Would Adnan Al Rifai approve of "when the veil drops"?

One of my readers asked the question: " Would your personal hero Adnan Al Rifai like your open book "When the veil drops? "

First, I want to thank the reader for saying (open book) and refrain from insulting my book and I did lose sleep over this question. Second, Adnan is my personal hero as far as Ijtihad and personal interpretation goes. My answer is I do not really know if Adnan would hate my book because I talked about my sexual life and my personal views about Islam and sexuality. He strikes me as an open-minded person but I can't tell for sure that he would not judge my writings like other Muslim scholars.

If Muslim scholars hate my book , would moderate Muslim thinkers hate it as well? Would Adnan hate or appreciate my honesty? Maybe he would hate my poetry or like that it is influenced by Koran?
So far, I have only received negative attacks from Muslim readers.However,I welcome all comments from readers and Muslims whether here on my blog or on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/When-Veil-Drops-Erotic-Muslim/dp/1451541937/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320480958&sr=8-1

I appreciate all comments which open honest discussion.
Samara

When the veil drops gets positive feedback

Last week, there was a post against the book in Altwaheed website. I was very happy about it for the short period they had it. I thought that it is about time to expose the duality about sex in Islamic society. Then the moderator of the website removed it , no doubt for controversy.

Today, I got the message from a book club for Muslim Americans refusing to include the book into their summer reading. My friend who pretended of course not to know me, told me that the book club leader said: " Well the writer is not Muslim so why should we read her crazy book."

I came home a little disappointed , only to find the following positive message from a clandestine Saudi female reader: "a life in which we are fearful and timid, compromising on our beliefs to conform is a sorry life and an unfortunate mode of being, not a dignified existence but a vegetation.." and she signed it Your little sister

One good message is worth 1000 negative comments.
Samara

Hatered toward Jews taught to Muslim children

Here is my rant for the day. I watched a video that made me mad. Here it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjbJnZUJTYU&feature=share

This video was sent to me by a Facebook friend. Actually, he read some of my writings then befriended me on Facebook which by the way,all my readers can do.This youtube video segment is really sad as it portrays a grim futur for younger Muslim generations. To brainwash a child as old as three and half years old should be considered child abuse. Yet it is done. This show was on a Muslim channel watched by regular mainstream Muslims. No doubt, it was allowed to air as it shows hating Jews which is considered average accepted ideas.

I am tired of hearing Jews are apes and pigs. It is a wining formula story that gets the approval of the crowd, a partial verse of Koran and add some cooked up story from the life of our prophet and here you have it Jews are apes and pigs.

I am tired of Muslims making up stories about the prophet to legitimize their point of the day.Let me get this story straight so the prophet had a Jewish female friend who invited him to dinner. Then served him poison in his food. Then he killed that woman. Ok , let's analyze it.

Well, did the prophet advocate visiting female friends and neighbors? Did the prophet take his wife with him? Who were the others who died at the dinner table? How come there was no mention of the story in Koran after all God saved him from poison? Would not that be a miracle worth mentioning in Koran or oops did God forget?

I am tired of anti-Jewish stories taught to children.Let me ask my brothers and sisters in Islam one question:How many other verses of Koran call Jews, the chosen people? Let me give you one example يَا بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ اذْكُرُوا نِعْمَتِيَ الَّتِي أَنْعَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَأَنِّي فَضَّلْتُكُمْ عَلَى الْعَالَمِينَ 
chapter 2, verse 47

Samara

Reply to Larry's comment

Larry, Thank you for your message and question. I am not used to receiving thanks from readers. I receive insults/comments which I remove
الَّذِينَ إِذَا أَصَابَتْهُم مُّصِيبَةٌ قَالُوا إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ 
The response that you find is adapted from a verse of Koran typically used in case of death.
The verse 156, verse 2
" Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return."
It is customary to use it  and repeat it in death.

Samara

Translation of the reactions of Arab readers on Aljazeera

Bin laden was a criminal who just received his just punishment and it hurts me to read these comments posted by Arab readers.Of course these reactions only represent their writers, not Aljazeera and not all Muslims or Arabs. However, I am sharing these reactions because the American is only showing the reactions of Americans.
The first comment was by a woman from Algeria: " This news is timed to perfection.This event is further proof that Al Qaeda is only a toy in the hands of the US and a ploy to justify war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Why else would it have taken ten years to kill Bin Laden."

To this nice lady, I say that it is ludicrous to imply that killing Bin Laden was an election game.

Second comment came from Egypt, a man asked that God bless Bin Laden and accept the leader of Mujahedeen among the ranks of his martyrs.
Third comment came from Sudan compared the death of Bin Laden to the death of prophet Mohammad. He said that Islam did not die with the death of Mohamed and the idea of Jihad will not die with the death of Bin Laden.
The fourth comment is from another man from Sudan saying that now the US will be able to enlave more oppressed countries even more..

Again I denounce these comments. Turning a criminal into a hero does not help anyone
Samara Alexander

More reactions posted on Aljazeera by Arab readers

Muslim's reaction to Bin Laden picture on Islamic websites

The reactions to Bin laden's picture varied. Some believed that it is Fake picture released by Americans since the beard is not as gray. I find this reaction funny since the US officials did not release any picture yet.
If it is fake then let's remember who released it first.

Others are urging not to share it since the privacy of the dead is being violated.  It is noteworthy that Muslims do not take pictures of their dead.

These reactions were taken from Muslim websites such as aleftn and muslm. net. If you read Arabic you can find it.

Samara Alexander

Al Qaeda site/reaction to Bin laden death translated

Here is the translation:
President Obama announced that Bin Laden killed in a fire fight which means he died honorably.
Osama said: " He is a happy one who dies a martyr"
It is either a life who pleases the friend or a death that annoys your enemy. It is not necessary to enjoy the fruits of a quick victory. It is enough honor to die as martyr. It is beautiful for history to build our honor of the corpses and lay its corners in on our skulls and to walk proudly in the way of Jihad whether to have long or short lifes.
May God accept Osama and who were with him as martyrs.

This was the statement posted few minutes ago on the website I am Muslim. This site has been representing the views of AlQaida.

I am doing this research and translation to give my fellow Americans the whole experience of hearing all side of the news.

Samara Alexander

Al Qaeda site/reaction to Bin laden death in Arabic

قال رئيس الولايات المتحدة الاميركية:

ان بن لادن قاتل حتى قتل..يعني قُتل مقبلا غير مدبر.

قال الشيخ أسامة:

"السعيد من اتخذه الله شهيدا"

(( فـإمـــا حــيــــاة تســــــر الصــــــــــــديق ******* وإمـــــــا ممــــات يغيظ الـعـــــدى ))

(( ليس من الضروري التمتع بثمار النصر العاجل ، ويكفينا شرفا أن نموت أعزة شهداء في سبيل الله ، وإنه لمن جميل السيرة أن يبتلعنا التاريخ لتبنى صروح العزة على أشلائنا ، ولترسى زواياه من جماجمنا .))

(( ونسير في ركب الجهاد أعزة ******* قصرت بنا أم طالت الأعمار ))

اللهم تقبل الشيخ أسامة ومن كان معه شهداءاً عندك.

ALJABARTAH

Some of the reactions of Arabs posted on Aljazeera by their readers

I am translating some of the reactions already posted by readers on Aljazeera site.
" If Bin Laden died there are thousand of Bin Laden so do not be happy about his death."
This one from Egypt: " May God help Mujahedeen everywhere following the example of Bin Laden"

I tried cutting and pasting the Arabic script but it did not go through. I will keep translating these reactions which I hope only represent a minority of views on the death of the criminal Bin Laden.

Samara Alexander

First Muslim woman to pose nude for German Playboy

I want to share an article about the first Muslim to pose nude for a German playboy.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/first-turkish-muslim-model-strips-for-playboy/
article1-687873.aspx.

Now read this article http://www.islamtimes.org/vdcaooni.49n0a1gtk4.html
Which one came first, the egg or the chiken? and is there a happy medium?
Instead of exposing all or hide all?

Islam advocates the middle but where are we now? On the other hand a first Muslim posing for playboy should take the heat off the first Muslim sexual memorist.
Samara

Sharia law is for Muslims only!

There is evidence in Koran that Sharia law is meant to be used only for Muslims. To even suggest using any part of Sharia law to non-Muslims is to go against the intent of the Sharia itself as prescribed by Allah.

Read verse 48, from Surah 5:

“ And we have revealed to you the book in truth confirming that which predeeded it of the Scripture and as a criterion over it. So judge between them by what Allah has revealed and do not follow their inclinations away from what has come to you of the truth. To each of you, We prescribed a law and a method. Had Allah Willed, He Would have made you one nation but to test you in what He has given you; so race to good. To Allah your return all together, and He will inform you concerning that over which you used to differ.” Surah 5, verse 48

Another verse which illustrates that God is the only judge for non- Muslims
is Surah 45, verse 17. Actually we should read from verse 16 &17
" And we did certainly give the children of Israel the Scripture and judgment and prophethood, and we provided them with good things and preferred them over the worlds." verse 16
" And We gave them clear proofs of the matter. And they did not differ except after knowledge had come to them. Indeed your Lord will judge between them on the day of Resurrection concerning that over which they used to differ. "

Additionally to define Jihad as convert people to Islam is also a false notion. The duty of Muslims is to stay Muslims not to convert others to Islam.

Samara

When the veil drops is the first sexual memoir by an Arab Muslim

There was a question in Yahoo ask about my book:" When the veil drops"?
Here is the answer :When the veil drops is the first sexual memoir by an Arab Muslim. It was published on June 1, 2010. It is available for purchase on Amazon. com.You can actually look inside and read few pages. I am proud to call it my book.

Last week,I received a message from a Saudi woman who read my book. She told me that she is a closet fan of my book and that she rails against me and my book in front of her friends. She went through a lot of trouble to locate and contact me. Of course,she could not befriend me on facebook.

I was very happy to receive her message. I actually answered her that there is no such thing as bad publicity. I assured her that I understand why she has to be an enemy of the book. I live here in The US and I am American. I can afford to be outspoken. I asked her to feel free about becoming the enemy of my book. The book needs a good fake enemy:) She just need to stop though before a Fatwa on my head.

To reach at least one Saudi woman is a privilege. Now I know that there are nine Saudi women who read my book and told each other how they hate it. I posted the reason why I wrote my book when the veil drops on December 4th, 2010 and you can read it if you missed it. However, receiving a message from a fan who has to denounce me in public is worth all the trouble of having the book published.

The new enemy of the book is a smart, twenty five years old educated Saudi woman and I am very privileged to become her internet friend. I am very thankful for my friend who purchased my book and gave it away to women in Saudi and of  course keeping my identity secret. I joke with my friend saying that she became a drug dealer who gave my drug/book for free.

Samara


Samara

The debate about American Muslim women wearing the veil continues

I talked about the ban in France. I talked about wearing the veil in general. However,the experience of American Muslim women wearing the veil  in American educaion system happens to be the topic of my doctoral dissertation. That is the reason why I avoided talking about it. After one year of qualitative research, I have an appointment with my professor on Thursday and I am considering the possibility of switching topic.

I started without any prejudice or assumption to allow the women to talk and give me their experience. However, I truly believed deep down that once it is privileged information my participants would talk about how they were forced to wear the veil and how it impacted their lives. Well, I was proven wrong.

It is silly to discuss early results on a blog and my professor thankfully does not know about my blog so here it is, American Muslim women to whom I talked and interviewed viewed the veil as part of their identities and they were Not forced to wear it.

A participant told me: “Islam is a way of life and that is how I choose to live my life.”

A number of them were afraid to be forced to remove it one day. This is Not my personal view but rather what I found from Muslim American women.

Wearing the veil is their right and Islamic duties which they chose to exercise.
 My appointment is on Thursday, all in favor of me switching topic say I

Umdat Al Salik

The question was asked. I interviewed my good friend Moustafa who happens to be an Egyptian professor of law.

What would say about Umdat Al Salik  as a book to someone who never heard about it?

-          First, it is called Umdat Al salik and Umdat Al Nasik. The author is Ahmed Ibn Lou Lou Ibn Abdel Allah Alrumi.  His father was a Christian from Rome. He was born in Egypt and become a Faqiih ( an expert in faqih). The book is one of the several books in Faqih ruling in the Shafi school.

What is the significance of the book?
The book summarizes the rulings in Imam Shafi school. The author announced himself that the only significance is that he used two important scholars as reference: Al Nawawi and Arafi.

Is there any other historical special value attached to the book?
Well, the author is considered Sufi. The book was used by Sufis to show that there is no contradiction between being a Sufi and being a Muslim. You know it helped them facing Wahabists.

As you see from the answers I received, Muslims can not ignore Umdat Al Salik as it is the compilation of rulings in Shafi School. I will answer any question you send my way. If I do not know the answer, I will find it. Special Thanks goes to professor Moustafa.

France ban on Burqas covering the face

 I read a discussion on the ban in the Huffington post. The discussion of the topic focused on liberty and covering the head custom or religion. By the way, I believe it is both. Islam came to people who practiced wearing a head covering as social distinction. Only a free woman could wear a veil. Ironic but it protected her from harsh weather and street harassment.

My comment on Huffington post:

The topic of the debate went the wrong way. France did not ban a traditiona­l Islamic attire. It did not ban Hijab (covering the hair). The ban is against burqas covering the face. Burqas covering the face are not part of an Islamic attire. It is rather an extremist Islamic attire. It is an extremist outfit, think of it as wearing a Halloween outfit all year round. Scary stuff?

Here is the proof of Hijab in Koran
Surah 24 An-Nu verse 31 explains: “ And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which necessaril­y appears thereof and to wrap a portion of their head covers over their chests and not expose their adornment except for their husbands, their fathers, their husbands….­” The verse is long so I am only quoting a part.
There is also evidence from Hadith that the prophet (May peace be upon him) instructed a family covering their daughters to show her face and her hands up to the wrist ( Alwajah wa Al kafeen).

Even in Muslim countries, those who choose to wear burqas covering the face are extremists Muslims. I encourage all western countries to put a similar ban for security reasons: who is behind the veiled faces. If you do not want to ban it in the US, at least follow these women and find out what are their male family members doing in their spare time.

Yemen, a chess game gone mad

Have you ever seen a chess board with every piece playing for itself?
I am following the situation in Yemen closely. The reports from all the different sources are just alarming.  Saleh's tribal confederation at war within itself. The defection of  commander Ali Muhsin Al-Ahmar is probably the first real strike against Saleh. With tribes loyality to Al- Ahmar a possible full blown confrontation is a plausible scenario.  I wish that we can get a behind the seen look at the closed doors negotiation. I fear a bloody civil war and what would happen if the south decided on its independence?

I believe that Yemen might exceed all other Arab countries in revolt in numbers of killing of innocents.

Why does history repeat itself?

Uthman (Third Caliph/successor of the prophet) was hacked to pieces by his opposition. That marked the beginning of Caliphite of Ali

Ali (Fourth Caliph) was killed stepping out of the mosque. That marked the beginning of the rule of Umayyads.

Hussein was massacred by the Umayyads. That breathed a new life into the Shia sect.

Marwan (The fourteen and last Umayyads Caliph) was decapitated which marked the beginning of Abbasid. Twelve thousand troops of Umayyads were destroyed by the hands of their Muslim brothers the Abbasids.

In our Islamic history change in power is tied to violence. Could it be that we do not read our history?

Open questions

I have been busy writing a book about Arabic and Islamic culture. I wrote four out of te chapters so almost there. I do not have a book deal yet. However, I have promising prospects. I will have a section for open questions in my book.
If you have any question feel free to send me a message or add a comment.
I want this book to be as comprehensive as possible so ask away.

Salam

Did Assad lose his forest?

I need to explain the title for non Arabic speakers readers, Assad means lion in Arabic. On Friday, I was talking to a friend and he said that even as a lion you have to play well with all the animals in the forest. I answered: “Or eat them.” Bashar Assad did a little of both. He used his youthful image (45 years old) to play the reformer who would bring change. Of course, he was aiming at gaining the trust of the youth. He also used his family members and allies to spread corruption supported by his secret police hand.


On March 18, I wrote a blog wondering why Syrians are not up in the streets. I did not have a political crystal ball. It was the issue on my mind since January 25 the day of Anger in Egypt.  As I heard any comment about Egypt, I answered: "Well Syrians have to revolt first". My Syrians friends were assuring me that they love him. That reminds me, maybe I need to have tea and cake and invite them over. Syria did amend its constitution to elect Young Assad when his father died. That makes Assad the only president in history who used democracy to inherit his presidency.


If there is a competition in Moral Decay and oppression, Assad wins. Not only did the regime spread terror in the heart of its people, the Assad’s regime also used its invisible, yet visible hand in Lebanon. How can we forget the assassination of Hariri? I am sure that the people of Lebanon are happy to hear the news in Syria. Maybe Lebanese will finally get their freedom from any Syrian influence.

Samara

Selective Containment in Libya is more of a triage.

The international community is at a crossroad in Libya. Two options emerge try to take out the snake head or simply protect the opposition. I am really not sure what limited involvement means?  limited in political terms is a relative and vague adjective. Time is all what Qaddafi needs and want. He will do what a good Arab does barter his way back to full power. Play off tribes against each other and divide Libya. And we all know too well what chaos breeds?

 My absolute favorite political expression is "Selective containment" by the British Prime Minister Cameron. I would rather Cameron choose the word Triage. “Ladies and gentlemen we are going to triage the situation in Libya.”

What would you do if you hire a termite company and the estimate had the title “Selective Containment”? Better yet, if you get diagnosed with cancer ( God Forbids)then an alternative medicine doctor tells you instead of removing the cancer before it spreads, we decided to do a “Selective containment”? Would you get a second opinion, I would…

The situation in Libya is a Gordian knot. Did history teach us how to solve a Gordian knot situation?

Why is Sayyid Qutb cited by extremists?

I decided to read sayyid Qutb books and decide for myself. Find out what is the attraction to his writings. I decided to read it and share the information with my blog readers. I started yesterday with a book called “This is the religion”

I am on page 11 of 165 pages. I do not know if I can make it to the end of one book. Maybe my goal was a little ambitious.

Here is the translation of the paragraph which stopped me: “No one can put a manhaj (Way of life) for people. Only God put the rules for people to live by and any groups of people putting their own manhaj are taking a divine right which belongs only to God and therefore are adding a divine aspect to themselves and can’t be Muslims.”

This is why extremists like only sharia because it is divine and not made by humans. I do not believe that our Merciful God would deny us the right to decide for ourselves the rules to live by as long as we do not transgress his limits.

should I continue reading Qutb?

Samara

Why is Syria different?

The media has not discussed the situation in Syria at all. I find the story of Syria to be the most interesting one.
Does Syria have the ingredients for a recipe of rebellion? My answer is yes.

1) Media talked about Mubarak and the possibilty of him appointing his son as the driving force behind the opposition. How about a tyrant ( Hafez Asaad) who did just that? Hafez Alssad established his dynasty back in 1970. With the tragic untimely death of his first born, Bashar was his only heir. When Hafez died, Syria amended its consitution to allow the young Bashar to become president.
In other words, it has been a 41 years of the family of Assad rule.
I remember reading that when a tyrant has pictures all over the streets it is a sign of probable demise. Obviously political analysts have not walked in the streets of Syria. Pictures of Bashar are everywhere in Syria.

2) Demographic data shows that there is a youth bulge in Syria as well.

3) There are signs of oppression.The government even controls the internet and blocks websites and we always hear wild stories about the secret police in Syria.

4) Syria similar to Egypt and Tunisia suffers from poverty line and unemployment.

My Syrian friends tell me that Syrians love Bashar and give him credit for modernizing the country. My theory is that Assad built a strong foundation of allies and his army and secret police will back him up.

That is why I find the case of Syria interesting. It has all the ingredients. Yet nothing is cooking...

Saudi's day of rage turns into a day of content

Saudi's social Media called the youth to stand in protest on March 11. Despite all speculations, Saudi did not go. I published my take on Saudi on March 3saying:

I do not think Saudi would stand in the streets unless of course if the streets were air conditioned. It is easier to see angry unemployed youth in hope of better futur go stand in the streets. Why would happily unemployed youth with pockets lined with stipends go against its government?

Some of my American friends were betting me that Saudi will follow the ripples effect. All I have to say is if Islam allowed gambling, I would have made an easy hundred today. This is not an " I told you so blog" well kind of :) Laura I know you are reading my blog

 I would just like to point out that money talks the government threw a package of $36 billion dollars on unemployment benefits, salary increasing, and consumers subsidies. It is not just money it is oil money
Samara

Islamic humanitarian work is an oxymoron

Imagine for a minute that the Red Cross decides to help Christians only.  Imagine if all philanthropists decide to help only people who followed their religion, would there be anyone helping in Iraq or Afghanistan?   

Humanitarian means for all humans and not Muslims only. This rule of giving charity only to Muslims, has to be changed to align it with the spirit of Islam. If our prophet Mohammad ( May peace be upon him) did not receive help from the Christian king Najashy what would have happened to early Muslims?

My comment on a Huffington post story

Here is the link to the story itself
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/10/florida-sharia-ban_n_833928.html

As a moderate Muslim, I am happy for Florida and wish more states to follow. I speak from the position of knowing Sharia and not wanting to see any part of it used in court in the United States. Please do not take it as Islamphobi­c, pointing fingers or whatever else. Please take it for what it is Sharia law is not compatible with human rights and our constituti­on.

To be an American you swear to abide by the constituti­on and only the constituti­on. Therefore no American Muslim should seek Sharia law anyway. That should invalidate and revoke his or her citizenshi­p because he or she would have lied under oath.

Moderate Muslims should update Sharia and reform it for Muslim countries. However, since it is viewed as divine it has not been updated. It is a long road to update Sharia to be suitable for the 21 century.

Dreams and shadows by Robin Wright, a book I recommend

Why I recommend Dreams and shadows? First, I am NOT affiliated with it. The book talks about the future of the Middle East. It was published in 2008. I knew that I had in my garage somewhere. I recalled taking notes and highlighting things I liked. I only had the memory of reading it. After two days of looking, I found it.

What a gem of a book ! Robin wright traveled accross the Middle East interviewing young activists in 2005 and 2006. She reported young suppressed voices. Six years later, she must be very proud of them.
The book does not offer the depth of analysis known in Wright's previous books. Rather than giving her views, she gave a long reportage. Re-reading this book in light of current events in the Middle East is a whole new experience.

I will share my thoughts on the different parts of the book as I re-read the chapters. It is a thought provoking book. I am also interested in any discussion  or comments readers want to start after reading the book.  The book was reprinted in paperback in 2009 and easily available on Amazon.

Qaddafi offered to leave

Everything in Arabic culture is bargain bargain and bargain. Everyone screamed Qaddafi needs to be removed. He offered to leave with a condition of guarantee of saftey for himself and his family. Now they refused. It is " an honorable exit" they say. My beloved culture of extreme. They had him for 40 years then now he is not even allowed a safe exit.

Let's wait and see how the bargain ends.

My take on Saudi

I was asked by a friend yesterday:Would Saudi join the popular unrest rebellion trend?
My answer was that I did not see it.

 I do not think Saudi would stand in the streets unless of course if the streets were air conditioned. It is easier to see angry unemployed youth in hope of better futur go stand in the streets. Why would happily unemployed youth with pockets lined with stipends go against its government?

The King of Saudi is using Fabian Tactics and responding here and there to simpler demands. Again he knows that if his people felt strongly about it, they would hire some poor philippinos to stand in the streets for them.

Samara

Sharing info about an interesting book

The book was published in 1999.  It was adopted by Al Qaida as part of their principle belief system. I believe that reading this book will shed a different light on current events. I might actually translate parts of it if I can find time to do it. Too much to do and very little time...

Sharing an interesting article from New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/27/opinion/27kristof.html?_r=1&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

This is a good article however I would like to point out that fit for destroying is not necessarily fit for building. To use the sole argument that they are standing in the streets and willing to die for democracy is not sufficient to say they are fit for democracy. To stand in the streets you need young blood that boils and general sense of anger. We Arabs demonstrated no shortage of boiling blood power. However do we have the tenacity, commitment and convictions to rebuild ? Time will answer that question.
Few important questions to ponder:
1)Who will gain the fruit of this revolution?
2) What will happen to radically change these systems?
3) Are Arab countries ready to write a constitution that starts with We the people?
I hate to always be the one pointing that there is an elephant in the room. But hey someone has to be...
Samara

Sharing an interesting article on Huffingtonpost

Here is an interesting article on Huffingtonpost:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/24/khalid-ali-m-aldawsari-terror_n_827652.html

There is a trend of home grown terrorists or simply of terrorists living among us. How can anyone ignore it or deny it? How many more attempts or failed attempts I should say for us to realize it?
I call on all and any moderate Muslim to join in the discussion. We are witnessing the birth of all futur jihad in the US. It is called local Jihad. Someone who came here on a scholarship with ill intentions.
This is the gratitude he shows to a country who opened the door to him. How shameful!
Well done FBI for keeping us safe.

I talked once with an Afghan student who came here on a scholarship from the Rotary club. I asked him why he applied and accepted the scholarship given his hatered to Americans. He answered: " anything I can get out of the dog lovers is Halal."
I tell you, I sleep better knowing that he left and went back to Afghanistan.
Samara

Unrest is spreading in the Middle East

I decided to discuss the situation of each Arab country where unrest is spreading. Starting with Yemen.
Why is Yemen different than the rest?
Opposition forces have a less of a chance to unite due to several factors:
The rural nature of the country
The rate of illiteracy
The Shia rebellion in the North
Let's not forget North and South Yemen united in 1990 and the South is always screaming discrimination.
When the president Ali Abdel Allah Salah warns that the country would fall into the hands of extremisms, the international community is inclined to believe him.

Hosni Mubarak on trial

What does this picture means? It seems to me that talk about freezing Mubarak's assets is the favorite topic to young Arabs today. However if this actually happens would the money go to the Egyptian bread and feed poor Egyptian?

What would poor Egyptian gain from executing Mubarak?
Samara

An Egyptian take on Lara Logan's tragedy

In speaking with my Egyptians Facebook friends, I asked the question: How could a tragedy like Lara Logan's tragedy happen? The response I got was that this story is a lie and that I should not believe it. The response was a unanimous agreement that this story was a made up lie to tarnish the reputation of democracy seekers.

I am well aware of conspiracy theory tendencies and blame everything on the Jews attitude. However, how can anyone believe that a woman can falsely claim to be raped (gang-raped)?

My Egyptians friends on Facebook are prominent in Egyptian society and possess a high intellect.
I continue to be baffled...

Samara

Would you suggest a title?

My dear readers, I am working on a book proposal this week. I do not have an agent or an editor yet. However, I met people working in the publishing field and I believe that I have a lead. I want to write a book about how I was raised to fit the obedient Muslim girl. I want the book to be a cultural class from the point of view of an insider. I want to write about reading my first fatwa and about the sheik who tutored me until I became a Hafez (Koran keeper). I learned that writers do not get to choose the titles or front cover. However, I would like to present a complete book proposal with a good title in two weeks. I am open to all your suggestions and I appreciate your contribution.


I know that my “Opposition fans group” thinks that I am getting paid by the Jews to write my blog. I am not and the leads I met are not Jews.  I know that it is a habit for Muslims to blame anything they do not like on the Jews. I find it funny when I get these “Opposition fans group” messages.


I know that some of you have expressed their desire for me to publish. I am working on getting a book deal. The book proposal is step one so give me all your sound advises.
As always I appreciate all my readers support including the “Opposition fans group” who helps me keep going.

Samara

My comment at National review online

I am posting a comment on National review and I am not sure if it will be posted.
Here it is
As a moderate Muslim, I find it shameful to hear Qardawi who is at the core of Fatwas and islamists ideals.
He uses verses of Koran to say that the Jews will face three majors disasters before they get destroyed. One is during Pharao times, second under Hitler then he cheers islamists to go bring on the third time through Jihad.
Islamists spent a long time on Holocaust denial, and it did not work for them so they flipped the switch and now claiming the Hitler was acting on God's order.
I try to expose Qaradwi every chance I get on my daily blog moderatemuslimspeaksout.However, I know that he is hero in Muslim'seye even mainstream Muslims.

Samara

My last comment on the Huffington post

I am a moderate Muslim and I find that public hearing in Congress on the "radicaliz­ation" of Muslim Americans makes sense. Last year, we had few incidents of internal terrorism: The Fort Hood incident; the failed car bomber in New York; The Pakistani American arrested in Ashburn Virginia and the incident of a Somali American arrested after a sting operation. This last young Muslim attempted to bomb a public square during a Christmas lighting ceremony. I am glad that it was a sting operation.
I believe that instead of opposing that public hearing, try to make sure that it stays fair and serve its purpose. Instead of acting defensive and plead the fifth and sue for harassment­, moderate Muslims should first defend their religion against Islamists.

There is a lot to be done by moderate Muslims in addition to earn a decent living. I do a small part in my daily blog moderatemu­slimspeaks­up. I feel that it is our duty which is not imposed by others, to update old interpreta­tion of Koran and help save the Muslim youth from falling into the hands of Islamists.
I get randomly selected at airports all the time and you know how it makes me feel. It makes me feel safe because I am going to be on that plane as well.

My comment on Deepak Chopra's article on the prophet Muhammad

Deepak Chopra wrote on the Huffington post an article to congratulate Muslims on the prophet's birthday. It had some troublesome statements which I would rather not discuss at this point.The thread of comments as always was divided between Islamophobes, Muslims and Islam's supporters. Here is my comment on the article and other comments. To read the article please look up Deepak Chopra on the Huffington post.

The prophet Muhammad( Peace be upon him) was not tasked to convert anyone. He was tasked to deliver a message, as the first pillar of Islam calls him the messenger of God. Furthermore, the verse stating that that Muhammad was the messenger and that his only responsibility is notification is repeated three times in Koran.  Here is the location of these verses for those for own a Koran (Surah/chapter 5 verse 99, Surah/chapter 24 verse 54, Surah/chapter 29, verse 18).
If we are to examine the life of Muhammad (PBUH), let’s not think of him as a conqueror. Please remember the important message out of Surah/chapter 3, verse 159
“ and if you had been rude and harsh in heart they would have disbanded from about you…”
In my blog moderatemuslimspeaksup, I invite readers to have discussions over what had polluted the air about Islam. The discussion always ends by a translation of a verse and a different interpretation of the same verse. I believe that moderate Muslims should reevaluate the old interpretation of Koran. It is up to us to rid Islam from Islamist’s ideas and remember that even our prophet needed only to notify people of the message not convert them.

Samara

Yusuf Qardawi denies one of Muslim's reported hadith

Qardawi support protesters in Egypt by denying a Hadith reported in Sahih, Muslim.
The hadith's main message is that obedience is the core of Islam and Muslims have to obey those in charge even if they were unjust (using the hadith words:whip your back and steal your money.)
Although, I agree with him that potesters had the right to protest. I would like Qardawi to continue and expose other hadiths which are widely accepted and should not be.
He can't preach similar hadith when it's purpose suits him and denies it when it does not suit his purposes.
 I will try to avoid politics in my futur posts but political issues in the Middle East are closely tied to religion. I need to return to my main battle of ideology.
Samara

Do not let the truth get in the way of a good story, go ahead and celebrate

It is a good story a pacifist revolution and a tyrant falls. However I am looking for the happy ending.  There are questions which no one knows how to answer: Did 30 years of corruption leave the Egyptian regime beyond repair? and what would it take to repair it?

Let's look at the major players in the Egyptian political field. Egypt has three traditional opposition parties: The liberal Wafd Party, the socialist National progressive Union and the Muslim Brotherhood. None of these opposition parties orchestrated the revolution and the strongest one is the Muslim brotherhood. If we look at the new opposition parties, we will find that none of it is older than eight years old. It is important to mention that Mohamed El Baradei’s group was only founded last year. Kefaya which is by far the most popular young opposition group was founded in 2004. It is led by the only Egyptian Christian in the political arena George Ishak.

So while everyone is celebrating chapter one " Mubarak leaves" I am trying to read in chapter two

"The military steps in a transitional power". I am sorry but that chapter makes me skeptical.  Here is a fun fact for you, every Egyptian president has been a military officer. The corrupt regime which served the elite and corrupt businessmen was closely tied and backed by the Egyptian army. It is hard for me to believe that the Egyptian army is not just the other face of the same coin.

The question which will determine whether the story has a happy ending or not is:Would there be an actual reform of the presidential system of Egypt? Chapter three can still be a third act of a Verdi's opera...

Samara

Is Islamists ideology part of Islam or is it a culture issue?

For Sam,

It has been a standard response for moderate Muslim to say: ( Islamists do not represent Islam). Moderate Muslims or what westerns see as Moderate always distance themselves from extremists by saying: "They hijacked Islam." " It is a culture problem ..." "It is a political problem". 
Here is my answer it is a religion problem spread to become a cultural issue and powered by political ambition.

Once a Muslim scholar practices Ijtihad (deploy his mental effort) and gives an explanation. It becomes part and a version of Islam. Ijtihad is the source that allows us Muslims to believe that Islam is valid at all time. Muslims scholars and thinkers explain then Muslims follow what is their heart and choose which direction to go. Sayyid Qutb whether I like it or not is a Muslim scholar with followers. To say I am moderate and he is an extremist is taking the easy way out. I do not take the easy way out. He is Muslim and I am Muslim and we all follow the same rules which allow both of us to choose. We all read the same book. I am chossing verses and they are choosing verses and sometimes even using the same verses we have different interpretations.

The reality is I can't call them non- Muslims or use the standard answer they hijacked Islam. I can't denounce Islamists as much as they should not denounce me.  Although of course they denounce moderate Muslims and call us Kafir/ infidels.It is an IDEOLOGY WAR. They have centers, schools, and followers to spread their ideology. I have a blog.
Samara

Is Muslim Brotherhood a friend or foe?

Let’s review some facts. It was founded in 1928 by Hassan Al Banna who was a pious man. He wanted to lead Muslims by example and initiated the idea of providing community centers to help Muslims. In 1952,Muslim Brotherhood played a large role in Egypt’s revolution along with the Free Officers movement. Although Egyptian history books minimize the Muslim Brotherhood influence, King Farouk wrote in his diary that Muslim Brotherhood toppled his regime.

In 1954, Nasser’s regime (The free Officers movement) started to arrest, torture and kill Muslim brotherhood members. Sayyid Qutb was arrested, released and arrested again due to a deteriorated health conditions.  He started the call for Jihad based Surah 9 verse 111 (which I previously discussed in my blog).  He received the death sentence in 1966. Sayyid Qutb’s books are considered the core of the Islamist’s ideology.

In 1972, in exchange of allowing Muslim Brotherhood to join the political field, Umr Al Tilmisani renounced violence. It was a bargain made between him and Sadat the Egyptian president. As their power as group grew, they plotted and assassinated President Sadat in 1981. Learning from his predecessor mistakes Mubarak did oppress Muslim Brotherhood. In many cases, he caused them to leave the land.

By the early 90s, the moderate members within Muslim Brotherhood started to demand changes and reform. Muslim brotherhood members say that they support human rights as they have learned that “Human rights” is a magic word which adds legitimacy. However you can’t bring up the word women’s rights to MB without creating a conflict. These members had to leave and they created ( Hizab Al Wasat/ the party of the middle).Wasat leaders helped creating a movement of change under the slogan Kifaya/ enough in 2005.

Muslim Brotherhood ideology is based on Jihad and radical ideas. Sayyid Qutb is their shaheed/ martyr and his books calling for Jihad and Muslim nation is at the core of the ideology ofMuslim Brotherhood.
Samara

My interview about Egypt

Here is the link for my interview: www.esnips.com/web/authorsamaraspeaks.

Why do I think protesters should walk away?

If the purpose of the protest was to see change, then they should have celebrated the victory.
What victory? The victory is that they got heard and seen for he first time. They also got international support to ensure tha the president will not run. He appointed a vice minister for the first time. the fact that protesters standing in Tahrir square will not create jobs or solve economic problems.  A power vacuum will lead  Egypt to fall into  the hands of Muslim brotherhood.
That is my fear. Some of the chants in arabic were saying islamiah which means muslim country. First rumors to spread on the streets is that the bad guys are Mossad. I fear for the safety of Christians Egyptians . I fear a civil war. I fear an islamist Egypt.
samara

هوجة من غير عرابي is my political Egyptian poem about Tahrir square

النهاردة حاحكي لكو حكاية من ميدان التحرير

عويس:ياعم قوم خلينا نروح

سيد: يعني وراك الديوان ياخي
اهو بدل قعدتنا على القهوة

خليل :اسمعني بس عملونا ابطال ,عملونا رجالة
خليك يا راجل واقف معانا

عويس: دي حتولع يابا

سيد: ما تولع ولا تتحرق بجاز
اهو ضربوا الاعور

عويس: دي بلدنا برده واهو قال حيمشي

خليل: استنى بس
ده الواد سفروت بقى شهيد
حديد على حديد يفعل الله مايريد

عويس: اهو انتوا كده عايزين جنازة

ومشي عويس وفضل خليل وسيد في حيص بيص
وتوتة توتة فرغت الحدوتة
سمراء

Yusuf Al Qardawi urges Egyptians protesters to go to Tahrir square

3 is the unconfirmed number of death which has people outraged about Mubarak supporters or Mubarak thugs or call them whatever you want to call them. The gunfire source is not even verified. Eye witness accounts are allegedly confirming that they saw I Ds on the thugs linking them to Mubarak regime. May I ask how were they able to ask the armed ones to step of their camels and horses and show I D?

 In a country of 80 millions, Really 3 !  We are outraged about 3. It is probably the number of death of people dying daily from heart attacks sitting on their couches watching TV in Egypt or just from breathing polluted Egyptian air. It is definitely LESS than the number of people dying from car accidents driving like crazy in Tahrir square everyday. Have you ever been in Tahrir square? I have and people die everyday just crossing or driving in Tahrir square.

 (Due to the Maybe 3 dead) we are  now urging Obama to use pressure on Mubarak to leave. I thought that what we hold dearly as Americans is a policy of no interference.Whether they are Mubarak supporters or Mubarak thugs, violence is the language spoken in the Middle East. Let them deal with each other using the language that they all speak. If you study Egyptian history you will find that nothing changes there unless you use force.

The peaceful protesting is a new trend coming from Egyptians in their twenties who are following westerners and asking for their rights the western way. They should have had a western reaction and accept his speech as victory. They should have gone home and celebrated a victory.The fact that he was not going to step down immediatly made them react with their boiling hot Egyptian feelings. They throw a tantrum and got punished. These young protesters are being manipulated. I hope their activists take a moment to think what is at stake here.

 Yussef Al Qardawi is asking young protesters to go seek martyrdom in Tahrir square. Strange, I thought Islam  according to Al Qardawi is about following whatever the people in charge say without questioning or is it only the rule once Islamic groups are in charge?

Yusuf Al Qardawi is an Egyptian associated with MB (Muslim Brotherhood). Is it still not clear where this power vacuum will lead Egypt?

Samara

My Egyptian poem reflecting my fear about the situation there

 انا الست مصرية
من يومين بعد صلاة العصر
ابني الصغير زعق
وقال ايه مش عايز ابوه فالبيت
والوسطاني عام على عومه
قال لك شرحه
قلت استنوا رايحين فين
رد حسنين
حنمشيه ونجيب سيد سيده
هو يعني فاكرنا عبيده
ناديت لهم حسين
قلت الحقني ده المصيبة بقت اتنين
رد الكبير وقال
عايزة ليه بامرة ايه
ده معرس ومالوش امان
ده عميل للامريكان
لطمت على وشي
وزعقت لحسين
عيب ماتقولش كده على ابوك
من غيره على بطنك حيضربوك
نزلوا وسابوني
وجت حسنية تهدي في
قالت لي ماشاء الله
عيالك كبروا وبقوا رجاله
قلت لها لا وحياتك لسه برياله
ردت وقالت
ياست مصرية ماتبقيش مفترية
ظلمك كتير خليه يغور
رديت عليها
خليك في حالك واطفي عالخبر ماجور
زمان قالوا لنا
اهو اللي تعرفوا احسن ماللي متعرفوش
وهو ضل راجل ولا ضل حيطه
وعيالي نزلوا وعملوا زيطة

سمراء

What are Egyptians thinking?

A Face Book's riot, click if you like and share if you agree. Arab presidents are typically assassinated not voted off. The Tunisian's revolt inspired hope in the power of the people.  

This emotional uprising will not give people dignity. If you listen to interviews with Egyptians activists, you will hear emotional demands and no real plans. MB ( Muslim Brotherhood) are claiming no participation but how long before MB reaches for power.

There is a chance of civil war between Christians and Muslims. Thousands might get killed. There is always a chance of replacing a rich tyrant by a hungry one. A lot of possibilities but I can’t think of any good ones. The riots of Egyptians are worrying me.  My fear is the power vacuum created  in Egypt will make it fall into the hands of Islamists.  

Samara

An example of how Jihadists manipulate verses

I want to share one example of a verse used by jihadist. The funny thing is they use the first half and ignore to mention the second half.

Read Surah 9 verse111: “Indeed, Allah has purchased from the believers their lives and their properties in exchange for that they will have paradise. They fight in the cause of Allah, so they kill and get killed.” Here is the first half used by jihadist to recruit for Jihad. This first half is repeated in almost all extremist’s rhetoric.

Second half of the same verse which is never mentioned: “It is a true promise upon Him in the Torah and the Gospel and the Quran. And who is truer to his covenant than Allah? So rejoice in your transaction which you have contracted. And it is that which is the great attainment.”

Of course Jihadists have to ignore this second part of the same verse because it confirms that the Jihad deal ( fight for God get paradise) is shared between Jews, Christians and Muslims with God in his three holy books.

How can they get away with that subjective omission? One word: Illiteracy and of course those who know are not willing to oppose Islamists.

Samara

In defense of Adnan Al Rifai

I started to read a good book called  محطّات
 في سبيل الحكمة
(Stations in the way to wisdom ) by a Syrian writer Adnan Al rifai/الرفاعي عدنان
Adnan advocates that we have to distinguish between Mohammad the messenger of God and Mohammad the human. I believe that sorting out what is the life of our prophet and what are unverified stories about Mohammad is step one toward cleaning up our intellectual inheritance.

 I have to admit that I do not have time to watch television. However during Ramadan, I had enjoyed watching a program called the Great Miracle with Adnan as a guest. However I was not aware that the program had received since Ramadan a lot of accusations. It is very sad to read the amount of negative comments associated with Adnan's name. A lot of these arguments is ridiculous. For instance, he is criticized for being an engineer. As if doing Islamic research is a privilege for imams only. Every time God addresses the issue of analysis, the word used in Koran is“Those who have brains”.
There is hope to update Islam as long as we do not oppress those who are willing to do the research and speak up about the mistakes which are centuries old.
Samara

An important question for my readers

Do you consider my writings liberal Muslim speaks or moderate Muslim speaks?
I am posing this question because I heard a comment over dinner from an old friend
, well I should probably say a business associate. To me he is an old friend and I really respect his opinion. After all he was smart enough to avoid my sexual wiles when I was on the prowl (Back in the day).
His comment: “Even from the topics you discuss liberal Muslim is more appropriate as a title” If you know me, you will know that I never respond seriously. I always joke first. I said that moderate Muslim gets more hits on the blog. While this might be partially true given the stats of this blog which only surprises me everyday. His comment is making me think. I personally believe that I am “ juste au milieu” but I could be wrong.

Could it be that because all what we hear in the western world coming from the Muslim's world is extremist’s rhetoric that any other views should be considered liberal?
It is very plausible that to espouse different opinions is in fact considered liberal.
I welcome the insights of my readers. What do you think after reading my blog?
Are my opinions liberal or moderate?

Samara

Muslims have to acknowledge the right for Israel to exist.

Today,I had a long day and I am very tired. a Muslim simply said to me that the country of Israel is a political lie.My answer was Egyptian are very proud that the word Egypt/ Misr is repeated in Koran 8 times. The word people of Israel/ Beni Israel is repeated 40 times.
When will Muslims stop the unjustifiable hatered?
Samara

I received a smart comment on the gay post

Thank you for posting a comment on my blog.  I am used to receiving profanity only. It is refreshing to see a smart comment so I have to post it for other readers to see.Here it is :
"1-God knows, but not necessarily prevents detrimental acts to humanity,Because God gives us the choice between right and wrong.God puts this prohibition"No marriage between man and man or woman and woman".

Marriage relationship aimed at the reconstruction of the universe ,Marriage is the way to do have children.it means a man and a woman children .
2-Correct understanding of the Arabic language says: male and female together in a woman's uterus.
In other words, a combination between the two types in the uterus that known as the twins.
"Yozawijhom"=gather two or more: its means makes numbers in both type."

My response:
Now I understand that marriage is the way to have children. How about when earth is overpopulated?
Gay relationships can't be detrimental to humanity if earth is overpopulated, right?
As for the Arabic part, I agree that" Yozawijhom" means add a pair but how do you explain the use of the dual form for the word male and the dual form of the word female?
If we consider that gay relationships are trangressions to God's limits. We have to remember that our merciful God said that other than worshping another god, he forgives all transgressions.

Again, thank you for commenting on my blog
Samara

Does Koran condone gay marriage?

I received a question regarding a post about gays in my blog. The question asked if I believe personally that there is at least one verse of Koran which gives allowance to gay relationships. My answer is it depends on the interpretation. In my opinion, verse 50 of Surah 42 gives allowance for gay marriage. I invite you to read it with me.

Read verse 50 of Surah 42: “Or he makes both males and both females marry and he renders who He wills barren. Indeed Allah is knowing and competent.”
Verse 50 has been traditionally explained as a continuation of verse 49.
Verse 49 says: “To Allah belongs the dominion of the Heavens and the earth; He creates what He wills. He gives to whom He wills female children, and He gives to whom He wills males.”
The traditional interpretation is that God gives whoever He chooses females, or boys v49 then the interpretation of verse 50 is a simple extension saying  or both females and males children (V. 50)
However the verb used in verse 50 is to Marry/ not to give children. The interpretation translates it as ( gives them a pair )which is plausible. I am not saying I am right and they are wrong. I am saying that the possibility exists and we need to explore it.
Further proof of my argument is the fact that the words used for males and females are in the dual form. If God meant to say gives female and male children why did not God use plural instead of dual form. Additionally, the word “children” is not used.
يزوجهم ذكرانا وإناثا
I had a discussion once with a sheik who did not deny that it said marry both males, or both females. Then he added that it refers to simple forms of animals and he used the verse to say that Koran had correct scientific knowledge even before science gives us proof of it.

My personal belief is verse 50 says that God chooses two males or two females to marry and makes whoever he chooses barren (Even if it is couple male and female).
 I do not see a contradiction with the verse condemning People of Lot because maybe people of Lot where liberal gays in bath houses not gay couples. Until others are willing to discuss difficult issues in Koran, the common traditional interpretation is that God does not allow it.

Thank you for the question and keep the questions coming.
Samara

Will the new Hypocrite Muslims receive the same punishment?

I went on a blind date with an American Muslim yesterday.  My American friends who set the date told me that he is known to be moderate and even published an article about 9/11 expressing his sorrow.
We started to talk about Islam in America in general. Then he casually tells me that he was not really sad about 9/11. I asked him how in disbelief and he answered: " Jews died." That was the end of the date.

The culture of duplicity is nothing new. Our prophet Mohammad suffered from people who professed Islam to his face and denounced it among themselves. Koran called them the Hypocrites. The Muslims who pretend to support Westerners while they are secretly supporting Jihadists are the new Hypocrites.

I need to remind the new Hypocrites that God puts the Hypocrites next to non-believers in punishment. Surah 33, verse 73: “Allah may punish the hypocrite men and hypocrite women and the non-believers men and women and Allah may accept repentance from the believing men and believing women. And ever is Allah forgiving and Merciful.”

I support Westerners Christians and Jews but my support is based on my convictions. It is NOT an act that I put on.  Meeting these new Hypocrites always leaves me with a heavy heart. The interpretation of Koran which promotes the dream of Umah/ an Islamic nation and encourage Jihad is to be blamed.
Samara

My reply to the article Sharia and day to day existence

The article was posted at the Huffington post by Sherman Jackson and I can't put it here without copyrights issue. However, here is my comment. You can find the article easily at the Huffington post.

“I see that Sherman Jackson mastered the art of treading lightly over murky and dangerous water. The preamble of the Constituti­on starts with “We the People”. It does not start with God has ordained. I do not like when people try to twist facts to show that we can all play in the same sandbox. No matter how noble your intentions are, you disrespect our intelligen­ce.I do not appreciate Jackson’s efforts to portray Sharia as based on secular concepts and not based on Koran and the life of our prophet. It is my personal belief as a moderate Muslim that Muslims need to update Sharia for Muslims countries to join the 21 century.

When an American Muslim takes the oath of Allegiance­, He or she is given the rights and responsibi­lities by the Constituti­on provided to all Americans. I took this oath and if I had any problem abiding by the Constituti­on, I would not have. If any American Muslims had a problem following the Constituti­on then they lied under oath.

Since I took the oath, I have enjoyed the rights to express myself and worship as I wish. These first two rights provided by the Constituti­on, are not allowed by Sharia.
Now just for fun let’s have one example from Sharia: non-Muslim­s in Muslim countries have an obligation of paying ( Jizyah) consider it taxes for the privilege of living there. If Americans adopt a similar concept would American Muslims agree to pay additional taxes?”

My reply to Kodimipral at the Huffington post

Before you start singing the praises of Sharia by presenting half facts, please consider that these laws have caused gender inequality for years.

Please allow me to add more facts to your statement: “The fact is that in Islamic law as a whole, women are much more favoured financiall­y than their male counterpar­ts” Then readers can decide for themselves.

Under Sharia laws:

1-      A woman is not allowed to leave her house (even to visit her sick mother) without her husband’s permission.

2-      A woman is not allowed to work to support herself unless her husband grants his approval.

3-      On marriage the woman gets a Mahr ( money/ gift) in exchange of signing away her rights to be individual because she becomes a property under the tutelage of her husband.

4-      A man is allowed to hit his wife.

5-      A man is also allowed to punish his wife by withholding sex.

6-      A man has the right to divorce his wife by simply saying;
“You are divorced”

7-      A man has the right to have multiple wives as long as he can provide for them.

8-      A man has the right not to acknowledge children born out of wedlock and has the right never to support these children.

9-      At the divorce instead of paying alimony, the man is required to pay the maintenance fee  for  only 3 months during the months of (iddat)

I could go on but I do not want to bother readers by all the facts that caused injustices to women under the name of Sharia

A huffington post blogger advocating Sharia/ Kodimipral

"The US courts would not consider the needs of the offspring if Ali did not leave a will. The entire wealth would go to his second wife. Check on this. It is an unfair law.
The answer to your second question is given below: Not all sharia laws apply to non-Muslim­s.
Good morning readers
 I am sharing a post that irritated me by Kodimipral on Huffington post . Read it then read my response to him in my following post.Samara


The male has the duty to support his family while the female is exempted from any sort of financial responsibi­lity and can spend it all on herself without the need to share.

The fact is that in Islamic law as a whole, women are much more favoured financiall­y than their male counterpar­ts for the following reasons:

1. Before marriage any gift given to women is her own and her husband has no legal right to claim on it even after marriage.

2. On marriage she is entitled to receive a marriage gift (Mahr) and this is her own property.

3. Even if the wife is rich, she is not required to spend a single penny for household; the full responsibi­lity for her food, clothing, housing, medication­s and recreation etc. are her husband's.

4. Any income the wife earns through investment or working is entirely her own.

5. In case of divorce, if any deferred part of the Mahr is left unpaid, it becomes due immediatel­y.

6 . The divorcee woman is entitled to get maintenanc­e from husband during her waiting period (iddat)."

My name is Samara Alexander and here is how to contact me

First: Happy New Year to my readers! I am back to writing my blog.  I had a comment from a reader about how hard it was to leave a comment. The reader explained that he had to create an account in order to leave a comment. I thought it was really funny since his comment was about his anger and how hard it was to leave a comment. yet at the end he did not really leave a comment about the blog. I deleted the no comment/ comment.

I want to make it easy for my readers to contact me. I understand that some readers might have questions for me. My name is Samara Alexander if you have any question, you can send it to me on Face Book.  My account has the cover of my book "When the veil drops" as a picture.Or if you have a Twitter account and would like to leave me a direct message there my account name is Samara2010.

Second: I am not affiliated with any institution. I am Not paid to write my blog by the Jews (As some of the readers claimed before). Please feel free to leave me questions at my Facebook or Twitter account.

Samara