Muslims here praise Obama’s outreach
Leaders of Richmond's Muslim community said they are pleased with President Barack Obama's speech yesterday in Cairo, not just because they're Muslims but also because they're Americans.
"There's a lot of excitement," said Imam Ammar Amonette of the Islamic Center of Virginia. Obama "addressed both the American Muslim community and our history and our part in America, as well as acknowledged the Muslim world as a whole and the need for a new beginning of mutual respect and recognizing problems."
Obama, speaking at a seat of Islamic learning in Cairo, delivered a 55-minute speech that was suffused with respect for touchstones of Islam. The overture was watched intently by Muslims worldwide.
"You can't overstate this," Amonette said. "It's seen abroad and here as a very, very important speech."
Imad Damaj, president of the Virginia Muslim Coalition for Public Affairs, said he is "full of hope" after hearing Obama's address.
"As an American from a Muslim faith, I am so grateful to be part of our great nation, and I am so proud of our president, and I am very hopeful for a better future for all of us," he said.
Ali Faruk, 25, a board member of the Virginia Muslim Coalition for Public Affairs, praised Obama as an exceptional communicator, "a leader who could define reality in a constructive way and communicate the vision."
He added: "It's one thing to say terrorists are evil, and it's another to say that the bulk of people who have died at the hands of these extremists are Muslims. There's a common enemy."
Obama also called for the creation of an independent Palestinian state and for Israel to freeze settlements in the West Bank.
In Richmond's Jewish community, Rabbi Ben Romer of Congregation Or Ami said he didn't think the president's speech had endangered America's relationship with Israel.
"I think what he said was powerful, meaningful, appropriate and diplomatic, something that works a lot better than shooting people. . . . I think this helps move America into a position where it can help speak with many Muslim nations and be accepted as an intermediary."
The timing of the speech gave it additional significance for Amonette. While President George W. Bush and President Bill Clinton made gestures toward the Islamic community, Obama made a major speech at the beginning of his administration.
"It's not an afterthought," Amonette said. "For him to make that effort says a lot."
Obama gained credence in the Muslim world, Amonette said, by acknowledging Muslim contributions to world culture and science and recalling that a Muslim nation, Morocco, was the first to recognize American independence.
"Muslims all over the world know all of these things by heart. They are not used to hearing them coming from Washington," he said.
Amonette also was encouraged by Obama's reference to shared principles between Islam and the American way of life such as "justice and tolerance and dignity, not preaching to Muslims but acknowledging that we share these things."
Damaj noted that actions will need to follow on the part of the Americans, Israelis and Arabs.
"It's a good start, setting the tone," he said. "Now, we want action to follow words from all sides."
Contact Katherine Calos at (804) 649-6433 or
.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Today’s Scripture is James 3:3-6:
“When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by *ell.” ***
I see an equivalent to the Taliban in Religious Fundamentalism [doctrines of scriptural inerrancy, literalism and political militancy] here in the U.S. As I see it, a fundamentalist mindset now exercises significant influence over much of American society: market, political, religious, and militaristic.
Authoritarianism is gaining power through the moral crusades of religious fundamentalists—especially in the U.S. & the Middle East. Here in America politicians are often elected with the support of media largely influenced by corporate interests and a base audience of Christian fundamentalists. In the Middle East, conservative media drives Islamic Fundamentalists to the streets, while here in the U.S. conservative/religious media drives them to the polls, to the telephone, or fax machine in huge numbers. In the U.S., conservative/religious media fosters the messianic world view held by many right-wing evangelicals.
I suspect that many fundamentalist Evangelicals, together with their non-religious fundamentalists (Fox Nation) enjoy a thrill or catharsis waging (vicariously) “spiritual warfare” from an easy chair while watching their favorite news programs. When synergies come into play—at the water cooler, bowling alley, church or blog—there grows a demographic that can be exploited by politicos. This, I think, inspires more “holy war” talk in support of more aggressive military action. More or less the same thing is going on in the Middle East and thus we have a huge feedback loop.
I am most concerned over the infiltration of our military (especially the Air Force Academy) by dominionist Christians. I am grateful veterans are speaking out to put an end to this nonsense through the Military Religious Freedom Foundation:
Because I love America: Reagan’s Assistant General Counsel, Mikey Weinstein Speaks Out:
http://www.militaryreligiousfreedom.org/events.html#4
“When I began asking questions about what I saw going on at Colorado Springs in 2004 I never expected that the inquiry would lead me to the horrifying conclusion that our country had been taken over by people who have used our own freedoms to enslave us. But that is what happened. When I began I, like most people, was focused on the personal. I believed that what was happening at the United States Air Force Academy, the harassment of cadets and staff with unwanted evangelism, was limited in scope. As the months passed, however, I found myself forced to constantly reassess my basic assumptions. The logic of events was stark and undeniable. Promises of an open inquiry were ignored; decent and courageous people like former Air Force Chaplin Melinda Morton were intentionally muzzled to ensure the truth would not be heard and the wrongs righted.
“As a Republican and an Academy graduate I find myself in head on conflict with my own oath to protect the Constitution. As a Jew I confronted a situation through ears that still hear the cries of my people walking silently into the brick buildings that would reduce them to ash. I cannot stand still and let that happen to my country….
…It began in the early 70s with the thought by a small group of Republicans that control of the GOP could be guaranteed by taking advantage of the newly disenfranchised Southern Democrats through elements in the Evangelical churches there. You will recognize the names of those whose plans have been drawn so large today. Karl Rove, Ralph Reed, Pat Robertson, Jerry Fallwell, James Dobson, D. James Kennedy, John Hagee and Jack Abramoff were among them.”
GO TO LINK FOR COMPLETE TEXT—-It is worth reading.
“The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by *ell.”
12step-You are quite right of course. The quote was not from the Koran but was attributed to the author of the article.
I did say it was in my notes. I did not say that we had used it. I had stacks of information, some useful some rubbish. It was her job to separate the chaff from the grain. It is no reflection of my interest in the subject. The hour of the evening was much more likely to have contributed to my choosing a quote in haste than
anything else.
I appreciate your taking even the little time required to correct my mistake. I am surprised others did not do so too. I guess someone has to be alert and keep us all on our toes. Otherwise who knows what kind of crazy information could be flying around in these forums.
I stand corrected and contrite.
Although that quote was very meek and mild compared to some of the genuine ones I have in those same notes…
For anyone with a computer and a reasonable degree of intelligence it doesn’t take an afternoon to source a quote. For instance, the University of Michigan has this nifty tool which allows you to do all manner of searches.
http://quod.lib.umich.edu/k/koran/
However, despite a number of searches using various parts of your phrase in different combinations, I couldn’t find even one hit. If you examine the syntax and phrasing of that sentence, it doesn’t even sound like a verse form the Koran.
As a matter of fact, the 2002 Jewish Magazine article from which you picked this doesn’t even purport it to be a quote from the Koran. It is a quote from the author. Read for your self, about 3/5 of the way down the page:
http://www.jewishmag.com/53mag/islamtruth/islamtruth.htm
This scholarly work also contains such quotes as:
“How did Islam become so “great and glorious”? Islam is a religion that believes in conquering, torturing, ravishing, plundering, pillaging all infidels unless they accept upon themselves the allegiance of Islam. A conquered territory (or country) may be carnaged and looted. Ransom is not just condoned by the Koran; it is specifically stated that this is the methodology to use in warfare. Islam was spread by the sword - either become a Moslem or be killed. No better convincing argument than that! Why not check out the Koran from your local library - you might be surprized by its world outlook and encouragement of killing!“
and
“There is no such thing as a moderate Moslem. There are those that do not pay attention to their religion, but they are looked down upon by the overwhelming majority of “believers”. In reality these Muslims who do not believe in the teachings of the Koran (and this includes the participation in or support of a Jihad), may themselves be killed as a “infidel”. An infidel, according to the Koran, is not someone who does not believe in G-d, - an infidel is some one who does not adhere strictly to the teachings of Islam. That means that we Jews and our Christian friends are perfectly legitimate targets for Islam warriors!!“
... and you used this as a source for your daughter’s comparative religion paper? Greta, you’re playing very fast and loose with your “facts” here. It would behoove you to have some more rigorous standards for what passes as academic research. The article from which you lifted your misattributed quote I think gives some real insight into your sentiments on the matter.
HenricoCitizen: I would have thought that you would applaud $9/gal gasoline, as punishment for all of America’s sins.
I don’t know that the price would have hit $9/gal, but an increase in the cost of gas might have not been a totally bad thing, because I expect that it would ultimately spur real change. Those prices would increase the demand for domestic production, including off-shore drilling and would silence the eco-Nazis who impede exploitation of our reserves. I expect that it would also spur research into fuel cells, CNG and other alternatives, not to mention the construction of nuclear electricity generating stations. Yes, we would suffer for a while, but I think that the long term benefits would be well worth the travail. The beauty of America is our determination to solve problems…we don’t have to bow to some Arab king or grovel for his oil.
And for the blame America faction. It would behoove you to remember how many times this country has gone to the rescue of the Muslims in this century.
In Somalia and Kosovo and Bosnia.
We do not deserve the ingratitude of the Muslim world nor the derision of our own ignorant citizens that spend their time ferreting out every real and imagined “sin” that our governments have ever committed.
A list on any page of history will show that America has done far more good on the right hand side of the ledger than they have harmed.
This recent imagined “chic” America blasting is unseemly and yes “woefully”
undereducated.
12step-I have that quote in my notes for a paper my daughter and I did on comparative religions.
I have no idea where in the Koran we found it. It was a simple thing to Google it. It is indeed there listed as
a quote from the Koran.
Perhaps a Saturday afternoon perusing the Koran looking for specific quote is a great Saturday’s afternoon’s work?
Good look finding it.
Thank you Studebaker-You did your usual thorough job of compiling and supplying links.
There is indeed much violence in both the Bible and the Koran.
If I may suggest however, read the Hadiths as applied to women that the Taliban are prone to insert in everyday 21st century life when they come into power anywhere in the world today.
And that is the difference. Certain Muslims live the Koran today as they did in ancient times. Their belief is that the entire world should revert to the time of Muhammad.
Their goal is to ensure that this happens.
Christians tend to refer to the Bible but I do not see millions of them on the march in order to turn the world order back to the 14th century.
The Muslims that I speak of do not envy our way of life or wish it for themselves they do not want ANYONE to live outside of Islam.
I have a Koran on hand. I think everyone should have one today. If you want to know what is being said about Mr. Obama’s speech in Cairo. Go to the source. Certainly not to me or some biased American tv outlet. The media in the Middle East is also biased but you will get a much better idea of what the feelings are on the Arab street.
“Blessed are the peacemakers…”
MATTHEW 5:9
“Now go, attack the Amalekites and totally destroy everything that belongs to them. Do not spare them; put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys.“
1 SAMUEL 15:3
THE HOLY BIBLE BOTH CALLS FOR PEACE AND DEMANDS GENOCIDE.
I can see how interpreting the Bible as the Literal inerrant Word of God could easily lead to the cognitive dissonance that seems to be so common in fundamentalist believers. Consider the 2 completely different accounts of Judas Iscariot’s final days:
1. The Remorseful Judas:
‘When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. “I have sinned,“ he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.“
“What is that to us?“ they replied. “That’s your responsibility.“
So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.’
MATTHEW 27:3-5
2. The Unrepentant Judas:
In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) and said, “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus— he was one of our number and shared in this ministry.“
(With the reward he got for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)
“For,“ said Peter, “it is written in the book of Psalms,
“ ‘May his place be deserted;
let there be no one to dwell in it,‘ and,
“ ‘May another take his place of leadership.‘ Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.“
ACTS 1:15-22
I’m very familiar with the Bible and have read very little of the Koran. To me, the Bible seems to be much more violent than the Koran. Either way, it is clear that fundamentalist sects of each religion are prone to violence.
Here is a link to the table of contents page for complete on-line text of the The Holy Qur’an. The Holy Qur’an
Electronic Text Center, University of Virginia Library
Greta, I could not find your quote in the Koran, but I did find it linked word for word to a site called http://www.jewishmag.com . I support Israel and appreciate the Jewish faith, but I don’t reply on them for unbiased information about Arabs. Could you point us all to the section of the Koran whereabouts your quote can be found?
HenricoCitizen-How convenient to ask and answer your own questions. That certainly reduces a debate to a one way conversation.
Nobody, not even Muslims claim to have “read” the Koran. It is a matter of a lifelong perusal as is studying the Bible or the Torah.
I read AlJazeera and the Jerusalem Post on a daily basis in order to keep up with the current atmospherr in the Middle East.
As I said listen to the words in the newspapers in the region. The people’s own words. I don’t waste my time with the talking heads on American TV. You seem to know the going jargon quite well however.
It does not hurt to have had a brother who worked in Jordan for years and had many friends that I still keep in touch with.
Right at the source as it were.
Much better than TV.
And just a little reminder from the Quran:
“If a people surrender to the warriors of Islam, they may be permitted to live; however, this is only as a very second class citizen with absolutely no rights. They must pay a high tribute to the ruler to continue to exist and may be dispensed of without any recourse.“
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