Solace in Islam

Sameen Thaher Khan’s article “Finding Solace and Salvation in Islam” (Dec. 5), which described what Islam has done to Elizabeth who is now Safia, brought great joy to me. I can relate to Safia’s experience because I am also a convert to Islam. I embraced Islam about eight years ago. The horror of 9/11 made my faith only stronger. I knew it wasn’t Islam that caused it, but people who claimed to be Muslim.

The claim that innocent people were murdered in the name of Islam placed on my shoulders the responsibility to tell those around me about my religion. The West needed to know that Islam is not terrorism. So I made it my duty to show this to them to the best of my ability. At least, I have made a great impact on my family. My mother used to say that I worshipped a rug. But now, she likes Islam and says that she’s so proud of me for turning my life around.

Zaynab Yusuf, United States published 17 December 2006

Uproar Over Swearing-In [3]

This refers to the report “Uproar Over Ellison Wanting to Be Sworn-In With a Qur’an” (Dec. 8). Ellison, America’s first Muslim congressman, caused a storm by saying that he would carry a copy of the Qur’an for his swearing-in ceremony. A conservative pundit has called the decision “an act of hubris... that undermines America’s civilization....”

I hope that this controversy will help some of my fellow Americans to have a better understanding of our constitution, which prohibits requiring any religious test or religious oath. If Ellison wants to be sworn in while holding a copy of the Qur’an, that is his business. On the other hand, Ellison seems to be missing a fundamental concept of Islam which, as I understand it, forbids the taking of an oath in such a manner. If I am wrong about this latter point, perhaps this controversy can also serve to further educate me and other Americans about Islam.

Mark Freeman, United States published 17 December 2006

Integration

British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s appeal to Muslims to integrate with the rest of the British reminds of me an Arab student I met in Arizona years ago. I asked him what his major was because we were at the Middle East Study Center. He said it was Islamic history. He was a very religious student who would not socialize with non-Muslims and would not talk to women. I asked him if he was really religious and disliked such things. I told him that, if he did, he would be better off going to an Islamic university in a Muslim country.

My point was that when you go to any country to study or live, you go with an understanding of the culture and religion of that country. It also means that you are going there because you either seek freedom or you know the education system is better.

When Muslims or any religious men and women leave their countries to live in another, they should be prepared to adopt the good habits of the country. Western people do not mind other people practicing their faith. But when immigrants in their countries shun them as a matter of ideology, they do mind. When young people from Muslim countries come to the US, they are shocked to see young women in shorts or bikini. Then, in time, they get used to it and cease to notice them. It becomes a normal part of the scenery, in no way distracting. In the same manner, when a Muslim woman wears an abaya on a Western street, people stare at them. I believe in freedom of choice. I believe everyone has a right to choose his or her way of life, and that includes dressing. However, those Muslims who move West to escape the tough laws of their countries and to live in freedom should adopt the basic values of the host country. Those who go to Saudi Arabia must respect Saudi culture and customs, even if they disagree with them. If they can’t, they should leave the country. This basic rule applies to all host countries and all those who migrate to them.

Rashid M. Alhomaid, Tucson, Arizona, US published 17 December 2006

Life in the Kingdom

When I read reports about terrorists in the Kingdom and how the police have to fight running battles with them, I look back to the many years I spent in Riyadh, working for the “Baladiyah” — first for Browning Ferris and then Al-Mawarid. I never had any problems in the area I worked, which was Um Al-Hammam, Manfuha. All parts of Riyadh were welcome zones for Western expatriates. I used to go to Dira markets and Sweidi. I had many Saudi friends living there. It is so sad to see what is happening in such a lovely country.

I am retired now, have been for years, but I think of all the good times I had with the people of Riyadh including the mayor of Manfuha, Abdul Aziz, and of Dira, Abdullah. I remember the Haj times when we sat at the sheep market enjoying tea and swapping stories.

I hope that, while people with agendas try to create trouble by spreading hate and fear, all of us with memories of our friendship will sit back and say to themselves, “Yes, we lived and worked together for many years; we understood each other, and appreciated and respected each other’s beliefs.” Please try to do it again and bring back that culture of human brotherhood. My life is nearly over; but for the sake of your children, talk to each other.

Leslie S. Halliburton, United States published 17 December 2006

Video Games

Abdul Rahman Al-Qahtani got it all wrong about video games in his article “The Hamster Wheel of Virtual Violence” (Local Press, Dec. 28). First of all, I would like to say that I am a huge fan of video games, and I have been playing them since I was six years old. Yes, some of the games contain violence, murder and assault, but no more than what would be found in an average TV show or movie. The same goes for the issue of women. Qahtani was wrong in saying that the majority of games in which women are portrayed show them in a prurient sense. In fact, most have no sexual content. And not all games have murder and killing in them. There are many that are lighthearted and funny.

Those who bash games are unaware that research has shown that games have many benefits such as enhancing children’s reflexes and increasing their vocabulary. Games have also been found to relieve the stresses of daily life. Using virtual violence instead of real violence helps people relieve their stress. The so-called virtual reward which awaits the player is actually fun because games are made to be fun. They are a medium that makes players experience the story, instead of just seeing it. Sure, there can be harmful games. In such cases, it is the responsibility of parents to decide which games their children may or may not play.

Hamza Tariq Malik, Jeddah published 17 December 2006

Uproar Over Swearing-In

The title “Uproar Over Ellison Wanting to Be Sworn In With a Qur’an” for Barbara Ferguson’s report (Dec. 8) was extremely misleading. Dennis Prager, who called Ellison’s wish to use the Qur’an for his swearing-in as congressman “an act of hubris ... that undermines American civilization...” was not speaking for America. When reading the article, it was clear that a lone person was making an issue of it, and many groups ranging from lawyers to rabbis were clearly attacking him for it. It is a shame that it was reported in such a way. In fact, the report should have highlighted the positive aspect of the story: It was a great example of freedom and tolerance in America. But it was glossed over by an inflammatory title.

Ben I., Jeddah published 17 December 2006

Uproar Over Swearing-In [2]

My understanding is that Muslims are expected to swear by only Allah’s name, and on nothing else. Let not such incidents get out of hand and become another contentious issue between Christians and Muslims. We have enough problems without the first Muslim elected representative in US Congress creating another.

Ismaeel Marikar, Jeddah published 17 December 2006

Uproar Over Swearing-In [4]

Dennis Prager is a racist, silly, little man. Most people here in the US believe that Ellison has every right to be sworn in with his holy Qur’an. This should not even be an issue, except to other racist, silly, little men. Good luck, Mr. Ellison. A lot of Americans are proud of you.

Tom Coleman, United States published 17 December 2006

Uproar Over Swearing-In [5]

The ill-informed comments by one minor-league radio talk-show host do not constitute “uproar.” Please. Sure, a few conservative talking heads sounded off, but that’s what (and all) they do — find something to yammer about.

The only story here is that there is no story. And it is the overwhelming American acceptance of a Muslim member of Congress that should give the Middle East media (of “The Americans want to destroy Islam” bent) pause. But it won’t. They will continue to offer fodder to their rabid followers, just as the Dennis Pragers of the American airwaves do.

Tim, The United States published 17 December 2006

Uproar Over Swearing-In [6]

The Ellison issue is a very important issue to the people of the United States. We are a Christian-based country and our country was and is based on the Bible and for that he should not be allowed to bring the Qur’an to Congress.

Chet Metz, United States published 17 December 2006