|
God Cannot be Monopolized
|
This is a personal note in response to the tragic events that have been occurring in my home country, Malaysia. Nothing upsets me more than seeing the diversity and respect the citizens of that nation had for each other disintegrate on account of ignorance.
On Dec. 31st, the Malaysian courts overturned a government ban on the use of the word Allah to denote a Christian God. In response, fractional groups responded by fire-bombing and vandalizing churches. 'Allah' is not an exclusive Muslim God. It is just another word for God in Arabic. If Muslims claim it to be 'their' God, are we then praying to a different God than Christians and Jews?
If Muslims claim the word 'Allah' is rightfully theirs, then they are blissfully ignorant. The word 'Allah' even predates Islam!
Lastly, the Quran commands Muslims: "And dispute ye not with the People of the Book, except with means better (than mere disputation), unless it be with those of them who inflict wrong (and injury): but say, "We believe in the revelation which has come down to us and in that which came down to you; Our Allah and your Allah is one; and it is to Him we bow (in Islam)."
As Muslims we have an obligation to stand up for justice and peace. If you are disgusted by these acts of terror, then please speak up. For the Malaysians, you can have your voice heard by clicking on this petition: http://www.petitiononline.com/Msia0801/petition.html
Sincerely,
Ani Zonneveld
MPV President
|
|
|
|
|
|
Muslimah Media Watch is a forum where Muslim women can critique how our images appear in the media and popular culture. Although we are of different nationalities, sects, races, etc., we have something important in common: we're tired of seeing ourselves portrayed by the media in ways that are one-dimensional and misleading. This is a space where, from a Muslim feminist perspective, we can speak up for ourselves. We love Muslimah Media Watch! Check it out for yourselves at http://muslimahmediawatch.org and while you're at it, meet Fatemeh Fakhraie, the dynamic founder and editor of Muslimah Media Watch. Learn more about what motivates her here. |
|
Books We Like |
'Stealing Nasreen'by Farzana Doctor Stealing Nasreen is a unique novel about the complex and intertwined lives of three different people, who share one commonality - roots in the Bohri Muslim community of Mumbai. The story takes place in Toronto, where Nasreen, an overworked psychologist recovering from a break-up with her long-term girlfriend and the death of her mother, decides its time to master her family's native language, Gujurati. She finds Salma, a recent Indian immigrant, eager to tutor her. Salma becomes increasingly fascinated by Nasreen, unlocking her long repressed desires. Coincidentally, unbeknownst to Salma and Nasreen, Salma's husband works as a custodian at Nasreen's office and has developed a strange obsession with Nasreen, whom to him represents a peculiar mix of East and West. A fascinating and engaging read!
'The 99'
by Teshkeel Comics
The 99 is a comic book published by Teshkeel Comics about a diverse team of global  superheroes. The characters are ordinary young folk who have acquired one of the 99 mystical stones of light, which represent the 99 attributes, or names, of God. Humans can also possess many of these attributes, such as faithfulness, patience, wisdom, and grace (although when these attributes are applied to people, the "Al" prefix is removed, for example al-Rahman is "The Gracious," i.e. God, whereas a person can be "gracious"). The creator of the comic book series, Dr. Al-Mutawa says that the stories communicate Islamic virtues, but that these virtues are universal in nature. The series has been so successful that an animated series is currently being developed. Learn more at: the99.org. | |
|
|
|
| Peace be with you all and Happy New Year! |
|
Donate Today!
|
Muslims for Progressive Values is an all-volunteer organization. 100% of your tax-deductible donation is used for our programs, campaigns, and services, including our new anti-domestic violence campaign. Support us today by donating online.
|
| |
|
