U.S. Officials Urged to Quit using “Islam” in Terrorism Talk

Posted on May 7, 2008 by Bushra
Filed Under Uncategorized | 1 Comment

There is a guide going around in government circles by the National Counter-Terrorism Center that U.S. officials need to cease and desist using “Islam” and other words associated with the religion when talking about terrorists. For instance, they are not to mention Al-Qaeda as a Muslim or Islamic group.

The guide being passed around for this matter explains the need to keep this language out of discussion.

By employing the language the extremists use about themselves, the guide warns, officials can inadvertently help legitimize them in the eyes of Muslims.

“Never use the terms ‘jihadist’ or ‘mujahedin’ … to describe the terrorists,” instructs the guide. “A mujahed, a holy warrior, is a positive characterization in the context of a just war. In Arabic, jihad means ’striving in the path of God’ and is used in many contexts beyond warfare. Calling our enemies Jihadis and their movement a global Jihad unintentionally legitimizes their actions.”

This guide sounds like a good thing. Let’s hope it catches on. Check out the full article here.

Interfaith Battles Discrimination

Posted on May 4, 2008 by Dawan
Filed Under Religion | Leave a Comment

Before we broach the subject of interfaith, we need to establish the foundation and ground rules for substantiating our positions, so that we can stay focused on the main objective of this article, which is to take a deeper look into promoting interfaith as a means for overcoming discriminatory practices.

The conflict between church and state is commonplace in America and in spite of confusion and discomfort surrounding this great conflict, there is this vague concept of democracy that attempts to justify everything. Today, political ideas completely over rule religious beliefs and practices in almost every situation! Under the auspices of a particular brand of democracy, America has dispatched missionaries throughout the world with very little regard for the folkways, mores and religious traditions of the world’s indigenous cultures. As a result, people of all faiths must turn to their own religious scriptures and doctrines for guidance through this terrible dilemma. Repeated indulgence in religious scripture reminds us all that there is One God, who is Creator, Sustainer and Terminator of all things. While we may look different, speak different languages, follow different paths, perform different rituals and demonstrate different ways of bearing witness that there is only One God, declaring belief in The One God is at least one thing that Believers have in common. We worship putting our trust in The Creator of everything! So, we ask ourselves the question, why is it so difficult for us to worship in peace? An obvious answer is, leading a religious way of life today, is not popular or politically correct. Many people subscribing to the “Big Bang” theory verses “Creation Science,” view religion as a belief system that causes problems for the mundane world, so people from strong religious traditions are playing with semantics, saying “I believe in God, but I’m not religious, I’m spiritual.” The Creator knows their intentions however, evidence of true Believers and Non-believers is revealed in their deeds and actions. On the surface and in principle, Believers and Non-believers acknowledge the different cultures and profess to support the right for people to worship The Creator in their own tradition, however, the fact remains that beneath the surface, a lack of respect and appreciation for differences continues to brew and emerge as discrimination. Why?

Discriminatory practices, which have dominated thinking and behavior in America since the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock, are based in fear and have now become institutionalized. People who are not strong in faith have a tendency to fear and dislike things that they do not understand. America’s population and its “melting-pot” of cultures are increasing in diversity along with on-going discrimination problems that are more subtle, much more complex and vastly misunderstood. The influx of people coming to America from other countries, settling and raising families here, also heightens the level of fear amongst those Americans who feel that they have a greater stake in this country. On the other hand, foreigners, immigrants, refugees, etc., manifest a fear of not being accepted as legitimate Americans even though they may have been born in this country. Although they desperately try to assimilate into the dominant culture, they usually end up adopting habits that conflict with their own religious and cultural traditions. Consequently, modern American leaders attempting to uphold democratic ideals, continue to face on-going challenges of identifying and addressing old and new discrimination issues. America’s continuous struggles with race, gender, age, social, political and economic discrimination directly relates to religious interpretations and perceptions. The indigenous Indians, Asians, Africans and Latin Americans are just a few of what is known today as ethnic groups that have been persecuted and discriminated against over the years for attempting to practice their religious rituals in America. After being physically tortured and terrorized, their souls were dominated by fear and their psyche confused and manipulated by “double standards.” For the vast majority of the population, these conditions are lodged so deep in the subconscious mind that both perpetrators and victims are completely unaware of how they are being used by an elite few, who are seeking to control everything. The conditioning is so thorough that the “powers that be” can let their strategies and tactics be known and we still won’t get it.

For example, in old American movies (westerns in this case), Caucasians played both cowboy and Indian roles and usually somewhere in the films we heard the popular phrase “paleface speaks with forked tongue.” Although this powerful message is camouflaged under the cloak of entertainment, when taken seriously, it is really warning us to watch out for “double standards,” which due to the advent of modern technology and the information age is more prominent and complex today than ever before. Throughout the history of this country people practicing, endorsing or not speaking out against the use of “double standards,” have perpetuated discrimination and oppression to the degree that even religious scriptures have been altered to justify this diabolical practice. The two edge sword of religious “double standard” wiled by manipulators is a major contributor to discrimination problems because it psychologically cuts through original cultural traditions and actually renders people fearful of being who they are. Through politically oriented language, media professionals in allegiance to their superior’s interpretation of the Constitution and their reporting oaths either knowingly or without awareness use this blade to manipulate, take advantage of and control the Believing masses.

There are many differences in religious paths and for those who believe that there is only One Creator, the paths all lead to the omnipotent One. However to begin comprehending America’s current discrimination situation, one simply must realize and accept the differences between Believers and Non-believers:

Non-believers follow and stay with concepts that support and justify their own limited abilities to conceptualize things, mostly from political perspectives, while Believers rely on an innate sense of right, wrong and justice that is refined by seeking divine guidance through studying legitimate religious scriptures and adhering to the natural laws of Creation Science.

The egos of Non-believer’s won’t allow them to submit to The Creator or recognize His signs, so their endeavors tend to go against the laws of nature. While Believers see submission to The Creator as the only natural path for all of Creation.

The interfaith movement promotes understanding and tolerance between different religions, focusing on the common ground and opening pathways to sharing. Differences in religious schools of thought or interdenominational ideology are insignificant in comparison to understanding the fundamental differences between Believers and Non-believers.

Dawan Muhammad, Co-Chair

SBIA Media Committee

Cross-Cultural Media Consultant, AMICC

Khalifah Consciousness

Posted on May 2, 2008 by Dawan
Filed Under Current Events, News, Presentation, Religion, Reviews, politics | Leave a Comment

As issues arise in Muslim communities, we are reminded of our duty to do what Allah (swt) has prescribed in Qur’an and accept the responsibility of Khalifah which Allah has bestowed upon us. Under the banner of Khalifah Consciousness we become more aware and are able to overcome the affects of deep psychological conditions that prevents us from acknowledging issues within and around our communities that need to be addressed. The following blog is an example:

Qur’an Conference promotes Unity of Humanity

Under the leadership of Imam Abu Qadir El Amin, the Muslim Community Center of San Francisco, California, is to be commended for producing one of the most enlightening conferences for people seeking to be more consciousness of religious Prophecy, the current times in which we are living and leadership for future generations. Held April 19^th and 20^th at the Masonic Auditorium and attended by predominantly Muslim African Americans, San Francisco Muslim Community Center’s Qur’an Conference is an annual event dedicated to spiritual awareness and guidance through the understanding of religious scriptures. Although the scholarly presenters referred to revelations from various collections of Scripture, the message overall focused on Creation Science and the completion of human evolution according to Scripture. Special emphasis was placed on the importance of understanding that the Qur’an and original Arabic language is a Blessing from God and our most reliable source of authentic scriptural information, referring to, correcting and upgrading the valid scriptures that were produced from earlier Revelations. Many viewed the event as an educational celebration for those who believe in and worship One God! Most of the religious faiths or paths were mentioned and acknowledged in past, present and future context as part of The One God’s Creation and Plan for the evolution of human beings. The chronological history and specific role of Muslim African Americans was referred to as a sign in scripture pointing to the establishment of Islamic leadership in the west and paving the way for Immigrant Muslims to build communities in America. Throughout the event, human evolution, brotherhood of humanity and righteous leadership was explained and supported with scriptural content. All speakers were unified and in line with the principle tenants of the Islamic way of life.

SBIA Media Committee Presentation at SJSU

Posted on April 28, 2008 by Bushra
Filed Under Presentation | Leave a Comment

The SBIA Media Committee was asked by San Jose State University Professor Ann Sarrafzadeh to conduct a presentation in her Studies in American Language class this past Friday, April 25.

A few members of the Media Committee - Irfan Ryhdan, Dawan Muhammad, Imam Bilal ibnMuhammad, and myself - participated in this presentation. Afterwards, the class broke off into small groups with one Media Committee representative present in each group to field questions about Islam, the media, or both.

The class was very receptive to the presentation and asked many questions about the image of Islam and Muslims in America. Many were surprised to learn that Muslims believe in all the Prophets of God, including Jesus (PBUH) and our religion has many similarities between Christianity and Judiasm.

They also learned to not believe everything they see or hear in the media, particularly when it comes to Islam or Muslims.

Overall the presentation was a success and InshaAllah the Media Committee will be doing similar presentations to both Muslim and Non-Muslims audiences in the near future.

A few pictures from the presentation are below:
Irfan

Imam Bilal

Hundreds to gather to honor South Bay Muslim Pioneer

Posted on April 25, 2008 by Irfan
Filed Under Current Events, News | Leave a Comment

Article in today’s San Jose Mercury News by Lisa Fernandez.

The article is about my father Abdul Sattar Rydhan

Please send the writer a note of thanks!

Irfan

Film Review: Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden

Posted on April 21, 2008 by Bushra
Filed Under Film, Reviews | Leave a Comment

Morgan Spurlock of Super Size Me fame tackles a much more serious topic for his new documentary Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden. Spurlock travels to Egypt, Morocco, Palestine, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, and Pakistan in his attempt to find the terrorist. Although he sets out with this grand plan in mind, one wonders if Spurlock was ever serious about finding the terrorist, instead using the search for Bin Laden as an excuse to visit many of the countries filled with people who supposedly ‘hate’ the U.S. The fact that he never finds him is beyond the point as he successfully gives the people of the Middle East a human face.

Spurlock uses many ‘man on the street’ type interviews in the countries he visited to gauge the public’s thought on America, Americans, and Bin Laden. He found that many do not hate Americans specifically but do abhor America’s foreign policy. In addition to these interviews, Spurlock fills in the viewer with the result of the U.S. war on terror, which has resulted in an increased number of al Qaeda terrorist cells and an increased number of terrorist attacks since this war began seven years ago.

Spurlock’s use of animation and graphics almost sets the tone for the documentary to be lightweight and not very serious. However with his tactics, Spurlock is able spread a message that even one who lacks the most basic information about worldly affairs will be able to understand: Muslims don’t hate Americans and most do not support Bin Laden. In fact, many hate him because his acts have resulted in devastating retaliation by the U.S. and have also tarnished the image of Islam.

Spurlock’s documentary is not exactly tailored for the sophisticated viewer. Instead, he aims for the everyman and in that, he succeeds. Hopefully, viewers will use the bit of knowledge gained from Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden to increase their understanding of world affairs and the impact of America’s foreign policy.

For more information about Morgan Spurlock, check out this interview conducted by Altmuslim’s Wajahat Ali.

Upcoming Bay Area Event - Deconstructing Islamophobia

Posted on April 18, 2008 by Bushra
Filed Under Current Events | Leave a Comment

UC Berkeley is hosting a two day conference from Friday, April 25-Saturday April 26 about
deconstructing Islamophobia. The event was organized in part by Dr. Hatem Bazian and sponsored by the Center of Race and Gender

Topics include:

The event will be held on campus at Lipman Room in Barrows Hall. Click here for a schedule of the two day conference.

Fitna’s Hateful Crusade

Posted on April 7, 2008 by Bushra
Filed Under Current Events | Leave a Comment

Aziz Huq published an article on The Nation today titled Fitna’s Hateful crusade.

Huq writes about the ‘dud’ that Geert Wilders’ film, Fitna, has become. Check out the article.

It Was Bound to Happen. . .

Posted on March 27, 2008 by Bushra
Filed Under Religion, Reviews | Leave a Comment

In a recent turn of events, Geert Wilders, a right wing Dutch politician was able to get his anti-Koran film ‘Fitna’ on the Internet. The Dutch government is doing whatever it can in order to distance themselves from Wilders.

Wilders initially tried to get his film broadcast in his country but none of the channels were interested. Despite the urging of the government to not broadcast the film, he searched for other means. At first, his attempt to broadcast it on the Internet was blocked as his webhost Network Solutions blocked him from putting the film on his site.

The BBC has an article about the film here, including a description of the film. Can I be honest? It sounds pretty unimaginitive. Sorry Wilders.

Arab Filmmakers Battle Hollywood Stereotypes through Media

Posted on March 18, 2008 by Irfan
Filed Under Film | Leave a Comment

March 17, 2008

Arab Filmmakers Battle Hollywood Stereotypes through Media

By Rima Abdelkader

S.P.A. United Nations

Arab and South Asian filmmakers came together in New York for the third annual New York Arab and South Asian Film Festival this month to challenge misrepresented portrayals of their cultures in Hollywood film and American popular media.

The 2008 New York Arab and South Asian Film Festival - a collaboration of Alwan for the Arts, ThirdI, and the South Asian Women’s Creative Collective - ran from March 5-16, 2008, and aimed to give Arab, South Asian and Arab-American artists the chance to strike back against stereotypical roles ranging from the Arab male “terrorist” to the “oppressed” Arab female.

The festival honored Arab and Arab-American directors, filmmakers, and actors, including Malek Akkad, Anissa Daoud, Hala Khalil, Murali Nair, Jilani Saadi, Sayed Badreya and Tony Shalhoub, at a Friday night dinner reception, hosted by Alwan for the Arts and the Arab-American Family Support Center.

Dinner reception tickets were $250 and proceeds benefitted Alwan for the Arts and the Arab-American Family Support Center (AAFSC), a child protective services agency in New York City that helps “new immigrants adjust to life in the United States,” said Yasmeen Hamza, AAFSC social services program director, in an interview with the Saudi Press Agency on Friday night.

“It is so wonderful to celebrate our art and our heritage – what we’re doing, where we are and where we’re going,” Lena Al Husseini, AAFSC executive director, told S.P.A.

“There is such a disconnect of what people think we are and who we are and this is such a perfect communications vehicle,” Al Husseini added.

Among the films that were shown at the festival, AmericanEast highlights the challenges of Arab Americans living and working in the United States following the September 11th attacks and their constant battle with their nationality. While it does not involve “terrorists,” it examines the societal tensions that arise when an Arab man and his Jewish friend open up a Middle Eastern restaurant in Los Angeles.

Arab actor Sayed Badreya, AmericanEast co-writer and lead actor alongside Tony Shalhoub (American TV show “Monk”), told the Saudi Press Agency he is often typecast as a “terrorist” in Hollywood films and said Arabs living in America have also felt similarly and hopes films like these humanize them and their situations.

“We always think about back home – Palestine, Iraq, Afghanistan – and we don’t think about the war the kids have to deal with at school – our kids who are named Mohammad, Ahmad, etc. in the United States,” Badreya told S.P.A. on Friday night.

Badreya once described his experience being typecast in “terrorist roles” during CNN interview, which garnered the attention from his politics-debating friend and acting partner George Clooney – the two starred in the movie ‘Three Kings’ – who Badreya said was sympathetic to his situation.

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