A Tree Has Fallen in the Forest

The following is a reprint from New Islamic Directions, reproduced here by permission. It begins with an allegory drawn between the modern phenomenon of silencing popular movements simply by ignoring them, the tree that falls silently in the forest, presumeably because no one is around to hear it come crashing down. In today's popular climate of hatred toward and fear of all things Islamic, political spin doctors in the likes of Bill O'Reilly and Newt Gingrich are doing their best to paint the Muslim world population with the stain of a terrorist threat or, at the very least, willing sympathizers to acts considered abhorrent to our Islamic prophetic tradition. One of the better portrayals of what this can lead to was exhibited in Author Miller's Focus. As it pertains to the following, it should be well understood nine years after the events of September 11th, 2001 that those responsible have repeatedly been condemned by representatives across the Muslim spectrum, yet...

The Founders and Religious Exclusivity

Around every fourth of July, Americans are encouraged to reflect on their country’s struggle for independence−a struggle largely inspired by those values we, as a people, take a great deal of pride in espousing, perhaps none more than those guaranteed in the First Amendment: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press...”[1]

An Open Letter to a Taxi Company

In recent weeks, the adult entertainment industry has leaped into a propagation campaign to promote itself via taxi cab advertisements.

A Concept of Freedom

Most people would agree that the fundamental difference between humans and animals is the ability to reason. In Islam, we learn that this is indeed the case. Animals act out of instinct as opposed to calculated analysis or a rational concern for the well being of others. What may be considered an inferior trait is quite arguable, however. After all, animals are less capable of acting out of malice or against moral law or din, as such, whereas humankind is accountable to God for each and every action committed. As it relates to the Day of Judgment, Yawm al-Din, Allah ta’ala informs us: “…whoever has done an atom’s weight of good shall see it, but whoever has done an atom’s weight of evil will see that.” (99:7)

Seattle Billboard Campaign to End the $30 Billion to Israel

The Coalition to Stop $30 Billion to Israel has launched a billboard campaign calling on the American public to take action against the US military aid supplied to Israel. While our nation's economy is in the toilet, schools are unable to retain staff, libraries are closing, and the deficit continues to spin out of control, the Obama administration continues to funnel billions to the paraiah state of Israel- all this despite the President's tough talk on halting settlements into the West Bank. In the meantime, Prime Minister Netanyahu spits in the face of human decency and International Law, laughing all the way to the bank to cash in our tax dollars. To recall a once enthusiastic statement of purpose, "Yes We Can." If those who administer our tax revenue refuse to recognize what the rest of the world understands is an aparthied regime, it is up to those of us who still believe change is possible, and believe in universal justice, to stand up. Write your congress person to protest the contunued use of your tax dollars to bulldoze homes in the West Bank, and seal off Gaza from recieving basic necessities. Please join this effort: contact the organizers to start a campaign in your city or see the Palestinian Solidarity Committee of Seattle  for more inforation.

Responding to the Fort Hood Tragedy by Imam Zaid Shakir

The following is Imam Shakir's response to the shooting at the US Army base at Fort Hood. To the Muslim American community, this incident was not only a tragic loss of life, it was a massive blow to all of the interfaith efforts which have tirelessly come together to present the beauty of Islam and the Muslim community. I'm always astounded how such isolated actions, committed on an individual level, can serve as the representation of entire populations. Attacks of this severity illustrate the importance of returning to classical models of teaching and learning within the Muslim community. Contrary to the neo-con-know-nothings, the acts committed by Mr. Hasan have no foundation in any Islamic teachings authenticated in the Qur'an and Sunnah (ways of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be unto him), and are in fact, contrary to these foundations. Imam Shakir presents substantive material which debases any claims by those misguided persons, be they Muslim or otherwise, seeking to undermine the religion of Islam, knowingly or unknowingly.

Attack on Gaza

The following item is a correspondance between myself and two Christians, one of whom is a pastor, regarding the war on Gaza that broke out last year. Pastor CW spawned the conversation after recieving an email from a Christian-Zionist.