Pump up the Love

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Municipal Land-Use Update - Ground Zero Mosque
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And now my turn. A couple months ago I was asked by a friend for my opinion about a mosque being built at ground zero. At the time I knew nothing about the matter and declined to comment, citing a need to research the issue before forming an opinion. True to my word I did read up on the issue listening to both sides and forming my own conclusions. Now admittedly I am biased. I pray regularly and join the congregation on Fridays. Also I know all too well what it feels like to pray in an overcrowded mosque. Mashallah there are so many worshippers we literally have to pray on the backs of the brothers in front of us!

The only logical thing to do in this case is to expand and build more floor space to accommodate the faithful. Which is why I find the opposition’s arguments completely absurd. “A terrorist command center” “A shrine to their victory” “turning Manhattan into a Mecca” “A place to dance on our graves” the litany of unfounded accusations go on and on. My question is this, where are they getting their information about Islam and Muslims? It certainly isn’t from the horse’s mouth more like the rear end.

Time and again we have made it clear that Islam does not allow for the killing of innocents and places a high value on human life. Also our leaders have issued countless statements sympathizing with the victims of 9/11, 300 of which were Muslims. But all of this is lost in the ether; pundits distort the facts and spew out hate filled garbage which is eaten up by their listeners. It is nearly impossible to get through to them as they refuse to hear anything else. They have in fact chosen to fear all except fear itself.

The fact of the matter is that the proposed cultural center is addressing a basic need of the community in that area. The organizers are more than happy to welcome members of all faiths and all walks of life into their doors. Think of all the good that would do. Taking kids off the street and giving them something productive to do (before you post an absurd response bear in mind I am referring to extracurricular activities). A place for the Abrahamic faiths to congregate and learn from each other's wisdom. And yes a place for Muslims to bow down before their lord and sustainer.

I’ve seen similar community centers acting as safe havens for troubled teens, a means for building bridges between communities a place to come together with love and brotherhood. They'll call me an idealist but all in all it sounds pretty wonderful to me. I would be happy to go down there and pay a visit when it’s done. You are welcome to join me. Peace.

UPDATE: This is a reminder to all NYS residents, the primaries are this Tuesday (Sept. 14, 2010) go out and vote. Send congress and the office of Governor a clear message. We will no longer tolerate an atmosphere of anxiety, we want peace with our neighbors and amongst our communities. No more policies of fear mongering. We will not be cowed into giving up our freedoms for a false sense of security. We want to treat our fellow man with compassion and justice. I want each and every registered voter to vote their conscience.

It should be obvious how the entities supporting war are the same entities who support making the rich, richer. Who support taking from the poor, working and middle class to further misguided attacks on innocent civilians. Their unwise policies have brought this country to near financial ruin and has made it that much insecure. I can't make up your mind for you only you know who you will vote for. But since you are an "I Don't Know" reader you are interested in my opinion.

If you happen to live in the 15th congressional district and are a registered Democrat. May I suggest a worthy candidate for your consideration? His name is Jonathan Tasini I had the pleasure of meeting him at my local mosque. He's a friend of the Muslim Community. And has a deep respect for Islam. He was in attendance during the Khutbah. Afterwards he had kind words to say about the sermon and the Imam. His choice of words were spot on. Greeting us with salam and calling us brohters and sisters, that is something to his credit. Furthermore he and his staff appeared very cordial and answered my questions in a respectful and polite manner. I was very pleased that day.

However I couldn't expect anything less, I attend Friday Prayers at the 96th street Mosque. The imam there is politically savvy and often invites Government Officials to speak on Issues concerning the Muslim Community. Previously we had NYC Comptroller John C. Liu speaking about how the office of the Mayor fully backs building of the Community Center in Downtown Manhattan. And that bigotry will not be tolerated. This certainly helps ease anxiety felt by Muslims, who just want to go about their lives and do not want to be thrust into a vicious political power play. So if Tasini is good enough for my Mosque he's good enough for me and this site fully endorses him as a public servant.

And if anyone asks you can say that this guy sent you...

Raising Awareness for a Worthy Cause

Widespread media coverage has already made it known to the international community that Pakistan is suffering at the hands of Mother Nature. I am afraid the situation is very desperate. The two Northern provinces, one considered to be the bread basket of the nation, have been devastated. Not to mention the long suffering region of Kashmir. The economy has been ruined, water borne disease is rampant and now the engorged banks of the Indus threaten a third province.

At times like these we realize our place in the great human family, of which we are all part of. Whatever aid reaches flood victims, it will not be enough. That’s why no matter the aid group no matter the charity we need to help. The images and stories coming through are heartbreaking. Any being with a beating heart can feel and identify with the victims.

Their sorrows are doubled when we realize that on this day 63 years ago a significant portion of the Muslims of the subcontinent gained not only freedom from imperial rule but a homeland of their own. Each year this event is celebrated as Independence Day. A day on which we reflect on the meaning and purpose of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the sacrifices we made as a people to attain our dear homeland. Sadly with the nation gripped in a crisis of biblical proportions the people do not have the luxury to reflect let alone celebrate.

The following images will show the brave javan of the Pakistan army coming to the aid of their countrymen, in their hour of need. They are duty bound to serve and protect the very people who adore and support them the most. Without the people of Pakistan there literally can be no Pakistan army.

What is unjust is that due to a new threat of neo-colonialism not only is the purpose and meaning of an Islamic Republic being lost it is being actively attacked. As resources are diverted from the frontlines the neo-cons clamor for more bloodshed. They cannot stand to see participants leaving their staged fight to rescue measly villagers. Their inhumanity is jarring, there can be no doubt their souls are lost and their hearts are stone. These are interesting times indeed may God show mercy on each sublime creation.

Heart Renching photos after the jump

Oh hi...I am an Indie author

I've been trying to get my specially formatted manuscript up loaded to smashwords. But there site was giving me trouble for the past few days. After worrying about my computer having a virus and running the site on other PCs it finally decided to behave. Once I filled in the publishing information the word doc was placed in a queue for conversions into various format. My spot? #193. I was definitely not going to stay up for this and went to bed. I got up early for sahiri then went back to sleep. When I got up to go to work I checked in with the site and this is what my profile said:

My short story and debut novel are up alongside their glorious covers specially minted for this release. This was pleasant enough but when I logged in a took a look at my account it turned out that I had sold a copy overnight! Woot! My first sale! It's official I am a full fledged author I suppose I should be eccentric and aloof now...oh wait I already am! Perfect! To the anonymous fan who bought my book. I hope you have a thoroughly entertaining time reading it. I put my heart and soul into and wish to do more.

But we can't put all that burden on one poor soul, help a brother out! Go to smashwords and buy my e-books. A hand dandy graphical link is the sidebar, just look for the "Colbert Nation" Medallion. In the meantime I'll keep on churning out the goods you keep on churning out the greens.

Of Man Made and Natural Disasters

My soul descended from the heavens and when its preordained time has transpired it will return to the heavens. In the meantime it spends its days on earth encased in a mortal shell of flesh and blood. A shell that breathes and sleeps that feels pain and sorrow joy and love. Distinctively shaped it has a beating heart arms and limbs, eyes that take in the beauty and horrors of this world. Observers would say that these are the characteristics of a human being. I couldn’t agree more therefore I am but a man.

However I belong to a complex species. It is not enough to be human we also need a race to belong to. These same observers would look upon the color of my skin, my hair even my eyes and classify me accordingly. Then they would ask me about my beliefs and anoint a belief system upon me. Finally they would look upon documents issued upon my birth to determine my nationality. Therefore I am many things. South Asian, Muslim, American and so begins a brutal juggling act.

Many humans would fall into these classifications. But how they would respond to stimuli brought forth from world events depends on what they give priority to. For me being a good Muslim holds the most weight. I belong to the Ummah, the Nation of Islam comprised of many ethnicities. Among them Pacific Islander, African, Middle Eastern, European, South Asian, Asian, Central Asian, to name just a few. Each has formed its own nation state its people pay homage to the Ummah in one way or another. I love each nation as if it were my own. And on many occasions expressed my love to brothers and sisters from Algeria, Egypt, Bangladesh, India, Qattar, UAE, Saudia Arabia, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Turkey and Malaysia. I hope to meet beloved brothers and sisters from all remaining nations.

However when it comes to familiarity I would have to say I am most familiar with the nation state of Pakistan. My parents instilled in me a love for that country early on. This love was strong enough to convince me and my siblings to migrate with my parents when they wished to retire and return to their homeland. Unfortunately for me and my sisters the harsh realities of this savage land smashed our rose tinted goggles. The country of my parents was not what it seemed.

Instability brought upon by illiteracy and agitated by opportunistic elements, continues to inflict mortal wounds. The economy is shot, the infrastructure crippled, the populace beaten, the leaders corrupt. It would be easy to launch in to a vicious verbal attack; picking at the problems of this under developed country laughing and mocking all the while. That would be easy and cruel this is something I simply can’t do. Yes the country has problems but I examine and ponder each one with respect and with the intention of finding solutions. That is what is uneasy that is what is humane.

The issue of economy and infrastructure go hand and hand. My dad tried to establish his practice in Karachi he even partnered with a likeminded friend who had also left a burgeoning business in the states to set up shop in the country they both loved. But one problem after another hindered their efforts. Efficiency and productivity were severely limited and at the mercy of unreliable power supply, decrepit roads and a limited pool of qualified human resource. Add to that clientele who did not uphold their end of the bargain and you can see why dad had to pay frequent visits to his US based clients.

These circumstances did not affect me much while in college. But ever since my beloved Abu’s death and my new responsibilities I simply cannot put up with that kind of nonsense! I am thankful to God for allowing me to return to the US where I can spend my energies on worthwhile endeavors.

So as you can see the picture is pretty bleak. I know there are many big businesses there doing tremendous work I am well aware of this. But it is hard for expatriates to break into that world as we are automatically discriminated against for being “outsiders”. So we are left with very little options but I digress.

Getting back on point it is evident that a weak economy is compounding the problems of the common man. Many draw parallels between the volatile populace and the prelude to the French Revolution. The corrupt leaders are more or less saying for these down trodden souls to feast on cake in the absence of bread. It’s no wonder emotions are seething. True supporters of Pakistan try to quell the anger while opportunistic entities capitalize on this vulnerability and incite violence.

These entities were prevalent during the 80’s and especially the mid 90’s. The city of Karachi descended into a hell on earth as thugs were recruited under the guise of a racist and nationalistic ideology to wreak havoc on the people. Ummatis were divided into frivolous groups based on language and ethnic origin. They were pitted against each other and made to shed each other’s blood. No mercy or decency was shown as every instrument of torture and death was brought to bare. The streets ran red.

Privately and at times openly, enemies of the Ummah celebrated, indulging in the gore. When compatriots demanded the extradition of those individuals found to be orchestrating the carnage the enemies hid behind their laws and disallowed it. Rather they demanded we capture their wanted souls with calls of “Do More”.

When Pakistan was not a front line state these shameful internal affairs were barely known by the outside world. Now with the spotlight firmly fixed on the Afghan/Pakistan border if we sneeze the world hears it. Ladies and gentlemen we are sneezing yet again. Those nationalistic, racists political parties are at it again inciting hatred and turning brother against brother a crime for which they will have to answer for in the ethereal court of God.

For the most part descent people don’t partake in the medley only riff raff who have nothing better to do get their kicks by beating up on some guy, setting fires and smashing storefronts. This is something that can happen without warning. I remember one time buying jewelry with my mom (yes for my engagement) in a popular shopping district. We’re sitting in the gleaming, air conditioned store, the door securely locked, soft drinks in hand; when all of a sudden we get word of mass rioting. It’s not too far away from where we are the lafungey are disrupting traffic because there is no water in their kuchi abadi. Repeated complaints to city officials were of no use thirsty and fed up they took to the streets. The police dispersed them quickly enough and life resumed once again.

We were lucky with that one. At times these things get out of hand and the violence can go on for days. It’s common to see dump trucks engulfed in flames on the side of the road on those occasions. That’s when they bring in an elite division of the army known as the Rangers. Their attack vehicles with rear mounted twin barrel submachine guns quickly cut down miscreants. But it is only a stop gap solution. Society tries to reform itself. With public prayers for God to show mercy on his believers and an appeal for forgiveness for our sins. Again descent people take heed however the people who need to hear this message are deaf and dumb, words do not affect them and they go right on playing into the hands of Satan. That’s why our best minds have left that land to apply their skills and talents in countries that appreciate them and reward them in kind. In the end the populace is left helpless left to fend for itself.

Who can they turn to? It seems not even Allah wishes to ease their discomfort. Disasters pre-ordained for this land for whatever purpose are upon it once again. Who can forget the earthquakes in the Northern Areas from not too long ago? Religious leaders were quick to point out punishment for our sins. Currently raging river water has caused even more deaths a sinful people are being punished yet again.

I am concerned but not losing sleep, mostly because no one I personally know has been affected. I’ll probably make a small financial contribution to relief work to ease my guilt and then go about my business. The usual chain of events will ensue initially people will try to help each other out. When that will not be enough the Government with its meager resources will step in. When that will prove to be insufficient they will go begging to the international community for help. Relief agencies will arrive and set up camp. The mullahs will object to the influx of foreign spies. The governments representing the agencies will deny the allegation. The Pakistani Government will apologize for the unruly Mullahs maybe even arrest a couple for good measure. In the end they will be able to establish some kind of refugee camp where the inhabitants will live out many atrocious days before being allowed to return home by the authorities. But not before the deaths of many.

And so it goes heaven sent souls returning from whence they came thus completing our time on planet earth. Ameen and goodnight to one and all.