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As American Muslims, we categorically condemn these (San Bernardino/Paris/etc) criminal and horrendous acts carried by a few of the misguided (and their supporters and mentors) in the name of Islam, or whatever they stand for. These outrageous acts do not represent Islam in any shape of form; I meant the use of the word misguided - these butchers are NOT Muslims; meaning they 'steal' words/concepts and use them out of context and completely malign them for their selfish criminal purposes. WRONG! WRONG! WRONG!
Regarding American Muslim 'silence' toward what is going on - let me make it clear that American Muslims should stand up and share their frank views about how we truly feel. We are integral piece of the American fabric; we have a duty to be honest with ourselves and with our fellow citizens; Yes, we should standup for our collective values and for what is right, period. After all, that is the true spirit of Islam. Make no excuses: we should confront the root cause of this evil head on in order to exterminate it. The debate is very intense right now, and in every home. We must question ourselves and our thinking. Our freedoms are under attack (and not just by the terrorists!). We are under attack for the deliberate faults of a criminal handful. We are also under attack by those (in the media and politics) who are taking advantage of us (as a nation) and exploiting our inner fears and anxieties.
As a proud American, Arab and Muslim - I/We don't stand for this garbage! Islam is a humane, peaceful, inclusive and tolerant religion and does NOT stand for such thinking and way of life! No religion teaches hatred and indiscriminant killing (even though we can see how a few can manipulate certain religious texts for their own evil purposes). The few extremists who manage to do these heinous acts (such as Paris/Istanbul/San Bernardino/etc) are attempting to hijack the religion for their selfish purposes- they are WEAK. They go after the innocent ones. They 'think' that they have succeeded in the short term in driving a chasm between ideologies, people and religions. Again they are WRONG! Yes, the world is not perfect. Yes, it is a fact that there are attrocities that are committed right now against simple inncocent human beings such as in Syria and Palestine - and Yes, that is WRONG too! But we will NOT make it a better place by killing each other and disrespecting others that differ with us. There is a better way, always. It is a choice.
America and Americans are a reselient and bunch of people. From experience I will tell you that this is an amazing country and for many reasons - especially the way it re-invents and regenertes itself under the most difficult circumstances; just ask all of the immigrants that came here from all over the world and left their oppresive regimes behind. Of course, It is NOT perfect, but it is the best out there bar none, especially when we consider our principles and the way by which we live, govern, rule, conduct ourselves. Americans will not tolerate bigotry and hatred, no matter what and from whom, including from those amongst us who are riding high and exploiting our inner fears and phobias.
I promised to break the silence. I am not a Muslim scholar nor do I profess to be one. I am just a human being. I do speak for myself and for my family. This is the first of few installments on multiple tough subjects that we must confront as community and as a nation. We will survive and thrive. See you in the next installment.
https://www.facebook.com/abusous2000/posts/10153263303112143
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