Now You Can Say It, President-Elect Obama: "So What If I Am a Muslim?"

Ever since President-Elect Barack Obama became a serious candidate for the Democratic Party's nomination for the presidency, the right and the ultraright, the Fox News, and the ill-informed segment of the population which follows Fox's "fair and balanced" news and analysis used Mr. Obama's middle name and the fact that his grandfather was a Muslim against him. In such propaganda, being a Muslim is tantamount to being evil, having ill will towards the United States, and someone who could not be trusted, especially with the highest office of the land.

As a supporter of Mr. Obama, I was often disappointed that he did not confront such bigotry. His standard reaction to the accusation of being a Muslim - one also enforced by his camp - was always, "I am a Christian; I have never been a Muslim." It really bothered me and people like me when, for example, last June Mr. Obama's aids removed from the front row of a rally in Detroit a few Muslim women with their Islamic hejab - cover for their hair - because they did want them to be seen in photos with Mr. Obama.

Although people like me never liked the way our President-Elect handled the "issue" of his Islamic "heritage," and even though my like-minded friends and I have been apprehensive about what he may do in the Middle East and the Islamic world, we wanted, more than anything else and above all, Mr. Obama to be elected the 44th President of the United States. The thought of living in a Bush-3 regime under John McCain was just too painful and frightening, and the dream of breaking the racial barrier with all of its consequences was too enticing. Pragmatism and the realities of America in the post-9/11 era also dictated our silence. We put our worries and unease in the backburner.

Now, however, our candidate has won by a landslide. Now, he does not have to worry about the accusation of being a closet Muslim as a campaign issue. Now, the elections have shown that the people have moved, to a large extent, beyond race as a barrier to the highest office of the land. Now, our President-Elect has won a mandate for fundamental changes, part of which should be cultural.

Mr. Obama is not, of course, a Muslim. He believes in the Christian faith. As a practicing Muslim, I have the highest respect for his faith. In my mind, Jesus Christ is the all-time symbol of kindness, forgiveness, and sacrifice for the sake of others. Thus, as a follower of Christ, Mr. Obama should set the record straight about the injustice that has been done to true Islam in this country.

Mr. Obama should now use the same eloquence; the same type of powerful speeches, and the same cool, intelligent, deliberate manner with which he mesmerized us all, to lead the people beyond the bigotry of hating Muslims, simply because they are Muslim. He should simply declare:

So what if I am a Muslim?

Not only will this simple declaration go a long way towards healing the wounds of over a billion Muslims that have been inflicted upon them by the Bush administration, but also move America in a progressive direction, and do wonders for its distorted image among the 1.3 billion Muslims, the very population that the U.S. needs in order to defeat the terrorists.

The reality is that, the true Islam has been incredibly distorted in the West, and the United States, under George W. Bush, has done its share. Our President-Elect can take an important step to correct the injustice done to the true Islam.

You see, unlike the common propaganda, the Qur'an - Muslims' holy book - advocates understanding of, and open exchange of opinion with, the Jews and Christians. After all, the three religions share common principles inherited from their common Abrahimic roots. The Qur'an's views towards the followers of what it calls the "People of the Book" (Christians and Jews) are nothing but peaceful, compassionate, and respectful.

God told Prophet Muhammad to inform "the People of the Book" that,

O People of the Book! Ye have no ground to stand upon unless ye stand fast by the Law, the Gospel, and all the revelation that has come to you from your Lord.

In instructing Muslims to show respect to the people of the previous religions (Christianity and Judaism), the Qur'an informs them that,

If only they [Jews and Christians] had stood fast by the Law, the Gospel, and all the revelation that was sent to them from their Lord, they would have enjoyed happiness from every side.

A theme repeated many times in the Qur'an is that, Muslims must join in friendship with the followers of other religions, and refrain from discussing subjects that may cause division. The Qur'an instructs Muslims to emphasize the common themes, and to clearly declare that,

We believe in God [Allah], and in what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and in [the Books] given to Moses, Jesus, and the Prophets, from their Lord: We make no distinction between one and another among them.

The Qur'an orders Muslims that they should "not argue with the followers of earlier revelation, except in a most kindly manner."

These are not what only people like the author extract from Qur'an, nor are people like the author the only ones who interpret Qur'anic teachings in an enlightened way.

Voltaire, the great French philosopher, was initially anti-Islam. But, after studying the Qur'an, he wrote very highly of Prophet Muhammad.

Johannes Wolfgang von Goethe, Germany's "greatest man of letters," declared himself indebted to the great Persian and Muslim poet, Hafez (the word Hafez means someone who has memorized the Qur'an completely), and said,

If this is Islam, are we not all Muslims?

Gustav Leberecht Flugel, the eminent German Orientalist, published an edition of the Qur'an in 1834 (which was again published in 1893 after his death). Theodor Noldeke, the "extraordinary professor" (as he was called in Germany) of Semitic studies, published several books on Islam and Qur'an. Both scholars praised the excellence of the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.

Karen Armstrong, the British renowned religious scholar and author of several books on Muslims and Islam, has spoken very highly of Islam, particularly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. She has declared that,

All the great traditions [religions] are saying the same thing in much the same way, despite their surface differences....They each have in common an emphasis upon the overriding importance of compassion.

True, Islamic teachings have been abused by the fringe of the fringe Islamic groups to "justify" crimes against humanity, including the 9/11 terrorist attacks and other crimes. But, such abuses have happened, and are still happening, with all religions, not just Islam. George W. Bush, an evangelical Christian, claimed that God told him to attack Iraq.

We must remember that both "reason" and "light" are repeated exactly 49 times in the Qur'an - and often together - indicating that the Qur'an believes that it is only through reason that one finds light and enlightenment.

So, President-Elect Obama, at the dawn of a new era in the history of this great nation, please help instill a spirit of understanding between the West and Muslims. Please lead the nation move beyond religion-based bigotry by simply declaring that,

So what if I am a Muslim?

Please lead the effort to change the culture of bigotry and hate.

Comments

[ddemos]

I happened to be watching a retrospective of Pres. Obama's 2 year long campaign, and he said on Larry King, that he was not a Muslim, but he was upset that it was being used as an insult and that it didn't matter if he were. Obama also said they he may have not been diligent enough to say that more often.
He then went on to say that there were many extraordinary Muslim Americans living in the US that need not be insulted just to get to him. It was a great thing to watch...maybe you could get a copy on LK/CNN website.

[cinecity]

"If only they [Jews and Christians] had stood fast by the Law, the Gospel, and all the revelation that was sent to them from their Lord, they would have enjoyed happiness from every side."

I'm an agnostic and even I find this offensive. Which is exactly why we shouldn't quote religious texts when discussing secular issues.

Many great books have been written since we learned the earth revolves around the sun. How about we quote from some of them?

[Scoppertop]

These comments are honestly the main reason that I don't believe in religion, though I've read all the world's religious texts for the history value.

What I don't get is why Islam, Christianity, and the Jewish faith don't acknowledge openly that they all believe in the same God, by different names.

None of you treat each other fairly. Sahimi's article should have been titled, "So What If We All Believe In the Same God?"

[huffingtonpostron]

Scoppertop had a good read. No one in the McCain campaign or the Republican Party is anti-Muslim. In fact, I think down the road, American Muslims will be some of the most patriotic Americans because of Freedom of Religion.

What McCain and the Republican Party and most Americans understand is that we are against radical Islam, Islam itself is welcome in America.

[KoolBreez]

I think the author meant to say - "So what if I were a muslim". Also, he mentioned on larry King, something to effect "Not that there is anything wrong with it"

[momof3inGA]

I think that Gen. Colin Powell addressed this issue very eloquently during his appearance on Meet the Press.

Furthermore -- I've heard with my own ears Obama express similar sentiments during interviews along the campaign trail. He also does so very eloquently on page 261 of his book, The Audacity of Hope:

" In the wake of 9/11, my meetings with Arab and Pakistani Americans, for example, have a more urgent quality, for the stories of detentions and FBI questioning and hard stares from neighbors have shaken their sense of security and belonging. They have been reminded that the history of immigration in this country has a dark underbelly; they need specific assurances that their citizenship really means something, that America has learned the right lessons from the Japanese internments during World War II, and that I will stand with them should the political winds shift in an ugly direction.[12] -- p. 261

[rudiy]

I for one agree that Muslims are not being fairly treated. However, contrary what Samini says about Islam's treatment of Christians and Jews, it is not reality. Non believers of Islam in the Muslim world are dhimi, second class citizens with far less rights than Muslims. It is not just Muslim extremist who hate non believers. If you read middle eastern news or watch TV, they are very clear of the Muslim belief that Jews are not people. Not only in those publications but in the US, Canada and Britian most Muslims demonizes every Jew in the US government. You need to have real tolerance to be tolerant not just cite a book that says If only they [Jews and Christians] had stood fast by the Law, the Gospel, and all the revelation that was sent to them from their Lord, they would have enjoyed happiness from every side.

[FZliveson]

Obama won by enrolling the masses in a context of unity.
He did not jab sticks into wounds.
He avoided engaging in divisive rhetoric.
He's not a Muslim so he had no reason to say what you ask.
Special interests need to promote themselves by reducing the
quantity of specialness and make attempts at creating likenesses.
Diversity is diversity. Union is Union. Never the twain shall meet

[mommamia526]

I do not agree with the writer. There is no reason, whatsoever, for Obama to come out and state: *so, what if I were a muslim*. He is not a muslim. He is a christian. Neither should he come out and state" *so what if I were a jew*. He is not a jew. He is a christian. There is in the U.S. separation of Church (religion) and State. Obama has been overwhelmingly elected, not to make statements on religions, nor to take any stances on any religion. President Obama has been elected to govern the United States of America. Religions should take care of their own affairs, and especially, should take care that they are in good standing with God (Allah). Religious establishments should take care that they control the emotions and tempers and behaviors of the parishoners, and take responsibility when their flocks go out on rampages, act against the word of THE LAW as given to them by God (Allah). Those who recognize Jesus' teachings know also that International and National Laws must also be obeyed and respected, as well as, that there is a separation between what pertains to Allah (God) and to rulers (kings). There is a specific targetted lesson Jesus gave on just that issue. Those we are jews should realize that Jesus was NOT a christian, not a muslim, but a jewish Rabbi, and spoke as a jew.

[FZliveson]

You are correct in many ways, except the so-called "Separation of Church and State" is an excerpt for a letter, not something in the constitution. The constitution states only that there will be no state-supported church and no interference in people's free exercise of religion.

[mommamia526]

Here is a thought: Islam is not a problem, terrorism is a problem. So is the mandate to convert the world to Islam. I agree with the writer and with Islam when the statement made is that we should respect each other's cultures, religions and I might add that we are all God"s (Allah's) creation and therefore should respect each other. God (Allah) has stated *thou shalt not murder*. It matters not whether a human being changed that, if that is the case. God"s (Allah's) word supercedes anything a human being could ever say. The christian mandate to convert all the world to Christianity is also a problem. God (Allah) is not bound to *religions* or *cultures*. The problem of terrorism which finds its roots in the ME and the socalled *Palestinian* problem, could be easily solved. It is the Hashemite King's grandfather who grabbed Transjordan, an area three times the size of Israel. Transjordan is the Palestinian's land. Adbullah should give it back to the Palestinians. Problem solved. All these things, however, are not the responsibility of President elect Obama. They are not Western political or religious problems. These are ME Islamic problems and must be solved in the ME and in Muslim countries. Not by poiticians in those countries, but by the religious establishments there. Some Indian muslims have already started a movement. May it take root and continue.

[CNBCSucks]

Let's wait until after re-election.

RE-ELECT BARACK OBAMA 2012!

[BritishAmerican]

Ok, so a select few are evil people practising Islam. Well, the KKK are christians and they've murdered thousands just for the color of their skin. The church stood by whilst slave trade took place legally. The American press and extreme right wingers are responsible for linking Islam with evil.

[mmmd]

I have the deepest respect for Christianity. However it has been used and misused, at it's core is something divine. The following is simply a reminder to people who either don't know their history or are not brave enough to confront it.
It's a bit rich for Christians to complain that Islam is militant. This from a group who put to the rack, burned, drawn and quartered millions for not following a certain brand of Christianity. For sheer magnitude, Islam has nothing comparable to that. Remember the infamous bishop when asked about women and children of the Cathers said Kill them all, God will recognize His own?
As for misogyny, Islam cannot hold a candle to Christianity. Islam never claims that Eve caused Adam's downfall. Nor does Islam call women impure, vessel of Satan or a corrupting influence or other such sweet names as Christianity . Yes, Islam asks for the modest dress of women, leading many Muslims to wear garments similar to what nuns still wear. I may safely say the rights of women that we are so proud of has been gained not because of Christianity, but in spite of it.
The Renaissance came to Europe from the Muslims who never had any cause to fear reason or science. They safeguarded Plato, Aristotle and Galen when the Church tried to stamp them out, and for that Humanity owes them a thanks.
So if you are a Pot, a word of advice: don't go calling the Kettle black.

[outsidein]

wow. bravo.

[SueEll]

I went to hear Obama speak and at the rally, to the side of me, was a Muslim family who's children were dancing to campaign music by U2. In front of me was someone holding a sign supporting Obama in what looked like Chinese. All around me were people of every nationality and man, was I happy to be an American.

[HHarvey]

I like what Obama had to say when the New Yorker cover came out lampooning him as a terrorist muslim. He said "It's a cartoon so I'm not going to make a big deal about it, but I will say that if I was a muslim I would be very offended". He did acknowledge this somewhat but maybe not as much as some would have liked. Instead, I think he let his obama supporters and pundits do it for him.

[Yermammy]

You are right. I have no religion, but that's still a right. The whole mess in the middle east boils down to this stupid issue. Israel is being stubborn and we're too involved in their business. They have nuclear weapons. They should give back all the land they took in 1967 and EVERYONE should then drop it. But that's going to disappoint all the munition factories and we can't have them unhappy, can we?