Islamic Group Forum on DU ?

[PsychoDad]

Entertaining an idea here for a new DU Group forum. I know there are a few of us muslims out there.

The group should be open to anyone interested in participating in discussing topics of an Islamic bent particularly in regard to interfaith connections and building bridges and modern national and international events as well possibly a forum to share information and discuss activism to educate Muslims and non-muslims about Islam and how the teachings of Islam are compatible with peace, equality, democracy and socialism. (and you know, how we aren't all a bunch of closet suicide bombers...)

We need 10 interested people and a statement of purpose in order to get the group.

Any one interested? Any Ideas?

Peace.

[joemurphy]

1. I'm interested, although not a Muslim

I'm a lawyer and do immigration work. It's my belief that the Department of Homeland Security -Citizenship and Immigration Services is discriminating against Muslim immigrants and their spouses. I would be interested in joining your forum for that reason.

[frankly_fedup2]

2. I would be interested. I'm not a muslim either; however, I love learning

about different cultures and beliefs.

[shaniqua6392]

3. I would be interested in that.

It may be helpful to DUer's to learn more about each other, too. We are a very diverse group of people all working toward making the world a better place. I would love to learn about Islam as well. Thanks for putting forth the idea.
Peace.

[Mnemosyne]

4. Count me in too. n/t

[rosesaylavee]

5. I would be interested too tho not

Muslim. I think a forum could provide a place for DUers at least to explore their thoughts, feelings and ferret out untruths that are commonly believed about those who follow Islam. (ie closet suicide bombers) :)

I think we would all need to be donors to start one?

[The Magistrate]

6. I Would Be Interested, Sir

And you would seem to me the best person available for drawing up the group's charter, Sir.

[plasticwidow]

7. Most Definitely!!!

I would definitely be interested in a Muslim Forum, seeing as how I'm Muslim myself. :)

It would also be a great place for non-muslims to come to in order to learn more about the religion, the people and the differences among the cultures within Islam. It would bring greater understanding, perhaps many questions, and hopefully an educated, well-informed, enlightened group of people. Its amazing how many people say they "know what Islam is.. know what Muslim is", but really don't, all they know is what they see or read in the media. And most of that is not Islam. So you have my full support for The Muslim Forum!

Peace!

[funflower]

22. Welcome to DU, plasticwidow!

:hi:

[Midwest_Doc]

8. I Support a Muslim Forum

I am an atheist appalled at the vilification of Muslims in the US. Perhaps forum discussion can help right this wrong.

[salvorhardin]

9. You have my support too

Like Midwest_Doc I'm an atheist and disgusted with the villification of the Muslim faith (and lately just about every group that isn't fundamentalist Christian).

[PsychoDad]

10. Wow! Thanks everyone,

For the positive feedback and support.

Now we just need a mission statement/charter to use when we propose the group. Any Suggestions?

I was thinking that the primary purpose should be education and discussion. Where resource links can be shared and a forum where we can all, muslim and non muslim, learn and share what we know while reaching out to the greater family of humanity with the goals of understanding and peace.

Perhaps we can even find ways to combat the vilification of Muslims that seems so prevalent in society and provide a place where muslim voices can be found to answer questions and share Muslim viewpoints. (Maybe even a place to point people to when we hear the oft stated, "I don't ever hear Muslims denouncing terror". etc.)

Any thoughts?

Peace.

[Maat]

11. Count me in!

It would be a pleasure.

I enjoy participating in a local interfaith group, and the local mosque is hosting our next meeting.

I would just like to enhance my knowledge of the Muslim faith.

I do agree that you would make a wonderful author for the mission statement.

Just a thought - would posters be able to discuss Sufi-Muslim beliefs in this DU Group?

[PsychoDad]

13. discuss Sufi-Muslim beliefs in this DU Group?

Sure, in fact I'm looking forward to learning more about Sufi beliefs and ideas myself :)

Will this be your first visit to a mosque? I find Mosques to be very peaceful places. The prayer hall of most mosques are quite free from any distractions and are very peaceful, except for perhaps the soft recitations of the Quran from others. I would be interested in your thoughts about the experience afterward.

Peace.

[Maat]

14. It will be my first experience in a mosque ..

because I don't travel very much. My hubby used to travel around the world, and has visited a mosque.

Part of my problem is that I did not go to any place of worship for about 30 years or so - since age 15. I did a bunch of research, and decided to start attending Religious Science (and it is my path)(has been for about two years now). Religious Science honors all paths, and encourages us to explore other faiths and spiritualities. So, I'm at a nice place in life now.

I will definitely report back on how nice an experience it was to visit the mosque.

Thanks, PsychoDad.

[beam me up scottie]

12. I would be interested.

I don't want to see any more hypocritical threads falsely comparing islam with christianity by using the actions of a few terrorists to vilify muslims.

There were way too many of those this week.

[Midwest_Doc]

15. Here is the Problem That Needs To Be Addressed

Be sure to read the comments: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1521936/posts

[PsychoDad]

16. Many Muslims are republicans.

I wish they could see just how their "fellow" republicans feel about them.

Free Repugnant isn't surprising, Islamophobia, like homophobia, Racism or any other delusion of self superiority is energized when they are among their fellow bigots.

I wonder if any of these poor people have ever met a real Muslim, much less gotten to know them. Everything they "know" about Islam comes from the media. How does one get to someone like that except maybe through a one to one discussion/friendship?

Republican Muslims- like the chickens voting for Col. Sanders

Peace.

[funflower]

24. Unbelievable. Not one person challenged them.

[PsychoDad]

17. Sorry I don't have a charter yet.

I was waiting to see if there was any more input and I recently had a ton of work dropped on my desk.

I shall endeavor to have one completed by Monday night. If anyone has any ideas or comments please post them here or e-mail/Pm me.

Thanks for the understanding and peace.

[Behind the Aegis]

18. Lending a star and a proposal...

The DU Muslim/Islam Group is for those who wish to hold respectful discussions of the beliefs of Islam and Muslims, share faith experiences, discuss Islamaphobia, post prayer requests, discuss the Muslim faith, traditions, religious heroes, etc., talk about Muslim and Islamic education or organizations, or in any way positively explore issues having to do with Islam. This is also a place to discuss issues such as holiday preparations, food, and other fun things.

Participants need not be practicing Muslims but should be respectful of the beliefs and structures of the religion, especially in advocating any changes in religious practices.

This group is intended to be a venue for those who desire to discuss stated topics and is not intended as a forum to argue against Muslims, or Islam, in general.

We welcome discussion about Arab nations and their roles in the world. However, this group is not intended to be a place to "rally the troops" for a posting in the Israeli/Palestinian forum or other forums. As per DU rules, bigotry (anti-Jewish or Anti-Arab or Islamophobia) will not be tolerated. Discussions about Muslim or Islamic countries and their relations with Israel and other nations should be respectful.

This is the modified Jewish group mission statement, which is a modified Catholic mission statement, which is combined with the mission statement of the DU Ancient Wisdom and Pagan Spirituality Group. :) I figured, rather than starting from scratch, you might want to use this as a guide and add and subtract as needed!

Good luck! Count both of my stars. ;)

[PsychoDad]

20. That's a wonderful statement !

It looks perfect just as it is. Thank you very much :).

I'll be e-mailing Skinner with the mission statement and the link to this thread tonight.

I hope to see you in the new forum soon.

Thanks again and Shalom :hi:

[Behind the Aegis]

25. Glad you liked it...

Of course, I can't take credit for it, as it was a compilation. I hope it serves you well and you don't have to re-write it too much.

BTW...don't worry if the group doesn't move too fast. Also, make sure you put the word out in GD when it's up, as some will not know a new group has been created (also, in that post, remind people they can't post to it if not a donor).

I will peek in from time to time because I have questions and am interested in a different perspective.

Good Luck!

Salaam!

:thumbsup:

[Desertrose]

19. Count me in...its needed here.....

Hopefully a good opportunity to learn more about Muslims & Islam.

A good thing IMO. :)

DR

[PsychoDad]

21. I've e-mailed the Admins with the request for a group.

I wanted to thank everyone who showed their support.

Thank you all very much, and I hope to see you in the forum soon, Inshallah!

Peace :)

[funflower]

23. Excellent idea! I'm definitely interested. Have a star....

:bounce:

[Skinner]

26. The DU Muslim/Islam Group has been created

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=359

:thumbsup:

[PsychoDad]

27. Thank you so much!

:hi:

Peace

[tjwmason]

28. Thanks for getting the group started

It will be good to hear Islam discussed on here.