The session has just started. You are invited to join us with your questions.
After the session, you could view the whole dialogue in the recent sessions.
Yours,
Islamonline Live Dialogue Editing Desk
Name
syed
- India
Profession
doctor
Question
As salamualaykum ,
I would like to ask why are the leaders of Muslims world keeping quiet about Palestine or Iraq or Sudan ? They have been given power why are they not uniting to solve it? Since they are quiet what will this movement achieve?
Answer
Walaikum assalam Syed,
It is quite obvious that issues involving Muslim populations around the world are of concern to all Muslims and many Muslims worldwide are trying to address issues of concerns to Muslims globally by becoming more involved in the political process of their countries domestically.
For example, in the United States, the American Muslim community is mobilizing our entire community to get involved in and participate in the upcoming presidential election.
We believe that by empowering Muslims in America to exercise their right to vote, candidates for president, especially here in America, will be more likely to listen to our issues and concerns since we could possibly determine if they get elected into office or not.
Name
Sajid
-
Profession
Question
What are the main opportunities and challenges that make Muslims in America different than any other Muslim communities in the western societies?
Answer
Walaikum assalam Sajid,
This is a very good question...
I believe that Muslims in America have a stronger duty to help change our society than most industrialized nations for one major reason.
Since the United States is the most powerful nation on Earth, much of the policies that our government adopts effect people all around the world. Our policies definitely have a greater impact on the rest of the world than any other industrialized nation.
Therefore, I think that it is very important for American Muslims to rise to the challenge and help our elected officials create fair and objective policies (both foreign and domestic) which will be for the betterment of all people.
I believe that is the major difference between Muslims living in America and Muslims living in other Western societies
Name
Ali
-
Profession
Question
Many may see the campaigns and the public relations as pragmatic ways that do not reflect the genuine discourse, what do you think?
Answer
Walaikum assalam Ali,
I truly believe that the dialogue between American Muslims and other groups in America since 9/11 has helped in educating people about Islam and the contributions of Muslims to our society.
Having said that, I think that there is a small minority of people in America who harbor ill feelings towards Islam and Muslims, but I do not believe that this is representative of all Americans or the general dialogue taking place in our society.
The campaigns that we carry out are meant to help educate people about Islam and Muslims. Many Americans have never really had any exposure to Islam and Muslims and unfortunately, some people in the media and politics are trying to "define" Islam for them.
For that reason, it is essential for Muslims in America to conduct these campaigns so that we can offer to educate our fellow Americans as to what our faith entails and how we, as American Muslims, have contributed to our society and the greater world.
Name
Stonefree
-
Profession
Question
How can any active group design a campaign the can really influence its community ?
Answer
Walaikum assalam,
The power of public opinion is one of the strongest and most important factors in how a society views any issue.
Although it is very important to become politically active in the society in which you live, I think that it may be more important to help change the public opinion of the average citizen.
There are many reasons for this analysis. First, if you can help change the way many people feel about a certain issue, then they are more likely to elect politicians who share those views as well.
Also, if you help educate and teach average citizens about yourself and your culture, they are more likely to be tolerant of different people in their communities since they have learned more about these different traditions.
So, it is important to design campaigns which reach out to the greatest number of citizens. Doing media campaigns may serve this the best since it allows for your message to go out to thousands or millions of your fellow citizens.
Name
Mohammed Yousef
- Canada
Profession
Question
You are specialist in legal affairs, how can we as Muslims in the West create a real awareness of the legal affairs in their societies?
Answer
Walaikum asslam Mohammed,
I think that it is essential for Muslims to know about their legal rights in the countries within which they live.
For example, in America, it is essential for Muslims to know their rights guaranteed to them under the United States Constitution. Some of these rights include the freedom of speech, freedom of religion, right to a jury trial, etc.
Since you are in Canada, I would recommend that Muslims in Canada and other nations to learn about their rights under the their constitutions and other major legal documents.
Unfortunately, since many Muslims in western societies are relatively new to these countries, it may take a while for them to get accustomed to the legal atmosphere in these societies.
Therefore, it is the responsibility of those who are educated to help people know what their rights are under the legal framework of the societies within which they live.
Name
matt
-
Profession
Question
salaams brother, actualy I'm not sure if my question is related, but i do feel the need of an internal campaign (to Mulsims) on how to treat non muslims or new converts, like how can you tell people Islam is all about being kind, successful,.. and some of us get kicked out when we visit the mosques? or treated as second level human beings just because we are not arabs or pakistanis
Answer
Walaikum assalam Matt,
As we all know, Islam is a brother of humanity, regardless of our race or ethnic background.
Unfortunately, some in our community try to hold on to cultural (not religious) traditions and associate mainly with people from similar backgrounds.
It is essential for all Muslims to adhere to Islamic principles when dealing with other Muslims as well as non-Muslims.
For that reason, one of CAIR's campaigns "I am an American Muslim" shows the different "faces" of Islam in America, proving that there is no one "face" to Islam.
People need to know and respect the fact that Muslims come in all colors and social classes.
For that reason, it is very important for local Muslim communities to make certain that all Muslims are welcome in their mosques and communities.
Name
Suha
- Algeria
Profession
Question
How do you evaluate the Muslims'effort since 9/11 regarding the real understanding of Islam?
Answer
Walaikum assalam Suha,
I think that the greater American Muslim community has really come to understand the importance of involving themselves in the greater society since 9/11.
For Muslims living in America, I think that most people would agree that we have increased our efforts as a community greatly since 9/11 and are becoming more and more involved in social, civic and political activities in this country and other nations as well.
I think that we need to continue this participation in society because only then will Islam come to be accepted as part of the social fabric of these societies.
Name
Terrence
- United States
Profession
unemployed
Question
Assalam Aleikum
I am curious as to what progress if any is being made to counter the negative propaganda that we are experiancing in the media.I personally have only seen a increase in the anti Islamic rhetoric.We are losing the battle for the so alled hearts and minds of the non-muslims it is getting real depressing seeing the gross criminal negleigance on the part of the media.Are there any concerted steps being taken to address this issue,Other than the overly apolegetic approach we are seeing from C.A.I.R
Jazakum allah Kayrun
Answer
Walaikum assalam Terrence,
I agree that anti-Muslim rhetoric has definitely increased since 9/11 and the barrage of negative attacks against Islam and the American Muslim community are dealt with by CAIR on a daily basis.
I believe there is good progress being made by our community in terms of responding to such attacks. For example, CAIR and other American Muslim organizations have increased our exposure on local, national and international media outlets to counteract these attacks.
We understand that public opinion is an important part of society and therefore, we will continues to monitor the media and help to promote a more accurate image of Islam and Muslims to the general American public.
Name
republic
-
Profession
Question
Would you tell us the results of any previous campaigns you had? what changes they made?
Answer
Walaikum assalam,
Many of CAIR's campaigns have had a positive effect on the way Islam is seen in America.
For example, CAIR's "Library Project" was designed to send packages of books on Islam to public libraries all across the nation.
Out of the 16,000 public libraries in America, over 7,000 of them now have CAIR's Library Project. We have received many positive emails, letters and faxes from librarians and community members who have shown appreciation for these books since the interest in learning about Islam has grown since 9/11.
This is only one example of how CAIR campaigns have been seen by the greater society at large.
Name
arab
-
Profession
Question
Why didn't you support presidential candidate like Ralf Nader rather than the traditional dilemma of choosing between the republicans and the democratic?
Answer
Walaikum assalam,
Thank you for writing. That is a very valid question and something that needs some contextual analysis to understand.
As American Muslims, it is important for us to support candidates who share our political views and will protect the interests of all people.
Having said that, it is important for the American Muslim community to reach out to all potential candidates of all political parties to help address the issues facing our community today.
If you study the history of the American political system, you will see that the way it is constructed essentially does not allow for a third party candidate to win a presidential election.
However, it is very important to note, that a third party candidate, like Nader, could take away votes from one of the other candidates, bolstering the other candidate to potential victory.
Therefore, it is important for our community to reach out to all candidates to make sure that our issues are brought to the political table in America.
Name
Adam
-
Profession
Question
What are the main goals and techniques of your current campaign "American & Muslim"?
Answer
Walaikum assalam Adam,
The primary goal in conducting our campaigns is to educate the general American public about Islam and the contributions of Muslims to our society.
There are so many myths and misconceptions about Islam and Muslims that we are trying to show the face of Islam in America by conducting some of these campaigns.
This includes showing the civic and social involvement of American Muslims as well as depicting different professions and careers undertaken by Muslims in America to show that Muslims have been and will continue to be contributing members of this and all other societies.
Name
OSMAN
- Australia
Profession
SELFEMPLOYED
Question
Do u think the people who abused the prisoners in Iraq and other places can lead normal lives and get away with it or would there be any justice? By whom?
Answer
Walaikum assalam Osman,
One of the things that makes America strong is the fact that the rule of law is an essential part of our society.
I honesltly don't believe that the people who tortured prisoners at Abu Ghraib and other prisons will be allowed to walk free because of their crimes.
I have a great deal of faith in the American legal system and that for the most part, people will be punished if they commit criminal acts.
Although it is not a perfect system, I do honestly believe that justice will prevail and that those who commit crimes will not be allowed to walk free.
Name
hafida
- Morocco
Profession
teacher
Question
What can I do to face attaks on my religion? Especially my hijab?
Answer
Walaikum assalam Hafida,
This is a very good question.
Almost every single country in the world has a constitution which allows for the free exercise of religion regardless of which faith you profess.
This "freedom of religion" clause includes such things as wearing hijab.
You should know that you have legal rights regarding your freedom to practice your faith.
For example, if you lose your job because of your hijab, you can file a lawsuit against your employer claiming that your constitutional rights have been violated.
It is very important for people to understand their legal and constitutional rights to freely exercise their religion in the countries they live in.
Name
Twalib
- Kenya
Profession
Teacher
Question
As Salamu Aleikum
According to Islamic Sharia is it allowed to vote on a non-Islamic country? When they give rights on such as Homosexualism and lesbianism while it Haram in Islam?
Please reply from Quran and Hadith.
Wa Salamu Aleikum
Answer
Walaikum assalam Twalib,
First of all, I would like to say again that I am not a faqih (Islamic scholar) and therefore, I am completely unqualified to issue any fatwas dealing with any issue.
However, many major Islamic scholars around the world have issued fatwas saying that not only is it permissible to vote in non-Muslim societies, but it is an obligation as a citizen of a nation to voice your opinion in order to change the society if you see policies where you believe the current position is incorrect.
Name
george
-
Profession
Question
How can non-Muslims help in such a team? And do they have certain tasks specified for them?
Answer
Walaikum assalam George,
I think that both Muslims and non-Muslims need to continue the dialogue in order to better understand each other's faiths, traditions and cultures.
I truly believe that only through continued interfaith dialogue can help our society continue to be a pluralistic nation which welcomes and respects people of all faith, cultures and races.
Name
dread
-
Profession
Question
Some may see CAIR approach as apologetic rather than analytic, what do you think?
Answer
Walaikum assalam,
I would have to respectfully disagree with that assessment.
Muslims, just like anyone else, have nothing to apologize for and our duty as citizens is to help dispel stereotypes and myths about Islam and Muslims.
Granted, some of CAIR's response have been in reaction to smears and attacks, but I honestly do not believe that anything we have done is "apologetic" in nature.
We have done numbers of pro-active and positive campaigns and believe that the vast majority of the American Muslim community have supported CAIR in its work.
That is evident by the fact that we have over 27 chapters in the US and Canada and are now celebrating our tenth anniversary year as America's leading American Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization.
Name
arab
-
Profession
Question
Would you care more for distiguishing CAIR as the specialized organization in Mulsim Rights and so, or for doing real contribution in gathering and uniting the efforts of Islamic organizations in the States? Has any effort been done on that so far?
Answer
Walaikum assalam,
There are many American Muslim organizations which seek to help and empower the American Muslim community.
CAIR is one of those organizations seeking to protect the civil rights of American Muslims and help provide an accurate image of Islam in America.
It is important for us to support all Muslim organizations who seek to help our community and the society at large.
