Thursday, May 24, 2007

The Man Behind the Curtain

<span class=

This brother's picture probably isn't familiar to many many American Muslims, but what he has created is. He is the creator of zabihah.com (find halal food near you), salatomatic.com ( a rating of local mosques and Islamic centers), and halalapalooza.com. Shahed Amanullah was named one of ten young Muslim visionaries. His websites lets worshipers and customers provider the content about local Islamic infrastructure. Keep the ideas coming, al hamdullah

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Virtues of Cleanliness

This short, is long over due and yet so true.


Monday, May 21, 2007

Second Time Around

French Muslim women are seen in <span class=


Just when you think that you have heard it all, along comes something else. A trend among some Muslim women in France is to have a hymenoplasty surgery performed. Don't worry, I had to look it up also. It is a cosmetic surgery where a woman's hymen is reattached and thus give the appearance of being a virgin. Many women claim that cultural and traditional pressures to be a virgin when they are married are leading them to this operation. It's ironic how the pressures are strong enough to lead them to an operation, but not strong enough to entice them to preserve their modesty and virginity. To each their own, but for the record an operation can not make you a virgin again, it only makes you a liar. Once you have experienced something, there is no way (short of amnesia) to unexperience the act.

Thursday, May 17, 2007

The Accumulation of Small Gains




There is a saying that "Rome was not built in a day." This may be an attitude that we should consider when reflecting on our experience in the West. The reality is that the West is Christian, and we should expect that they would view the spread of Islam and all of the associated artifacts as a reason for concern. Even with all of the opposition to the public display of Islam in this country, constant little gains are made. The accumulation of these little gains are what constitutes longitudinal change. With that said, it is nice to announce the construction of a wudu room at the Kansas City Airport. Needless to say this has made a lot of people hot.

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

The Seeds of Success

photo

I enjoy seeing communities in places where you wouldn't expect to see them. There are more Muslims in China than there are in the U.S. and probably all of North America, but the deen is taking root in the heart of Tokyo, Japan. Stories like this serve as a reminder that contrary to popular belief and perceptions, Islam is not an Arab religion, but a universal religion that transcends social, economic, ethnic, and nationality lines.

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Economic Impact

photo

Muslims may not be the most appreciated citizens of this country, but in local communities our money is respected. This gives rise to a whole line of questions. Why aren't more businesses catering to the Muslim dollar? Why aren't more Muslims starting and supporting halal Muslim businesses? From a doonya perspective, we lack an established community infrastructure that is independent.










Monday, May 14, 2007

A Match Made Online

http://www.singles247.co.uk/templates/tmpl_dfl/images/main1.jpg

How to meet a potential partner in a halal manner is one of the most asked and often skirted around questions. Many immigrants from places where arranged marriages are the norm often arrange for someone from their homeland to marry their child, but what to Muslims who were born here or accepted Islam here, what are their options. Increasingly, online websites seem to be the medium that many Muslims are choosing.

Thursday, May 10, 2007

Say It Ain't So Mickey!

If you have lived or traveled abroad then you know that just about everywhere you go there are knock-offs. Sometimes its Burger Queen instead of Burger King, or bootleg versions of movies, software, or clothes. You even see bootleg T.V. shows like Sesame Street, but the bootleg Mickey Mouse has taken bootleg to a new level. He isn't trying to plant the seeds of learning or developing socially acceptable manners and traits. He appears to be sowing the seeds of hate in another generation. I can know that the Palestinians are being occupied, but that doesn't justify depriving children a reprieve from reality that isn't overtly tainted by their situation. I could be wrong, and correct me if I am (with verifiable sources of course), their is nowhere that I am aware of where we as Muslims are taught to hate people, and especially by such general terms as ethnicity and nationality. Conversely, we are told not to go to extremes (and yes hate is an extreme), because it may lead us to transgress and it doesn't allow for a situation where Allah may replace harshness with tenderness.


Wednesday, May 09, 2007

A Frank Look at Ourselves

A lyrically interesting song


Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Monday, May 07, 2007

The Halal Law


The image “http://www.freeandjust.org/res/Default/halal.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.

Muslims are making many political strides to mold our piece of America into a halal experience as much as possible. A few states such as Texas and Illinois have passed halal laws which make it illegal to sell, process, or prepare for consumption (restaurants) food as halal without it being certified as being halal by a meeting a preset of criteria. Illinois has had the law on the books for five years but has not enforced it. Not because the legislature is unwilling, but main because among other things, Muslims can't agree on a standardization of halal. Irony Ha. We get a law that caters specific to us, but our own divisiveness renders it inert.

Friday, May 04, 2007

Ask A Muslim?

The image “http://regulus2.azstarnet.com/profilez/portraits/29.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.

Mona Darwich Gatto has a blog called Salaam Sahuarita (ironically I started Salaam Tucson just prior to her blog) and a column that appears in local papers called Ask a Muslim. This in and of itself is good. I think that people should express themselves (within reason), and I am not one to knock someone else's hobby or hustle. What I do ask for though is truth in labeling. I am not saying that because she holds views that I don't consistently share. I say this because from reading her tag line on her article she describes herself as an Arab-American. The last time that I checked Arab-American or even Arab does not automatically equate to being Muslim. The video advertisement for the Catholic diocese of Tucson that is in her article didn't reassure me either (although in all fairness, this probably the result of the newspaper and not her). Also, from what she described in her article about women who wear hijab, she sounds as though she has interacted with and among Muslims, but she doesn't come out and say that she is a Muslim (other than the title of the article). From her explanation of the hijab being essentially a tool of oppression that is forced on Arab women, and that many female converts "buy into", shows that her knowledge or understanding of Islam is superficial at best.

It appears that she as many other Arabs, Indians, Pakistanis, Malaysians, and Reverts to Islam sometimes confuse the deen of Islam with Arab culture. I personally agree with sisters who do not wear a hijab, but at the same time I knock them, because I don't have to answer for them. A Muslim woman who does where hijab once told me that if a woman wears hijab while making salaat (prayer) because she is humbling herself and displaying modesty because she is before God. Why would she remove it when she is out in public?

I feel that by virtue of being an Arab does not give a person a license to speak as an expert on Islam, and whether she sees it that way or not that is what she's doing. Many of the non-Muslims who read her blogs/articles feel that they are receiving information from a vetted source, and this may be why many of the Muslim sisters who do wear hijab face harassment from non-Muslims who feel that they are being oppressed. It emboldens them to act out of ignorance, but then we should consider the source. Taking advice about Muslim women who wear hijabs from a woman who doesn't wear a hijab, is like having a fat person sell you a membership to Weight Watchers!

I read some of her blogs, and she appears to be a nice enough woman and sister in Islam, but please play your lane. Speak to local Tucson sisters who do wear hijab, and you may gain some insight and a new perspective.

Thursday, May 03, 2007

Touring Muslim American's America



There is an interest in touring the Muslim American's America and providing that view point to the rest of the nation and world. Articles and TV shows such as 30 days have gone out of their way to examine this experience. I applaud the effort, but I feel that the portrait is skewed. Quite often they trek to Dearborn, MI to extract the viewpoint, but the viewpoint of Muslims in Dearborn are far from the norm. First of all, the average Muslim American is likely to an African American or an Asian not an Arab. Also, most Muslims in America lack the local infrastructure and influence that the Muslim community in Dearborn or even Michigan have. I appreciate the effort, but go to communities in South Carolina, Georgia, Ohio, or even L.A. to gain a more accurate viewpoint of the average Muslim American.

Wednesday, May 02, 2007

A Fire Station..A Synagouge...and A Mosque

The image “http://www.fbi.gov/publications/leb/2003/sept2003/sept03lebx34x1.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.

In an unusual but good story, generosity and brotherhood rose from the ashes of a bad event. An Islamic Center in Pennsylvania was damaged by fire, but instead of being with a place of worship offers to accommodate the community came from various and unlikely sources. Among the sources were a fire station, and the local Jewish community even offered use of their Synagogue. Read here to find out which location the community chose and why.

Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Musliminahs Can't Kick Butt in Canada

Eight-year-old Mariam Nasser (L) watches as her sister 13-year-old <span class=
Eight-year-old Mariam Nasser (L) watches as her sister 13-year-old Zeinabin (in helmet) and 11-year-old Bissan Monsour pose for a portrait, Sunday, after the two older girls were barred from participating in a Tae Kwon Do tournament in Longueuil while wearing their hijab.
What is it with Canada, young girls, and hijabs? It wasn't too long ago that young hijab clad sisters were prevented from playing soccer. Now they are being prevented from participating in Tae Kwon Do tournaments. Safety is once again being used as the pretext for banning them from participation. How dangerous can a hijab be? Especially if it is under a padded "safety" headgear. This is something that I would expect from the U.S., Britain, France, Spain, or even Germany, but not our neighbors to the north. What happened to the Canadian sense of fair play and acceptance. O' Canada....what a shame.

Monday, April 30, 2007

The Rise of Russian Muslims

The image “http://archives.cnn.com/2000/ASIANOW/east/12/14/mackinnon.xinjiang.dec14/flag.mosque.new.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.


Despite the rise of xenophobia, the seemingly return of cold war Soviet tactics, and the near mass exodus of Muslims from some areas of Russia; the number of Muslim Russians is on the rise. This encouraging on many levels.

Friday, April 27, 2007

Turkey Served on a Platter

The image “http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/images/country/turkey-flag.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.

Turkey is definitely not a Muslim nation and some may argue that it may not be nation of Muslims either (Allah makes Muslims so I defer). The irony is that they have essentially mortgaged their identity and possibly even their national integrity to join the European Union. They ban the hijab, protest a leader that even remotely displays any adherence to Islam, and imitate their European neighbors despite their own rich heritage. Be careful what you ask for because you might get it, and it will be yours to keep. The funny part is that with all of the whitewashing and attempts at assimilation, they are still too Muslim for the EU.

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Tampa Troubles



I once considered moving to Tampa. Boy an I glad that I didn't. It seems that Tampa Muslims have had more than their fair share of drama. There was a court case with a sister and her hijab, I believe that there was vandalism at the mosque, the usual threats from the local yocals, I think the Feds may have even kicked in some doors, and now there has been a suspected arson at an Islamic school. Man, this is a lot for most people to deal with individual, but collectively it comes dangerously close to making my conspiracy detector tingle. I guess that the least that we can do is keep the brothers and sisters in our duas and avoid Tampa if possible. Come to think of it, Miami and Orlando's reputations aren't that hot either. Just avoid Florida.

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Media Confirms Islamophobia May Be Real

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41321000/jpg/_41321568_eyes416.jpg

Breaking News! Media outlets are beginning to suspect that Islamophobia may be real. Phew! I'm glad. I was beginning to think that the 1.3 billion Muslims throughout the world and especially the 4-7 million that reside in this country were just paranoid. But now I know. Now I know, because the media has finally quasi-confirmed the existence of Islamophobia. Muslims are discriminated against, now I can sleep knowing that I , and the other 1.3 billion Muslims aren't paranoid.

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Thought Police...American Style




A Muslim Chaplin was the victim of a crime, actually several crimes while employed as the Chaplin for a correctional institution. Given the location of the crimes, this would not sound unusual, but it really is. The crime that gained notice was the defacing of the Chaplin's photo with white -out and racial slurs. What was not seen as a crime was the fact that his computer was confiscated because he had files on it that were titled "jihad" and "terrorism". The files were scholarly works, but astonishes me is the overreaction to have files named this on his computer. I mean really. How many people that would be involved in such activities (and I don't condone those activities) would have files on their work computer with these titles. This is just one more example of how commonsense has given way to paranoia and pretexted discrimination.

Monday, April 23, 2007

PBS Nixes Controversal Film



PBS was planning a film entitled Islam v. Islamists. PBS is reported to have scratched the project in fear of some type of extremist reprisal. Their fear may be rooted in the fact that the project was produced by some members of a conservative think tank. I am not disappointed that PBS pulled the plug in this film. Odds are, the film is not objective or unbiased. So I applaud them for protecting their name by not allowing it to be used as a propaganda tool.

Friday, April 20, 2007

How the Holy Qu'ran was Compiled

Here is a good series by Hamza Yusuf on How the Qu'ran was compiled.















Thursday, April 19, 2007

Have You Seen this Man?



This man was last seen on the floor of the Texas State Senate before the ceremonial prayer was given. Before the ceremonial prayer? Could this be why he was missing? Dan Patrick a Republican, Conservative Christian, Lawmaker for Texas left the floor of the Senate because for the first time in Texas history the ceremonial prayer was being given by an Imam. To flavor this story up even more, the Imam was invited by a Jewish lawmaker. You can't make stuff like this up.
It appears that his tolerance for other religions ends with those that he doesn't view as Judeo-Christian. This is just more support for my argument that Texas is not just another state or former nation. It's mentality lends strong credibility to the notion that it may even be a different planet.

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Blocking Backlash




By now the homicidal events at Virginia Tech arewell known, but what is equally as telling is the image that we as Americans have here and globally. Once the identity of the killer was identified, the South Korean government issued three formal condolences within a little more than 24 hour period. This wasn't by coincidence. There is a fear that Korean-Americans and Korean nationals in this country will face discrimination and possible violence from the hands of the local populace. In all honesty, I must admit that I was relieved that the culprit was neither Muslim, African-American, Hispanic, or Arab. We have caught enough heat lately. We can do with more pretexts to be used to justify fear and xenophobia. I believe that this is an opportunity for Muslims to be Muslims. We should be among the first to lend support to Koreans or other Asians that are being mistreated (for some reason ignorance has a problem distinguishing between the various Asian nationalities), which goes to prove that such vile actions are only thinly veiled excuses to act on vitriol elements that exist with the perpetrators heart and personality. We as Muslims and minorities know all to well the feeling of having to bear the weight of the actions individuals that don't represent us as a whole.
On a national level, what does this ay about us a culture. Do we as Americans want to be known as a nation that exacts revenge on an entire ethnic group because of the actions of one or a few. I know that Americans have done this in the past and continue to do this, but we are only accountable for ourselves and those in our charge. Many Muslims do and have done the same thing against other Muslims and non-Muslims. It is gut check time. If this applies to you, then maybe you should reevaluate your interactions and relations with others and seek to be fair to all people regardless of past incidents. As always, I tell myself this before telling you.

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

The New Imam on the Block




Following or rather leading the wave of young Muslims that are stepping out of traditional fields. This brother Imam Khalid Latif has been the Chaplin at Princeton and now is the Chaplin for the New York City Police department. This is one of the many ways that we can share what Islam truly is on a daily basis. May Allah reward him.

Monday, April 16, 2007

The Muslim Country Singer

(Photograph)

I am constantly challenging Muslims to step beyond the stereotypical cultural norms (as long as it is halal), that is why I found this story of the "Muslim Country Singer" so interesting. In some regards he is the typical overachieving Muslim student and others he is a pioneer of sorts.

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Imams removed from flight threaten to sue passengers

http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2006/03/31/airport_wideweb__470x306,0.jpg

The six Muslims that were removed from a flight a few months ago decided to sue the airline, that's no surprise. In fact, that is par for the course nowadays. Now they are contemplating suing the passengers on the flight who were responsible for the incident. I was originally split over the whole suing thing. I thought that it was just a reflection of our litigious society, but now I think that it can do some good. People have been given the opportunity to be open minded on their own, historically when they failed to do so, litigation has been a impetus. Walk with me. Here is my rationale. If Muslims began suing when we are blatantly profiled or discriminated against, it would make people and companies less likely to hurl accusations about that result in public mistreatment.

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

New Muslim Magazine

Picture

A new Muslim magazine has hit the market. Like many of the latest magazines in the Muslim genre, this magazine is focused on Muslimenas. Teens to be exact. I wouldn't mind seeing one that marketed to Muslim American men. I think that a display of diversity is a good thing, and magazines are good vehicle to achieve cross-pollination within the community. The Muslim-centric publications that I have come across (Horizons, Jummah, and another that I can't recall at the moment) I have really enjoyed. It is also good to see the Ummah extending beyond the same stereotypical professions (Doctor, Engineer, Car Dealer...etc).

Monday, April 09, 2007

An Islamic History of Europe....Straight from the BBC

This is a very interesting documentary that I came upon. It provides the long ignored link between Muslims in Europe and the rise of "Western" culture.







Friday, April 06, 2007

Target Moves Muslims

http://64.13.133.31/pics/633f0b441c07b2fe3d4dc5228f6ad72b-l

In a move to please everyone, Target has decided to move Muslims who refuse to ring up Pork products, off the registers. This is a prime example of how an amicable resolution can be had, especially when there is money on the line. I wouldn't be surprised if Target Management were sitting around their boardroom and asking themselves what would Wal-Mart do?

Thursday, April 05, 2007

Islamic Center of Tucson Vandalized.....Again!



The Islamic Center of Tucson was vandalized this past week (Sunday to exact). This is the second time in as many months. This is disheartening on several levels. I use to wonder why the masjid was not left unlocked 24 hours a day? This way people could come in and make salaat any time of the day or night, any time of the year. Unfortunately, I have come to see that this is not something that is practical or realistic in this society. The ignorance and fears of others leads them to transgress in cowardice and reprehencable manners.
On the other hand, it also raises some rather obvious queries for anyone who has attended the ICT. There are cameras in the two major entrances to the building. Are these cameras just decoys or are they not functioning? I was under the impression that these cameras where in response to similar acts of vandalism and tresspassing in the past? What actions were taken after the first of the most recent break-ins?
I hope that one result of the recent break-ins/vandalism is not that the ICT becomes more restrictive more restrictive with building access to worshipers. A few possible solutions would be to invest in a quality security system for the facility, hire a private security firm for evening hours, place working cameras throughout the building, or a combination of these suggestions and ones that I may have overlooked. The ICT should probably consider itself fortunate that the latest break-ins/vandalism was not worse than it was. Now would be a good time to do what we can to limit or prevent future incidents. Knowing the good people on the board of the ICT, I'm sure that they are already on it.

Wednesday, April 04, 2007

Did You Hear That?

Cellphone

As Muslims, we can at times be paranoid to a fault. Some of the best conspiracy theories are of our own design, but even a broken clock is right twice a day. Here is an article where the government has been using cellphones to listen in on people (only bad people, suspicious people, or people who could be potentially bad or suspicious). I'm not talking about the garden variety switcharoo, where one phone is switch for an exact duplicate. I am not even talking about a tap on cellphone line. I am talking about using the cellphone that you buy straight out of the box to listen to you. The doesn't even need to be on. Scary hah. It's not scary because anyone is doing something wrong, it is scary because your privacy can be invaded with warning or notification. All it takes is suspicion of suspicion, which means that all Muslim cellphones are being listened in on (the next conspiracy theory!).

Tuesday, April 03, 2007

Get Up ! Stand Up!

The image “http://www.metropolitanshuttle.com/images/charter-bus-company.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.

A Muslim couple on a bus reported the driver to the owning company for jokes and down right racist remarks about Muslims. This story illustrates two things. The first is that there are a pleathora of ignorant people employed throughout this nation. The second is that Muslims need to stand up to this type of poisonous rhetoric that infects the ears that hear it. This incident is also a wake up call for all of those who believe that Muslims can shave off their beards, remove their hijabs, and just fit in like everyone else. What ends up happening is that you are allowed to hear what they really think of you. At the end of the day, you all that you can do is trust in Allah and keep it moving.

Monday, April 02, 2007

Don't Have It? Then Start It!

The image “http://www.wirednewyork.com/bridges/bronx_whitestone_bridge/whitestone_bridge_francis_lewis_park_27apr03.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.


Students in the Bronx want to have the Eid holidays recognized like Christmas and Yom Kippur. I think that the days should be recognized, but if they aren't there is always another alternative. Muslims can ope QUALITY Islamic schools that offer both a rigorous and balanced, academic and Islamic studies curriculum. The next step is for Muslims to actually send their children to Islamic schools. Seems so simple, but somehow it eludes most Muslim communities across the country.

Friday, March 30, 2007

30 Days as a Muslim

Here is a very interesting documentary/show that follows a practicing American Christian as he spends 30 days living the life of a Muslim American.












Thursday, March 29, 2007

Backbiting

Here is commercial on backbiting from the middle east. Even if you don't know arabic the visuals are enough to get the point across, and as always, I tell this to myself before I tell it to others.



Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Uniting Islam in America

Dr. Faroque Khan, left, and Imam Al-Hajj Talib ‘Abdur-Rashid serve very different mosques, one on Long Island and one in Harlem


"The divide between black and immigrant Muslims reflects a unique struggle facing Islam in America. Perhaps nowhere else in the world are Muslims from so many racial, cultural and theological backgrounds trying their hands at coexistence. Only in Mecca, during the obligatory hajj, or pilgrimage, does such diversity in the faith come to life, between black and white, rich and poor, Sunni and Shiite."

This is true and we need to address this as a community.

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

The Muslim Vote

The image “http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/040201/muslim_voters/040201_muslimvote_volunteer_hmed.hlarge.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.

Muslims in the U.S. have begone to embrace a truth that many social minority groups had to embrace before them. One way to avoid social marginalization is to force politicians to respect your voice. The way to do this is through the vote and involvement in the political process/system. In areas with large Muslim populations like Deerborn, Michigan, this is easier to do than in areas where Muslims are dispersed over a large geographical area. Muslims are beginning to organize and pool their political resources to insure that our voice is not drowned out or ignored because we offer no political capital.

We are Family...A Really Big Family!

The image “http://www.islamonline.com/cgi-bin/news_service/pics/722.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.


As Muslims, there appears to be at least one thing that we are doing better than any other Ummah...have children. Our ability to propagate our numbers through procreation is catching the attention of those that aren't keeping pace. From Palestine/Israel to the Europe and the U.S., we are the fasting growing Ummah in converts and births. Allahuakbar! Now all we have to do is ask Allah(SWT) for the strength to raise good & righteous Muslims until the day of judgement.

Monday, March 26, 2007

Getting to Know your Neighbors

The image “http://www.cam.net.uk/home/interfaith/ifg_tintedlogo.gif” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.

There is a call for people of all religions to learn other religions. I repeat learn other religions and not convert to other religions. I had to throw that in there because many Muslims that I have come across equate learning about another religion to converting to another religion. I think that this is one area that those that have recently accepted this have an advantage. They have a working understanding of other religions which in turn allows them provide more leeway to people of other religions because they may be able to understand them better than Muslims who were born into the deen. Muslims raised in the deen, in my experience, often do not have a solid understanding of other religions, and sometimes not even of Islam. Oftentimes, there understanding is slanted by cultural divides were they only learn disconnected and incoherent fragmented facts about another religion that may or may be true. I believe that the Quran should be the validating source on related information about other religions, but I also think that Muslims should make an effort to learn about other religions. As far as Muslims converting to other religions, well Allah (SWT) makes Muslims not men/women. Whoever all guides can not be led astray and whoever Allah leads astray can not be guided straight.

Thursday, March 22, 2007

The Vice Squad

http://rumler.com/miami/vice/img/miami-vice-dj-pmt.jpg

When I think of the vice squad, I have two very different and distinct images in my mind. The first is of the troubled soul, no sock wearing, undercover cops that seek to make the streets a little safer for Mr. & Mrs. John Q. Public. The other image is of bearded mean grimacing as they beat women on the legs with sticks because a breeze lifted the hem of their garment. This last image is what troubles me when there are reports that the "vice squad" in Gaza may be responsible for bombings. I understand the rationale behind the vice squad, although I don't agree with the need for them. As Muslims, we are suppose to command the good and forbid the evil, but there is nowhere that I can recall that the Sahabahs (may Allah be pleased with them) patrolled the streets waiting for a breeze to meet a hem, and then dish out some old-fashion beat downs. It is my understanding that we are suppose to encourage the good and forbid the bad, but we are also suppose to conceal the faults of our brothers/sisters (see 72 excuses) in most cases. Vice squads seem like method to instill fear in people while they are being oppressed. I find it ironic that in many places that have vice squads, they also are ruled by regimes that are rooted with vice, yet the vice squad never seems to knock on the palace door. Instead they knock on the door of those that espouse Islam in all of it's taqwa, truth, and justice. I would finish this post, but I hear a knock at the door......

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Women, Servants of Allah....Not Men!

Here is a quick video to reminds us not to take our women for granted. They are not servants, a lower class, and they collect a lot of baraka from our laziness.


Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Muslims in Jewish Schools....Cool!!!

The Jewish school where half the pupils are Muslim

In many communities around the country Muslim parents are placing their children not in Islamic schools, but in Jewish schools. The reason for this are many. Among them, are the level of secular education. Jewish schools excel in one area that Muslim schools don't, the three R's. There are some Islamic schools that provide high quality secular and religious educations, but most do not. They focus on Islamic studies (which is good), but math, science, and english are lacking. Jewish schools are seen as an alternative to sending their children to public schools, where the food is not halal/kosher, and where holidays like Christmas, Easter, and Halloween are celebrated. If anything, this should serve as a notice to Islamic schools to step their game up, and provide a quality, and balanced education. We are suppose to learn from the cradle to the grave...I assume that means all areas.

Monday, March 19, 2007

Secularism and Islam

This video has a choppy picture, it is a little over an hour long,but the subject and content is worth it. Hamza Yusef talks about Secularism in Islam.


Friday, March 16, 2007

JJ in his own words

I decided to post this interview of Jermaine Jackson talking about Islam because he seemed a little shaky to me before. I am not trying to judge him (only Allah can judge), I was curious if he was NOI (nation of Islam) or a Muslim.




Thursday, March 15, 2007

Muslims Against Terrorism......Again

http://www.voanews.com/greek/images/dallas_muslims_against_terrorism_0.jpg

There are a fresh round of clamours of why Muslim Americans don't speak out against terrorism? The answer is two-part, but simple. The first part is that we do denounce it, but the non-Muslim population seems to only hear what it wants to hear. I mean seriously, how many times must Muslims denounce terrorism ? The second answer is that Muslims don't agree with terrorism, but they also don't agree with circumstances that were the breeder of terrorist actions. These circumstances are rarely recognized as being a root source for terrorist actions. Denouncing wrong in the result and not the cause is hypocritical at best. Also, Muslims don't want their denouncing (constant denouncing) of terrorism to be politicized and used part of or as an endorsement of equally oppressing actions.
The bottom line is that Muslims have come to the realization, as African Americans have years before them, that no matter how much you apologize or try to fit in, you will always be looked at as suspect.

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

FIFA hates hijabs!!!

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2007/03/05/scarfgirl250x350.jpg

FIFA refuses to let a sister play in a soccer tournament because she is wears hijab. This is blatantly wrong. How can wearing a hijab be a problem when playing soccer?

The Anti-CAIR...with a German Accent



Leave it to Germany to start an organization by and for apostates. I'm not entirely sure what their agenda is (nor do I care), but I guess that they are suppose to be the anti-CAIR.

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Cabbies Unite!...Muslim Ones Anyway

http://www.jazztours.org/images/2004_ny/Taxi%20Cabs.jpg

Minnesota Muslim cabbies are holding their ground in refusing to carry passengers that have alcohol with them. They face a suspension of their license, but they realize that their risq (sustenance) is from Allah and not their cabbie license. I may not necessarily agree with their stance, I am not learned enough to have a truly informed opinion, but I respect their taqwa (fear of Allah (SWT)).

Monday, March 12, 2007

Islam -Empire of Faith

Here is the special "Islam-Empire of Faith". Pop some popcorn and enjoy!








Friday, March 09, 2007

WTF Files

Murree's whisky, Pakistan brewery produces Muslim world's first 20-year whisky

I am starting a new specialty post called the "WTF Files". WTF stands for What The F@#%. This post will exam the obvious oxymoronical (not sure if that is a word) in the Muslim world. The inaugural post will look at the Whiskey/Liquor brewery in Pakistan. I really don't need to say much more. A Muslim nation that is producing intoxicants....WTF

Take Them To Court

gavel

Muslims are suing their employers more now, when they are discriminated against. Suing is a good way to keep employers honest when they don't want to be. Just make sure that you are sure of what you are accusing them of. The burden of proof is higher for a Muslim than a non-Muslim,

Thursday, March 08, 2007

Muslim Business

This true on many levels.


Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Little Mosque 7

Here is the last episode of little mosque. I stopped posting them because after their initial episodes, I felt that the writers where getting a little loose with some things. I felt that the point of humor had stopped being the Muslim experience in the Americas (Canada is on North America), and it started to belittle some aspects of the religion. In one episode, the wife who rarely prays, resolves to pray and uses a shower mat to pray on. This is where I think that the writers were making fun of the religion. First of all, there are Muslims who do not pray as they should, but none of them would use a rubber shower mat to pray on. Furthermore, other Muslims in her family or the community would not allow that. I understand that the show is trying to show the spectrum of the community to non-Muslims, but that is no license to be reckless. Some Muslims are upset because the show doesn't present Muslims in the we are better than you image that they would prefer. The reality is that most communities probably have several members could be loosely associated with a few characters. The reality is that Islam is perfect, but Muslims are not.

With that said, here is the last episode. I wasn't to thrilled with it, but you decide for yourself.







Tuesday, March 06, 2007

Farrakhan Farewell Speech

The image “http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/1465000/images/_1466413_farrakhanap300.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.

Louis Farrakhan of the Nation of Islam, not to confused with the Ummah of Rasoullah Mohammed bin Abdullah (PBUH), has given his last major public speech about "One Nation Under God". It is the typical can't we all get along theme. I don't knock the theme, in fact I agree with it. Islam has been espousing it for over 1400 years. Many Sunni Muslims today came to Islam via the NOI so I appreciate it from that perspective, but ultimately Allah alone makes a person Muslim. Inshallah, with Farrakhan being resigned to the domain of historians, the remaining members of the NOI will accept Islam as so many before them. I also give Farrakhan credit for redressing many of the ill will that he seed many years ago, Inshallah we all will be able to do the same before we meet Allah(SWT).

Micheal the Muslim?



There is more chatter that Micheal Jackson may take the Shahadah. This would a good thing for him. If he truly embraces it (Allahualim), he will truly be a winner. With that said, I still wouldn't let him babysit for me or leave him in charge of the jumping castle at the Eid picnic.....I'm just saying!

Friday, March 02, 2007

Northern Exposure



I like hearing stories of the growth of Islam, even in places where you wouldn't expect it to grow. Here is an article about the Muslim graveyard in Anchorage, Alaska. I have hear good things about the community up there, but I know that fasting has got to be a challenge when Ramadan comes during the summer months (the 20 plus hours of day light). This post was a way for me to remind all of us (starting with myself) about the grave and the day of judgment. May Allah (SWT) have mercy on us all.

Thursday, March 01, 2007

And He Scores!!!

The image “http://espycollection.shazamm.net/images/photo_muhammad_ali.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.

This article asks a good question. Where are the Muslim athletes? There are Muslim athletes, but none of them seem to want to step up the way that Muhammad Ali and Kareem Abdul Jabbar did. It may be that they feel it will hurt their marketability or maybe they just want to fly below the radar, but fact remains it's easier for our neighbors to have a more favorable view of Muslims and even be more receptive to Islam when they are cheering on a Muslim athlete.

Let's Talk



Finally, the media is going directly to Muslims who don't look as though they are future guests of the government at their Caribbean accommodations. I hope that other markets across the nation follows suit, and just talk directly to everyday Muslims, and broadcast it unedited.

Wednesday, February 28, 2007

The Secret Room

The image “http://www.islamicvoice.com/november.99/images/al-aqsa.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.

Here is an interesting article about a unknown ancient prayer room that was found near the Wailing Wall. Apparently, the Israeli government knew of it over two years ago, but didn't want it to become public for fear of Muslims demanding that it be declared a religious holy site. Kind of shady right. Nevertheless, it still makes an interesting article. This has been this months moment in Islamic history.