Yes, this is my first post, and undoubtedly I will get thrashed for it as is the custom of AT Users. I have been a long time lurker, and there is every chance this post is going to get me banned straight up.
It is also a post about the current political discussions around Islam. There are a limited number of Muslims on the board and more often than not, they are always pushed to the defensive with quite indecent (to say the least) attacks.
I am a regular visitor to the so called Ground Zero mosque. I pray there. I have been praying there for over 9 months now. This media frenzy only started 2/3 months ago. The reason why Americans are against it is beyond me. Here are oft-stated talking points.
If I as an American have the right to religious freedom, whats wrong with this mosque/community center?
The building of the mosque so close to the Twin Towers is insensitive to the deaths of fellow Americans. How so? I am as much responsible as you are. America failed to prevent the terrorists from learning how to fly, passing through the security checks, boarding the plane and stopping the planes once it was learnt they were hijacked.
If your reasonings are that just because of my faith, I am somewhat responsible, that is not even sound reasoning.
To be sensitive to the general American perception is taking responsibility of the tragedy. I am NOT responsible, and no one should shove that responsibility on me.
The criticisms have also warped into the finances of the construction of the mosque. The congregation of the mosque donates siginificantly towards the construction. Additionally, a large amount of financing will come through allied commercial endeavors. Yes, non-US related funding may also be a part, but so what? Our entire country in large parts is funded by China; communist China, once a hated ideology in American mindset. Until there is evidence of bad people funding the mosque, this is a moot point.
Another criticism has been towards Imam Faisal. One can debate on and off about his past comments. There is no point in speaking to his defense. He is an American who has been soundly recognized and commended by the elected government of my country, this country.
A vast majority of you sit and comment on the forums after reading biased news outlets, while the ground perspectives of those who actually visit the mosque is never highlighted.
As a Muslim, I am saddened by the support of burning of the Quran. Why would you support that? I hold immense respect for the Holy Book. Reasonable people were against the burning of crosses by the KKK, were you not? Of course you have the freedom to do so, there is no doubt. But does that freedom grant you to inflame another community that is as American as you are?
In essence, you are purposefully supporting the targetting of the Muslim community, putting us in conflict with you, forcing a distinction between Americans and Muslims. There is no difference. I came to America to enjoy the freedoms this country provides, which are absent in the eastern half of the world. I didnt come here to be a target of your hate. I could face that in my home country. There are other Muslims, born and raised here, went to school and universities with fellow Americans. Are we that different that you choose to support this directed targetting?
America has had history of bad behavior towards a group of people, be it African Americans, Orientals (during WW2), perceived Communists and so on. I urge every one here to not let history repeat itself.
It is also a post about the current political discussions around Islam. There are a limited number of Muslims on the board and more often than not, they are always pushed to the defensive with quite indecent (to say the least) attacks.
I am a regular visitor to the so called Ground Zero mosque. I pray there. I have been praying there for over 9 months now. This media frenzy only started 2/3 months ago. The reason why Americans are against it is beyond me. Here are oft-stated talking points.
If I as an American have the right to religious freedom, whats wrong with this mosque/community center?
The building of the mosque so close to the Twin Towers is insensitive to the deaths of fellow Americans. How so? I am as much responsible as you are. America failed to prevent the terrorists from learning how to fly, passing through the security checks, boarding the plane and stopping the planes once it was learnt they were hijacked.
If your reasonings are that just because of my faith, I am somewhat responsible, that is not even sound reasoning.
To be sensitive to the general American perception is taking responsibility of the tragedy. I am NOT responsible, and no one should shove that responsibility on me.
The criticisms have also warped into the finances of the construction of the mosque. The congregation of the mosque donates siginificantly towards the construction. Additionally, a large amount of financing will come through allied commercial endeavors. Yes, non-US related funding may also be a part, but so what? Our entire country in large parts is funded by China; communist China, once a hated ideology in American mindset. Until there is evidence of bad people funding the mosque, this is a moot point.
Another criticism has been towards Imam Faisal. One can debate on and off about his past comments. There is no point in speaking to his defense. He is an American who has been soundly recognized and commended by the elected government of my country, this country.
A vast majority of you sit and comment on the forums after reading biased news outlets, while the ground perspectives of those who actually visit the mosque is never highlighted.
As a Muslim, I am saddened by the support of burning of the Quran. Why would you support that? I hold immense respect for the Holy Book. Reasonable people were against the burning of crosses by the KKK, were you not? Of course you have the freedom to do so, there is no doubt. But does that freedom grant you to inflame another community that is as American as you are?
In essence, you are purposefully supporting the targetting of the Muslim community, putting us in conflict with you, forcing a distinction between Americans and Muslims. There is no difference. I came to America to enjoy the freedoms this country provides, which are absent in the eastern half of the world. I didnt come here to be a target of your hate. I could face that in my home country. There are other Muslims, born and raised here, went to school and universities with fellow Americans. Are we that different that you choose to support this directed targetting?
America has had history of bad behavior towards a group of people, be it African Americans, Orientals (during WW2), perceived Communists and so on. I urge every one here to not let history repeat itself.
Last edited: