Only a year ago, some Muslim Americans seriously wondered if they were considered a part of the American fabric. Presidential candidates (mainly on the Republican side) regularly alluded to Islam and/or Muslims as an existential threat to America. Muslims felt unwelcome in (or worse, under attack by) Republican circles, and had the distinct impression of being a liability among some Democrats. Those of us working to help elect Barack Obama kept ourselves focused on the larger goal, despite the humiliating position some felt we were being placed in.
But as one of many Muslims participating in the inaugural ceremonies this week, I felt what I can only describe as a healing embrace. We heard the name “Hussein” – a name Muslims have worn with pride for centuries – go from being a near-slur to being engraved in American history. We heard words of reconciliation and inclusion offered by President Obama in his inaugural address to the Muslim world and Muslim Americans respectively. And last night at the Midwest Inaugural Ball, Sheryl Crow warmed up Inaugural Ball attendees waiting for the First Couple to arrive by offering to sing a Yusuf Islam song (adding, “though you might know him better as Cat Stevens”). I felt a sense of belonging, of feeling not only that your presence was merely tolerated but valued as an integral part of our larger society.
I and many of my friends do not believe that these gestures are simply lip service. Many of us who have been seeking a role in helping to rebuild America through the new administration are finding receptive ears. After the swearing-in, I had lunch with many of my Muslim Democrat friends who worked tirelessly in getting out the vote for Obama, and assessing our chances at being able to pass on our campaign energy into meaningful involvement in federal civic service. It’s safe to say that the hope that filled the National Mall a few hours early filled that room as well.
As a founding board member of the Muslim Public Service Network, I’ve worked for over a decade to encourage Muslim Americans to seek careers in public service, seeing it as the best way to further our inclusion into American society. While we have had many successes along the way – talented Muslim Americans can now be found in public service positions at all levels – reports of how difficult the ladder has been to climb have given us pause. But the events of the last few months have energized this growing base.
My cynicism hasn’t completely gone away, but for now I’m letting the optimistic tone of the inaugural celebrations this week take over. Our desire for full participation in rebuilding America is limited only by our will to do so. Yes we can, indeed.
posted January 22, 2009 at 1:50 pm
“And last night at the Midwest Inaugural Ball, Sheryl Crow warmed up Inaugural Ball attendees waiting for the First Couple to arrive by offering to sing a Yusuf Islam song (adding, “though you might know him better as Cat Stevens”).”
Thank you for sharing this news.
Did Sheryl Crow only “offer” to sing a Yusuf Islam song, or did she actually sing it? If she actually sang it, what song was it?
Thank you.
posted January 26, 2009 at 6:20 pm
ok, so all these old rockers can come up with is to use songs that are 40 years old?! If yusuf was sooo inspired to convert to Islam how come his lord hasn’t given him new songs to write and sing? but hey, lots of people are saying its been 40 years since the 60s so maybe alot of this stuff happening IS prophetic – and leading up to something bigger. So maybe Yusuf and others who took up Islam based upon him will be affected enough by this new “peace” movement to finally really study the Word and bow their knee to the ONLY one who can truly bring peace to their heart AND to this world – Jesus! Hey, we can only pray and if Yusuf like millions of others around the world finally gets a clue and renounces Islam there truly will be a new world-wide peace/love-in and they can be a part of it!
posted February 10, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Nabeela ,and if Yusuf has new songs oh yes he brought out ANOTHER CUP FULL OF LOVELY SONGS WITH WORDS OF TRUE PEACE BUILDING BRIDGES SO THAT WE CAN LEARN TO NOW EACH OTHER BETTER.FOR A NEW WORLD_WIDE PEACE/LOVE-in and i love to be part of it Regine
posted February 11, 2009 at 12:04 pm
Nabeela,
I can’t help but wonder where you’ve been getting your misinformation. Here is just one example of Yusuf’s new songs. May God bless you and guide you to the truth.
~Peace~
“There Is Peace”
by Yusuf Islam
from his 2006 album ANOTHER CUP
There is peace
You can taste it if you try
You can embrace it if you try
There is love
You can live it if you try
You can give it if you try
People walk this earth
People rush around
But there is no rest ‘til their hearts bow down
There is a dream
You can reach it if you try
You can make it if you try
There is a God
You can know Him if you try
You can approach Him if you try
There are angels
They are with you day and night
You can know them if you try
I have searched this world
I have seen the signs
But I will not rest till I pass the line
There is heaven
You can know it if you try
You can go there if you try
And if God wills, it will be
posted February 17, 2009 at 2:12 pm
I am so GREATFUL for all the WONDERFUL GIFTS all the ARTISTS bring to us.’ We are alll one’ people. Please, before you comment with your words that are to ‘build’ or ‘destroy’ look at yourself and ask. Am I choosing ‘LOVE or ‘FEAR’ in my statements. Is my intent to ‘Harm or cutdown another’ because of my own negative intention. Where does it come from? Why? If you ask yourself these questions I believe you will know yourself better & come to ”LOVE ONE ANOTHER’ AS THIS IS ALL THERE IS…’FORGIVENESS MIRRORS PEACE’. We all have ‘stuff’ we need to deal with, dig up, but I believe there is so much LOVE in so many people wanting to come out! We just need to show each other how…with LOVE & FORGIVENESS, PATIENCE & POSITIVE SUPPORT,APPRECIATION!! I love you my brothers and sisters and I am so GREATFUL for people as YUSUF ISLAM as well as the JOHN, PAUL, GEORGE, RINGO…MANY OTHERS FOR ‘KEEPING THE SPIRIT OF PEACE & LOVE ALIVE in the music, so we may share this with our generation NOW! THANKYOU FOR ALL THE LOVE YOU ALL GIVE….IN EVERY WAY, EVERY DAY! BLESS YOU ALL,
ETERNAL PEACE LOVE LIGHT
posted February 18, 2009 at 4:19 pm
About war much has been written.
More must yet be said by those who saw them die,
so that the dead may rest, and sight be gained,
to see war for what it was, and is:
War is not fighting, though fighting’s what we see,
nor is it death, for death is but it’s end.
It is the rancor of disunited hearts,
the death of love, the end of hope.
The war around us echoes in our hearts, and grants it life.
Once, mortals dared to tame this ancient beast,
and yet it thrives.
Each age must fight this force again, or pay it’s price!
Wolfgang P. May
Advisory Team Leader
Republic of Vietnam
posted March 18, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Salamo Alaykom to everyone ~ Nabeela, I am a convert to Islam and one thing I love and admire is the respect that Islam has for other religions, and I said Islam not those who do bad things just like in Christianity or any other religions. Islam itself has brought the long awaited answers and peace I’ve longed for in my life, Allhamdulilah. ALLAH bless you and Peace be upon Muhammad, Jesus and all the prophets of ALLAH ~ GOD BLESS ALL