?hardest thing Muslim have2 deal with?

[Winter80-sara]

Just curious

[Ladyjinx]

My guess woudl be prejudice
but i'm not muslim and i'm only guessing.

[Winter80-sara]

that would be my guess. I didnt know if any wanted to share any personal stories. Maybe any that had a good ending too. Like someone having a change of heart about the way they feel about muslims.

[-diana-]

Yep, that's what I think too. I was watching that show 30 Days, where an American guy lived as a Muslim for a month, they talked about how most people in the US associate terrorists to Muslims and vice-versa. It's sad because the majority of Muslims condem that sort of action.

[Winter80-sara]

Anymore I dont like to watch the news because it seems like they only report bad stuff. And I believe they exagerate most of the stories. I know this for a fact because my father used to associate with people from the news.

[-diana-]

The show I was talking about isn't news. It's a show on FX, where in a sense people try to live in other's shoes for 30 days. Like a very devout Christian would live as a Muslim (pray, dress, etc), and gets to see what it's really like to be a Muslim.

[Lana]

Originally posted by Winter80
Anymore I dont like to watch the news because it seems like they only report bad stuff. And I believe they exagerate most of the stories. I know this for a fact because my father used to associate with people from the news.


People getting their information/news from five second sound bites on the nightly news is one of the main reasons we have so many uninformed running around these days.

I just listened to them "inform" me of the improving economy, 30 minutes after I spent $62.00 to fill my gas tank.... and I don't drive a SUV.

Just my opinion.

[Winter80-sara]

Oh ya I figured it was a show like that. I was just stateing how I thought about the news. that would be an interseting experience to live as a muslim for awhile

[cyounus]

I can tell you that over the years I have had only one instance were I felt that the way I was dressed I was singled out.

On 9-11 I was at the depart. of building (DOB) in Manhattan. It was located at 60 houdson just afew blocks from the WTC. when the 2nd plane hit I went throgh the holland tunnel to New Jersey. the monday after I went back to the DOB to get a permit for ajob we were doing. I was wearing coverhall and a pink hardhat. before 9-11 we didn't have a lot of security. but one that day there were guards that was surching bags and thing. I was motioned on. I went about my business. the next day I had to go back to file for a job (I am there most everyday). However on this day I was wearing a pakistani dress like I had 100's of times before, but when I got to the guard (the same one from the day before) He had me to step to the side and I was patted down and even my papers were surched. After I was let inside one of the men that work there had seen what had happened and said. Connie you know you were surched because of what you are wearing. I had not put the two together because everone there knew I would wear east and west clothes. when I started out of the building I stoped at the guard and said you don't remember me do you. I was here yesterday and had on coveralls and hardhat. he was supprised but after that I was never taked to the side again.

[Winter80-sara]

I am sorry you had to go through that. Im glad you went up to the guard the next day.

[cyounus]

You know what. at that time everyone was in shock. Even I was looking at people diff. I do not feel bad about it at all. If that is the worst I go through then I have had an easy life

[the1]

I may be in the minority, but I really don't find anything really hard about being a Muslim - rather the opposite, it provide my with great reassurance and comfort. Islam has taught me that life is a struggle, it's a test of endurance, or resolve - a test of one's faith.

As a Muslim man, I struggle daily with my desires and with temptations. The appeal, especially being born and raised in the 'West' are overwhelming. The opportunities to indulge in drinking, fornicating, gambling, smoking, etc. are seemingly without bounds. However having the wherewithall to say, "that is not for me", is very empowering.

Certainly treatment of Muslims changed after 9/11, but in only in so much as it allowed for already present biases and perceptions to become verbalized. I am a devout believer that 9/11 didn't change a lot of people's minds about Muslims and Islam, but it did make it acceptable to disparage and generalize them - under the veil of patriotism. Anti-Islamic perceptions were present before 9/11 - consider movies such as 'Executive Decision', 'True Lies', and "The Siege' - all made prior to 9/11 and all depicting polarizing Muslim villians terrorizing the US.

Without rambling any more than I already have, I believe it is the Muslim community's embracing of collective guilt that really perpetauted the perception of Muslims in this part of the world. A stand needed to be made immediately following 9/11, condemning the attacks, but clearly estabishing that the sins of the few are not the responsibility of the many. 19 suspects do not represent 1.3 billion people.

Coming back to our original topic - I have been blessed with an upbringing that taught me that everything I have in life has been given to me, by the almighty - and that it is respecting that and being thankful for that that I will prosper in this world and the next. To that end, I am very proud to talk about my religion at work, and everyone I work with knows that I don't eat pork, I don't drink or gamble, that I pray and fast. I embrace those things with such pride, that I feel it makes people accept me more willingly. I never preach, but I share information and answer questions quite eagerly, and people respect that. Ultimately I realize that it is my relationship with Allah (God) that will get me further in life.

Having that belief, that purpose, is something I can fall back on as a guiding principle, as something to believe in and to seek refuge in, and makes the traverses of life all the more simple to navigate.

Forgive my sermonizing.

[Winter80-sara]

Thank you so much for sharing the 1, I think it is wanderful that you willing share your beliefs withs people. I have never personally met anyone who was Muslim. But I always felt it would be impolite to ask questions on religion. I have heard it would offend them. So I am happy you are so possitive. And am glad you see not falling into temptation can be inpowering. I wish more people recognized that.:)

[the1]

Thanks Winter80 for the kind words. I truly believe communication is the key to enlightenment and possible social harmony.

I think a lot of Muslims are insecure about divulging their religious beliefs and practices because of how the fear it may be received. I thoroughly enjoy talking about what I believe and trying to at least de-mystify some of the mystery.

Islamic history teaches us that during the time of the Prophet Mohamed (PBUH), when the Muslims were under such great siege, that the Prophet feared that the Muslims would not survive, he sent a group of 80 followers to what is today Ethiopia. There a just king offered them shelter and refuge. When the political climate changed there, and the king had lost most of his clout, he isolated the Muslim refugees to a small island, and told them to live there in peace, but not to promote their faith, as he could no longer protect them. And today, almost 1500 years later, because of 80 Muslim followers who weren't allowed to preach or promote their faith, the majority of the African continent is Muslim. That is the beauty of this religion, just practising, and being an example of a good Muslim, can have profound effect.

[ddysgal]

Originally posted by the1
When the political climate changed there, and the king had lost most of his clout, he isolated the Muslim refugees to a small island, and told them to live there in peace, but not to promote their faith, as he could no longer protect them. And today, almost 1500 years later, because of 80 Muslim followers who weren't allowed to preach or promote their faith, the majority of the African continent is Muslim. That is the beauty of this religion, just practising, and being an example of a good Muslim, can have profound effect.

I totally agree

[Ladyjinx]

Ok i'm an idiot...what is the OU thing?

[cyounus]

My son went to OU (Okla. Univ) in Norman, Oklahoma but he has not told me anything. He grad. and now lives in Poteau, Ok. So Kay, whats going on?

[Ladyjinx]

Glad i have not been watching the news.
I really wish people would get help before blowing themselves up, thats so disturbing.
But so are all the Murderers....Serial Killers.....Child molesters out there.
But yeah people will start pointing fingers again.

[Winter80-sara]

wow i have not heard that. Thats terrible.

[Kay]

It really is.
Everything on the news seems to repetitive. They try to scare people, and what does fear give way to? Anger and hate.

[cyounus]

Kay,
I don't know if you know this but there is a large Pak community in Edmond. In the min to late 90's I moved from OKC to Norman then to Edmond. I was there in April when MaVeagh bomb the fed building. I was at St Anthonys hospital doing a report. I hope that there is not the same reaction this time.

[Ladyjinx]

McVeigh is an extremist, extremist dont have to be muslim.
There are extremist in every religion and walk of life.

[cyounus]

What a lot of people don't understand is that he did do the same thing as 9-11 because he thought he was avenging Waco which was also from a religish point of view. The diff. was that his religion was not called into question. He was considered a mad man

[Ladyjinx]

yes i know cyounus , because of the war and because they keep saying stuff on tv. like "Holy war" and stuff people think its a muslim thing. Instead of seeing it as greed for oil and extremist which we have always had in the USA.
I know that i deffinatly have a fear of traveling because i would feel that by being an american i would be in danger if i went anywhere. (founded or not that is what the media has made me feel.)
I think its horrible. And i'm sorry that other americans have to feel so deffensive in their own country because of it. I hate to think that people have to feel fear and insecurity just because of their chosen Faith.
Or for being born a particular race. (people of all races and religions died on 911). And most of those being blown up in iraq by these extremist are muslim.
It is just wrong , and i dont know what to say about it, except that i am sorry for all of those who have to live it.

[Winter80-sara]

It seems like people keep forgetting that on 911 there were people of all religions who died that day Like Lady said. Everyone who died that day has someone who is greaving.

[ZIYAD]

From a mother's standpoint, prejudie is the hardest thing to overcome. My son is 9 yo. He is 1/2 Palestinian and we live in a small town. I get more comments than he does. He does not look arab, but he is and proud of it. I am proud of him. At the school, they honored military families. His uncle and father were both in the marines, but his teacher did not want to honor him as she was unsure of what military they were in. The school is now opening up to him and his heritage, but it is hard.

[ZIYAD]

From a mother's standpoint, prejudie is the hardest thing to overcome. My son is 9 yo. He is 1/2 Palestinian and we live in a small town. I get more comments than he does. He does not look arab, but he is and proud of it. I am proud of him. At the school, they honored military families. His uncle and father were both in the marines, but his teacher did not want to honor him as she was unsure of what military they were in. The school is now opening up to him and his heritage, but it is hard.

[Winter80-sara]

I think everyone should be proud of where they come from. I had a friend that wouldnt get in a shopping line becasue she thought the cashier was from the middleeast. Becasue of our difference we are no longer friends. She wasnt able to see past it. But thankfully there are l lot of wanderful out there.

[halima]

Originally posted by Winter80
Just curious
the hardest think i had to go threw was when after 9/11.
because i wear pakistani clothing people started calling me
a terrorist.:(

[Ladyjinx]

I'm so sorry you had to go through that Halima :(:(

[Winter80-sara]

Halima that is terrible. I hope it doesnt happen anymore to you.

[justme]

Originally posted by cyounus
What a lot of people don't understand is that he did do the same thing as 9-11 because he thought he was avenging Waco which was also from a religish point of view. The diff. was that his religion was not called into question. He was considered a mad man

I think the difference is that McVeigh did not claim to do it for religion, even though he did it in part for revenge of Waco, he never as far as I can remember claimed that God wanted him to do it. The terrorist DO claim to religion as their reason for murder. The terrorists themselves claim it is a "holy war. Of course it is rubbish, terrorists are evil and committing murder plain and simple. NO God would condone their actions.

[cyounus]

I was in OKC when it happen and I also attended the arainment, I know what was said. But as normal the media only wnats to report what they feel will sell.

[DH]

I think the hardest thing with dealing with Islam is the way it is portrayed in the western media and the intolerant and ignorant preconceived notions some have about Islam. It is unbelievable how some out there will believe that these radical extremists are what Islam is and they choose to believe it when you tell them otherwise also. It is as if they want to remain prejudice and intolerant against Islam even when you do give them true knowledge about the Islam faith.

I always tell these people, how can you believe that this is what Islam is?
You know that Islam is a continuity of Judaism and Christianity? If anything, yes I can understand how you can blame the people for these atrocious acts,I just do not understand how you can blame the religion.

In Islam, we believe in the Ten Commandments and that "Thou shalt not kill". In Islam, we believe in the Christian gospels. We believe in ALL the prophets in the Torah and in the Bible. In Islam, Christians and Jews are considered "People of the Book", and it is said to give respect to them. In Islam, Jesus is one of the prophets we follow,just as in the difference is that in Christianity he is the Lord. In Islam, we pray to the SAME GOD that Jews and Christians too. In Islam, the killing of ONE innocent civilian is the equivalent of killing all of humanity.

Islam is based on the same found and basic principles found in the Torah and the Bible...So,if Islam is blamed for the actions of these atrocious and barbaric acts that these inhumane scumbags do, then I guess all the heinious crimes that a Jew or Christian commits should be blamed on their religion too?

[Kay]

I was one of those who had preconceived ideas.
After 911, you know the controversary. I wanted to know what was true about Islam and prayed about it asking God to show me. God answered that in two ways . . .
BB6.
And this forum.

[Winter80-sara]

Kay after being on this forum how do you view things now?

[Kay]

I don't want to offend anyone with what I'm saying here, Christian or Muslim or otherwise.

First, I will say that I am a Christian; have been for about half my life. Does that mean I approve of the behavior of some who ID themselves as Christian? No. It saddens me.

My exposure to Islam was limited, sad to say, by choice. Like many, my opinions were formed by other people and I did not question them.
After 9 11, the news! Religion of peace vs. not. So much controversy, it was all confusing. I didn't know what to believe.

Prior to that time, I was in a class where the instructor wanted the students to learn to think for themselves; to not let others form your world view, your beliefs about God, self, and others; to ask questions; to learn; to broaden your horizon so to speak. Since applying that principle, I've learned more about God, myself, and others.

When I saw BB6 and saw there was going to be a Muslim on the show, it definitely had my attention - I've watched them all, and this one was by far the most interesting and disappointing at the same time.
What I saw in Kaysar (did not have the live feeds) impressed me. I saw a man who was honest, faithful to not only his words but his beliefs, a decent person. His example should put many to shame.
When BB showed his family, his mother and father, I was touched. Good people; a mother concerned for her son. (How I ID with that!)

And this forum has been a blessing.
I was shocked, even awed to learn there are not that many differences between the religions. There are some differences, and, as you know, they've been discussed. Are they worth hating others over? No.

I shared one night on the forum, with 4j4k and Lady, another principle I learned. "A lie believed as truth will affect your life as truth even though it is based on a lie." That's why I love that surah Cyounus uses with her post.
I've learned that I believed lies about a people I knew little about and lies about a religion I knew nothing about. Lies must be replaced with truth and that's what I've been doing, thanks to those here so willing to share.
I learned that people are people, no matter religion (or race); there is the good, the bad, and the ugly in any group.

I hope this answers your question.

[cyounus]

You are very much loved :)

[memyselfandI]

Over the summer in my leadership course, my group did a project on discrimination in the clinical setting and one article I read said that since Sept. 11 the percentage of Arab Americans who have experienced discrimination in the CLINICAL setting (at the hands of doctors, nurses, etc.) has increased from 45% to 96%!

I remember hearing a guy say that at the airport and train station there should be a separate line for people of Middle Eastern decent, so that they can be thoroughly screened away from the other commuters!!! I couldn't believe what I heard. I said to him what if the attacks on the WTC were hypothetically speaking committed by a country like Italy, would we have separate lines for everyone of Italian decent? Probably not. I went on a whole long tirade that I will kindly spare you from, but I did get my point across to this guy.

[cyounus]

There is a line between being stupid and ignorant. In this situation where is the line?

[lion]

Worst part I deal with is driving past Burger King and not eating their burgers. =(

Its not halal. =( And I love hamburgers.

[Hashman]

lion, there will be many hamburgers for you in paradise, insha'Allah. :D In the mean time, you could hop over to Dearborn, MI where I think there's a halal McDonald's. Mmmm...and now you have me thinking about the philly cheesesteak I had in Philly! And there are still 8 hours to go until sunset. :(
:)

Anyway, to respond to the topic, I personally have not had any problems from other people before or after 9/11. By far, the hardest things I have to deal with are what is known in Islam as the "greater jihad" -- the struggle against one's own inner self.

[cyounus]

There is also a burgar King on mich. ave but only the chicken is halal but the Big Boys is halal meat and chicken

[Winter80-sara]

Hashman can you elaberate on the struggling with ones self

[Ladyjinx]

Wow i never even thought about how you would have to check with all the restraunts to see what type meat they have.

[Hashman]

Originally posted by Winter80
Hashman can you elaberate on the struggling with ones self
Here's a link that explains it much better than I can:
http://www.al-islam.org/al-serat/jihad-nasr.htm

It's not that long, and definitely worth reading if you want an understanding of what jihad means in Islam. If you want to read about the greater/inner jihad only, then scroll down past the outer jihad parts and start reading at the paragraph that begins with "All of those external forms of jihad would remain incomplete and in fact contribute to an excessive externalization of human being, if they were not complemented by the greater or inner jihad ..."

The inner jihad is the true essence of Islam.

[lion]

Salam

I just posted the article as a new thread.

[Kay]

Originally posted by cyounus
You are very much loved :)


Thank you!