Fifteen years ago I hardly analyzed what it meant for me to be an American Muslim. I was Muslim, I was American, it was difficult at times being both. But hey, it wasn’t that big a deal. And when I declared my intentions to study journalism in college, the only redeemable thing my parents thought was that, in time, perhaps I could spread truth and objectivity about Islam. My response was, yeah, ok. That’ll be a goal waaaaay down the road.But here I am, Islam editor at Beliefnet, having spent the last seven years of my career as a journalist specializing in the coverage of Islam and Muslims. And who I present myself to be as an American Muslim is now very important in nearly every aspect of my life. So who am I? I am a Muslim who relates well to this fabulous music video from Lena Khan, “A Land Called Paradise,” which is a finalist in Link TV’s “One Nation, Many Voices: Muslims in America, Stories, not Stereotypes” film contest.Lena’s video begins with this: “In December 2007, over 2000 American Muslims were asked what they would wish to say to the rest of the world.” Check out what came forth:
Beliefnet
Advertisement
posted February 17, 2008 at 10:32 am
I loved this video…i’m a white american women who has been on an endless spiritual journey…i love all religions..Islam is so beautiful…this warmed my heart and made me smile….b.
posted February 19, 2008 at 7:27 pm
Like one of your other person,I think all faiths are good.My only trouble is lack of knowledge of Islam.I have read some of the “Koran”and
since it talked of slaves,killing is ok unless its one of Islam faith,this seems quite passe,I want to believe in my own God and do not wish to be threatened with death if I continue to be what yo call an
Infedel. More really bad things hane been in the name of religeon then
any thing else.May God watch over you what ever you call him.
posted February 19, 2008 at 8:03 pm
This is a wonderful film and should be shown in the middle and elementary schools. Only good can come from this typed of film.
posted February 20, 2008 at 11:11 pm
This is a terrific video. I really enjoy it every time I look at it.
What I like more than the video is the tagline: Stories, not stereotypes.
The late JFK put it best when he told us that, in the end, we all strive for the same things in life for ourselves and our families.
Humanity is merely one race of many sentient people. We are a single race of many ethnicities, where each person is no greater and no less than another. We need to value the worth of every culture and nation represented in every society more and more.
posted February 26, 2008 at 11:38 am
I am old and wrinkled and white…and I am muslim. This lovely film made me cry.
posted February 26, 2008 at 11:59 am
My religion (Islam) says let there be no compunction in religion. Killing is not okay. Please do not take a small verse out of context. We do not go around killing ‘infidels’ for the sake of killing! You can not take the actions of a small although very public group of terrorists and smear the rest of us with the same brush.
posted February 26, 2008 at 12:14 pm
this made me cry too. Thank You! Thank You for making this film.
posted February 26, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Bismillah ir-Rahm ir-Raheem,
As salaamu ‘alaikym warahmatullahi wabakatuh.
Insha’Allah, Music, such as that used on your video is haram. One would have thought, that by viturre of your being a Muslim, you might have studied the Sunnah al Hadiths and the Holy Qur’an and thereby have been familiar with that aspect of Islam.
Insha’Allah, if your desire is to accurately spread the truth regarding Islam, please, do so in an appropriate manner.
Wa’alaikym salaamu warahmatuallahi wabarakatuh.
ma’a salaam
posted February 26, 2008 at 2:52 pm
I have a question: Why did your parents find your Journalism major objectionable? Is it just journalism in general as a profession or is it because it was an American learning institution?
Also, I have read nothing in the Holy Qur’an that would make this music haram. Peace to All
posted February 26, 2008 at 2:59 pm
The video was like a breath of fresh air. I, too, cried. I will watch it several more times and the singing/music was a great way to introduce Muslims as regular everyday people. This Earth could be paradise-like if people weren’t soooo narrow minded. God put us on this Earth in various shades of color, speaking different languages, living in different cultures, etc. We are here to enjoy and get to know one another, especially for our so-called differences. There is a lot we could learn from each other. I must say that we are doing a lousy job at this.
posted February 27, 2008 at 3:12 am
Dear brother i believe promoting or preaching islam through music is not a better way because music is haraam in islam and you cant promote islam with help of haraam things below are some of the references of hadiths and quran.
Music has been condemned strongly in the Qur’aan and Hadith. In Surah Luqmaan, Allah Ta’ala states, ‘And from mankind are those that purchase futile speech in order to mislead others from the path of Allah.’
Under the commentary of this verse, ibn Abbaas [Radhiallaahu anhu] states, ‘futile speech’ refers to music and things related to it. (Durrul Manthoor vol.5 pg.307). In Surah Israaeel, Allah Ta’ala states, ‘And excite any of whom you can with your voice.’ Imaam Mujaahid mentions, ‘voice’ refers to music. (Roohul Ma’aani)
Nabi [Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam] mentions, ‘There will be people from my Ummah who will seek to make lawful fornication, wearing of silk, wine and the use of musical instruments.’ (Bukhaari vol.2 pg.837). Rasulullah [Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam] states, ‘A group of my Ummah will drink wine calling it by other than its real name. merry will be made for them through the playing of musical instruments and by the singing of females. Allah will cleave the earth under them and turn them into apes and swines.’ (Abu Dawud vol.2 pg.519)
Rasulullah [Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam] further mentions, ‘Music grows hypocrisy in the heart just as water causes crops to grow.’ (Bayhaqi vol.10 pg.222). Thus, even conceding that there is benefit in such songs, the fact that music is clearly and expressly condemned in the Qur’aan and Hadith would make such songs Haraam.
posted October 8, 2008 at 4:43 am
i love islam
posted July 28, 2009 at 9:39 am
ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL ! ! ! I hope that all religions can get along and understand Muslims believe in only one GOD and that Muslims do respect and believe in Virgin Mary and Jesus on the highest level.
God Bless to All
posted November 4, 2009 at 3:44 am
I absolutely love the song. I’ve been a fan of country music and country gosple music all my life. This is one of the best I’ve ever heard.
One God
One People
One World
posted July 28, 2010 at 9:34 pm
I think the song,pictures and thoughts inspired by the song are just beautiful. Much continued success to this artist.
posted September 2, 2010 at 4:23 am
I loved the first comment about how music, wine, wearing silk, etc… are prohibited in Islam, with “merciful and benevolent” Allah turning folks into apes and swine. That’s Islam for you: no fun in this world (except lots of sex for men), then you get all the forbidden worldly stuff in Paradise. Making music is soooo wrong, but raiding and looting your neighbors, torturing, raping, killing, murdering women’s husbands and then making them “posessions of the right hand” (sex slaves), taking child brides…that’s just fine, praised even. It’s all good if you happen to be Muhammed or one of his men. You can do all that and be “the best of men.” Ain’t Islam just grand?