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| U.S. Wooing Muslims on Ramadan |
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| Halima |
| 11/04/02 at 01:16:18 |
| news More Religion News Click here to go back to the News & Society page. U.S. Wooing Muslims on Ramadan United Press International Washington, Oct. 31—(UPI) Season's greetings in Arabic calligraphy welcome the visitors to this site. Another corner displays 11 beautiful pictures of mosques in the United States. Yet another corner offers the religious landscape of the United States in English, French, Russian and Spanish languages. Yet the Web site that offers all this is run by a secular institution--the U.S. State Department, which is running a $15 million campaign to befriend Muslims in the United States and abroad.The department's campaign coincides with the advent of Ramadan, which begins next week. During this month Muslims around the world fast from dawn to dusk and spend their evenings praying to God. The department hopes that a message of peace sent during Ramadan would help improve relations with Muslim nations, some of which are often hostile to the United States. As part of the campaign, supervised by Charlotte Beers, undersecretary of state for public diplomacy, the department has prepared four television commercials aimed at providing a better understanding of Islam in America. Each about two minutes long, the ads explain "what kind of a society we are, how we treat people," says the department's spokesman Richard Boucher. "The goal is to use the period of Ramadan to play these ads because there's a tradition of people telling the story of Islam in their country during the month of Ramadan," Boucher said. He said the United States was under no illusions that the ads would stop suicide bombers by showing Islamic militants the United States was tolerant of their religion. "But there are an awful lot of people who need to know more about the United States," he said. "What they think they know about the United States is based on distorted images and rumor ... and that it's good for us to tell them our story." The spots feature a doctor, Elias Zerhouni, the Algerian-born director of the National Institutes of Health; a Libyan-born baker, Abdul Hammuda of Toledo, Ohio; a Lebanese-born teacher, Rawia Ismail of Toledo; and a medic with the New York Fire Department, Farouk Muhammad. They were produced in conjunction with the Council of American Muslims for Understanding, a nonprofit, nonpolitical group which aims at providing a better understanding of Islam in America. One of the articles on the Web site deals with the general misconceptions about Islam in the West, particularly in the United States. Making a distinction between Islam as a religion and culture and the politics of the Islamic groups, the article points out that "to say that Islam is responsible for terrorists is just as incorrect as the assertion that Christianity produced the Nazis." Quoting Bernard Lewis, a retired professor of Near East studies at Princeton University in New Jersey, the article says that there's an "enormous amount of shared heritage, shared belief and shared customs" between the Islamic and Western cultures. "There are still significant numbers, in some quarters perhaps a majority, of Muslims with whom we share certain basic cultural and moral, social and political beliefs and aspirations," Lewis said. "Remember, we are talking about one and a third billion people; about more than 14 centuries of history; and about an enormous diversity of differing and often even conflicting traditions within the same larger culture." Another article on the State Department's Web Site quotes a Muslim-American leader of an Islamic think tank as saying that problems such as terrorism and violence plaguing the Muslim world have "only one way out--democracy." Radwan Masmoudi, executive director of the Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy, says that the Islamic world is in a state of disarray because of confrontation between extremist religious movements that see themselves as the "defenders of Islam" and authoritarian political regimes that claim to be "defenders of modernity." Masmoudi says authoritarian attempts to impose Islam or modernity are dead ends. Yet another article tells the readers that Islamic financial institutions are expanding in the United States to meet the needs of a growing American Muslim population. "The Islamic banking investment and financial management market is growing at a rate of 15 percent per year, currently operates in 75 countries and accounts for around US$200 billion," said the article. "Nearly one-quarter of all Islamic financial institutions are working in countries that do not have Muslim majorities," including the United States. Islamic banking and finance, a modern movement that began in the 1960s, embraces Islamic ethical principles (Shariah), which prohibit paying or charging interest, and prevent investment in unethical sectors and industries that produce pornography, alcoholic beverages, gambling and other morally questionable practices. Financing businesses projects according to Shariah is based on installment sale, leasing and/or equity participation. This allows the Islamic banks and their depositors to share their financial risk with the entrepreneurs and together reap the benefits of investment. The practice of profit sharing essentially means that wealth creation should be the result of a partnership between investors and entrepreneurs in which the risks and rewards are shared. "Thirty percent of the 7 million American Muslims (who account for 2 percent of the U.S. population) want to adhere to strict Islamic principles when dealing with their finances," says Abdulkader Thomas, a principal consultant at Strategic Guidance LLC. "Two percent of the U.S. population is not a small number, and 30 percent of that is not an undesirable market," he adds. On the right-hand corner, the State Department's Web site has the picture of a stamp issued by the U.S. Postal Service on Sept. 1, 2001, which says: "Eid mubarak," or "May your religious holiday be blessed." The Eid stamp, honoring Muslim feast days known as Eid and which marks the end of Ramadan, was reissued Oct. 10, 2002. |
| Re: U.S. Wooing Muslims on Ramadan |
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| jannah |
| 11/04/02 at 04:25:17 |
| hmm Interesting with all those millions and research, they didn't figure out that maybe Muslims would like the US much better if they actually *didn't* bomb a Muslim country this Ramadan. I was curious to see what propoganda looked like http://usinfo.state.gov/usa/islam/ Innocious seemingly I'm not sure who they're trying to target... the uninformed Muslim, the secular Muslim?, the Muslim who hates US foreign policy? Hey if this helps the general American public learn more about Islam I'm all for it, but call me cynical I think we should be careful because everything that's paid for by a gov't, esp the US gov't has an alterior motive and their motive right now seems to placate Muslims before going in for the kill.....perhaps literally Update: Ok I take it back.. this thing is total propoganda.. I clicked around some more and the whole thing is trying to put across the idea that Islam is accepted and easily practiced and supported in the US and that Muslims support the US gov't-- and are part of the mainstream... like showing Muslims in the Army and the White House, Muslims giving lectures in high school, praying in mosques, etc what people don't realize is that Muslims ,have had to scrape and beg and fight for every one of those sorry pictures, that Islam is NOT an integral part of the US, it isn't accepted and it isn't supported by the US gov't in any way or form that I know of??? (except for this website) |
| 11/04/02 at 04:57:33 |
| jannah |
| Re: U.S. Wooing Muslims on Ramadan |
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| Halima |
| 11/05/02 at 01:37:29 |
| Sis Janna, I am glad you read this. The Muslim world outside the U.S. can never be swayed with American propaganda. We can smell a rat a mile away. So, it is for you Muslims in the U.S. who need to be more careful. You have a lot to contend with without such propaganda. That is why I shared this and the book about taking back Islam. Do Muslims need to please Americans to be liked??? NO WAY!!! We have much dignity and much respect for ourselves and our religion. I have another article about the Nation of Islam. This are the kind of things that genuine Muslims in America should be exremely careful about and advocate the true essence of Islam with trying to placate anybody. If the American government thinks printing of a stamps and creating of propaganda websites will change perception of American in the Muslim world, then it has to think again. The fact that American bombed Afghanistan during Ramadan will never be forgotten. And the fact that it wants to do it again in Iraq enrages every Muslim. So, I hope websites like this one will educate Americans who really want to know Islam and the Muslims, not necessarily in the sense of converting everyone but in educating them and removing the stereotyping. Wasalaam. Halima |
| Re: U.S. Wooing Muslims on Ramadan |
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| Addison |
| 11/05/02 at 07:43:20 |
| Greetings to my gracious hosts, I will once again ask for your kind indulgence in allowing me to express myself here, with what may be viewd as an unpopular opinion... I too visited the site which was mentioned above, but I must confess that my perceptions with regard to its content were somewhat less...negative... While some of the information is rather simplistic, I am reminded that the site was not necessiarily designed for those of us who are already strong in our beliefs, but for those who may be, at last, reconsidering their feelings regarding the true natures of those who are sincere in their Islamic faith. I do believe that while there is quite a way to go yet ( or as Robert Frost would say, " and miles to go before I sleep...," ) people who were once "set" in their negative notions about Muslims, are beginning to re-evaluate their own belief systems...I work in a building that is filled with Baptists and Catholics, who were quite ( how shall I put it? ) close-minded in their behavior towards me, especially after THAT event. However, it was people form this same group who helped me in petition of the re-issue of the Eid stamp ( which our local Post office had a one point refused to sell!!! ) What I am trying to say ( and saying it rather badly, no doubt, ) is that some people, it would seem ( esepecially those who are the most volatile in their opposition, ) are more effective at learning when they are coaxed instead of preached to...They need a gentle persuasion rather than an in-your-face- kind of prsentation, for, while the latter tends to perpetuate a feeling of threat, the former tends more towards a feeling of acceptance. Now, I do not mean to make light of your concerns with the piece, rather I am saying that I believe the concerns which you have may be somewhat unfounded when one considers the target audience. Let us consider too that the site does provide valuable resources for finding schools, banks, places of worship, and other information which might be useful to those new to the area or even new to the faith who are looking for a "support" group in close proximity. In view of the fact that many Americans would prefer the expulsion of practicing Muslims from their country to begin with, I consider it to be a positive, if somewhat imperfect gesture on the part of the State department to have designed such a site... While it may be of no service to those with adamant beliefs ( on either end of the spectrum, ) it may have benefits for those who are, how shall we say, "middle of the road" concerning their ideas about the Islamic faith, and who want to try to better understand the faith but fear straying too far from home on their first attempts. I hope that I have not caused an offense with this opinion, nevertheless, if I have , I do most humbly beg your pardon. Respectfully, Addison " Invite mankind...to the Way of your Lord with wisdom...and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. " ( An-Nahl, v 125. ) |
| NS |
| 11/05/02 at 07:46:52 |
| Addison |
| Re: U.S. Wooing Muslims on Ramadan |
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| BroHanif |
| 11/05/02 at 17:35:13 |
| Salaams, [quote]Another article on the State Department's Web Site quotes a Muslim-American leader of an Islamic think tank as saying that problems such as terrorism and violence plaguing the Muslim world have "only one way out--democracy." [/quote] Yep thats right American democracy, you pick the leader and you make sure he plays your oil card otherwise his out on his ear. And as for Islam make sure it dosen't rise, if it does, bomb the fundamentalists, take off the beards and hijabs and employ a million spies to do your dirty work. Salaams Hanif |
| NS |
| Re: U.S. Wooing Muslims on Ramadan |
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| Addison |
| 11/05/02 at 19:43:43 |
" And hold fast, all of you together, to the rope of Allâh, and be not divided among yourselves..." ( Âl- 'Imrân, v. 103. ) Dear Bro Hanif, I am sorry if I have caused you to be angry. I do not know if you address me personally, or if your comment is more generalized...I had no intention of making some sort of political statement, but had merely attempted to point out the positive qualities of some of the information contained on the aforementioned website. Wiht humble regards, Respectfully, Addison " Therefore remember Me ( by praying, glorifying. ) I will remember you..." ( Al-Baqarah, v. 152. ) |
| NS |
| Re: U.S. Wooing Muslims on Ramadan |
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| Halima |
| 11/06/02 at 02:17:12 |
| Asalaam Aleykum Addison, What we need to do and especially American Muslims need to do is scrutinize everything the American Government says or does about Islam. Accepting everything it says at face value is very dangerous. It will aslo be a grave mistake to assume that the American Government is interested in Islam for the sake of truth. It has its own agenda. It will exploit our weaknesses at every possible opportunity. So, we need to be vigilant and potray Islam as it is. It is goodness, tolerance, etc. Wasalaam Halima |
| Re: U.S. Wooing Muslims on Ramadan |
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| Addison |
| 11/06/02 at 06:17:35 |
" You shall certainly be tried and tested in your wealth and properties and in your personal selves, and you shall certainly hear much that will grieve ...but if you persevere patiently, and become Al-Muttaqűn then verily, that will be a determining factor in all affairs. " ( Âl-'Imrân, v. 186. ) Dear Halima, Wa' alaikum assalam... ( and the blessings of Ramadan to all...) I concur with you concerning the fact that we must be vigilant always...I am employed by the US Government and am well aware of the fact that some of its efforts are dubious, at best, nevertheless, I believe that we can make a mark anywhere, and our weaknesses are only as formidable as we allow them to become. Additionally, while I cannot deny a susupicion on my part concerning any authoritarian body, I refuse to disgard my faith in the individual and in his power to move in his own behalf within that governing body. Again, I hope that I do not cause offense with my remarks, and am in the hopes that we can agree to disagree, as it were... Respectfully, Addison " A great many people think they are thinking when they are rearranging their prejudices. " William James |
| NS |
| Re: U.S. Wooing Muslims on Ramadan |
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| BroHanif |
| 11/06/02 at 17:33:09 |
| salaams, [quote]I am sorry if I have caused you to be angry. I do not know if you address me personally, or if your comment is more generalized...[/quote] No offence caused man, don't worry. However, the staement about democracy is a sham. What I find disgusting are some of the polices that the US adopts from bullying others to do their bidding for example the recent farce in the UN. To establishing military bases all over the world, the US is imply out of tune with the peoples feeling and culture. I'm not against the public in whatever way, what I find distressing is fact that they use an awful lot of power to make people do their bidding. In fact they go to such lengths to even topple people, Venezula, Cuba, Palestine, Libya. And if they don't like a country then invade it, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq. And many of the countries that the US is now eyeing up are the Mid east ones where many of its citizens are Muslims. If they ever want to feel respected then they should start to understand why so many in the world and in the Mid East see the US as arrogant and someone who increasingly is blind to the injustice that Israel meets out on the Palestinians. Maybe somebody needs to design a website for the US govt to how to win friends ? |
| NS |
| Re: U.S. Wooing Muslims on Ramadan |
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| Addison |
| 11/06/02 at 18:54:42 |
| " The believers are nothing else than brothers..." ( Al-Hujurât, v. 10 ) Assalamu Alaikum, and continued blessings of Ramadan to all... Dear BroHanif, I am relieved to hear from you...It is typically female to fret over these things I suppose, but I could not refrain from it. Perhaps it would help if I were to explain a bit... With your continued indulgence, of course, I shall, in brief, attempt to deliver part of the reasoning behind my somewhat split decision, as it were, regarding the merits of the Government as far as my personal involvement within its confines... I speak with wariness concerning the Government, as I have personally experienced how cruelly it can operate under the guise of civility and propriety. I have lost my job twice for reasons which I suspect were nothing more than those to do with the fact that I am of a religious minority, but which were made to look as something of an entirely different nature. I was once even struck by a supervisor, and when I filed assault charges with the police, do you know what became of it? I lost my job again.. Now, I have in every case eventually retained my position, but not without quite a fight, and at a great personal inconvenience. I am ( always have been, and must remain ) single, and as such, I find that with mortgage and college debts and the like, that I am every bit in need of and in fact, grateful for the benefits which go with a Government job. I do not wish to lose it permenantly, nor could I afford to. Now what I wish to make clear is that while the "Government" has tried more than once to be rid of me, it has been members within its very rank and file who have helped me retain my position, and who have helped me receive the pay I had lost in each case after having been mysteriously dismissed...This was not the work of laywers, as I could not afford a private one, and those appointed by the court are no doubt working in the best interest of the court and not the citizen. While the "Government" may have its detractors, and within its ranks, deceivers, I cannot, nay, will not leave off my hope in the merits of the individual, who, at some point must wrestle with his own conscience, and ultimately answer to a higher authority than any ruling body which we have here on earth. Again, I do appreciate your response, as it has made me feel much better. Thank you for you patience, Respectfully, Addison " Experience hath shown, that even under the best forms of government those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny. " Thomas Jefferson |
| NS |
| Re: U.S. Wooing Muslims on Ramadan |
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| se7en |
| 11/06/02 at 23:13:59 |
| as salaamu alaykum / peace I do agree that it's important to have general, informative, positive sites about Islam for people who don't know much about it.. but the intention and design of *this* site is not so innocent. [quote]The department hopes that a message of peace sent during Ramadan would help improve relations with Muslim nations, some of which are often hostile to the United States. [/quote] [quote]He said the United States was under no illusions that the ads would stop suicide bombers by showing Islamic militants the United States was tolerant of their religion. "But there are an awful lot of people who need to know more about the United States," he said. "What they think they know about the United States is based on distorted images and rumor ... and that it's good for us to tell them our story." [/quote] Now I don't know what kind of drugs the people at the State Department are smoking, but I think if they want to get people to stop getting mad at the United States, the solution might be for them to .. hmm.. stop killing innocent people maybe? I think people outside the United States know quite enough about it.. the Palestinians know that the United States is responsible fo providing four billion dollars worth of weaponry yearly to the people that oppress and subjugate them on a daily basis.. the people of Iraq know that six million of their children die every month because the United States deprives them of basic medical and nutritional items.. and so on with many of these 'hostile' Muslim countries. The U.S. state department needs to realize that people don't hate the United States due to its freedoms, or because its women wear short skirts, or any of the other ridiculous reasons that were brought forth after September 11th. People grow to hate the United States because United States foreign policy is unjust, oppressive, deprives people of basic human rights and civil liberties and kills many many innocent people. If they want to extinguish the hatred, they need to extinguish the source of it. just my (heated) thoughts.. wasalaam |
| 11/06/02 at 23:15:09 |
| se7en |
| Re: U.S. Wooing Muslims on Ramadan |
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| Asim |
| 11/07/02 at 08:15:43 |
| Assalaamu alaikum, [quote]In fact they go to such lengths to even topple people, Venezula, Cuba, Palestine, Libya. And if they don't like a country then invade it, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq[/quote] Add Pakistan to that list. The U.S. wants their man and policies, democracy or no democracy. BTW, I agree with BroHanif, democracy is a sham as we know it today. It is meant to be a hogwash, a veil, curtain, to push a minority's agenda. I don't mean democracy in the third world, but democracy everywhere. What do they say in political science texts ? govt by the ppl, for the ppl....? Baah! Wasalaam. |
| 11/07/02 at 08:22:01 |
| Asim |
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