On American Muslims and political action

Muslims make up less than 1% of the population in America (about 1 million out of over 200 million). For their rights and concerns to be heard, it is imperative that American Muslims join with others under common interests. This includes joining partnerships with members of the religious left and secular humanist foundations.

The religious right makes up between 33 and 40% of the American population. They are well organized, media savvy and have their infrastructure already set up. They have Rush Limbaugh and FOX news and other media outlets spreading their message every day while simultaneously drowning out all opposing voices. We on the other side have none of this, and that's why we are losing the battle for respect and tolerance.

"It is an old clich� that politics makes strange bedfellows, and nowhere is that more clear than in the odd relationship between the Religious Left and left-leaning political activists. Together, these groups helped ignite the Civil Rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s, proving that massive social and political change was possible through the combined efforts of seemingly contrary entities."

http://www.secularhumanism.org/library/exclusive/anthony_03_ 04.htm

It has been done once before, and it can certainly be done again. The next few years are a time for organization. They are a time for mobilization and networking in preparation for the great political battles coming ahead in 2006 and 08. If we don't act now, things will only continue to get worse for all who believe in peace and progress in America. I urge all of you to get involved in the political process, because no one else is going to protect your interests for you.

Who will save your rights then? Who will save the innocents dying in Iraq and Palestine? Who will stand up for them if not the muslim community in America? And how can American Muslims' voices be heard when they are a tiny fraction of the population? There is no other way. The enemy of my enemy becomes my friend.

Baghdad was once the jewel of the islamic empire, and the greatest city in the world. But the empire became xenophobic, cutting itself off from outside influences that were changing the region. Arts and Science in the empire degenerated because of intellectual incest, and the Renaissance passed by an Islamic world focused solely on its own culture. A culture that considers itself too superior to work with others is bound to stand still. Cross-pollination is the key to cultural progress.

A people that don't stand up for their interests are also doomed to be trodden upon. It is possible to share common interests, and agree to disagree on other issues. Political action is a Spiritual action; it is the conversion of hearts and minds. The Civil Rights movement showed us that clearly, as did the acomplishments of Gandhi for India. Societies were changed as a result of the religious convictions of those people, and their willingness to work together to realize them.

Yusuf wrote: There is another way: hijra (emigration).

The West is far more powerful than anywhere you might emigrate to, and right now it is on the war path. Those who live in the west have the opportunity to change the hearts of its people away from war and and fear, and should take advantage of that opportunity.

I agree that the Islamic world suffered a material decline because the rejected all of western society. However, this does not lead to the conclusion that one must accept all of western society. Science, technology, must and will be integrated into the Islamic world to improve their condition. But the values of the west: decadance, greed, consumerism, and atheism, must be rejected. We have the Qur'an to guide us in these areas.

Agreed. The whole concept of cross-pollination involves cultures taking what is useful and relevant from other cultures, and leaving the rest behind. I repeat that you can work with others towards common goals and still maintain your integrity.

Politics corrects nothing: it is what is in the hearts of the people that guides society. Only when the spirit of God, subhanahu wa ta'ala, is alive in the hearts of the people will there be a just society.

I totally agree! But what was the civil rights movement, if not a changing of the people's collective heart? What was Gandhi's civil disobedience, if not the same thing? All of these political movements were inspired by the religious convicitions of their followers. They spoke truth, they showed people how their society was at odds with the laws of God, and the people were converted to their way of thinking by the power of truth, which is the power of God.

And who is this brother that you would turn against by allying yourself with secular humanists? Is he in the religious right? The neo-conservatives?

They would not ask you to support their atheism you know, only to help them oppose the war and support minority rights. Those in the left are generally very tolerant of others, as long as youre not trying to force your beliefs on them through law. That is what they're fighting, and their goals are ours in this case.

Please see next post.