re: #263 LudwigVanQuixote

Sorry for the (as usual) slow reply.

I think a big part of the problem has been denial. Not so much denial that extremism exists, but sort of… I guess a head in the sand attitude. Like, “That’s not us, so maybe if we just stick to ourselves and keep a low profile everything will be okay.” Obviously, that’s not working out.

Another problem is that the Muslim community in the U.S. is not only very culturally & ideologically diverse, but also only very loosely connected on a secular level.

In addition, there is no central authority or representative from either a religious or temporal perspective. Individuals typically don’t have the clout outside of Muslim circles to make themselves heard and, as you said, that leaves only smaller organizations (like CAIR) and the extremists with the megaphone. This minority is what non-Muslims see & hear most often, along with the fearmongering from Fox & the far right, so it’s really no surprise that they are confused and afraid.

The silent majority desperately needs to find its voice and make itself heard loud & clear. It’s a huge task fraught with difficulties—not only from a logistical standpoint (including financial), but also because one wrong move or unvetted rouge element could create a PR disaster. Still, it’s better than just sitting in the corner praying & trusting God to make things better. If any Muslims are reading this, let me repeat the hadith one more time:

One day Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) noticed a bedouin leaving his camel without tying it. He asked the bedouin, “Why don’t you tie down your camel?” The bedouin answered, “I placed my trust in Allah.” At that, the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “Tie your camel and place your trust in Allah”

—Tirmidhi

‘Nuff said.