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Madinat al-Muslimeen Islamic Message Board
| Muslim Child beaten in Pennsylvania |
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| jannah |
| 05/22/03 at 16:05:57 |
| Seems like hostility against Muslims is rising.. This week alone I've had a few comments/incidents... but this is horrible subhanallah.. In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MUSLIM CHILD BEATEN IN PENNSYLVANIA Authorities urged to treat incident as hate crime (WASHINGTON, D.C., 5/22/03) - The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today called on local and federal authorities to treat the beating of an 8-year-old Muslim child in Bensalem, Penn., as a hate crime. The Washington-based Islamic civil rights and advocacy group says the child was allegedly beaten earlier this month by three 13-year-old boys who made remarks such as "go back to Iraq" and "Saddam Hussein helper" during the attack. According to the Muslim boy's family, he came home with a bloody mouth and spent one night in the hospital for observation. He is now terrified to go outside and cannot sleep at night. The alleged attackers, whose names are apparently known to police, have not been taken into custody. "A disturbing pattern seems to be developing in which ordinary American Muslims, Arab-Americans and those perceived to be Middle Eastern, are subject to attack merely because of their religion, ethnicity or distinctive attire," said CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad. "Law enforcement authorities at both the local and national levels can help discourage these types of assaults by treating them with the seriousness they deserve." In a similar incident on Monday in Pennsylvania, a 14-year-old Iraqi-American girl says she was beaten by a classmate while a crowd of students stood by yelling anti-Muslim comments. The victim said her attackers shouted "kill the Muslim girl…that's what she deserves" during the assault. Also this week, a Sikh man who may have been mistaken for an Arab, was shot in Phoenix, Ariz. The victim said he heard his attacker shout "go back to where you belong," just before being shot. Police are treating the incident as a hate crime. CAIR is encouraging victims of hate crimes to fill out report forms, which are available for download at: http://www.cair-net.org/ireport/Incident_Report.doc, or by calling 202-488-8787. CAIR, America's largest Islamic civil liberties group, is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has 16 regional offices nationwide and in Canada. Since its founding in 1994, CAIR has defended the civil and religious rights of all Americans. |
| 05/23/03 at 11:35:25 |
| jannah |
| Re: Muslim Child beatein in Pennsylvania |
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| sofia |
| 05/22/03 at 17:25:04 |
| Subhan'Allah, children, adults, I don't know which is worse. What are parents teaching their children? I just heard of a recent case in Balto, where a minority blind girl (non-Muslim) was being harassed by her classmates. I can't understand. May Allah protect the innocent, aameen. ------------ Post-script: I've been thinking about this. We should have recent graduates (or whoever, reminding myself first, I even went to an ING seminar on this last year but haven't doen it yet) offer to present an Intro to Islam presentation to every country's schools all over the states. I know there are a lot of schools, but at least the junior high and high school levels. The Islamic Networks Group (www.ing.org) in the Bay Area has been really successful and tactful in doing this, mashaa'Allah, so please check their website or even start your own local bureau, inshaa'Allah. Ok, this was reminder enough. |
| 05/22/03 at 17:34:32 |
| sofia |
| MUSLIM CHILD BEATEN |
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| Kathy |
| 05/22/03 at 17:11:16 |
| [slm] The below article is a CAIR alert. The reason I am posting this is because I see this trend growing. Tuesday I was doing a dawah program for about 150 teenage kids. When we were taking them on a tour of the Masjid, one of the kids asked me "Why did you pick Islam as the religion to change to?" That is a pretty normal question, except this time. He was saying it with such incredibility and with venom dripping from his statement. Must admit it took me back. Earlier, as the Imam was speaking, I was standing off to the side. Behind a girl who was wearing a scarf, a couple, cheerleader type girls, were mocking her, unbeknowest to the covered girl. I watched for awhile and then watched as they were debating whether to pull her scarf off. The idiot girl went to do it, and they all were giggling. But she didn't have the courage to do it. Then the rest began to egg her on and she went for it. Can you imagine the expression on her face when a 350 lb Muslim woman came at her? Can you just imagine what look was on my face? I hope the fear of my face invades her dreams, because that fear is nothing compared to Allah swt wrath..... [code] IN PENNSYLVANIA Authorities urged to treat incident as hate crime (WASHINGTON, D.C., 5/22/03) - The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today called on local and federal authorities to treat the beating of an 8-year-old Muslim child in Bensalem, Penn., as a hate crime. The Washington-based Islamic civil rights and advocacy group says the child was allegedly beaten earlier this month by three 13-year-old boys who made remarks such as "go back to Iraq" and "Saddam Hussein helper" during the attack. According to the Muslim boy's family, he came home with a bloody mouth and spent one night in the hospital for observation. He is now terrified to go outside and cannot sleep at night. The alleged attackers, whose names are apparently known to police, have not been taken into custody. "A disturbing pattern seems to be developing in which ordinary American Muslims, Arab-Americans and those perceived to be Middle Eastern, are subject to attack merely because of their religion, ethnicity or distinctive attire," said CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad. "Law enforcement authorities at both the local and national levels can help discourage these types of assaults by treating them with the seriousness they deserve." In a similar incident on Monday in Pennsylvania, a 14-year-old Iraqi-American girl says she was beaten by a classmate while a crowd of students stood by yelling anti-Muslim comments. The victim said her attackers shouted "kill the Muslim girl…that's what she deserves" during the assault. Also this week, a Sikh man who may have been mistaken for an Arab, was shot in Phoenix, Ariz. The victim said he heard his attacker shout "go back to where you belong," just before being shot. Police are treating the incident as a hate crime. CAIR is encouraging victims of hate crimes to fill out report forms, which are available for download at: http://www.cair-net.org/ireport/Incident_Report.doc, or by calling 202-488-8787. CAIR, America's largest Islamic civil liberties group, is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has 16 regional offices nationwide and in Canada. Since its founding in 1994, CAIR has defended the civil and religious rights of all Americans. [/code] |
| 05/23/03 at 08:23:12 |
| Kathy |
| Re: MUSLIM CHILD BEATEN |
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| Yasmeena |
| 05/23/03 at 01:41:11 |
| [slm] I hate to say this Kathy, but I have to agree with you. This trend IS growing and the speed with which it is growing alarms me. I get the CAIR news allerts and saw this article earlier today. I live in an area that has a huge military presence. Not to mention the Red-Necks that seem to have taken over this area. And I live in the Pacific Northwest! It isn't like I live in the so-called Bible Belt of the US on in the heart of Red-Neck territory. The anti-Muslim think is strong here. Because of this, my husband has requested that I do not wear hijab in public. It goes against the teachings for modesty, but what do I do. Obey my husbands wishes or take a chance of ending up in the hospital. Please advise me. Yasmeena [wlm] |
| Re: MUSLIM CHILD BEATEN |
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| Kathy |
| 05/23/03 at 08:28:53 |
| [slm] Do you really think you will be harmed? Are you sure this is your husband's intentions? This is America. We are free to dress as we please. Do not let others take that freedom away from you. If your safety is really at stake then make sure you are never alone. To me, when a Muslim takes off their scarf in fear, they win. I understand the feelings of fear you have, and went through it soon after 9/11. When I contemplated taking off my scarf, I was brought to tears when my son asked me "Mom, are you embarrased to be a Muslim?" No, I am not, in fact quite proud of it. If I have to take a beating, it is worth it. I am not giving up my freedom or my religious duty for a couple of rednecks. |
| Re: MUSLIM CHILD BEATEN |
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| eleanor |
| 05/23/03 at 09:50:50 |
| [slm] I have to see the coward that can beat Momma Mod :-* |
| Re: MUSLIM CHILD BEATEN |
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| SisterHania |
| 05/23/03 at 10:00:38 |
| [quote author=Kathy link=board=ummah;num=1053665928;start=0#0 date=05/22/03 at 17:11:16] Can you imagine the expression on her face when a 350 lb Muslim woman came at her? Can you just imagine what look was on my face? I hope the fear of my face invades her dreams, because that fear is nothing compared to Allah swt wrath..... [/quote] Lol I know I shouldn't laugh but I really wish I saw that girl's face. It seems as though non-Muslim teenage children are prepared to mock, attack Muslim children AND adults for wearing a hijab or wearing a jilbab or growing a beard and what makes it even more intimidating is the fact that they always seem to be in packs/groups so if you are unfortunate enough to be trapped by a group of teenagers you know something unpleasant is ahead. What are you supposed to do in those situations? How can you handle yourself without getting in trouble? Nowadays children appear to have no limit and are prepared to go to any lengths to perform morally unsavoury acts in return for some praise form their equally degenerate peer group. Perhaps this is the fault of their parents for not instilling enough discipline in their upbringing. I think while growing up I noticed a difference in the behaviour between the majority of practising Muslim/Christain children and non-religious households. With all the harassement you realise you are a minority and it does get you down but at the end of the day the suffering in this life is only short-term in comparison to the joys of the afterlife which are for eternity. |
| 05/23/03 at 10:03:40 |
| SisterHania |
| Re: MUSLIM CHILD BEATEN |
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| Nistar |
| 05/23/03 at 10:24:32 |
| [slm] I think its so sad the way teenagers act -- and even sadder that (well, unless we're as awesome, masha'Allah, as Momma Mod) some of us can become intimidated by packs of teenagers! Myself included. Just yesterday, I ended up walking behind four high-school boys, and actually debated crossing the street. I decided not to...not to let fear get me, so I just walked behind them and made a quick dua'a. They just walked on talking about CDs and birthdays, looking at me once in a while...and then when I came to my street, I simply walked away. But that's when the calling began -- and I unfortunately heard a string of profanities directed at me as I walked into my building. But instead of feeling bad or defeated, I made more dua'a and reminded myself that Alhamdulillah, I am educated, self-sustaining and insha'Allah will have an exciting future. They still have a 10pm curfew, are frightened, are probably lashing out because of home or peer influence and can still get grounded! And will definitely not get anywhere in life if they allow ignorance to rule their higher mental functions. Peace, Nistar |
| Re: Muslim Child beaten in Pennsylvania |
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| Chris |
| 05/23/03 at 14:52:31 |
| Well done, Kathy, I'd have loved to see her face. Did u take any pictures? ;D I've never done anything like that, even at my worst. Chris |
| Re: MUSLIM CHILD BEATEN |
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| dhameer |
| 05/23/03 at 15:44:16 |
| [slm] [quote] Earlier, as the Imam was speaking, I was standing off to the side. Behind a girl who was wearing a scarf, a couple, cheerleader type girls, were mocking her, unbeknowest to the covered girl. I watched for awhile and then watched as they were debating whether to pull her scarf off. [/quote] This should help deter ........ http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,1282,58914,00.html [slm] |
| Re: Muslim Child beaten in Pennsylvania |
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| jannah |
| 05/23/03 at 18:22:17 |
| [code] Shocking New Jacket Hits Street By Leander Kahney | Also by this reporter Page 1 of 2 next » 02:00 AM May. 22, 2003 PT A new anti-assault device for women wards off potential assailants with an 80,000-volt electric shock. [/code] [wlm] That's funny bro... we should make that into a hijab... :-) |
| Re: Muslim Child beaten in Pennsylvania |
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| Emerald |
| 05/23/03 at 23:42:40 |
| In response to Yasmeena's comment, we should fear Allah (swt) more than anyone. I know some family member's of mine who said they took off the hijab after the 9-11 incident and I was shocked! I know that Islam calls for yussur (ease in life) and that Allah (swt) wishes us to avoid that that harms us but c'mon where's the eman? Remember the sahaba that fought in battle and they were few in number? The angels fought with them. They had no fear but courage. And Allah (swt) loves those who are courageous. For me personally and this is my opinion, is that I would rather be attacked and die for something I believe so strongly in than to let an ignorant person break me. If anything bad should happen, than to know that my daughter will grow up knowing I died for what I believed in would be the greatest lesson I could ever give her. I say be proud of the religion that teaches peace, tolerance, truth and justice and show it. |
| Re: Muslim Child beaten in Pennsylvania |
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| Ameeraana |
| 05/24/03 at 22:34:07 |
| [slm] Yasmeena, I know it can be extremely scary at times to be a Muslim, especially Muslimah as we are immediately recognized as Muslims and easier to target because we are women. You should probably speak to an Imam about this threat of physical violence you feel you are subject to for wearing hijab. I do not have the ruling on hand but I do know that one of the times we should not obey our husbands is when what they are telling us to do goes against what Allah tells us to. It is easier said than done, but I would say that I definitely would keep hijab on even if there is threat of physical violence. I wouldn't want them to win. But I am not witnessing what you are. Perhaps you should have your husband ask that there be extra officers patrolling your neighborhood. Contact CAIR and see if there has been reports of harrassment against Muslims in your surrounding areas to see how far this threat has gotten. Ameera |
| Re: Muslim Child beaten in Pennsylvania |
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| Jawad |
| 05/28/03 at 14:41:01 |
| it makes me happy when i hear about muslim women wearing hijaab, especially in these cases ive never really encountered much racism (probably because i live near Dearborn, MI) all you see are muslims everywhere its nice, and i think its good for them cause they have an environment where most women do wear hijaab but my question is how you girls do it and do you think there is ever a limit, like a point where you feel you will HAVE to take off your hijaab? or would u keep it on no matter what? |
| Re: Muslim Child beaten in Pennsylvania |
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| stap |
| 05/30/03 at 13:11:54 |
| Why is it that Muslims in America apparently always run to the police whenever an incident takes place? Why don't the Muslims have the equivalent of a JDL? Instead of always running to kafiroon who probably have the same feelings as red neck americans. It is shameful that Muslims are going to Kafirs for protection. Allah subhanuwa ta'alah says in Suratul Ma'idah: "O you who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians as 'Auliya' (friends, protectors, helpers etc.), they are but 'Auliya' to one another. And if any amongst you takes them as 'Auliya' then surely he is one of them. Verily, Allah guides not those people who are the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers and unjust)." Regards taking off the hijab. it is prohibited to do so unless you personally KNOW with certainty that you will be killed if you do so. Wallahu ta'alah a'lam. |
| Re: Muslim Child beaten in Pennsylvania |
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| jannah |
| 05/31/03 at 13:14:11 |
| [slm] What's a JDL? As for running to the police and authorities.. umm we kind of live here in this country and we pay taxes and do everything else. Why shouldn't we call the police and report these incidents or seek their physical protection. This is the law and as Muslims living in a NonMuslim country we abide by this country's laws. As for that verse I feel that you may be taking it wayyyyyyy out of context... w'Allahu alam. |
| Re: Muslim Child beaten in Pennsylvania |
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| panjul |
| 05/31/03 at 15:01:01 |
| [slm] JDL--Jewish Defense League. a terrorist organization, at one point it was on the state departments list as a terrorist organization, i dont know if it still is. I think one of its members blew up an office of an prominent arab-american. Or was it another jewish organization? Cuz we have several. in any case--they are a bunch of thugs with access to the top level of govts. Nice proposition Stap, to run a org. with the purpose of threatening a harassing people. ::) |
| Re: Muslim Child beaten in Pennsylvania |
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| Chris |
| 05/31/03 at 16:35:03 |
| stap: with all due respect, it is not for you or I to decide if a situation is threatening, it is for the people at ground zero, who are accountable to god. They need to be alive to worship him. Chris |
| Re: Muslim Child beaten in Pennsylvania |
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| a_Silver_Rose |
| 05/31/03 at 20:16:44 |
| [slm] Sister Yasmeen I understand your feelings.  AFter 9/11 a horrible incident took place with a woman who wore hijab. my sisters friend knew her. She was driving to work when a whole bunch of sick guys dragged her out of her car and beat her up pretty bad. Yes the next day she went to work without her hijab. (She had to go to work as she needed the money) I also heard woman in california (which had the most hate crimes according to cair)(and i believe cali also had  the worst) actually got raped as a result of 9/11. dont know if it was hijab or skin  color tho... before 9/11 my friends cousin and a bunch of her friends who wore hijab had all went out and someone had tried to kill them by hitting their car on purpose. unfortunately ever since that my friends cuz has stopped wearing hijab... Anyhow having said that I agree with sister Kathy, although it is easier said than done. There are always exceptions to everything though. May Allah (swt) give stregnth to the child and his parents. Ameen. |
| 05/31/03 at 22:19:14 |
| a_Silver_Rose |
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