on to say that you will be accused of it here in the US, regardless of your stance. Curious indeed.
What’s your point?
Tariq,
If you are experiencing hostile threats via e-mail for your opinions and fellings, I might suggest that you contact Robert Spencer and seek out his advice on how to protect you and yours. As anyone knows who can acknowledge simple obvious truths, Robert is well-acquainted with this sort of stuff, based on his views.
Salaams Tariq,
I just wanted to say, and I know that I am not alone, that we love you for saying what needs to be said. Burying our heads in the sand is no longer an option no matter how painful reality is. I think that most people in the West intuit that in the coming few decades Islam in the West will either get itself together and begin a golden era in these lands or it will self-destruct and be forced out. What we do now is extremely important for future generations and even if this blog is a very small part of that, presenting the reality and the problems we face is an important first step in dealing with our problems and putting things right. Keep up the good work!
Tariq:
My comments obviously flew straight over your head. It not WHAT you do, it’s HOW you did it. That’s my bottom line; my briefcase is closed on this issue.
Salam
@ Awake
You asked: ” What were you protesting?”
The wife of a Muslim man who occupies a leadership position in a local masjid, called me ( several times I might add) and {{asked me)) to come to a protest for a group of men who had been arrested and charged with terrorism and some other things. Everything was fine at the protest but on the ride back, she informed me of her own personal background history with the FBI, and right then, I knew, I had made a mistake.
They came to our apartment at 4am in the morning and walked right in on my husband and I. They would barely allow me to put on a nightgown. That was the most humiliating and stressful moment of my life. The foyer of our apartment was completely damaged.
It DID happen to me and I have no reason to lie about it. I’ll never forget it as long as I live and I’ll never go to another protest for any group ever again.
You asked: What’s your Point?
First off I don’t appreciate your tone. I never said anything that implied I’m leaving Islam. I did say I didn’t want to be associated with certain groups of people becuase of their behaviour and choices. That’s my decision, that’s my prerogative. Anybody that disagrees with Brother Nelson is always dismissed as a nutter, extremist, or psychopath. He’s complaining about intolerance but throwing it back on the flip sign of the coin to others. I tried to be respectful about my own points.
My point was this: I don’t want to be associated with the group of people he writes about in his articles becuase that’s not who I am, and I don’t want to be associated with any masjid or group of people that is being investigated becuase of that experience I had.
I’m done, I’m finished, Good riddance..
Seeker,
Sorry to hear about that humiliating incident you had to endure, especially in light of the fact that you were unwittingly duped into participating.
There was no “tone” intended. It was simply a question for clarification.
When you said that “one day people will see” and “our reputation is finished”, what specifically did you mean?
To me it seems like somehow you are blaming Tariq for commenting on his feelings and denouncing those whose words and actions warrant denouncement. This should be embraced by every peaceful Muslim, no?
Don’t worry about the naysayers Tariq. Just keep up the work for peace and justice. Yours is a needed voice in the Muslim community
Tariq Nelson,
You are an hypocrite. You are talking about muslims reacting to savage attacks from the West. Muslims are fed up and are expressing their frustations through irrational and desperate acts sometimes.
If you can not understand this or feel sympathy for this, then you should shut your big mouth.
What you call hatred from muslims is a direct result of being savagely assaulted and attacked by your western cohorts.
I don’t see you attacking your fellow americans who eagerly supported the invasion of Iraq and the mass murder that unfolded there.
I don’t see you attacking your adminstration who is pushing for war against countries that have done absolutely nothing to them.
You see. You only see hatred where you want to see it. This country has invaded lands that have done NOTHING to America, killed countless of people. Whenever you turn on the TV, you see these f*cking rightwingers calling for more blood and bombing of muslim countries. Iran this, Iran that. These people are willing to drop bombs on muslim population as if muslims are not human beings. And yet, you don’t see that hate.
You only see hate from muslims who are frustrated and feeling desperate from seeing their brothers/sisters killed in numbers.
Go ahead and side with the enemies of the muslims. Go ahed and write stuff to please the enemies of the muslims. In the day of judgement, wallahi, you will regret all this.
Stupid d*mb american that you are.
Aaaah, the obligatory excuse of the war in Iraq.
“You are talking about muslims reacting to savage attacks from the West. Muslims are fed up and are expressing their frustations through irrational and desperate acts sometimes.”
I wonder what specific excuse was used before the Iraq war. I also wonder what country the US was occupying and recklessly bombing prior to 9/11 that resulted in those “irrational” acts.
It is always America’s fault. Always the West. Always the oppression, capitalism, decadence…..et al.
Never any introspective criticism. Never, never, never.
Tariq, you may need police protection from your fellow Muslims. How do you take the madness?
Love &a