my reply

Submitted by arthur (United States), Aug 27, 2007 at 18:38

My friend I don't appreciate your tone. For one, I am not Arab, nor Pakistani, nor Indian. I am not Asian or African. I am Mexican American. I fell into the fold of Islam by my own free will. I did not choose Islam because the poetry is beautiful, or because of the controversy. I chose it because my community as well as myself was in shambles, my friends were going to prison, dying, and because my Christianity provided no answers or solutions. I did not study middle eastern studies but border culture.

I did not mean to imply that I was an expert on Arab history. I don't speak Arabic, and I'll be the first to agree that there are many racist Arabs just like any other people. There are many Hindu Indians who feel themselves above or superior to others. Ever heard of the caste system? I disagree with you that Islam was only meant for the tribe of Arabs you speak of. The Qu'ran leaves a lot of room open to interpretation and like any spiritual document, interpretation is very important. I also disagree with you that Islam itself is racist. The first call to prayer was made by a freed Ethiopian slave. Ethiopia is not an Arab nation.

Am I a slave to the Arab Allah? I don't think Allah belongs to anyone. Everyone belongs to Allah. There is a difference. As Zapata said once, I would rather be a slave to principles than a slave to men.

I am sorry friend, I still see Islam as the best hope for mankind.

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