You Can Change the World

Sheila Musaji

Posted Jul 20, 2004      •Permalink      • Printer-Friendly Version
Bookmark and Share

Since TAM went online in 2001, we have included:
 
– numerous articles denouncing all terrorism and extremism in the name of Islam (e.g. Muslims Against Terrorism, Extremism and Fanatacism - a list of articles from TAM and elsewhere on this topic)

– requests to sign statements and petitions rejecting terrorism and extremism (e.g. Not in the Name of Islam Petition from CAIR; Statement Denouncing Terrorism from CSID )

– articles providing information about interfaith events and efforts aimed at promoting peace and justice and encouraging partcipation (e.g.The Tent of Abraham,  Rev. Bob Edgar of NCC, Dr Sayid M. Syeed, ISNA, Sr. Joan Chittister, OSB, Rabbi Arthur Waskow),

–  articles encouraging interfaith participation (e.g. A Call to Bridge the Abrahamic Faiths: Judaism, Christianity and IslamBy Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, Ph. D.) and an entire issue on dialogue

– articles by Muslims, Christians and Jews (e.g. After Jews and Arabs: Finding Our Common Humanity under the Rubble of Violence By David Sasha   (Palestine, Interfaith; Archbishop of Canterbury’s Speech at al-Azhar; It’s Time to Put Our Bodies on the Line to Stop the Killing in the Middle East, Rabbi Michael Lerner; Brothers and Sisters Suffering, Rev. Dr. Emmett Barnes)

– articles about political efforts at promoting peace and justice (e.g. IRAQ: Extending the Abraham Federation Model: A Just Third Way for Bringing Democracy to the Iraqi People, Norman G. Kurland, Center for Economic and Social Justice, The Just Third Way: Basic Principles of Economic Justice, Norman G. Kurland)

– articles about specific incidents (e.g. A Brutal Murder Nonetheless, Dr. Farish A. Noor (Murder of Kim Sun-il),  A “Grand Strategy” to Wage Jihad Against Terrorist Muslims Who Would Hijack Islam, Dr. Robert Dickson Crane (Russian School Hostage Terror); Memo to American Muslims, Muqtedar Khan, Who Speaks for Islam?, Abdul Cader Asmal (September 11th)

– articles about Spiritual efforts at promoting peace and justice (e.g. Peace Through Justice in the Holy Land: the Spiritual Jihad of Satyagrahaby Dr. Robert D. Crane; Peace Between Religions, Syed Hashim Ali)

– information about important organizations like
ASMA - Asma Society
CAIR - Council on American Islamic Relations
CESJ - Center for Economic and Social Justice
CIE - Council on Islamic Education (Public School Resources) 
CSID - Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy
ING - Islamic Networks Group (speakers) 
ISNA - Islamic Society of North America  
MPAC - Muslim Public Affairs Council
MPF - Muslim Peace Fellowship
NCCJ - National Conference for Community and Justice (Interfaith) 
PMU - Progressive Muslim Movement
Shalom Center  (interfaith)
Sound Vision

**********

Our goal was to see many more individuals get involved in practical efforts towards creating peace and justice.  So far, we have not been very effective.

*****

The CAIR Not in the Name of Islam petition originally went online in May of 2004, and at that time CAIR Board Chairman Omar Ahmad said:  “We hope this effort will demonstrate once and for all that Muslims in America and throughout the Islamic world reject violence committed in the name of Islam.  People of all faiths must do whatever they can to help end the downward spiral of mutual hostility and hatred that is engulfing our world.”  As of November 27th, 2004 only 686, 894 people have signed this statement.  This means that somehow the message isn’t getting through.  We need many more individuals to sign this petition (statement) and request others to do the same (in America or abroad).  It only takes a moment - and there is no reason that we can’t have at least 2 million signatures in the next 3 months.

**********

The Tent of Abraham project at which was proposed by Rev. Bob Edgar, head of the National Council of Churches, Sr. Joan Chittister OSB, past president of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, and Dr. Sayyid Muhammad Syeed, head of the Islamic Society of North America needs to collect signatures and $48,000 to place a full page ad in the New York Times.  We originally told you about this project in July of 2004, and so far there have not been enough people willing to sign and donate to get this ad placed.  Go to the site and if you agree with the statement then send in your donation and sign the statement.

*****

The Just Third Way proposed by the Center for Economic and Social Justice and the Global Justice Movement need participation from members of all faith communities.  So far there has been very little participation from the Muslim community.  They have a very important petition which you can view and sign.

*****

Many of the organizations listed have difficulties continuing their work or meeting their financial obligations because of a shortage of members and/or donations.  Particularly now when many Mulim charities have been closed - there should be many of us who are able to consider the work of these and other organizations and use the money we have for charitable contributions to become members or donate to those organizations that we believe are doing important work.  Even those who can’t afford to donate might be able to donate their time and efforts.

Please consider getting involved in these practical efforts towards change.  Use the information provided, go to the websites, and if you agree with the efforts and principles, get involved.

 

Permalink