Sick of the Islam-bashing

Dear sir/madam,
I’m writing to you in regards to an issue that has been brought up on the 31st of July 2010 on the burning of Qurans on September 11th 2010 (9/11). This intended act, International Burn a Quran day, will take place in a nondenominational church in Gainsville, Florida.

This act is to remember the victims of 9/11 on their ninth anniversary and take a stand against the religion of Islam. However, even though Islam is not to be held accountable for the tragic events of 9/11, there is a further concern to be addressed. How can victims of a hate crime be shown respect by committing another hate crime?

Instead of dividing communities that have lived together and worked together by pointing out differences, in this instance, religion, 9/11 should be a moment of remembrance and dialogue between all members of the community so that the likes of 9/11 are never repeated again. Islam is not a religion that preaches violence; the Quran acknowledges the scriptures of the Jews and the Christians.

“Say: We believe in Allah and in what is sent down to us and in that which was sent down to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and the tribes, and in that which was given to (Prophets) Moses and Jesus, and the Prophets from their Lord. We do not differentiate between any of them. To Him we are submitters (Muslims).”[Holy Quran 3:84]
If the Quran does not differentiate between any of the prophets that are the role models for Jews, Christians and Muslims alike, then why is such an event allowed? It is not a matter of freedom of speech, because the intention of this act is malicious and hateful to a group, proposed to debase a group of people and segregate them from the rest of the community which will only incite further divisions and hatred, resulting in a breakdown of the multicultural and tolerant society that many of economically developed countries have founded. This is an action that is propelled by hate which is already condemned by the majority of Christians and other faiths in Gainsville, Florida as well as across the world. Although this is an isolated incident, the media coverage it has received has prompted me to write to the council to strictly criticize events like this as well as solve this issue of hate and discrimination. This can be resolved through dialogue with Pastor Terry Jones who is the initiator of ‘International Burn a Quran day’ with Muslim scholars, the Muslim community in Florida and promote interfaith dialogue so that everyone can come to common terms between their faiths.

Religion is a beautiful aspect of life and should not be tarnished by hate and divisions, especially when the role models (the Prophets) practised nothing but gentleness and compassion in their lives.

Yours faithfully,

Jeannette Fisher: Desired Reflections

Title: Jeannette’s Story; Desired Reflection
Genre: Action/Adventure/General
Rating: PG
Summary: Jeanette’s story is a complicated tale of how a young girl’s ambition, in the end, leads her to her downfall.
Hosted at: Ff.net Click here to read in full formatting.

“But mother, everyone is a pokemon trainer- all my friends will be one and I’ll be all left out!” The young girl, known as Jeanette Fisher protested.

Jeanette’s mum looked back at her daughter’s rosy, defiant glare and matched it with equal ferocity. “Nonsense, and anyway, you are different from your friends. Besides, you’ll make new friends at the gallery.”

“You just don’t get it! Ugh!” Jeanette shot back in frustration, her hands balled into fists.

Assalam-o-alaikum (Peace be unto you!)

Hm, what can I type? Well how about just how I’m feeling right now. This is just a collection of my thoughts. Rather than on paper, they are here. Well anyway, yesterday I signed the tenancy agreement so I will have my own flat, renting from my brother. This means my family lives close by and I can look after my parents but still living alone so that I can study. That’s the best solution, right? I have family and university close by! ^^ I’m glad, Alhamdullilah (All praise is due to Allah).

Right now, it’s the month of Ramadan. It’s the 11th of September, but 22nd of Ramadan, the month of fasting. Wow… this month of mercy always flies by! =o I know I will miss it. It’s hard this year, I won’t deny it. I’m the type that doesn’t get hungry very fast, so if it is hard for me, I know how those with a faster metabolism will be feeling. Hang in there! It’s all for Allah and the reward for fasting and prayers is with Allah alone.