Tag Archives: Muslims

Kareem Salama: (Muslim) Rock At Its Finest

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In the Name of the Kind and Beautiful Precious Beloved Lord

Every once in a while, a popular musical group comes out with a heartfelt song full of wonderful, inspiring messages. One such example is “Where is the Love?” by the Black Eyed Peas. When I hear songs like this, I think to myself: Why don’t more musicians sing more songs like this? Well, folks, we have such a musician: American (Muslim) country singer Kareem Salama.

I have been a fan of Kareem Salama ever since he burst on the scene a few years ago. His first album, Generous Peace, was great, with many wonderful, heartfelt tracks. My absolute favorite on that album is “Lady Mary,” which is about the Virgin Mary. It almost always makes me cry. Salama’s newest album, “City of Lights,” is even better.

This album is intended to be much more “mainstream” than “country,” so to speak, and it is. That is especially true for the first track, “Makes Me Crazy.” But what strikes me most about this album is the varied subject matter of his songs, and how each of them is truly uplifting and spiritually fulfilling. Take this line from the track “Heavenly Dreams”:

Some of us do believe/God gave us heavenly dreams

Those two lines of verse are so profound that I can write so much about it (which I plan to do). The love songs on his album – “We Could Be Friends,” “Beat In My Heart,” and others – are so pure and meaningful. Salama proves that one can sing about love and not have to go after our base nature. That is one of his strongest suits.

Yet, hands down, the runaway hit on this album is the rock re-make of “Baby, I’m a Soldier.” He originally released the song on his first album and that version was very nice. But this version is AWESOME.

The song is about war and the experience of soldiers. It tells the amazing story of two soldiers on either side of a conflict, and the amazing thing that happens when they meet each other in battle. It is such an uplifting story, and everyone – especially our elected leaders – should listen to this song and learn from its many lessons (I will write about this one, too).

The bridge of this song is fantastic: he keeps the listener on edge, endlessly wondering about what thing “shocked” both soldiers. While waiting for the answer, the listener is treated with the best bit of electric guitar I have ever heard. It moves me so much, and I have listened to this specific part of the song over and over again without tiring. I was never really a rock/country fan, but Kareem Salama has made me a convert. Moreover, he is blazing the trail of (Muslim) rock/country, and I am forever grateful for it.

If you haven’t already noticed, I placed the word “Muslim” in parenthesis because, the fact that he is Muslim is wholly parenthetical. If you listen to the album without knowing the name of the singer, you would think it is an average rock/country album. The fact that Kareem is Muslim is irrelevant. I actually performed this “experiment,” if you will, with my neighbor, and he was shocked when I told him the singer is Muslim.

But that is the whole point: one can sing “Muslim rock” without once saying “Allah,” or “Islam,” or “Muhammad.” What I love most about Kareem Salama’s work is that he is not a singer who says “Allah” in a cowboy hat. He infuses his music with Islamic themes and spirituality, and the listener does not know it. And that is also the whole point: Islamic themes are universal and in common with the themes of all faiths and traditions, and Kareem weaves them in masterfully.

I will say again what I said with Muslim hip-hop group Native Deen: Go get this album. You will not regret it.

Reach Out to “The Remedy”

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In the Name of the Kind and Beautiful Precious Beloved Lord

When I first listened to Muslim hip hop group Native Deen’s newest album, “The Remedy,” I thought that its title track was another song about how Islam is “the remedy” for our ills and problems. I didn’t have high expectations, despite my really liking the album thus far.

How wrong I was.

The song “The Remedy” follows the fantastic song about which I will reflect at a later time. “My Faith, My Voice” exhorts Muslims to assert that, despite what others say about Islam, it is our voices that matter. And so maybe, I thought, the lyrics of the song “The Remedy” would be an answer to the dilemma of being vilified because of the actions of Muslim extremists.

I was shocked to learn that the entire song consists of the repitition of God’s name, the Islamic shahadah (“testimony of faith”), and selected names of God. And it was masterfully weaved with a fantastic beat and rhythm. I have listened to it mulitple, multiple times. It has even brought tears to my eyes, as it made me reach out to the Precious Beloved with my heart and soul. My kids love the song as well.

And when I think about it, Native Deen is absolutely right: the only “remedy” for our ills should be God, and He alone. It is the Lord our God who is the remedy of our problems. It is to the Lord our God that we should turn when we need help, in both good time and bad. We should always remember the Lord our God when things are going well, so that – God forbid – if things do not go well, the Lord will come to you before you think about coming to Him.

I also found the names of God that ND chose to be interesting and fitting for the theme of the song:

Al-Malik (The King)
Al-Awal (The First)
Al-Khaliq (The Creator)
Al-Akhir (The Last)
Al-Qabid (The One who Moderates)
Al-Khafid (The One who Humbles)
Ar-Razzaq (The Provider)
Al-Fattah (The One who opens his Mercy to Mankind)
Al-Ghaffar (The Forgiving)
Al-Qahhar (The Subduer)
Al-Mu’ahkir (The One who gives us time to repent for our sins)
Al-Musawwir (The One who molds great beauty)
Al-Muhaymin (The Guardian)
Al-Muqadim (The one who delays punishment)
Al-Hadi (The Guide)
As-Salaam (The Source of Peace)
Al-Baqi (The Everlasting One)
Al-Rahman (The Most Forgiving)
Al-Mani (The One who prevents harm to come to those who ask)
Al-Haleem (The Forbearing)
Al-Wasi (The All-Comprehending)
Al-Kareem (The Most Generous)

Our Lord is the “remedy,” because He is the First and the Last, and He is the Only Everlasting King of all Kings. Our Lord is “the remedy,” because He is our Creator, and so He knows how best to help us in times of need. Our Lord is “the remedy,” because He is the Provider for everything in this Universe and beyond. Our Lord is “the remedy,” because He is our Guardian, our Guide, and our Source of Peace.

Our Lord is the “remedy,” because He subdues and humbles those who wish to harm us, and He prevents harm from coming to us. Our Lord is “the remedy,” because if we fall, He is Most Generous in His Forbearance, Most Merciful towards our sins, and most Gracious in allowing us time to come back to Him in repentence.

Our Lord is “the remedy,” because He shaped us in the most beautiful of forms, and He shapes the beauty of this world for our benefit. Our Lord is “the remedy,” because He comprehends everything in this universe, and He can come to our aid at all times. It is only the Lord our God who is our remedy, and so it is very fitting that this song consists of the names of God.

I can’t help but listen to this song again, and again, and again. I imagine I will get tired of listening to it at some point: this usually happens with most songs to which I first listen to. Yet, whenever I go back to more “secular,” yet clean, songs on my iPod, my heart aches, and I immediately go back to ND’s newest album and listen to “The Remedy.” Perhaps this time, I will not tire of the song…ever.

Middle East Online: Muslims and Socialists

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In the Name of the Kind and Beautiful Precious Beloved Lord

This was published in the Middle East Online.

I was blessed to attend this year’s Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) Conference in Chicago without having to be on call. It was an uplifting experience. In the past I have attended the conference while I was on call. And racing back and forth from conference to hospital does not provide the full experience and delight. This year’s conference was also a great chance to see friends with whom my only correspondence has been on Facebook. It was also a great chance to say hello to the “stars” of the American Muslim community, such as Dr. Tariq Ramadan (to whom I gave a copy of my book, Noble Brother), Michael Wolfe, Alex Kronemer, Native Deen, Kareem Salama, among many others. It was a great time.

Interestingly, at the exact same time of our ISNA conference, there was the “Socialism 2011” conference at an adjacent hotel. As I thought about a conference on socialism, and then beheld the many numerous attendees, all the preconceptions I had about “socialists” came to my mind. It caused me to remember that many socialists always show up at pro-Muslim rallies, and for this I would be grateful to them. But, thoughts about their belief systems crept into my head: Do they believe in God? Would they see me — a devout believer — as “naive”? Are they — by virtue of their socialist beliefs — misguided? Do we have anything in common?

Indeed, our respective conferences could not have been more different: The theme of ISNA was “Loving God, Loving Neighbor, Living in Harmony,” and the theme of Socialism 2011 was “Revolution in the Air.” I thought it a curious juxtaposition, given my preconceptions about them. But when I began noticing the many talks they were having during their conference, I was astounded by the number that dealt with current events in the Muslim world. They were concerned about justice all over the world, and the paths of intersection with the Muslim world were many.

While all these thoughts swirled in my mind, I was reminded — in a very personal way — about the American Muslim experience. I am certain that fellow Americans of other faiths see Muslims — such as my wife and me — and that they probably have their own preconceptions about Muslims swirling around in their heads. I am sure they wonder about similar things as I did about Socialists, when it comes to me, my wife and my fellow American Muslims.

And so herein was the challenge: Could I see past people’s overt particulars and focus in on their humanity? They were people just like me. They had families, and friends, and lives that were — very probably — very similar to my own. Yes, they were at a “Socialism” conference, which is very much not religious, and I was attending an overtly religious gathering. Yes, on Saturday night, many of them were drinking in the hotel bar, which is something, by virtue of my Islamic faith, I will never do. Yes, perhaps some of them are indeed atheists, and I am very much an enthusiastic believer in God.

But regardless of all these differences, we can still — just like our conferences — live and exist side by side in peace and harmony. Moreover, we can work together on issues that interest us both. Some of the attendees of the Socialism 2011 conference actually came to ISNA, and a few of the speakers at Socialism 2011 were Muslims (or, at least, had Muslim names). So what if they are socialists and I am Muslim, when it comes to justice for all people? So what if they are socialists and I am Muslim, when it comes to fairness for workers and their families? So what if they are socialists and I am Muslim, when it comes to freedom for the people of Egypt, or Libya, or Syria, or Palestine? So what if they are socialists and I am Muslim? So what?

I am very glad to have had this experience. It taught me — in real time — how to look past differences and see our common humanity. Our country needs more of this. It needs more Americans to see past the particulars and focus in on the common humanity of our fellow Americans — and the common good of our society.

The Rap Album That Made Me Cry

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In the Name of the Beautiful and Kind Precious Beloved Lord

I have been listening to rap music ever since my teenage years. Indeed, I do admit that some of it was not very pious or religious, and for that, I ask for God’s grace and forgiveness. AndlLet me insert here that the rap music of then was much better than that of today. I miss the “good old days” of hip hop, quite honestly. But, still, there has never been a rap album that has made me cry.

Until now.

Native Deen, the premier Muslim hip hop band, just released their new album “The Remedy.” By far, this is their best album yet. I do like and enjoy listening to all of their songs, but on the previous two albums, “Deen You Know” and “Not Afraid to Stand Alone,” there were some songs that were nice, but really didn’t move me. The tears, however, stream frequently as I listened to this album.

It is clear – as it should be – that the music of Native Deen has evolved. On the first album, much of the songs talked about Islam, and the Prophets, and such, but the flavor of the songs were very much flat. It also seemed a little “adolescent.” It got better with “Not Afraid to Stand Alone,” with more than one inspiring and uplifting song, such as “Life’s Worth” and “Rain Song.” No track on that album, however, compared with “Zamilooni,” which featured South African Muslim singer Zain Bhikha. That song, about the Prophet’s love for his wife Khadjiah, was the best they had at that point.

That is, until they released “The Remedy.” As with every album, they always begin with a song singing God’s praises and thanks, and the song, “Bismillah” is hip, fresh, and makes you move. I am almost moved to tears by “Mercy to Mankind,” which reminds me of the kindness and compassion of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). “Packed At All,” which talks about preparing for Judgment Day, is quite inspirational as well.

The tears really start, however, at “My Faith, My Voice.” This song talks about not allowing the Islam-bashers and Islamophobes direct the discourse about Islam and Muslims. The lyrics of the song speak for the millions of Muslims all over the world, who have to shudder every time a Muslim commits a crime:

There’s a lunatic, goes on a rampage/Using violence, and I’m outraged/This is senseless, and it’s gruesome/Please don’t let this be a Muslim

How many times have we Muslims all said that? But they always remind us that the discourse belongs to us Muslim, not the haters:

I know what they call us/They’ll try to blame all us/But I know how the Prophet lived/And I know what he taught us/This is my faith, my voice

I can’t help but cry. It uplifts me and keeps me strong: no matter what they say about us, Islam is my faith, and my voice is what counts.

Once this song is through, the next is the title track of the album,”The Remedy.” I thought it would be a typical song about how Islam is the remedy to all of our problems, a sort of “Islam is the solution” mantra put to rap. How wrong I was.

The entire song is nothing but repetition of God’s names and the shahadah, or testimony of faith. And the rhythm of the song is so awesome, that you can’t help but bop your head. But, the sounds of their voices go straight to my heart and make me reach out to the Lord in humility and love. And the tears stream. I have listened to this track a bunch of times, and it is – far and away – the best of the whole album.

This latest Native Deen album has a little of everything for everyone. There is a song about the Companion Bilal, the first Muezzin, or “caller to the prayer,” called “Ahad,” and it also made cry, reminding me of the strength and fortitude of that great companion, who was tortured for his conversion to Islam. Native Deen has also continued in the tradition of Muslim holiday songs with “Ramadan is Here,” and this will instantly become a classic. I will definitely play this one for my kids once Ramadan starts in a few weeks, God willing.

Another tear jerker is “I am Near,” a song with great rhythm and sound along with beautiful supplications to the Lord. The boys of Native Deen also constantly remind us of the poor and needy around the world with songs like “Hungry Ones,” and “Gaza,” which is a homage to the people of Palestine. I really can’t say enough about this album, and Native Deen has truly outdone itself, making an album that appeals both to Muslim children and youth, along with their parents. My daughters and I just finished listening to the album, and we all enjoyed doing so.

Now, it is no secret that the primary audience of Native Deen is Muslims. Yet, that does not mean that this album is not good for people of all faiths. It is, at its core, a great, modern hip hop album, and one that is pure to boot. The beats and the rhythms are fantastic. But, this album also lets listeners in on the internal conversations of the American Muslim community. You want to know what Muslims are saying to each other? Don’t listen to the Islamophobes, who are – by and large – lying to your face. Listen to Native Deen.

Bottom line: Go out and buy this album. You will not regret it.

Celebrating Her Birthday

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In the Name of the Kind, Beautiful Precious Beloved Lord

As families gather all across our country to commemorate the anniversary of our declaration of Independence from the British Crown, I reflect over how important this day is to me as an American Muslim. More than just joining my fellow Americans in the celebration of the birth of his country; more than some time off to relax and enjoy fireworks shows with friends and family; more than just enjoying cookouts and picnics and (if I’m lucky) a round of golf. The independence of the American republic was one of the greatest things for me as a Muslim.

Let me get this out of the way: there have been many things our country has done of which I am not proud. Our foreign policy has – many times – been at odds with the upright principles upon which our country was founded. Our country has not been – and will never be – perfect. Nevertheless, this is still the best country on earth in which to live as a Muslim. I am still in love with our country as she celebrates another birthday and am so very grateful for her independence.

In no other place on earth do I feel more at home as a Muslim. Here in America, I can worship God as I see fit. I am able to worship God freely, without fear of being put in jail for my religious beliefs. Here in America, I can be more of a Muslim than I can be in many – if not most – so-called “Muslim countries.”

Indeed, things are not perfect for Muslims in America. Over the last several years, more than a dozen states have introduced laws prohibiting the non-existent “threat” of Sharia law to our system of government. Some of these laws have seemed to even criminalize the very practice of Islam itself. Some Republican candidates for President seem at ease with singling out Muslims for “loyalty tests” before they join his Administration. Studies have shown a disturbing rise in Islamophobia all across our country.

But this is not the true nature of America. These incidents, while un-becoming of our country, do not represent America any more than the actions of Muslim terrorists represent all Muslims. The true nature of America is present at the fireworks shows, where everyone comes together to watch the “bombs bursting in air” in the night; it is present at the 4th of July picnics and cookouts; it is present at the County Fairs and town festivals. And at each of those venues, American Muslims are – overwhelmingly – welcome and at home.

Thank God They Were Caught

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In the Name of the Beautiful and Kind Precious Beloved

Thank God they were caught. Two men – with extensive criminal backgrounds – were arrested on charges of plotting to attack a military processing center in Seattle, Washington. According to the complaint:

Both men are U.S. citizens and converts to Islam, according to the charges. Abdul-Latif is a felon who spent 2 ½ years in prison on robbery and assault charges. Mujahidh had been living in Los Angeles, but came to Seattle as the plan developed, according to the charges. He has no felony criminal history, although he was named in a civil domestic-violence protective order filed in King County in 2007 by his wife.

The men are charged with conspiracy to murder U.S. officers, conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction (a grenade) and other firearms-related counts. U.S. Magistrate Judge Mary Alice Theiler ordered them held pending a detention hearing next Wednesday. The maximum penalty for the crimes is life in prison; however, the firearms-related counts carry 30-year mandatory minimum sentences.

There are a number of important points that must be made.

First, thank God they were caught. If what is alleged against them is actually true, it would have been a heinous crime, such as that in Fort Hood, Texas. This is not the way to change policy, and in no way does Islam sanction such methods. If you disagree with our nation’s foreign policy, then you work peacefully to change that policy – not kill and maim people. Period.

Second, the men are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. While the charges are serious, we must let due process take its course. Third, it is important to point out that the actions of these men are an aberration, the actions of a criminal mind (if what is alleged against them is true). They are not representative of the Muslim community, or Islam, or Muslims in general. As the U.S. Attorney said:

These are the actions of individuals who adhere to a violent and extreme ideology and do not represent and should not reflect on the Muslim community as a whole. We hope there is no backlash here. That would not be fair or what we stand for.

Fourth, and most importantly, the plot was foiled by another Muslim. As reported in the complaint:

The complaint details an escalating plot discovered by police on May 30 after Abdul-Latif approached another man who he believed shared a radical Islamic ideology.

The charges allege that Abdul-Latif had known the man for several years and believed he could help him obtain weapons he wanted to use to attack the U.S. military because of events in Iraq, Afghanistan and Yemen.

The man, however, went to Seattle police. The complaint does not identify the informant by name, but describes him as a five-time felon who was paid for his efforts.

True, the informant was not a model citizen. Nevertheless, this shows the fact that – rather than being complicit in terror plots, as Congressman Peter King (R-NY) alleges – the American Muslim community is an active participant in the fight against terror. Many plots, in fact, were foiled by the Muslim community itself.

We love this country, and we are against anyone – Muslim or otherwise – who seeks to harm this country and her people. Thank God these men were caught, and if what is alleged against them is true, may they receive the judgment and justice they deserve.

May God protect our country and protect the Muslim community from barbaric criminals who would do something like this. Amen.

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Persistent Double Standard

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In the Name of God, the Kind, the Beautiful

My article about the “Sharia Within” was published in a Virginia newspaper. Yet, I am always mystified by the response of some – but no doubt on the minds of many – who object to what I write about Sharia and Islam in general. This response is typical:

Shariah law is not the equal of Christian morals but is the exact opposite. Christians believe in loving your neighbor whatever his belief, color, or status.

Jesus said, in effect, if they don’t accept you, shake the dust off your feet and move on. Shariah law says, in effect, if they don’t accept you, punish them, tax them, isolate them, or kill them.

In the op-ed, Muhammad reads a bedtime story to his 4-year-old daughter. How idyllic. What the writer didn’t say is that if his 4-year-old daughter grows up to be a young lady and has an affair with some man before marriage, then he would be justified in killing her to protect the family honor. Shariah law.

If Muhammad’s son, whom he was playing catch with, grows up and leaves the Muslim faith to become a Christian, then he should also be killed. Shariah law again.

If anyone prints anything bad or critical of the Quran or Mohammad, even in a cartoon, he should be killed. Shariah law again.

In the U.S., it is permissible to burn or deface any book, Bible, flag, or any other religious or patriotic article. But don’t touch the Quran (Shariah law). If you do, you might get killed.

The Muslim religion with its Shariah law is like a giant worldwide protection racket. Comply with its rules, or you could get killed.

A Quran was burned by a Florida pastor a short time ago. Riots followed in a foreign country, and eight people were killed. The only way to confront this worldwide protection racket called Islam is by direct confrontation. Wake up, Americans.

Now the first sentence of his response is not true. In fact, the people at Loonwatch had a great article about the Ten Commandments and their proscribed punishments. Yet, beyond that small issue, the objections this reader had to my article really had nothing to do with Islam itself, but rather the misapplication of Islam by some of its adherents.

For instance: “In the op-ed, Muhammad reads a bedtime story to his 4-year-old daughter. How idyllic. What the writer didn’t say is that if his 4-year-old daughter grows up to be a young lady and has an affair with some man before marriage, then he would be justified in killing her to protect the family honor. Shariah law.”

Wrong. There is absolutely no justification for so-called “honor killings” in Islam. This is a barbaric cultural practice that is clothed with Islam by those who commit it. I have written extensively about this here and here. I have also condemned all violence against the innocent, without qualification or equivocation, all in the name of Islam.

The writer says: “If Muhammad’s son, whom he was playing catch with, grows up and leaves the Muslim faith to become a Christian, then he should also be killed. Shariah law again.”

Wrong. There is nothing in Islam that says people who leave the faith are killed. I have also written about this as well. There is total freedom of conscience and religion in Islam, and I uphold this principle as well.

The writer says: “If anyone prints anything bad or critical of the Quran or Mohammad, even in a cartoon, he should be killed. Shariah law again.“

Wrong. Those are the words and actions of ignorant Muslims who think they “defend” the Prophet or Islam with their barbarity but actually defame them both. The Prophet was constantly mocked and attacked, even by his own family, and he never called for violent retribution in response.

When it comes to Islam, whenever a Muslim does something criminal and says, “Islam says I should do so,” so many just accept it and project that criminality onto the entire faith. It is exactly akin to calling Catholicism a “pedophile religion” because of the actions of Catholic priests who have molested children. I would never do so, because I know the actions of those few priests do not speak for the entire faith or its adherents. I went to Marquette University, and I worked with and learned under a number of priests. They were nothing but upright, wonderful people. I know that the actions of a few rogue priests is not the truth about Catholicism or all Catholic priests.

Would that the same standard be applied to Islam.

Passover and Eternal Hope

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In the Name of God, the Kind, the Beautiful

The Passover time is also quite special for me as an American Muslim. This is not because the story of the Exodus of the Jews out of Egypt is a happy one for me, as well, despite the fact that I am of Egyptian ancestry. It is not because my absolute favorite movie of all times, The Ten Commandments, plays on television once again. These are all true.

Yet, when Passover comes, it reminds me of the Exodus saga and that hope always springs eternal, no matter how hard having that hope may seem. The slavery of the Hebrews was an established institution of Egyptian life and society – despite all the benefits brought by their ancestor Joseph – and to abolish such a thing would have seemed unthinkable.

Yet, here came Moses – sent by the Lord – to tell one of the most powerful leaders on Earth to “let my people go.” Undeterred by the mockery sent his way, Moses threw down his staff and raised up his glowing hand, as commanded by God, to show them the truth of his message. When Pharaoh was able to “reproduce” his miracle with a simple magician’s trick, Moses became scared. But, Scripture tells me what happened next:

And in his heart Moses became apprehensive. [But] We said: “Fear not! Verily, it is thou who shalt prevail! And [now] throw that [staff] which is in thy right hand -it shall swallow up all that they have wrought: [for] they have wrought only a sorcerer’s artifice, and the sorcerer can never come to any good, whatever he may aim at!” (20:67-69)

Although apprehensive, the Lord taught him never to lose hope, and he ultimately prevailed. As the story goes, when Moses’ miracle exposed the magicians’ trick as just that, the magicians all believed in Moses and fell prostrate in worship for the Lord our God, defying Pharaoh and his threats of violence against them.

As each plague befell the Egyptians for their arrogant intransigence, and their oppression of the Hebrews increased in guile and brutality, the people of Moses began to lose hope. But, as the Scripture says, Moses strengthened them and told them never to lose hope:

[And] Moses said unto his people: “Turn unto God for aid, and have patience in adversity. Verily, all the earth belongs to God: He gives it as a heritage – to such as He wills of His servants; and the future belongs to the God-conscious!”
[But the children of Israel ] said: “We have suffered hurt ere thou camest to us and since thou hast come to us!„ [Moses] replied: “It may well be that your Sustainer will destroy your foe and make you inherit the earth: and thereupon he will behold how you act.” (7:128-129)

When Moses and his people were trapped between the sea and Pharaoh’s horde, coming to destroy them all, the people again lost hope. Moses, however, did not falter:

And so [the Egyptians] caught up with them at sunrise; and as soon as the two hosts came in sight of one another, the followers of Moses exclaimed: “Behold, we shall certainly be overtaken [and defeated]!” He replied: Nay indeed! My Sustainer is with me, [and] He will guide me!” Thereupon We inspired Moses thus: Strike the sea with thy staff!”- whereupon it parted, and each part appeared like a mountain vast. And We caused the pursuers to draw near unto that place: and We saved Moses and all who were with him (26:60-65)

At the end this passage of Scripture is this message: ” In this [story] behold, there is a message [unto all people], even though most of them will not believe [in it]” (26:67). And among the many messages is that hope must always spring eternal.

All of these lessons, all of these passages, all of these insights come to me, not from the Old Testament, but from the Quran. The story of Moses is mentioned dozens upon dozens of times in the Quran. The story of the Exodus is recounted several times, in fact. Moses is mentioned more by name in the Quran than the Prophet Muhammad himself. This may come as a surprise to many, but the truth is that Moses (and Jesus) figure prominently in Muslim belief and scripture. Even though I may not hold a Seder in my home, it does not mean that the story behind the Seder is not near and dear to my heart.

And the lessons of the story of Moses and Pharaoh are applicable today: in the midst of such immensely difficult times for all communities in America, we should never lose hope. Whether it is the American Muslim community, which faces suspicion and hostility based on the actions of a tiny fraction of extremists; or the Gulf Coast community, still reeling from the BP oil spill that occurred one year ago; or the countless “Main Streets,” which still suffer under the weight of the Great Recession: the story of Moses and the Exodus out of Egypt reminds us that hope must always spring eternal.

Things will get better, and, God willing, we will eventually make it to the Promised Land. We just have to work our hardest – and work together – to reach it.

Passover and Eternal Hope

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In the Name of God, the Kind, the Beautiful

The Passover time is also quite special for me as an American Muslim. This is not because the story of the Exodus of the Jews out of Egypt is a happy one for me, as well, despite the fact that I am of Egyptian ancestry. It is not because my absolute favorite movie of all times, The Ten Commandments, plays on television once again. These are all true.

Yet, when Passover comes, it reminds me of the Exodus saga and that hope always springs eternal, no matter how hard having that hope may seem. The slavery of the Hebrews was an established institution of Egyptian life and society – despite all the benefits brought by their ancestor Joseph – and to abolish such a thing would have seemed unthinkable.

Yet, here came Moses – sent by the Lord – to tell one of the most powerful leaders on Earth to “let my people go.” Undeterred by the mockery sent his way, Moses threw down his staff and raised up his glowing hand, as commanded by God, to show them the truth of his message. When Pharaoh was able to “reproduce” his miracle with a simple magician’s trick, Moses became scared. But, Scripture tells me what happened next:

And in his heart Moses became apprehensive. [But] We said: “Fear not! Verily, it is thou who shalt prevail! And [now] throw that [staff] which is in thy right hand -it shall swallow up all that they have wrought: [for] they have wrought only a sorcerer’s artifice, and the sorcerer can never come to any good, whatever he may aim at!” (20:67-69)

Although apprehensive, the Lord taught him never to lose hope, and he ultimately prevailed. As the story goes, when Moses’ miracle exposed the magicians’ trick as just that, the magicians all believed in Moses and fell prostrate in worship for the Lord our God, defying Pharaoh and his threats of violence against them.

As each plague befell the Egyptians for their arrogant intransigence, and their oppression of the Hebrews increased in guile and brutality, the people of Moses began to lose hope. But, as the Scripture says, Moses strengthened them and told them never to lose hope:

[And] Moses said unto his people: “Turn unto God for aid, and have patience in adversity. Verily, all the earth belongs to God: He gives it as a heritage – to such as He wills of His servants; and the future belongs to the God-conscious!”
[But the children of Israel ] said: “We have suffered hurt ere thou camest to us and since thou hast come to us!„ [Moses] replied: “It may well be that your Sustainer will destroy your foe and make you inherit the earth: and thereupon he will behold how you act.” (7:128-129)

When Moses and his people were trapped between the sea and Pharaoh’s horde, coming to destroy them all, the people again lost hope. Moses, however, did not falter:

And so [the Egyptians] caught up with them at sunrise; and as soon as the two hosts came in sight of one another, the followers of Moses exclaimed: “Behold, we shall certainly be overtaken [and defeated]!” He replied: Nay indeed! My Sustainer is with me, [and] He will guide me!” Thereupon We inspired Moses thus: Strike the sea with thy staff!”- whereupon it parted, and each part appeared like a mountain vast. And We caused the pursuers to draw near unto that place: and We saved Moses and all who were with him (26:60-65)

At the end this passage of Scripture is this message: ” In this [story] behold, there is a message [unto all people], even though most of them will not believe [in it]” (26:67). And among the many messages is that hope must always spring eternal.

All of these lessons, all of these passages, all of these insights come to me, not from the Old Testament, but from the Quran. The story of Moses is mentioned dozens upon dozens of times in the Quran. The story of the Exodus is recounted several times, in fact. Moses is mentioned more by name in the Quran than the Prophet Muhammad himself. This may come as a surprise to many, but the truth is that Moses (and Jesus) figure prominently in Muslim belief and scripture. Even though I may not hold a Seder in my home, it does not mean that the story behind the Seder is not near and dear to my heart.

And the lessons of the story of Moses and Pharaoh are applicable today: in the midst of such immensely difficult times for all communities in America, we should never lose hope. Whether it is the American Muslim community, which faces suspicion and hostility based on the actions of a tiny fraction of extremists; or the Gulf Coast community, still reeling from the BP oil spill that occurred one year ago; or the countless “Main Streets,” which still suffer under the weight of the Great Recession: the story of Moses and the Exodus out of Egypt reminds us that hope must always spring eternal.

Things will get better, and, God willing, we will eventually make it to the Promised Land. We just have to work our hardest – and work together – to reach it.

A Muslim At Passover

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In the Name of God, the Kind, the Beautiful

Every year, I look forward to the Passover holiday. As a devout Muslim, I do not celebrate the holiday, but, I know that it is the time for the annual broadcast of my absolute favorite film of all time, “The Ten Commandments,” directed by Cecil DeMille and starring Charlton Heston. First released in 1956, it has become an instant classic, being shown every year around the time of Easter. I try not to miss the film each and every year.

I have seen the ruins of ancient Egypt firsthand, and they are already breathtaking. When I watch the film, it gives me an intriguing sense of what Egypt in antiquity must have looked like, and it makes it truly enjoyable for me. Yet, what brings me back to the film almost each and every year is the story of Moses that is told in the film. It is one of my favorite stories of the Prophets of all time. Throughout the entire film, I am rooting for the Hebrews, even though I am of Egyptian ancestry. I have total disdain for the Egyptian taskmasters cracking their whips at their Hebrew slaves, and I spend the beginning of the film hoping with equal fervor for the coming of the Deliverer.

When Moses finally speaks to and is commissioned by God, I get very excited because now, finally, Moses will confront Pharaoh and set the Hebrews free. Every time Pharaoh hardens his heart against Moses, God sends a plague and I smile with glee. Yet, far and away, my favorite part of the film is the splitting of the Red Sea. I have to fight myself from leaping out of my seat and yelling to the television screen, “You go God!” Now, there are things depicted in the film about the Prophet Moses with which I disagree, and I am a little uncomfortable, given my Islamic sensibilities, with any Prophet being depicted by an actor. Still, I thoroughly enjoy watching the Egyptians getting their butts kicked by God and His Prophet Moses.

This should come as absolutely no surprise that a Muslim, of Egyptian ancestry, roots for the Hebrews in “The Ten Commandments.” In fact, my first published work was an essay about the film in the book Taking Back Islam. Moses figures very prominently in Muslim belief. He is one of the five mightiest Prophets of God, along with Abraham, Noah, Jesus, and Muhammad. There are more than 70 passages — many encompassing quite a few verses — that speak of Moses.

Moses is described in the Qur’an as “the chosen of God” (7:144), “sincere” (19:51), and “honorable” (33:69). The story of how he came to be raised in the House of Pharaoh, and his confrontation with Pharaoh after he is commissioned as prophet is also detailed in the Muslim scripture. In Islamic tradition, God had originally commanded 50 prayers to be performed per day, and it was Moses who continually beseeched the Prophet Muhammad to ask God for less until it became five. Moses is near and dear to my heart, and that is why I try to watch “The Ten Commandments” every year it is rebroadcast.

There are many in our country – and our world – that seek to divide us along any number of lines: ethnic, racial, and perhaps most dangerously, religious. Extremists on every side do the spectactular, seeking fame and wreaking destruction. Their version of the truth is hardly so, and it distorts the true nature of things: that the Lord wanted us to know one another and, in the words of the Quran, “strive (as if in a race) towards doing good.” Just because I am not holding a Seder in my home, it does not mean the story behind the Seder is not close to my heart. Let us pivot off of what we have in common and work together for the common good. The Lord is the ultimate Judge, and knowing Him, that will not be a bad thing at all.