Lots of provocative comments on our story about Muslims in one of the country's biggest and oldest Muslim enclaves feeling alienated in their own country. Many commenters are critical of American Muslims; many others sympathetic and supportive.
But the responses are all over the map and largely defy such easy categorization.
Here's a sampling:
Joe from Kalispell
The fact there is even a "Muslim Enclave" is scary. They already wanted to be separate to not be "polluted by American values." They are really pushing their First Amendment right because I am sure the Founding Fathers didn't mean to afford protection to a religion so opposed to our existence as is Islam.
JustAHuman
It is sad to see so much hate in this country and little education about other cultures and religions. In many instances we "Americans" bring destructions upon ourselves and we are blind to see why.
joe
These Muslims are safer in this country than anywhere else in the world. if they think they are unsafe here let them leave.
freeddoom
If you are really sick of them, then don't buy their oil, don't invade their countries, dont kill them, don't steal their land, don't prop up dictators to take their freedom away. I bet they have more reason to be sick of you buddy.
Maya
Islam literally means "submission" to God. Therefore, any human being that submits himself to God is considered to be following "Islam." what that means is, if you are a christian, who submits yourself to God, then you are in fact upholding Islam. You really do have to put the verse into context and understand the exact meanings. Here are a few verse for you to ponder upon:
"Surely those who believe, and those who are Jews, and the Christians, and the Sabians – whoever believes in God and the Last Day and does good, they shall have their reward from their Lord. And there will be no fear for them, nor shall they grieve" (2:62, 5:69, and many other verses).
Kat
Reality, funny because the terrorists never say they do in the name of Islam or to convert people to Islam or force Islam on America. They only complain about the hostile US policies and wars, and its support to Israeli atrocities, many supporters belong to religious believers who want to see Armageddon and end of the world.
I know the media and politicians tell you that it's all about religion to mute any serious discussion of the root cause of terror.
Wirius
I am not a Muslim. I am APPALLED at the people who profess to faith in God, their ignorant accusations against the Muslim population in America. There are millions of Muslims in America. Some are poor, some are wealthy. Some are devout, some aren't so devout. Some are saints, some are sinners. Muslims are people, just like you and I. The good Muslim, which is the majority, seeks to better theirs, and others lives around them. Don't let the extremists paint your view of many good people. Don't let the fact that third world dictatorships use the Muslim religions blind you to how terrible Christianity was when it was tied to the king. In short, religious people should be showing support and care for the Muslims in our community.
Irritated
I am a Muslim WHITE AMERICAN who can trace family roots back to the 13 original colonies you idiot. This is my country. Accept it.
sassypants
Sick and evil! I will never trust them. I will forever remember Nic, Daniel Pearl, and the victims of 09.11 and countless others who have died at the hands of these monsters. I am angry at whoever created this mess by allowing this cult in the door. Immigration control – Yesterday!!
Burning the Quran in America by a Christian Pastor, reflects to outer world that America is a Christian Country and Accepting such actions as a task of their policy to Islam...this what the uncontrolled misuse of the freedoms of speech generate for the American people and interests abroad...
Now who knows if this pastor was paid to do such act just to have the American forces be fought as being jihad against those who burned the Holy Quran and who make cartoon animations calling it the Islamic Prophet....
Such acts of organized insults does not serve any good for the western countries nor it would bring up any presumed peace and trust among nations in or out of America and Europe... There are people who are abusing your freedoms to jeopardize your wide interests in the Islamic World...
These acts were there only to heat up wars and conflicts into the countries that allowed it and against the foreign troops that are serving in the Islamic world,who are supposedly there to bring peace and fight terror? While Wars and Terrors are exported from their own countries in the name of freedoms of speech rather than (Freedom of Religious Disrespect)...
Producing and Exporting Weapons, Arms and Equipments of Wars to tyrants and to rebels....then they come with the stories on Human Rights, pretending to cry over the spilled milk....?? With out considering that such weapons would one day turn against them...in their countries or against their troops abroad....!?
Just wonder what is the actual story and purpose of igniting such acts protecting it under some legality? I know that freedom of speech means you could talk and debate with people....but it is no longer a freedom of speech when there it is to Curse and Insult Peoples freedoms of belief....where is the Moral behind that? Since each freedom has to have a Morality towards bringing people together in to one word of peace and respect...?! What we see today there is not any morality behind it but only to bring more hostility,hate,separation,disrespect and agony...? So it that the Human Rights you been advertising for ? And way is that only practiced against Muslims beliefs? See that the people of the Book already gave up on those making fun of every thing considered Holy to others beliefs...!
Sharia is an extensive word that contains so many roles and regulations....it is much better to point out what is not to the liking of the people and moderate it... Many of the roles and regulations adopted by secular systems courts are of sharia but might be in a moderate way....guess to scale weight for Justice share,you have to hold the stick from the middle....and not at both extremes...by the extreme parties...
It was not conditional from the beginning that who wants to immigrate and live in America and Europe has to give up his origin culture and religion belief for the culture and belief of the country he is immigrating to...!! Therefore since the issues of immigration was not conditional,then that means they can apply what so ever they used to live by at origin back where they immigrated to...but that does not mean it should apply to all of those non muslims living in the west unless they found it suitable for them to adopt as it is or after having it moderated to suit their needs....after all the Sharia Laws were mainly extracted from all the Holy Books (Torah/Gospel/Quran)..these laws were the base of all present legal laws...
Al-Maeda sura 05:
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
And We prescribed for them therein: The life for the life, and the eye for the eye, and the nose for the nose, and the ear for the ear, and the tooth for the tooth, and for wounds retaliation. But whoso forgoeth it (in the way of charity) it shall be expiation for him. Whoso judgeth not by that which Allah hath revealed: such are wrong-doers. (45) And We caused Jesus, son of Mary, to follow in their footsteps, confirming that which was (revealed) before him in the Torah, and We bestowed on him the Gospel wherein is guidance and a light, confirming that which was (revealed) before it in the Torah – a guidance and an admonition unto those who ward off (evil). (46) Let the People of the Gospel judge by that which Allah hath revealed therein. Whoso judgeth not by that which Allah hath revealed: such are evil-livers. (47) And unto thee have We revealed the Scripture with the truth, confirming whatever Scripture was before it, and a watcher over it. So judge between them by that which Allah hath revealed, and follow not their desires away from the truth which hath come unto thee. For each We have appointed a divine law and a traced-out way. Had Allah willed He could have made you one community. But that He may try you by that which He hath given you (He hath made you as ye are). So vie one with another in good works. Unto Allah ye will all return, and He will then inform you of that wherein ye differ. (48) So judge between them by that which Allah hath revealed, and follow not their desires, but beware of them lest they seduce thee from some part of that which Allah hath revealed unto thee. And if they turn away, then know that Allah's Will is to smite them for some sin of theirs. Lo! many of mankind are evil-livers. (49) Is it a judgment of the time of (pagan) ignorance that they are seeking? Who is better than Allah for judgment to a people who have certainty (in their belief)? (50).
You mean they us this pro-pag-and-a of accusing the American President of being Muslim just in order to push him to turn the whole Islamic World into a HellFire just in order to prove to them all that he is no Muslim and careless about Islam and Muslims !?? Isn't that some sort of blackmailing the president and towards terrorizing Muslims pushing them to convert out of fear ??? Where is that freedom spoken of ? Burning a HolyScripture is Freedom of Speach, while Freedom of Worship and Religions has to suffer with less Freedom foundation..
It is just like saying to the President we will not keep you unless you wipe out Islam and Muslims to proof you are not one of them although we know that your Grandma is one of them and ought to wipe her out as well to prove your status !?!
Isn't that just like the Story of The Cow the Children of Israel had with Moses...it is in the Chapter 02: 67 to 74 of the Holy Quran..!!
Any way all we got to say is that;
Al-Baqara sura 02:
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
And surely We shall try you with something of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and lives and crops; but give glad tidings to the steadfast, (155) Who say, when a misfortune striketh them: Lo! we are Allah's and lo! unto Him we are returning. (156) Such are they on whom are blessings from their Lord, and mercy. Such are the rightly guided. (157).
Al-Araf sura 07:
And Moses said unto his people: Seek help in Allah and endure. Lo! the earth is Allah's. He giveth it for an inheritance to whom He will. And lo! the sequel is for those who keep their duty (unto Him). (128).
its bsuecae they its bsuecae they live in a western society its mabey harder for the parents to race the childerens in europe or usa cause its way different then a islamic country where they all have the same religion not like usa where many religions are and the media is way different then islam country's everyone has theyre own culture in western society not like islamic country's
Abu Hanifah;
Many people – including Muslims ask: “Where is God or Allah? What Image does God or Allah have?”
These questions cannot be easily answered, but let’s see how Imam Abu Hanifah responded when he was asked such questions by nonbelievers.
To those who ask: “Where is God or Allah?”
The atheists asked Abu Hanifah:
“When was your Lord born?”
Abu Hanifah replied:
“Allah existed first – before history and before time.
He added:
“What comes before three?”
They replied: “Two.”
He asked:
“What comes before two?”
They replied: “One.”
Abu Hanifah said:
“What comes before one?”
They replied: “Nothing.”
He said: “If the number ‘one’ is not preceded by anything, then how can the True One and Only God (Allah) be preceded by anything. Allah is Ancient and Eternal. Nothing precedes Him.”
They asked:
“In which direction does your Lord move?”
He asked: “If you bring a lantern into a dark place, in which direction will its light move?”
They replied: “In every direction.”
Abu Hanifah said:
“If this is how the lan-tern’s light r-ad-ia-tes, then how about Allah’s Light – the Light of the Heavens and the Earth?”
They said: “Define your Lord’s en-t-ity. Is your Lord solid like iron; liquid like water; or gas-e-ous like smoke or va-por?”
He asked: “Have you ever sat beside a dying patient?”
They said: “Yes, we have.
He added: "Did he speak to you after he was pro-noun-ced dead?"
They said: "No."
Abu Hanifah asked: “Before he died, did he not talk and move?”
They said: “Yes.”
He said: “What changed him?”
They said: “His soul departed.”
He said: “Then isn’t it true that his soul left his body?
They said: “Yes.”
Abu Hanifah asked: “Could you describe his soul? Is it solid like iron; liq-uid like water; or gas-e-ous like smoke or va-por?”
They replied: “We know nothing about it.”
He said: “If you cannot define the en-t-ity of this created soul, then how can you expect me to describe the Divine En-t-ity.”
**********
Let’s repeat this prayer together: “Oh, Allah.”
Allah, help me to uphold the truth against ty-r-ants; and prevent me from advocating in-just-ice to gain the ap-pla-use of the weak.
Oh Allah, if you make me rich, do not deprive me of happiness.
If you grant me strength, do not take away my mental fa-c-u-lties.
If you make me successful, do not deprive me of modesty.
If you make me modest, do not deprive me of my pride and dig-nity.
Oh Allah, teach me to love others as much as I love myself.
Teach me to judge myself before I judge others.
Teach me that tolerance is the greatest strength.
And that ven-ge-ance is the first sign of weakness.
Oh Allah, if you grant me suc-cess,do not blind me by van-i-ty.
Do not make me de-spair if I fail.
Please let me always remember that failure pre-ced-es success.
Oh Allah, if you deprive me of my wealth, do not let me de-spair.
If you take away my success, give me the strength to overcome failure.
If you deprive me of good health, do not deprive me of faith.
Oh Allah, if I hurt others, give me the strength to apologize.
If people hurt me, give me the strength to forgive.
If I am ob-liv-i-ous to Thee, do not deprive me of Your Forgiveness and Patience.
Oh Allah, You are the All-Powerful, All-Merciful and All-Capable Ameen.
The Rightly-Guided Caliphs & The Four Imams
Contents
The First Caliph, Abu Bakr (632-634 A.C.)
The Second Caliph, 'Umar (634-644 A.C.)
The Third Caliph, Uthman (644-656 A.C.)
The Fourth Caliph, Ali (656-661 A.C.)
Abu Hanifa
Shafi'i
Malik
Ahmad
http://www.islamicweb.com/history/caliphs_imams.htm
THE FOUR GREAT IMAAMS
IMAAM ABU HANIFAH (R.A.)
IMAAM MAALIK (R.A.)
IMAAM SHAFI’EE (R.A.)
IMAAM AHMAD (R.A.)
http://www.inter-islam.org/Biographies/4imam.htm
A man went to Hazrat Ali Ben Abi Taleb and asked him the answers of the following four questions :
1. What is “Wajeb” (Obligatory) and what is”Awjab” (most obligatory).
2. What is “Qareeb” (Near) and what is “Aqrab” (nearest).
3. What is “Ajeeb” (strange) and what is “A’ajab” (strangest).
4. What is “Sa’ab” (difficult) and what is “Asa’ab” (most difficult).
Hazrat Ali replied as follows:
Obligatory is the obedience of God and most obligatory is to abandon sins.
Near is the Day of Judgment and nearest is the death.
Strange is this World and strangest is to love this world.
Difficult is grave and most difficult is going to it without preparation.
Why is it so bad to burn a curan, but ok to burn Chirstian churches, to bkill whole Christian Neighborhood's. Christians are bashed constantly. Nobody says a word, But say something thats offensive about Mohumed, and get killed. How can anyone respect a religion like that.
Both are wrong with such acts as all end up insulting God and the inner heart sensitive of any Holy Faith Messengers of God,angels,books,worship houses.
Al-Hujraat sura 49: 10 to 13 failed to post for moderations..
http://www.submission.org/suras/sura49.html
Waters Foams;
The nations of the earth will gather against the Muslims like hungry people going to sit down to a table full of food. This will occur when the Muslims are large in number, but "like the foam of the sea".(A minor sign of the judgment day).
The Truth vs Falsehood
[13:17] He sends down water from the sky, causing the valleys to overflow, then the rapids produce abundant foam. Similarly, when they use fire to refine metals for their jewelry or equipment, foam is produced. GOD thus cites analogies for the truth and falsehood. As for the foam, it goes to waste, while that which benefits the people stays close to the ground. GOD thus cites the analogies.
[13:18] Those who respond to their Lord deserve the good rewards. As for those who failed to respond to Him, if they possessed everything on earth – even twice as much – they would readily give it up as ransom. They have incurred the worst reckoning, and their final abode is Hell; what a miserable destiny.
Islamic waves are foaming out the waste....
I am proud to see that so many Americans see themselves as individuals rather than a member of a side. Keep it up. It's important that we shine the light on the shadows of division and inequity. All people are equal members of humanity and deserving of respect.
Ignorance can only be used as an excuse once. So make everyone aware of your beliefs. Don't assume that others must follow or expect others not to challenge you, but know that you're acting on what you personally understand to be right.
Thank-you in advance.
I am just plain exhausted by this Islam crap the past 10-15 years. maybe this next month when I can afford it, I'll exercise my freedom of expression and burn a koran. or maybe I'll just say a pray and save a few dollars. Most Muslims are not the enemy but Pure Islam is....real muslims who really adhere strictly to the koran are the enemy. Islam is not compatible with our western ideas of freedom and democracy. this is a simple fact of life. I'm tired....just plain tired of all this mess....and that is what the enemy wants us to be....they have us right where they want us....
Islam is peaceful while they are a minority but if they become majority sharia law will be implemented and we all be paying tax to them and if don't agree with them the issue quran we dead. see what is happening to ex muslins. hand and feet cut off and slain like animal. my advice say NO now before it is too late. GOD bless America.
I used to be a Muslim, but after seeing decades of Middle Eastern violence, chaos, and 9/11, I coverted to Southern Baptist. No regrets.
Walid.
How very nice I bet you did that for the money and access to the west....nice bit for you here;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5dt-WREldg&feature=related
well considering that the first muslim movement in modern America was started by the Black Panthers so people have a right to be scared.
Everyone is being played a fool by "Muslims in America". This is nothing more than a way to make a quick dollar of everyone's ignorance. By getting on here and posting anti-Muslim comments, you are simply playing in to their game.
Case in point 'Sassypants' comment – "I am angry at whoever created this mess by allowing this cult in the door. Immigration control". Ignorant people like this only represent about 10% of what Americans think. And now, educated open minded Americans like myself are associated with ignorant trash like "Sassypants".
In the end, it is people like me that and up suffering – now when I travel abroad for my job – the rest of the world automatically associates me with people like this. "Immigration Control", are you kidding me? Its extremely disappointing that even in today's world, where information is at your fingertips via the world wide web, that individuals would still take it upon themselves to post such comments. If your personal opinion is that Muslims should not be in this country, that is fine, I respect your opinion (although I dont agree with it). But please, don't make the rest of us look bad by spatting off random blabber like that – save it for your weekly KKK chapter meeting – and spare the rest of us the embarrassment.
Buckeye Islam teach Muslims to kill the infedal ( kufar ) if you are not musilm your it. don't tell me it is bad ppl its bad teaching from the root.
They need to alienate themselves right back to where they came from. We don't want their murder cult here, their "religion," food, clothing, music, artwork, literature, or science. They have nothing to offer of any value to any community in this country.
I am an Iranian, and I am not a Muslim. Everybody needs to stop criticizing Muslims for everything. They have done nothing wrong. Just because a couple Saudis committed an atrocious act, doesn't mean ALL MUSLIMS are terrorists. Get your heads out of the media crap that Bill O'Reilly and Sarah Palin tell you about.
you guys can argue all you want but heres what it comes down to, all religions have bad ppl/groups christianity has people like mother teresa and groups like the KKK etc., judaism have great ppl like Albert einstein and bad ppl like Ariel Sharon, zionism etc. , Islam has ppl like Benazir Bhutto (first female muslim politician), Al-Khwarizmi (the guy that invented algebra), and they also have bad ppl like Maumood ahemedinijad(however you spell it) and terrorist groups like Al-qaeda etc.. its not like islam is the only religion with its share of idiots. and for ppl who try to use the 9/11 line with me i was there at 9/11 so dont tell me that i dont understand how they fell P.s i am christian for the ppl tryin to convert others here