God bless America, a thousand times
I recently attended a Friday khutbah, or sermon, during which the imam spoke of the goodness of this country. He also spoke of the goodness of its people, and he said that the most important task for American Muslims in the new century is outreach to their American brothers and sisters. He spoke of the importance of American Muslims seeing themselves as fully American, and that as Americans, they must embrace their responsibilities of citizenship.
I thoroughly enjoyed the khutbah. I feel exactly the same way, and I was very happy that the imam had said such things; things that American Muslims desperately need to hear and understand. After the prayer ended, I heard one of my fellow-worshippers grumble unhappily. He said out loud, "All that was left for him to say was 'God bless America.'" I was very upset at his reaction. I was about to tell him, "Then, brother, leave the country." These words, however, never reached his ears. I did not have the courage to say them to him directly. Yet, they reflected a deep-seated frustration with an attitude that I fear some Muslims may still harbor.
I came to learn that other people did not like the message of his sermon as well. In fact, someone told me that the imam must have said such things because he knew he was being "watched." This only served to increase my frustration. How could American Muslims, after everything that has happened since the horror of September 11, still harbor such feelings? How could American Muslims still feel that America has nothing good? Therefore I say, in no uncertain terms, the following: God bless America, a thousand times.
There are a few places on this earth where Muslims can worship God and have an opportunity to fully express their Islamic ideology and America is one of those places. Few places on this earth exist where people enjoy the freedom of speech we Americans also take for granted. Few places on this earth does the rule of law reign supreme as it does in this country. Despite all the negative aspects of this country that people can come up with, this country is still unique where the constitution guarantees freedom of religion. Therefore I say: God bless America, a thousand times.
America is a country with an abundant amount of goodness and purity. Its people are a fundamentally good people, with warm hearts and almost boundless generosity. America has a compassion rivaled by few other nations in this world, and in fact, I have personally experienced this generosity and compassion. Yes, this country has been blessed by God from its very beginnings, and so I say: God bless America, a thousand times.
This is why I get so frustrated at the attitude of some American Muslims who feel America is the epitome of injustice and evil. I am incredulous at these Muslims, especially the immigrants among them, who refuse to acknowledge the goodness of this country. These immigrants came to America's shores to find a better life for themselves and their families. And America opened her arms and her heart to them. For them to enjoy the fruits of America's generosity and kindness--yet at the same time revile and despise her--smacks of ingratitude of enormous proportions.
Now, I wholeheartedly agree that America is not perfect. In his famous "I Have a Dream Speech," Dr. Martin Luther King said, "When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men would be guaranteed the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
Unfortunately, America "has defaulted on this promissory note," as Dr. King said, many times throughout her history. From her scourge of the Native Americans, to her enslavement of thousands of Africans, to her persecution of the sons and daughters of those slaves; from justifying indefinite imprisonment of citizens as "enemy combatants" without trial or counsel, to remaining silent while the fires of injustice and hatred continue to burn in the Holy Land, to the illegal invasion of Iraq as the "central front" in the war on terrorism, America has not always lived up to her ideals of freedom, justice, and democracy. America has not always behaved as the "City on the Hill."
Yet, this reality--rather than be the source of hatred for America--should be the source of inspiration for American Muslims to get involved in their society and change it for the better. America is not perfect, but with American Muslims fulfilling their responsibilities of citizenship, America can become more perfect. America is not always on the right path, but with Muslims in the fray, America can be on the right path more often than not. America is not Utopia, but with Muslims hand-in-hand with their non-Muslim brothers and sisters, America can become more like Utopia with each passing day.
The Prophet Muhammad told us that if we see something evil, we should work to change it with our hands. If we are unable to do so, then we should speak out against it. If we are unable even to do this, then we should hate it with our hearts, and this is the weakest state of faith. Muslims in America, because of the goodness of America, are able to effect positive change with their "hands," which means getting involved in the social, cultural, and political institutions of the county. If a Muslim is unwilling to do this--being content with harboring ill will for America and her people--and yet still wishes to remain and enjoy the fruits of this country's goodness, then he approaches the gravest of hypocrisies, unbecoming of the character and and nature of a Muslim.
Perhaps America's shortcomings--especially those concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the war in Iraq--lead some American Muslims to scoff whenever someone, like that imam, says that America is fundamentally good. Yet, if America has its problems, which it absolutely does, then it is the duty of patriotic American citizens to struggle and make America better. American Muslims must be at the forefront of that struggle, and failing to do so is a grave injustice. And as Muslims, we can never walk the earth and be on the side of injustice.
Thus, I will always say God bless America. When God blesses America, Muslims can live and worship in peace. When God blesses America, America will live up to its ideals of freedom, justice, and democracy. When God blesses America, she will use her power and influence to work for global justice and the common good. Only good things can come when God blesses America, and thus, I say, in no uncertain terms: God bless America, a thousand times.
Hesham A. Hassaballa is a Chicago physician and writer. He is author of "Why I Love the Ten Commandments," published in the book Taking Back Islam: American Muslims Reclaim Their Faith (Rodale Press), winner of the prestigious Wilbur Award for 2003 Best Religion Book of the Year by the Religion Communicators Council.
His blog can be visited at http://drhassaballa.blogspot.com
Related Suggestions
I admit, things are not just white and black and the grey is a too sophisticated hue to be analyzed in brief postings.
Sarah, whatever you do, be cool. As long as you want to serve the truth you will always find a responding approval from even your "nemesis".
vicious indeed. .. .. Here's the deal: You confuse
American government with American people
and you conveniently forget that 1/2 the people
did NOT vote for the current party. I'll say it
again: American is a big country and extremely
divided in it's opinion. Americans are not of
"one mind," despite what the current
administration wants you to believe. Most
articles on this website have a decidedly
negative slant -- it's more like an
anti-American website (like the antithesis of
Fox News) than an actual news site. So, if
you're going to read articles on here,
remember all Americans do not hate Muslims,
all Americans are not greedy, money-grubbers
like Bush and company. If this is all you read,
Triathlon (And you should not be a coward and
use your real name) then no wonder you're
consumed with vitriolic hatred. It's a good site,
but an article like God Bless America is a rare
occurence here. It's nice to see that Islamicity
is getting with the program and realizing that
being Islamic and believing that not all
America and Americans are evil are not
mutually exclusive. So, Triath, read something
else, get an education and stop being so
nasty. Help change the world's view of
Muslims -- you're just reinforcing all the
negative aspects that the world thinks Muslim
have
But lets be frank, I couldn't care less what you think of me, my religion or my political views. I don't want to be your friend Doctor Triathlon, and am not interested in finding common ground with you, because you are as much a part of the problem as George Bush or his cronies ever were. You are just as extreme in your views and solutions as they are, and the fact that you are on the "Muslim" side of things is just an accident of your birth, nothing more. If you were an American I'm sure that you'd be attacking Wayne for being too liberal and a traitor (just like you did with the Muslims that posted here and didn't tout the line you wanted to hear). If you were an Israeli I bet you'd be the first one to march into the occupied areas and proclaim your right to settle there. The ironic thing is that you don't see it. God, what a madhouse.
The reason many of us, including some intelligent Americans have protested this article is because it distasteful and poorly times. To say "God bless america" while it commits terrorism around the world is both irrational and a slap in the face of those who are suffering thanks to uncle sam.
I call it as I see it, so you and the rest of the damage control crew can go take a dip in the atlantic for all I care.
The two of you have spent a lot of time and energy attacking people that are actually on your side like Professor Ahmed, Akbar and Idriss. It's ironic, really; and it leads me to believe that if anyone here is the govenrment plant it is you Wayne, you are the one sowing the seeds of division that prevent any sort of unity in cause and action between the Muslims that you avowedly support. But since you are so liberal, let's hear what you have to say about abortion rights and gay marriage. I'm afraid you'll find no political bed-mates here.
Triathlon, you and Akbar won't be the ones crying a river, it'll be the Palestinians, Afghanis, Iraqis etc that you failed to save because you were too busy showing off what a tough guy you are on the internet. What a soctor you must be, with no compassion, tolerance or patience with others. I hope I never find myself in your clinic.
You lot sicken me. No wonder Israel crushes you beneath its boot-heel and gets the US to pay for it. For my own part, I think only the Canadians are the ones with any brains at all, and I plan to move there soon.
Okay, so we've established that we agreee (or I have, anyway), right? Well, here is the real question: how do we do it? It sounds simple, doesn't it, we just pull out and go home, Inshallah. I wish it were that easy. The real problem is that some very powerful forces in the US government, economy and religious institutions are convinced that we need to stay (I'm sure you know that), and what is more (and this is key) they have convinced the US people that we need to be there as well.
I have to tell you, undoing that mindset is a huge and daunnting task, and it won't be done with angry words, fiery speech and self-righteousness. People turn off and don't listen when you do that. We have to appeal to people's reason and natural instinct to do good (this isn't the time for cynicism). If you're really interested in helping out, that's great. But us yelling at each other on the internet isn't helping, neither is making blanket statements about how terrible the US is. It just won't work, people won't listen to that. What people will respond to are statements that encourage commonality and mutual respect and understanding. That's what building bridges is all about. Check out the Cordoba Society, if you really want to be proactive. I think you'll like it, Mashallah.
Sura Al-A'raf Section 5:43:
"And we remove from their hearts any Rancour; beneath them will be rivers flowing;-and they shall say: "Praise be to Allah, Who hath guided us to this: never could we have found guidance, had it not been for the guidance of Allah: indeed it was the truth that the Messengers of our Lord brought unto us." And they shall hear the cry: "Behold! The Garden before you! Ye have been made its inheritors, for your deeds."
Triathlon, I say Asalaamu Alaikum to you, brother. We are both members of the deen, believers, servants of Allah. We should not contend with one another, but enjoin to work together in solidarity, mutual respect (despite differences), and towards a common good. Do not give in to anger and hate, these things are haram, and for good reason, they are from Shaitan and not Allah at all. (P.S. I do believe in Divine Anger and Wrath, but only Allah knows when it has been enacted and only He can enact it, when He is Allah Al-Jabar).
Professor Ahmed: I am trying to form a non-profit organization called the Subhana Association. I wonder if your brother in law goes to my masjid. Inshallah, I will go to the Emory masjid tomorrow afternoon. I look forward to possibly meeting you. I am trying to earn the right to pledge bayah to the Naqshbandi Tariqat.
Humbly yours,
Idris
What is this really all about? That's a rhetorical question. I know full well what you're about, and you're no different than the Nazis I've argued with here. I'd imagine that you see youself (and maybe not without reason) as a persecuted person that has been mistreated by the society that you live in; and like many persecuted minorities you harbor sentiments of superiority (hence the heavy duty pretension in your posts). I could get mad at you again, but you know what? I'm not. I feel sorry for you-you've obviously been mistreated by someone. I will pray to Allah for your soul, for it obviously needs guidance. Don't give in to hate Triathlon (or whatever your name is), that is the influence of Shaitan over you (and indeed, over us all).
I wish you peace uopn a troubled soul.
If someone has criticism of U.S. Foreign Policy, than I have no problem with that. But to criticize America and say that it lacks God's blessing by blaming all the American people, well then in that case as sad as this may sound, between 50-60 percent and sometimes even more Americans do not even vote in the electoral process. So how is it that you determine all of America as being evil and out to get everyone? 20 percent of the entire U.S. population voted for the President elect to be George W. Bush.
Again I stress here to you one last time, what is the problem in asking for Allah (the one and only God) to send His blessings upon America? We are Muslims and Muslims believe Peace is more powerful than Warfare.
Many others like Ahmed and Idriss and Pete have all made it clear as well if you've read their posts correctly, that tehre is more success to be had in building bridges rather tthan burning them.
Salaam.
Whether or not that, though, I respect your position. As you no doubt have guessed, you reverted to the deen in difficult times. If you live in my area, please come to the Emory masjid (I do not know if you are sunnah, but regardless, please feel welcome)some time, I am usually there in the afternoons, I would like to meet you.
Akbar, I make NO apologies for my views. I read and see every single day the atrocities american war criminals committ...some of which I cant even post here. What will it take for people like you to wake up and get a grip on reality. Another 100000 dead Iraqi men, woman and children ? More masjids being shelled ?
I dont sponsor the view that criminals such as these are guided or blessed. Dont like it ? Cry me a river.
It begs me to ask the question, what do you want on this website, an article which says "God curse America?" Are you going to start asking God to curse the nation state of the United States? Do you think that pleases Allah? Get out of your miserable lifestyle of continuous hatred and anger all the time, and learn to see the difference between social interaction with American people, and the difference there is between this realm of America and the realm of politics. I think that is the very first distinction you need to make. There are 7 million Muslims in America, so NO I do not agree with you Triathalon one bit. May Allah bless America and the 7 million Muslims who live in the USA.
Al-Bukhari: Rasulullah said: "It is not permissible for one Muslim to keep his relations severed with a brother for more than three days. Better among them is one who is forst to greet the other with As-salamu Alaikum."
Also: "And say to My servants that they should only say those things that are best..."-Al-Isra 17:53
Idris, I can appreciate your sentiments, and I even enjoy your passion, welcome to the deen, little brother. But I think that you will find many more will listen to you if you speak with a little more patience.
Triathlon: Idris is new, so I can understand his behavior. But you should know better, you have grown up Muslim. I expect better from such and Surely, Allah Subhana Wa-Ta'ala does as well.
Here is the Yahoo news link:
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/ap/20050128/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/guantanamo_sex_vs_faith
Among other things, striving in fairness appears to make expressions of good intentions more believable to just about everyone concerned. For example: extremists among my own political party seem to be pitting my country against Islamists who possess resources and territory which various extremists (of either of my country's two major political parties) seem to covet. And then, of course, every four years or so perhaps try making your compatriots feel happy they have "elected" to tolerate such candor and sentimentality.
Meanwhile, doctor, perhaps you might wish to consider what if any merit might found in the following request: If God sees fit, may God bless America at least as well as God blesses America's enemies (Ameen). Actually, my guess is that, to those who are habitually ungrateful, blessings could eventually amount to some sort of a curse.
And thanks (to Allah) for your having taken the trouble to express how you feel, doctor. May peace upon you (Ameen).
Where did I say lets excuse US war crimes? Where did war crimes ever enter the picture? I repeat: what in the hell are you talking about? Your analysis of history sounds to me like you went to the Pravda School of Tabloid Journalism. And really, that goes for most of the brain-washed turkeys that post here. You guys are doing more harm than good, and I really have to question why you are so angry. I doubt if it has anything to do with the US at all, it just makes a ready and convenient scape-goat.
Idris. And Wayne, can't you read? I never even
mentioned Bosnia/Serbia. Don't go off on a
tangent of hatred like that - it just makes you
look like a fool. I'll say it again: Unless ALL
rabid fundamentalists of all religions throw
down their swords and start at least talking
nothing will change. I'm chagrined to say that
the Judeo/Christian religion has nothing in
their bible that speaks to murdering
non-believers or any such rot. And it's stlll true
-- ALL of the recent terrorist acts in the past
few years have been committed by Islamists.
Israel has it's own problems; and yes the
violence and complicity to commit violence is
still there and needs to change.
My friends: Don't make the mistake of
stereotyping. Every Islamist is not a terrorist.
Every Israeli does not hate every Palestinian
or every Arab. There's a huge peace
movement in Israel just like in the US. And,
many, many Americans are sick to death of
war and Bush and his idiotic staff of
war-mongers. America is a big country both in
geography and population and there's a lot of
diversity. He does not speak for everyone.
Please take the time to realize that before you
condemn an entire nation for the ignorant
actions of a few people in government. Thank
you.
By the way i lived there for a few years and left shortly after 9/11. This information is for the people who say "well if u don't like it why don't you leave" ....I did, Alhamdolillah!
I can appreciate your views. I really can. US interest and espoused philospohy don't always converge. But nobody's does (nobody=nation state). I respect your idealism, but lets be realistic about matters; it's not fair to hold the US acountable to a higher standard than is set for other nations. There isn't a country on this earth without blood on its hands. Surely you'll admit that the US played a key role in preventing the domination of the world by the Fascists and Communists. And as far as Japanese policy in war, I guess you didn't know that they attacked US civilians in the Aleutians (they were forcibly expatriated to prisons in Japan) and planned to deliver bombs laden with bubonic plague (a sort of poor man's atom bomb) to the US population. They were going to do this with hot air balloons and one actually made it to Oregon and detonated (killing one person). They experimented plague warfare on the Chinese. But if you need good documentation on Japanese military brutality to civilians read "The Rape of Nanking" I think it's something that you can benefit from. Wayne, I want to affirm that I respect your views, and the world would be a better place if more people thought as you do.(I may not agree with the extremes of your points, however) I'm glad you cleared things up about your sentiments towards Israel etc. I agree that Anti-Semitism isn't automatic to criticism to Israel; that saw is too often used to prevent any criticism, indeed.
God(Allah) bless those who're faithful to Him and His teachings. Get this right Mr Hesham!
May the Almighty bless and give victory to the oppressed and hellfire to their tormentors. INSHALLAH.
Peace out!
Kindly keep your anti-Semitism off our website. While I don't agree at all with what is happening in Palestine, your comments are of no help at all, and, in fact, hurt us all. Thank you, Irrem, for your kind words. I am glad to see that you still read posts here young man, do not be alarmed too much at what you read, most Muslims are good, intelligent, educated, sober and God-fearing people and not brainwashed Wahabi clods like many who post here (invariably, the hate-mongers) Wayne, what do you mean the Russians have the right idea? Was that a thread you never finished? Please explain yourself.
Also, in regard to our war with Japan, you are all forgetting something very critical: WE DIDN"T START THE WAR. That said, guess what kiddies, there is no nice way to fight a war, and we were a lot nicer about it than the Japanese or Germans were, and if you disagree, I'm afraid that you are in desparate need of real history lessons.
Papadapolous, you really amaze me. If it were not for the US, your nation would either be an extension of Italy or a Soviet Socialist Republic. Also, don't try to act like the Greeks like Muslims-there were many Greek mercenaries fighting for the Serbs in Bosnia. I know, because I fought them.
Anyway, in summary, the posts against this article follow the same pattern (almost exactly): lets recite the past wars of America to denounce her, lets talk about her promises unfulfilled, lets make wild and unsubstantiated, uniformed, one-sided statements about a history that we know next to nothing about. You people have no vision for the future, you can't see tomorrow as anything other than some chance for apocalyptic wish-fulfillment to access the power and authority denied to you by Allah in life. Hypocrites! If you despise this nation that has given you its best then leave it! I challenge you to find its better, either in the present or in the past!
I totally agree with Brother Hesham. I am an American revert to
Islam. We as Muslims should feel free to give thanks for being
American citizens for the fruits this land offers to all without
being accused by other Muslims as being too liberal or even un-
Islamic. As the author says, we can freely pray here, wear hijab
here, go to mosques here, and work together with other
Americans to make this country even better and try peacefully to
correct its failures and shortcomings. BRAVO for showing this
on this website.
fee Amanallah,
Sis. Regina
her comments. I too, am surprised at the
rancor it caused and noticed that no one
stopped to think that the right to disagree
without fear as we do on this site is taken for
granted by many. I have nothing but pity and
disdain for someone hiding such as
"Triathlon" ... and the Japanese person who can't
forgive the U.S. for the internment camps and
the A-bomb (yes, that was wrong) but neglects
to mention that the Japanese worked willingly
with the Nazis to instigate the worst genocide
the world has ever seen. Until and unless you
give up this feudal notion of "sworn enemies'"
and focus on the future of the Muslim world,
nothing will change and countries like the
U.S. and Great Britain will continue to
dominate and rule. The Muslim world will not
get ahead by trying to destroy Israel (formed by
survivors of genocide) the U.S. or other
developed nations. It will only be respected
when it proves that it is trying to help itself by
improving education, rights for women and
girls and by embracing more modern
behaviors and thoughts. Criticize the U.S. if it
makes you feel better or superior, but no one
will listen unless YOU and EVERY MUSLIM
throws down the "sworn enemy" "infidel" 15th
century feudal mentality and attempts to be
part of the world -- the modern world. Religion
and modernity can work together. Ask your
Muslim friends who live in freedom in the
U.S.A.!!
The only way to change the American political landscape is to get involved. We must be on the inside in order to affect a positive change. You can be on the outside and yell all you want, it will not change a thing.
This author could very well have genuine motives, but his outright pandering to the US Government is revolting. He is forgetting about the blatant and biased support the US Govenment gives Isreal and it support of cruel dictators not only in the Middle East, but around the world. The US has earned its bad reputation and it can either continue down the path of non-freedom and its neo-imperial dreams, or it can realize what it has done and continues to do, in order to stop those actions and make up for them.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/chitribts/20050124/ts_chicagotrib/muslimsinusraiseanoutcry
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A33733-2005Jan24?language=printer
Go deeds bring goodness.
Bad deeds bring badness.
Wealth stolen from some one will never bring goodness no matter how much you donate from it.
Its still cursed/stolen money.
Maybe stealing is ok and not much of a deal.
But infact its a grave crime and one is better of not stealing, in true sense if you can understand.
One can steal individually, or can steal collectively.
Individual injustice/stealing will bring for sure individual badness and collective stealing will again definitly bring collective badness.
You dont wanna believe me its your choice.
Infact its very simple.
Wonder what those 6 kids who had their parents murdered in front of their eyes, in Iraq by American terrorists last week think about this....
He is so willing to hide himself in the flag of America, one wonders what's his purpose/agenda in writing such an erroneous article is?
America has a checkered past, very true, but what country doesn't? Really, can you name me one nation state in this world that has behaved any better? Just one. Think about it.
What is more, at least the Americans have a raison d'etre that transcends the tribalism or nationalism that besets much of the world. This is an inclusive society (for the most part), I challenge you to find one that is more polyethnic; it can't be done. It's not perfect, no, but its a dream, and a very good one. Through that dream many nightmares have not come fully to pass: Fascism, Nazism, Communism, even the European empires were dismantled after WWII largely in part due to pressure that the US levied upon the Europeans to comply.
We were the second largest contributor of aid to the Tsunami victims; no one, I might add, helped us when four hurricanes devastated Florida.
What makes you think his opinion is any more disingenuous than yours? Judging from the reaction on this website, I have a feeling that it took more courage for him to express his gratitude than it would have to spout the usual venom toward the US.
Invoking the phrase "God bless America" is not necessarily a jingoistic phrase. Sure, it has been used and abused by many to curry favor with certain political and religious groups. I do not think that this was the author's intention. I think he was trying to tell his fellow Muslims that hating America is not a badge you have to wear to be a true Muslim.
The phrase itself could not be more appropriate for all. If God blesses America, America would stand more for what its Constitution espouses, not what we as a government and as individual citizens in our imperfections perform. If God blesses America, devout Muslims will gain the voice they seek and affect public policy for the betterment of the world. If God blesses America, Muslims, Jews, and Christians may be able to speak without the vitriol that accompanies us today. Conversely, if God cursed America, would the world be a better place?
What we need is to stop using the phrase as a boast, or a statement. Above all, it is a request, an invocation for God to let his goodness and truth to spread down upon us. The reality is that we do need his blessing and we do need to ask for it.
I agree with him 100 percent.
annoying. While I agree that America-bashing is regretably
a popular sport among Muslims, these kind of articles are
not helpful. LIke many articles of its ilk, this is superficial
and basically casts no new light. I believe in having love for
one's country. But when done right, this love will often be
critical of it in a manner that is forthright and honest.
j. dell
I have read and replied to many Iviews.com articles but this one is the most convoluted I have read. Why does people here in the West expect others to follow as they chant "God bless America"? America is not the apex of what humans are to become. The author of this article describes how America is much better than other places on earth. America since of freedom and greatness is placed in the backdrop of an ignorant and largely uneducated population- a people whereby the masses are misled by the educated few and this is repeated in countries all over the world. The constitution of American was not written with Arabs, Muslims, or religion in mind. America separated from religion long ago and has never united with any other group.
The author most damming statement is " American Muslims must be at the forefront of that struggler..." "Muslims in America because of the goodness s of America..."
That is like saying African Americans should be grateful to America for being free from slavery.
Why not say God bless the world. To hell with bless America alone.
If the author is a Muslim I would like to see his membership card.
GOD(ALLAH) has sent the prophets for the entire World and all MANKIND.Prophets used to treat all people same.
Of-course there are good things in all religions,(in Hinduism, Judaism, Christanity, Buddism,and so on) as long they are not changed or revised by extremists like some Pujarees, Rabbayees, Evangelists. This does not mean you can encourage them,praise them and follow them.
ALLAH knows best the Western world's intentions and HE can deal best than any superpower as he watching. What goes up in the air will come down.
SAY and PRAY to ALLAH >>> MILLION TIMES
"ALLAH bless the WORLD and all MANKIND" AAMEEN.
I am shocked at the thoughts expressed by the author: I told him, "Then, brother, leave the country." This statement is indicative of an Anti-Islamic mindset--it is nationalist, rascist, and not in keeping with the Qur'an or with Sunnah of the Prophet (saw). Yes, there are many positive things about this country and its people, I agree. But both historically and currently this country and its people have been the agents of genocide, tyranny, oppression and injustice both here and abroad. When I became a Muslim I became part of the Ummah. My race, my nationality, my citizenship became secondary to my identification as a Muslim. My constitution is not in Washington D.C., it is in the Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Prophet (saw). This is the only constitution that will give real freedom and justice to all of us. Br. Al Hajj Malik El-Shabazz (Malcolm X) had a much more accurate assessment of the situation we face, and he has been gone for almost 40 years, his assessment is still the most accurate. I suggest that the author of this article study the life and work of Br. Malik El-Shabazz.
Will "uncle sam" blame "Al-Qaida" for all of the MORAL DECADENCE,homosexual t.v,SODOM and Gomorrish behavior that DOMINATES this "wonderful democracy(demon-crazy)" that "sam" wants to want to "spread" to the MUSLIM world???????????
Will God blast america for the GENOCIDE of tens of millions INDIGENOUS people that were here first(many of them MUSLIM),or how about 400 years of chattle slavery/JIM CROWISM against AFRICAN MUSLIMS (still waiting for REPARATIONS),POLICE brutality and MURDER etc.
Tens of thousands of "PATRIOTIC AMERICANS" are kidnapped yearly often to find their picture on the back milk carton.
Will any of us be next the VICTIM??????????
Many of our Muslim youth have intergrated in this greco/roman(western society)and are paying the sinful price.
Third-party Presidential candidate and television talking head Pat Buchanan predicts doom for Western life as he knows it. Citing demographics, he sees a threat to Europe and America from large waves of immigrants that have already changed the racial composition, and he criticizes liberal influences and values as harbingers and facilitators of these changes in America.
Now(ha,ha,ha,)if the whiteman is telling us that
"the show is over" will we(MUSLIMS) be stupid enough not to believe them.
The QUR'AN AND SUNNAH if studied properly verifies the destruction of past nations for ther corrupt and immoral ways
then what happened to the isalmic belief that this world was created by God and given to adam's progeny and thus all children of adam have the right to be wherever they want to be. thus this earth belongs to allah and none other and as children of adam we have the right to be here and that ardhu'allah waseh' = God land is plenty. doesn't democracy allow diverse opinion?
instead of saying 'god bless america' perhaps we shud say god bless mankind. this nationalistic fervour can be humanity's downfall. america, like any other place, has good and bad - indeed more than 50% of them voted for bush and his war-mongering machinery to wage more planned wars in the ME. Perhaps that is why muslims don't like this idea that american government can be a puppet of isreal and drop bombs on muslim countries while they are expected to say 'god bless america'. that sounds hypocritical. has the writer missed this angle? truly most decent americans can see that muslims have no gripe with them. except with their one-sided foreign policy, as dominated by zionist neocons, who know nothing about God and his messiah Christ, the Prince of Peace.
perhaps when america stops confiscating islamic charity money destined for orphans, when it stops its one-sided support of israel against innocent palestinians, when it stops its ill-gotten designs in iraq, iran, saudi arabia, egypt, syria, etc, when it sides with right, then we can say God bless america. until then we just leave it to God to decide and just pray that we are all led to the right path, insha'allah. no offence to good americans. i take the same attitude towards my own family. bless the good ones, ignore the bad! and pray for peace. too much nationalism can blind one.