Greetings,
format_quote Originally Posted by
TJ-alcapone
In my observations about muslims and the Muslim world, I often see that muslims team up and align themselves with each other, for the sole reason that they share the same faith. I am by no means saying that Muslims are the only people to do this, as almost anyone is more likely to develop an affinity for people who think and share similar views. But at the same time, I feel that Muslims take that propensity to a whole new level.
For example, Muslims often speak out against the atrocities of war against Pakistan, Syria and other such Islamic countries. But by they same token, that don't seem to speak out against evils in the world that don't effect the Muslim world. Now I am an atheist who is a citizen of India, I speak out against the bombing of innocent civilians in Pakistan just as much as I show outrage for killings of tutsi's in the rwandan genocide. Almost always my outrage against violence and war stands the same, regardless of country, race, color and religion. But with muslims this seem to be the case to a small lesser extent, as their focus tends to be restricted to traditionally muslim lands.
While your observations may be true from whatever exposure you have had to muslims, it would not be fair to
generalise such comments to an entire community of people - who are simply united upon the Oneness of God and His final Messenger (peace be upon him).
Surely, you can not be aware of the work being done by muslims in all corners of the globe, and their contributions to society as a whole?
Heres some examples:
Gift of the Givers:
http://www.giftofthegivers.org/disas...roduction.html
^ Heres a muslim initiated relief organisation - if you look to the panel on the right under 'Disaster Relief', you will notice that although there are many muslim states listed, there are also many non-muslim ones as well: India, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Haiti, Portugal, Japan, etc.
Not to mention our 'unsung heroes' - who quietly go about serving humanity - both muslims and non-muslims, without seeking any recognition.
I know of a muslim eye specialist who dedicates many of his weekends in removing cataracts of the blind - for free, irrespective of race or religion.
And the list is in fact endless.
The point being: lets avoid generalisations. It is usually based on little if any evidence and serves to disunite people - for no apparent reason.
format_quote Originally Posted by
TJ-alcapone
Also, I think Muslims are quick to consider fellow people of their faith as compatriots, as compared to people outside of their faith. They consider their fellow muslims to be brothers and sisters of the same broad family. Whereas with people like me, it would be very unlikely that I would consider an atheist a brother any more than a muslim, given that I don't know either of them at first. I don't think I would place the interest of one over the other. So basically I am trying to say that I think muslims show solidarity based on religion. For example the violence that irrupted in the aftermath of the Danish Cartoon publication, there was vandalism and murder in many countries, all the way from Germany, to lebanon, to iraq, indonesia etc. Countries that had nothing to do with the publication in denmark.
So do you think there is a strong case for the presence of Muslim nationalism amongst muslims? Why or Why not? If you answer is yes, do you think this is justified?
A muslim is a brother to another muslim, as we are taught by the prophet of Islam (peace be upon him):
Narrated 'Abdullah bin Umar: Allah's Apostle said,
"A Muslim is a brother of another Muslim, so he should not oppress him, nor should he hand him over to an oppressor. Whoever fulfilled the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfill his needs; whoever brought his (Muslim) brother out of a discomfort, Allah will bring him out of the discomforts of the Day of Resurrection, and whoever screened a Muslim, Allah will screen him on the Day of Resurrection . " (Sahih Bukhari)
Narrated Abu Musa: The Prophet said,
"A believer to another believer is like a building whose different parts enforce each other." The Prophet then clasped his hands with the fingers interlaced (while saying that). (Sahih Bukhari)
An-Nu'man ibn Bashir reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said,
"The metaphor of the believers in their mutual love, mercy and affection is that of the body. When one limb of it complains, the rest of the body collapses with sleeplessness and fever." [Agreed upon]
As you mention, an atheist does not view a fellow atheist the same - is this not just another example of the poverty of this creed of atheism?
If atheism teaches one that he has originated from nothing.....and is headed nowhere - the basis of unity does not even exist.
Perhaps you should ponder over this, and reflect on this beautiful teaching of Islam.
Even though we may have our differences, at the end of the day muslims will always remain united upon this very fact.
Peace