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Keith Ellison, a candidate for US Congress in Minnesota, overcame long odds ("He's black! He's Muslim! He didn't pay parking tickets!") to beat several qualified candidates in the Democratic primary on September 12th. Because his district is one of the bluest in the country, he is likely to win in November against Republican opponent Alan Fine and become the first ever Muslim member of Congress. Although Canada, the UK, and most European countries have had Muslims in their legislative bodies for some time, a win in America's non-parliamentary system is extremely difficult for political minorities (witness the Green party). But then again, Ellison, to his credit and wisdom, never ran as a minority. Though he always maintained that he was a man who lives his life "in a way not to make religion a big deal," he is now getting a lot of attention from people, both non-Muslim and Muslim who want to do just that. In Ellison's success, is there a lesson for Muslims in how to demonstrate their values to wider society without beating them on the head with proselytisation? And can non-Muslims return the favor of Ellison's humility in not ascribing a religious fervor to the man that he obviously does not have? Until now, the image of a Muslim getting involved in politics in the West has been to address Muslim concerns only and preach to everyone else. Muslim candidates often had little or no grassroots experience among the general electorate, and their campaigns were often an exercise in vanity. Well intentioned, perhaps, but myopic and counter productive. There are Muslim leaders (often self-proclaimed) and then there are leaders who happen to be Muslim. We are finally witnessing the ascendance of the latter. (More here)
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Though Hindus are overwhelming majority of India's billion-plus population, the country's secular-minded framework has sought (sometimes in theory alone) not to alienate any of its many minorities, chief among them over 154 million Muslims (nearly as many as in neighbouring Muslim-dominated Pakistan). September 7th is the 100th anniversary of "Vande Mataram" ("Hail to the Mother(land)!"), a loose approximation of America's "Pledge of Allegiance" and former contender for India's national anthem, used often during campaigns to free India (and pre-partition Pakistan, for that matter) from British colonial rule. A campaign to urge schoolchildren across India to sing the song has stirred controversy, with some Muslim schools, supported by Muslim institutions, refusing to sing it on the grounds that it invokes the worship of Hindu deities, specifically Durga. Although "Vande Mataram" mostly praises India's geography, the title can be translated to "I bow to thee, mother," which clashes with Muslim traditions of bowing only to God. However, despite their theological concerns, leading Muslim bodies such as the Darul Uloom Deoband have steered clear of the issue, saying that Muslims were "being unnecessarily dragged into the Vande Mataram controversy," according to DUD leader Maulana Margoobur Rehman, adding that there was no need to question Muslims about their patriotism or issue a fatwa against the song (though they did issue a fatwa calling Hindu-nationalist BJP party leaders "anti-Muslim" for deriding Muslim non-participants). The Muslim body had earlier called for Muslim students to stay away from school, but later reversed its position. Other prominent Muslims have used the issue to express their patriotism anyway, including the famous Indian Muslim musician and composer A.R. Rahman, who recorded a popular modern version of the song in 1998. Secular-minded Hindus and Muslims still feel uneasy with the religious imagery (as many in the US do about religious references in public life), though defenders insist it's not a prayer. "This is just a salaam or namaskar to Mother Earth and everybody does it in his own way," says Madhya Pradesh Governor Balram Jakhar. "In the song it is 'vande' [namaskar or salute] and not 'vandana' [prayer]." Although the Indian government says singing "Vande" is optional, the BJP says otherwise, mandating compulsory use (in tune or not) in states where it governs. "There should be no compromising attitude on the national song," said BJP leader LK Advani. "Showing respect to national symbols cannot be made optional." Schools in Mumbai and elsewhere have agreed to start singing the song this week along with the occasional madrassa (finding the few that do appears to be a priority). Though the issue could be over once the first two stanzas of the song are sung, the political ramifications could continue. "Rendition of the national song should not be equated with patriotism of Muslims who have always been honest in their duty towards the nation," said Muslim religious leader Moulana Quttubiddin Rizvi. "Giving it a political colour will only spoil young minds who are the future of our nation."
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With all the trouble that Muslim passengers go through at the airport these days, it's comforting to know that at least one Muslim will be entrusted with the flight of a lifetime - hopefully without the hassle that people who Fly While Muslim go through. After an ailing Japanese businessman pulled out of the running, Iranian-American entrepreneur Anousheh Ansari was selected to be the next "space tourist," paying a reported $20 million to be launched on a Russian Soyuz space capsule for a visit to the International Space Station. Ansari, whose family helped fund the Ansari X-Prize to spur the development of private space travel (so much for Muslims not contributing anything to the modern world), will become the first Muslim woman astronaut (though not the first Muslim in space). "By reaching this dream I've had since childhood, I hope to tangibly demonstrate to young people all over the world that there is no limit to what they can accomplish," said Ansari, 39, who immigrated from Iran as a teenager and went on to found several successful technology companies. Ansari's trip to space comes at a time when tensions between her adopted country and the one where she grew up have reached a fever pitch, with the US treating Iran's recent opening of a heavy-water plant as a confrontational move. "I believe [Iran] is the greatest enemy we will ever face," said Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) in a speech Tuesday, explaining that Iran wants to take over al-Qaida's unfinished business and introducing the legislative groundwork for military intervention in Iran. With Ansari's space flight scheduled for September 14th, one can only wonder what she would be thinking if she gazes down from the International Space Station - after having shown through her example what is possible when you put the best of America and the best of the Muslim world together - only to see small dots of light scattered over the land of her birth.
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As a tentative ceasefire takes hold between Israel and Hezbollah, and refugees slowly begin to come out of hiding to survey the damage, another case of a country fighting a militant group is resulting in thousands of new refugees, many of whom in this case are also Muslim. The Sri Lankan government has long fought off the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam), more commonly known as the "Tamil Tigers", who are seeking a separate Tamil homeland in the northern part of this (appropriately) teardrop-shaped country. (For those who think that suicide bombing is a uniquely Muslim endeavor, the Tigers both introduced this tactic into modern warfare - using it to kill the prime ministers of India and Sri Lanka - and still lead in the number of suicide attacks undertaken in the past 30 years.) Despite the existance of a 2002 cease-fire, hostilities have increased in a spate of bombings and shootings between the mostly Buddhist Sri Lankan government and the predominantly Hindu Tamil separatists that have left the minority Muslim population caught (literally and figuratively) in the middle. While Sri Lankan air raids (using Lebanon-tested Israeli-made jets, no less) are accused by Muslims as being responsible for some of the deaths, the LTTE has aggressively driven out Muslims from the north and east of the country, which the Tigers claim as part of a Tamil homeland and where Muslims constitute nearly 1/3 of the population. (Interestingly, as in the case with Israel and Lebanon, the LTTE gave notice to flee the Muslim Muttur area before attacking.) Sri Lanka's Muslims are appealing for support from Muslim countries, but with little luck so far, given the attention that ongoing conflicts in the Middle East draw from sympathetic Muslims. "It is perhaps the largest Muslim refugee problem outside of Lebanon," said Basheer Segu Dawood, a member of Parliament and chairman of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), who noted that similar purges of Muslims by the LTTE occured in the 1990's. (He also pleaded with the Sri Lankan government to stop the shelling of their areas.) Both sides claim no hostility towards Muslims, but Muslim leaders remain skeptical. "The government says it won the Muttur battle, the Tigers claim they achieved their objectives," says Dawood. "[But] people are now refugees. Is this not a fact?"
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Britain and its Muslims Stare Into the Abyss - The stakes in the fight against terrorism reach an all time high with allegations of a plot said to rival 9/11. If not handled correctly, the problems on all sides could be compounded. (Aug 11, 2006)
Changes In Pakistan's Rape Laws (Slowly) Make Progress - Under Pakistan's Hudood Ordinance, female rape victims have often found themselves blamed for the crimes committed against them. With new pressure, that may soon change. (Aug 9, 2006)
The Propaganda War So Far - With so many sympathisers watching the Israel-Lebanon conflict from the sidelines, the propaganda wars between them are taking liberties with the truth. (Aug 4, 2006)
Muslim Community Reaches Out After Seattle Shooting - A tragic shooting in Seattle against a Jewish community center is tempered by the response of local Muslims who put aside politics to offer their condolences (Jul 31, 2006)
In The Shadow Of Lebanon, Iraq's Sectarian Violence Rages - Unified only by their sympathy for Lebanon, violence between Sunnis and Shias in Iraq has surged since the death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, resulting in a civil war in all but name. (Jul 25, 2006)
Israel's Punishment Gets More Collective - Israel tries to bomb the Lebanese into taking care of their Hizbollah problem, and innocents aren't just being caught in the crossfire - they are the targets. (Jul 18, 2006)
In The World Cup, Zinedine Zidane Becomes The Football - What really happened on the football field that day? The answer might be a window into the tense relationship between Europe and its Muslim immigrants. (Jul 12, 2006)
Were Muslims Really Sailing The "Seas Of David?" - Another Islamist terrorist cell has been caught red handed - but if you look a little closer, there were no actual Muslims or credible threat involved. (Jun 23, 2006)
The Courts of Somali Opinion - Somalia is effectively under control by a single group for the first time in fifteen years. Will its Islamically oriented rulers lean toward Taliban-style governance or relative peace? (Jun 14, 2006)
More Terror Raids, More Suspects, More Questions - What transpired in two different raids that led police to young Muslims said to be preparing for large-scale acts of terrorism? (Jun 7, 2006)
Will Minnesota Send The First Muslim To Congress? - With a strong political record in Minnesota state politics, Keith Ellison stands a good chance to become the first Muslim member of Congress. (May 24, 2006)
The Ups, Downs, And Outs Of Ayaan Hirsi Ali - Former Dutch MP Ayaan Hirsi Ali gained notoriety for her statements against Islam and Muslim immigrants to Holland. Caught lying during her own immigration, her credibility lies in tatters. (May 16, 2006)
Muslims And Wachovia: Once Bitten, Twice As Angry - Wachovia Bank cancels the account of a Muslim group dedicated to addressing domestic violence, and a community weary of "guilty until proven innocent" fights back. (May 8, 2006)
The Irony Of Being Hassan Al-Turabi - Sudan's Hassan al-Turabi once advocated for the execution of another Islamic scholar for being too liberal. Now he finds himself in the same situation. (May 3, 2006)
Return Of The Janjaweed, This Time In Chad - Remember Darfur? A few people - including some Muslims - do, and efforts are being redoubled to stem the bloodshed as it spills over into neighboring Chad. (Apr 20, 2006)
Muslim Voices On The Sidelines In Immigration Debate - Despite all the immigration-related problems that have afflicted the US Muslim community, little has been contributed to the current debate on immigration policy. (Apr 17, 2006)
Guess Who's Coming To TV? A Muslim-Themed Sitcom - Will a new Muslim-themed TV sitcom - the first of its kind in America - result in viewers laughing at Muslims or laughing with them? (Apr 5, 2006)
Begum Case Defeat Highlights A Game of Power - Now that a Muslim high school student has lost her case to wear a jilbab instead of the Muslim uniform derived from consensus, many are asking what was really behind it. (Mar 24, 2006)
Kurtlar Vadisi: The Other Side Of Free Speech - After decades of Muslim and Arab stereotyping in film, a Turkish blockbuster turns the tables and portrays Americans and Jews in a negative light. Will calls for free speech diminish? (Mar 11, 2006)
So Who's Hung Up On The 'Muslim Madonna'? - If Norwegian-born Muslim singer Deeyah wants to be the next 'Muslim Madonna,' will mixing Muslim commentary with scantily-clad videos gain her credibility or just cheap publicity? (Mar 2, 2006)
Irrational Fear, Your Ship Has Come In - Perhaps if you didn't understand global trade, the economy of Dubai, or the help the UAE gives the US military, your fear of Dubai Ports World would make sense. But it still wouldn't be right. (Feb 24, 2006)
A Harsher Light Shines on Guantanamo Bay - New pressure on the United States from the UN and others to close its Guantanamo Bay prison may highlight its legal and moral anomalies, but success remains uncertain (Feb 19, 2006)
- More news articles here |
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By Louay Safi, September 18, 2006
The recent election of Ingrid Mattson to the presidency of the Islamic Society of North America was received with great enthusiasm by the North American Muslim community and the public at large. Her election was seen as a sign of maturation , and as a vindication of Islam’s respect of women’s rights and contemporary Muslims’ ability to overcome cultural traditions and rise to the level of the high moral demands of Islam. Yet some Muslims in North America, and many in Muslim societies, raised questions as to the propriety of a female presiding over the largest Muslim organization in North America, and as to the compatibility of female leadership with Islamic principles and precepts. (More here)
By Aslam Abdullah, September 12, 2006
The leader of al-Qaida in Iraq, Abu Hamza al-Muhajer, recently issued a decree to its supporters: Kill at least one American in the next two weeks "using a sniper rifle, explosive or whatever the battle may require." Well, Abu Hamza al-Muhajer, I am an American too. Count me as the one of those you have asked your supporters to kill. I am not alone, there are thousands of Muslims with me in Las Vegas, and many more millions in America, who are proud Americans and who are ready to face your challenge. (More here)
By Shahed Amanullah, September 11, 2006
It's become a pattern now. Every time September comes around, our society pulls the bandages off our collective wounds and insists on poking sticks in it. The self-torture has come to the point where some news outlets are broadcasting their original footage from that fateful morning, uncut, in order to ensure that everyone relives the horror at the same time. Surveys of all kinds show that each year, hope for a normal life diminishes, and anger at "the other" continues to grow. Far from being healed, the wound is infected, and threatens to spread to areas previously healthy. (More here)
Another Vision Of The "New Middle East"
By Hesham Hassaballa, September 11, 2006
While visions of a "new Middle East" focus on political change in Arab countries, that political change won't come unless a fair solution to land conflicts is made possible.
Veils And Jails
By Rafia Zakaria, September 1, 2006
The Hudood Ordinances of Pakistan expose how Generals past and present have used the regulation of female sexuality to their strategic advantage.
War Profiteering With The "Infidel" Knife
By Bryan Lee, August 31, 2006
It is intolerable that a American company, Benchmade, would make a product of death and market it in such a anti-American and racist way.
Snakes On A Plane, Muslims Off The Plane
By Naeem Mohaiemen, August 30, 2006
Every person is now an action hero, ready to pounce on evildoers when they "spot suspicious behavior", kick up a royal fuss and boot that passenger off the plane.
Shooting A Shaykh In The Mouth
By Ali Eteraz, August 25, 2006
It is a war between Violence and Reason. One speaks with the authority of bullets and flame; the other through the authority of pamphlet and humility.
Polls, Damn Polls, and Statistics
By Zahed Amanullah, August 22, 2006
With the recent increase in tensions between Muslims and the West, many have turned to polls to figure out what Muslims are thinking. But how much do they really tell us?
Honour Killing: Crime & Abetment
By Rafia Zakaria, August 10, 2006
European Muslims continue to remain silent on horrific crimes within the community, citing fear of fuelling Islamophobia as the reason. This should not be an excuse.
High Fructose Masjid
By Javed Memon, August 9, 2006
Mosques, like high schools, are falling prey to fast food culture (and a quick buck) by allowing vending machines in. Shouldn't our communities expect better?
Hezbollah Is Not A Puppet
By Reza Aslan, August 2, 2006
It is unlikely that Hezbollah would risk dissipating its popular support in Lebanon by seeming to favour its foreign benefactors to the detriment of its domestic constituents.
On Spying: Mubin Shaikh & The "Toronto 17"
By Safiyyah Ally, August 1, 2006
The authorities have a responsibility to enforce public order and ensure the protection of all. Difficulty arises when that responsibility is downloaded to regular citizens.
Time For A New "Honest Broker"
By Hesham Hassaballa, July 30, 2006
When studying the actions of the United States throughout this entire Middle East crisis, can one honestly say that they are those of an "honest broker"? Absolutely not.
Avoiding A Clash of Civilizations
By Souheila Al-Jadda, July 28, 2006
The past five years of continued violence in parts of the Islamic world shows that excessive force and 'shock and awe' policies do not solve deep-rooted conflicts but exacerbates them.
Middle East Crisis: Is The US Part Of The Problem?
By Muqtedar Khan, July 28, 2006
All major US goals in the region – democracy promotion, support for moderates, winning hearts and minds, undermining support for radicalism – will be buried under Lebanon's debris.
John Updike: Quranic Exegete?
By Ibrahim N. Abusharif, July 25, 2006
The latest book from John Updike (and statements he has made) provokes a question: Exactly how is the message of the Quran interpreted by those educated in the West?
Movie Review: "Islam: What The West Needs To Know"
By Zahir Janmohamed, July 17, 2006
Zahir Janmohamed tells you what you need to know about a new documentary that purports to, well, tell you what you need to know about Islam.
Mumbai & The Hijacking Of The Indian Spirit - Part I
By Irfan Yusuf, July 16, 2006
India has long had a variety of religious extremist groups, many of which are not afraid of using both electoral politics and communal violence to achieve their goals.
Will Israel Ever Recognize Palestine?
By Nayyer Ali, July 16, 2006
This conflict has now boiled down to Israel's desire to steal the land between the 1967 border and the current route of Israel's land-grab fence.
Middle East Crisis: US Fails To Defend Its Interests
By Muqtedar Khan, July 14, 2006
An escalation of violence between Israel, Hezbollah, and Hamas serves no one's interests, not even Israel's or Americas. And yet, Arabs and Muslims continue to suffer.
A Much Needed Head-Butt
By Zahir Janmohamed, July 13, 2006
In 1998, Zidane emerged a hero for guiding France to victory. Eight years later, Zidane again emerges as a hero, albeit for different reasons.
One Year Later, The Gap is Greater
By Zahed Amanullah, July 7, 2006
Twelve months after the London bombings, the British government and Muslim leaders have made little progress in combatting terrorism and extremism. Both sides share the blame.
The Problem With "Muslim-Only" Days
By Svend White, July 6, 2006
Community events need to be structured in such a way that they respect Muslim needs and legitimate preferences without catering to illegitimate ones.
Not In My Name
By Hesham Hassaballa, July 5, 2006
According to many people, we should move beyond the past. Fine, let us then talk about the present goings on in Iraq - starting with allegations of raping Iraqi civilians.
Shut Down The Gitmo Gulag
By Hussam Ayloush, June 17, 2006
We are told we are fighting the "war on terror" to protect freedom and rule of law, yet we fail to implement those same principles at Guantanamo Bay.
Islam And Reform
By Rafia Zakaria, June 10, 2006
Unless any recipe for reform is able to win a constituency in the hearts of those that must change, it is likely to die an unceremonious death on the shelves of Western bookstores.
Is The Death Of al-Zarqawi Really Good?
By Farhan Memon, June 9, 2006
By ending the lives of suspected terrorists in this fashion, the military seems to be writing off sources of potentially valuable intelligence.
Integration Is A Two-Way Street
By Hesham Hassaballa, June 7, 2006
Not only must Muslims be willing to extend their hands to their non-Muslim neighbors, but those non-Muslim neighbors must also be willing to extend their hands in return.
Mosques With Foreign Flags
By Muqtedar Khan, June 1, 2006
With Islamophobia on the rise in most western countries, in your face displays of allegiance to foreign nations can only be described as spectacularly stupid.
Indonesia's City of Soul Mourns
By Irfan Yusuf, May 30, 2006
Irfan Yusuf explores the history of the Jogja region of Indonesia, which is reeling from a major earthquake that has taken over 5,000 lives.
Understanding Muslim Language
By Svend White, May 29, 2006
Svend White outlines five simple rules to decipher just how the media selects quotes from Muslims and interprets their intentions.
Dead Woman Walking
By Shelina Merani, May 24, 2006
Many Muslim majority countries are implementing repressive policies and injustices - from corporal punishments to death penalties - in the name of Islam.
What Are The Requirements To Reflect Over the Qur'an?
By Hesham Hassaballa, May 24, 2006
We're told to read the Qur'an and ponder its meaning, but we're criticized for talking about it - that is, if we aren't considered qualified to do so.
A New Understanding Of "Kufr"
By Hesham Hassaballa, May 14, 2006
Muslims use the word "kufr" and "kafir", but do they really understand their meanings? Could there be more nuanced understandings that remain uncovered?
A "New" Look At Engagement?
By Motazz Soliman, May 3, 2006
As the 'new hyphenated Americans,' it would serve the Muslim population to study the struggles of other minorities who have pursued justice.
Are We Really Supposed To Hate Non-Muslims? (Part II)
By Hesham Hassaballa, May 1, 2006
How should Muslims interact with people of other faiths? What do Islam and Muslim scholars have to say about the matter?
Are We Really Supposed To Hate Non-Muslims? (Part I)
By Hesham Hassaballa, April 21, 2006
How should Muslims interact with people of other faiths? What do Islam and Muslim scholars have to say about the matter?
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The Challenge Goes Out to All American Muslims - "It's good that there's internal debate and good that America sees it because one of the fears Americans have about American Muslims is that we're automatons that do what people tell us to do. When Americans see our internal debates, I think that reassures them that we're human, and we're trying to resolve our issues." (Sep 12, 2006)
Bay Area still feeling 9/11 reverberations - "Because of Ahmad's name, he is routinely selected for lengthy identity checks at ticket counters and prohibited from online or kiosk check-in. "To be clear, this is a knucklehead policy," he said. What's especially enervating to Ahmad is that he only gets picked on by one airline: Southwest. It got to the point where he wrote a letter to the company, posted on altmuslim.com, blasting the company for overzealously using a passenger screening list provided by the Transportation Security Administration." (Sep 11, 2006)
Did Muhammad Really Say That? - "With this apostasy issue, the differences become so glaring, with one side saying, 'put to death,' and the other saying, 'no, free will.' People are coming from two worlds," said [Shahed] Amanullah of altmuslim.com. "The cultural differences in the Muslim world stem from the hadith." (Aug 5, 2006)
Faces of US Muslim and Jewish dissent - "Muslims in the United States must decide whether they see groups like Hamas and Hizbullah as legitimate resistance or the cause of Muslim troubles in the region, [explains Shahed Amanullah, editor of AltMuslim.com]. 'When the dust settles, there will be a big debate about the role of these militias,' Amanullah says. 'But as long as Israel continues to bomb, that debate will take a back seat to the civilian death toll.'" (Aug 3, 2006)
The World Delivered To You: 20 Intriguing Podcasts - "Mind Expanding - altmuslim.com: This transatlantic magazine, produced by Muslims, posts monthly podcasts that articulately discuss pressing current issues, such as the way that the recent Danish cartoon furore has been hijacked by extremists on both sides." (Jun 22, 2006)
Cartoon debate rages in online forums - "Safiyyah Ally, a Muslim writer, published an article on Altmuslim.com on Wednesday last week, saying: 'I'm quite troubled over the cartoon controversy in Denmark, not because of the cartoons themselves, which I agree are offensive, but rather because of the absurd overreaction of Muslims worldwide.'" (Feb 8, 2006)
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