Yeh Hum Naheen - Say No To Terrorism

[Ibrahim]

Yeh Hum Naheen is a new Pakistani music video that has become a huge hit in Pakistan and North India. It asks people not to see Pakistanis and Muslims as terrorists.

Here is the official website.

Here is the video on YouTube, with English subtitles.

Please discuss.

[Ibrahim]

[al-Najashi]

I think this is great for the West to see that there are Muslims opposing the puritan version of Islam. I think its equally important to realize that even if Muslims oppose terrorism this doesn't necessarily mean they will be pro-Western. Actually, many conservative, peace-loving Muslims are opposed to the West's foreign policy decisions and it is irresponsible for those in the West to place these people in the same boat with those who are using violent means and targeting innocent civilians to implement their version of Islam.

I have found on a number of occasions these two groups being placed either inadvertently or intentionally in the same category of radical puritan Muslims, however, it's just not the case. Also, I think it's high time that more exposure is given in the West regarding those who are standing up against radicalism. Case in point, did the recent fatwa at Deoband Seminary generate any coverage from Western news agencies? I think it's deeply saddening to see how myopic our view can become, I hope this site as well as others will highlight the good things that are occurring and not allow the high profile travesties to steal the show.

See the following news item regarding Deoband Seminary's fatwa against terrorism. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Deob ... 089161.cms

Another great resource that I just came upon recently is the movie, Khuda Keliye (literally translated "For God", but I think the English release will be "In the Name of God"). This film shows a balanced perspective on the various currents within Islam that are taking place. This is shown as the lives of a number of Pakistanis living abroad and in Pakistan intersect with the West, the War on Terror, etc. Quite an amazing film. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1068956/

-Chris
http://www.al-najashi.org

[Ibrahim]

Why do you use the term "puritan"?

[al-Najashi]

Sorry, I understand that "puritan" within a Christian context is not a negative, however, in Khaled M. Abou El Fadl's book, "The Great Theft: Wrestling Islam from the Extremists" he makes a sincere attempt to differentiate between various reformist movements, basically stating that there are those within the reformist movement who are conservative and want to return to an understanding of some of the earliest sources, but this doesn't mean they want to radically interpret them. His category for the radical element was puritan, maybe it's not the best term esp. when considering interfaith dialogue, but his point is understood, that just because someone believes in the truth of Islam and wants to follow it in today's world--doesn't make them a radical, and secondly, doesn't make them pro-Western.

Here's one of his quotes I have posted on my site:
“Most moderates, however, strongly disagree with Western, and especially U.S., foreign policies toward the Muslim world, and especially the Middle East. Moderates disagree about the objectives or reasons behind these policies, but most moderates are particularly displeased with the unequivocal support Israel receives from the United States at the expense of the Palestinians. However, one of the distinguishing characteristics of the moderates, as opposed to the puritans, is that they do not believe that the clash between Muslims and the West is inevitable. More significantly, moderates believe that the way for Muslims to progress and for their countries to become more democratic and developed is to engage in self-reflection and self-criticism and to work to address the causes of underdevelopment in Muslim countries.” (The Great Theft: Wrestling Islam from the Extremists, 2005, p178).
-Chris

[Ibrahim]

I see. Good points. Do you think the term, "extremist," would capture the same idea? Also, in what sense are the extremists "puritan"? Is it because they want to purify Islam?