Egypt’s recent success in conquering its oppressors has ignited a wave of realizations that determination mixed with unity and a dash of patience results in one sweet slice of change. Libya, Yemen, Algeria, Bahrain among others have used the mother of the world as an inspiration and an example, and have taken the first steps towards change.
So, like a majority of Lakers fans and wearers of over-sized sunglasses, I say jump on the bandwagon people. Although we are not victims in the same way that many people in the streets are, we too are oppressed.
We are dictated by magazines and talking boxes in the corners of living rooms. Our free speech is limited by ignorance and the false portrayal of our community. Our Hosni Mubarak comes in the form of revealing clothes and hypnotizing melodies.
These powers have been abusing us for much longer than 30 years and I say that we accept the world’s invitation and join in in telling our oppressors that we won’t take it anymore.
We are constantly fed propaganda that suggests Muslim and American are as opposite as right and left. This alienation of Muslims is an attempt to scare us into assimilation and force us to resent our own beliefs. The door of revolution has been pried open by our brothers and sisters around the world so why not sneak in before it is too late?
They say that we are opposite. But I say fast for Ramadan and eat apple pie during iftar. Pray on an American flag. Wear your Yankees jersey to the mosque. Do da’wah to Uncle Sam and force the oppression that is propaganda into resignation.
JazaakAllahu Khairan for the article. I’m on board the wagon.
Short but sweet. Thank you for this reminder. In your next blog, could you talk about specific ways we can revolutionize ourselves?
I am really glad you mentioned that we, as Muslim Americans, also need to reform ourselves. Real change starts at the grass roots level, and we can’t really anticipate much change to happen if we’re not improving ourselves first. Also, nice usage of the parallelism with iftar and apple pie and the reference to Laker fans and bandwagoning, haha.
I like the theme you are emphasizing about being both Muslim and American and that it is not an oxymoron. I think you should continue with an article on the “American Muslim Identity” or even how Muslims need to bring their Islamic values to make America a better place or something like that – you have a great start.
p.s. Not all Laker fans are bandwagon fans ….I have been one since I was 4 years old :o).
Salaams. Thank you for the reminder. It’s really inspiring that Muslims are finally coming together to make a difference around the world, and it would definitely be a great thing if American Muslims take advantage of the opportunity to learn from them.
We all definitely need to recognize that being Muslim and American can go hand in hand. The propaganda we are surrounded by constantly tries to tell us who we are and tries to narrow our ideas of who we can be. Jazakallah khair!
Great article. I loved the connection made, and in a way different ways of being oppressed. Could be talked about a lot more in another article, of the different levels of oppression, and how to conquer this. Figuratively. Anyways, thanks!
MashAllah great article Hossain! I agree with you 100%. We need to finally stand up and not be afraid to have people boss us around and stomp on us.
awesome
This is a very well-written and insightful article, Hossain. I hope you plan on writing a follow up because I would love to read more!
Salam,
HA, way to put the ummah on your back. Mashallah, your writing is so inspirational, I never seen so much determination in an Al-Talib blog doe. I mean, I never seen a mentee put a mentor on his back doe. Good work habibi, keep it up inshallah. Inshallah stay focused and hit us with some more truth.
Salam!
VERY IMPORTANT reminder. Revolutionize ourselves before we can revolutionize others. Be proud of the alternative lifestyle we have chosen.
JAK for this great reminder!
masha’Allah! This Hossain persons a BOSS!!!
Good stuff man.