A lesson in Muslim-canine relations

Hehehe!

Vids - Chinese Muslim Kung Fu

A wonderful and commonly overlooked cultural heritage! You can read a basic overview here. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy these videos:

A bunch of blokes strut their stuff



This guy has good stance work



A very tough old man!

Forum: Race and Identity in the Muslim Community

Left to right: Azhar Usman, Preacher Moss, Eugenia Flynn

On the 19th this month it was my pleasure to attend this little forum at the University of Melbourne. As the event's Facebook page put it, the matter for discussion was '....the politics of inclusion and exclusion taking place within many Muslim communities - communities which themselves are constantly subject to racism and daily pressures to 'integrate' and assimilate by wider society.'
The panelists consisted of Eugenia Flynn, a Muslim woman of Aboriginal and Chinese heritage with a CV longer than Hannibal Lecter's rap sheet, and Preacher Moss and Azhar Usman, founders of US comedy group Allah Made Me Funny.

Mr Moss gave a valuable insight into bing a black Muslim in America, and Mr. Usman powerfully closed the discussion with a discourse on the unreality of race on the metaphysical level, the universality of the Nur Muhammad (Light of Muhammad - a complex concept, speak to a knowledgable person!), and how the Ummah in fact includes all of creation. However, Ms Flynn was the first speaker, and for me, the most edifying (no offence to Misters Moss and Usman!), largely due to her reflections on Indigenous Australians, Islam and Australian society itself. Stating that the essence of the whole discussion can said to be to learn how to "Practice Islam with a mind that has ben decolonised", Ms Flynn refreshingly encouraged us to look at some hard truths. This post will thus focus on her presentation.

From a Catholic background, Ms Flynn accepted Islam some nine years ago, thought she made an effort to emphasise that this was a genuine spiritual awakening and not done as a rejection of a "religion of oppressors" - you'll see how this ties in with her following arguments.

As a convert/revert, she noticed how born Muslims would frequently treat new adopters of the religion as something of a badge of honour. Conversions to Islam were seen as a method of proving the superiority of the religion and the moral high ground of Muslims. Citing the long history of contact between Muslims (eg Macassan fishermen) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Islam was often seen as the religion of Indigenous Australians, to which they were converting in droves, regardless of the hyperbole of the statement and the fact that plenty of Indigenous peoples identiy as Muslim more through heritage than anything else - so far we cannot really say what Indigenous conversions to Islam indicate about Islam, Australia or other things in general.

Ms Flynn criticised how this perception of a sort of "exclusive bond" and sense of shared "non-whiteness" effectively implied a sense of ownership over Indigenous Australians, this arrogant attitude also serving to deny the legitimacy of others in regards to relations with Indigenous people. non-Indigenous Muslims are unconsciously drawn into bigotry as they feel that they have the right to take up Indigenous speaking space.

Indeed, Ms Flynn observed that many Muslims from migrant backgrounds ironically share the same mentality as white Christian missionaries. They view themselves as bringing freedom to the natives, bringing a superior belief system and way of life to wipe out primitive and superstitious beliefs and practices. These kinds of Muslims possess an implicit desire to colonise, and it is assumed that being Muslim necessarily involves giving up one's "Indigenousness". She cited an example of when, during a pro-Palestinian rally, a non-Muslim politician who was addressing the crowd began to draw parallels between the suffering of Palestinians and the suffering of Indigenous Australians - the previously enthusiatic applause died down almost immediately.

Ms Flynn further mentioned reading a thread about racism in a popular Australian Muslim online forum. A user stated in the thread how he/she was sick of Lebanese making fun of Indigenous people. Another user replied, writing that Indigenous Australians do nothing to counter stereotypes, and so deserve it anyway. All this when you'd think that Muslims would be such experts on racism! She then powerfully quoted an extract from an article by Irfan Yusuf (who I had the unexpected pleasure of meeting afterwards), which essentially stated that Muslim leaders should not expect empathy when they show none to those who have experienced prejudice a lot worse and for far longer.

She made a point on the privilege migrant-background Muslims possess over Indigenous people, a privilege that many Muslims are unaware of themselves.  In this regard, Muslim privilege is essentially the same as white privilege. They may see themselves as discriminated against, but every day non-Indigenous Muslims are enjoying along with the white majority the fruits of the legacy of colonialism. Ms Flynn called for us to challange prevailing perceptions and popular myths, and acknowledge Indigenous disadvantage. Muslims are enthusiatic about da'wah (inviting people to Islam), and view it as the height of adab (etiquette). But did this adab extend to the invitation to share in the land of the original Australians? Unfortunately, we lack the ultimate proper etiquette - the real invitation must be to consider the proper adab of living in Australia itself.

My great thanks to the organisers and panelists, and my sincere apologies in case I misquoted anybody. Prejudice is both overt and covert and we should not remain complicit in contributing to existing oppression - reality is unpalatable at times, but continuous self-reflection is a must if we want to move beyond problems and unto solutions. May we be constantly in a state of muhasaba, amin.

Suleiman, the Lentil-Munching Pinko Socialist

Salam, my sweet little beefcheeses.

For this post I thought I'd might introduce to you one of Melbourne's little gems: Lentil As Anything.

Lentil As Anything, or Lentil for short, is an organic vegetarian restaurant, located in the quaint surrounds of the Abbotsford Convent. Founded in 2000, it has since then branched out to possess restaurants in St Kilda and Footscray, as well as operating the canteen at nearby Collingwood College. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all served.

Now, there's something special about Lentil. You see, it doesn't have any set prices for the food......

......you choose what to pay yourself!!! All payment is anonymously deposited by the customer in one of the 'honesty boxes' available in the restaurants. This 'Robin Hood theory' operates on the assumption that the customers who do pay well will make up for the stingy ones.

But Lentil isn't about the creation of a tightwad's paradise, it's a lot deeper than that. You see, Lentil is ultimately all about the community. This 'pay-as-you-feel' system allows all people, regardless of their financial situation or socioeconomic status, to enjoy the basic right of access to nourishment in a safe and friendly environment, without having to sacrifice their dignity asking for a handout and the like.

Relying heavily on volunteers, Lentil is notable for providing support and training for refugees, migrants, youth and other people facing social disadvantage. Services provided include access to a Immigration Consultant, English tutoring and long-term emergency accomodation. The restaurants also act as a platform for those seeking entry into the hospitality industry. Keeping in with the themes of community and coexistence, exhibitions of art, and performances of music etc from both local and foreign cultures are regularly held.

That's the true beauty of Lentil. Thought the grub is good, it's ultimately all about bringing people together, and giving them a go. It hasn't always been a smooth ride. Even now, the Abbotsford restaurant is currently experiencing troubles with maintaining their lease of the premises. But being such a valuable aspect of the local community, and indeed, Melbourne in general, here's hoping it will endure for a long time to come. If you would like to express your support for the Abbotsford folks, you can leave a message at http://www.savelentil.com/ or the corresponding facebook group or check out the official website or its Facebook presence.

The Abbotsford restaurant even provides markers to scribble messages on the walls, and I shall close with one particular message I found - make of it what you will!

Peace out, y'all!
  

The first and last post I will ever make on the burqa......

Your complete guide to bad burqa puns

Posted by Noorain Khan on July 20, 2010

Every time news about another hijab/niqab/burqa ban hits the press, editors rejoice: this is their chance to coin THE ultimate veil pun. Problem is, there's simply no such thing as a good veil pun.

Plays on words that seemed clever in 1996 (or rather, in colonial discourse from 1959) have become even more trite and cringeworthy after years of headline-grabbing headscarf-ban debates and "encounters" with women in Iraq and Afghanistan. But the sub-par puns don't stop, and some would make even Carrie Bradshaw roll her eyes (we acknowledge our own lame contributions to this canon). As someone who wore the "veil" for twelve years, I've endured their unpunny ubiquity in all their various forms and it gets less and less amusing. But it doesn't take years of wearing the hijab to see just how bad and pervasive "the bad veil pun" really is.

Unveiling the Truth! Unveiling the Myths!
A simple Google search reveals that the "unveiling the truth" is perhaps the most popular veil pun. In today's world of Muslim-female-otherness, we demand the truth about the mysterious, mythical creatures of the East… When it comes to discussions about Islam, war, and Muslim women, we don't just find the truth, folks, we unveil it!

"Unveiling the truth behind Shariah" [Toronto Sun]
"Unveiling the Truth" [Daily Times (Pakistan)]
"Unveiling the Truth" [10/19/06, New York Sun]
"Unveiling the truth about burqa bans" [Orange County Register]
"Muslim Women Uncover Myths about Hijab" [CNN.com]
"Help to unveil Muslim myths" [Illawarra Mercury (Australia)]

Unveiling Other Stuff!
And it turns out, you can (and very well should) unveil all sorts of Islam-related things.

"Burqa bans unveil a debate" [Sunshine Coast Daily (Australia)]
"Dutch unveil the toughest face in Europe with a ban on the burka" [Sunday Times]
"Sarkozy unveils 'burka ban' plan" [5/20/10, Brockville Recorder and Times (Canada)]
"Nile unveils bill to ban people hiding their faces" [Sydney Morning Herald]
"France is unveiling a new policy on Muslim attire: No veils for you!" (article lede) [New York Daily News]
"Unveiling Muslim way of life" [7/27/09, The Advertiser (Australia)]
"Women Unveil Why They Marry Faith With Dress" [The Age (Australia)]
"Platform 'unveiled'; McGuinty says Muslim women can vote wearing their burkas" [The Toronto Sun]
"The Swiss Minaret Ban: Anxieties, Unveiled" [LA Times]

Veiled Threats!
Of course, how can we forget the "veiled threat?" Uh oh! Watch out! Islam and Muslims are big, bad and ugly, and they're coming to getcha! These are most common in "integration" and "social cohesion debates" and further serve to remind you that Islamistan is taking over, stat.

"Veiled Threat" [Daily Dish]
"Veiled Threat" [Sunday Times]
"Veiled Threat: Niqab New Flashpoint in Tolerance Debate" [National Post]
"Veiled Threat?" [Daily Star]
"Veiled Threats" [New York Times]
"Veiled Threats: Row Over Islamic Dress Opens Bitter Divisions in France" [Guardian]
"Thinly veiled threat" [New Statesman]
"Focus: A Veiled Threat" [Sunday Times]
"No Veiled Threat- France Mulls Fines for Wearing Burka in Public" [New York Daily News]
"The Veiled Threat in Europe" [Khaleej Times]
"France's Veil Threat" [Los Angeles Times]
"Veiled fears: France's push to keep women s faces uncovered" [Globe and Mail]
"Racism Veiled as Liberation" [Guardian]

Behind the Veil!
The seemingly more empathetic and well-intentioned approach is the "behind the veil" pun. Connecting with the veiler by breaking through the veil's metaphorical "barrier," while not outright rejecting the veil, seems to bring to light the more positive stories. Still, it doesn't stop you from wanting to shout back, "my freaking hair (and maybe some of my face), boo!"

"Behind the Veil; Exploring Love, Sex and Freedom Among Muslim Women" [Hartford Courant]
"Behind the Veil: A Muslim Woman's Perspective" [Targeted News Service]
"Behind the Veil: Inside Iran" [Dateline NBC]
"Behind the Veil: An Intimate Journey into the Lives of Kandahar's Women" [Globe and Mail]
"Behind the veil: Why Islam's most visible symbol is spreading" [The Christian Science Monitor]
"Behind the veil lives a thriving Muslim sexuality" [Sydney Morning Herald (Australia)]
"Inside Afghanistan: Behind the veil" [BBC News]
"Muslim Women: Behind the Veil" [Observer UK]
"Here's the Truth Behind the Veil" [Times of India]
"The Many Faces Behind the Veil" [The Independent]
"Pursuing Happiness Behind the Veil" [Los Angeles Times]
"Criminalising Women Behind the Veil" [BBC News]
"Life Behind The Veil" [Nepali Times]
"Voices from Behind the Veil" [Christian Science Monitor]
"From behind the hijab: women reveal their dream world" [Sydney Morning Herald (Australia)]
"What's hiding behind France's proposed burqa ban?" [Christian Science Monitor]
"Behind Burqa, Student Gets An Education in Bigotry" [Hartford Courant]
"French Niqab Ban: Beneath the Veil" [Guardian]
"Beneath the Veil" [Boston Globe]

The Special Award for Repetitive Use
This one goes to the New York Times.

"Veiled Arguments" [New York Times]
"Behind the Veil" [The New York Times]
"Tearing Away the Veil" [The New York Times]
"Under a Scarf, a Turkish Lawyer Fighting to Wear it" [The New York Times]
"Behind the Burqa" [The New York Times]
"Under the Cover of Islam" [The New York Times]
"Behind the Veil; A Muslim Woman Speaks Out" [The New York Times]
"Srinagar Journal; Behind the Veil, a Muslim Feminist" [The New York Times]
"Under the Veil" [The New York Times]

But don't forget shrouding! Veils shroud, too!
"Controversy shrouds Muslim women's head coverings" [USA Today]

More than just being annoying, these veil puns pointedly remind us of the public's obsession, discomfort, and fascination with Muslim women and their sexuality. Even when headlining an article about a Muslim-majority country or about Islam more generally, and not about Muslim women, the veil puns draw us back to what we should be thinking about-women who seem to exist in a sexual realm outside of the existing norms of Western society. The less-sexy reality is that Muslim women are neither defined by the veil, nor is it the most important community issue or need for Muslim women.

Moreover, these puns perpetuate that the idea that Islam (metaphorically) or Muslim women (literally), are things that ought to be unveiled. Of course this implies that the truth about Islam is somehow hidden or that Muslim women shouldn't wear veils. (Notice how often others unveil Muslim-y things, it's not painted as an autonomous act.)

There's no changing the fact that the language and popular discourses on Muslim women and Islamic modest dress make these puns write themselves. So if news outlets are committed to their puns, perhaps they can at least be a bit more creative.

With that I leave you with a refreshing veil-related story, devoid of the big bad veil pun. Editors, take note!

Noorain Khan is an intern at Jezebel.com where this article was originally published.

A Night Out + My Thoughts on 'Da'wah'

Dr Abdullah Periyardhasan struts his stuff

The other day I had the opportunity to attend a talk by Dr Periyadhasan, these days also better known as Dr. Abdullah, well-known Indian psychologist, politician, former film star and visiting professor at the University of California - oh yes, and celebrity Muslim convert. The talk, themed "Atheism to Islam", outlined his journey from Hinduism to atheism to flirtations with Buddhism and Christianity, and finally to the deen of Muhammad s.a.w. (btw, I wonder what the reaction would have been if this was an atheist event titled "Islam to Atheism"?)

After accidently walking into the sister's section, I was directed to the bloke's entrance where I perused the tables the hosting organization had loaded with various books - the usual stuff on how to achieve domestic harmony, treatises on the afterlife, "comparative religion" etc. as well as the obligatory material from petrodollar-rich Saudi publishing houses. After a little squiz, we were ushered into the lecture room where I observed that the vast majority of the audience were very obviously Muslim. After a brother recited an extract from Surah an-Nisa, the talk began in earnest.

Speaking in accented but articulate English, Dr. Abdullah proceeded to tell us of his spiritual journey. From his disillusionment with the expense and cruelty of Hindu rituals, then atheist anthropocentricism, Buddhist hedonism and hypocrisy before his final satisfaction in Islam, he (perhaps needless to say) had the audience largely on his side, even cracking a few well-received jokes now and then. I got the impression that he was basically a pretty good bloke.

After a break (and a $2 slice of pizza in my case), we reconvened in the theatre where a dude showed us a trailer of his organization's new historical presentation - "Crusades II - Mongol Scourge" complete with sinister music and a burning pile of decapitated heads (in the trailer, not real life!), after which a bunch of cute little poppets came up to sing "The Heart of a Muslim"  by Zain Bhikha. Unfortunately, I couldn't stay for the scheduled Q&A session with Dr. Abdullah.

When he was finishing his talk, Dr. Abdullah stated that he wasn't interested in converting non-Muslims. However, the whole experience got me thinking about the current status of da'wah in this society of ours.

Islam doesn't nearly have much of a proselytizing tradition as western Christianity, although it does see activities of outreach and invitation, which can be directed at both existing Muslims (e.g to strengthen their knowledge and faith) and non-Muslims.

I've noticed several patterns in contemporary da'wah practices. The first is the "comparative" approach. This involves pointing out (real or perceived) fallacies and weaknesses in other beliefs, and setting them up against a superior equivalent of your own belief system. "Oh lol, Hindus worship cows! Weez has a real God!" "Them atheists got no morality!" etc etc. etc. (without meaning to state that Dr. Abdullah actually said any of this)  However, this has very real disadvantages. At best, such an approach, when self-directed, only contributes to the development of pride in one's heart and at worst, contributes to parochialism and fanaticism. When directed at others, it simply serves to offend and further distance them from the da'i (performer of dawah).
'
Then there is the "apologetic" approach. This employs the use of rational arguments to defend one's religion, and to demonstrate that it is not irrational, or contradicts current trends, or science or human nature. For example, we can argue how Islam does not contradict 'democracy' or women's rights', or how the Quran mentions scientific facts. In my opinion, regardless of the validity of the arguments, this approach is merely passive and anaemic. It just serves to implicitly affirm the superiority of the dominant paradigm and its centrality in determining norms. Islam only becomes as valuable as its success in being an appendage to current fashions, rather than as a viable alternative in its own right. Thus we have things like "Islamic Feminism", "Islamic Socialism" and so on. Anyone with a modicum of intelligence will fail to be persuaded by such a presentation. If I'm an atheist, why don't I ignore "Islamic Feminism" and go with plain old "Feminism" instead?

And then we have the "Fire and Brimstone" approach. When I was university, during one "O-Week" our Islamic Society set up a stall which included such delightful material as some brochures expounding all the terrible punishments in hell dealers in interest money wll face......says it all, really.

Dr Abdullah's presentation itself was good insofar as it was an account of his own experiences in life. However, much of the packaging of the event only served to further perpetuate such counterproductive da'wah. Elements which could have been beneficial to Muslims too often just felt like exercises in self-congratulation, and elements which could have benefited non-Muslims felt rather more like plain-old turn-offs.

But it doesn't have to be this way. Islam is a treasure chest of gems - we should just show these gems! What's the point of having leaflets on the comparative merits of Islam and Christianity, or hackneyed brochures on how Islam does not condone terrorism when we have things like Rumi's Masnavi and Farid ud-Din Attar's Conference of the Birds, or the works of Seyyed Hossein Nasr and Al-Ghazali? Why pontificate on how Islam promotes respect of people when we could simply make a habit of smiling at the bus driver, or try out at a soup kitchen? Certainly more effective at giving a good impression than threats of damnation!

We have such a rich tradition, a living tradition and we should plumb it. For a people who value their own religion so much, it is ironic that we so often look to the likes of Evangelical Christianity to inspire our activities.

Wa Allahu a'lam