“The blame is only against those who oppress men and wrong-doing and insolently transgress beyond bounds through the land, defying right and justice: for such there will be a penalty grievous.”
-al-Qur’an Chapter 42 (Ash-Shura) verse 42
On April 25, 2008 three NYPD officers were acquitted of murder charges in the death of Sean Bell. Sean was a young man engaged to be married in NY who on that night had gone to a club for his bachelor’s party. Before the night would be over Sean Bell would die after he and his unarmed friends were fired on 50 times by NYPD undercover officers. It’s been said that at least one of the officers were drunk or impaired at the time of the incident.
For those who are familiar with American “justice” and particularly in New York, the verdict of the trial was not a surprise. It’s not the first time that police officials have killed unarmed, unthreatening men, had a multitude of evidence against them and still were found not guilty of having committed a crime. Justifiable homicide they call it. The officers fear for their safety…so they say. In this country police officers are more or less above the law, it is rare that they will commit a crime “in the line of duty” and be found guilty of having done something wrong. We who are in the states today live in what is a police state. Those in tight pants and gold badges are notorious for abusing their power. Harassing pedestrians, profiling black and Latino individuals, roughing others up and so on. Others have attacked citizens and when citizens try to block the attack on them not by hitting the police but by shielding their bodies, the victim of the attack is charged with assaulting a police officer. No matter how much evidence is presented against them, the vast majority of the police officers are free to roam the street with no fear of prosecution or even a slap on the wrist.
As cases of police brutality increase, “spokespersons” for the black community come out of the shadows and raise a fuss appearing to try to bring about change in the dealings of the tight pant crew. Let’s understand, in saying all of this, we’re not saying that all people who are police officials are bad. There are some who do want to help protect their community, however, they do not seem to be numerically equal to those who see in the community an enemy. Even with those police officers who are “good”, these have to abide by wrong doings in the very least by keeping silent about incidents they’ve seen or heard occurred. They won’t let known what they’ve seen. The existence of a “blue wall of silence” has been talked about often. The idea that “if you snitch, don’t expect any back up when you go out on your shift” and so the “good” police individual has to be a part of criminal behavior towards the community. If you haven’t seen the movie Serpico starring Al Pacino, pick it up when you have the opportunity because it gives some incite to this. Serpico is a true story of an incident in the NYPD during the 70’s or 80’s. Going back to our subject, we are living in a police state, and if it isn’t completely that yet, it will be in the near future at the rate things are headed. The black ‘spokespersons” or the progressive “spokespersons” seem to come out and attack the symptoms but they don’t go after the disease itself. They stop the cough, but the cold is still there which means there will be more coughing tomorrow. Once the cold is gone, the cough will be gone. The issue of the police state, abuse of power by authority figures, the weakening of the general public, etc, these are things that must be addressed if change is to occur permanently. It was addressed extremely vigorously in the 1960’s and 70’s through groups like the Organization of Afro-American Unity (OAAU), the Muslim Mosque Incorporated (MMI), the SCLC Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and the Black Panthers to name a few. After these decades no group was dealing with this problem on a national scale and bringing to light the injustices practiced. We see that from the 1980’s on, police power and might increased drastically, potentially as a direct result of no one checking the system of authority.
In Islam, the Muslim is taught to stand up against injustice to change it with one’s hand and if that is not possible to change it with one’s words and if that’s not possible to at least have an intense dislike and aversion towards the injustice. The Muslim is also taught that it is their responsibility to protect those who are weak in the land. The Muslim is to voice the needs of those who are needy and to be there as a shield for those who are being beaten whether literally or figuratively speaking. There have been many occasions of injustice going on in this country both to Muslims and to non-Muslims. Muslims today are receiving a large degree of oppression; being arrested under no charges, profiled, money taken from accounts, being dehumanized in the media and so forth. The Muslim in the west has to seek justice for himself and herself this is true. Yet, we can’t isolate ourselves from the communities we are around and have it stuck in our heads that since they aren’t Muslims they don’t deserve our help. Some of us do have this ego-centric or “Muslim nationalistic” pride where if it’s not happening to a Muslim it doesn’t matter but once it happens to a Muslim then it’s an important issue to address. This is wrong. Wrong is wrong and should be confronted in the first case of it’s baring its head in society. The Muslim must learn to identify with the oppressed people in any area the Muslim happens to be in.
Something that’s amazing is how the Muslims in the past would essentially keep themselves out of the general community and not become involved with the problems being faced, racism being the biggest issue of all. Some had that feeling of being higher and better than others. Then, when the Muslim became the target and the punching bag in the west, the Muslim was shocked at how no one felt any compassion for the Muslims. They were shocked at how no one would help the Muslim, speak out for the Muslim, protect them from harassment and anger. Why should it be a surprise? You get what you give, what goes out is what comes in.
With regards to what happened to Sean Bell and the verdict that was given today, the Muslim community should be paying very close attention to it. Furthermore, the Muslim community should draw attention to what is going on over here in various parts of the country. Innocent people being murdered by the police, police sending dogs into empty buildings to attack homeless people sleeping and not bothering anyone, police using tasers repeatedly on individuals who pose no threat whatsoever and so forth. These things should not be ignored. The obligations of Muslims to help wherever he or she can. To remain silent is to be complicit and to give approval of a crime being committed. We make salat and memorize the Qur’an…then what? What are we memorizing, what are we learning? Qur’anic memorization is not about learning to brag or to debate; what we learn from the Qur’an should be implemented in our lives. When we say nothing against open murders and brutality, we are not implementing our Islam in our lives. It exists in theory but in action, our diin is missing.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Why You & I Tea
In The Name Of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.
When I converted to Islam I lived in a small town and didnt even know of any other muslims. As far as I knew I was the only one and looked forward to the day that I would be able to relocate to Raleigh where I made my shahada. So I was suprised when a co-worker of mine named Marquise told me that the store where he worked part time was bought out by a muslim Pakistani family and they wanted to meet me. At first I was like whuut! and didnt take it too seriously. But he kept telling me about them just about every time we had a chance to speak. Finally, I was like alright, alright, I'll meet them.
I was nervous and didnt know what to expect. Never had someone that I hadnt even met taken such an interest in me like that. So one evening I picked up Marquise and we rolled through to the old hip hop fashions store that I hadnt been in since it was owned by the Koreans. I greeted Mr. Khan and his wife and immediately understood the urgency to meet me. Their joy said it all. They were still struggling a little bit with english and it was difficult for me to make out some of their words through their very thick Pakistani accents. But we were determined to communicate and to understand each other. They really didnt have any friends here in America and Marquise most likely mentioned to them that he knew a muslim at his other job. By the grace and mercy of Allah SWT Marquise introduced us. To them I was special because I had converted to Islam rather than born into it. They told me that Allah SWT had guided me to Islam and I think becuz of that they treated me something like a celebrity. They were enlightening to me becuz they had been muslim all their lives and had so much more knowledge and experience than I had. Automatically we shared a sense of brotherhood. The love they showed me from the moment I said As Salaamu Alaikum was immeasurable. They didnt have to know me and I didnt have to know them. Through Islam we had a bond that even my closest family and friends wouldnt understand.
Over the next few yrs we had gotten so close that they were like my 2nd parents and their children were like my little brother and sister. The store was home. I would stop by for just a couple minutes to say our salaams or stay for awhile and have tea and chick peas or even dinner. We started breaking fast together during Ramadan and going to Eid. Eventually after I was laid off I would go to work for them in a new store they opened up.
My point in all this is that the Khans and I immediately shared something upon our first meeting and actually even before. I was just young in my deen and didnt quite understand it. The Khans understood though. And 8 yrs or so later I understand very well. When my wife and I are out and we see other muslims we always make an effort to greet them. Especially since 9-11, I will go out of my way to let my muslim brothers and sisters know by our greeting that I am here too. If you need a friend I am here. If you're being harassed I am right here. Just know in the back of your mind or the front of your heart that you are not alone. Unconditionally.
Unfortunately, not all brothers and sisters in Islam feel this way. When some muslims are greeted its as if its Just Too Much to return salaams. They literally act like seeing another muslim is the last thing they wanted to encounter on any given day. Even at the masjid for jumah. When I think of the problems muslims are having around the world its really no surprise. There is no Unity. Especially between people of different races and nationalities. Theres plenty Thats Haraam and finger pointing between the lottery ticket alkahol sellers, music is haraamers, and the what about your belly dancing bollywood satellite tvers. Im saddened when I settle with saying salaams to a brother or a sister from a supposed Muslim country and just walk away with no anticipation of a Wa Alaikum As Salaam, or a smile or a khaifa halak. And truth is there is more working to divide us than to unite us. But None Is Greater Than The One Uniting Us.
Surah 3: Al-Imran
103: And hold fast, all together, by the Rope which Allah stretches out for you, and be not divided among yourselves; And remember with gratitude Allah's favor on you; for you were enemies and he joined your hearts in love so that by His grace you became brethren; and you were on the brink of fire, and he saved you from it. Thus, Allah does make His signs clear to you so that you may be guided.
Surah 49: Al-Hujurat
9: The believers are but a single Brotherhood: So make peace and reconciliation between your two contending brothers; and fear Allah, that you may recieve mercy.
13: Oh mankind! We created you from a single pair of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other and not despise each other. Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is he who is the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well-aquainted with all things.
MAY ALLAH SWT HAVE MERCY AND GUIDE US ALL. AMEEN.
When I converted to Islam I lived in a small town and didnt even know of any other muslims. As far as I knew I was the only one and looked forward to the day that I would be able to relocate to Raleigh where I made my shahada. So I was suprised when a co-worker of mine named Marquise told me that the store where he worked part time was bought out by a muslim Pakistani family and they wanted to meet me. At first I was like whuut! and didnt take it too seriously. But he kept telling me about them just about every time we had a chance to speak. Finally, I was like alright, alright, I'll meet them.
I was nervous and didnt know what to expect. Never had someone that I hadnt even met taken such an interest in me like that. So one evening I picked up Marquise and we rolled through to the old hip hop fashions store that I hadnt been in since it was owned by the Koreans. I greeted Mr. Khan and his wife and immediately understood the urgency to meet me. Their joy said it all. They were still struggling a little bit with english and it was difficult for me to make out some of their words through their very thick Pakistani accents. But we were determined to communicate and to understand each other. They really didnt have any friends here in America and Marquise most likely mentioned to them that he knew a muslim at his other job. By the grace and mercy of Allah SWT Marquise introduced us. To them I was special because I had converted to Islam rather than born into it. They told me that Allah SWT had guided me to Islam and I think becuz of that they treated me something like a celebrity. They were enlightening to me becuz they had been muslim all their lives and had so much more knowledge and experience than I had. Automatically we shared a sense of brotherhood. The love they showed me from the moment I said As Salaamu Alaikum was immeasurable. They didnt have to know me and I didnt have to know them. Through Islam we had a bond that even my closest family and friends wouldnt understand.
Over the next few yrs we had gotten so close that they were like my 2nd parents and their children were like my little brother and sister. The store was home. I would stop by for just a couple minutes to say our salaams or stay for awhile and have tea and chick peas or even dinner. We started breaking fast together during Ramadan and going to Eid. Eventually after I was laid off I would go to work for them in a new store they opened up.
My point in all this is that the Khans and I immediately shared something upon our first meeting and actually even before. I was just young in my deen and didnt quite understand it. The Khans understood though. And 8 yrs or so later I understand very well. When my wife and I are out and we see other muslims we always make an effort to greet them. Especially since 9-11, I will go out of my way to let my muslim brothers and sisters know by our greeting that I am here too. If you need a friend I am here. If you're being harassed I am right here. Just know in the back of your mind or the front of your heart that you are not alone. Unconditionally.
Unfortunately, not all brothers and sisters in Islam feel this way. When some muslims are greeted its as if its Just Too Much to return salaams. They literally act like seeing another muslim is the last thing they wanted to encounter on any given day. Even at the masjid for jumah. When I think of the problems muslims are having around the world its really no surprise. There is no Unity. Especially between people of different races and nationalities. Theres plenty Thats Haraam and finger pointing between the lottery ticket alkahol sellers, music is haraamers, and the what about your belly dancing bollywood satellite tvers. Im saddened when I settle with saying salaams to a brother or a sister from a supposed Muslim country and just walk away with no anticipation of a Wa Alaikum As Salaam, or a smile or a khaifa halak. And truth is there is more working to divide us than to unite us. But None Is Greater Than The One Uniting Us.
Surah 3: Al-Imran
103: And hold fast, all together, by the Rope which Allah stretches out for you, and be not divided among yourselves; And remember with gratitude Allah's favor on you; for you were enemies and he joined your hearts in love so that by His grace you became brethren; and you were on the brink of fire, and he saved you from it. Thus, Allah does make His signs clear to you so that you may be guided.
Surah 49: Al-Hujurat
9: The believers are but a single Brotherhood: So make peace and reconciliation between your two contending brothers; and fear Allah, that you may recieve mercy.
13: Oh mankind! We created you from a single pair of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other and not despise each other. Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is he who is the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well-aquainted with all things.
MAY ALLAH SWT HAVE MERCY AND GUIDE US ALL. AMEEN.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Hip Hop culture from the view of a Muslim
One goal of Muslim Minds Redefined is to acknowledge the fact that different Muslims in different parts of the world each has their own culture. This is as much true in the west as anywhere else on the globe. One thing that is unique to Muslims in the west is Hip Hop culture. From Mos Def to Amir Suleiman to Lupe Fiasco and Hasan Salaam, Muslims have played a large role in Hip Hop culture and continue to do so today.
Muslim Minds Redefined had the chance to interview Christie Z-Pabon of Muslims in Hip Hop/Tools of War to get her perspective on Muslims and the Hip Hop culture.
Muslim Minds Redefined: From your personal view, what is Hip-Hop? What are the different components of Hip-Hop?
Christie Z-Pabon: Hip Hop is a culture first of all. When I talk about Hip Hop, I don't mean simply Rap (Emceeing) but also DJing, Turntablism, Popping, Locking, Uprocking, BBoying/BGirling, Aerosol Art, etc. My husband, Jorge "Fabel" Pabon of the Rock Steady Crew reminds that there are other elements too like fashion, etc. I work in Hip Hop all of the time and I have little to nothing to do with Rap. I usually work with DJs. I would like the words "Hip Hop" and "Rap" to NOT be used synonymously because now the sleaze of today's Rap industry is described as "Hip Hop". It makes it harder for me to use the word "Hip Hop" when I am trying to get a venue or a park for an event.
Hip Hop emerged in the early 70s with DJ pioneers like Kool DJ Herc, Afrika Bambaataa, GrandMaster Flash, etc. They did not have so called "Hip Hop" records. They used Funk, Rock, Soul, R&B, Electro, World music, etc. to make the music "Hip Hop". That's the beauty of a DJ is that he/she can even take Classical and cut, scratch, beat juggle, transform and/or mix it into a Hip Hop track. I loved the sound of Scratching as soon as I heard it and have loved it ever since!
MMR: What things make Hip-Hop Hip-Hop?
CZ-P: I read something in Stress magazine once, I think it was by Davey D and he was explaining that just because Hip Hop heads like blunts or Timberland boots doesn't make them "Hip Hop". I agree. I am happy with the essential foundational elements of Hip Hop but I get upset now, with marketing and magazines that make it seem like strippers, porn stars, drugs, alcohol, rims and jewelry are the new elements of Hip Hop.
MMR: Coming from a Muslim background, what kind of influence do you see hip-hop having on Muslims in general?
CZ-P: I have only been Muslim for 10 years, all praises due to God, but I was basically introduced to various concepts of Islam through Hip Hop, esp. through 5%ers and Nation of Islam emcees like Poor Righteous Teachers, Public Enemy, Da Lench Mob, Ice Cube, Gangstarr, etc. That's me loving militant emcees with a message and they WERE the mainstream Hip Hop artists. That was the 90's. Nowadays, those emcees would be considered "underground" meaning they probably wouldn't get signed or make it in the top magazines. My husband, who was in Hip Hop and became a Muslim way earlier than me, has played me old school mixes by DJ Afrika Islam sampling Malcolm X speeches.
MMR: What about outside of the Muslim community, what can Muslim MC's bring to the world at large?
CZ-P: God willing, with artists like Lupe Fiasco, Rhymefest, Freeway, Everlast, Q-Tip openly admitting they are Muslim in interviews, the Rap fans of today will once again take an interest in the religion of their favorite emcees and what they live by. They don't have to necessarily do a whole dawah Rap to put the message across. I like the idea that they can help educate others about Islam and Muslims as well as address ridiculous stereotypes about us.
MMR: There are some people who might say that music is haram and it leads to taking people off the diin, etc, what kind of response would you give to these kinds of people?
CZ-P: I am not the scholar on this topic. God forgive me if I have misled anyone. In my opinion, not any official stance of anyone but me, I look at Muslim emcees as spreading dawah. Music is simply the vehicle the message travels on, whether it's positive, negative or neutral. I get upset that some Muslim parents will discount Muslim rap but on the down low their kids are listening to commercial rappers who are glorifying violence, criminal behavior, substance abuse and all sorts of social ills. Why not give the youth music by talented artists who remind them about God, morals, ethics, values, etc?
MMR: Also, why listen to Hip-Hop even though Allah's name may be mentioned here or there? Why not just listen to nasheeds?
CZ-P: The beats are what drive me and make me want to consider the message of the emcee. Nasheeds are beautiful and relaxing. I think there's room for both. Popularity wise, it would be easier for an artist like Amir Sulaiman to get his positive messages to the mainstream Rap & Spoken Word audience than a Nasheed artist who might have his music found in the "World Music" section of a store.
MMR: Do you think that music actually has the ability to change things for the better? What about for the worse?
CZ-P: Music in general is simply the vehicle to deliver the message or put across a feeling. It's who’s behind the music that controls whether it can be positive, negative, silly, neutral, sad, romantic, etc.
MMR: Your group goes by the name "Tools of War", what's the meaning of this name and how and/why did you choose that name?
CZ-P: Tools of War was named with the idea that there are many "tools" one can use in competing/battling within Hip Hop culture: turntables, microphones, paint, one's body, and especially one's voice (and so on)! Although the name might appear aggressive, the intent behind it's use is actually to inform and educate people regarding not only Hip Hop but many other social and political issues. As we grow, we are finding that it has also become a forum for voicing opinions and sharing ideas which might help in unifying and uplifting people all over the world. Fabel came up with the name, inspired by the title of a hardcore punk song. We thought about changing it after Sept. 11th but others we spoke with said the name is "so hard" and not to give it up. We are known for positivity. We don't push religion through Tools of War simply positive messages.
MMR: What kind of artists, groups, songs illustrate what "Tools of War" is or stands for?
CZ-P: Oh man! I can't really say I ever heard a song that made me say that it should be the Tools of War theme song. Some ideas: The Four Tops song "Keeper of the Castle"; Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes "Wake Up Everybody"; Public Enemy, Afrika Bambaataa, James Brown, Immortal Technique! There are so many more including dancers, aerosol artists and DJs. [Fabel] would probably have a whole other list of artists from various genres. We don't simply limit ourselves to Rap. In fact, the more average the rappers are now, the more I dig even deeper into Rare Grooves.
Muslim Minds Redefined had the chance to interview Christie Z-Pabon of Muslims in Hip Hop/Tools of War to get her perspective on Muslims and the Hip Hop culture.
Muslim Minds Redefined: From your personal view, what is Hip-Hop? What are the different components of Hip-Hop?
Christie Z-Pabon: Hip Hop is a culture first of all. When I talk about Hip Hop, I don't mean simply Rap (Emceeing) but also DJing, Turntablism, Popping, Locking, Uprocking, BBoying/BGirling, Aerosol Art, etc. My husband, Jorge "Fabel" Pabon of the Rock Steady Crew reminds that there are other elements too like fashion, etc. I work in Hip Hop all of the time and I have little to nothing to do with Rap. I usually work with DJs. I would like the words "Hip Hop" and "Rap" to NOT be used synonymously because now the sleaze of today's Rap industry is described as "Hip Hop". It makes it harder for me to use the word "Hip Hop" when I am trying to get a venue or a park for an event.
Hip Hop emerged in the early 70s with DJ pioneers like Kool DJ Herc, Afrika Bambaataa, GrandMaster Flash, etc. They did not have so called "Hip Hop" records. They used Funk, Rock, Soul, R&B, Electro, World music, etc. to make the music "Hip Hop". That's the beauty of a DJ is that he/she can even take Classical and cut, scratch, beat juggle, transform and/or mix it into a Hip Hop track. I loved the sound of Scratching as soon as I heard it and have loved it ever since!
MMR: What things make Hip-Hop Hip-Hop?
CZ-P: I read something in Stress magazine once, I think it was by Davey D and he was explaining that just because Hip Hop heads like blunts or Timberland boots doesn't make them "Hip Hop". I agree. I am happy with the essential foundational elements of Hip Hop but I get upset now, with marketing and magazines that make it seem like strippers, porn stars, drugs, alcohol, rims and jewelry are the new elements of Hip Hop.
MMR: Coming from a Muslim background, what kind of influence do you see hip-hop having on Muslims in general?
CZ-P: I have only been Muslim for 10 years, all praises due to God, but I was basically introduced to various concepts of Islam through Hip Hop, esp. through 5%ers and Nation of Islam emcees like Poor Righteous Teachers, Public Enemy, Da Lench Mob, Ice Cube, Gangstarr, etc. That's me loving militant emcees with a message and they WERE the mainstream Hip Hop artists. That was the 90's. Nowadays, those emcees would be considered "underground" meaning they probably wouldn't get signed or make it in the top magazines. My husband, who was in Hip Hop and became a Muslim way earlier than me, has played me old school mixes by DJ Afrika Islam sampling Malcolm X speeches.
MMR: What about outside of the Muslim community, what can Muslim MC's bring to the world at large?
CZ-P: God willing, with artists like Lupe Fiasco, Rhymefest, Freeway, Everlast, Q-Tip openly admitting they are Muslim in interviews, the Rap fans of today will once again take an interest in the religion of their favorite emcees and what they live by. They don't have to necessarily do a whole dawah Rap to put the message across. I like the idea that they can help educate others about Islam and Muslims as well as address ridiculous stereotypes about us.
MMR: There are some people who might say that music is haram and it leads to taking people off the diin, etc, what kind of response would you give to these kinds of people?
CZ-P: I am not the scholar on this topic. God forgive me if I have misled anyone. In my opinion, not any official stance of anyone but me, I look at Muslim emcees as spreading dawah. Music is simply the vehicle the message travels on, whether it's positive, negative or neutral. I get upset that some Muslim parents will discount Muslim rap but on the down low their kids are listening to commercial rappers who are glorifying violence, criminal behavior, substance abuse and all sorts of social ills. Why not give the youth music by talented artists who remind them about God, morals, ethics, values, etc?
MMR: Also, why listen to Hip-Hop even though Allah's name may be mentioned here or there? Why not just listen to nasheeds?
CZ-P: The beats are what drive me and make me want to consider the message of the emcee. Nasheeds are beautiful and relaxing. I think there's room for both. Popularity wise, it would be easier for an artist like Amir Sulaiman to get his positive messages to the mainstream Rap & Spoken Word audience than a Nasheed artist who might have his music found in the "World Music" section of a store.
MMR: Do you think that music actually has the ability to change things for the better? What about for the worse?
CZ-P: Music in general is simply the vehicle to deliver the message or put across a feeling. It's who’s behind the music that controls whether it can be positive, negative, silly, neutral, sad, romantic, etc.
MMR: Your group goes by the name "Tools of War", what's the meaning of this name and how and/why did you choose that name?
CZ-P: Tools of War was named with the idea that there are many "tools" one can use in competing/battling within Hip Hop culture: turntables, microphones, paint, one's body, and especially one's voice (and so on)! Although the name might appear aggressive, the intent behind it's use is actually to inform and educate people regarding not only Hip Hop but many other social and political issues. As we grow, we are finding that it has also become a forum for voicing opinions and sharing ideas which might help in unifying and uplifting people all over the world. Fabel came up with the name, inspired by the title of a hardcore punk song. We thought about changing it after Sept. 11th but others we spoke with said the name is "so hard" and not to give it up. We are known for positivity. We don't push religion through Tools of War simply positive messages.
MMR: What kind of artists, groups, songs illustrate what "Tools of War" is or stands for?
CZ-P: Oh man! I can't really say I ever heard a song that made me say that it should be the Tools of War theme song. Some ideas: The Four Tops song "Keeper of the Castle"; Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes "Wake Up Everybody"; Public Enemy, Afrika Bambaataa, James Brown, Immortal Technique! There are so many more including dancers, aerosol artists and DJs. [Fabel] would probably have a whole other list of artists from various genres. We don't simply limit ourselves to Rap. In fact, the more average the rappers are now, the more I dig even deeper into Rare Grooves.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Introducing Muslim Minds Redefined
Today, it is imperative that the new generation of Muslims begin to think and see the world in a different way than what we have been taught. The scholars for dollars, the imams who speak the line of money, the elders who immerse their culture into Islam, these are not the ones we should be listening to or following. A new way of thinking has to be found if this Ummah is to survive intact and with sanity remaining. Muslim Minds Redefined signifies this step towards approaching Islam from a unique perspective.
Some Muslims say that they want to see change and they want their communities to be more inclusive and more equal, yet the things they may practice are not Islamic. Rather than turning to our own standards and criteria, they turn to that of western culture operating under an inferiority complex. They feel that Islam is behind and backwards and that Islamic law is no good or at least it is secondary to the western ways. These kinds of Muslims aren’t working for a betterment of Islam, they are working for the induction of the west while saying they are Muslim and want ‘Islamic’ law. This is not what we are working towards. We are interested in practicing Islam and with no inferiority complex in what we do.
We are those Muslims who are coming into the scene with an entirely different frame of mind. Our source of knowledge is the Qur’an and what we come across in readings and teachings and talking. We do not work within the framework of sectarianism. While some of us may individually claim to be Sunnis and others may individually claim to be Shi’as we can easily work together and with one another without being condescending towards one another. Every one Muslim is entitled to his and her own opinion and madhabi interpretation. Interpretation will be different based on human and life experience but if we can agree to disagree then the problems faced between us will be minute. Stressing our differences and separating ourselves from one another has done nothing and will do nothing to better our standing in this world and in the hereafter. Working on a common ground will be what gets us to a much better status in this world and is what will strengthen our Ummah.
Muslim Minds Redefined is an effort to revitalize this diin within a new generation of Muslims. Shed off the extra fat and the extra weight that has been holding us down. Sift through the mud and muck. Cultural practices that are passed off as Islam, blind devotion to ‘leaders’ and entities who do not have the best interest of their followers at heart, these things and others are what MMR seeks to correct insha’Allah. Too many generations have failed their offspring by silently being complicit with the wrongness being perpetrated and the failures being purposefully performed against the Muslim public by those in seats of power and knowledge. To sit by idly while such things go on is to commit a wrong. And even if we, MMR, are not able to affect large change in our communities for the better, at least we would have tried and with each step drawn closer to pleasing Allah. Our intention is what matters most and the intention of MMR is to return ourselves to Islam without the weights our societies and histories have placed on it and on us.
Some Muslims say that they want to see change and they want their communities to be more inclusive and more equal, yet the things they may practice are not Islamic. Rather than turning to our own standards and criteria, they turn to that of western culture operating under an inferiority complex. They feel that Islam is behind and backwards and that Islamic law is no good or at least it is secondary to the western ways. These kinds of Muslims aren’t working for a betterment of Islam, they are working for the induction of the west while saying they are Muslim and want ‘Islamic’ law. This is not what we are working towards. We are interested in practicing Islam and with no inferiority complex in what we do.
We are those Muslims who are coming into the scene with an entirely different frame of mind. Our source of knowledge is the Qur’an and what we come across in readings and teachings and talking. We do not work within the framework of sectarianism. While some of us may individually claim to be Sunnis and others may individually claim to be Shi’as we can easily work together and with one another without being condescending towards one another. Every one Muslim is entitled to his and her own opinion and madhabi interpretation. Interpretation will be different based on human and life experience but if we can agree to disagree then the problems faced between us will be minute. Stressing our differences and separating ourselves from one another has done nothing and will do nothing to better our standing in this world and in the hereafter. Working on a common ground will be what gets us to a much better status in this world and is what will strengthen our Ummah.
Muslim Minds Redefined is an effort to revitalize this diin within a new generation of Muslims. Shed off the extra fat and the extra weight that has been holding us down. Sift through the mud and muck. Cultural practices that are passed off as Islam, blind devotion to ‘leaders’ and entities who do not have the best interest of their followers at heart, these things and others are what MMR seeks to correct insha’Allah. Too many generations have failed their offspring by silently being complicit with the wrongness being perpetrated and the failures being purposefully performed against the Muslim public by those in seats of power and knowledge. To sit by idly while such things go on is to commit a wrong. And even if we, MMR, are not able to affect large change in our communities for the better, at least we would have tried and with each step drawn closer to pleasing Allah. Our intention is what matters most and the intention of MMR is to return ourselves to Islam without the weights our societies and histories have placed on it and on us.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)