Muslim Stamp Sparks Boycott
Friday October 2, 2009
Last month, the U.S. Postal Service re-issued its "Eid" stamp in a new 44-cent version. The stamp, part of the USPS "Holiday" series, was originally released in the summer of 2001. Although the stamp has existed for over eight years, the most recent release has sparked email rumors and calls for a boycott against this "Muslim" stamp. Critics claim that honoring an Islamic holiday is a "slap in the face" to Americans who have died in terrorist attacks.
What people don’t understand is that there are a lot of Muslim Americans who are law abiding citizens that love living in this country. Being a Muslim does not make you a terrorist. Being brain washed by extremists who translate the Quran to what they think it means does. The Muslim faith, is about peace, and loving each other not killing. It is too bad that we as American people can not learn that.
@Will – how can you teach someone who just doesn’t want to learn?
As muslims we have failed to appropriately teach others about what we believe in, and instead let others taught it for us. and as with any other piece of know how, if its not directly from the source there are bound to be some mistakes or misunderstandings.
Here’s hoping to a more tolerant and understanding future. Amen.
It is not the issue of us not understanding your beliefs, or whether you are terrorists or not. The fact is, how do we know who or what you are? You all come to OUR country to escape the hell in your original country and all I can hear/see is your faith is not treated fairly. You can’t expect to work an 8 hour shift and be allowed to go to a room and pray four times. This is ridiculous! The women of the Muslim faith walk/DRIVE around with a cell phone hanging out of their headwear. Hands Free, Ey? If you come here looking for the better life, we don’t adjust to you, you adjust to us and our ways. Its been that way for over 200 years.
Jeff. You say “your country”. I am sorry man, but it is not just your country. My family have been in this country for 4 generations. My great great great grandfather came to this country all the way back in 1887. He helped build this country, and through the years my family became very successful business owners. It is as much “my” country as it is yours or anyones. We had the same descrimination when the Irish, Italians, Chinese or Jews came to this country. But it was not relegious descrimination at the time, it was ethnic. Look at us now, we are a melting pot of all types of nationalities, and religions. If we take the time to understand one another, and respect each other we can all be better people, and live together better. 99% of my friends are from different religions. Whether they are Catholic, Hindu, Buddhists or yes Jewish, we seem to get along, love & respect each other. We know that the few make it bad for the many. We celebrate Christmas as a Christian holiday, some schools allow prayer in the classrooms. Why is it different for a Muslim to practice his or her religion when they have to?
Amen, Will. This country is constructed from many diverse races, religious beliefs and political beliefs just as a building is constructed from many different materials. History tells that the Native Americans are the earth of our country, and Christians may be the foundation. However, it takes the variety of materials–steel, plaster, brick, wood–peacefully coexisting, allowing each other to be who they are, contributing each their own strengths, all working together to make a great building. The vast majority of any given religion, race or political group simply wants to live as peaceful and productive a life as possible. Terrorists are akin to the splintered wood or the poorly tempered steel. They do not represent the majority of their kind. And should not be the poster children of such. I speak this as a very white (half Norwegian, half allegedly Italian-Irish–who knows for sure, I’m adopted) female who lives in the South of the US. I fight these beliefs every day. Again, I say, Amen, Will.
Jeff, I am a white american born and bred, and I am one of 6.9 million american muslims who did not immigrate here but were born here. We are peaceful and good citizens in our communities. Islam has been so badly represented in the media, as hard as I try to teach americans the true Islam when I travel around the nation giving speeches on religion and tolerance, it does no good. The people here in america are lazy and would rather have their info spoon fed to them as opposed to going out and seeking a real education. We have become a close minded, judgemental, racist, hate filled nation. I was a christian before I converted and I am ashamed for the good christians when I see so many others who have such hate and intolerance in their hearts.
It is a good idea to commemorate an event by a stamp. That would make pleasure tothe collectors. Nevertheless , there is no “stamp muslim” if not it would have have one “Muslima” stamp’a’ . what I can say for this stamp it needs stick(adhesive) and stick(Tree) to pass.
And I suppose it will have a long longivity because of what it has endured and what will go to endure in all the directions(fun and antifun).
Finally cheer to designer of this stamp.
This is disturbing because each Ramadhan I look for those particular postage stamps to purchase. I was very happy when I saw them. To me, the postage stamps represent a joyous occasion. The hatred in people (more vocal in America), for those that are different is an evil that they don’t want to realize exists. When will they realize that there is only one God? His Word through All Scriptures remains the same.
Dear Jeff
No one needs to adjust to anyone really, however all we need is to step out of our narrow-mindedness, biasness and intolerance and learn to accept the difference between us.
We all know some sad fellows have misused their profession “Media” and tried their absolute best to portray Islam as the “Horror religion” while for a fact we and anyone who is a true seeker and have done their home work would know that Islam is innocent of all that they say Islam is all about otherwise we would have to assume that 1.5 million Muslims in this world are terrorist! Logically does that make sense?
As much as people are coming to your country Americans are also going to other countries as I have seen quite a few of Americans in Dubai when I went to visit.
Now Dubai is a Muslim country and I have not seen anyone asking of non-Muslims to not wear shorts or wear Hijab on their heads, as a matter of fact they are been catered for, for example they can go to clubs, drink alcohol and lay at the beach with their bikinis. So please try to step outside of the square you living in and give yourself the opportunity to learn/grow.
Personally it does not bother me that you are black/white Muslim or Christian we all have a creator who we shall return to and who will be judge.
“‘O son of Adam, so long as you call upon Me, and hope in Me, I shall forgive you for what you have done, and I shall not mind. O son of Adam, were your sins to reach the clouds in the sky and were you then to ask forgiveness of Me, I shall forgive you. O son of Adam,
were you to come to Me with an earthful of sins and were you then to face Me, without having associated anything with Me, I shall grant you an earthful of pardon.’” Hadith Qudsi(Word of prophet about Allah Almighty)
We are all Adam’s Sons and Daughters, and earth is our mother.
I agree with everything you said Will & to Jeff..we can’t blame every muslin for what a few done. And about the praying this is their belief (also mine) I converted to Islam this year and I’m very proud to say that I’m muslim. I believe in the Quran & I believe in the peace it speaks of.Everyone has their opinions about muslims and their ways but just like it has been for years ,people HATE what they don’t have time to try to understand, its easier to hate ..takes less time. May Allah bless you even though you don’t believe nor understand.
The EID stamp recognizes an important event in the Islamic faith. I urge people who have not rtead the Quran to do so. It will probably change their life
This is to Jeff and his kind…..the ONLY difference that I see, between Christians and Muslims is ignorance…..Muslims worship Allah (GOD) and Christians worship His messenger Isa (Jesus)(PBUH) and or his mother. We are all ignorant about something, but DON’T BE IGNORANT ALL YOUR LIFE!! And to my brothers and sisters out there, Muslims, in America are going through now what Blacks went through in the 50s and the 60s and even now in some parts of the country. This what we are going through is a test from Allah…….DONT FORGET THAT…….Remember, you are not alone, and Islam has become the fastest growing religion now, and don’t you forget that, you too Jeff and those that think like Jeff, and I suggest that you “READ” its one of the few things that cures “Ignorance”…….And one last thing….what is wrong with someone praying, worship GOD, if its on a Sunday or everyday 5 times a day??? Believe it or not………there IS ONLY ONE GOD (Ilah). I would say more but I am too mad about what Jeff and people like Jeff think and say, so for those that are reading this, please forgive me if my words are not put together quite right.
Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah
Native American Indian was here before you Jeff…
What happened ?
Jeff
My English ancestors disembarked at Chester, PA in 1689. We have proudly answered our nation’s call to duty since the Revolutionary War, me included. (Not that it matters, but can you and yours make make a similar claim?) Among the reasons I served was a desire to preserve the right to practice my faith (Islam) unhindered. The Constitution is a great document. You really ought to check it out sometime, Jeff, before you sanctimoniously question the loyalty of others simply because their religion differs from your own.
hey jeff,wake up man you are so ignorant about islam and muslims,spend time with them,the likes of your kind exterminated the native indians who are the original land owners of the land!muslims love adam,moses,david and jesus who were all servants and messegers of god.
If you have your beliefs to yourself and let it not hurt others then you are sure to live peacefully. The word Islam means peace and that is what is preached in the holy book Quran and I am sure same is written in Holy Bible and Torah and Zabur since the originator of all these books is the Almighty(muslims call as Allah – the one only, derived from Illah). America has a great civilisation and became great because of that and has lost a great deal in the recent past because it did not apply principles of its great rulers like Abraham Lincoln, George Washington and many others. Peace is a piece of mind and one cannot have unless one gives it. Same with tolerance and any other good qualities of life. So dear brothers and sisters, Live and Let Live.
When I think inside me about this stamp I say
How many kisses with hot leps will receive
How tighting to Chest is its promise
A full Sigh Signed of sorrow and happy claimed
A spread of hot and cold is its hantise
How much time it would be strongly hung to the chest
At hopes to find and hopes to separate !
The contradiction of life
How many trip he will skip
By a silk rude hand approved
A love hate is heated
Where whisper whishes are transgressed
Murmur… Murmur of
Love , hate , A jalousy are confided
The beauty the ugly deeply rooted inside are said Clearly
Loudly
In silence the soufrance of repentance are secretly
worshipped
Howmuch shame scheme are done and they are down
All these sensations you hide alone in an closely secrete
I asked myself do you want to be at its place?
No I can not!
If asking him do you want be a Human in my place ?
No I do not want , I never accept
Yes I want .. then you are contamined by vulnerable human
But I want at condition, that I have
Reason and lucidity
Have Sensibility
And God(Allah ) Help is a necessity
Execuse me
Execuse me
Allahu Akbar.
I think it’s a beautiful stamp. You can’t blame all Muslims for the actions of a few. How about the Catholic extremists Jeff who go killing abortion clinic doctors in the name of God? There are hypocrites in every religion. Always have been and always will be. I’m proud to be a Muslim and practice my faith to the best of my ability. I don’t force my beliefs on other people and wish them the same for me. Life is to short to be full of hatred. Put aside religious differences and treat everyone with respect and kindness. Then maybe the whole world could start to get along and achieve world peace!
Christians and Jews, Muslims and Buddhists, Hindus and Shinto, Baal vs Ra, etc and etc. You have been killing each other over your particular definition of God and your particular preference or style of worship since the first man invented the first religion.
If you believe it, just live it and let others live what they believe. Stop the bloodletting in the name of God. Stop hating each other in the name of God.
Stop indoctrinating innocent children into one religion or another. Let them grow up and decide based on study and understanding of a particular philosophy or religion. Here lies the root of the hatred. When you teach a child that your religion must be his, and then teach him that religion is the only true one, and then tell him that he must go out and convince others, you have the beginnings of killing and hatred for those who believe differently.
Live, love, believe. Let others live, love believe.
Bismillah hir Rahman nir Rahim (translation) In the name of God the Compassionate the most merciful.
As sallam alaikum . (translation) God’s peace be upon you.
Don’t take the joy and praise to Allah from us .
The Eid stamp instills gladness, and awe to almost everyone according to a past random interview of
people on the avenues of White American streets.
Please..begin to ask God about his servants and their possessions.In a warm hearted prayer that may take a few minutes. and be contented with the answer that you recieve. One version is, Our Lord if this is a good project please let them keep it. Our Lord if this is a bad project please dicontinue this. AMIN. (translation) and so be it)
Something like that kind of wording.
You can begin to see Islam as a good Religous Practise. The Muslims . their possessions, their time. Prayer Mode.
No one should blame anyone except for himself.If all people strict to basics of human life such as love,affection,family bonding,etiquette,respect,justice i.e.,moral & ethical values given in all revealed books,INSALLAH we will all enjoy joyfull life as graced by ALLAH(SWT).Islam teaches all these things & many more which are beyond human imagination.Those who cross limits,will be responsible for judgement eventhough MUSLIM.So,Please I, request without knowing any basics,don’t comment or react.Respcting & Honouring ALMIGHTY who is creator,sustainor & INSALLAH!will command for destruction of his creations is nothing but thanks giving.It is not at all related to some minute worldly stray incident ocurred in some part of ALHAMDULILLAH!infinite space.
In a very dark
Midnight ..
With soft sight
saying
Waaleykum el salem(peace be upon you all)
With smile in face
The head returned to its place
Drawing dream
It is very nice
It is very nice
Stamp is only a kind of payment made for transit of letter/communication. Muslim brother should accept it as a simble of brotherhood, I believe. There are many hypocritic in every relegion and so in Islam who do not understand 100% Islamism. EID MUBARAK is
a greeting to all muslim kind including living in USA. Ofcourse, it is a very beautiful stamp
Regards
Akbar
As a Christian, I think (1)it would be very beneficial if everyone took the time to pray 5 times a day. We get into all sorts of trouble when we are too busy to stay in contant with our Creator, the one God who wants us to love one another and show hospitality and kindness to all. (2)There are powerful messages in the Bible about treating foreigners and aliens with kindness. Read Isaiah 56:3-8; Genesis 21:22-23; Exodus 22:21; Numbers 15:15; Acts 10:34. (3)Evil people will use anything, including religion, to divide people from God.
jeff, I hope you open up your eyes and read all the good comments by great people here. Be open minded. Thats the greatness of Americans.
First all people need to realize we ARE of one. If anyone wants to talk about hard times, how about whose country was this? My people of the Native American tribes. Not many have respected them, or bothered to learn their ways. As for United States being here for over 200 years, well the ways of the Islam have been around and practiced at least 3000 years. While I may not agree with all things, all religions have their prejudices. There is ONE great creator, without the Great Creator’s guidance there is no direction.
It is a good stamp!
I think the United States is progressively getting more tolerant of the Muslims…finally.
Of course, there are those who will never tolerate Islam. Like, those extremist evangelists who think Islam is a false religion and Barak Obama is the anti-Christ! They are an obnoxious bunch of “Jesus worshippers”, who are non-negotiable to any new ideas.
dear Jeff and all others who think like him,all i would like to say is READ THE HOLY QURAN and iam 100% sure your thought process will change positively and InshaAllah you will embrace Islam.Do it brother before its too late.You will never regret your decision
How can anyone not think Islam is a beautiful and peaceful religion after reading all these wonderful comments? There is no hatred spread in any of them. Only a willingness that all people could someday get along and respect and love each other Inshalla!(Translation:God willing). And I see nothing wrong with cleansing ones self and praying 5 times a day vs going to church for 1 hour once a week and then being a hypocrite the other 6 days of the week. So we must sacrifice at odd hours in the name of Allah. Will it not be worth it for eternal salvation instead of eternal damnation?
The true Christian is honnest, and wonderful as friend or co-worker
We want to agree with them, not to critic about their participation in their Churchs. They are free to be in Church, or where they want.
Ah, Bilal – good one! You have a great sense of humor, but so true. – Like the Arabic version of Joyce Myer and Creflo Dollar, who are continually trying to remind us that it is much more important how we act when we think no one is looking – 7 days a week – than just at worship service on Sunday morning.
Dear Aisly, You have mentioned some of the chapters of God Almighty from the Bible. Have you ever read the Quran? Because we muslims beleive in the bible too but the Quran is more accurate as it has been revealed later. We believe it is the final testament of God, and if you read it you will find wonders in it. Try the translation by Abdullah Yoosuf Ali in which there are comments where you might find difficulty in comprehension. It is available online here http://www.searchtruth.com/. May God Almighty guide us all to the straight path and finally to paradise.
Good news they study Arabic; we study English language!
Try reading the translation in english of Chapter 110 of the Holy Qur’an:
http://www.searchtruth.com/chapter_display_all.php?chapter=18&from_verse=1&to_verse=110&mac=&translation_setting=1&show_yusufali=1
Have you heard those aboutists ” we act when we think no one is looking ”
Ha Ha Ha we controle all things without exception!!
What about the Mosques and Beardbish
Good Mazmazila(Madmoiselle Mis in french) , all things are good, Mazmazila.
Do not forget the Churches, take them all time on eye, throw them in TV in that way, we could controle them. Be astonished about the red !!
What red the Irish ones or The Anglo-Saxoon ??
No, I mean the former Communistes and Atheist,they read all things, without exception, they have not an Imam or Reverand.Each one make a republic in his head.
Hen,in Mosques and Churches, Mazmazila ?!?!!
No in Bar and Pub, by the way you are from what university?
I have a Diploma from Supermoto Harley Davidson,Mis.
I have never heard about it, it seems a good university.
Mazmazila , what about woman? yes Woman.
Do not be worry we have their mothers and mothers in law with us.
I mean about a marmita in house!
What a Gourmet, hen.
Educate your self on the Muslim faith . get a Holy QUR”AN.The QUR”AN teaches Jesus is not the son of God .That GOD should destroy both Jew and christians page260.At=Tauba’9 section 5. Teach Peace? I think not.
Poor John Jacob…I am sorry that I have to lump you into a group of people who take our verses out of context in order to make your point! Try reading above and below, and try reading the entire Qur’an — not that it would change YOUR views, but just try it! You might find something even you would like. And YES, Islam is for PEACE!!!
“they do not care about us”
A Wounded by word is cicatrixed
By a inker killer
Does not think
That hurting hearts is much worst
As cissor cut
A hidded pain from this pen
With their key board what we endure ?
We are injured
We are injured
Cry a vengence
Scream of vengence
Reprsal … Represal… Represal
We say
Salem
Salem the Merciful
Care about us
Salem for every one
I understand Jeff completely. No matter how well you folks defend yourselves- -(and I speak as an X-muslim), don’t you see how much you HAVE to defend yourselves?? That is because you make no effort what so ever to meld with society. That is why there are problems with the muslim communities in Europe as well. At least the Hasidic Jews stand out at train stations and pass out literature and invite folks to what they are about! YOu don’t try to fit in and be with the program and you are NO fun!! I got fed up with worrying about being covered when we are all beautiful and accepted by Allah, and I got really tired of eating with women holding up a cloth covering their mouths to EAT even if they were with their husband. Give it up. the Quran does not insist on such peculiar behaviors. I’m done with the community of “never with you” folks. Be you all holier than everyone else- – - have a great day! by the way, I’ll still buy that stamp- – -it’s beautiful!!!!!!
Amy you think we are constantly defending ourselves while perhaps we are trying to educate those narrow minded and lazy to question what they have been told. Then based on what they heard they come to judge and demand from us to change our faith and culture, so that we will fit into what in their view is the only way to be!
In my view this is due to one group presuming that their way is the only “correct” way and are superior to other group because they have minimal knowledge and tolerance towards others thus cannot embrace difference.
In the other hand the beauty of Islam is that we don’t have to judge or demand as faith has to come from your heart hence we humbly try our best to pass the knowledge then it is up to the individual to choose.
Islamic literatures interpreted into many languages are available everywhere and a click away, so really it is up to the individual to seek the truth. I personally would research what I do not understand or fear with view to understand not to try and fault or take meaning out of context. .
It is presupposition to generalize 1.5 billion Muslims around the globe and say “you” do not make effort to “Meld with society” or “You don’t try to fit in” and “that is why there are problems with Muslims”!
This implies that you have knowledge of what 1.5 billion Muslims are doing to educate others about Islam? Well I doubt very much that you do thus I have to say you are been nothing more than judgmental for that reason I am afraid your statements of Muslims are not based on scientific research or facts rather based on personal, evaluative perceptions. Then you come to blame Muslims of not putting effort into educating others!!!
There is difference between socializing with others, coexisting harmoniously and confirming to their expectations. I think you are simply asking Muslims to confirm to the dominant community’s values, beliefs and cultures while in fact we do not have to but we can learn to accept each other and this needs to come from both sides.
The holy Quran says “For you is your religion, and for me is my religion”
Religion is not the cause of separation between societies as much as it is due to lack of knowledge, positive regard, tolerance and acceptance, racism, stereotype, judgmental and this is only to name few.
So before we finger point and accuse certain group of isolating themselves let us ask first, what is the cause of this conflict?
In my view the attitude, the way one approaches others and what he/she does can influences the relationship with others. So unless I am aware of what all this represent to those I am dealing with I am not in a position to demand change because simply I am part of the relationship and the conflict, thus I should be part of the solution.
The solution is not to blame “Muslims” but we “humans” need to make the change by working together collaboratively and not deny other faiths, cultures , accept that “all humans” are entitled to freedom, respect, and to be acknowledged. So that we can cultivate an environment free of blame, hate which promotes broad participation and inspires acceptance of other values and cultures.
In terms of women covering themselves in front of their husbands and while they eat to me this sounds like a joke or perhaps criticism from your part.
My faith is my business, what I wear, where I wear it, how I do it is my business, between me and my creator and I would like to think it is my personal freedom.
Likewise what others do or believe in is their business. I do not go around imposing my personal values and beliefs on others so the question is why others have these expectations of us?!!!
I thank Allah for not placing the burden upon us to judge others as this requires neutrality, detachment, lack of prejudice, balance, justice, evenhandedness and equality. Now is there anyone out there who could have these qualities?
It blew the wind and the breeze, the ember and north wind. It deserves a crown as reward, it inspired so many reactions and sharp emotions. It is really a stamp, but which stamp, it made us vibrate. One heard sirens, visited a far west countries.
Make us fan and fun, What stamp!
What a nice way of explaining, Amira! Wow! The comment from Amy is unbelievable. The importance is faith in Allah. Who has time to mingle… when our souls seek His Face!
Your place is at New York Times.
Thanks guys your comment on my comment is honor for me I wish New York Times will employ me even though I am sure I will be sacked the following day! These days no one wants to hear the truth!
However we Muslims know that we shall only fear our creator thus we need to speak if we encounter oppression, racism and oppose evil doing.
Mohamed (PBUH) message was about fairness, respect, kindness. Islam teaches us that “all innocent life was sacred and as such none could be harmed, except those who were engaged against them in active combat. Saving one life was as if one had saved the entire world, while taking an innocent life was as if one had taken the lives of the entire world.
The Quran says: “Surely, Allah Commands absolute justice and steadfast commitment to performing your duties to Almighty Allah, in total sincerity and giving help to relatives: and He forbids evil, and disobedience and all that is prohibited by Allah (such as; illegal sexual acts, disobedience of PARENTS, polytheism, to tell lies, to give false witness, to kill a life without right, etc.), and (He Forbids) any evil (i.e. all that is prohibited by God’s Law, such as: polytheism of every kind, disbelief and every kind of evil deeds, etc.), and all kinds of oppression, He admonishes you, that you may take heed”.
Also Mohamed (PBUH) ordered men not to “inherit women against their will,” and not to marry them accept by mutual consent and never to touch their wealth or inheritance in order to improve their own financial conditions.
The Quran says: “O you who believe! You are forbidden to inherit women against their will, and you should not treat them with harshness, that you may take away part of the Mahr you have given them, unless they commit open illegal sexual intercourse. And live with them honorably. If you dislike them, it may be that you dislike a thing and Allah brings through it a great deal of good”.
[Holy Quran 4:19]
Indeed Islam is innocent of all that is been said such as abusing women or terrorism.
I want to know the truth. I think I am not alone in this point, all we want to hear the truth, without exception.
If the direction of New York Times sees in you that you merit , then you merit your place.
The essential is the contribution, in this life we hope all time a new level, and a new situation it is a legitimate hope.
Work hard to merit your place, and be a carrier of truth only truth for truth , by truth. With such way your headlines will be so positive.
I couldn’t agree more with you and I shouldn’t have generalized and use the term “no one” wants to hear the truth , this way I have been unfair to many people out there like yourselves who would want to hear the truth, so Safa and Marwa and to the true seekers out there my apologies.
Regardless of who or what one is speaking of the only moral thing to do is to tell it as it is. And I know telling the truth takes courage, decency and no biasness meaning even if it is against a person’s own self.
As I said before I only fear my creator and he expects me to speak of the truth even if it is against me. I only hope that he will give me what it takes to speak of the truth for the truth.
Wow. Look at what I started. It is great to hear from all of you, with your beliefs about Islam. Tolerance is a big issue here. I have mentioned before taht most of my friends are from different religions. Bur what i had not mentioned is that I am married to a Catholic, and I am so proud of when we sit down together, and I read the Quran, and my wife reads the Bible. I have read the Bible, and she has read the Quran. But this is the respect, and tolerance of each other that draws us together. I did not ask her to covert to Islam, because I know how much her faith means to her, and that is one of the things that I really love about her, her devotion. She has never asked me to convert as well, because she knows my devotion to my faith. My dad may her rest in peace,whose devotion I will never achieve, married my mother who was a Catholic as well. My mother converted, but my dad never stopped her from going to church. I have 2 brothers, and it is the same way with them. The point I am trying to get across is that no matter what the religion is, as long as you believe in the Almighty, don’t hurt anyone, and understand what, and where the other person comes from, and get that back in return, you have really achieved what the Quran, and the Bible have been teaching all along, Inner peace, and the respect for everyliving thing.
I remark that you have an affinity toward Catholic women, what they have so special?
Will you should be proud of yourself as you have started this beautiful debate where everyone got the opportunity to speak of their thoughts, don’t you wish the political powers can have such a debate, would listen and acknowledge EVERYONE without exclusion, manipulation or excessive use of power to influence others decisions, way of life and rights!!! And to accumulate wealth/land dishonestly and in the expense of other‘s lives as if these lives are not human lives.
Assalamu’alaikum wrt. wrb. !!!
Peace be to all Christians, Muslims or any other faiths !
1. Bro?…..it is just a STAMP for God sakes!!! U stick it on ur toungue and paste that itty-bitty piece of paper on an envelope…and that’s it! Done!! It may have Islamic words & it definitely symbolises something to us Muslims, BUT, that’s it. Nothing to go postal about or rude and rage about other people beliefs?!?!?? Get this “Islamic stamp” stamp thing out of ur head. Even IF, I-F ok!, it is what u think it is, what?, will it destroy America??? Will it destroy ur way of life???? Will it take away even an OUNCE of ur, so-called, highly-overvalued sense of FREEDOM in this country???? Answer is N-O, NO man, uh-uh! Why? Cos it is just a bloody STAMP!!!!
2. Dude, dude, DUUDEEEE!!!! Hate history class eh? U must have skip a whole bunch of them. With ALL sincererity and honesty to all out there, as far as I am concern only ONE, 1, race can claim this land as, “T-H-E-I-R-S” in as much as a stepchild/adopted were to say, “my Dad’s blood is in my blood”, u know what I mean? I say it in this way only in response to the way that, Will says it. U DO know WHAT I mean right?, w/out me having to try and rationalise it. Only Native Americans have the absolute right to lay such a claim on this land. THEY are rob of their land simply to a higher fire-power! Not the Afrikaans(who’s FORCE thru’ slavery anyway. WHAT kind of choice is that???),Not the Chinese(THEY are here waaaay even before 1492!),NOT the Irish,Italians, Jamaicans,Plutonians or what have you!, DEFINITELY N-O-T you people!! You may have notice that I have left out,from which country is this “you” individual” came from….Well, ANY country that have a mind set like our Mr. Will here. Those who share his sentiments, feelings and mentality, is a…err…hmmm+@*..a WILLIE!!! Yeah that’s it! A Willie he/she is! THIS IS AMERICA, WE ARE AMERICANS, that is it!Full stop. You wanna go history?, you WILL BE history, cos’ that is just what and how it is!
3. It is just a stamp!!!! – in case u forgot.
Ohh!, and stop being such an ass.
Thank you.
Wassallam!
Oh! Sorry Will, my big mistake. I meant JEFF!
You know, I’m in my late 50’s and for the late 57 years I have practiced tolerance. I’ve been tolerant of the extremist right, of the extremist left, of the socialists, the communists, the marxists – always believing that the attitude of “different strokes for different folks” means a healthy diverse world. In the past few years though, world events have caused me to view things a bit differently. I watched with horror at the madman of Iran that not only stole the election but killed those who protested. At first I supported the protesters until I realized that they were just as crazy as their president. They do after all strongly support bombing Isreal off the face of the map. I began to do some research to better understand what made this religion Muslim so volatile and violent prone. Hmmm … they hate Catholics today because of the Crusades – this happened in the 11th century mind you. They have hated the Jews for a millennium. “Jews are portrayed as the eternal enemies of Allah, and the killing of Jews as Allah’s will. On the national level, Allah prohibits acceptance of Israel’s existence and will destroy it.” http://www.aish.com/jw/me/48883732.html
Hmmm … not entirely sane viewpoints. I have come therefore to the conclusion that any religion which promotes and justfies genecide (as is happening everywhere where there are proportionally large segments of muslim populations) is not only a blasphemy against God (by whichever name you insert) but truly something very dark & evil. Now know that I have indeed read the Qur’an (albeit an english translation). And for someone who believed in Christ, I’m sorry to say, Mohammad sure didn’t follow Christ’s teaching. I find much of the text filled with anger, violence, and not a hint of the peace, love, and harmony that Christ embodied. As such, I find it far too negative for my tastes. I could care less what anyone believes – that is their choice and will be their karma to answer for. However, when any religion tries to force their beliefs, traditions, or practices on the rest of humanity – there is where I draw the line. I firmly believe in separation of church and government (that goes for the far religious right as well as any other religion). There shouldn’t be stamps, flags, or any other specific identifiable singular rights or demands to either accommodate or honor such things put forth by this country or any other. Everyone has a right to their beliefs but keep them out of my mailbox, and out of my face. I am weary of all the special groups demanding special provisions and privileges from the goverment. Enough!
Here you go like many others saying I read the Quran, while they only read two words of the holy Quran then grab it out of context then as usual run around and throw accusations. Dear I am 33 years old, born Muslim, studied Islam and I can’t claim I know the whole Quran!!! Islam has 114 Surah, to judge something one needs to study it, so did you study the Quran and the Hadith which is the most important tool to understand the Quran?
What supervises me is you claim Muslims hate Jews, let alone history let us just start from 2008, Israelis killed over 1400 people within three weeks in Gaza, bombing UN buildings, killing children and causing infrastructure distraction, using illegal weapons, most condemned it but watched it. UN chief Ban Ki-moon said “The number of casualties has reached an unbearable point,” selling Palestinian prisoner’s body organs.
Now demolishing Palestinian homes and kicking it is residents out. According to UN statistics published in May, 1,500 demolition orders issued by the Jerusalem Al-Quds’ municipality were pending for Palestinian dwellings. If the orders were implemented, about 9,000 more Palestinians would be displaced, the report said.
Israelis are denying medical aid entry to Gaza for six months, blocking water. United Nations special rapporteur Richard Falk, who has been appointed as a special rapporteur by the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva said Israel is blocking the basic necessities from entering the Gaza Strip, adding that the Palestinians are suffering. Did you say Islam is violent religion? Hmm I wonder what you think of Judaism.
Why did America the defender of human rights and freedom invade and occupy Iraq? Causing death toll of 100,000 to 150,000 and destruction, on September 18, 2002, George Tenet briefed Bush that Iraq did not have weapons of mass destruction. But Bush dismissed this top-secret intelligence from Hussein’s inner circle which was approved by two senior CIA officers, but it turned out to be completely accurate, According to documents provided by former US Treasury Secretary Paul O’Neill, George W. Bush, ten days after taking office in January 2001, instructed his aides to look for a way to overthrow the Iraqi regime.
What happened in Abu Ghraib? Why hundreds of ordinary Muslims were captured in Afghanistan and said they were prisoners of war? Prisoners of war under the Geneva Conventions are protected from psychical and psychological abuse. Then why a dramatic new order came in from the Pentagon saying these are terrorists. The old rules no longer apply. This qualifies them as unlawful combatants, which means unlawful combatants do not have any rights under the Geneva Convention. This opened the doors for torture, illegal imprisonment and killing.
Did you say Muslims hate Catholics because of Crusades? Are Muslims doing all the inhuman acts mentioned above?
And they say Islam was spread by sword or is violent religion, if we shall go judging people by religion, how about what Christians, Catholics and Jews are doing right now let alone history? This is the world we live in today; the perpetuator is the victim at the same time!!!!!!!!!!
What did none-Muslims say about Mohamed (PBUH);
“It was the first religion that preached and practiced democracy; for, in the mosque, when the call for prayer is sounded and worshippers are gathered together, the democracy of Islam is embodied five times a day when the peasant and king kneel side by side and proclaim: ‘God Alone is Great’… I have been struck over and over again by this indivisible unity of Islam that makes man instinctively a brother.”
[S. Naidu, Ideals of Islam, vide Speeches & Writings, Madras, 1918, p. 169]
“My choice of Muhammad to lead the list of the world’s most influential persons may surprise some readers and may be questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular level.”
[Michael H. Hart, THE 100: A RANKING OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSONS IN HISTORY, New York: Hart Publishing Company, Inc., 1978, page. 33.]
“Head of the state as well as the Church, he was Caesar and Pope in one; but, he was pope without the pope’s claims, and Caesar without the legions of Caesar, without a standing army, without a bodyguard, without a palace, without a fixed revenue. If ever any man had the right to say that he ruled by a Right Divine, it was Mohammad, for he had all the power without instruments and without its support. He cared not for dressing of power. The simplicity of his private life was in keeping with his public life.”
“Philosopher, orator, apostle, legislator, warrior, conqueror of ideas, restorer of rational dogmas, of a cult without images; the founder of twenty terrestrial empires and of one spiritual empire, that is Muhammad. As regards all standards by which human greatness may be measured, we may well ask, is there any man greater than he?”
[Lamartine, HISTOIRE DE LA TURQUIE, Paris, 1854, Vol. II, pp. 276-277.]
Mahatma Gandhi, says in ‘Young India’:
“I wanted to know the best of one who holds today undisputed sway over the hearts of millions of mankind… I became more than convinced that it was not the sword that won a place for Islam in those days in the scheme of life. It was the rigid simplicity, the utter self-effacement of the Prophet, the scrupulous regard for his pledges, his intense devotion to his friends and followers, his intrepidity, his fearlessness, his absolute trust in God and in his own mission. These and not the sword carried everything before them and surmounted every obstacle. When I closed the 2nd volume (of the Prophet’s biography), I was sorry there was not more for me to read of the great life.”
English author Thomas Carlyle in his ‘Heroes and Hero Worship’, was simply amazed:
“How one man single handedly, could weld warring tribes and wandering Bedouins into a most powerful and civilized nation in less than two decades.”
And Diwan Chand Sharma wrote in “The Prophets of the East”:
“Muhammad was the soul of kindness, and his influence was felt and never forgotten by those around him”
[D.C. Sharma, The Prophets of the East, Calcutta, 1935, pp. 12]
In the words of Professor Hurgronje:
“The league of nations founded by the prophet of Islam put the principle of international unity and human brotherhood on such universal foundations as to show candle to other nations.” He continues, “the fact is that no nation of the world can show a parallel to what Islam has done towards the realization of the idea of the League of Nations.”
Edward Gibbon and Simon Ockley, on the profession of ISLAM, writes in “History of the Saracen Empires”: