Muslims must not leave their message to Oprah

The Sydney Morning Herald ^ | Monday, December 24, 2001 | Tanveer Ahmed

[Byron_the_Aussie]

Moving beyond the stereotype of Islam is essential to stem a century of decline, writes Tanveer Ahmed.

There has been much coverage about the dinner parties of our "elite" and our "chattering classes", but the thoughts and debates of Muslim households are coming to light only recently. Theirs is a voice that has been sparingly heard, and often poorly articulated by their cleric representatives.

America is searching its soul and has found flags to wave and soundtracks to sing. Any shreds of self-doubt have soon turned to apple-pie triumphalism. Their confidence is simultaneously awe-inspiring and frightening.

Surely there has never been a nation more assured of mastering its own destiny.

The Islamic world, too, is searching, and its findings are far less solid. In Sydney I have visited Muslim families for whom the anger and despair at events unfolding around them are emotions rarely aired in wider Australian society.

For these people, as with Muslims around the world, they believed their future was pre-destined, and worldly matters were of lesser significance. But now, tinged with their anger, is a despair that they could have sunk so low, that Muslims are so poorly equipped to engage in the modern arts of ideological warfare.

While there were victories of propaganda during the war, in the realm of "the image" and "the word", Islam has had difficulty competing.

The Muslim cleric appeals to Western viewers for understanding, but his drooping beard and Arab accent only confirm that he is foreign, representing everything that they are not. Meanwhile the Israeli representative speaks in a fluent American accent, reaching his target audience instantly.

Then there are the images of the veil. "Beneath the Veil" or "Lifting the Veil" beam the covers of prominent magazines. It has acquired an even greater symbolism in the Western media. It is the last bastion of Orientalism, the last acceptable form of racism.

As we mourn the deaths of Americans and Israelis, we are presented with full dossiers of the victims' lives, their loves and their hopes for the future. Muslims are still represented in hordes, stripped of their humanity.

The word "fundamentalism", originally coined to denote breakaway Protestant sects, taints any meaningful discussion about the Islamic faith. The notion of a terrorist has always had considerable racial overtones. But now, as the word becomes increasingly meaningless, it is seemingly interchangeable with the word "Muslim".

Alas, here was the great chance to educate the world about this great religion. Instead, the task is being left to Oprah.

There can be no question that it has been a century of decline for Islam - from the fall of the Ottoman Empire, the creation of Israel, the defeat in the Six Day War, to the final cataclysmic acts of despair, in New York and in Jerusalem. Its resources have been pillaged, its leaders are impotent and the people powerless, or too apathetic, to influence them. Surely it must be asked: has Islamic civilisation ever reached a lower point?

Around the Muslim dinner table, the shame and despair have, of course, not entirely quelled the anger. There is still anger that debate where it matters, in the US, has been utterly superficial, lacking any historical context.

There is anger that the deaths of thousands of Afghans barely match the death of one American. There is anger at the feeling that Muslims will become second-class citizens, alienated from the multicultural state.

But blame and accusations will serve us little in this dark hour. Our anger and distress must fuel an activism and participation.

We must fight and engage with the more sophisticated weapons of modern society. Those of media and politics. Those of public relations and community engagement. Those of educated debate and rational discourse. For then we may hope to influence government policy, both in the West and in our homelands.

If one thing has been blatantly obvious throughout the endless banter on cable television, it is that Muslims in the West are poorly organised and have little voice in their adopted Western communities.

It is engagement and not distance that strengthen any minorities' position within the wider society and this time of year, as people of many religions celebrate, is when their voices should be raised.

We have just celebrated the Muslim festival of Eid and tomorrow is Christmas - what more suitable time for our communities to come to know each other better.

We must acknowledge that destinies can be made and are not determined.

Our failure to do so will mean our voices remain muffled, and the multicultural state threatened.

Dr Tanveer Ahmed is a hospital resident medical officer.

[Arthur McGowan]

There can be no question that it has been a century of decline for Islam - from the fall of the Ottoman Empire, the creation of Israel, the defeat in the Six Day War, to the final cataclysmic acts of despair, in New York and in Jerusalem. Its resources have been pillaged, its leaders are impotent and the people powerless, or too apathetic, to influence them. Surely it must be asked: has Islamic civilisation ever reached a lower point?

Hey, Mr. Muslim, guess what? The HEIGHT of civilization is NOT controlling an empire, or making sure the Jews don't have a homeland. The height of civilization is founding families, engaging in commerce, praying to God, doing his will to the extent that you know his will, living in peace.

The very fact that this Muslim sees the existence of Israel and the fall of the Ottoman Empire and all these other events as blows to "Islam" shows that his version of Islam is an aggressive, political, violent ideology, intent on controlling territory and controlling people.

[Byron_the_Aussie]

Bump.

Self-serving, with a strong victimhood flavour, but nonetheless worth a read.

[CARTOUCHE]

Life is a series of choices. So many choices, so little time. Unfortunately, the devotees of Islam and their clerics have made choices inconsistent with prosperity, democracy, or longevity. There are no democratic Islamic nations, there is plenty of poverty, illiteracy, and ignorance of the world as a whole. These are the unfortunate choices which derive from having dictators and mad clerics at the top. Freedom of movement, freedom of thought, and a decent education are all hallmarks of a properous people. Until Muslims can come to grips with that, theirs is to be but a marginal existence mired in hatred for other more prosperous nations and peoples. Bin ladens' rise is no different than the rise of Adolf. Both gave their people a reason to hate the properous as a diversion from their own pitiful lives; lives squandered as a result of their own government's misadventures in war and economics.

[usconservative]

The problem with Muslims around the world really is as follows:

Everytime something doesn't go their way, or they fail to persuade someone to their point of view, they blame it on the Jews.

Muslims don't take responsibility for their actions. They are the "ultimate Clinton's" in my book. They blame the Jews of the world for their poverty, for their inability to communicate, their inability to win an argument, and for their own shortcomings.

If Muslims would stop pointing their fingers at the Jews for everything, they *might* get listened to. Until then, I personally will continue to turn a deaf ear, and a cold shoulder to EVERY Muslim of the world.

[usconservative]

Self-serving, with a strong victimhood flavour, but nonetheless worth a read.

Well Byron, the first half of that sentence was right! LMAO!!

Merry Christmas, mate!!

[stevem]

The Muslim cleric appeals to Western viewers for understanding, but his drooping beard and Arab accent only confirm that he is foreign, representing everything that they are not. Meanwhile the Israeli representative speaks in a fluent American accent, reaching his target audience instantly.

At first this piece seems a reflection of sorts. Then it pivots to the core of the matter.

This is apparently an idealogical deal, and the only real problem for Muslims is that they don't "speak the language" well enough. Of course that's utter nonsense. Why doesn't Tanveer Ahmed address what seems to me to be utter intolerance that is [certainly] my perception of Islam? The way they seem to look on the issues of our day does not allow for debate because I'm not allowed to have a varying view of any matter.

It also seems to boil down to "Israel" as well. I don't want to recount my idea of the real issue of why Israel exists today, but it seems to me the Islamic argument avoids any historical context.

Finally, Islam can surely take its place among the "great" religions of the world. It might help, though, if it were to do so on merit which requires teaching honor and decency rather than hatred starting at the earliest point possible in young lives. How can proponents of a religion relate to others on an equal footing when they treat even their own members as chattel or worse, slaves utterly devoid of dignity?

That might be a good place for Ahmed to begin his next reflection.

[usconservative]

There can be no question that it has been a century of decline for Islam - from the fall of the Ottoman Empire, the creation of Israel, the defeat in the Six Day War, to the final cataclysmic acts of despair, in New York and in Jerusalem. Its resources have been pillaged, its leaders are impotent and the people powerless, or too apathetic, to influence them. Surely it must be asked: has Islamic civilisation ever reached a lower point?

Buckle up Tanveer Ahmed. It's about to get a whole lot worse!!!

Wait'll Sudan, Syria and ultimately Iraq get a load of the "new toys" our military has planned just for then.

I shall relish, dare I say dance with joy, the payback that is yet to come for 9/11. I'll flit my tongue and dance like a fat, toothless Palestinian beotch when we start leveling the rest of these tyrants & terrorists in the middle east!

[PoisedWoman]

Muslims don't take responsibility for their actions. They are the "ultimate Clinton's" in my book. They blame the Jews of the world for their poverty, for their inability to communicate, their inability to win an argument, and for their own shortcomings.

"Ultimate Clintons" is very good.

[Godel]

The very fact that this Muslim sees the existence of Israel and the fall of the Ottoman Empire and all these other events as blows to "Islam" shows that his version of Islam is an aggressive, political, violent ideology, intent on controlling territory and controlling people.

Well Said.

[McGavin999]

Nobody can, or will, take the Muslim world seriously until they get terrorism under control. As long as they condone the random, vicious killing of people as a useful way to communicate their desires, the more people will turn their faces from them.

If the Muslim world would stamp out the fanatics they would find ready friends who would listen to them and help them. But that's not happening. Instead we hear weak, muttered condemnation, half-hearted attempts to help the world attack the cancer that is Islamic fundamentalism, hateful attacks on America from the very people who are living here and reaping the rewards of the freedom purchased with the blood of the people they smear.

It's not HOW you speak, it's WHAT you speak.

[Sonny M]

The notion of a terrorist has always had considerable racial overtones. But now, as the word becomes increasingly meaningless, it is seemingly interchangeable with the word "Muslim".

Can anyone here recall a hijacking that has happened in the last 20 years, that was not in any way shape or form, involving a muslim?

[Migraine]

, to the final cataclysmic acts of despair, in New York and in Jerusalem

Hey, everyone on here ripping the Rabs seem to have missed this good news. Terrorism is over: the "final cataclysmic acts" have been perpetrated. Tanveer Achmed said so. Sheesh -- you guys need to read these articles more carefully .

[Savage Beast]

Until recently, to the people of the West, Islam was respected as "one of the world's great religions". It was considered a bit exotic, and to have a rather strange fixation on the seclusion of women, but then there were images of shieks--Rudolf Valentino, the poetry of Rumi, The Rubiyat of Omar Kayam, the origin of algebra and vaccination, The Desert Song, etc., and as children we sang of "the Queen of Arabia Ungenie: There never was a lady lovlier than she...".

However recent headlines have spoken incessently of jihads, fatwas, war, terrorism, murder, mutilation, death as punishment for apostasy, religious imperialism, torture for public amusement, slavery, stoning people to death--horrors as revolting as anything in history--all committed by Muslims in the name Islam.

There was the spectre of Salman Rushdie--condemned to death by a fatwa, issued by Muslim clerics--for the sin of insulting Islam. To the Western mind, the concept of the fatwa itself was an insult to any religion worthy of respect, and to pursue such a thing a sin in itself. The brutality of this shocked and disgusted people the world over, and it was never repudiated by the Muslim world or its leaders.

There were spectres of terrorist acts committed all over the world, committed by Muslims in the name of Islam, never repudiated by the Muslim world or its leaders.

Then there was the Taliban, committing horrors worthy of Nazi Germany or the Roman Empire, tolerated if not actively supported by Muslim nations.

Then came the September 11 attack on the United States--again, committed by Muslims in the name of Islam.

If Islam has reached a nadir (an English word adopted from the Arabic word nazir) in the opinion of the world, it is the fault of the Islamic people.

If Islam is a religion of peace, love, goodness, and brotherhood; if the Allah whom Islam worships is the One True God, the God of Peace, Love, and Goodness; then Muslims throughout the world should declare this in no uncertain terms and repudiate--in no uncertain terms--those heretical Muslims who traffic in jihads, fatwas, war, terrorism, torture, mutilation, etc. If such horrors are not condoned by Islam, then Muslims should condemn them--in no uncertain terms--and condemn as blasphemy and heresy the linking of them to Islam.

So far, the indecision of Muslims, their leaders, and their clerics on this subject has spoken volumes.

If Muslims do not make their beliefs and their intentions clear, the rest of the world will judge them--and their religion--by their actions and inactions.

Muslims need to clarify for the people of the world just what Islam stands for. Evidently, Muslims haven not decided yet.

The world is waiting.

[abclily]

To: Mr. Tanveer Ahmed, Muslim actions speak much, much louder than your words.

[SkyPilot]

Lifting the Veil" beam the covers of prominent magazines. It has acquired an even greater symbolism in the Western media. It is the last bastion of Orientalism, the last acceptable form of racism.

RACISM! When I read this--I knew this person was in the clutch of dementia.

Did this "Doctor" actually see the TV Documentary "Behind the Veil?" Did he see the hidden camera footage of 11 year old children in tears because their mother was murdered in front of them, and then watch them shake with guilt because they were then gang-raped?

The Bible says we reap what we sow. Sad to say, the Islamic world has worshipped metorites for centuries, believed they had some "ticket to heaven" by practicing "5- pillars" while in truth many lived lives of depravity, and froze their culture in the 7th century except to purchase their air conditioners and automobiles manufactured in the West.

Islam is "losing the argument?" It never tried to win anything, except converts at the point of a sword. As Jesus said, you live by the sword, you die by the sword.

[pollwatcher]

Maybe they can start joining civilization by giving up all the lies:

"Palestinian Authority libel: “Israel steals body parts from Palestinian martyrs to use in hospitals."

Poisoned candy to the kids, radioactive belts, AIDS injections. It's all there.

Does the Koran say ANYTHING about lying?

[trek]

Sadly, the problem with Muslims can be summed up in the following lessor known passage from the Koran:

Congress shall pass no law except those respecting the establishment of Islam.

(emphasis mine).

trek

[Shermy]

"There is still anger that debate where it matters, in the US, has been utterly superficial, lacking any historical context."

Victimhood, yes. But also apparent is the embrace (infection?) of western post-modernist language. Note the use of the words "context" and "represent". Sad, but this fellow isn't even an english student, but someone in the sciences who has adopted the language of disuasion and deflection. Note that the emphasis is on what westerners think, and what they should think, and an utter lack of understanding of the issues and differences within Islam itself. The obsession with the western thought, rather than offering solutions to specific countries, is a hallmark of this sort of thinking. It doesn't look good for them. Further, the discussion has been very deep, the exact opposite to what is happening in the arab world, which this writer would not understand or would really be interested in, since he's a symbol of folks like him and have given up on their home countries for the west, but are struggling to fit in, problematized by the adoption of western ways of self-criticism as a way to validate the culture of the homeland. What mixed-up people!