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Recently, the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) stated that an anonymous Islamic website in the Middle East urged Muslims to show their outrage at the Apple Store in New York City, which built a pavilion coincidentally resembling the cube shape of the Ka'aba, the ancient structure in Mecca towards which all Muslims pray (the actual structure is glass, though MEMRI referenced a black plywood cover during construction). Predictibly, the post brought out cries of indignation from people upset that Muslims would be offended (yet again). But missing in the report was the name of the purported website, why it was considered authoritative on the matter, or any actual offended Muslims (our straw poll garnered a collective shrug, along with much respect for Steve Jobs, himself the son of an Arab). It's not the first time the controversial organisation has selectively framed an issue to show Muslims in a less than positive light, nor is it the only instance of pre-emptive outrage attributed to Muslims in recent months. Take the case of a Kate Moss advertisment across the street from a New York mosque. The idea that Muslims might be offended by this went from blog post to mainstream media, somehow becoming "hundreds" of Muslims "infuriated" along the way. Nobody bothered to ask Muslims, though. In fact, no Muslim ever complained. A similar story happened when a UK art gallery pulled some sexually explicit art pieces depicting young girls so as to not "shock the population" of Muslims who live in their east London neighborhood. As with the above, no Muslims actually complained, but it didn't matter - the damage was done, and Muslims were labeled anti-art without even having a say in the matter. The list goes on. A British school bans children's stories about pigs so that Muslims won't get offended - again no Muslim complained ("It is rather sad," commented UK imam Ibrahim Mogra. "Muslims would not find the Three Little Pigs offensive."). A German opera last week cancelled a performance in which the leaders of various religions were beheaded, again citing Muslim sensibilities - even though, again, no Muslims complained, and the opera was performed three years ago without incident. Despite the reaction of the Muslim world to the Danish Muhammad cartoons - which probably drove much of the paranoia behind these decisions - Muslims in the west have a thicker skin than most people think, and the vast majority aren't looking to impose their values on others. But in the case of the (selective) MEMRI account, where at least one Muslim did (allegedly) complain about the NYC Apple Store, it seems that whenever a lone Muslim says something incendiary - even when it is an anonymous person hiding in a cave somewhere - his words are taken to somehow represent all Muslims. When whole groups of Muslims issue condemnations of terrorism, they are treated as "brave but isolated cries", or worse, ignored. In MEMRI's case, the mainstream media has already begun reporting it as fact. When it comes to Muslims, everyone loves a rumor. (More here)
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While Muslims account for only 4.6% of Thailand's total population, their presence in the country (a relic of a 1909 deal with the British that left three Muslim-majority Malay states in Thai hands) has been a major factor in the coup in Thailand last week that ousted democratically-elected PM Thaksin Shinawatra, a businessman who was so widely accused of corruption that even the US did not call for his restoration. Shinawatra, whose alleged abuses of power (extrajudicial killings, buying votes, hiding the first outbreak of bird flu, and personally enriching himself at Thailand's expense) have soured the Thai electorate in recent years, had implemented a heavy-handed approach to separatist tensions with the predominantly Muslim south that have cost 1,000 lives in the past year, including the murder of a Muslim human rights lawyer and the killing of 78 unarmed protestors (pausing momentarily to drop origami birds of peace). The coup leader, Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin, is the country's highest ranking Muslim and was appointed commander-in-chief last year as an attempt by the government to increase pressure on insurgents - a move that now appears to have backfired on the billionaire leader. The general had called for negotiations with Muslim leaders and a more discriminating policy of selectively targeting extremists, a policy rejected by the government and now revived by the new military leadership. So why has the coup been relatively painless, with tourists taking pictures of smiling soldiers (that's an order!) instead of taking to the streets (only 100 people did) to protest restrictions on press freedoms and the dissolution of democratic bodies? In addition to disatisfaction with Shinawatra among the urban elite, many Thais were unhappy with a government bogged down in scandal and unable to resolve the ongoing conflict in the south. Also, the coup gained immediate support from Thailand's revered (though powerless) King, a man much loved in Thailand and to whom Boonyaratglin dedicated the coup. Though Shinawatra was a populist who catered to poorer Thais with subsidies and marketing campaigns, the coup has been tentatively accepted among the Muslim communities of the south who hope to see progress in negotiations. "On my way here, I was prime minister," said Thaksin in New York while attending the UN General Assembly meeting during the coup. "On my way back, I'm jobless." Perhaps, but Thailand's new leaders have quite a job ahead of them - quelling unrest in the south, moving forward on a promise to tackle corruption, and keeping the tourism industry (still reeling from 2004's tsunami) from faltering. And a few smiling soldiers couldn't hurt.
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When Pope Benedict XVI made a speech, written by himself, to a largely academic audience at the University of Regensburg in Germany, few would imagine that it held much interest outside a small, learned clique. But Pope Benedict's address included a provocative quote from the 14th century Byzantine Emperor Manuel II Paleologus ("Show me just what Muhammad brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached.") Outside of a reference to the emperor's "startling brusqueness," there was nothing to imply that the pontiff did not agree, since a theme of the speech was the inappropriateness of violence in conversions (pdf). Within days, the Muslim world was in protest, with the firebombing of churches in Palestine linked to the crisis (the killing of a nun in Somalia has been linked but remains unclear). Qatari scholar and Al-Jazeera personality Yusuf Qaradawi called for a "day of anger," as he did during the Danish cartoon crisis earlier this year (though it seemed like weeks). Similar to that crisis as well was the occasional show of support from other religious scholars and institutions, noting the marked contrast with Benedict's predecessor, Pope John Paul II, who built unprecedented bridges with other faiths (he was the first to enter both a synagogue and a mosque) and whose death was mourned by even the most conservative Muslims. Eventually, the Pope responded. "I am deeply sorry for the reactions in some countries to a few passages of my address, which were considered offensive to the sensibility of Muslims," he said five days later. "These in fact were a quotation from a medieval text, which do not in any way express my personal thought." Benedict's unprecedented apology satisfied most Muslim representatives around the world, themselves wary of escalating a conflict with the leader of the world's 1.1 billion Catholics. But as analysts start to pick through the rationale, there are signs that the choice of words may be political as much as theological, with a pattern of questionable behaviour on display since his ascendence. Jews were disappointed earlier this year when Benedict offered defensiveness and discredited opinions during a visit to Auschwitz. Muslims were disappointed when he opposed Turkey's potential ascension to the European Union to protect Europe's Christian character (though he is still scheduled to visit that country in a papal first). He had also invited controversial Italian journalist and Islam critic Oriana Fallaci for a "pastoral" meeting before she died last week. Ultimately, the issue is a test for both communities to find their way back to the respectful dialogue of the John Paul era. There are still numerous hotspots around the world where Muslims and Catholics live in close proximity (Nigeria, the Phillippines). Any further tensions could result in more than a war of words.
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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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Muslim Women In High Places - Amid increasing tensions between the US and Iran, an Iranian-American entrepreneur and proponent of private space travel is preparing to become the first Muslim woman astronaut. (Aug 28, 2006)
Muslims Caught In Sri Lankan Crossfire - In Sri Lanka, Muslims are caught in a battle between Hindu Tamil separatists and the predominantly Buddhist government. 100,000 have fled the violence so far. (Aug 14, 2006)
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)
- More news articles here |
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By Muqtedar Khan, October 12, 2006
As I sat sipping tea in the elegantly appointed senior's common room at Magdalene College in Oxford, sharing anecdotes about Muslim intellectuals with Dr. Farhan Nizami the Director of the Oxford Center for Islamic Studies, I kept reflecting about Edward Gibbon. Gibbon, who was an alumnus of the Magdalene College, authored The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire in the mid eighteenth century. In that magnum opus, Gibbon wrote that, if the Franks had not won the battle of Portiers in 733, "perhaps the interpretation of the Koran would now be taught in the schools of Oxford and her pulpits might demonstrate to a circumcised people the sanctity and truth of the revelation of Mahomet." Remembering what he wrote, I wondered what his response would be, if he were to now take a tour of Oxford. (More here)
By Hesham Hassaballa, October 11, 2006
Islamic tradition counts 99 names or attributes for God. It gives one only a glimpse, a small one at that, into the beauty that is God. And yet, He is not circumscribed by these attributes; He is more than they. Still, it allows the finite human mind to know Who his or her fully unknowable Creator is. Yet, what should we do with them? Many Muslims have the names of God in beautiful frames hung on the walls of their homes. Some have them hung around their necks. Some sing the names in songs or prayer sessions. Some repeat the names over and over. All of these are good things. I want to go even further: I want to reflect on these names and attributes and try to understand what they mean for me. (More here)
By Zahir Janmohamed, October 9, 2006
One year ago, a devastating earthquake struck Kashmir, killing nearly 75,000 and leaving nearly 3.3 million homeless. While many efforts were made to alleviate the immediate humanitarian disaster, the work is still unfinished. alt.muslim's associate editor Zahir Janmohamed recently interviewed his sister Shenaaz, a graduate student at the University of Michigan's School of Social Work, to talk about her experiences in helping the victims of last year's South Asia earthquake, and what remains to be done. (More here)
For Ramadan in Britain, A Smorgasbord of Controversy
By Zahed Amanullah, October 6, 2006
Muslim issues are often in the news these days in Britain, but Ramadan has brought with it an unusual amount of controversies in an otherwise quiet month.
Iraq: There Is A Third Way
By Muqtedar Khan, October 2, 2006
So far there are two plans for Iraq: staying the course and scheduling an early withdrawal. In my opinion, neither plan truly safeguard's America's security.
Downgrading The Clash Of Civilizations
By Firas Ahmad, October 2, 2006
Samuel Huntington's essay "The Clash of Civilizations" has been used to describe an inevitable conflict between Muslims and the west, but people may have the wrong idea.
If Not "Islamic Fascists," Then What?
By Hesham Hassaballa, September 29, 2006
We can complain about the use of the term "Islamic fascist", or we can come up with our own term that is more accurate and push for its use.
Life, Class, and Art in "Man Push Cart"
By Zahir Janmohamed, September 25, 2006
Ramin Bahrani deserves credit not only for creating a film that implores us to ask important questions but also reminds us of why it is so easy to ignore them.
Go West, Young Muslim
By Naeem Mohaiemen, September 22, 2006
It is time to look beyond the stories of 9/11. Time to also feel the pain of others outside these borders. Time to formulate theory, trajectory and a vision for a more humane future.
The Evolution Of Monotheism
By Zeeshan Hasan, September 22, 2006
If we accept the historical evidence that Abraham was polytheist, then we have found grounds for a more pluralistic view of Islam in the many verses praising him.
Papal Free Speech
By Irfan Yusuf, September 19, 2006
From time to time, Christian and Muslim leaders talk about each other's faiths. That's religion. And that's life. At least it should be.
Gender Politics: ISNA's First Female President
By Louay Safi, September 18, 2006
Though one should expect that both men and women enjoy equal political rights, some misread classical jurists in criticizing the election of a female ISNA's president.
The Lessons Of Keith Ellison
By Shahed Amanullah, September 14, 2006
There are Muslim leaders, and then there are leaders who happen to be Muslim. In Keith Ellison, we are finally witnessing the ascendance of the latter.
Kill Us, Too: We Are Also Americans
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. Well, I am an American too.
Still Caught Between Two Hells
By Shahed Amanullah, September 11, 2006
Sometimes it seems like the average Muslim American, caught between the extremists on both sides, just can't win. But there is a way out.
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.
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Islamophobia, Panic and Public Media - "[F]rom the Pope to Zidane's headbutt to racial profiling on airline flights, Altmuslim.com features some of the most penetrating writing and news coverage from a quite different vantage point." (Oct 5, 2006)
Papal gaffe was setback for religious dialogue - "It never ceases to amaze me that some Muslims choose to act out the stereotypes they complain about," said Shahed Amanullah, a former Oakland resident who is editor of altmuslim.com, a popular Muslim blog. "It doesn't matter if it's a handful of people on a Karachi street. Those are the images that go out and represent all of us." (Sep 26, 2006)
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)
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