Just another Muslim: Hakeem Olajuwon

Society Religion & Philosophy
21

So you have never implied that Islam is a violent religion?

no, i have not on this message board.
Challenging yourself and others to think is always positive, and should be strongly welcomed. I think I would like to clarify what precisely **is being stated here - so you are not implying that Islam is a violent religion since some Muslims' actions are clearly not peaceful? I'm sorry, but this is what I thought you were arguing - let me know precisely, and I'll adjust my comments accordingly. In another thread titled, "Judge Islam by Muslims? Why not?" (or something very similar), it was being argued that since we have some Muslims whose actions are always less than desirable, Islam must be preaching a faulty set of principles. My argument is to judge Islam on its own, independent from external factors.**

No, I never said that Islam was a violent religion, I never made note of any specific problems I had with Islam or Muslims other than habit of "universalizing", which I disagree and think is a gross eurasian thing.

For the record, I formulated the "Judge Islam by Muslims, why not?" question in response to a couple of posts I read on this message board, that one can not judge Islam by its practicioners. I didn't think that was a reasonable request and I articulated my reasons for that.

Where I disagree with you is when I feel as individuals indulge in basing their arguments upon stereotypes and prejudices.

NO, i disagree, as long as you keep an open mind and do not cement your "prejudices" even after they have PROVEN to be wrong, and you are in the position to make correct post-judgements. stereotypes are generalizations. generalizations can be useful, we need them sometimes to make split second judgements when we are not afforded the luxury of time.

That's all. If you are truly discussing desiring to keep one's mind challenged and thinking, then perhaps one wise area to start is not buying into media stereotypes of Muslims as militants and Islam as a violent religion.

I never said Islam was a violent religion nor that all (or most) Muslims were militant. Not once.

That's what YOU GOT from reading me. Not what I said. I claim no responsibility for that.

PEACE.

22

and dear wasir, i could care less about afghanistan or kashmir. what does that have to do with anything? i can tell you numerous tales like that from ethiopian christians who were fighting off the italians during ww2, or the haitian people who practice traditional african faiths mixed with christianity and were able to free themselves from bondage and capture land from their french slavemasters against all odds.

any belief/motivation can be harnassed to do the "impossible"

but that's just my opinion.

[This message has been edited by i-n-i (edited August 31, 2001).]

23

well can some one throw some light on shaquile o neal

24

what about shaq?

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generalizations can be useful, we need them sometimes to make split second judgements when we are not afforded the luxury of time.
When one makes those split-second judgements, isn’t that highly dangerous - hypothetical example, but say I see someone wearing a turban who approaches me asking for the time. At this point, I may not have much time to think about this situation - but should I use my split-second judgements which might be discriminatory against him? What if I judge him just by the fact that he’s wearing a turban, must be Sikh, must be this and that? In my books that’s clearly being racist.

At any rate, I-n-i, I doubt we are going to get anywhere productive from this discussion. You have your opinions, I have mine. While we disagree on many points, I’ll always fully respect your opinion. Many thanks for taking the time to reply.

http://www3.pak.org/gupshup/smilies/flower1.gif

26

Hakeem the Dream! I am a big fan of basket ball and role models like Hakeem makes the game even more worth watching. I can only wish & hope that Pakistani cricketers also give themselves a good name like this guy...

He has chosen Islam as his religion and he follows it for his soul satisfaction and guidance. He has not harmed anyone or his motives are not to gain any sort of personal advantage or give popularity to islam. We should not be worried about whether his beliefs are right or wrong but we should focus on how committed he is towards his goals...whether he is on the court or off the court he has chosen to be humble and tries to make a difference in the society.
Anyone who has biased opinions for this guy based on his colour, height, background or religion should try to look at the big picture. No one is perfect in this world and no set of beliefs are correct or wrong...its what you do for humanity that counts. Hats off to Hakeem Olajuwon who has inspired people of different colour, cast and religion.

ciao
BoSS