via The American Muslim: Ahmadiyya Muslims, What Next?. The real issue is not about who is a Muslim, but it is about how the majorities treat their minorities.

It was good; could have been better; hopefully will be better next time. It’s good to meet other “Quranies” in the world and know what’s going on. Humans are always let-downs, though, which is sad. And I’m horribly anti-social. But anyway…

I had a little tiff about the food. For the Saturday dinner, there was no vegetarian food available (well, rice, but… come on, we paid for this stuff.) For a group of concerned and justice-minded folks to not serve at least a vegetarian option was upsetting to me. I made my disapproval known, of course.

Trips are always interesting for people-watchers like myself.

For instance, the mini-experiment at the “full trashcan” at the airport — 99.9% of the people who approached it and found it full simply placed their trash on top of it, instead of turning around where there was another can. Or any of the likely dozens in the area. Human nature annoys me…

Also, I saw a dude on the train carrying his little daughter on his shoulders as he exited. He looked like a total goofball and I knew what was going to happen. As soon as he came to the lower ceiling near the exit — bap — his daughter’s head smacks into the metal. It was only a scrape, she didn’t cry or anything but thankfully ducked down in time to miss the next ceiling, because the dumbass didn’t stop. Like the evil person I am, I laughed. I can’t believe what kind of doofuses have children. Ugh, what a shame.

Atlanta was quite nice (what little I saw from the train and the people.) It was nice to be in a place where my slight Southern accent is almost Northern.

My friend Farouk has a new post, “Do Muslims know the Quran well?” His whole blog is a must-read, this excerpt shows the kind of astute observations and reflections he always has:

Over the years, I have tried to acquire information about the Quran. I have asked about meanings of words, grammatical studies, the study of the Quran from various perspectives. The Muslims I speak to tend to focus on the history of the Prophet and find the Quran largely irrelevant to their own lives, because they consider the Quran to be the Prophet’s miracle (mujiza), as opposed to the source of his teachings. Therefore, to study the Quran to such a degree may be pointless to them. The Quran is also considered to be inaccessible, requiring 20 years of study before one can access its teachings.

I finally had a chance to catch up on Speaking of Faith today. The ones I heard today:

Reflections of a British Muslim Extremist
A New Voice for Islam
Whale Songs and Elephant Loves

They’re all EXCELLENT. Ingrid Mattson (from New Voice…) is admirable and gentle and lovely.

Katy Payne (from Whale Songs…) is an inspiration to me. She helped identify elephant infrasound communication because, according to her, “I never really grew up” … how beautiful! I don’t want to grow up either. This one reminded me of the SOF episode “Brother Thây: A Radio Pilgrimage with Thich Nhat Hanh“, where he speaks of mindfulness. Usually “growing up” means losing a lot of your wonder and awareness, we gradually work it out of ourselves to concentrate on other, more “important” things. Being mindful and aware can be very powerful.

She also talks about conservation and our responsibilities in the developed world for what’s happening in the developing world. It’s an absolutely magical podcast. I’m hoping to get her book from the library next week.

Dave’s recent “Adams was the shit” comment reminded me to share these great animations. They’re hilarious for history lovers (or haters) and regular people, since they have curse words and funny imagery. They’re a tad childish, but so am I.

The one that started it all: A musical tribute to George Washington. “He’ll save children, but not the British children.”

The follow-up: History Lesson #1. JFK: “Fake man. Great stats. Never sat to empty out all his crap.”

Finally: Bible History #1. “Genesis 19: Total insanity.”

A new Quran/Islam Compatibility Quiz! A great link to pass around… Are You Muslim?

“Women get jewelry. Men get laid. Happy Valentine’s Day.” - Melissa McEwan at Shakesville, a lovely quote which sums up all the silliness surrounding this stupid holiday. The video linked over there, showing men using jewelry to “hypnotize” women into (apparently) having sex with them, is a perfect example of human idiocy. I think I’ve already said as much as I need to about this before. Just love and be happy.

In other silly news, I have been getting a few emails and messages about Wikipedia’s Muhammad article having illustrations. So what? This shouldn’t even be an issue. Wikipedia is not trying to destroy Islam or defame the prophet. I support Wikipedia’s editors in their display of these images and all other images which expand human knowledge.

A conference to network, discuss and share ideas about issues confronting Muslims. http://www.hereticmuslims.com/

Bit of odd news from Germany, Mustafa Akyol shares a new poster being circulated: Sexual Abuse Alla Turca.

Anything that says “Republikanische Jugend” (Republican Youth) can’t be good. Their website says the ad is an “anti-mosque” campaign… Sweet.

(I’m wondering about the translation of the phrase in the poster. Mustafa translates as “don’t abuse me” but I understand it as “don’t mess/flirt/fool around with me” from it. It’s literally “make me not on”. Given the circumstances he talks about between Germans and immigrants, I understand how “abuse me” fits. Either way, I think it expresses a nationalist/racist/anti-Muslim/protect the pretty Weiße Mädchen attitude.)

1. A bunch of Jesus freaks beat the hell out of a Jew. And a Muslim came to his defense. Amazing!

2. A Muhammad freak from Canada strangles his daughter and now it’s proven that Canadians can be stupid, too. The response from both sides has been disgusting. One side says “Ban Islam!” and the other side says “Hijab is a requirement, so parents must convince their daughters of this, or else they’ll both be failures.” What the hell? As I commented on another blog, filicide is not a Muslim practice or invention. Just ask these kids. But people are crazy and hysterical and so “Islam killed Aqsa”.

Oh, indeed, we Muslims hate Jews, the West, women, girls AND Jesus. Every move we make is controlled by Islam. We never, ever “speak out” against atrocities because we really do support terrorism and murder. We are all plotting against you every moment of our lives!

Not.