Fareed Zakaria Called Us Out

I don’t always agree with Fareed Zakaria or CNN, but this time he was right.

I wish it didn’t take me this long to find the video, since it’s been available for almost a month now. But now that I have found it, I realize how much work we Muslims (myself first and foremost) have to do.

Mr. Zakaria is not a religious Muslim. So I don’t expect him to be too passionate about religious issues concerning Islam.

But he pointed something out that made me realize I need to make some changes also.

He compared the Muslim world’s outrage over the Prophet Muhammad cartoons from 4 years ago, and the attacks against the Muslim Uyghar population in China.

There were protests, burning embassies, and even a few deaths (of Muslim protestors, unfortunately). The cartoonists went into hiding, and several Muslim diplomats lodged formal complaints.

But hardly a peep from the Muslim leadership on the hundred or so Uyghars that were killed in China.

And what surprises me more, is that so many Muslims media outlets reported on the issue!

I did a search on islam-online.net for the word “Uyghars”. There are articles going back to 2001 at least.

Do a search on Al-Jazeera for “Uighar” and you’ll find the same thing.

So the information is out there. But why aren’t we outraged?

And for the record, I don’t support nor condone violent protests in the name of Islam. That was not the practice of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and it should not be something we resort to either.

But I do believe we should be more aware, and more CONCERNED about the suffering of Muslims around us.

And that, I believe, is what it all boils down to. We care, but we don’t really care.

I don’t expect the Muslim world at large to change. I don’t expect Muslim leaders to change. But, Inshallah, each person can do there own little bit to bring about some change.

It’s the same formula I mentioned in my video about Defending Islam.

1. We need to correct our own behavior. We must live according to the noble standards established in the Quran and Sunnah (tradition) of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
2. We must increase our knowledge. Learn more about this faith, its history, and the world around us.
3. Act to effect change. Challenge those who say evil things about Islam. Spread the word about atrocities committed against Muslims (even if the perpretator is also Muslim).

Inshallah, brothers and sisters, let’s begin to act. One person at a time.

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Books for Muslim Children

My kids read these books and they loved them. I found one typo, but nothing really bad.

What I like most about them is that the books incorporate good Islamic lessons, with bright colors, cute cartoons, and realistic situations.

All of the books quote a verse from the Quran, so kids can see how the Quran is important in every aspect of their life.

Here’s an online sample of one of the books. Though I have to tell you, the real thing looks much, much, better.

Do Animals Have Souls?

I got a question yesterday via email about the status of animals in the hereafter. The questioner also asked if animals have souls and what happens to them after they die. Read on for my response.

Women and Hijab

I’m sure most of you know about CNN’s newest documentary, Generation Islam. I haven’t had time to watch it yet, but I hope to catch a few episodes soon, Inshallah.

Today, CNN is reporting about Muslim women and hijab. This is perhaps one of CNN’s better articles concerning Muslims. They put the concept of women in hijab in a more appropriate perception.

That perception is this:

In most countries some Muslims wear the hijab and some don’t. And those that do choose to wear it, are not necessarily being forced to wear it. Most actually wear the hijab because they want to.

Yes, I know in some countries (Saudi Arabia, Iran to name a few) the hijab, and much more, is mandatory for women to wear. But those countries are the exception. Throughout most of the world (and most of history) women wear it, and some don’t.

From the knowledge I’ve gained, and the teachers I’ve studied from, the hijab is mandatory in Islam. There is proof of this from several verses in the Quran and statements from Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.

I’ve been over all of this before in great detail. Read my articles on the Islamic Learning Materials website about Islamic Dress and Islamic Clothing For Women.

Here’s the link to the CNN story. It is a little sappy, but at least it’s better than most CNN stuff.

Punk Rock Islam?

When I first saw this story on CNN.com, I thought: “What the hell?”

After listening to the story I know think: “What the f***?”

Istaghfirullah (God, forgive me) I know, I shouldn’t be cursing. But I don’t know what to say about this crap. Of all the young Muslims in America and around the world, they decide to show this small, teeny, tiny, sub-culture?

I haven’t been able to watch much of the CNN series “Generation Islam,” but I intend to, Inshallah. If any of you have seen it, please fill me in on the details.

Particularly, is CNN showing the young people who make up the MSA and coordinate charitable activities?

Or how about the young American Muslims who leave the U.S. to study Islam in foreign countries?

What about the young Muslims who are trying to create halal, uplifting music like Raihan, Outlandish, and Native Deen?

I believe that’s much more representative of modern Muslims than these wannabe punk rockers.

Heck, there are probably more Muslim youth involved in rap (T-Pain, Swissbeatz, just to name a few) then there are in punk rock. (Not that I necessarily support the haram lyrics of these Muslim rappers; I just wish CNN would present a more realistic view of Muslims.)

And as usual, CNN overlooks the largest American Muslim group: African-American Muslims. All of us did not become Muslim in prison, and many of us are pretty knowledgeable in Islam.

Okay, I’m ranting now. I should probably get some sleep.

If you’re interested, here’s the link to the CNN story.

If you really want to know what kind of Islamic music most young Muslims listen to, here are a few examples.

Considering Polygamy

Well, I guess it’s my turn now.

The Prophet (pbuh) did it.

Most of the companions did it.

Several scholars have done it.

Heck, even my father did it.

Now, I’m considering polygamy. I can’t believe it’s come to this.

I’m not into putting all my business on the internet, so I’ll try to keep the details scant.

But to summarize, my wife, the woman I’ve been married to for over 10 years, doesn’t like the move we made to Alabama. I admit, some of it has been difficult, but I don’t think it’s overbearing.

To help you understand, my grandfather has Alztheimer’s disease. He took his Shahada a couple of years before he went completely senile. So he doesn’t know much about Islam, though he still says “Only one God” with confidence.

My mother (who is Muslim) was caring for my grandfather for about a year. But my mother is not young and the strain became too much for her. When I moved to Alabama late last year I moved into my grandfather’s old house which needed many repairs.

Alhamdulillah, we got most of the major things worked out (electricity works fine, hot/cold water, satellite cable, internet, new doors and windows) but the house still needs work and is…well…rather ugly.

I offered to take my grandfather off my mother’s hands. I did so for many reasons:

• The situation was causing my mother great emotional, mental, and physical strain.
• I wanted the blessings for taking care of my grandfather.
• I felt it was the least I could do since I was living in his house rent-free.

Well, my wife didn’t care for the situation at all. I don’t want to say much more, but suffice it to say she was not happy that I took in my grandfather. She also did not like living in this old house.

After several months of ups and downs, we had a BIG falling out. The big “D” word came up, and my wife decided to return to Atlanta with her family for a few days. Just to allow us some time to cool off.

So that’s where we are now. I’ve been working two jobs since moving to Alabama, but I’ve recently applied for new job that will pay much more. If I get this job, Inshallah, I will seriously consider polygamy.

I will make enough money, Inshallah, to pay for my wife to have an apartment in Atlanta near her family, while I stay and work in Alabama. I am only human, and I will want to be with someone of the opposite sex eventually. However, I am scared to death of fornication or adultery.

I’m not looking for comments or suggestions, though you are welcome to give them. Only Allah knows if this is the correct path or if it would work out.

Marriage in Islam is very important, and I take it seriously. I have four children with my wife, and though she annoys me to no end, I know I still love her.

But at the moment, I cannot leave Alabama. And I am NOT giving up my grandfather. I am the oldest Muslim male in my family. My grandfather has 4 children, and my mother is the only Muslim amongst them. None of his non-Muslim children have offered to care for him. In fact, they hardly ever call to see how he’s doing.

Yet, I know my wife is not happy here. She is Muslim, so she knows the benefit of caring for the elderly.

I guess, we’ll see how this all works out in the near future, Inshallah.

Building Churches in Muslim Countries

Some people like to pull the okey-doke.

I’ve heard these crazy questions often: “If Christian (Western) countries allow Muslims to build mosques in their land, why don’t Muslim countries do the same?”

First of all, these questions are usually asked to Muslims who live in Western nations and not Muslim ones. Hence, we are not familiar with the day to day happenings in Muslim countries.

For the fact of the matter is, there are many churches throughout many Muslim countries. Egypt, Senegal, Iraq, and Morrocco just to name a few.

Now, as for building churches in Mecca and Medina, that is something different. I found a good reply to this question when it relates to the two holy cities at ReadingIslam.com.

I’ll include the link at the bottom of the page, but in essence, the sheikh’s reply was that Mecca and Medina are the sanctuaries of Islam. You can no more expect a church in one of those cities than you can expect a Masjid in the Vatican.

Furthermore, Saudi Arabia is governed by Islamic Shariah (no matter how crudely administered). There is no country on the planet today ruled by Christian law (if there is such a thing).

Here’s the link to the sheikh’s full reply. I’m just glad there are people out there willing to provide us with solid answers to the tricky questions.

Comparing Prophet Muhammad Biographies

I’ve been listening to some of my old Anwar Al-Awlaki CD’s on the life of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

I don’t know if any of you’ve ever heard Anwar Al-Awlaki’s lectures, but they are fantastic. Some of his more popular lecture series were:

• The Hereafter
• Lives of the Prophets
• The Life of Abu Bakr
• The Life of Umar

His lecture series on the Life of Prophet Muhammad is very good. Brother Anwar relates some of the events during the Prophet’s time to our time also.

But what I like most about his lectures is that he gives such DETAILED information. I mean, after listening to one of his series, it’s like taking an entire college course.

Another biography I listened to about a year ago was Life of Prophet Muhammad by Martin Lings. This was actually an audiobook based on Martin Lings famous biography.

Martin Lings was a British explorer who traveled extensively through the Middle East. He eventually converted to Islam and became a sufi.

The audiobook is narrated by British actor Sean Barrett.

While Martin Lings’ biography is not as detailed as Brother Anwar’s it is still very good. Martin Lings gives a softer telling of Prophet Muhammad’s life.

Like I say in the video, if you want a very detailed and in-depth account of Prophet Muhammad’s life, then go with Anwar Al-Awlaki.

But if you want something a little easier to digest, the go with Martin Lings.

Anwar Al-Awlaki and Martin Lings

Common sense ain’t so common

By now I’m sure you’ve heard of the 3 American hikers who were arrested in Iran.

According to CNN, these three young Americans were in Iraq (not sure why they were there in the first place) and decided to go hiking.

Someone must have left their GPS back in the States, because the hikers wound up wandering into Iran.

They were arrested on the Iranian side, and now American is exhibiting its normal bluster when these things happen.

I sincerely hope the 3 Americans come back safely. I’m sure their family is worried sick.

That being said…WHAT THE HELL WERE THEY DOING UP THERE ANYWAY!

Add this to the list of top five dumb things to do when you’re bored.

1. Make a video of yourself doing something stupid/racey/goofy/obnoxious and then putting it online for the world to see.
2. Play with electrical items in an appropriate manner. This includes: blenders, microwaves, shavers, etc.
3. Watch Spongebob Squarepants.
4. Go hiking in the northern part of Iraq and not be sure where the border to Iran is.
5. Try to perform any medical procedure on yourself, if you are not actually a doctor.

That’s it for now folks. Gotta get some sleep.

British Hacker Loses Extradition Battle

Gary “Solo” McKinnon is a British hacker that broke into and disabled several high-level U.S. government computers back in 2001-2002.

He did so as a protest to the U.S. government concealing of UFO’s and alleged involvement in 9/11.

According to the Wired story, Solo (his moniker), called U.S. foreign policy of the time to “akin to government-sponsored terrorism”.

The U.S. has been trying to have Solo extradited to the States for several years, but until recently, they’ve had no luck.

Solo has become a bit of a celebrity in the U.K. where he’s portrayed as a victim of an overreaching American government.

I’m just surprised that I never heard of this guy or this story until today. Now I’m gonna have to do some research and find out what this is all about.

I love this guy’s story. I hope The Prez steps in and tells the government to back down. He hasn’t caused any real harm, and it’s time the U.S. moved past the Bush era.