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Post by Vivian on May 24, 2003 22:44:30 GMT -5
YIKES! I guess my head was up in the clouds, Hummingbird!! Okay, here it is, ONE TIME!!
Peace,Vivian
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Post by HardheadedSofthrtd on May 25, 2003 1:30:23 GMT -5
One thing that proves Mr. Tapper to be a big liar is the comment that Yusuf's site, UKIEU, sponcers terrorist activities!! According to Mr. Tapper that even at the time this article came out, he found terrorist activities listed on that site!! How strange is that!! Several times in the last several months, I've clicked on that site, both at home and on many terminals at the library, only to find it down and under construction!! So, how is it possible that Mr. Tapper found this alledged information at the time the article was written?? Oh, let me guess!! It came up just so he can dig up some dirt, and they closed it down again!! YEAH, RIGHT Peace,Vivian Quoting directly from the article (italics mine): ""For instance, even as I was reporting this story, Yusuf's website, www.yusufislam.org.uk, listed four charities he chairs, including one - the U.K. Islamic Education Waqf - whose own website celebrates a military form of jihad. Or as the UKIEW's Web site puts it: The 'mujahideen' should be given money 'to perform Jihad, as well as enough to buy necessities for it, such as transport, weapons, maintenance expenses and wages.' When I read David Gordon the 'wepaons' quote, he is alarmed. 'These words were on his website?' he asks. 'It sounds terrible to me.' He asks me to send him the exerpt. 'It's important that I find out more,' he says. (After the U.K. Charity Commission learned about it, the UKIEW promptly removed the Web site from the Internet, and according to a commission source, 'the content of the Web site will be ammended.')" From this we can glean the following: 1. Mr. Tapper does not say that Mr. Islam owns the UKIEW site. 2. Mr. Tapper does not say that any of Mr. Islam's own sites urge others to terrorist activities. 3. David Gordon is the only one I can see here who thought (wrongly) that Mr. Tapper was implying that these urgings were posted on one of Mr. Islam's own sites. 4. Mr. Tapper states that the information to which he refers was indeed eventually removed. Here one must keep in mind that a magazine piece may have been researched and written over the course of several weeks or months before it's publication date. -Joanne |
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Post by Aisha on May 25, 2003 1:38:41 GMT -5
I wish that organizations and the terrorists groups would quit misusing the word 'Jihad'. Jihad isn't about terrorism and war. Yes, one form of jihad is to fight in defense of Islam, but the real meaning of jihad is to struggle to live as God wants us to, to be honest, diligent, patient, charitable, chaste..etc. It is a struggle to obey Allah/God (swt). A form of jihad is fighting traffic to get to Friday prayers, smiling at someone we may not stomach, getting up early to pray, sacrificing something we love in order to give in charity. It takes on so many forms, but, unfortunately it is only connected with psychos with bombs and suicide pilots crashing planes into buildings.
I just wanted to stress that because I hear the word 'jihad' so much and it is so misused. Maybe that is what happened with that website...maybe someone misused the word.
Love,
A'isha
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Post by HardheadedSofthrtd on May 25, 2003 2:19:14 GMT -5
I just wanted to stress that because I hear the word 'jihad' so much and it is so misused. Maybe that is what happened with that website...maybe someone misused the word. Love, A'isha A'isha- I agree that the word "jihad" is certainly overused as well as frequently misused. However, I don't see how this statement, "The 'mujahideen' should be given money 'to perform Jihad, as well as enough to buy necessities for it, such as transport, weapons, maintenance expenses and wages" could be construed to mean anything quite so benign as smiling at a person you can't stomach, for instance. Of course, this is assuming that this is exactly as the statement appeared before the content was removed. -Joanne P.S.- Hope you had a fantabulous birthday! :-D |
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Post by Aisha on May 25, 2003 10:25:35 GMT -5
Thank you Joanne.
You know, when the problem with Afghanistan was happening back in the 80s many Muslims believed that the the Mujahadeen was going to liberate Afghanistani Muslims from oppressors. They didn't know that Afghanistan would become even more oppressed by Islamic extremists. I hope that now the people there can live in freedom and that the women will be able to abide in safety and get education. The problem for many Muslims is that these groups like the Taliban make it sound like helping them will be serving Allah (swt) when actually these groups are oppressors and harbors for terrorists. I am not saying UKIEW is involved in this, but maybe back long ago they had the idea that they were doing something good.
Love,
A'isha
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Post by faithfullight on May 25, 2003 11:01:44 GMT -5
I haven't read the article in the GQ magazine, so I don't know what to make of this. And about Jihad, I don't understand why God would call any group of men to fight abominable attacks for God's guidance which was given to bring peace and harmony. How in the world did extremists interpret defense into attack, I'll never understand. I really feel annoyed when anyone associates any type of genocidal religious war as being caused by God's will. This is utterly disgusting and repulsive! Why would God, who is so perfectly loving and understanding, and knows all things, ever wish mankind to fight atrocious wars of genocide? This is completely in opposition to peace or bringing harmony to mankind and our world! (I am using the exclamation point, (not because I am trying to force my opinion), but because I am so appalled by the misuse of God's guidance. Thank you A'isha for pointing out the misintent of Jihad's purpose: "Yes, one form of jihad is to fight in defense of Islam, but the real meaning of jihad is to struggle to live as God wants us to, to be honest, diligent, patient, charitable, chaste..etc. (A'isha)" I think that the problem with the misuse of "Jihad" is that the zealot Islam extremists don't know the limits of " defense" and they used Jihad as a demented view of their aggression to force others to accept Islam. What do you think? I think that there is a HUGE, massive miscommunication of the intent of the Qu'ran with the minds of the extreme radical reactionaries of Islam. We, (as in mankind), need to find a way to bring God's guidance back in line with His true intent of peace, love, and harmony. Obviously, there are many who had gone astray because our world surely does not reflect a peaceful atmosphere among the lives of mankind. And those who had gone astray are among all branches of religion. I wish I could help Yusuf in his work to defeat terrorism amongst the Muslims and also to help other "religious terrorists" to see this problem more clearly throughout our world. I hope that my want of peace is clear in my posts. I loathe acts of aggression through hate crimes.  Peace, Faithfullight |
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Post by Aisha on May 25, 2003 11:28:55 GMT -5
Faithful, I despise hate crimes too. I find such things things despicable, I don't care who is carrying out the crimes. They are wrong and I will tell a Muslim off who thinks things like that are okay. They aren't. God didn't intend for us to kill each other and abuse each other over differences.
I get angry about bigotry and intolerance, and get even angrier when I see Muslims displaying intolerance since Islam promotes tolerance.
And Muslims are not allowed by God to force their religion on others to make them convert. That is written in the Qur'an. "Let there be no compulsion in religion." We can tell people about Islam but we are to do no coercion or force to get people to come to it. I think that some of these terrorists missed the boat when they think that killing innocent people will bring more followers to Islam. Hate isn't going to propagate love.
Faithful, I think that most folks here know you aren't trying to force your beliefs on others. I think most people would love to see hate vanquished and peace on Earth too. My understanding is that is what you are trying to accomplish.
Love,
A'isha
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Post by faithfullight on May 25, 2003 11:55:57 GMT -5
Thank you A'isha! Now you got me crying again. I can't stand the hate crimes in this world. Oh, how I wish people could understand the ways of peace better.
Love and hugs always,
Faithfullight
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Post by Turan on May 25, 2003 12:39:38 GMT -5
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Post by Vivian on May 25, 2003 19:02:05 GMT -5
Again, I say that the UKIEU site has been down for MONTHS, long before the GQ article even came out! I know, because I always try and visit any site Yusuf is involved in, and I always get under construction!! So how is it that Mr. Tapper is the only person that was able to visit that site!
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Post by Aisha on May 25, 2003 23:23:26 GMT -5
I get a message that says "Not found on this server." The only thing I can figure Viv is that Tapper did his research a long time ago or has the organization mixed up with some other one.
Love,
A'isha
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Post by DiddleMingyAdams on May 26, 2003 12:46:17 GMT -5
I think he is simply as he states he is- a Muslim. Yusuf best summation in the entire discussion, IMHO, whisper. i have been accused of acting like i know the man's head and heart because i took a walk with him, and also because i know people who DO know him. the fact of the matter is this: i DO know this man. do i know him because i spent an hour with him? do i know him because people tell me about him? no. i know him because i know what it means to be a good muslim. I know that to make your way to Allah (swt) there are certain things you must do, certain rules you must follow. they are simple and good. What do we readily see as Yusuf Islam's life work? He works for the poor, the oppressed, the orphans, the war ravaged. every aspect of his life can be directly related to that goal of helping those who need it. even his baby step back into the 'pop' music world was for that same purpose...he is again using his music to say, 'why can't we all live in bliss?' This is the TRUE meaning of Islam. To be GOOD and kind and charitable to others. I am quite sure that i have not been fooled or manipulated. There are some people in this world who you can look at talk to for ten minutes and you *just know* they live their life in the service of the Almighty. Say what you will, but i *just know* that about Yusuf Islam. I think that to understand how ludicrous it is to think that he is presenting one face to the general public while all the while sneaking around with shady intentions, one must really understand how important charity (and jihad, a'isha's definition of it ) is to the overall heart and soul of any muslim. it is not enough to throw money into a till and say you've done your part. it becomes your life service to be kind loving, generous and giving to your neighbour, not for your sake, or even for the sake of the person getting the help, but for the sake of Allah (swt) . Yusuf Islam is a very spiritual and wise man. his entire LIFE as a muslim would be fraudulent if he were actually doing the things he's accused of. he may well have associated with some people who have had questionable connections. I remember on the VH1 special he said, 'but i never really sold out to anyone' and that is one of his strongest basic characteristics. he's always been his own boss; he's always been in control, but he has also always searched, researched, continued to learn.... he is not, as far as i can see, a man who lacks common sense or wisdom, and he is certainly no follower. he has always paved his own road, and as far as i can see, he still does. He may have spent many years with different sorts of people, learning different things, but always he makes his own way. anyone with a modicum of common sense realizes that as a muslim, we live to love, not hate. if he was being told differently at any time, by any group, i think his awareness of what the Almighty expects from us certainly overrides the agenda of any human being or group. i may not have made one bit of sense with all this. just finishing a sixteen hour shift, but take my word for it, i know exactly what i mean and it makes sense...to me! LOL. i should never have attempted to elaborate on whispers perfectly condensed and absolutely spot on analysis... but having done so for the last twenty minutes, i'm gonna post it, daggummit! |
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Post by hummingbird on May 26, 2003 12:55:04 GMT -5
And here's my "perfectly condensed" reply to you Colleen (pick your fav) : I agree.... Well said.... Makes perfect sense....  |
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Post by DiddleMingyAdams on May 26, 2003 13:24:55 GMT -5
Makes perfect sense.... i pick that one, it works for my ego LOLOL . (which of course is very unislamic of me... ego, bad bad bad! i said i KNEW what it meant to be a good muslim, i never said i was there yet! LOLOL) |
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Post by hummingbird on May 26, 2003 13:29:38 GMT -5
I get a message that says "Not found on this server." The only thing I can figure Viv is that Tapper did his research a long time ago or has the organization mixed up with some other one. Love, A'isha I agree with Aisha. It's possible the article was written quite some time ago...I noticed it didn't mention anything about Peace Train/Angel of War, any of Yusuf's more recent interviews, etc. I saw Jake Tapper on CNN about onea month ago. He was introduced as a writer for salon.com, so I tend to think he wrtoe the article as a freelancer. Perhaps it took a while for him to find a publication who was willing to pick it up (?) Anyway, he seemed like a young guy interested in being controversial....that was the overall impression I got from his CNN appearance. |
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Post by Aisha on May 26, 2003 13:46:42 GMT -5
Jen, if the guy wants controversy, Yusuf is the perfect subject...LOL Colleen, I like your 'short'  synopsis of being a Muslim. I tend to look at Yusuf in that way. Someone who is a phony will mess up eventually. Yusuf has had plenty of time to do so. I am around Muslims quite a bit and I hate to say that often many of them miss the boat about what it is all about. It is about loving God, submitting to Him, and doing things to please Him. Many Muslims get so wrapped up in things like "whether we are supposed to wear hijab, listen to music, etc" that they forget what it is all about. It is not about not doing things. It is about a lifestyle that makes God happy, and helps all mankind. If anyone in the world lives up to the name "Muslim" it is Yusuf Islam. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see he is a good man. But you do have those who hate to see anything good and seek to destroy it, that will account for such animosity toward Yusuf. He hasn't done half of the bad things I have in my lifetime and he should not be punished for things he isn't proven to have done or have even his past held against him. Hey, we have our pasts and get to put them behind us. Yusuf should also have that opportunity too. Hey, God forgives everyone, why is it so hard for people to forgive? Love, A'isha |
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Post by Turan on May 26, 2003 15:42:57 GMT -5
The problem with Colleen's endorsement is that it depends on a person's opinion of her. It does not mean anything to some one who is not aware of Muslim values or is feeling rather suspicious of all things Muslim or does not know Colleen.
The problem with saying that is the past, he has grown past that and it was just meetings, is the strength of the fear people have of this unknown terror. It is not a reasonable thing, this fear, and very easily tapped. Tie that up with the nostalgic idolization of many of their golden hippie youth and their ideals and how they percieved Cat Steven's place in that mythology. Yusuf is seen as a traitor to himself. That it is all spun out of dreams does not make the emotions less real. I should probably duck and run now: pointing out the idolization of the '70s invariably gets lots of knickers twisted.
It all makes me glad that I did not attach anything to the name CatStevens except some nice songs.
One can take Mr Tapper's article and subtract the snide and see a different picture emerge. As many here have noted, no matter what else Yusuf/ Cat has done with himself over the decades he has a continuous record of caring and trying to help the needy, especially children. How ever else he may use those efforts they are real accomplishments and not even Tapper dismisses them. That legacy speaks volumes of his character.
Turan
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Post by Turan on May 26, 2003 16:03:18 GMT -5
I'm quite comfortable with my own view Yusuf...no gray for me Happy weeding Turan -jen. I always see the grey, or to borrow a thought from Can "a kaliedescope of colors". I neither know or totally approve of myself. How can I be certain of any one else? How can a man be totally good or bad? Absolutes are abstracts and Yusuf is not an abstract. I want people to give me the benefit of the doubt so I try to extend that to others too. Yammerring here, must be breathing too much dandolion pollen. Heady stuff, as Opus knows. ;D Turan |
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Post by hummingbird on May 26, 2003 16:09:15 GMT -5
The problem with Colleen's endorsement is that it depends on a person's opinion of her. It does not mean anything to some one who is not aware of Muslim values or is feeling rather suspicious of all things Muslim or does not know Colleen. The problem with saying that is the past, he has grown past that and it was just meetings, is the strength of the fear people have of this unknown terror. It is not a reasonable thing, this fear, and very easily tapped. Tie that up with the nostalgic idolization of many of their golden hippie youth and their ideals and how they percieved Cat Steven's place in that mythology. Yusuf is seen as a traitor to himself. That it is all spun out of dreams does not make the emotions less real. I should probably duck and run now: pointing out the idolization of the '70s invariably gets lots of knickers twisted. It all makes me glad that I did not attach anything to the name CatStevens except some nice songs. One can take Mr Tapper's article and subtract the snide and see a different picture emerge. As many here have noted, no matter what else Yusuf/ Cat has done with himself over the decades he has a continuous record of caring and trying to help the needy, especially children. How ever else he may use those efforts they are real accomplishments and not even Tapper dismisses them. That legacy speaks volumes of his character. Turan I don't know, Turan. I agree with the gist of what Colleen said although (for me) it has nothing to do with Islam or with 'knowing' Colleen. Quite simply the thought of Yusuf sitting in a dark room rubbing his hands together in delight saying ah-ha I really have em snowed now is totally absurd to me. There's no way I can believe he'd be helping people with one hand and killing them with the other. My opinions have more to do with his core values that shine through his entire body of work...from the Cat Stevens era right through the present. But certainly Tapper played on the fact that not everyone knows his history as intimately as we do. |
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Post by hummingbird on May 26, 2003 18:01:18 GMT -5
I always see the grey, or to borrow a thought from Can "a kaliedescope of colors". I neither know or totally approve of myself. How can I be certain of any one else? How can a man be totally good or bad? Absolutes are abstracts and Yusuf is not an abstract. I want people to give me the benefit of the doubt so I try to extend that to others too. Yammerring here, must be breathing too much dandolion pollen. Heady stuff, as Opus knows. ;D Turan Interesting Turan. I don't think it has much to do with absolutes but rather with trust. Certainly people are complex, but I think it's possible to get to know the essence of someone and to use that as a basis of judgement. I guess the point where trust kind of 'takes over' varies from one person to another. Granted, I tend to be more towards the definitive side of spectrum. |
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Post by Turan on May 26, 2003 19:20:01 GMT -5
I don't know, Turan. I agree with the gist of what Colleen said although (for me) it has nothing to do with Islam or with 'knowing' Colleen. Quite simply the thought of Yusuf sitting in a dark room rubbing his hands together in delight saying ah-ha I really have em snowed now is totally absurd to me. There's no way I can believe he'd be helping people with one hand and killing them with the other. My opinions have more to do with his core values that shine through his entire body of work...from the Cat Stevens era right through the present. But certainly Tapper played on the fact that not everyone knows his history as intimately as we do. But everything Colleen says is based on her knowledge of what it is to be a good Muslim and her feeling that Yusuf is such. So based on her reputation. Now I was raised to put considerable faith in the humanitarian teachings of Islam, my family would not have survived WWII otherwise, so Colleen speaks to me. However many feel rather the opposite extreme. Now I do not think a person can know another's essence. We can know attributes. We build up a reputation from our past deeds and others react to us by extending that reputation in to the future. A reputation is not ones essence though it could be seen as the shadow of such. The difference is important in that humans are always wrong to some degree. We do the best we can with what we got. I guess trust comes from not deviating from a reputation too far. At any rate I am glad we agree about Yusuf. Turan |
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Post by Vivian on May 26, 2003 19:33:14 GMT -5
Well if that article was written a while ago, it must have been a LONG LONG time ago, because that site has been down for MONTHS! But, I agree with A'isha, that MAYBE Mr. Tapper mixed UKIEW with another site, who just might have a member with "YUSUF" somewhere as part of his name!! I've seen quite a few, besides the Yusuf we know and love!! Regardless, Mr. Tapper wrote a very slanderous article, and Yusuf deserves some retrobution!! PLAIN AND SIMPLE!! Printing an article of retraction, with a heart felt apology MIGHT do the trick, but, then, it would come down to, IS MR. TAPPER MAN ENOUGH!!
Peace,Vivian
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Post by Aisha on May 26, 2003 23:39:46 GMT -5
I don't know Colleen either except through her posts, but she has defined the Muslim character very well.
You know, I don't want to believe Yusuf is good because he is handsome, talented or famous. Yes, I have a respect for him, love the music, the art, the lyrics, and love what he has been doing. But I want to believe Yusuf is good because we should try to look for the good in people rather than trying to see if we can find the worst or conjure up the worst. I don't want to believe that Yusuf is involved in terrorism, not only because Islam says to not cast suspicion on someone, but because it is just a good idea to try to see the good in everyone. Some people make it difficult to see their good. They try to create an image of being hostile, but most people want to be thought of as good. I, personally, don't think Yusuf cares about what we think or what the whole world thinks unless it hinders his work. (Which rumors of association with terrorist could destroy his life's work) I think he cares more about what God thinks. I believe that God wants us to assume the best rather than assume the worst. The Qur'an has many verses about casting suspicion on others, and if I sat in this forum and said, "Well, Yusuf could be involved in terrorism...I heard that he....(fill in the sentence with a number of things" I would be doing something that is very haram in Islam. 'Who to every scandalmonger...." We are supposed to try to dissuade rumors about people, even people we despise (believe me, this is easier said than done...when someone makes me angry I want to blab to everyone..human nature LOL). I guess I am saying that I would rather believe that Yusuf Islam is a good man even if I never became a Cat fan and unless I have concrete proof I am not going to contribute to casting suspicion on him.
Love,
A'isha
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Post by Whisper on May 26, 2003 23:48:37 GMT -5
I don't know Colleen either except through her posts, but she has defined the Muslim character very well. You know, I don't want to believe Yusuf is good because he is handsome, talented or famous. Yes, I have a respect for him, love the music, the art, the lyrics, and love what he has been doing. But I want to believe Yusuf is good because we should try to look for the good in people rather than trying to see if we can find the worst or conjure up the worst. I don't want to believe that Yusuf is involved in terrorism, not only because Islam says to not cast suspicion on someone, but because it is just a good idea to try to see the good in everyone. Some people make it difficult to see their good. They try to create an image of being hostile, but most people want to be thought of as good. I, personally, don't think Yusuf cares about what we think or what the whole world thinks unless it hinders his work. (Which rumors of association with terrorist could destroy his life's work) I think he cares more about what God thinks. I believe that God wants us to assume the best rather than assume the worst. The Qur'an has many verses about casting suspicion on others, and if I sat in this forum and said, "Well, Yusuf could be involved in terrorism...I heard that he....(fill in the sentence with a number of things" I would be doing something that is very haram in Islam. 'Who to every scandalmonger...." We are supposed to try to dissuade rumors about people, even people we despise (believe me, this is easier said than done...when someone makes me angry I want to blab to everyone..human nature LOL). I guess I am saying that I would rather believe that Yusuf Islam is a good man even if I never became a Cat fan and unless I have concrete proof I am not going to contribute to casting suspicion on him. Love, A'isha yep  |
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Post by Turan on May 27, 2003 1:11:22 GMT -5
But I want to believe Yusuf is good because we should try to look for the good in people rather than trying to see if we can find the worst or conjure up the worst. Definatily for sure. I want to do that for him, his detractors and defendors. Some of my approach comes from training in the scientific method. I have a question and I collect data to answer that question and draw conclusions and act upon that. However it is ingrained in me that more data or a re-evaluation of exsisting data will bring new conclusions and thus a change in action. I accept that this is an on going process. LOL, isn't it an interesting discussion, the hows and whys of our developed opinions. Turan |
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Post by Aisha on May 27, 2003 1:19:18 GMT -5
Turan, I have this habit of trying to figure out why people do the things they do....in an attempt to find the good in them. For example, people like Osama and Suddam...very bad apples. I try to analyze them and figure out what screwed them up so much as to want to be such cruel humans. I have a hard time believing that a human being can be so totally evil for no reason, but people often say, "A'isha, you are totally nuts."  Love, A'isha |
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Post by faithfullight on May 27, 2003 8:48:08 GMT -5
Did you watch the History channel, I think two days ago? It had two documentaries back to back: "The Horrors of Hussein" and "The Sons of Saddam". They were both very similar in what they showed about the evil acts that they did to people. Saddam's son (the more outgoing one, I think Qusay) kills whomever he pleases, even Saddams's close friends or guards. (He was beat for doing this and was almost assasinated by Suddam, except that his mother intervened and they released him.) They have no restraining what-so-ever from doing whatever comes across their whim. A newly married couple was walking in the hall to go to their hotel room, and unfortunately Qusay (I'm not sure of the spelling of his name), saw her and took her. They killed her husband and Qusay raped her. She then jumped from the hotel window to kill herself. It was so sick. They showed how people were tortured for doing almost nothing wrong. One man was beaten with a rod on his back (I don't know how many times), and they humiliated him by shaving his hair, just because he misused his food rationings! They showed the mass graves where the Shi'ite Muslims in the south near Baghdad were buried in plastic bags, many were buried alive! It was horrible! I can't understand why anyone would be against the U.S. and British forces from trying to liberate them from these atrocious crimes of hate and oppression. No body likes war, (I can't stand it!!!), but it's not right to look away and permit an evil dictator to torture anyone he pleases and to make them live in fear. The people need help. I can't stand to see the Iraqi people abused like this. It's is like looking at Hitler all over again.  Faithfullight |
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Post by Vivian on May 27, 2003 10:28:45 GMT -5
I have to agree with A'isha's statements!! And let me add, one doesn't have to be Muslim to see that he is living up to what a good Muslim is all about!! All one has to do is look at him and listen to what he has to say! Yusuf is a shining example of what any good caring person is all about! And one day, the rest of the world will see that! I just hope I am still on this Earth when that happens! The name, Yusuf Islam, doesn't even belong in the same sentence with Osama Bin Laden or Saddam Hussein! Not in a long shot! Yusuf is sweek, kind and caring, and would gladly give his right arm, and his very last dime if it were to help someone in need!
Peace,Vivian
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Post by Aisha on May 27, 2003 11:15:39 GMT -5
Did you watch the History channel, I think two days ago? It had two documentaries back to back: "The Horrors of Hussein" and "The Sons of Saddam". They were both very similar in what they showed about the evil acts that they did to people. Saddam's son (the more outgoing one, I think Qusay) kills whomever he pleases, even Saddams's close friends or guards. (He was beat for doing this and was almost assasinated by Suddam, except that his mother intervened and they released him.) They have no restraining what-so-ever from doing whatever comes across their whim. A newly married couple was walking in the hall to go to their hotel room, and unfortunately Qusay (I'm not sure of the spelling of his name), saw her and took her. They killed her husband and Qusay raped her. She then jumped from the hotel window to kill herself. It was so sick. They showed how people were tortured for doing almost nothing wrong. One man was beaten with a rod on his back (I don't know how many times), and they humiliated him by shaving his hair, just because he misused his food rationings! They showed the mass graves where the Shi'ite Muslims in the south near Baghdad were buried in plastic bags, many were buried alive! It was horrible! I can't understand why anyone would be against the U.S. and British forces from trying to liberate them from these atrocious crimes of hate and oppression. No body likes war, (I can't stand it!!!), but it's not right to look away and permit an evil dictator to torture anyone he pleases and to make them live in fear. The people need help. I can't stand to see the Iraqi people abused like this. It's is like looking at Hitler all over again. Faithfullight Faithful, I have a book on Suddam. I read a portion of it and it was too upsetting. The man was horrible. Another one I find to be as bad as Suddam is Milosevich (sp). I don't understand why our government took so long to go into Yugoslavia to straighten out the tragedies. In the Islamic realm we were exposed to so much of the tortures and cruelty the Serbs did to the Muslims there. There were flyers circulationg around many of the mosques explaining what was happening and it took the US almost two years to even bat an eyelash. I lost sleep over hearing some of the horrors reported over there. The problem is even though we, the USA, go over to these countries to liberate we never get the culprits. They vanish and get away scott-free. That disturbs me. We can send men into outerspace but can't nab one evil dictator and sometimes the liberation can be as bad as the captor. But war is ugly. I just hope that places like Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan can rebuild and be free, but I fear that they are prey for some other jerk who has a sick sense of morality. I opposed the war because I didn't feel it would do much. I mean they got Suddam out but where is he? Could he be setting up housekeeping in another country ready to brutalize another group? I was hoping and praying that diplomacy and negotiation could get Iraq fixed, but then again is their any negotiation with devils? My solace about it all is that on Judgement Day Suddam, Milosevich (sp), and Suddam will have to stand before God just like the rest of us. I am going to state this again...(I state it each time a discussion comes about dealing with evil dictators)...Suddam and Osama are not Muslims. Yes, they call themselves Muslims but anyone who truly loves God cannot treat his/her fellowmen in the way these men have. Vivian, Suddam and Osama don't even deserve the right to clean up after men like Yusuf Islam. Love, A'isha |
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Post by faithfullight on May 27, 2003 12:56:10 GMT -5
A'isha: "Suddam and Osama are not Muslims. Yes, they call themselves Muslims but anyone who truly loves God cannot treat his/her fellowmen in the way these men have."
They are people who have painted an ugly picture of what the true intent of Islam was meant to be. People who do not understand the ways of peaceful Islam are fearful of Islam because these type of men had stained Islam by the blood that they had used to profit only their own self demented love of their use of power which neglects the needs and care of others. I wish the U.S. troops could dig them out of their fox hole and tie their hands so they can no longer harm any more!
I wish with my whole heart for the oppressed people, (wherever they live ie: Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, etc), will be able to rebuild their country and find freedom from their reign of terror. I wish there would never be a need for war. If only someone could penetrate close enough to these men to put them out of power. I don't want to see any innocent people harmed.
Faithfullight
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synopsis of being a Muslim. I tend to look at Yusuf in that way. Someone who is a phony will mess up eventually. Yusuf has had plenty of time to do so. I am around Muslims quite a bit and I hate to say that often many of them miss the boat about what it is all about. It is about loving God, submitting to Him, and doing things to please Him. Many Muslims get so wrapped up in things like "whether we are supposed to wear hijab, listen to music, etc" that they forget what it is all about. It is not about not doing things. It is about a lifestyle that makes God happy, and helps all mankind. If anyone in the world lives up to the name "Muslim" it is Yusuf Islam. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see he is a good man. But you do have those who hate to see anything good and seek to destroy it, that will account for such animosity toward Yusuf. He hasn't done half of the bad things I have in my lifetime and he should not be punished for things he isn't proven to have done or have even his past held against him. Hey, we have our pasts and get to put them behind us. Yusuf should also have that opportunity too. Hey, God forgives everyone, why is it so hard for people to forgive?
