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Dawa: The Spiritual element of Islam by Imam Feisal Rauf

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Imam Feisal Rauf, the "Ground Zero Imam" wrote a fascinating understanding of Islam as "dawa" whereby Islam encompasses all elements of the human soul. In July 2010, journalist Andrew McCarthy revealed that What's Right with Islam was originally published in Malaysia under a different title: A Call to Prayer from the World Trade Center Rubble: Islamic Dawa in the Heart of America Post-9/11. What's Right with Islam was a “special, non-commercial edition” of the book and was produced after the original, with Feisal’s cooperation, by the Islamic Society of North America and the International Institute of Islamic Thought. Imam Rauf:

"Dawa, whether done from the rubble of the World Trade Center or elsewhere, is the missionary work by which Islam is spread.... [D]awa is proselytism, but not involving only spiritual elements — for Islam is not merely a religion, and spiritual elements are just a small part of its doctrine. In truth, Islam is a comprehensive political, social, and economic system with its own authoritarian legal framework, sharia, which aspires to govern all aspects of life.... "The purpose of dawa, like the purpose of jihad, is to implement, spread, and defend sharia."

Scholar Robert Spencer incisively refers to dawa practices as 'stealth jihad,' the advancement of the sharia agenda through means other than violence and agents other than terrorists. These include extortion, cultivation of sympathizers in the media and the universities, exploitation of our legal system and tradition of religious liberty, infiltration of our political system, and fundraising. This is why Yusuf Qaradawi, the spiritual leader of the Muslim Brotherhood and the world’s most influential Islamic cleric, boldly promises that Islam will 'conquer America' and 'conquer Europe' through dawa."

QUESTION: Does "dawa" represent mainstream Islam? Is Rauf mainstream? Is "dawa" a spiritual journey to enlightenment?
 
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Don't know...never heard of dawa; never read up on Shariah Law. I did, however, find this eulogy given by him at the memorial service of the late Daniel Pearl. Perhaps part of your answer can be found in the text therein, of which I quote a portion thereof:

"...we intend to deepen our belief that effective public engagement around difficult issues facing our faith communities can include, and in fact, requires, our collective religious voices. From our own experience, we affirm that multiple religious voices praying together can serve our deepest common good."

You be the judge....con man or true uniter?
 
I think Imam Rauf is a uniter. He is not a really intense, astute gentleman, he's actually does a mean potatoe-mash. Its incredible! An Imam!

He also likes to dress up in women's clothing ... but thats just a smalll, tiny thing he's into....nothing much
 
C'mon, GayLib...be serious here.

Con man or uniter?

Here's another portion of that eulogy I overlooked but comes right after the portion I quoted above (in case you haven't read it entirely):

Our conversations must continue where many end. Some of us may be suspicious of the religious voices and believe that these voices ought to be kept out of public discussion and policy. Others may fear that entering into constructive dialogue and common ground with the "other side" must be wrong, sinful or at best useless and naive. We disagree.

We are here both as individuals and as representatives of our religious traditions. We must take advantage of this unusual breadth, a bredth not only of religion and geographical views of each other, but also of social vantage points. We have experienced the reality that there is a multiplicity of religious voices in the world, and have come to affirm, importantly, that common religious, moral and policy grounds can be found in an exchange among these voices.

Were once many of us may not have cared to speak, much less listened, to others, now we must. We shall find outselves with good people, of deep faith, and we shall locate many important, shared values: justice, compassion, service, faithfulness, and love.

Again, I know must are skeptics, but as has often been said, "Actions speak louder than words." Seems to me he's atleast trying to take that first step towards unity in building the community center. Only time will tell how genuine the intensions. But as a Christian who is a man of peace and humanity and as a person who has an understand of Islam - even just alittle - I'm willing to put forth the olive branch. From what I've learned of Imam Rauf, by all accounts there is no malice in him. I can't say that for certain, however. I've never met the man. But still...somebody's got to take that first step. Perhaps he will become the next MLK, Jr only this time from a religious perspective. Only time will tell....
 
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Here's another linked article from a journalist from theDailyBeast named Brad Gooch. I think it deserves a read. For example:

(I learned that night what many screaming heads have not yet—there are different schools of Islamic law, as there are denominations in Christianity, and Feisal is part of an extremely liberal one.

Let's see...Christianity has Baptist, Southern Baptist, Evangalistic, Episcapalian, Prodestant, Catholic, Roman Catholic and even Jehovah Witness. And they all believe in God (Jehovah) as the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit, salvation, and Heaven and Hell. Is it possible Islam has many different facets to their religion as well, and we in America are errorneously lumping the more modern, peaceloving Muslims with Muslims extremist who follow the most radical version of Islam (whatever version that may be)?

Just asking questions...
 
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Why do you put all your posts in blue?

Do you believe you're special?

Do you believe you're the first poster with wacky-extremist views to come trolling around here?

You should meet the prof.
 
C'mon, GayLib...be serious here.

Con man or uniter?

Here's another portion of that eulogy I overlooked but comes right after the portion I quoted above (in case you haven't read it entirely):



Again, I know must are skeptics, but as has often been said, "Actions speak louder than words." Seems to me he's atleast trying to take that first step towards unity in building the community center. Only time will tell how genuine the intensions. But as a Christian who is a man of peace and humanity and as a person who has an understand of Islam - even just alittle - I'm willing to put forth the olive branch. From what I've learned of Imam Rauf, by all accounts there is no malice in him. I can't say that for certain, however. I've never met the man. But still...somebody's got to take that first step. Perhaps he will become the next MLK, Jr only this time from a religious perspective. Only time will tell....

His actions are building a victory Mosque for Islamic proselytization (that's what Dawa is) and his words are that the U.S. was an accessory to 9-11, that OBL was made in the USA, and that the US should be Sharia compliant.
 
Here's another linked article from a journalist from theDailyBeast named Brad Gooch. I think it deserves a read. For example:

Somebody ought to inform the author that the Ulama in all five mainstream schools of Islamic Fiqh (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, Hanbali, and Ja'fari) have ruled through Ijma that Apostasy, Sodomy, Adultery, and/or pre-marital sex are capital and/or corporal offenses. This Imam likewise does not oppose Sharia but only opposes the Penal Code so to suggest that he's a liberal is deeply offensive as by supporting Sharia he supports the criminalization of non-crimes; such as, apostasy and homosexuality, as well as, ridiculous property laws regarding inheritance and the like. And that may not even be the case, notice how the author conveniently leaves out which school of Islamic Fiqh this man is a part of? If it is any of the 5 mainstream sects then the authors assertions are out and out lies.
 
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AgentF,

For someone who talks so negative about Islam, you sure know alot about it. So, I'm curious...where are you getting all this information? Have you actually studied Islam or are you pulling this stuff from various anti-Ismalic websites? What's the source of your..."skepticism"? And don't use 9/11 as an excuse. We're all still grieving or angry over what happened that day in one way or another, but that can't be your sole reason for espousing such..."caution"...against this man and his religion.

What's your story? What's your deal? I'm just looking for some honesty and not just repeats of anti-religious platitudes you pulled from the headlines or any political faction.
 
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Somebody ought to inform the author that the Ulama in all five mainstream schools of Islamic Fiqh (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, Hanbali, and Ja'fari) have ruled through Ijma that Apostasy, Sodomy, Adultery, and/or pre-marital sex are capital and/or corporal offenses. This Imam likewise does not oppose Sharia but only opposes the Penal Code so to suggest that he's a liberal is deeply offensive as by supporting Sharia he supports the criminalization of non-crimes; such as, apostasy and homosexuality, as well as, ridiculous property laws regarding inheritance and the like. And that may not even be the case, notice how the author conveniently leaves out which school of Islamic Fiqh this man is a part of? If it is any of the 5 mainstream sects then the authors assertions are out and out lies.

What's the issue? Who cares what this man believes and what his agenda is? If his mission is as nefarious as you claim and he desires to spread Islam and attempt to make America Sharia compliant, so be it. If he succeeds, the American people are the only ones responsible for making the decision to accept his beliefs as their own.
 
What's the issue? Who cares what this man believes and what his agenda is? If his mission is as nefarious as you claim and he desires to spread Islam and attempt to make America Sharia compliant, so be it. If he succeeds, the American people are the only ones responsible for making the decision to accept his beliefs as their own.

Um so you are opposed to protests to the Nazi party as well? WTF do you mean what's the issue?
 
AgentF,

For someone who talks so negative about Islam, you sure know alot about it. So, I'm curious...where are you getting all this information? Have you actually studied Islam or are you pulling this stuff from various anti-Ismalic websites?

From The Encyclopedia of Islam mostly.


What's the source of your..."skepticism"?


And don't use 9/11 as an excuse.

I'm an atheist, I dislike organized religion and have a special loathing for theocratic initiatives and today Islam is currently the largest threat to secularism in the world.

We're all still grieving or angry over what happened that day in one way or another, but that can't be your sole reason for espousing such..."caution"...against this man and his religion.

If he was a secular Muslim I would have no grievance, the man is an Islamist, it isn't about his religion it is about the fact that he does not distinguish between his religion and his politics.

What's your story? What's your deal? I'm just looking for some honesty and not just repeats of anti-religious platitudes you pulled from the headlines or any political faction.

:roll: Oh congragulations on saying an awful lot without addressing a single one of my points.
 
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Um so you are opposed to protests to the Nazi party as well? WTF do you mean what's the issue?

I'm asking what your issue is with a man wanting to impose Sharia Law in America. Many people want many ridiculous things, most of which are laughable(such as the appearance of Sharia Law in America).

Posting diatribes on an online forum isn't going to change anything. So the other question is "what are you actually going to do about it?"
 
I'm asking what your issue is with a man wanting to impose Sharia Law in America. Many people want many ridiculous things, most of which are laughable(such as the appearance of Sharia Law in America).

Posting diatribes on an online forum isn't going to change anything. So the other question is "what are you actually going to do about it?"

My issue is that it is a man supporting implementing Sharia Law in America. It's not remotely likely to happen but neither is the possibility of the National Socialist rising to power, but does that mean that we shouldn't be condemning the National Socialist Party?
 
His actions are building a victory Mosque for Islamic proselytization (that's what Dawa is) and his words are that the U.S. was an accessory to 9-11, that OBL was made in the USA, and that the US should be Sharia compliant.

Glenn Beck said the same thing.
 
My issue is that it is a man supporting implementing Sharia Law in America. It's not remotely likely to happen but neither is the possibility of the National Socialist rising to power, but does that mean that we shouldn't be condemning the National Socialist Party?

You are free to condemn as you see fit.
However, condemning actions is just energy spent focusing on negativity. Mother Teresa is a good example: when asked to support an "anti-war" rally she said "invite me when it is a rally for peace."
 
Glenn Beck said the same thing.

A) I don't really give a **** what Glenn Beck has to say about anything.

B) I've seen the video clip posted here already on this forum, and no no he didn't, he said something along the lines of we were not minding our own business at the time, he didn't say that we brought the attacks upon ourselves or that OBL was made in the USA. But even if he had, what's your point? If Glenn Beck says it then it must be true? Noam Chomsky said something similar as well, but neither Beck nor Chomsky are promoting a victory Mosque or calling for a Sharia compliant US, though I wouldn't put it past the latter of the two.

C) Weren't you the one who claimed that this "community center" wasn't going to be used for Dawa purposes for the non-Muslim members who use the facilities? :roll:
 
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You are free to condemn as you see fit.
However, condemning actions is just energy spent focusing on negativity. Mother Teresa is a good example: when asked to support an "anti-war" rally she said "invite me when it is a rally for peace."

I guess we should all just shut our mouthes then and not speak up against orgnanizations and individuals attempting to spread violent and oppressive ideologies. :roll:
 
AgentF,

I'm curious...where are you getting all this information?
From The Encyclopedia of Islam mostly.
Objective Voice said:
What's the source of your..."skepticism"?
Agent Ferris said:
I'm an atheist, I dislike organized religion and have a special loathing for theocratic initiatives and today Islam is currently the largest threat to secularism in the world.

That's all I needed to know. Thanks for giving your non-bias, well informed opinion on the matter. :roll:

Bye-bye...:2wave:
 
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That's all I needed to know. Thanks for giving your non-bias, well informed opinion on the matter. :roll:

Bye-bye...:2wave:

The Encyclopedia of Islam is the standard reference work within the academic study of Islam. And yes I am biased against religion, and the more I learn about Islam the more biased I become in opposition to it, that tends to happen through education.
 
I guess we should all just shut our mouthes then and not speak up against orgnanizations and individuals attempting to spread violent and oppressive ideologies. :roll:
Being purposefully obtuse is not conducive to a productive discussion. You know what I said and what my point was.
 
The Encyclopedia of Islam is the standard reference work within the academic study of Islam. And yes I am biased against religion, and the more I learn about Islam the more biased I become in opposition to it, that tends to happen through education.

Which begs the crazy question, "If you're an Atheist, why do you care?"

Why are you working so hard to convince people of the evils of a religion when you don't believe in organized religion in the first place? You're a walking contridiction, son. By your own admission, what Islam does or doesn't do, believes or doesn't believe shouldn't matter to you since you don't believe in religion anyway. Bottom line here is you hate just for the sake of hate. I pity you.

I guess we should all just shut our mouthes then and not speak up against orgnanizations and individuals attempting to spread violent and oppressive ideologies. :roll:

But you don't know that for sure. My guess is your opinions are likely based moreso on what you've read rather than what you've experienced. And if that is the case, I'd say you're no different than those who oppressed blacks in the days leading up to the Civil Rights era merely because of the falsehoods that were espoused of them for no other reason than because they were black. [White] People were affraid of what they didn't know or of what they were too affraid to learn first-hand by establishing a relationship with those they mistrusted. It's a shame this nation seems to be going backwards instead of forwards all for the sake of fear and prejudicies.

Btw, here's an article from the NYTimes that provides alittle background on Imam Feisal's "American experiences"...not that you'd read it, but I've linked it here just the same.
 
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I'm not being purposely obtuse, your clear point is that we should just shut our mouthes, if that is not your point then what is?

Focus your attention on the change you want to see, rather than focusing it on what you are opposed to. Condemning other people for the choices they make(i.e. Supporting Sharia Law) accomplishes nothing. As Gandhi would say, "be the change you want to see in the world."
 
Which begs the crazy question, "If you're an Atheist, why do you care?"

Why are you working so hard to convince people of the evils of a religion when you don't believe in organized religion in the first place? You're a walking contridiction, son. By your own admission, what Islam does or doesn't do, believes or doesn't believe shouldn't matter to you since you don't believe in religion anyway. Bottom line here is you hate just for the sake of hate. I pity you.

Why would I not hate an oppressive ideology? I have absolutely no problem; whatsoever, with secular Muslims, I have a huge problem with Islamists; such as, this Imam. Do you not understand the concept that this man supports Sharia? It's not about his religious beliefs, it's the fact that he does not distinguish between the religious and the political.


But you don't know that for sure. My guess is your opinions are likely based moreso on what you've read rather than what you've experienced.

I've read the facts, these are the only accepted tenets within all sects of mainstream Islam today. Saying that not all Muslims don't believe in them as an attempt to defend Islam itself is like trying to point to a pro-choice Catholic in order to defend the Catholic Church's position on abortion.

And if that is the case, I'd say you're no different than those who oppressed blacks in the days leading up to the Civil Rights era merely because of the falsehoods that were espoused of them for no other reason than because they were black.

Excuse me? The last time I checked people were not able to choose their race but were in fact capable of choosing their ideology. This is like saying that hating Nazi's is akin to hating Germans. :roll:

[White] People were affraid of what they didn't know or of what they were too affraid to learn first-hand by establishing a relationship with those they mistrusted. It's a shame this nation seems to be going backwards instead of forwards all for the sake of fear and prejudicies.

Bla bla bla, look the only one here who is ignorant is you, how about you name the mainstream Islamic sect that doesn't promote capital and/or corporal punishment for apostasy, homosexuality, adultery, and/or premarital sex? Here I'll even make it multiple choice for you is the correct answer:

A) Hanafi

B) Maliki

C) Shafi'i

D Hanbali

E) Ja'fari

or

F) None of the above

Go on answer the question, I couldn't have made it any simpler, I'll be waiting for your answer with baited breath.

Btw, here's an article from the NYTimes that provides alittle background on Imam Feisal's "American experiences"...not that you'd read it, but I've linked it here just the same.

Good for that doesn't change a god damn thing, Rauf wants a Sharia compliant US in which selular laws do not contradict the Koran or the Hadiths, he said that the U.S. was an accessory to 9-11 and that OBL was made in the USA less than 3 weeks after the attacks, and has repeatedly refused to condemn Hamas as a terrorist organization.
 
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