Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Salahuddin Yusuf Ayubi
As promised, I will talk more about the book that I'm reading, whose main characters will be represented in an upcoming movie. The book is by a western historian and is about the two chief personalities of the crusades: Salahuddin and Richard the Lionheard.
Now to provide a little background on the crusades. Jerusalem is a city considered to be holy by Muslims, Jews, and Christians. For the last thirteen hundred years or so, there has been a tussle between the Muslims and Christians as to its control (Jews were pushed out of the picture due to a lack of strength on the international scene up until now). The muslims had controlled Jerusalem from about 7th century onwards. But around the 10th century, one of the Christian popes raised an army to take over the holy land and bring it to Christian control once again. This was called the first crusade. They succeeded in their mission but subsequently were beaten by the Muslims (thanks to Salahuddin). Over the next 4-5 centuries, more armies were raised to get Jerusalem back into Christian hands, but none of them were completely successful.
The main reason for my interest was the character of Salahuddin. Its my sincere belief that after the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the four pious Caliphs, he was one of the best rulers that the world had ever seen. Some of the stories about him that I will mention next come from non-muslim historians thus alleviating any fears of a bias:
1. Once, when he was attacking a Christian fort, he was told of a wedding take place inside of it. His immediate response was to stop the attack for the day and let the wedding finish.
2. HIs caravan carrying his sister was attacked by a Christian ruler, even though a truce had been in place between the two sides, and she was held captive. That ruler then also launched an army to attack the holy cities of Makkah and Madina (to no avail). These actions caused Salahuddin to swear an oath that he would kill the ruler by his own hands. After capturing Jerusalem, this ruler was brought before Salahuddin. Salahuddin gave him new clothes to wear and offered him rose water to drink. He then said to the ruler that even though he swore an oath to kill him, he would let him go as a free man if the ruler converted to Islam. Upon his refusal, Salahuddin cut his head off.
3. History writes that when the Christian took over Jerusalem after the first crusade, the jews were burnt in their synagogues and muslim blood flowed like river in the streets. But ninety years later, when Salahuddin was on the verge of taking the city over, he refused to storm the city and create a massacre. He negotiated a surrender deal according to which the people of the city could keep their wealth and possessions but would have to pay a fixed price to buy their freedom. Those not able to pay the price were let go free.
4. After the victory at Jersulaem, instead of living in one of the mighty palaces, he resided in a dimly lighted room in a mosque in which barely six people could fit. He also held his military council there.
5. Years later, the Christians gathered an army to fight him. Some of the soldiers were captured and brought before Salahuddin who noticed a very old man as one of the captives. Upon Salahuddin's inquiry as to the reason for him to join the army at such an age, the man replied that he just wanted to visit the holy city of Jerusalem. Salahuddin was so moved by the answer, that he not only released the man but also gave him safe passage back to his people.
6. After the Christians takeover in the first crusade, many of the islam's holy sites were vandalized. The al-Asqa mosque was used as a stable and also a washroom. Crosses were put on the mosques and Allah and the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) name were painted over. But when Salahuddin took over the city, he ordered the Church of Nativity (place of brith of Jesus Christ) to be protected and be unharmed. He also allowed the Christians to visit it.
7. NOW HERE IS THE TOPPER: When Salahudding died, they went to his treasury so his funeral can be paid for. They found that he had no money in it because he had given it all away to people in need.
The last point brings the story of Umar Ibn' Khattab (one of the companions and the second caliph) to mind. They said that we died, even though he was the ruler of the Islamic empire, he did not have a cloth in possession that could cover his whole body. When they tried to cover his dead body's head, his feet would be exposed and when they covered the feet, his head would be uncovered.
Where is the Salahuddin of today??
Now to provide a little background on the crusades. Jerusalem is a city considered to be holy by Muslims, Jews, and Christians. For the last thirteen hundred years or so, there has been a tussle between the Muslims and Christians as to its control (Jews were pushed out of the picture due to a lack of strength on the international scene up until now). The muslims had controlled Jerusalem from about 7th century onwards. But around the 10th century, one of the Christian popes raised an army to take over the holy land and bring it to Christian control once again. This was called the first crusade. They succeeded in their mission but subsequently were beaten by the Muslims (thanks to Salahuddin). Over the next 4-5 centuries, more armies were raised to get Jerusalem back into Christian hands, but none of them were completely successful.
The main reason for my interest was the character of Salahuddin. Its my sincere belief that after the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the four pious Caliphs, he was one of the best rulers that the world had ever seen. Some of the stories about him that I will mention next come from non-muslim historians thus alleviating any fears of a bias:
1. Once, when he was attacking a Christian fort, he was told of a wedding take place inside of it. His immediate response was to stop the attack for the day and let the wedding finish.
2. HIs caravan carrying his sister was attacked by a Christian ruler, even though a truce had been in place between the two sides, and she was held captive. That ruler then also launched an army to attack the holy cities of Makkah and Madina (to no avail). These actions caused Salahuddin to swear an oath that he would kill the ruler by his own hands. After capturing Jerusalem, this ruler was brought before Salahuddin. Salahuddin gave him new clothes to wear and offered him rose water to drink. He then said to the ruler that even though he swore an oath to kill him, he would let him go as a free man if the ruler converted to Islam. Upon his refusal, Salahuddin cut his head off.
3. History writes that when the Christian took over Jerusalem after the first crusade, the jews were burnt in their synagogues and muslim blood flowed like river in the streets. But ninety years later, when Salahuddin was on the verge of taking the city over, he refused to storm the city and create a massacre. He negotiated a surrender deal according to which the people of the city could keep their wealth and possessions but would have to pay a fixed price to buy their freedom. Those not able to pay the price were let go free.
4. After the victory at Jersulaem, instead of living in one of the mighty palaces, he resided in a dimly lighted room in a mosque in which barely six people could fit. He also held his military council there.
5. Years later, the Christians gathered an army to fight him. Some of the soldiers were captured and brought before Salahuddin who noticed a very old man as one of the captives. Upon Salahuddin's inquiry as to the reason for him to join the army at such an age, the man replied that he just wanted to visit the holy city of Jerusalem. Salahuddin was so moved by the answer, that he not only released the man but also gave him safe passage back to his people.
6. After the Christians takeover in the first crusade, many of the islam's holy sites were vandalized. The al-Asqa mosque was used as a stable and also a washroom. Crosses were put on the mosques and Allah and the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) name were painted over. But when Salahuddin took over the city, he ordered the Church of Nativity (place of brith of Jesus Christ) to be protected and be unharmed. He also allowed the Christians to visit it.
7. NOW HERE IS THE TOPPER: When Salahudding died, they went to his treasury so his funeral can be paid for. They found that he had no money in it because he had given it all away to people in need.
The last point brings the story of Umar Ibn' Khattab (one of the companions and the second caliph) to mind. They said that we died, even though he was the ruler of the Islamic empire, he did not have a cloth in possession that could cover his whole body. When they tried to cover his dead body's head, his feet would be exposed and when they covered the feet, his head would be uncovered.
Where is the Salahuddin of today??
Monday, January 24, 2005
Burning the Midnight Oil
The assignments have forced me to stay past midnight for the first time in a long while. The funny part is that I'm not even close to being done. I'd like to blame some one else but it is probably my fault so no point crying (not literally).
Eid came and went faster than I can say the word. It was the usual going over to people's houses but atleast the good food makes up for the boring people.
I'm reading this very interesting book on the crusades. Its about the two main characters from that era: Richard the Lionheard and Sultan Salahuddin. There's also a movie coming out in a few months on the same topic called 'Kingdom of Heaven' starring Orlando Bloom. I will insha Allah elaborate more on the topic in the next post (cuz its getting kind of late and the assignments are not going to do themselves!!)
Sorry for not a lot of posts these dayz. Once I get used to balancing university with everything else, insha Allah things will go a lot smoother.
Eid came and went faster than I can say the word. It was the usual going over to people's houses but atleast the good food makes up for the boring people.
I'm reading this very interesting book on the crusades. Its about the two main characters from that era: Richard the Lionheard and Sultan Salahuddin. There's also a movie coming out in a few months on the same topic called 'Kingdom of Heaven' starring Orlando Bloom. I will insha Allah elaborate more on the topic in the next post (cuz its getting kind of late and the assignments are not going to do themselves!!)
Sorry for not a lot of posts these dayz. Once I get used to balancing university with everything else, insha Allah things will go a lot smoother.
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Bus Trouble
I'm having some real trouble with the bus system. Ever since I moved, last week was the first time I started taking the bus from my new house. Since then, in eight days, I have missed the bus three times and four times, it did not bother to show up. As a result, it takes me almost the same time to come home as it did when I lived thrice as far. Hopefully, I will figure out the bus schedule soon..
In other news, read an article about a highly respected Islamic scholar was detained for hours at Toronto Airport by US customs. The funny part is that he was one of Bush's advisers on Islam after 9/11. I'm guessing they could not deport him because he is a convert and his family has been in US for generations. But its interesting to see that no matter who you are these dayz, as long as your name is Muslim, be ready to be isolated, questioned, fingerprinted, and maybe even deported (look up Maher Arar-Canadian newsmaker of the Year by TIMES magazine)
http://www.islamicity.com/m/news_frame.asp?Frame=1&referenceID=18713
Some verses I like:
"Most surely in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day, and the ships that run in the sea with that which profits men, and the water that Allah sends down from the cloud, then gives life with it to the earth after its death and spreads in it all (kinds of) animals, and the changing of the winds and the clouds made subservient between the heaven and the earth, there are signs for a people who understand." (al-baqaraah v:164)
"How do you deny Allah and you were dead and He gave you life? Again He will cause you to die and again bring you to life (for judging your deeds), then you shall be brought back to Him." (al-baqaarah v:28)
In other news, read an article about a highly respected Islamic scholar was detained for hours at Toronto Airport by US customs. The funny part is that he was one of Bush's advisers on Islam after 9/11. I'm guessing they could not deport him because he is a convert and his family has been in US for generations. But its interesting to see that no matter who you are these dayz, as long as your name is Muslim, be ready to be isolated, questioned, fingerprinted, and maybe even deported (look up Maher Arar-Canadian newsmaker of the Year by TIMES magazine)
http://www.islamicity.com/m/news_frame.asp?Frame=1&referenceID=18713
Some verses I like:
"Most surely in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day, and the ships that run in the sea with that which profits men, and the water that Allah sends down from the cloud, then gives life with it to the earth after its death and spreads in it all (kinds of) animals, and the changing of the winds and the clouds made subservient between the heaven and the earth, there are signs for a people who understand." (al-baqaraah v:164)
"How do you deny Allah and you were dead and He gave you life? Again He will cause you to die and again bring you to life (for judging your deeds), then you shall be brought back to Him." (al-baqaarah v:28)
Monday, January 17, 2005
Eid on the Horizon
Barely two weeks in, school work is starting to take its toll on me. I guess I just have to get used to the long hours once again but do I ever miss work right now. Insha Allah I will try and not fall behind too much.
Today was my first day of quran class. Well, its not really a class as much as a friend teaching me. But we have fixed a time and kept it as professional as we can. Its nice to be able to perfect my recitation but it will take some time and dedication. Being able to flawlessly read another language is an enviable task, but Insha Allah, I will try and do it as fast as I can.
The day of Arafat is getting closer and insha Allah, I'll fast that day. Also Eid is coming up in about a three/four dayz but its not the same here as in Muslim countries. I say, unless you get to play and run around with the animals that will be sacrified, its just not Eid!!!!!!!!!!
I still have pick and plan the February event and I'm really scared, it will not get done in time. I just cannot think of organizations that we can help out with. I wanted to do an event with the Stollery Children's Hospital but Sharafe did not approve of that (because we will do something with them in March). So its suffice to say that I'm out of ideas at this point but insha Allah, something will pop up.
Well, back to the assignments but first listen to some Junoon to lift the morale.
Today was my first day of quran class. Well, its not really a class as much as a friend teaching me. But we have fixed a time and kept it as professional as we can. Its nice to be able to perfect my recitation but it will take some time and dedication. Being able to flawlessly read another language is an enviable task, but Insha Allah, I will try and do it as fast as I can.
The day of Arafat is getting closer and insha Allah, I'll fast that day. Also Eid is coming up in about a three/four dayz but its not the same here as in Muslim countries. I say, unless you get to play and run around with the animals that will be sacrified, its just not Eid!!!!!!!!!!
I still have pick and plan the February event and I'm really scared, it will not get done in time. I just cannot think of organizations that we can help out with. I wanted to do an event with the Stollery Children's Hospital but Sharafe did not approve of that (because we will do something with them in March). So its suffice to say that I'm out of ideas at this point but insha Allah, something will pop up.
Well, back to the assignments but first listen to some Junoon to lift the morale.
Saturday, January 15, 2005
Learnin to Skate (with occasional falling)
So the dreaded first week of school is over. But I must say, I do enjoy the courses that I'm taking right now. It seems they are a lot of more specific and practical when compared to the abstract math and physics courses I took the first two years. Another nice thing being is that all of the classes are in two buildings which are inter-connencted and thus no need to ever go outside (unless I have to go to SUB to pray in congregation)
My sister and I went skating today. It was our first time. Needless to say, half the time I was lying all fours on the ground. My sister seems to be fast learner and beat me in a race quite bad even though I had a head start. But it was fun and I would not mind going some more if time permits.
The MAC YOUTH GIVE blood drive took place on thursday and friday. Alhumdillalah, the turn out was the best yet and the organization was also excellent. Some people were disappointed in the number of people, but I thought even 25 people for a blood drive was impressive. Either way, insha Allah its the intention we get rewarded for and not the results.
My sister and I went skating today. It was our first time. Needless to say, half the time I was lying all fours on the ground. My sister seems to be fast learner and beat me in a race quite bad even though I had a head start. But it was fun and I would not mind going some more if time permits.
The MAC YOUTH GIVE blood drive took place on thursday and friday. Alhumdillalah, the turn out was the best yet and the organization was also excellent. Some people were disappointed in the number of people, but I thought even 25 people for a blood drive was impressive. Either way, insha Allah its the intention we get rewarded for and not the results.
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Career as an Identity
So, the first three dayz of university have passed and the excitement has started to come to an end. Soon, I'll be lost in the sea of assignemnts, labs, and seminars that form the life of students. A life that I decided not to overwhelm me or for better choice of words, become my identity. I still stand by my opinion of not letting school get to me. I refuse to become one of those people who eat and breathe their career ambitions (be it engineering, med school, lawyer, journalist etc.).
I had an interesting conversation with a friend today. Though, it was short in length, I believe it highlighted to a great extent the general mentality of Muslims. He asked me about the fate of some of my fellow co-op students who had been unable to find jobs. I replied that most of them had become dejected and dropped out of the co-op program. I explained to him that its best to go in the program with the mentality that if Allah has meant for your to find a job, all the power to you, but if you don't it is not the end of world by any means. And that is where it hit me. These Muslims had started to believe that their high marks or research experience will help them attain jobs. They thought they were self-sufficient enough not to need anybody's help, not even Allah's. The marks and experience are not the sole basis but rather a mean through which Allah provides for a person. It just does not make sense to me that if a person believes in an all-knowing God (a concept common to muslims and non-muslims) who has the power over all, then why this person not want to enlist His help?
"And if they turn back, then know that Allah is your Patron; most excellent is the Patron and most excellent the Helper." (al-anfal verse 42)
Now to work on my first assignment that is interestingly enough a short essay and not a mathematical problem.
I had an interesting conversation with a friend today. Though, it was short in length, I believe it highlighted to a great extent the general mentality of Muslims. He asked me about the fate of some of my fellow co-op students who had been unable to find jobs. I replied that most of them had become dejected and dropped out of the co-op program. I explained to him that its best to go in the program with the mentality that if Allah has meant for your to find a job, all the power to you, but if you don't it is not the end of world by any means. And that is where it hit me. These Muslims had started to believe that their high marks or research experience will help them attain jobs. They thought they were self-sufficient enough not to need anybody's help, not even Allah's. The marks and experience are not the sole basis but rather a mean through which Allah provides for a person. It just does not make sense to me that if a person believes in an all-knowing God (a concept common to muslims and non-muslims) who has the power over all, then why this person not want to enlist His help?
"And if they turn back, then know that Allah is your Patron; most excellent is the Patron and most excellent the Helper." (al-anfal verse 42)
Now to work on my first assignment that is interestingly enough a short essay and not a mathematical problem.
Sunday, January 09, 2005
Back to University!!!!!!!!!!!
Sorry for the absence of posts. Its been a busy time getting ready for the big day at university tommorrow. Its kind of scary and exciting at the same time.
Sometimes its disappointing to see Muslim youth waste away their time talking about random, meaningless things. I can understand (but not justify) if its done once in a while but some people have seem to made a habit out of it. Ask these guyz to compare Lindsay Lohan vs. Hillary Duff, and you will a detailed enough answer to do a Ph.D. on the topic. But ask them about the upcoming elections in Iraq, and you will get a long, blank stare as if you asked them to explain the theory of relativity. I'm not sure as to the reasons for such behavior.
I wish they would wake up and realize that now is the time to work in Allah's way before they get caught up in the worldly affairs. I believe very few people do Islamic work after they are married if they have never done it before. It makes sense that if a person did not bother doing it in their free time, he/she obviously would not bother when they have become busy.
Maybe working in Allah's way is too much to ask of them at this stage. I suppose the most realistic thing would be for them to just attain the maturity to realize that these meaningless tasks will neither help them in this life or the hereafter.
" Leave alone those who take their religion to be mere play and amusement, and are deceived by the life of this world. But proclaim (to them) this (truth): that every soul delivers itself to ruin by its own acts..................." (al-anaam v:70)
Sometimes its disappointing to see Muslim youth waste away their time talking about random, meaningless things. I can understand (but not justify) if its done once in a while but some people have seem to made a habit out of it. Ask these guyz to compare Lindsay Lohan vs. Hillary Duff, and you will a detailed enough answer to do a Ph.D. on the topic. But ask them about the upcoming elections in Iraq, and you will get a long, blank stare as if you asked them to explain the theory of relativity. I'm not sure as to the reasons for such behavior.
I wish they would wake up and realize that now is the time to work in Allah's way before they get caught up in the worldly affairs. I believe very few people do Islamic work after they are married if they have never done it before. It makes sense that if a person did not bother doing it in their free time, he/she obviously would not bother when they have become busy.
Maybe working in Allah's way is too much to ask of them at this stage. I suppose the most realistic thing would be for them to just attain the maturity to realize that these meaningless tasks will neither help them in this life or the hereafter.
" Leave alone those who take their religion to be mere play and amusement, and are deceived by the life of this world. But proclaim (to them) this (truth): that every soul delivers itself to ruin by its own acts..................." (al-anaam v:70)
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
Tis the Season to be Sick
It seems like there is something in the air as three people in the house are sick. Alhumdillah, none of them are too sick. I, myself have been under the weather a little bit for the last week now. Hopefully it will go away by the time school starts.
Talking about school, it brings up mixed emotions every time I mention the word. On one hand I am excited to be a part of the hustle and bustle that the school life brings but academic part will be the hardest to get adjusted to. Come to think of it, I cannot even remember the basic trig formulas!!!!!!!!
But I must say that I am going back with a greater understanding of how the 'system works.' What I mean by that is I have had some experience in how to apply the principles that use to seem abstract to me not too long ago. When I learn something now, I can actually relate it back to a real life experience. I think I have also acquired better time management skills so hopefully no more last minute studying (this is starting to sound like my resume)
The book editing for MAC YOUTH is coming along well. Its an interesting experience to say the least. I hope MAC YOUTH likes it and gives me similar tasks.
On a different note, I cannot believe Pakistan lost the series 3-0 to Australia. Its just depressing (sports wise) to see such a result even if its against Australia (who dominate cricket like Canada dominates hockey). Along the same thought, it was pleasing to hear the Canadian junior team win the gold at the junior championships after seven years of losing. The cup is finally where it belongs.
Talking about school, it brings up mixed emotions every time I mention the word. On one hand I am excited to be a part of the hustle and bustle that the school life brings but academic part will be the hardest to get adjusted to. Come to think of it, I cannot even remember the basic trig formulas!!!!!!!!
But I must say that I am going back with a greater understanding of how the 'system works.' What I mean by that is I have had some experience in how to apply the principles that use to seem abstract to me not too long ago. When I learn something now, I can actually relate it back to a real life experience. I think I have also acquired better time management skills so hopefully no more last minute studying (this is starting to sound like my resume)
The book editing for MAC YOUTH is coming along well. Its an interesting experience to say the least. I hope MAC YOUTH likes it and gives me similar tasks.
On a different note, I cannot believe Pakistan lost the series 3-0 to Australia. Its just depressing (sports wise) to see such a result even if its against Australia (who dominate cricket like Canada dominates hockey). Along the same thought, it was pleasing to hear the Canadian junior team win the gold at the junior championships after seven years of losing. The cup is finally where it belongs.
Sunday, January 02, 2005
A chat with an Amerian Muslim
The holidayz seem to flying by and there is only one week left now. I had a whole list of things I wanted to do and looking at it now, not much had been done. But unlike most students, I'm actually looking forward to going back to school after the lengthy 8-month break (though i'm not sure on how long that feeling will last). In the meantime, more late nite partying with family friends (and by partying I mean playing pool or renting movies).
I recently had a brief conversation with an American muslim who was visiting Canada for the winter holidayz. Upon my inquiry on the treatment of Muslims in U.S., her reply came forward with a teenish style raising of the shoulders and a look that said "Why would anything be wrong?"
After a few dumbfound seconds, I began to explain to her the different things I had read in the paper. Once again, her response was simple: "exaggeration is what sells the news"
This conversation kept recurring to me several times over the next few dayz. I was not sure what was more disturbing: the fact that one of the champions of democracy had turned on its words and was creating a police state for its muslim minority or the lack of awareness that made the muslim community believe that everything was 'good and jolly.' Before I go ahead and present any newspaper clippings, I would like to tell a tale of two men. One is a neurosurgeon and head of the department of neurology at a respected university and the other an aircraft engineer. What do these people have in common other than the fact that they were both Muslim, lived in Canada, and were over fifty???? They had both been stopped and interrogated for several hours during their transit through various U.S. airports (note: they both lack beards or any other visible sign of being Muslim other than their names).
Since I personally know both men, one being my father and the other my friend's dad, it made the story ever more hard hitting.
I further stumbled upon two more 'articles' that I thought would interest muslims and non-muslims alike. The first article is from a man named Daniel Pipes, who was temporarily appointed by George Bush to serve at the United States Institute of Peace. In this article, not only does he ardently support the internment of Japanese after Pearl Harbor, but proposes a similar treatment for American Muslims where U.S. would be "registering their whereabouts, profiling them, monitoring their mosques or infiltrating their organizations."
http://www.islamicity.com/m/news_frame.asp?Frame=1&referenceID=18416
But after reading this, a person can make the arguement that no matter what the people in power are saying, the general population is sympathetic to muslims. I'm not going to deny or confirm that fact, but readers can make their own judgements from what they will read next. This next one has become a personal favorite of mine. Even though it represents a mismatch of some ignorant hick against a Muslim scholar, the truth cannot be much farther. The response is beautiful in its drawings from history and modern events. I believe it represents a micro chasm of why there is a distinct two tier system in the world. The best part is that the answer relies on facts which cannot be just dismissed as biased opinions. To give some background, some one from States posed a certain stereotypical question to a Muslim scholar.
http://www.islamonline.net/askaboutislam/display.asp?hquestionID=2405
I wish I can present these findings to my visiting American friend, but the more I tell them, the more they will deny it. Just like 9/11 woke the US population, does every Muslim have to be imprisoned before they realize the enormity of the situation.
I recently had a brief conversation with an American muslim who was visiting Canada for the winter holidayz. Upon my inquiry on the treatment of Muslims in U.S., her reply came forward with a teenish style raising of the shoulders and a look that said "Why would anything be wrong?"
After a few dumbfound seconds, I began to explain to her the different things I had read in the paper. Once again, her response was simple: "exaggeration is what sells the news"
This conversation kept recurring to me several times over the next few dayz. I was not sure what was more disturbing: the fact that one of the champions of democracy had turned on its words and was creating a police state for its muslim minority or the lack of awareness that made the muslim community believe that everything was 'good and jolly.' Before I go ahead and present any newspaper clippings, I would like to tell a tale of two men. One is a neurosurgeon and head of the department of neurology at a respected university and the other an aircraft engineer. What do these people have in common other than the fact that they were both Muslim, lived in Canada, and were over fifty???? They had both been stopped and interrogated for several hours during their transit through various U.S. airports (note: they both lack beards or any other visible sign of being Muslim other than their names).
Since I personally know both men, one being my father and the other my friend's dad, it made the story ever more hard hitting.
I further stumbled upon two more 'articles' that I thought would interest muslims and non-muslims alike. The first article is from a man named Daniel Pipes, who was temporarily appointed by George Bush to serve at the United States Institute of Peace. In this article, not only does he ardently support the internment of Japanese after Pearl Harbor, but proposes a similar treatment for American Muslims where U.S. would be "registering their whereabouts, profiling them, monitoring their mosques or infiltrating their organizations."
http://www.islamicity.com/m/news_frame.asp?Frame=1&referenceID=18416
But after reading this, a person can make the arguement that no matter what the people in power are saying, the general population is sympathetic to muslims. I'm not going to deny or confirm that fact, but readers can make their own judgements from what they will read next. This next one has become a personal favorite of mine. Even though it represents a mismatch of some ignorant hick against a Muslim scholar, the truth cannot be much farther. The response is beautiful in its drawings from history and modern events. I believe it represents a micro chasm of why there is a distinct two tier system in the world. The best part is that the answer relies on facts which cannot be just dismissed as biased opinions. To give some background, some one from States posed a certain stereotypical question to a Muslim scholar.
http://www.islamonline.net/askaboutislam/display.asp?hquestionID=2405
I wish I can present these findings to my visiting American friend, but the more I tell them, the more they will deny it. Just like 9/11 woke the US population, does every Muslim have to be imprisoned before they realize the enormity of the situation.