33 Tips for Jihad against Racism


Alhamdu lillah (Praise God), all Masjids in the world are open to all people. Muslims pray shoulder to shoulder with no regard to any national, ethnic, class or color differences. Islamic egalitarianism still gains respect from the untouchables of India to Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali in America. However, this dominant reality is sometimes marred by individual behavior, which is contrary to the ideals of Islam.

Some Muslims fall for the age-old trick of Satan and start playing the silly inferiority/superiority game. Some stereotype others and tolerate prejudice against other human beings, despite the fact that all human beings are equal, from the same man and woman. (Quran 49:13)

How should we save ourselves from falling into this trap? How should we help others stay above the killing fields of racism and nationalism? What can we do to become a better human being? Here are some tips on how we can launch our personal Jihad against this disease.

The Prophet said: If one of you sees something evil he should change it with his hand. If he cannot, he should speak out against it, and if he cannot do even that he should at least detest it in his heart, this being the weakest form of faith (Sahih of Muslim).

1. Knowledge is power

Do we know what the Quran and Sunnah say about racism? The Quran established individual character as the criteria of success, not color, tribal or economic status of a person. The Prophet preached and established these ideals in the peace sanctuary of Madinah and Islamic society which he developed.

Let our parents, children, Islamic schools, and Imams learn and teach the ideals of Islam.

2. Ask the only One who can really help

We can get rid of racial and prejudicial attitudes within ourselves with the help of God.

Make sincere and focused Dua for those people and groups who remain oppressed, subject to humiliation, subject to difficult behavior. After all, Dua increases love between people (Hadith).

Also make Dua for yourself and others to gain an appreciation of others. Pray together with your family for those friends in the Masjid or at your job who are from other groups. And remember that dua without actions is nothing.

3. Hate the hatred

The Prophet never hated anyone. He neither hated Makkah nor the Makkans who tortured him, starved him and his people and killed his companions, may Allah be pleased with them. He continued to pray even for his worst enemies like Abu Jahl.

4. Make sincere Tawbah (repentance to God)

If we have hurt someone through our tongue or attitude, we need to seek God's forgiveness. It is also important to seek the personal forgiveness of that persons as well if s/he is within reach as an Islamic pre-requisite to seek God's forgiveness. There has to be a personal acknowledgment of wrongdoing and a commitment to change. This is done by turning to God and seeking His Forgiveness for looking down on other beings due to a false belief in someone's inferiority.

5. Watching Our Tongue

The Prophet said: Whoever can give me a guarantee for what is between his two jaws and between his two legs, I can assure him Paradise (Sahih of Bukhari).

Keeping this in mind, effort should be made to curb useless talk, which can lead to worse things like backbiting and slander of individuals and groups of people.

Defining backbiting, the Prophet said that backbiting is anything that you say about someone in his absence that may displease him. When he was asked by one of the Companions, 'even if he is as I describe him?' he responded by saying, If he is as you describe him then you are guilty of backbiting, otherwise you are guilty of slander (which is worse than backbiting) (Sahih of Muslim).

To add emphasis to how awful slander is, consider that the Prophet said it is worse than adultery because if a person commits adultery, Allah can forgive him if he repents. But a slanderer will not be forgiven until the person he had been speaking about forgives him (Baihaqi).

6. No ethnic jokes please

Ethnic jokes are not innocent humor. They carry the virus of bigotry most of the time. Think about how hurt we feel when some comedians depict Muslims as terrorist.

Consider this verse of the Quran: "O you who believe! Let not a group scoff at another group, it may be that the latter are better than the former; nor let (some) women scoff at other women, it may be that the latter are better than the former, nor defame one another, nor insult one another by nicknames. How bad is it, to insult one's brother after having Faith. And whosoever does not repent, then such are indeed wrong doers" (Quran 49:11).

Such silly and hurtful jest clearly goes against the type of manners Allah and His Prophet expect from us. It's a sin in Islam to ridicule or laugh at any beings, and if they are a group, the sin is stronger.

7. Don't call people, Kalla, Gora, Desi, Chapta, Abd or Rafeeq

Muslims disliked being called Moslems, Moor, or Mohammaden. We insist that since we write our name Muslims that's how everyone should spell our name. So let's call other people with the names they like for themselves. Fair enough?

Alhamdu lillah most Muslims don't do this. But once in a while we hear names, which we need to challenge. The Urdu term "Kalla" is used by some for African-Americans. While it literally means "black", the way it is used most of the time is demeaning. The same is true for the Urdu term Chapta or Peela, which refers to the color, and features of South East Asian people. Gora in Urdu for Caucasians falls in the same category although it also just means a white person, but is used to convey historical distrust and betrayal of the white colonial lords. Desi on the other hand is mostly used to describe stereotypical images of South Asians "curry smelling" Indians and "pakis." It is often used as a term of self hate in the second generation.

Similarly some Arabs use the term Abd to describe black people, despite the fact the Prophet catogarically prohibited use of this term. Another term Zingy is used for the same people in the demeaning way. Some Arabs use the term Rafeeq (literally comrade) for Pakistanis in demeaning way similar to how the "N word" is used in the west. Ibn al Khinzeeer (son of a pig), a reference to whoever you are angry with amongst some Arabs and specially towards Jews is not only unworthy of the followers of Prophet Muhammad, it is a direct violation of his command not to insult one another's parents (Sahih of Bukhari and Muslim).

Even the Islamic term Kafir has to be use with care. Not every non-believer is a Kafir. This Quranic term, regarding those who rejected Allah's guidance after recognizing it to be the truth, should not become a term of hate.

8. Challenge the offensive, names, jokes and comments

If someone uses a hurtful name in our presence, we might simply say, "Don't call him/her that. Call him/her by his/her name." If you are the victim, simply say "That kind of joke offends me," or say "You don't like to be called bad names and neither do I".

We should feel comfortable in pointing out unfairness. It is very rewarding in the eyes of Allah, since by challenging this we are following three of Allah's commands:

    1. Stand up against injustice
    2. Discourage the evil
    3. Don't call people with bad nicknames

It's part of a Muslim's duty to enjoin the good and forbid the evil. Let's do it with wisdom and patience. Be polite but firm.

9. Do not generalize

If you observe something wrong in some persons' behavior, don't generalize it to their ethnic group. Attribute it to those persons not their group. For example, I have heard several times that Arabs in Chicago run liquor stores. While it is true that there may be 100 or so Arabs who have this type of Haram business, they are a small minority among hundreds and thousands of Arabs living in Chicago. Without condoning what they are doing, we must see that there are Muslims of other nationalities who are also involved in Haram businesses.

10. Defend the abused group

Note unique and special qualities in other people. Show the positive points of an ethnic group that is being made fun of. Whether it's the hospitality of the Arabs, the respect for elders in Indo-Pakistani culture, the resilience of African-Americans, for instance, point out the positive to those who don't want to see the other side of the coin.

If you're still tongue-tied, consider this Hadith: the Prophet said: If a man's Muslim brother is slandered in his presence, and he is capable of defending him, and does so, Allah will defend him in this world and in the next. But if he fails to defend him, Allah will destroy him in this world and in the next.

11. Speak everyone's language

What do you do when there are say, three people, one of whom speaks your native language and the other doesn't?

Too often, many of us do the wrong thing.

It creates suspicion and discomfort if you speak a language in front of others who may not understand it. Use a common language understandable to all. So if Br. Muneer and you both understand Arabic, but Sr. Yasmeen doesn't, speak in English instead, so she doesn't feel left out. If you observe this behavior tell them it's unfair. If you are the one who is doing the wrong thing, then don't defend it by saying, "you should learn our language".

The Prophet said: When three people are together, two should not talk secretly, leaving the third alone since this may grieve him. (Sahiah of Bukhari & Muslim).

12. Read about others

Read about people to gain positive insights into other cultures. Read what they have written about themselves. Read about, for instance, what African-Americans have contributed to America. Even better, read an autobiography like that of Malcolm X, which recounts the personal experience and struggles of one Muslim African-American. Much of what he has to say is also a reflection of the experience of other African-Americans.

13. Share your joy

Have you invited people other than your cultural group at an occasion of happiness in your family?

Whether it's Eid, a wedding or the Aqiqa of a newborn baby, expand your next guest list to include those of different backgrounds. Sharing joy is a great way for people of all ethno-cultural groups to bond.

14. Share your sorrow

Have you visited a sick colleague, class fellow or a neighbor of another ethnic group? Have you been to the funeral of other people?

Relationships are not only built on the good times, but on the hard ones as well. Visit the sick, attend funerals, and console those who need it, and don't reserve your sympathy to those of the same skin color or country.

15. The way to a man's heart is through his stomach

Have you learned to cook the food of other cultures? Have you shared your food with them?

I know people who have become Muslim because of the hospitality of Muslims. Food is a great way to bring people together, and to get to know others. Share food with neighbors. Food is power. Use it!

16. Smiling is a charity

Who do you smile at? Do you limit your grins to groups you know, especially your ethno-cultural group?

Smiling is charity (Sahiah of Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi), not just for your people. Expand your smile "directory" to include all. Smile opens close hearts.

17. Salam is for everyone

Quran demands that we greet others better than the way they have greeted us. (Quran 4:86).

After Juma do you say Salam and meet only those people you know or do you initiate a Salam to those from another ethnic group?

Consider this Hadith: The Prophet said: Those who are nearest to Allah are those who are the first to give a greeting (Sahiah of Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi).

Saying Salam is also a great way to increase your love for a fellow Muslim, no matter where they are from. Consider this Hadith: the Prophet said: You will not enter Heaven until you believe, and you will not believe until you love each other. Let me guide you to something which will cause you to love each other: spreading the greetings of peace (Assalamu alaikum) (Sahiah of Muslim).

18. Hug someone today

Have you ever experienced a hug by a Muslim you never knew? What a feeling. This one just for the sake of Allah. Try it on a Muslim in your Masjid and then introduce yourself to him. He is your brother. Isn't he?

19. Beyond Salam

Alhamdu lillah, we see a lot of faces of different ethnic groups in Masjids, but have we gone beyond Salam with them?

Have we invited this brother or sister to our home this year? Let's take the initiative to go beyond the Salam and invite a fellow human being of a different background over to our place. Don't wait for a specific occasion. Just invite them over for dinner, lunch, or a game of basketball.

20. A Masjid tour of other neighborhoods

While in a number of cities in America and South Africa, Masjids tend to become ethnically homogeneous due to the population patterns of the city; we can try to overcome this isolation.

Let's visit other neighborhoods and pray in a Masjid there. So if you're an Urdu speaking person, visit the predominantly Arab mosque. If you're an Arab visit the mostly African-American mosque. If you're Turkish, visit the mostly Bengali mosque.

Let's defy the neighborhood divisions which we did not create. Let's take our Sunday school children on field trips to different neighborhoods and Masjids. Providing opportunities for interaction with people of diverse groups instills understanding.

Studies show that children playing and working together toward common goals develop positive attitudes about one another.

21. Do your duty, but a little differently

Who do you usually give your Zakat to?

Is it just to your ethnic group or do you use it as one of the categories-to win over hearts? Plan to give your next Zakat to a community or individuals who are not of your ethno-cultural background. This will be a practical way to give of yourself to those who are your brothers and sisters, and those who are in need.

22. Strangers should find an open Masjid door

How are you at welcoming strangers in your Masjid?

Do you move forward in welcoming, guiding and introducing them to others or do you allow a stranger to remain a stranger while you busily chat with your own cultural group? Open your heart and arms to the new brother or sister who may have come to the Masjid with great difficulty. Welcome their choice and don't let them regret visiting your mosque.

The security staff at Masjids need to have sensitivity training as well.

23. Watch those expressions and attitudes

Did you see that twist of the mouth, or the raise of that eyebrow?

Sometimes, it's not just words, but facial expressions that also indicate ethno-racial degradation and intolerance. It's not enough for us to just avoid verbal jabs. Language is not just about words; it's about body language too.

24. Defend yourself

If you are the target of ethno-racial humor, slurs or attacks defend yourself.

    • First seek refuge in Allah from Satan Following the Prophet's advice, if you are angry, remain silent, sit down, move away or make wudu.
    • If you feel your security is being threatened seek any help available.
    • If you are attacked defend yourself if you are capable of it.
    • Document and pursue the case with local police, the department of human resources and anti-hate groups.

God tolerates a person who is being wronged to respond in the same coin but He prefers us to be better: "The recompense for an evil is an evil like thereof, but whoever forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from Allah. Verily, He likes not the Zalimun (oppressors)" (Quran 42:40).

An ex-Marine member of the white supremacist movement the Ku Klux Klan became Muslim due partly to the polite and confident response of a Muslim doctor to his racist remarks calling him a "dog eater".

This is an example of following Allah's instructions that ask us to respond to evil with something which is better.

25. Stand up for justice

Take an active stand against injustices like profiling and discrimination in the workplace or at schools. Speak out against someone or a group being paid less because of their national background.

"O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even though it is against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, be he rich or poor, Allah is a better Protector to both (than you) are. So follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest you may avoid justice, and if you distort your witness or refuse to give it, verily, Allah is Ever Well-Acquainted with what you do" (Quran 4:135).

26. Work with other anti-racism groups

Volunteer time to organizations and groups which are working for an anti-racism agenda or for social justice. All the prophets were sent to help people take a stand for establishing justice (Quran 57:25). Working for a common cause brings people closer. Islam encourages cooperation with non Muslims for the common good of humanity (Quran 5:2).

27. Multi-ethnic Marriages

Some Fiqh (Islamic Law) books that dislike and discourage multi-ethnic marriages amongst Muslims are wrong because they conflict with the Sunnah of the Prophet and with the Quranic principle of all people being one.

For instance, the Fiqh manual Reliance of the Traveler, in a chapter on Kafa'a (compatibility), while recognizing that there should be no consideration of skin color in marriage, does mention that a match between a non-Arab man and an Arab woman is unsuitable (page 523).

I am not advising anyone to offer him or herself for a social experiment. But we must accept our children's choice with an open heart instead of resistance based on the false interpretation of compatibility (Kafa'a) offered by some Fiqh books.

28. Jihad with your taxes

Your personal jihad against racism must also include a collective effort against racism and nationalism. Your taxes are used to institute policies, some of which you may agree with and others that you may completely oppose. You can use your tax money to fight against racism by supporting policies or institutions that encourage respect for differences. We should support subsidies to human rights organizations dedicated to fighting racism, specifically.

29. Vote against racism

Support candidates who oppose racism and nationalism both within America and without. For example, former US president Bill Clinton strongly campaigned against the use of tobacco in America but ironically he also helped the US tobacco companies to achieve record profits by helping them sell and promote tobacco in the Third World. If tobacco is wrong for America, it is wrong for every other human being as well. Let's not tolerate "Cancer for other people."

30. Vote for multi-ethnicity in your Masjid

Make sure your Masjid in North America has a multi ethnic board and leadership. Follow the Prophet in engineering social change. He paired each Ansar and Muhajir as brothers as he started building the Islamic society of Madina.

31. Put money where your mouth is

There are a number of organizations dedicated to fighting racism in America at various levels. Support them by your donation. If you don't want to donate, establish your own organization against bigotry.

32. Raising race free children

Islam does not recognize race, but the society we live in does. Bridging this gap is the challenge of Muslim parenting.

  • Choose to live in a multi-ethnic community. Children with multi-ethnic interaction grow up to be better human beings.
  • Participate in your PTA with an antiracist agenda.
  • Help your children feel good about themselves. Children who feel good about themselves are less likely to be prejudiced.
  • Welcome children of all background in your home.
  • Debrief them if they come home with a racial slur from the school.

33. Let's have a straight niyyah to please Allah

Let's make our intentions (niyyah) that we will strive to build human society based on the equality of all human beings as Allah has asked us to do. Insha Allah, He will reward us for each step we take to get ourselves, our community, and our society rid of racism and nationalism.

Conclusion

As Muslims who are dehumanized day and night by the media and opinion leaders, it is our duty to emerge as a better human being through this ordeal instead of engaging in the satanic game of counter dehumanization.

Whoever starts to look at others as lower beings first kills his own humanity. Prejudice, racism and nationalism are equal opportunity diseases. Muslims, Christians, Hindus and Jews, all have a choice of either using their teachings to rise up for the ideals of humanity or sink in the killing fields of nationalism.

Dehumanization of Native Americans contributed to their almost complete annihilation. Dehumanization of Africans as nations and individuals resulted in generational loss of life and heritage. Dehumanization of Jews and Gypsies is associated with the mass murder by Nazis. Dehumanization of Japanese Americans contributed to their being sent to internment camps in America. The dehumanization of Muslims in America after the 9/11 tragedy is responsible for the virtual internment camp Muslims in America live today and the tortures in Abu Gharib and abuse at Guantanamo Bay.

Unfortunately there is a demonization of America taking place in the world, which by and large does not know how a majority of Americans today feel about the historical wrongs done on their names. Even the strong American reaction to the Abu Gharib images did not slow down the harm neo-con policies are causing to American standing in the world.

Racism and nationalism are twin evils which have killed more people in last one hundred years than probably all the wars in last one thousand years including crusades and massacres of the infamous Genghis Khan.

Let's launch our personal Jihad against racism. May God be with you. Allahu Akbar (God is Great).

Abdul Malik Mujahid, is an American Muslim religious leader and social activist. He is also the President and Director of Sound Vision.  This article was originally published on May 9, 2009.


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Older Comments:
RAPHAEL WEGMANN FROM AUSTRIA said:
On "11 speak everyones language" you cite "Sahiah of Bukhari & Muslim". Where can I find that quote?
2009-05-26

MK FROM OMAN said:
mashAllah a wonderfull artical. inshAllah we can impliment all the topics into our life and be better muslims.
2009-05-18

KHADIJA FROM USA said:
A wonderful and timely article. Thank you.
2009-05-17

DAWOOD HAQ FROM USA said:
I agree with the article wholeheartedly. As an American Muslim I notice these traits in the Arab and Indo/Pakistani groups here in Dallas. I spoke to our local Imam and he agreed that it exists in our masjid. I think it may be due to the culture back in their home countries. The cure may take several generations of exposure in our American society before it wanes. My daughter goes to a private Muslim school and the children in my daughters class express the behavior you mentioned. And every one of them has an Arab or Indo/Pakistini parent.
2009-05-15

MOHAMMED ILIYAS FROM NIGERIA said:
This document is very sound and enrighing. Howerver the only area I disagree with is sighting that one should not note that it is not not only some Arabs that sell liquo in the US and use it a reason not to generalise it on the the Arabs. Generalisation is bad but this example should not be used as an excuse or reason for whatsoever.
2009-05-13

SHAHINA FROM INDIA said:
Its the that we knows but we forget to remember at the right occasion. This tips are very helpful.This discussion is at the right time.I think this will help people in this materialistic world having no time to think about others to think about our brothers who are suffering of racism. We can pray to ALLAH and InshaAllah he will help us
2009-05-13

ABDULATIF FROM SOUTH AFRICA/SWAZILAND said:
forgive me for this... you say no personal attacks but one takes personal offence at "brother" farouks comment... farouk, it is only impossible because of "brothers" like yourself who reject quranic injunction and the sunnah of our beloved Rasul(S.A.W)
and you can proudly(?) and honestly call yourself a Muslim? people like you do more to tear our community apart from within and are exactly what enable the kuffar to succeed from without..
2009-05-13

MS FROM USA said:
All these are good points. Remember we are living in an increasingly globalised world. I feel more happy with tasting a variety of people to interact with, just like the foods. See good in people, and above all, always remind ourselves that the same God created this other human being or tribe or race or nationality/ region/ country.... Quran refers to this and I will paraphrase that this is really for recognition, not in order to bear hatred or prejudice. I personally am in awe of how diverse our Creator has made us and the effects of genes, their dominance or passiveness. In the end all that matters is if we are truly good human beings. Then comes the discussion on what "good" really means....
2009-05-13

KEEMO FROM USA said:
Great article, I wish I can put it in the mail for everone I know. I will send it out.
What is good about it, that it is on the grass root level, applies to everyone of us, in everyday day practice from watching our tongues, if we use ethnic slurs, jokes, and names, others will do the same to me, our behavior as a community, using different language, always drift to say salam, converse, socialize, invite, marry, those of my kind, not defending ourselves thinking that it will go away by itself, without realizing that we are also inviting attacks on others, shying away from working with others who fight racism and injustice, not using our voting power to the achieve justice and stop racism.
Keep up the good work.
2009-05-12

REBECCA FROM USA said:
I am suffering from severe racism from work and am currently seeking psychological aid due to the pain my company has caused me. Standing up for your self, specially when your religion is a target is so worth it. Even after all the suffering I am going through I feel proud of myself and thank Allah for his help.
2009-05-12

IDRISS FROM MOROCCO said:
Sakeeb,
I sincerely think you have good questions, in order to get you answers, I would suggest to do what millions of non-Muslims started with;
1- Be sincere in your quest.
2- Basic Islam literature.
3- Read the Qur'an and its tafsir, start with this link: www.tafsir.com, spend money on books later if you wish.
4- Take some classes at your local college or university.
5- Get with practicing Muslims, and ask them questions in your best manners, they will reciprocate.
6 - Learn about Islam from Muslims, not from the non-Muslims, just like you would no learn a science from a non-scientist.
7 - Explore genuine Islamic sites, like this one and islamonline.net, readingislam.com.
8 - Do not take too seriously the hot heads who are commenting on the Internet forums you will gain nothing there, though you may find some good references.
I wish you the best.
2009-05-12

FAROUK FROM SOUTH AFRICA said:
unfortunately this is an impossible scenario. Racism is an inherent, inbuilt and natural characteristic of humans. it is impossible to eradicate because all ethnic groups/nations have peculiarities amongst them which may be distasteful to another group,ie everyone is different regardless of the fact that we are all humans.Anything else is utopian, pie in the sky.In South Africa, how can one not laugh at our black leaders- they are absolute monkeys who rightfully belong in the bush- but aren't all blacks in this continent?
2009-05-11

DAAYIEE FROM USA said:
Salaam, Brother Mujahid. Thank you for directing our attention to these actions that places barriers to greater understanding and acceptance between us. Under most circumstances these events or racism rarely occur; however, in the nearly 25 years of being Muslims, I would be lying to say from time to time I have not been the recipient of these acti0ons from foreign-born Muslims. Yes, we must not be afraid to bring their attention to their behaviors. I do not embody the anxiety, hurt or hatred, but transform it into an opportunity for us as people to learn and change our behavior. Your 33 tips are moving Muslims into an integrated global Muslim community. May Allah continue to guide and bless us all, Ameen.
2009-05-11

UMM HUSSAIN FROM US said:
The article is timely and quite necessary. However, desipte the naysayers, racism and sexism are alive and well in the Muslim community and unfortunately, I doubt that much will change unless ths unIslamic behavior is addressed out loud right within the masjid. It is common knowledge that many men are cruel to the wives at the same time telling others how Islam raises the status of the Muslim woman. Many of us talk about how Islam is a beautiful peaceful religion but are unfriendly and rude to each other on a regular basis. Insha Allah, Allah will guide us on the right path in this regard and bring us closer together.
2009-05-11

TAJUDEEN DAYO SALAMI FROM NIGERIA said:
As salaam Alaikum to you all. all your effort are commended. i just want you to continue your assignment on the propagation of Al-islam.I which you all the best in this life and the hereafter.
2009-05-11

NURAINI FROM MALAYSIA said:
as it turns out, sakeeb, someone has asked me most of the
things you seem convinced would turn people away (instead of
considering the possibility of your inadequate understanding -
life is a struggle, a jihad, thus why is it a surprise that there is
struggle against things taking us away from God? are you
suggesting we do nothing?). that person is now going to convert
to islam. i am just a normal muslim woman who reads more
than most but otherwise not a religious scholar by profession. i
know that you really do not know how muslims use these words,
you only know how your people use our words. but it is my hope
that you eventually learn instead of just spamming the internet
pushing your incorrect understanding.
2009-05-11

RABI'A FROM USA said:
I congratulte you for this wonderful article and appreciate that you touched on almost every element that we must heal. I attend a multi ethnic mosque, but we are not even free of racism. And racism is not always against blacks, sometimes in reaction blacks who are Muslim are just as racist against other groups. I would suggest that instead of so many lectures on terrorism, and so forth that universities start to sponsor lectures on racism in Islam and invite people like yourself to speak.
2009-05-10

MOHAMED IQBAL AHMED FROM OMAN said:
very good, truthful, guide, trustworthy article
2009-05-10

SAKEEB FROM PAKISTAN said:
Why is everything with Muslims a jihad?

Islam is the most racist ideology one can imagine, as well as sexist, violent, intolerant

Don't let this bs fool you - ask him about abrogation, ask him about verses in the Quran that insist Muslims not take Jews & Christians for friends & refer to them as apes & pigs; ask him about the offensive jihads that Muhammid took out of Mecca to spread Islam...ask him about the global caliphate and the goal of Islam; and the wars being waged for Muslims to have their own countries governed by Islamic sharia law where non-Muslims are asked to convert to Islam, if they refuse then asked to pay a tax to live among Muslims - the jizya, and if they refuse to pay the tax or convert then to be killed...ask him about those who leave Islam when they realize it is the devils doing - and the punishment for leaving Islam or for not following Islam as Muhammid did - the punishment is death...

As him about the concept of taqiyaa or lying to protect Islam - sure he'll tell you it's a Shia concept and 90% of Muslims are Sunni who don't believe in it but again that is part of the deception as is the article he wrote...

Muslims are attempting to use civil rights and racism as their cause to gain political power & then institute laws and regulations that favor one group - Muslims. Ask this about the history of Arab Muslims enslaving Black Africans throughout history, or the killings of Muslims & Christian Black Africans in Darfur, Somalia, Kenya, and other African counties

Then ask him if as a Muslim you can pick & choose which laws you can abide by under sharia - see what he says...
2009-05-10

FA'IZAH FROM USA said:
As salaamu alaikum

Without question these 33 tips are both valid and an important reminder (and admonishment) to those Muslims among us who have embraced these racist tendencies that do nothing but destroy the ummah and makes it difficult - if not impossible - for good Muslimahs to find good Muslim husbands because many men prefer a white skinned non-Muslim to a darker skinned Muslim. However mere words do nothing to change the attitudes/actions of those who choose to selectively apply the guidance given us through the Quran and the Sunnah. When respected scholars and imams (actually heard it out of the mouth of an iman that was seeking a wife that a brown woman was "just wrong") as well as other respected people in a given community/country as well as the non-Muslim sociatal attitudes are given preference the handful of people who reject the racist tendencies are ridiculed and they nor those who are the subject of the racism are never fully accepted nor respected for doing the correct thing. The internal racism only gives non-Muslims more "ammunition" to use against us and "prove" how "wrong" Islam is; this cannot be pleasing to Allah. So since Muslim men are in "leadership" roles it's the men among that need to act like men or admit they are boys and that the are "stuck on white" because "only white is right" in their minds and hearts. I've heard that while men will pray next to an Africa-American they will never allow their daughters or sisters to marry one. Sadly this leaves the "rejected" Muslim women with a chose to make: accept less than what they deserve; accept a non-Muslim; or remain alone for life.
2009-05-10

ARNOLD GASPER FROM USA said:
I believe part of the problem relates to the human feeling of inadequacy that is compensated through the belittlement of others. Another part of that formula is the human need to justify personal actions through the use of political or religious philosophies.

It's been a number of years, but at one time I knew a number of followers of the Islamic faith, and was always impressed with their sincerity and piousness. Even the radical extremists exhibited these traits once they realized the sincerity of my questions.

In the years since, I can't say I've been in agreement with some of the tactics purported to be Muslim doctrine in the media, but have been respectful of the single minded adherence to something beyond one's self.

This is an excellent article, and hope it gains wide exposure.

Arnold
2009-05-10

HAJJAH ALAISA MUKASA FROM UGANDA said:
Assalaam aleikum to all. IslamiCity continues shows us that there are so many people out there striving for the proper way of Life, ISLAM, even those who are non-muslim are seeking the same too and Insha'allah they will get there.

Let us all remember that we are created the same way be it black, white or colored. We all come from the mixture of Semen with an Ovary and by choice of Allah we are born where we are born, none of us participate in our creation or where and when we are born. Why we become arrogant afterwards even to Allah (by refusing to pray to Him) is beyond me. We forget that the same way we didnt choose our birth, we shall die at an appointed term, without choice of how we shall die, when and where.

Life is too short to spend it hating, abusing, defaming and killing others all for wealth, status and power yet none of the above is buried with us when we die. We are all the same infront of Allah (male, female, african, american, asian etc) except for our deeds here on Earth.

Let us be humble and pray for a good life here on Earth and in the Hereafter and pray the same for our spouses, children, parents, siblins,in-laws, relatives, friends and all muslims all over the world. Let us pray that our death comes peacefully without humiliation. Ameen. This can only be a sincere prayer if we are not prejudiced.



2009-05-09