Madinat al-Muslimeen Islamic Message Board
| Imam Hamza on CNN |
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| se7en |
| 09/22/01 at 13:27:08 |
as salaamu alaykum; So I got some emails today that said Hamza Yusuf was going to be interviewed live tonight, and that I should watch CNN from 9:30pm to 11:30pm to check it out. My family and I jetted home from masjid, sat down in front of the tv at 9:55pm, and watched. And watched. And watched. Bob Whiteman: "Now, let's discuss for approximately half an hour how the suicide hijackers committed this act for their own financial benefit - even though they died in the crash!" Tom Propagandist: "Let's discuss an obviously fake story now about now how Osama bin Laadin, who hates the United States, and is a stringent Islamic fundamentalist, is actually suspected of investing in American insurance companies before the attack and then short-selling the stocks!" "Let's talk about the affect this all will have on the agricultural economy of Idaho, *just* to waste some more time and annoy those waiting for Hamza Yusuf to be on the show!" Heh. There was a great interview though with some international journalists, when they turned the tables on Aaron Brown and started criticizing American media for it's irresponsibility and contribution to the hatred Americans have towards Muslims. Anyway, at about 11:45pm, when I'm about ready to start hitting my head against the floor.. "Backlash against Muslims in the United States.." Lots of flashes of images of hate crimes committed against Muslims/foreign people here; the Sikh man killed in Arizona, a Yemeni man who's business was torched, etc etc.. (Mind you, this is on a show with a small American flag waving hypnotically in the bottom corner of the screen.. and a big graphic behind the commentator with the words "America's New War" or something to that effect) Aaron Brown: "Now we have with us... <fumbling> Hamza err.. Yusef Hansoon." (Hahahaha.. sorry, but that was funny.) <cut to Imam Hamza, well groomed and looking a bit uncomfortable> I don't remember much about the interview except that every time Imam Hamza was about to make an awesome point, the host cut him off or questioned him or something. And the fact that the interview was FIVE MINUTES LONG. HY talked about growing up in the 60's and 70's, with people like Casey Casem and other famous Arab Americans, and how Arabs and Muslim Americans have a rich history in this country. He mentioned getting on a plane with someone who was Arab, and the reaction this Arab friend of his (from Mauritania) got; how whenever he got up, people looked horrified.. how even a few weeks ago, people wouldn't have acted this way. He said "I was shocked, even though I shouldn't have been." Brown said, "Why would you be shocked? Considering what's happened?!" HY said, "I said I was shocked, but that I *shouldn't* have been." (Brown continued to make antagonizing comments like this throughout the rest of the three minutes of the interview) HY also talked about how hurt, pain, sadness, and even anger are intensely human emotions.. but should not be misdirected. Brown mentioned an intelligent friend of his who feared any young, Arab man that would get on a plane with her. HY talked about how unfortunate this is.. how Arabs are known for their generosity and hospitality towards guests.. and how Muslims make up 20% of the world population.. and that along with that a large portion of the world looks Arab; he said, "my wife is Mexican and she's often mistaken for an Arab" :) Oh man, that's about all I can remember. Sorry :( All I remember is the last part of the interview... HY: And as I've said before, *Islam* was hijacked on that plane. I'm actually a convert to Islam an- Brown: <totally cutting him off> OOOHH, I'm sorry. How about we end here and I invite you back another day to finish the interview, hmm? I expected something much longer - the interview was like five minutes long - *if* that. He did speak well though, in the few minutes they gave him. It just sucks that he didn't get to express what he wanted to completely. May Allah reward him for his efforts. :) Aiite y'all.. that's it on my part.. wasalaamu alaykum :) |
| Re: Imam Hamza on CNN |
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| bhaloo |
| 09/22/01 at 13:52:06 |
| slm Does anyone have a transcript of what was said? Did he speak about the unjust US foreign policy? Did he explain what Islam is? Its a great dawah opportunity. If any of you should get yourself involved in a debate/interview, be prepared to have short and quick answers, because people that run these shows have their own agenda and want to move things along and may cut you off in the middle. I heard this great response the other day when one brother called in and was asked about the US foreign policy and why people in the middle east hate the US policy. He gave a 1 or 2 sentence response and set the record straight. I firmly believe that we have to begin a massive campaign now to get the message of Islam out there to others, to the newspapers, radio, television, because people are curious about Islam. |
| NS |
| Re: Imam Hamza on CNN |
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| jannah |
| 09/22/01 at 13:53:43 |
| wlm, dude he hardly got to say anything!!! that commentator guy kept cutting him off and being belligerent.. what the heck.. how rude!!! |
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