If you haven’t read Tariq and Umar’s latest entries, please do. Somehow, I knew that these Muslim-owned liquors would come back and harm us in some kind of way.
I don’t own a liquor store and it’s wrong for non-liquor-store owning Muslims to be penalized because some Muslims do. While many African-Americans have a positive opinion about Islam, there are some who see it as a threat. It could be racism with the veneer of social concern about the effects of alcohol in the Black community or it could be genuine concern. I just wish Muslims would stop selling the stuff already.
But when are we going to accept responsibilty? Muslims shouldn’t sell it but the painful reality is that there a demand for it in the Black community. Until we can convince people to spend their hard earned money on something else, those stores will continue to flourish–even as the wealth of Jennah dismisses.
Insha’Allah, more masjids will get involved in the communities where they are established and help uplift the people and their surroundings. More thoughts…
Aaminah said,
July 7, 2006 at 12:39 pm
Asalaamu alaikum.
I tend to agree with UmmZaid’s view on this. I am tired of being held responsible for what every other Muslim does, or does not do. Also, it’s funny to me how others are willing to ignore the stories that she points out that show that the liquor store issue is only part of why the community does not want the mosque there.
I cannot understand any community having a problem with a house of worship being built in their community. Houses of worship serve one purpose, whether they are the faith you adhere to or not. It’s a real shame that people will fight to keep more prayer locations from opening.
That said, I do also agree that it is an issue we need to address. It does go deeper than just owning liquor stores. Even those who do not promote haram in the community are often also not promoting dialogue and community involvement/support. In my local community the mosques do not even in any way take care of their fellow Muslims. Women who are being beaten by drug-using, cheating Muslim husbands are told they cannot leave their husband’s home (yes, I personally knew more than one). Despite repeated attempts, the masjid boards will not allow us to run any kind of food or clothing pantry for mosque attendees, much less the general public. Those of us who are known in the community are often treated poorly in the mosque, so you can imagine how “curious non-Muslims” or “considering Islam” newbies must feel. Heck, I’ve never even had a Muslim woman return my greetings in public, and certainly all the non-Muslims around us notice that too and it would make them think we aren’t approachable if we don’t even speak to each other!
On the other hand, churches in my neighborhood host food and clothing banks, and one right across the street from me hosts a huge food giveaway for anyone in the community every week. They make a bit of a party of it even, with music and worship etc. Alot of people in the community who are needy but would never go to that church rely on the Thursday afternoon giveaway.
It would be a great help if mosques would open their doors during Ramadan and Eid, if they were more open and had people available to help when people who want to know more about Islam come in, and if we got out and did something for/in the community. Now, you IzzyMo know about my experience trying to get something going: I tried to get some sisters together to crotchet/knit scarves etc and suggested that we donate them to a local neighborhood organization that I know is doing alot for the community. Instead everyone insisted that we should donate them to Afghanistan and left it up to me to figure out how to get them there. While I certainly would feel great about helping our fellow brothers and sisters suffering across the globe, I argued (unsuccessfully) for us doing something that would promote good relations and show how Muslim women help those in need that are just around the block from us. I even quoted the hadith about helping the neighbors closest to yourself first etc., but apparently the idea of helping the brown/black people of our own neighborhood is not a priority at all.
I don’t believe this apathy is only in my own community.
rasheedmoore said,
July 7, 2006 at 1:09 pm
I definately understand your frustration sister, and I think you are on the right track. Look obviously we can shut these liquor stores down (or can we a lot of these same people are involved in other illegal activities). But we as a community have to face a fact and that fact is perception IS reality. It doesn’t matter what we really know about Islam the fact remains that other people have a negative perception that we are responsible to counter. Keep doing what you are doing and don’t be afraid to be a little aggressive at times, take a strong stance and back yourself with proof from the Quran and Sunnah as well as rational proofs. Most people are followers and follow strength so be strong and know leadership has it’s consequences. Don’t be afraid to do things on your own and when people see the results they will jump on the bandwagon.
Em said,
July 7, 2006 at 11:20 pm
Salaams Luv
I know how you feel it makes you sad when you hear a Muslim brother owning a liquor store. In Singapore Alhamdulilah we have full Halal establishments owned by both Muslims and non Muslims…
One day Insyallah may they receive the hidayah that one they are doing is wrong and change their line of business.
Take care…
Aaminah said,
July 8, 2006 at 2:22 am
Asalaamu alaikum.
Thanks brother Rasheed. Ya know, I’m all about the bringin’ the solutions, not just the whinin’!
Umm Zaid said,
July 8, 2006 at 8:35 pm
Salaam ‘Alaikum
I’ve had a post cooking kind of related to this (it didn’t start out this way, but it seems like “coincidences” abound so it is related), but I just haven’t had the time to finish it. I thought I would have time to finish it yesterday, mais non… anyway, just look for it.