How can we as Muslims make things right?

Question

I've read and heard that people in America and around the world fault Muslims for not enough outcries against the terrorists. I think those who say this feel their perceived silence from us means we are supporting terrorists. Well that is not true. We do speak out against the terrorists, but we are not given the same airtime to shout loud enough to the terrorist to stop! But I feel that is partially my fault. So what would you like me to do to shout louder so that we can be heard? Is public access TV a good route? Should we buy space in the New York or LA Times or Washington Post? Go to Congress or get on Larry King? What do we need to do... would you please let us know? Help us out so we can make things right. Thank you in advance.

P.S. One thing I will not do is use violence, so no point in suggesting it.

A lot of bad answers so far. I will delete this question if we do not get some constructive and positive feedback.

OK, now we're getting some good ones! Thank you!

Answer 1

Be as visible as possible in denouncing terrorism. Put banners on mosques. Hold rallies in public parks. Hand out fliers. Tell everyone you know. Be louder than the terrorists.

Pay no attention to the responders who tell you to abandon your faith. Islam is a noble religion. It's up to people like you to share that fact with the rest of us.

Answer 2

Well, first you need to acknowledge that nothing you can do will make this situation "right." You can't stop terrorists any more effectively than anyone else can. Since when has voicing one's opinion stopped a terrorist? I'm sure the cries and screams of the people on the jets on 9/11 didn't phase them. It's only human nature for one people group to blame another people group based on the actions of a few people. You need to remember that of course, there will be a lack of trust for Muslims in this country in general - just expect that. The terrorists who bombed the world trade centers did at one time looked like peace loving wonderful people - students in fact - but they used that to take advantage of a situation where they saw the opportunity and took it. If there were terrorists in the nation now - they would be people who would do everything to look angelic - but were harboring evil intent and plans. Your best bet will be to get involved with your neighbors and make a difference one person at a time. You're not going to change anyone who is prejudiced or not trusting you without building personal relationships if you are genuinely trying to show that all Muslims are not evil. But then, I would go back to your religious text and I would have issues because based on some of the things that clearly suggest violence as a form of religious practice within your religous text - then if you are truly peace loving - you're a hypocrite. Okay, I'm just thinking out loud not trying to offend, and am being honest about where I'm at on this.

Answer 3

I think your intentions of trying to show the world that not all Muslims are terrorist is great. It is horrible that a loud minority overshadow the peaceful and quiet majority. To start on a small, more local scale, maybe you could try some type of event at your Mosque. Invite people around the area, local Church's, schools, and anyone else interested, show your support for the community and try to educated on your beliefs. Most people are afraid of Islam b/c of the stereotype right now. Try to educate (not convert) on your beliefs and how you currently feel about what is going on around the world. You might be surprised what happens. You can talk to your local new station and see if they could do a story about the efforts of local Muslims. whether it be through community events, serving in the military, or with charitable deeds to help support those that cannot yet speak for themselves. Starting on a local platform will help you get to the national platform, you could write congress, Larry King, and I liked the earlier suggestion of Oprah. She is probably one of the most influential people in America, if she would do a segment on your cause, people would listen. Even though it seems like an unattainable goal, every little bit helps. Good luck with your en devours, and I hope to hear about your efforts in the future.

Answer 4

I totally agree with your idea. Yes, buy some time on public tv, get together with other Muslims and call the newspapers (make sure it's a bunch of you and not just one, though.. there's strength in numbers), write a letter to Larry King, write a letter to Oprah, maybe even buy a billboard. Hey, if Angelyne can have herself plastered all over billboard in Los Angeles, then I believe anyone can do this, as long as they have the money. Angelyne isn't even talented, she's not an actor or singer, she just wants to be known, period. Why not use billboard for a much better cause?

I can't find it anymore, but I saw a website with a huge list of Muslims who made public declarations against the 911 attacks, and against terrorism altogether. I wish I had the URL now. True, Muslims don't get the air time that anti-Muslim propaganda gets, so their outcries go unnoticed.

Gather together and call/write these people. There is strength in numbers. Good luck to you!

Answer 5

I would suggest having the members of various mosques sign petition style, a statement that they denounce the activities of those who would attack the U.S.

It won't stop those in your faith who use violence to achieve their means, but it will make a statement that there are those who don't agree.

I would also come up with a rebuttal to the arguments made in "The End of Faith" by Sam Harris. He makes a compelling argument and I don't think you can overcome the implications of what he says there. I for one though, do have an open mind, so give it a try.

I might ask you this too; "Do you believe theocracy is a legitimate form of government?" Related -- If Islam requires the government to be ruled by Islamic law, what is to stop you from trying to implement Islamic law in the U.S.? I checked and I cannot find an Arab state that does not have a statement that the state is ruled by Islamic law. It has been reported that almost half of Muslims in the U.K. would like to see Sharia made law there.

Answer 6

This question is starting to grow into the reputation of being the 'aged old question' amongst us muslims doesn't it?

I really think that no matter what channel we choose, it is the mindset and the perception of people that we muslims have to change. Regardless if we buy airtime space on CBS or get ourselves invited to Oprah, the most important thing is for the citizens of the world to understand that muslims are not terrorist. Yes, there are some who are EXTREEMIST. But often their acts of violence are sparked from the same which they themselves were subjected to.

What we need to do is to prove to others that Islam is a religion of beauty, love and peace. How do you say? No airtime in the world can compare to we ourselves following the word of Allah as stated in the Holy Quran, our guide. Show other our compassion. Show them what good people we really are. Show them that Allah is gentle, understanding, forgiving, Ar-Rahman, Ar-Rahim as opposed to what they are universally fed by the others.

Oh, but for the record, I'd prefer one of us to be given a permanent column in a major daily rather than on tv. I believe that when you write something it will pour out from your heart and soul, it will be much more genuine than those hours you spend recording tv shows. No offense Oprah!

Answer 7

I don't believe muslims need to do anything but continue worship and be who they are. A few terrorists did something wrong, and because they were muslims, Americans made things wrong by discriminating.

There are countries all over the world that do things many American people wouldn't agree with, but we don't recognize them, because they did no 'wrong' to us. Americans must realize that we are the ones making this relationship harder for the both of us and are killing more people over a conflict. And sure, that conflict resulted in many dying, but that doesn't mean more innocent people need to die. It was those people's fault, not Islam.

Just be who you are, Islam is a beautiful religion and way of life. It's us Americans who need to change, many of us are close minded... so whether you speak louder or what else, we'll still want to be right and discriminate.

Thank you for your question, peace be with you.

Answer 8

All your suggestions are good but I don't understand why only Muslims should be speaking out. It seems to me that no religion is saying anything. The only people shouting about anything are those that hate Bush and the current American Government. Everyone wants to blame him for everything yet when they are asked to offer a different solution all they do is put more blame on Bush. The entire world is at fault but the only person getting blame is Bush and he's the only one trying to do anything to solve the world's problems.

Answer 9

First off the other answers make me laugh at their lack of insight secondly, a good Muslim should not need to justify the acts of crazy sectarians, I wouldn't expect any Christians to make apologies or cry out because of what happened in Waco Texas, or the First attempt of the world trade centers, or that Timothy Mcvay(sp) nut. It is not your fault that the prejudice of an unenlightened few group all muslims together. The thing that I would suggest is to lead by example go on being a true follower of your belief and show that not all muslims are extremist wack jobs.

Answer 10

first of all there is a misconception among people that muslims dont say anything against terrorists, it is completely wrong. most of our voices are blocked by the media. no one has ever shown a protest of muslims against 911 or 7/7 attacks.

its not that muslims are not doing anything, they had rallies in USA on 911 , they rallied and banned DaVinciCode and they have condemed many terrorist attacks, but the media is always hiding things from us. now i wonder why the media would do this, but this is the thruth.

http://www.crescentlife.com/heal%20the%2...
http://www.gracecathedral.org/enrichment...
http://gatewaypundit.blogspot.com/2005/1...

freedom and liberalism in a religion is not flaunting urself and talking the talk. it is responsibility and trust someone has placed in you. and one should not belie that trust. that is what i was taught by the Quran.

also a great revolution should always begin with oneself. i always have beleived in "preach what u practise and practise what u preach" theory. i cant decide for someone elses' life, Allah has not given me the right.

liberate our men and women by educating them, get them jobs and help them stand on their feet and make them independant financially and emotionally. make them strong by virtues, independence and character. let them know what muhammed -pbuh has said "the ink of the scholar is mightier than the blood of the matyr."

if people want the society to be better : then we should teach our children to be patient, forgiving and enduring and get them the best of the Quran. and before teaching others we ourselves should follow these virtues.

may be we could start speaking to our freinds of other faith, that would be good. and then post our views in news paper articles, but the question is which news channel will be ready to print them?

will we be accepted if we raise up against those black sheeps - suicide bombers- are a disgrace to our religion and who are putting muslims to shame? or will people still continue to disgrace us? some will still do inspite of all our efforts, and thats the harsh reality.

finally, if i beleive in - live and let live policy - and if each one of us apply this theory in our lives then our world is a blissful Heaven.

Answer 11

i understand your point perfectly and i am sympathetic to your cause as a 'good muslim'. like us we also have 'bad and good christians within us' but we generally try to police our force, so that the bad ones gets to be ctiricized and condemned as the incident for it rise, so we have not really heard so much about muslims condemning their own especially with these notoriety around - and yes maybe blame it on the lack of airtime, or that there are only so few (forgive if i lack the perception) of you not being heard enough. Either way, you need to increase your force because numbers do matter and the bigger the voice, the mostly you will be heard.
I thank you for being with us all in this fight for peace against violence.