Global Intifada

I recently came accross a “Letter to the Pope” that was signed by 38 ‘Ulema from all over the world such as Shaykh Ali Jumu‘ah (the Grand Mufti of Egypt), Shakyh Abdullah bin Bayyah (former Vice President of Mauritania, and leading religious scholar), Shaykh Sa‘id Ramadan Al-Buti (from Syria), Shaykh Nuh Ha Meem Keller (translator of “Reliance of the Traveller, from Jordan), and Mufti Taqi Usmani (from Pakistan).

I was absolutely moved by this letter of solidarity, which represents even the Shi’i and Ibadi traditions, as well the actual content of the letter. I said to myself “I wish non-Muslims would read this letter to know that they shouldn’t misinterpret the actions of a few extremists and think that all Muslims are like that.” I pondered over how unfortunate it was that so many people have stereotypes of Muslims being violent and intolerant and afraid of dialogue and debate. I wish I could hold up this “Letter to the Pope” and show every non-Muslim and say “See! Here is a real response from Muslims!”

I decided, in the fashion of Martin Luther, to post it up on my dorm door and see the types of responses I get. I know it will be controversial and some people might get upset. Thats the entire point though. Some bigots will look at the letter and automatically castigate its content, perhaps write on it or tear it down or throw it on the trash. Other people will look at it and be drawn to it and try to see what its about. Others will feel uncomfortable about talking about such things and just ignore it.

So let this experiment begin. Lets see how people react. Lets see if people will take note of it and if so, what their reactions will be. If this is ineffective, I’m thinking of posting it up on other portions of campus or public places to see how people react.

May Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) grant the people of this land hidayah. Ameen.

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