Izzy Mo’s Blog

Salaam alaikum,

I received this letter from one of the coordinator’s for the Muslim Film Fest in California.  Because they have decided to use their First Amendment right to show the controversial, Golden Globe nominated film Valley of the Wolves, they have been subjected to hate mail and possible protesters.  You see…it’s okay to flush a Qur’an.  It’s okay to show Muslim women in being raped in pornographic films online.  It’s okay to mock the Prophet (alayhi salatu wa salaam) and call him a pedophile, a terrorist and a twisted epiletic.  But please, PLEEEZ, do not dare use the first amendment to do something useful like, as my father put it, “puttin’ the stink of their deeds in their face.”  I swear, I see proof of God everyday but little proof of American’s right to criticize this inept, corrupt, useless administration, its policies and its murderous alliance with the rouge state of Israel. 

***********

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

Assalamualaikum, Peace be with you,

Most of you know that this Saturday we are holding the Muslim Film Festival, insha’Allah. 

What you may not know is the negative publicity we have been gettingalong with some HATE mail and blogs and news articles and negative phone calls about it. One of the film we are screening is ‘Valley of Wolves, Iraq‘. It was an international hit and golden globe nominee and was shown at Cannes last year. The film is a feature from Turkey and it gives a unique perspective about the Iraq war and brings up critical issues. It’s an action pack movie and has American actors, Billy Zane and Gary Busey.

However, because Gary Busey happens to play a ‘Jewish’ doctor involved
in the black market trade of organs, many press media and non-Muslims
have hailed the movie as ‘anti-Jewish’. And because the film shows a
point of view from the ‘Muslim’ or ‘Iraqi’ perspective and shows
Americans playing the ‘bad’ guys as soldiers, it is considered an
‘Anti-American’ film.

So…we, at the Muslim Film Festival would like to get your MORAL and
PHYSICAL support by being at the festival and being vocal in making
‘positive’ comments about us and the film and the right to free speech.
We welcome ALL audiences. However, there will be many negative people
and non-Muslims who might attend the festival with intentions of
protesting and causing disruption to the festival or voicing out loud
negative comments.

We request to our fellow Muslim bros and sis, to be staunch supporters
of our festival and also voice out your thoughts and let the Muslim
voices be heard loud and clear. Our festival is a platform for
independent and mainstream Muslim filmmakers to offer unique
perspectives and viewpoints from the Muslim cultures and world. We
believe that ‘Freedom of speech and creative expression’ is a world
value and not just an American value.

With all the news coverage of the war and politics happening in the
world, our festival is giving a voice to Muslims so that they maybe
heard and showing that Muslims have a lot more to their identity than
the stereotypical images shown in media/films.

So we welcome you to attend our festival and show us your support.
Also write up on your experience at the festival in your blogs,
websites and postings on discussion boards to counter the negative ones.

Sincerely,

MFF Staff

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

CAIR ACTION ALERT #495

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 7/24/06) - The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today called on Americans of all faiths to collect humanitarian relief supplies for delivery to Lebanon and the Palestinian Territories. CAIR is urging that the collection of relief aid be carried out following regular congregational prayers this week in American mosques, churches, synagogues, and other houses of worship.

Life for Relief and Development (LIFE), a 501(c)(3) organization that is registered with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has agreed to receive the humanitarian supplies and deliver them those in need.

CAIR is asking that actual relief supplies be gathered because of the severe restrictions currently placed on financial aid by the U.S. government.

“A strong humanitarian response by the American people will send a powerful message of hope and support to the Lebanese and Palestinian men, women and children caught up in the current humanitarian disaster,” said CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad.

CAIR is asking religious leaders of all faiths to announce this important humanitarian effort and to aid in collecting and sending the supplies to LIFE.

1. FILL A BOX with JUST ONE of the following items. (By only placing only one type of item into the box, you aid the collection effort and speed delivery by saving time spent sorting items in the warehouse): diapers, water purification tablets (can be obtained at most camping stores), flour, rice, sugar, cooking oil, powdered milk, lentils

* Food should be mailed in small boxes, no larger than 16″×12″×12.”
* Diapers should be mailed in medium-sized boxes, no larger than 24″×18″×18.”
* The maximum weight of each box should not exceed 40 pounds.
* Each box should contain only ONE TYPE of the relief supplies listed above. (Example: a box of lentils)
* No pork or alcohol products will be accepted.

2. MAIL THE BOX TO:

LIFE for Relief & Development
Lebanon/Palestine Relief Effort
17300 W. 10 Mile Road, Southfield, MI 48075
Tel: (24 424-7493, Toll Free: 1-800-827-3543, Fax: (24 424-8325, E-Mail: life@lifeusa.org

Muslim Fest 2006!

Here I come…sorta!

I got the acceptance email today and this will be my second year of participation.  I will be sending these works.  The one below that looks like tilework (UZ, ;-)), this one, this one, ooh, and this one. And this one plus some new ones.  They’re coming soon. 

You already know about this year’s theme and it seems that the Danish cartoon controversy has sparked a renewed interest in the Prophet, his life and his character (peace and blessings upon him).  I guess the reaction by some Muslims made the rest of wonder how he would react to insults and remarks against his character.  Of course, we should always reflect on his words and his life but we all need reminders every now and then.

I just discovered that at last year’s Muslim Fest, my artwork was included with Haji Noorideen’s and Salma Arastu’s art.  Here’s a small pic.  There’s my little work with Haji Norideen’s work in the bottom picture.  Subhan’Allah.  I entered the ISNA art exhibit but I don’t know if I’ll get in or if I can go.  I know I got in last year but that was last year and I sure the quality of work changes with each year.  Plus depending on my job, I may not be able to go if I get in anyway so we’ll just see. 

From looking at what the British and Canadian Muslimeen are doing in terms of art and creativity, I think it’s time for we Americans to step up, ya know.  Now, of course, we don’t have Prince Charles as a patron, but I think we can do well if we try.  We are getting better at it and we’re doing more interesting things.  But maybe a festival type of event is in order?  We could show some films, some artwork, eat some great good food.  The whole shebang-ga-bang. Hmmmmmmm…

While talking to my father, I told of him of how powerless I feel these days with all this craziness going on.  He said, “Keep writing about it.  Keep putting it in their face.  They need to be unable to run away from the stink of their deeds.  The more you write about it, the more they will be unable to turn away from the smell because it’s everywhere.”  I hadn’t looked at it like that–you know, writing.  By the grace of God, I’ve published some articles here and there and it brings me the slight comfort of knowing that I’ve done something.  Of course the feeling never lasts and I know deep down inside that my words will be read by few and those few are the congregration and not the masses that I should be addressing if I want to see any signifigant change. 

We’ve all been feeling this way.  One friend asked me what I thought she should do about all this.  I told her that I’m still trying to figure it out.  Futhermore, how can you talk to people who aren’t willing to entertain the idea that some our congressmen, our soliders and our leaders aren’t corrupt?  How do you get through to those who are so convinced by their goodness and our wickedness that any atrocity committed by our hands (I mean American hands) can be easily excused because it’s the rare and not the norm? These are the moments when good people, Muslim and non-Muslim, American and non-American, should be pouring into the streets but…

What is our role as writers?  Writing may not be your main profession or prominent talent but if you own a blog, you have the potential for capturing an audience.  So in a way, you’re a writer.  What is our role artists?  All creative people struggle with this issue of responsibility.  A coworker mentioned that she didn’t like Kanye West because he was too political (I think it was the “Bush hates Black people comment” that annoyed her). She believed that artists, or more specifically musicians, shouldn’t comment on politics. They should just entertain.  I don’t know about that.  No one ragged on Toby Keith for his views or that stupid, raggedy pseudo -patriotic song.  @@ Maybe some people think we should be political as long as we don’t criticize the status quo. 

Writing is doing something, I guess.  I’m just as not confident in it as I used to be.  I feel the need to more.  If I had a wall somewhere in a public space…the things I would paint!  I would paint the things I’ve seen in my dreams and on Arab TV so that people could see what war is really like.  One of the ways that a Muslim can fight an injustice is to speak out against it and writing would be considered a weapon.  I wish I could do more beyond writing and du’a, even though I know du’a is the greatest thing to do.  But maybe its up to the more powerful and influential among us to “man up” and do something about this. 

Rasulnames

Originally uploaded by Izzy Mo.

This is amongst the other works I have to complete for Muslim Fest 2006. This year’s theme is…The Prophet, many blessings and peace upon him. I’ll be back insha’Allah. I’m really enjoying these days off.

Aaminah’s Box

Originally uploaded by Izzy Mo.

Thank you, Sister Aaminah for your support and for reminding me of the beautiful world of browns. I used to hate browns when I was little.  Shame on me. 

I seem to have captured the interest of two Nigerian Christian men on my job.  They just can’t get over an American Muslim girl…working…in hijab…with pants on! I don’t know why that’s so shocking.  “You go the mosque?  You pray 5 times a day?  Where are you from (meaning what country)?  How you find Islam?”  Their curiosity is getting a little weird.  It’s like, “Why do you care?”  One of them said, “You know, in my country, they don’t let Muslim women wear trousers.”  I’m trying real hard not to say anything snappy or sarcastic such as “I practice Islam, not your culture.” I think we all know there’s some things going on in Muslim lands that are aeons apart from Islam.  As far as for my opinions on the matter, these Nigerian fellows can check here and here.

I just get nervous when it comes to talking about religion, politics and sex on the job.  I avoid it like the plague because some people can’t handle opinions that differ from their own.  And it’s not very professional.  Why ask me how I feel about something if you know that if my opinion is different, you’ll get upset and try to pressure me (or shout me) into a corner?  I’m kind of relying on good behavior and professionalism as dawah since I haven’t figured how I can talk to people about Islam.  I can talk to sincere seekers but not people who are just trying to find out stuff about me.  You know what I’m talking about.  These folks that try to get to know you and others who wanna get in your business, spread gossip and ridicule you behind your back.  Every job has that person (or persons).  I’m sure they’re wondering what’s up with the veiled chick but alhamdulillah, no has said anything silly…yet.

I haven’t been at this new job for a month and there’s already gossip about so-and-so’s sexuality or someone’s opinions on abortion.  @@  Today, one of my coworkers was crying.  Subhan’Allah.  Guys, it’s a paycheck.  Just talk about the weather, the store, the merchandise, stop backbiting and you’ll go home happy. 

****

There’s going to be a protest rally in ATL.  I’m still debating whether to go or not.  I want to do something and I’m wondering how effective is waving a sign?  I’m belitting rallies but I know that this problem takes more than that.  The media will probably just brand us as terrorist sympathizers, America haters and limp-wristed liberals.  We need a mass grassroots movement with one focus:  curbing American imperialism before it comes back to smack us in the face.  I don’t know how closer we are to establishing such a movement and Umar Lee has touched on the problems with the anti-war movement.  You have to think about the fact that some of these anti-war, oh-so-tolerant groups don’t want you there.  Religion makes some people very uncomfortable because it reminds of their personal issues and greviences in their lives that they have failed to address.  They would probably get more people into their ranks if they made room for people who believe that it is their religious duty to oppose war and terrorism in all its forms.  I should stop hoping for a movement like that of the 60s when people were politically aware.  But eventually, they all got high and “expanded their minds.” If I go, I’ll take some pictures. Insha’Allah, everything will be okay and I won’t get arrested.  You never know with some of these cops…

*****

(A dumb dunya moment)  Vin, Vin, Vin…what are you doing?  What are ya doin’? Is that a wig?  And it went straight to DVD?  Were you afraid to have this playing in theatres?  Well, some people are saying it’s good…and then there are others. Okay if Hannibal is bad then…well, I don’t own any of your movies so I guess it doesn’t make a difference what I think.

Beware the trailer, folks.   

*****

Your thoughts:  if Hillary Clinton ran for president and won, what would American society be like? What would the world opinion be?  Would we feel safer?  Do we trust her?  Would American life be better or worse?  I’m not all gung-ho about having a female president simply because she’s female.  Our next president could be from Mars for all I care.  I just want someone who doesn’t solve all his/her problems with invasions. 

*****

According to whoever makes these things up, I’m a twenty something year old African American woman.  Therefore, I should have kids. Plenty of kids.  Oodles of kids.  “You have no kiiiiids!?  None!  Girl, you doin’ good.” I shouldn’t have husband or steady boyfriend but moutains of kids.  Maybe a baby daddy, but definitely kids.  And if I dare step out of the box made for me, if I get a husband first and then have kids, maybe other girls can see that there are alternative lifestyles.  Maybe they’ll see that waiting for the right person is okay and that marriage ain’t as bad as they thought it would be.  Maybe they’ll see that no can the most empowering word in the world.  They’ll see that just because the majority does something, it doesn’t necessarily make it right.  Or maybe they’ll just think I’m weird. 

This post may be quite ramblely and ranty.  Just a warning.

It seems these days that I’m holding my breath and waiting for something to happen.  I wish I could see the roots of a social awakening but…

If September 11th didn’t make you think,

if you weren’t shaken out of daily life to try to figure out why someone would orchestrate something so horrible,

if you didn’t go beyond the “we, free, they, evil” rhetoric then what will wake you up?

Sometimes I feel like I’m surrounded by vegetables or zombies.  There’s no reaction to what’s going on other than the meek parroting of the media.  As one media correspondent pointed out, the American media is biased but its also quite shoddy.  Why have we, as Americans, accepted such stupid and shoddy answers for the nightmare that once was the American dream? 

Remember the promises of a sprawling Iraqi democracy that would cause evil Arab dictators to meet their doom?  Remember the cheap gobs of oil they promised us for our SUVs?  Remember the promise that the war on terror would be short, the Muslim world would love us and Bin Hidin would finally be caught?  (You know him.  Tall guy, big beard, comes out with a video tape every now and then like Tupac’s newest cut)  Remember that after 9/11, this administration promised that it would be prepared for any disaster, man made or other wise?  And now, Katrina, who put the whammy in NOLA, just four years later, and hundreds had to wait for water?  Water! 

I could go on because there’s enough nonsense out there to make you loose your mind.  I wonder…will there be a riot or an economic collapse?  How have so many of us been effectively lulled to sleep?  And Lebanon…to think that America is destroying its infrastructure from within, is willing to give money that it doesn’t have to a nation that has been compared to South Africa during apartheid. 

But…I’ll stop. 

I just want to tell the Muslim parents something.  You guys are providing a great service to the umma and to humanity whether you realize it or not.  You’re raising law-abiding, God-fearing children and insha’Allah, they will grow up to become people who enjoin the good and forbid the evil.  Insha’Allah, your children will not be silent but call oppression what it is.  Please don’t think that because you’re not out there protesting in rallies or working for an anti-war group that you’re not doing your part.  A mother struggling to raise her children has the same station as a mujahid.  Yep, a Muslima mother nursing her babe, changing those diapers and teaching her child right from wrong is as important and blessed before God as the mujahid who lays down his life to protect and take up arms to defend the people.  Mothers, please remember this.  Fathers, we need you desperately, especially in a time when so many young men are walking away from their responsibilities.  How did Shaykh Hamza put it?

“If the communities are not sound then the neighborhoods are not sound.  If the neighborhoods are not sound then the families are not sound.  If the families are not sound, the individuals in that family are not sound.”  Or maybe it’s the fact that a dysfunction somewhere means dyfunction everywhere.  (Dr. MLK R.I.P)

I had a dream about this situation in Lebanon and I what I learned from it was this:  there’s only so much you can do.  We aren’t the only ones starring in horror and feeling just as powerless.  It’s not just the Muslims who are shedding their tears and wondering if the world’s lone superpower has lost its mind.  There are millions around the world who live in fear that one day they will become a target because they had the gall to have a profitable resource in their land. 

We can remember that our dead are not the same as their dead.  I can only hope that the pain of this world obliterated their sins from the next and may God give strength to those of us who remain.  I can only hope that something will stir in the people’s hearts and that they’ll be filled to brim with so much crap that they’ll explode in a righteous rage and start demanding that we become the America that we claim to be.  Or maybe not..Allahu alim.  Ya Adl, Ya Adl, Ya Adl, Ya Latif!

Okay….store’s opening soon…

Looking for other job…

Getting ready for possible art show….

And some other things…

We…will..be..back.  Beep!

Anytime is a good time to move closer to Allah.  Anytime is a good time to pray for the oppressed and as we know, there is no veil between Allah and the prayer of the oppressed.

If you can, pray, make dhikr, fast and/or supplicate to God to relieve the suffering of the oppressed around the world. 

In Lebanon, Chechnya, Palestine, Iraq, Sudan, Somalia, Mali, and Niger. 

May He relieve the children of war and the victims of rape and exploitation world wide. 

May He give safety, succor and comfort to all peoples and tropple the dictators who think themselves outside of God’s judgement. 

May He give the downtrodden victory in this world and in the hereafter. 

May He enable of all people of consciousness and conscience, Muslim and non-Muslim, to have the courage to speak out and fight against tyranny in all its forms. 

May our weapons be the pen, the brush, the tongue, the mind, the heart, the helping hand, and above all, the prayer.  May He show us the way to conquer our fears and speak truth to those who disbelieve whether they like it or not.

Ameen. 

Du’a Nasiri