Pig headed.

Submitted by Mo (United Kingdom), Jan 28, 2007 at 20:29

It may seem from your perspective that we have adopted the Arabian culture, but it is more of an Islamic etiquette to say "Assalamu Alaikum" in Arabic, the unity and sense of brotherhood/sisterhood we Muslims feel when we utter these words is heart-warming. No matter the language and the cultural differences there may exist, our basic gestures and greetings are the same so there are fewer barriers between us.

Your initial point about namaste, yes we have a past, it does not mean we will adopt everything that of that past into our new and modern way of life, we have retained some and dismissed some. We have adopted better forms of greetings than that of our forefathers, it is that of Islam. We rather say "Assalamu Alaikum" than to say "Namaste."

This is the way things are with us here in the UK and back home in Bangladesh; our discussion about this serves no purpose really, because our entire life is based somewhat around Islam (I say somewhat because influence varies across county and region), Islam has a greater influence upon us, an I find it distressing that you would condemn parts of our way of life as acts of Arabism; our current culture and lifestyle may not meet your acceptance, but you should accept the current sociology of Bangladesh and move on, instead of debating this unproductive, useless argument. It is like me debating with you the reason as to why the USA does not retain many of its past traditions, as today's USA is far different from the USA established in 1776 and before then; it is politically, economically and socially developed.

Your comments about Eid Ul Adha are far right pathetic. You act like a 6 year old trying to prove a point which will not benefit us the least.

Any Muslim country that is attacked will affect me, if it is attacked by people from the holy places, then these particular people will need to be dealt with.

"Why are you looking for transnational unity. What purpose would it serve except explosions of anger all over the world for something a Danish cartoonist did. Does the world need this kind of unity."

You obviously do not see the benefits; our unity in Islam of a political nature and well as a religious one, we Muslims are a huge family and consider each other in these terms. You make reference to the Danish cartoons, for your viewings on CNN et al were that of an explosive nature only, within the Muslim quarter people were re-acquainted with their Prophet (p), Muslims became more aware of this man (p) and have started to practice Islam. Obviously you don't see that, but take my word for it.

"Despite that unity you claim a tiny nation like Israel can walk all over you"

That is true, thank you for pointing that out. We Muslims are not as united as we should be at the moment, but you will see in the not so distant future when people will unite, and together we will reclaim Al Quds. (It took in total 99 years for us to reclaim Palestine during the Crusades)

"Your are so right. Their interests are their empty stomachs and their security which Islam could not provide"

Islam could have provided much security if your nosy government were not to interfere with other nations politics.

"That is why one of the most fertile regions of the world is still haunted by hunger. That is sad."

What is really sad is that your pig headed country America sees fit to support nations that starves its people. The corrupt politicians of Bangladesh have stolen from the public funds hundreds of millions of dollars, yet the west blindly supports them; the governments are compliant to any policies the West may have, however severely detrimental it may be to their own domestic interests. Just recently the previous ruling government Awami League party was shown support by the west; instead of the BNP which is seen by most people to be less corrupt and more free thinking.

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