Anti-Muslim Bigotry Strikes Michigan Gurdwara
It’s sobering (and depressing) to hear about another hate attack in the United States fueled by Islamophobia, this one in the form of racist graffiti on a gurdwara under construction in Sterling Heights, Michigan. SALDEF‘s recent statement about the incident states:
…the vandalism happened between the evening of Feb 5th and the morning of February 6, 2012. The graffiti included vulgar language, racial epithets, the use of what appears to be a cross, a large drawing of a gun, and references to the attacks of September 11th.
SALDEF is urging law enforcement to classify the vandalism as a hate crime and prosecute the perpetrators, who have yet to be identified. Anyone with information about the attack are being encouraged to contact the local police department directly.
As you can see in the photo, the graffiti states “Don’t build,” and makes reference to the Prophet Muhamm
ad. While the spelling and grammar are poor, it seems safe to assume the perpetrator was fueled by Islamophobia of some sort.
We talk a lot about anti-Muslim bigotry here at The Langar Hall (as Jodha did on Monday), and it’s been at times disturbing to see comments on our posts reflecting the anti-Muslim sentiment in our community. Some who consistently make it a point to distance themselves from Muslims in every way and in every situation might struggle with this stark reality: the well-being, safety, and dignity of our community here in the US (and many other parts of the diaspora) is intimately connected to that of the Muslim community.
By and large, we are attacked because of anti-Muslim bigotry. The Sterling Heights gurdwara was vandalized for that reason, and most of us who experience racist harassment as Sikhs in the US experience it through the vilification of Muslims and/or Arabs.
Isn’t it ironic that so many in our community themselves vilify Muslims? What would things look like if Sikhs and Muslims truly did join together in solidarity, in brotherhood and sisterhood, to fight against racism and bigotry? It’s almost hard to imagine. What if we united in India as two religious minority communities who have faced severe repression and violence by the state? What if we united in Punjab across the artificial border that sliced our homeland into two nation states?
I remember in the days, weeks and months after 9/11/01, the first thing out of the mouths of many Sikhs when talking to the press, to politicians, or even their neighbors was, “We are not Muslims.” While this is of course a fact, the implication of the statement if it stops there is: You’re attacking the wrong community. Don’t come after us, go after the Muslims! Sikhs wear turbans and believe in equality and freedom and love our country and our government, but Muslims? We don’t like them either.
On Monday Jodha invoked Pastor Niemoller’s famous quote from the days of Nazi Germany. This should be reason enough for us to denounce this sort of justification of Muslim-bashing, not to mention it essentially being the antithesis of sarbat da bhala.
But also, it hasn’t really worked out so well for us has it? In 2012, gurdwaras are still being vandalized with anti-Muslim statements. I still get called Osama or terrorist about once a week. Even if we do so in a positive way that does not condone attacks on Muslims, simply educating the public about the fact that we are a distinct community and that we indeed “are not Muslim” will not get to the root of the problem. As long as we live in a country (and world) where an entire community (in this case, Muslims) is vilified, we will not be free, we will not be safe, we will not be sovereign.
As Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote in his letter from a Birmingham jail in 1963, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.”
52 Responses to “Anti-Muslim Bigotry Strikes Michigan Gurdwara”
Ignorance and lack of education is what I see in that graffitti: dont know how to spell or go past the irrational hate of something they dont know or care to understand.
I want to educate skinheads so they will become peaceful and love Sikhs rationally. We need more flyers. Then they will be educated and tolerant.
Shame to think people waste time doing this when they could be making their life or someone else’s life better. God must have put them here for some reason… just can’t think what it’d be?!
It’s really painfull to hear & witness such stories… These acts should be condemed in all forums…
It should also be noted that Sikhism is a much more pious & true religion than Muslim religion & history stands proof of atrocities borne by our great ancestors at the hand of Muslims… So rather than spreading sense of communal harmony betwen sikhs & Muslims, we should work towards strengthning our defenses against these rasist attacks… It’s Duty of every Sikh to protect his family & Gurudwaras…
Sri waheguruji Ka Khalsa Sri Waheguruji ki fateh…r
It's the duty of every Sikh to protect anyone who is suffering, anyone who is oppressed. “Khalsa is one who fights in the front line…Khalsa is one who protects the poor. Khalsa is one who crushes the tyrant.” (from Rehatname).
Atrocities were committed by the tyranny of Aurangzeb and other emperors. If that becomes a reflection of all Muslims or of Islam as a religion, then many more atrocities throughout human history can easily be justified with this logic.
You totally missed the author's point. Stop carrying around the baggage of wars between Muslims and Sikhs. Those who hate Sikhs love to see Sikhs hate because they know hate divides and weakens. The fact is, Sikhs and Muslims are extremely similar. As a Punjabi Muslim I am proud to call Sikhs my brothers. I have eaten langar, learned to read Gurmukhi, and memorized portions of Japji Sahib. Are you going to work against me, too, simply because I am Muslim?
????, ????, ???? ?? ??? ????? .
@Hassan that's so awesome! I'm another born Muslim who is in the same situation as you! Sat Sri Akal!
I'm sure God doesn't mind when you refer to her in Sanskrit, Nastaliq, Arabic or C++ for that matter.
Rab parwaa karran liye thodi bethe ai
Masjid dha de, mandir dha de, dha de jo kucch dainda/ Par kisi da dil na dhain, Rab dilan vich rehnda
???? ???? ??? ????? ??????? ?? ??? ??? ??? ????
??? ??? ?? ?? ????? ?? ??? ??? ??? ????
???? ????? ??? ??? ?? ?? ??? ??? ??? ????
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parh parh ilm diyan kitaban te nam rakh lia qazi
hatth vich pharh ke talwar te nam rakh lia ghazi
makkey madiney ghum aaia te to nam rakh lia haji
o bulleya kee kita je to Rab na rakhia razi!
Thanks for sharing our beloved Bulleyah!
if every person think ur way, there wudn't be any misperception btw any religions in the world, but now a days educated peoople becoming more stupid than illiterate, let pray waheguru to give some gyan of humanity and central meaning of ik onkar, wkwf..i appreciate ur thought hassan bhai…
@ Hassan: I dont know you but i really find this hard to believe. You have memorized portions of Japji Sahib…give me a break! How gullible do you think we all are? If you are reciting the Japji Sahib then according to Muslim standards you are not a Muslim. Islam recognises no one other than Allah and muslims. You only have to look at the plight of Sikhs today in Afghanisation, Pakistain as well as Dubailto understand this. Muslim discrimination and persecution of other religions is alive today as it was in the past under the Moghul empire. Now that you are at the receiving end of hate you are call us brothers but I doubt that this would last very long if the situation was reversed. ….1947 is not that far away for us all to forget.
PS: I dont care how many downward arrows I recieve on this post but this is what I believe and I will continue to believe this based on history, current events and my experience regardless of the liberal bleeding hearts on this website.
i'm having a hard time coming up with the words to respond to this, or just to let it be. more than anything i feel sad for you. sad that prejudice and hatred have sown their toxic seeds so deeply inside of you that you refuse to even believe that a muslim commentor could find some affinity with sikhs and sikhi.
so what sort of rationale do you come up with to explain why the writings of muslim saints are in our gurbani? that our guru places the bani of sheikh farid and bhagat kabir on the same level as his own words? speaking of history, how about the fact that our first guru's companion who traveled thousands of miles with him accompanying him with music was also a muslim? these are not "real" muslims by your calculation? because if they were they would have put a knife into our guru's back? is that what you tell yourself?
@Brooklynwala. You dont need to feel sad for me rather save your tears for those innocents who continue to suffer in these Islamic countries, for those young girls in the UK who are victims of their Muslim lovers and are deliberately targetted based on their faith and ethnicity. Islam has evolved into a violent toxic religion in the same way that Hinduism has been highjacked by the Brahamins.
@Meena – I guess I'll have to expend mine on what people will say Sikhi has 'evolved' due to such toxic and hateful comments such as yours.
@Meena… I completely agree with you… Infact you’ve put forward your point beautifully…
Meena, your toxic words go against everything our Gurus were trying to teach us: love, compassion and humanity for all. Ik Onkar is the essence of Guru Nanak's message, meaning that we are ALL one – equally a part of the Infinite.
You critique "liberal bleeding hearts", but fail to remember that Guru Nanak was a revolutionary, breaking cultural norms and challenging perspectives, and laying the foundation to what is now Sikhi. He embraced Muslims, so much so, that his companion for all his travels was a Muslim – Bhai Mardana, whose writings are in our Bani.
How far have we diverged from Brooklynwala's post. Rather than standing in solidarity to call out Islamophobia, we are now complicit in the same hate that was graffitied on the Gurdwara in Michigan. There is no difference between the people defaced the Gurdwara than the people putting down Hassan and Basim on this site. Islamophobia is Islamophobia.
@Hassan – brother, thank you for your solidarity. Please don't take some of the words of hate here as a reflection of all Sikhs. There are many of us who stand in solidarity in this fight towards peace & justice for Muslims and Sikhs
And how are my comments hateful? Why because I see history differently than you and your rose coloured glasses? How many Muslims have spoken up against the atrocities committed against the Sikhs? Ok, so how many Muslim organizations in the US are speaking out against the attack on this Gurdwara…None, Nada , Zero!
We dont need to show our solidarity with Muslims to be accepted in the US or anywhere else. To be accepted in the US we need to be well educated, well to do, a community that gives back, that educates others on what Sikhi is all about. That is what will make these attacks stop, not siding with Muslims. We need to be strong, to build our defenses and to take care of others less fortunate than ourselves and by that I mean people in Africa, Asia, the poor, the homeless and those addicted to substances to name a few. Get off your bandwagon about Muslims. Just because there is alot of media attention on Islam this has become your pet project. Shame on you rather for ignoring others and focusing on a few. If we have not learned from history then I am saddened for the Sikhs because the worst is yet to come. Thank God for USA and their fight against these Jihadists.
"Muslim, Christian and Jewish leaders say they will speak out Friday morning against vandalism at a Sikh temple being built north of Detroit." http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/Interfaith-gro…
@Ikaas, I'm not one prone to paint an entire community based on the words of a few. I know and respect the Sikh community and understand there are always a few bad apples. We have people in our Muslim community who do the same thing, trolling online forums with hateful and divisive words, showcasing their own insecurities by denigrating other people. It's merely a human weakness, and it takes a certain amount of intellectual fortitude to not lump people into pre-defined categories simply because it's easier to understand the world that way.
@Meena: http://www.cairmichigan.org/news/press_releases/c…
@Meena – http://ahmadiyyatimes.blogspot.com/2012/02/usa-ah…
I'll leave out a conversation about the Ahmaddiyya for now.
and also basim bhai……
sad …basically its ignorance…its not education but awareness..not religion but humanity..God is one ..and we should respect that!
sikhs being mistaken by muslims is jus becuz of the hatred after 9/11 ..but its sad,,Cuz every individual is different and the whole community cannot be termed as terrorists ..or whtsoever,,,
..its one of those racists who stoop that low to go over spiritual places n show their lack of knowledge and ignorance!
shame!
@Hassan Memorising parts of Jap Ji Sahib doesn’t make you a Sikh & it doesn’t take out the Violence that your religion teaches… To do that you’ve to follow & understand the teachings of Sikh Granths & trust me once you do that you will no longer be a Muslim…
Also to all those potraying this brotherhood Islam preaches & believes in Violence… The atrocities of Aurengzeb were carried out by those Hindus who were converted by force or greed & once they were guided by philosophies of Islam they simply turned into barbarians… How do you answer the Majority of World’s terrorism emerging from Islam…
All I mean to say is that we Sikhs rather than serching peace with Muslims should infact focus more on our defences in society…
All of my views are based on near & distant History & any Muslim should be as proud ad Im as a Sikh,but please don’t just by reading a few stanzas of Gurbani boast that you understand Sikhism…
Read & understand Sikh History, how Guruji sacrificed his whole family for Dharam… To all Sikhs who preach Hindu-Sikh Brotherhood, please Read Sikh History…
SatSri Akal…
@Harjot – your comments are just full of ignorance of the worst kind. The beauty of @Hassan is that as a Muslim, he too can experience the wonder of Jap Ji Sahib. From his post it didn't sound like he was trying to become a Sikh, just feel the wonder of Guru Nanak. You are not the gatekeeper of Baba Nanak. Many people of many traditions (and some even without) have stood at the door of Baba Nanak, far before you Harjot and many will stand at the threshold far after you.
Muslims are people. Of course there are some that have engaged in violence, but most have not. It seems hardly fair to lay at the feet of the entire community the actions of some. KP Gill claims himself to be a Sikh and is a brutal murderer. Does he speak for all Sikhs?
Your knowledge of Mughal history is also weak. Most Muslims in the period of Aurangzeb were so-called "Westerners" from Iran and Central Asia; in fact, many Indian-born Muslims would complain that they were not given due status and the "Westerners" were promoted.
The majority of the world's terrorism does not emerge from Islam. The majority of that which governments have deemed 'terrorism' emerges from occupations – be it in Sri Lanka, Ireland, Punjab, Palestine, Kashmir, or anywhere else in the world.
Sad to me @Harjot is that you have read history, but seem to have not taken any of the proper lessons. For just one example – google Pir Budhu Shah for an example of another, who sacrificed his whole family for Dharam.
I would also add re: terrorism that if terrorism is the killing of civilians for political purposes, then the US military may just be the biggest perpetrator of terrorism in the world. But of course, this is not how terrorism is generally looked at. But I would just echo what Jodha asserts, that by and large, the vast majority "grassroots" terrorism emerges from the context of war, oppression and occupation (exceptions include the Timothy McVeighs of the world, not to mention the KKK, neo-Nazis, etc). Terrorism is thrown around as a catch all these days, and to even question its meaning or context is unacceptable. Politicians and their publicity machine (i.e. the evening news) have done a great job of creating this climate where all terrorist are assumed to be Muslim. On a related note, I just saw this article in the NYT about a study about the reality of the threat of "radical Islam." http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/08/us/radical-musl…
@Jodha… These are my beliefs & Kindly note that I’ve read enough History & ve been visiting Historical Gurudwaras throughout Punjab & all over… The martydoms of Shaheeds like Baba Deep Singh Ji, Baba Bunda Singh ji & many more bring tears to my eyes…
Also Please do-not compare Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s sacrifices with those of mortals…
Regarding Gate Keeper of Baba Nanak, I’m a lowly soul who if just manages a glimps of Baba Ji’s door will be mesmorised forever…
I love my religion & staunchly believe that Oslam is Violent & we Sikhs should protect ourselves rather than singing these communal harmony songs…
I don’t hate Muslims, but die to their Religious beliefs I don’t trust them…
I’m a proud Sikh… Hope I’ve made myself clear…
Satsrikal…
@Harjot – If you understand their sacrifices, than as you stated theirs was a battle for Dharam (duty) not a religious war. Banda Singh, Baba Deep Singh fought against zulm, not against Islam. In fact in most Sikh sources, they refer to their fight against 'Turks' (which could even include Hindus!) NOT Musalmaans.
If you are a lowly soul, as all of us claim, then why fill that towards hate. One can be proud without hating another. It is possible – search your heart, your Gurus have showed you the path. Guru Hargobind could forgive Painde Khan, who took up arms against him, yet you are full of vengeance towards people like @Hassan, who have never done anything to you.
If you do not want to be a gatekeeper than let all bask in the radiance of Guru Nanak's Japji Sahib without judgement or malice. Celebrate that Guru Baba Nanak brings all communities together.
Gaviai, suniai, man rakhia bhao (sing, listen, and let your mind be full of Love) – Japji Sahib
When we push others down to lift ourselves, collectively we lose.
@Pdruss: I think that is the type of mumbo jumbo used to keep the masses down and blinded. Consider the sacrifices by the Sikhs during the Moghul era; during the WWI and WWII for the British and Europe; during Independence leading up to 1947; Sikh loyality and sacrifices during India's wars with China 1962, Pakistan 1965 etc, our contribution to the economic success of India in terms of providing its with basic bread and rice; contributions of individuals like Dr. Mahmohan Singh and Army Chief JJ Singh etc…if what you say is so true brother, why are we the only mugs without a homeland???? Since we have lifted others up, why did we not win????? Genocide after genocide…its time to get start bro, and to begin picking our causes smartly and aligning ourselves with Muslims is not one of them!!!!!
Should read 'time to get smart"…not start
Wow, I never thought my expression of solidarity would be rebuked in such a stinging fashion. I don't find the comments worthy of a response, but I do want to express thanks to Jodha and Brooklynwala for supporting someone whom they've never met.
To clarify for anyone else: my perspective is shaped by my own faith and life experiences. My faith has taught me to avoid suspicion, avoid making fun of others, and that the variety of our colors and languages is a sign of Allah. My life experiences have taught me that we are all about 99% the same, but the 1% where the differences lie is to be savored and enjoyed as the "masala" of life. (I am an immigration lawyer, and have dealt with nationals of 93 countries around the world.)
@Hassan – unfortunately minority voices that have internalized the hate from partition have a long way to go before digging out. i hope Guru Nanak's Japji shows them the way.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences. I do hope our paths do cross in the future.
Likewise jodha bhai. We have our own "minority voices" from Partition as well. It was a traumatizing time for everyone, and that trauma isn't going to disappear in one generation, or maybe even two. These prejudices get passed down to subsequent generations, and it's hard to be the one telling everyone to just let it go, even though both of our religions command us to do exactly that.
much respect and appreciation hassan. i hope you know the haters absolutely don't represent the sikh community broadly, though sadly there are others who share their reactionary sentiments. thanks for taking the time to share your perspectives here, despite some of the hostile response you've gotten.
Sikhs need to make effort towards teaching westerners that even though they wear turbans, they are NOT muslims. Westerners need to be taught that unlike Islam, Sikhism teaches equality of all human beings, considers women equal to men, promotes education and good deeds for the betterment of humanity, that Sikhism does not advocate attacking someone just because they are a unbeliever. And that the Sikh God loves believers and unbelievers equally, and does not condemn anyone to hell. We need to point out to westerners that almost all muslims in the US do not wear a turban. And that if they encounter someone wearing a turban in the US, the chance is more than 99% that the guy is a Sikh. Such effort towards educating the westerners to differentiate between a muslim and a Sikh will go a long way towards stopping attacks against Sikhs.
the well-being, safety, and dignity of our community here in the US (and many other parts of the diaspora) is intimately connected to that of the Muslim community
A comment by Meena already responded to this, and since I completely agree with her, I'll reproduce the comment here again:
"We dont need to show our solidarity with Muslims to be accepted in the US or anywhere else. To be accepted in the US we need to be well educated, well to do, a community that gives back, that educates others on what Sikhi is all about. That is what will make these attacks stop, not siding with Muslims. We need to be strong, to build our defenses and to take care of others less fortunate than ourselves and by that I mean people in Africa, Asia, the poor, the homeless and those addicted to substances to name a few".
….not to mention it essentially being the antithesis of sarbat da bhala.
Does the concept of 'Sarbat da bhala' include making life easier for terrorists and Nazis?
"And that the Sikh God…."
@knowTheEnemy – it seems even Guru Nanak's opening of Ik Onkar has eluded you. All the rest of your comments are just about promoting some sort of Sikh tribal identity, hardly the moral-ethos of the Khalsa.
@Jodha… What’s wrong with you???
jodha, i assure you that I am full aware that the message of the Gurus is for all humanity, and not just certain people.
'Ik Onkar' means there is one God. However, this concept does not take into account that different people have different idea of what God is. For example, my mother thinks if she offers $21, or $51, or $101 to God in the Gurdwara, God will fulfill her wishes. Of course God gets less or more depending on how important the job is. :p She gets upset when I mention this, but to her, God is a bribe-taker.
I believe that Ik Onkar also means that all those different versions are actually different manifestations of the One God. When I used the phrase "And that the Sikh God…." I was talking about the Gurus' version of God.
Islam's version of God is not even remotely close to the Guru's version of God. In fact, Islam's version of God is downright satanic. This version of God has the intent and capability to drown the whole world into hellish slavery. I care most about humanity. I don't care about Gods. If giving a good thrashing to Islamic God and his prophet means better future for humans, then I consider it my Dharam to do it.
Understood about your mother. I think Bhagat Kabir Ji would have the properly reply – Mathe tilak hath mala bana, logan ram khilona jana (with a tilak and the forehead and mala in their hands, people think they Raab is a "toy."
Many Muslims (not Islam, note difference!) have had difference conceptions of the divine (there is no monolithic ISLAMIC conception). Guru Arjan was best of friends with Sai Hazrat Mia Mir Sahib of Lahore. Mia Mir wept at the martyrdom of Guru Arjan, while Shaikh Ahmed Sirhindi celebrated. Of course there is diversity in every tradition – just as we Sikhs on this board have huge differences on this specific topic as well. I just believe that the essence of Waheguru is Love – love for all of humanity. As the discussion kicked off with Guru Nanak's Japji – I repeat a line "Gavia sunia man rakhia bhao" (Sing, listen, fill your mind with love).
jodha, I have no problem with the beliefs of Mia Mir, Baba Farid, Bulleh Shah etc, but their beliefs are contradictory to the teachings of real Islam. It is the real Islam, as taught by the Quran and other Sahih (reliable) books, that I hate, because real Islam is the one that will turn this world to hell if it becomes dominant.
Even though muslims have diverse views, it just so happens that in every muslim society, it is the followers of real Islam who always end up being most powerful. This is what has happened in Pakistan ever since partition, in Bangladesh, in Iran, etc. This is what has been happening in Malaysia and Indonesia, and is now happening in the 'Arab spring' countries where Islamist parties are fast coming to power, and all non-muslims are being severely suppressed. Therefore, we have every reason to be concerned about the spread of Islam and we need to do something fast.
People like Hassan, Basim, Mia Mir, Bulleh Shah etc, who are far removed from the teachings of true Islam, need to be encouraged to stop calling themselves muslims. Because when they do, they end up making true-muslims more powerful. Only when we are successfull in this endeavor, will the true-muslims be marginalized and weakened.
@Hassan and Basim,
You guys seem to be nice people and I'll assume that you are not practicing taqiyya . It appears that you guys have not studied your holy books – the Quran, Sahih hadith, and Sira etc. You post qoutes by Sufis like Bulleh Shah but [most] Sufi beliefs are contradictory to Islamic teachings. When Bulleh Shah died, the true followers of Islam refused to bury him, threw his body in the garbage dump, and burnt his house with much of his poetry with it. Only about a third of Bulleh's poetry exists today.
I strongly suggest that you read your 'holy' books with translations, and I guarantee that you will leave Islam.
@knowTheEnemy… Right Sir, I totally agree with you…
Yes "knowTheEnemy" – for all the debating you do about Islam on other websites, one would expect you to know even the basics of 'taqiyya' and rather it's limited application and even that amongst mainly Shi'a, who are a minority in South Asia. I've seen some of your postings on other websites and there may be a point to debate Islamic fascists, but to set yourself up as a defender of other fascisms, especially Hindutva, seems even more problematic to me. Fascisms, racisms, and tribalisms of all types should be combatted.
….. one would expect you to know even the basics of 'taqiyya' and rather it's limited application and even that amongst mainly Shi'a, who are a minority in South Asia.
jodha, that is the definition of 'taqiyya' that MUSLIMS want you to know, and it seems you are obediently accepting their definition. The real Taqiyya is how muslims actually practice it. Taqiyya means lying for the cause of [the spreading of] Islam. A muslim can lie to anyone if such lying means
1) that the unbelievers will be weakened and unguarded.
2) that Islam will be protected when under threat. For example, after 9/11 when Americans were angry and wanted to kick all muslims out, the muslims started the propaganda that "Islam means peace" and "Terrorists have hijacked Islam" etc. The Americans bought into these lies, and Islam was saved in the US.
3) that muslims will stay loyal to Islam. That's right. If you are a muslim you can lie to another muslim for the sake of Islam. Many times when kids ask the mullahs "Why did prophet Muhammad have 11 wives?", the mullahs tell them "Because those women were widowed and the prophet was being merciful to them". Total lie, but the kids become loyal muslims.
If Hindutva is fascism, it is nothing compared to Islam. I am smart enough to know that the more serious threat needs to tackled first.
As Hassan has stated it is intellectual lethargy to see the world in binary essentialisms. Those that can only take recourse to essentialist thoughts cannot truly understand beauty, humanity, or dharm, as you like to say.
As Hassan became interested in the Guru Granth Sahib, I have gained an interest in Islam. The sole group of Muslims, where discussions of 'taqiyya' are vibrant is mainly amongst Ismail Muslims in particular regions in Central and West Asia. Ismailis are hardly the "virulent" people that needs to create such fear-mongery.
"Islam" was not under threat after 9/11. "Americans" were not "angry" with "Islam" after 9/11. Some were, sure(!), and it was from their ranks that a murderer killed Balbir Singh Sodhi. But many other Americans rallied against saying such ugliness is wrong. Sad that such murderers are considered by you to be patriots and those that spoke for the civil rights and dignity are somehow 'duped.' Orwellian indeed!
I could go on and on with your comment. "That Muslims will stay loyal to Islam…." What does that even mean?
All fascists – be they Sikh, Hindu, Muslim, Christian, German, Zionist, etc. etc. should all be denounced – in our collective interest to serve humanity!
It is a sign of intellectual weakness to understand the world in simple black-and-white categories like "Islam" "Sufi" or throwing around terms like "taqiyya." Islam, Tasawwuf, Sikhi, or any religion for that matter – are not monoliths. Neither are people, neither are nations. We have common characteristics that bind us together, but it is foolish to think of the world in one-size-fit-all categories.
I have read my holy book, bhai. I've read it with and without translations, since I am proficient in Arabic, and in fact have committed the entire Quran to memory. Yet I have not left Islam, despite your "guarantee." My holy book made me realize that broadly defining groups of people is both useless and childish, and that we all have far more to learn and enjoy from each other. We all believe that God put us here for a reason. That reason cannot be the denigration of other people's way of life, or searching for enmity instead of brotherhood.
Reading my holy book only made me want to read yours.
For the record, I was not practicing taqiyya, and indeed if you knew the meaning of the word, you wouldn't showcase your ignorance by using it to describe an Internet post. But thanks for the vote of confidence.
To be totally honest Hassan, what you've written so far strikes me as the writing of an Ahmeddya, rather than a proper muslim. Not knocking it but I've got be honest and consistent here ; When we're talking about Sikhs that say they partake in Hindu rituals because they have 'respect' for Hindus I show them the contempt I think they deserve. So…..if I truly am a non-hypocritical person, why should I abandon that ideal simply because its a muslim showing 'respect' for Sikhism ?
Do you see what I'm saying here ?….and this is geared much more towards my fellow Sikhs than it is for you : It is against Islam for you to be reading, respecting and reciting japji sahib. But I'm supposed to respect you for doing so in the same way that a Hindu facist on some hindu blog, at this very moment, is respecting some idiot Sikhs that follow hindu customs ?
Both you and I are caught between a rock and a hard place Hassan. I've been to Pakistan twice so I know the score here. On my first visit to Nankana Sahib it was overwhelming how much love the muslim people have for Sikhs. I was there with my mum and there was so much love from 'muslims' that shops would not charge us for the bottle of coke we had and people would beg us to come to their house and have tea as guests of honour. By the time of my second visit I realised why so many bombs were going off in pakistan killing so many 'muslims'. These people……who had shown me so much kindness…were not proper muslims according to islam.
So….We're in a dilemma here ain't we Singho ? On the one hand we (especially me) get all militant when we see Sikhs following aspects of the hindu faith while on the other hand we salute a muslim that does the same, only this time we are on the benefit end. Like I said, we're stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Hassan,
According to the dictionary 'monolith' means "something having inflexible quality or character". I agree with you that Sikhi, people, nations etc are not monoliths. However, the real Islam IS monolith.
It is a sign of intellectual weakness to understand the world in simple black-and-white categories
I completely agree that the world is not just black and white. However, in Islam we have haram-halal, believer-kafir, darul Islam (land of Islam)- darul Harb (land of war), master-slave, deen-shirk etc. Let's hear you say that "Islam is intellectually weak"!
…. and that we all have far more to learn and enjoy from each other.
You have read the Quran! Then you must have read verse sura 3 ayat 28 –
"Let not the believers Take for friends or helpers Unbelievers rather than believers: if any do that, in nothing will there be help from Allah: except by way of precaution, that ye may Guard yourselves from them. But Allah cautions you (To remember) Himself; for the final goal is to Allah." (source Quran 3:028)
Would you agree that by learning and enjoying with us kafirs, by calling us 'bhai', and by reading our books, you are going against what Allah commands in this verse?
We all believe that God put us here for a reason.
What is that reason? Are you going to give me an answer other than 'Jihad'?
That reason cannot be the denigration of other people's way of life, or searching for enmity instead of brotherhood.
The prophet of Islam did exactly those two things and more. He denigrated other people's religions, their way of life calling them jahils, and searched for excuses to attack the Jews, Pagans and others. Did the prophet of Islam go against the teachings of Quran? Yes or No?
Hassan, you are not dealing with jodha here. You are dealing with someone who has lived with muslims for years, is full aware of the teachings of Islam, and full aware of muslims. A little more chat with you and I'll know whether you are doing taqiyya or not. So please answer honestly.
no body 'owes' you a response. get off your high horse.
I have no intention of being dragged down into the mud pit in which you wallow, gleefully slinging around gobs of muck and proclaiming your self-styled expertise, willfully blind to the beautiful forest all around you. Your Internet scholarship fails to impress me, as does your regurgitated, repetitive and unoriginal Islamophobic rhetoric. I'm wondering if all that mudslinging (http://intensedebate.com/people/knowTheEnemy/5) has convinced even one person to join you in the mud pit.
I understand that you need to label me somehow, since you are apparently unwilling to see the world in anything but your own predefined labels. Since you've arbitrarily pre-defined "real Islam" as the object of your hate, you can't see how someone like me, who memorized the Quran, prays five times a day, and otherwise practices traditional Islam could find common ground with Sikhs, or Hindus. So you call me Ahmadi (I am not) or non-Muslim (I am not) or cry taqiyya because I (and the vast majority of Muslims like me) don't fit your narrow categories.
I know you'll have a lot to say in response, but don't hold your breath waiting on a response. I've got a lot of people to help, a lot of seva to do, and a lot of laughs to share. You go ahead with your mudslinging, bro. Have a good one.
Unfortunately the direction some commenters want to go on this, is indeed, the mud pit. They can go to other websites to engage in their Islamophobia and baiting. The Langar Hall is place that invites all, except when they attempt to make another feel unwelcome.
Since we are no longer talking about the actual post, this discussion is closed.