by B. R. GOWANI
“Protesters again rallied in Midland Beach today against the sale of an empty convent to a Muslim group that would turn it into a mosque.” PHOTO/Hilton Flores/Advance/Staten Island
How can we claim this as our country
when we know it’s yours?
the milky people from Europe
stole it from the Native Indians
built it with slave labor,
enriched it with colored labor and resources
so that one day you can claim it as yours
and show this banner to all
Nobody bothered you
within your territory,
but you allowed not
others to manage themselves
you stretched yourself out so much and now
the entire planet has your claw marks all over
now: everything is yours
and so are we
as Arundhati Roy said we are all
“subject[s]” of the US Empire
Time for Muslim leaders to reflect
The decision by the Muslims leaders to build an Islamic Center and a mosque in the vicinity of the destroyed twin towers of the World Trade Center has led to an unprecedented outrage by the families of the 9/11 victims and very many others, including a section of the US society whose bigotry has not been a secret. The former group’s feelings can be understood. Interestingly though, some Democrats and others have also joined the prevalent anti-mosque sentiments. The motive of the bigots is entirely different. The likes of Sarah Palin and Newt Gingrich have a twofold purpose: To further their own cause in the 2012 presidential election and, secondly, to help Republicans in the Congressional elections this November.
Also worthy to note is that even though they are both hard core Republicans but, if either of them wins the presidential election, s/he would tone down the rhetoric and would be seen hosting an Iftar party for the rich Muslims with an eye on their pockets.
By joining the chorus, the Anti-Defamation League of the B’nai Brith has angered some people who were aware of its hypocrisy but were afraid to criticize. Fareed Zakaria (a Muslim), host of CNN’s GPS (Global Public Square) and the editor of the Newsweek’s international edition returned the award he was presented by the League in 2005. (Why did he accept it at all?) The league is a very strong part of the Israeli Lobby in the US.*
Fanatic Jews are famous for passionately opposing use of the word “holocaust” for any tragedy; they believe it should only be used for the Nazi genocide of the Jews. However, in opposing the Cordoba Initiative, the League’s National Director Abe Foxman compared the 9/11 victims indirectly to the Holocaust victims when he said:
“Survivors of the Holocaust are entitled to feelings that are irrational,” he said. Referring to the loved ones of Sept. 11 victims, he said, “Their anguish entitles them to positions that others would categorize as irrational or bigoted.”
Many Muslims have expressed their displeasure at this project. However, the Muslims promoting this project are trying hard to get financing for the Cordoba Initiative project which is almost non-existent.
This is also the time for the moderate Muslim leaders in the US (and other Western countries) to reflect on some of the criticisms coming forth from the opponents of the mosque, and to also ponder over the religious rot piling up in Muslim countries. Newt Gingrich is a hypocrite and an opportunist but the reasoning behind his statement cannot be dismissed.
“There should be no mosque near Ground Zero in New York so long as there are no churches or synagogues in Saudi Arabia.”
“People in New York protest the proposed construction of a mosque near the World Trade Center site Sunday, June 6, 2010.” PHOTO/AP/SWOAN PARKER/Haaretz
A look at the Muslim countries reveal a very ugly picture: Someone is stoned for adultery; someone is murdered for blasphemy; someone is killed for marrying outside the religion; someone is threatened for saying something about Islam, Quran, or Muhammad; someone is beaten up for producing a work of art critical of Islam; and on and on.
Saudi Arabia is the worst perpetrator of them all. After the US, it is Saudi Arabia which has done the most harm to other Muslim countries by exporting Wahhabism (puritan Islam) and extending financial and other help to promote regressive policies. It is also famous for beheading people in its public square.
Muslims have the right to build the cultural center and mosque at 51 Park Place. But that is not the only place available in that big city. Besides, the feelings of the victims must be considered too. However, it would be better not to waste energy and money on the Cordoba Initiative; instead what they should do is to join hands with other liberal and influential Muslims (like Journalist/feminist Asra Nomani) within and without the Western world as they are in a position to influence changes. This is a great opportunity in implementing meaningful changes in the Muslim countries.
They should issue a manifesto that includes the following:
Muslims wanting to leave the Islamic fold should be free to do so.
Muslim women should be permitted to marry non-Muslims.
Stoning, hanging, beheading, and such barbarian practices should be totally banned.
Ban burqa and eliminate gradually the head coverings through education and awareness.
Stop harassment of couples.
Total separation of state and religion.
Total equality of women and men.
Equal rights for people of all religions, agnostics, and atheists.
Non-Muslims should be allowed to run for the post of president/prime minister.
The Saudi Arabian cities of Mecca and Medina should be put under the control of an international committee of Muslims and should be declared outside the Saudi jurisdiction. This could drastically cut down Saudi rulers’ influence. These would be a start to a more modernized approach to Islam.
B. R. Gowani can be reached at brgowani@hotmail.com
*See Noam Chomsky, “Necessary Illusions.”