Islam in America

It is time for the Muslim community to change its paradigm with respect to “our community” challenges. As American Muslims, it is crucial that we make the leap and understand that “our” challenges and priorities are not just the internal challenges facing the Muslim community (such as Islamophobia), but rather the challenges facing America. This is what Islam teaches me. Prophet Muhammad came as a mercy to all those around him, to his community, and not just to the Muslims.

America is a beautiful land. If you want to know about America, don’t just ask the indigenous, but ask the immigrant who has seen other places, and chose to live in this beautiful land. For me, America is the best place to be. This is not just from an “economic” perspective, but even from a purely Islamic perspective. (read: why I love my country)

It is time for Muslims in America to realize that “our” challenges must include America’s challenges. We must seek to contribute to the solution, guided by our faith, and guided by our love and care for our people, and our country.

Take a look at this program which should make us cry: The problem of teenage prostitution in America. In our own backyard! “According to the FBI, more than 100,000 children are sold for sex in the U.S. each year” ! I believe that Allah will ask us about our contribution to the solution in the Day of Judgment. What are we doing to solve these problems?

This reminds me of the early message of Islam, when, from the beginning of its message, Islam was fiercely opposed to the abuse and oppression of women in society, including the acts of preferring male children, and even killing female babies. It is time that we contribute and provide real solutions. It is time for us to come down on the streets and solve our people’s problems, in America.