Distancing Himself from Muslims; No Leader

July 20, 2008

by Barbara Nimri Aziz

Barak Obama has leadership qualities no doubt, at least he possesses political qualities—the qualities that propel men into leadership positions. He is unarguably charismatic. Still, doubts arise about whether we can trust this man.

Many signs are appearing that Obama lacks what America needs more than ever—a person who can and wants to heal the terrible rift between the US and the Muslim world. It would not be difficult to correct his errors; he can begin at home.

He has to begin by respecting his own Muslim fellow citizens in the USA and by drawing us (with his abundant, audacious hope) into the political process. For, is it not we Americans of Muslim faith who can help him understand Islam, and assist him in developing a truly humanistic view of Islam and its peoples across the globe?

Just as Obama distanced himself for Reverend Wright, his own longtime Christian mentor and a respected community leader, a man who proudly expressed criticism of America, Barak Obama acts as if there is something wrong with Muslim people. He doesn’t want us in his on-TV audience; he doesn’t dare attend our place of worship, the mosque; he vigorously disclaims any influence from Islam in his life, as if it could have had a negative impact on him; he rejects assistance from Muslim leaders here.

Any opportunity to highlight or endorse the virtues of Islam and its followers, here in the US—voters and others who see hope in his candidacy-- Obama steps away from. What does this say for his “Christian” values and his claims of having a vision for change? (Many Americans in the Black community also see their Black presidential  candidate turning his back on them, as if coming too close will infect him with disease, weaken him. It appears any show of support by the man for a strong identity with African Americans may signal trouble to others.)

“Obama, wakeup! We share our dreams and heritage with you. We are Americans. We are here to stay. We can help you. And you need to help us contribute much to our nation.”

He seems to take every opportunity to spurn us. Does Barak Obama realize how, observing him, we read his denials? His rejection is not the response of a man of wisdom. And doesn’t he know that those challenging the value of any possible Muslim association are not going to cease their venal questions? They repeatedly recall his heritage and education in Indonesia: “Are you or have you ever been ……?”

“Obama, declare your own religious faith. But not at the expense of another’s. If your faith were truly genuine, you could see that all religious experience is of a single source. You could see the beauty of faith, bounty of its Islam’s spiritual resources. An association with Islam or Muslim people can be something useful to you, enriching you, expanding you.”

Rather Barak Hussein Obama retreats. And, and doing so he shows not simply the fear of losing other political friends but also a fear of Islam and the wider world. He is not a profound leader, not the leader our world so desperately needs today.

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I am an Arab
I have a name without a title
Patient in a country
Where people are enraged

My roots
Were entrenched before the birth of time
And before the opening of the eras
Before the pines, and the olive trees
And before the grass grew...

Therefore!
Write down on the top of the first page:
I do not hate people
Nor do I encroach
But if I become hungry
The usurper’s flesh will be my food
Beware..
Beware..
Of my hunger
And my anger!
Mahmoud Darwish
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There is none amongst the believers who plants a tree, or sows a seed, and then a bird, or a person, or an animal eats thereof, but it is regarded as having given a charitable gift [for which there is great recompense].

[Al-Bukhari, III:513]

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