Irshad Manji's Comment Board

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Artha

May 3, 2009 9:01 AM

Unity in Diversity. I love Indonesia.
Poetic Profiles of a Mo…

May 4, 2009 2:52 PM

IT TAKES TIME

by: Trevor Claiborn

The best things in life don’t come fast or free,

But sometimes my impatience makes me cheat.

Though I know I’m wrong, trying to rush things along,

I get mad when outcomes are incomplete.


The purpose I serve is much more than my own,

And Nature’s clock ticks much slower than mine.

I can gripe and pout or just wait the thing out,

For the Most High works on It’s own time.


I can have love, prosperity, and peace

And all the things that make it joyful to live.

Sometimes money can’t pay for those treasures—

Only my patience and willingness to give.


We are all farmers of the crops of our destiny,

Semi-conscious of the psychological seeds we sow.

So to yield the best return, we must learn

To give things time and let them grow.
hanouneh

May 3, 2009 8:39 AM

Big ups and blessings friend...
Hope all is well on your side.

Check my page for the mashup tune "New Zion" plus a remix of the "Gaza NYE"-track feat Suhell Nafar of DAM.

Onward in love and rage,
H
Poetic Profiles of a Mo…

Apr 21, 2009 2:14 PM

THE HOPE OF TOMMORROW
BY: TREVOR CLAIBORN


I can’t take back what I’ve done in the past
Nor can I retaliate on all that’s been done to me,
At best I can learn from experiences I’ve had
Shake the chains of regret and be free,

The future has its own set of tests and trials
So why dwell upon yesterdays woes,
My road only changes if I’m willing to change it
The door of opportunity is never closed.



I must free up my psychological arms
To make space for better things to come
I should dispose of the junk from the past
And seek the source where all natural treasures come from.



We are the wardens of the prison in our minds
Condemned by guilt, regret and sorrow,
But I stay at peace, when I learn to release-
Yesterday, and appreciate the hope of tomorrow!
Poetic Profiles of a Mo…

Apr 20, 2009 2:51 PM

THE HOPE OF TOMMORROW
BY: TREVOR CLAIBORN


I can’t take back what I’ve done in the past
Nor can I retaliate on all that’s been done to me,
At best I can learn from experiences I’ve had
Shake the chains of regret and be free,

The future has its own set of tests and trials
So why dwell upon yesterdays woes,
My road only changes if I’m willing to change it
The door of opportunity is never closed.


I must free up my psychological arms
To make space for better things to come
I should dispose of the junk from the past
And seek the source where all natural treasures come from.


We are the wardens of the prison in our minds
Condemned by guilt, regret and sorrow,
But I stay at peace, when I learn to release-
Yesterday, and appreciate the hope of tomorrow!
JesseJesse King

Apr 18, 2009 11:35 PM

Arrogance is the mask of stupidity and ignorance
Poetic Profiles of a Mo…

Apr 13, 2009 2:23 PM

"PERFECTLY FLAWED"

BY TREVOR CLAIBORN


I'D LIKE TO SEE MYSELF AS RIGHTEOUS

YET MY THOUGHTS ARE ANYTHING BUT PURE,

AND THOUGH I PROFESS FAITH IN WHAT I BELIEVE

I FIND MYSELF LESS AND LESS SURE.



I'D LIKE TO SAY THAT I HAVE ALL OF THE ANSWERS

AND I SEE EVERYTHING SO CLEAR,

THE MORE I FEEL LIKE I'VE FIGURED IT ALL OUT

SEEMS LIKE MORE QUESTIONS APPEAR.



I WANT TO BELIEVE I'M A DECENT MAN

AND IN MY HEART I TRULLY DO CARE,

BUT TREE'S ARE NOT ONLY KNOWN FOR THIER BARK ALONE

THEY'RE KNOWN FOR THE FRUIT THAT THEY BEAR.



BENEATH MY SKIN, DEEP DOWN WITHIN'

I KNOW THERE'S SOME GOOD THO BE FOUND,

AND THOUGH I'M IMPERFECT, I'M PERFECTLY FLAWED

AS ARE ALL LIVING THINGS THAT ARE AROUND!!!
Vj Vortex

Apr 10, 2009 11:39 PM

Hello thanks for the add great work!
ONI -

Apr 8, 2009 7:12 PM

I LOVE THAT BLOG BY ONE OF YOUR STUDENTS!!! IT'S SO TRUE!!! IT GIVES ME AND THE REST OF THOSE WHO FOLLOW THE CHRISTIAN FAITH SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT AND SOMETHING TO WORK FOR.
MUCH RESPECT AND SUPPORT!!!
khalidkhalid Usman

Apr 7, 2009 10:45 AM

Life is not a Rehearsal,
Each Day is a New Show.

No Repeat,
No Rewind,
No Retake.

So give Your Best Shot In all Your Acts.

As the Show goes On and On!
NamasteNamaste Faustino

Mar 27, 2009 9:33 PM

Irshad,

Just stopping by to show some love. Keep doing what you do....

Namaste
giuseppe

Mar 19, 2009 11:33 AM

bonjour, et merci pour l'ajout!!j'aime beaucoup votre travail!! giuseppe
Jewfro-MacabbiShara Rabich

Mar 18, 2009 6:08 AM

I'm working as volunteer editor/developer for The Palestine Telegraph: the first Electronic Newspaper based in the Gaza Strip, Palestine staffed by Palestinians and international volunteers; members of the New Fourth Estate: citizen journalists who do not take assignments from editors or paychecks from corporate controlled media.

"Never doubt that a few, thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
- Margaret Mead

Show us your support!
The Great American HackDouglas Thompson

Mar 14, 2009 5:20 AM

Thank you so much for the add. I admire your courage and your mission.
none of ur bizJuliet Larmore

Jan 8, 2009 10:28 PM

Thanks for the add. I'm thinking
of sending my child to an islamic
school K-8, but it's traditional
and the teachers have to wear hijab. But I'm "reformed" in my
thinking of Islam, I think they are
somewhat "moderate" could this not
be a good idea compared to public
school?
HarrisonHarrison Wolfbane Productions

Jan 11, 2009 3:36 PM

♪ Hi Irshad ~ Many blessings, it’s already a New Year and for the rest of nature they don’t care. They want their food and water, the cows, dogs, cats and even the mare. For wildlife the day is like any other, the hare, the hawk, roadrunner or coyote. For us we reflect we challenge the day, dream and hold that note. Music in the heart is sweet, not of any logic, but it’s a beat.
♪
DaveDave Krueger

Jan 11, 2009 6:56 PM

Nice work during your appearance on CNN's D.L. Hughley. You're a voice of reason in a fight that is almost devoid of it from any other quarter.

It's nice to see there are people on the planet who don't condense every issue into only two perspectives as defined by the loudest proponents of the two most prominent competing teams (Republicans vs. Democrats, conservatives vs. liberals, Catholics vs. protestants, white vs black, Jews vs Muslims, Hamas versus Israel, etc). Most of the world's misery is created by clubs (yes, they are all nothing more than clubs) that require, as a condition for membership, that you check your brain at the door. The idea that every argument has (only) two sides is just a sales pitch put forth by those who want to sucker you into mindlessly climbing on their bandwagon.

The answer to the Israeli - Palestinian standoff will never come from that kind of close-minded, pitchfork wielding, mentality.

-Dave
k.

Jan 13, 2009 5:13 PM

One more thing. I'm an American and honestly there are so many places in the world I would like to go. To visit. To experience another's culture and achievements. To share their understanding of the world and the universe and thereby become a richer person. But there is so much war...not just in the mid east...that makes me hesitant. And we are kept from each other. Kept from understanding our similarities and appreciating our differences. What a dull world it would be indeed if we were all alike! I read somewhere once about how it was in the mid east before so much destruction. How it was a hub of philosophy, arts and sciences. And I mean recently, not in ancient history somewhere. Oh, I would have liked to have known that place. Sat down with strong coffee and strong conversation. One day we will come back to ourselves as a race. Human race. But in the end it will not be the leaders that make it so, it will be the people.
k.

Jan 13, 2009 4:58 PM

Irshad...what are we going to do? I begin to think the only way we as a world are going to know any semblance of peace is if regular people, muslim, jew, christian come together and simply say, "No. No more." It is easy to hate when it is "us vs. them", but the truth is there is no such thing as "us and them". Those are terms used to make each other inhuman and thereby easier to kill without conscience. But it is a different story when you get to actually know each other. Suddenly you realize they are not so different from you. The bottom line is that this is not working. The course we are on will never work. Some think people that believe in peace and tolerance are naive, but if one thinks we can continue in this manner of ignorance and warfare and survive or thrive as a human race, than I say they are the naive ones.
danialdanial tanvir

Feb 5, 2009 8:31 AM

keep up the good work , irshad manji , your fan , danial tanveer.
BellaBelinda White

Feb 14, 2009 7:39 PM


Happy Valentine's Day Glitter Graphics

Happy Valentine's Day Brave heart! I hope this day brings you lots of love and happiness. You deserve the best.
Belinda
Malaak El Layali

Feb 18, 2009 9:26 AM

I GOT SLAP ON MY FACE....BY MY UNCLE!
LITERALLY! (But it never hurt me....I already get used by that kind of things since childhood....HAHAHA!!)
Why...? Simply because I gave your book to him and said that what I think & do all this time about shalat and tolerating people of other religions was never wrong cause I NEVER HURT OTHER PEOPLE LIKE WHAT GOD TOLD US!
He got angry and called me kafir! Alamaaaaakkkk....I never said I'm leaving Islam.....it's out of question, but I have my "own" Islam and it getting stronger! THX 2 U MY LADY.....
I luv u Irshad....(never thought I'm going 2 said that 2 a woman!! Hahaha!!)
Artha

Feb 18, 2009 3:54 PM

I hope your work and your mission can open our eyes, our heart , our mind to make this world peace......Bless you.
ManicRobyn Banks

Dec 23, 2008 4:40 AM

Blessings Irshad, and thank you for the friendship. You are very inspiring. I enjoyed your book (Trouble with Islam), and it's always a pleasure to hear you speak. I have heard the hateful comments made by the radical fundamentalists, and it takes a strong brave woman to rise above it. Continue to walk with pride, and never let your head hang low.
The world needs more people like you! :-)
Rebecca

Dec 17, 2008 6:51 AM

By the way I am a thinker, a prayer, a real lunatic probably sometimes when it comes to empathy, I am a reader and I always strive to know what God, Allah, Jehovah, Yahweh, really knows is best for my journey and what he thinks about this world. I know I am wrong sometimes but I seek the truth and try to be always open to wherever God leads me. And I do hope some day, of which may just be my delusions of grander that God will use my passion the way he/she has used yours. I know Christianity needs a powerful reality check and I don’t think God is a God of fear and no thought, I think God put us here for different reasons but one of the main one’s is to THINK, ask questions and seek after her divine truths. Not wrap him up in a little box and teach him his lessons. As my pastor always says, “God is a big God and we should never put God in a box.” However, wherever God wants me, even if is just to love the people around me that is where I will have to be.
You are an inspiration! Keep it up peace maker!
Rebecca

Dec 17, 2008 6:22 AM

I hope you don’t delete me for this comment, I respect everyone and I know that Politics can get real dirty. To be honest I was a little bit insulted by that “Pig” comment, Yes I think Obama is good man and I hope with all of my heart that he does amazing things for this country, even beyond what he has already done with regards to the hurtle over race barriers as our nations leader. Amen to that! And I also know that the republican part took many cheap shots as well. I wish that an independent could win, but we all know how our country works. However, regardless of my political affiliations of which I won’t say who I voted for, I think McCain is also a good man that has his own beliefs about what is right, and what our country needs and I think he did a brilliant Job at his loosing speech. I know the biggest objection to him was probably the War in Iraq, and to be honest I don’t know enough about it to make a judgment call. I think war is evil and I know that it hurt so many lives! Oh I grieve for the pain it causes I really do weep sometimes over it. But right now in my life I think that sometimes it is necessary to stop atrocities, such as in the holocaust. I think that war should be a last resort not an impulse of revenge or misplaced revenge as many people think this war is. However, for me it has never been about the WMD’s only about the grieving people of Iraq, the little girls that were tortured and raped and the parents who had to watch it. I don’t know about this war, but I do know that I loose sleep over Darfur and the Iraqi people, and the people in North Korea. Really and truly some nights I cry for hours in prayer. I feel it in the pit of my stomach. I think about the genocides and hurting children even the people who are hurting them, wondering who taught them this hate. What is the answer? It needs to stop, how? People think that this won’t happen to our country and surely it will! No nation in history has ever went without these things forever.
Who
Faiza Hidayati Mardzoe…Faiza Hidayati Mardzoeki

Dec 12, 2008 1:57 AM

Dear Irshad,
come to Jak again, please:)
Hope all is well with you
salam
Faiza
Slic Nic 5150

Dec 1, 2008 9:52 AM

Re: Akbar, the young Muslim in India.
His Positive Energy in the face of adversity surrounding his mission is nothing short of inspirational.
He is in my thoughts…
PruPru Reardon

Nov 30, 2008 9:13 AM

Hey Irshad, Happy belated Thanksgiving! Thanks for posting all these videos of you speaking and pictures of all the interesting people you've met. Oh and my Jewish mother read your book Trouble With Islam Today, now I just have to get my Christian father to read it too. :P Hope you're doing well.
Wally

Nov 18, 2008 3:42 AM

Welcome to the contradicting nature of the Koran and religions in general. Islam is like a mirror that reflects or projects diverse images—of the Islamists, the moderate, and the secular Muslims. Everyone finds something appealing in it and hammers the message home.

If you are an Islamist you’ll find more appealing the Jew hating verses such as this one: [5.51] O you who believe! do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends; they are friends of each other; and whoever amongst you takes them for a friend, then surely he is one of them; surely Allah does not guide the unjust people”, and many more. Extremists literally live up to upholding the above verse.

I was raised as a Muslim with a lot of anti Jewish and Christian rhetoric. When I was growing up, people would tell me if you dress or style your hair like the “infidels”, then, you’ll be like one of them. I believed them. what an idiot I was retrospectively. I’m not complaining. It was such a great experience.

Moderates make an effort to compromise and avoid literalism, but still harbour religious bigotry.

Seculars care less.

And I, find the whole thing ridiculous. I believe Mohammad wrote the Koran himself. and if I’m right, Mohammad must be one of the brilliant people to date. He knew how to play the “fear” card to further his ambitions more so than John McCain did.
Wally

Nov 17, 2008 6:15 PM

Ok, now that the fight to put BO over the top is over, I can come back to my favorite topic next to politics—Islamism as Ed Hussein puts it. I was reading Irshad’s Op-Ed re her journey to Canada and I couldn’t help notice how she appreciates and adapted to her host society that welcomed her so generously. I wish so many Muslims would accept change and adapt to this new environment. Now contrast Irshad with the Muslim cleric who made these comments in London:
"As Muslims, we will not submit to any man-made law, any government, or any prime minister - Bush or Brown - or [to] Jacqui Smith. We submit to Allah…Jihad is a duty and a struggle and an obligation that lies upon the shoulders of us all. We will not rest until the flag of Allah and the flag of Islam is raised above 10 Downing Street."
< http://www. thisislondon. co. uk/standard/article-23584232-details/Islamic+radicals+make+mockery+of+hate+laws/article. do>

How much more can Londoners take.
visit me at www. ponderfreely. blogspot. com
Artha

Nov 17, 2008 11:55 AM

God bless you Irshad. From Uganda to Canada. Yesterday, today and tomorrow. Always protect you . Don't ever give up. Go girl and keep inspired us to make a greater good and make a better world. And peace...
Just Me

Nov 12, 2008 11:24 PM

I am neither a Muslim, Christian, or Jew but I recognize the simplistic messages of personal responsibility, love, and the greater good that have been corrupted from each religion. Salvage that message from all, keeping religious identities intact, and we might find peace in the world.

May you be blessed Irshad, because your mission is a sacred one that goes far back into cultures, traditions, and fervent human complications throughout time.

If we - as a world- wish to last the next hundred years then we need to figure this out. It's hard to beleive that much of the destruction in the past 3 decades has to do with the inability between two religions to share a rock no bigger than my bedroom. This is something that most people in the world don't understand, but it's true.
ליאור/Junior/Hulk

Nov 9, 2008 6:08 PM

Okay, can someone expalint o me why their are quotes such as this one in the Qurana nd yet many muslims still hate us Jews?

''Surely those who believe, and those who are Jews, and the Christians, and the Sabians, whoever believes in God and the Last day and does good, they shall have their reward from their Lord, and there is no fear for them, nor shall they grieve.'' - The Qur'An.

I would love for someone to explain this to me.
ABORTION PARTY!

Nov 3, 2008 2:54 AM

a 13 years old girl was stoned to death in Somolia by those disgusting "Muslim" barbarians. she was only 13.

I am so ashamed to be a Muslim.

http://www. huffingtonpost. com/2008/11/02/13yearold-rape-victim-sto_n_140242. html
Amoi

Nov 2, 2008 5:01 AM

"...we boarded a plane to Vancouver, where I learned to make peace with rain."
-Home for Halloween, I. Manji

This line is really poetic. Both very graphic and symbolic. But it is part of the whole truth in Irhsad's life.

Anyway, Irshad, this might be a little late but I would like to hear your stand on the case of Aisha Ibrahim Duhalow. Nobody saved her. We all failed. And it is an irony that Ayaan Hirsi Ali was born in Somalia (let's not talk of her Atheism but she is a feminist).

Salaam.

http://www. sfgate. com/cgi-bin/article. cgi?f=/n/a/2008/10/29/international/i025924D90. DTL&feed=rss. news
DreamFable

Nov 2, 2008 4:38 AM

Thank you for your Op-Ed in NY Times Friday Oct. 31st, the anniversary of your family's escape as refugees from Uganda to Canada. Since I work with refugees (mostly from Africa, but Burmese are also now making an impact here), I appreciate that immigration worker's (rare, these days) ability to empathize and help. My agency and I write letters to U.S. immigration all the time, reminding it of statutes laid down as recently as the Clinton years...and sending attached quotes from State Dept. guidelines, etc. Friday I helped a young Somali woman job hunt; she's raising 2 babies on her own a 3rd on the way, her husband a cab driver 12 hours away. She's fluent in English, uses the library, Public Television, yet I fear is doomed to servitude and, at best, low wages due to barriers to education. She aspires to biology or medicine. At least, as you put it, she too is perhaps "blessed to have immigrated to an open society. Here, the individual — and the choices she makes — matter. The agent chose to practice the first lesson of human rights: just because a problem doesn’t affect you personally doesn’t mean it ceases to exist," quoting your Op-Ed, "Home for Halloween.
"
ליאור/Junior/Hulk

Oct 28, 2008 9:55 PM

I go to Valencia Community College in Orlando and I was rereading The Trouble with Islam Today during Arab Culture day, and one lady comes up to me and asks me why I am reading such filth. I told her I am reading it since it is true, and I support Irshad Manji, and I respect the Islam that is peaceful, respect of others, and tolerant of Jews and so forth as it is dictated that Muslims must respect the people of the book. And with that said I am also a supporter of Wafa Saltan. The lady asked me if I am Christian. I said no. She asked if I am Druze or Bahai. I said "No. I am Jewish. Is there a problem with that? Have I done anything wrong?" She then asks me what I am doing watching the events of Arab Culture day. I told her my family on my fathers side is Spanish-Moroccan, that is the culture I grew in, and I enjoy such events as a result. After that, I asked her if she has ever actually read your book, and she said no. I asked her if it was her Iman that told her it is filth; she said yes. I told her to read it, and to give it a shot. That many of my family members who hate Muslims have read it and have changed their opinion on Muslims and that it has made them slightly more open minded. After hearing that she asked she said sorry to me and that she'll give it a shot. I was honestly surprised she said sorry. I have never been told that from a Muslim that has called me a Jewish pig before that moment. This also shows the power of change this book has.
Slic Nic 5150

Oct 20, 2008 12:54 PM

"You cannot be more concerned with your own moral standing than with the results you seek to achieve." Madeleine Albright from - Memo to the President Elect

Is Albright’s statement fundamentally flawed or can you really hope to achieve a moral end by apparently less than moral means?
ABORTION PARTY!

Oct 15, 2008 3:52 AM

I'm reading THE TROUBLE WITH ISLAM. Thank you for writing what i've been thinking all along.

I like the term "Muslim Refusenik." I consider myself as one, too.
Girl on TV

Oct 7, 2008 11:33 PM

Thank you so much for the add! Keep up the great work and never forget that your strength and fearlessness is an inspiration to many!
Czarcastik

Oct 5, 2008 9:55 PM

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Artha

Oct 1, 2008 5:29 AM

"EID MUBARAK TO YOU AND YOUR TEAM SUPPORT."

Love and Peace
Artha
Mayana

Sep 20, 2008 11:45 AM

Asalam aleikum
keep up the good work sister:)
wasalam
Mayana:)
KrisKris Ryan

Sep 19, 2008 11:22 PM

I just want to say that you are such an incredibly talented writer. A God given gift that we all benefit from.
I love your blogs for how they touch my heart, make me question, think, take action, and how there is just enough humor/chutzpah.
Thank you, Irshad.
I tell everyone I know about you and many of the muslim women I work with are now avid visitors to your official website.
Thanks for being a much needed voice in this crazy world!
You go, girl!
Peace
Artha

Sep 18, 2008 5:47 AM

Race, age , gender are taboo in election (Ronald S. Martin). When I read this article.I think that tribe is every where including in America.Tribe Politic is there. Why don't we throw out tribe from our life for a greater good , for peace. We know tribe can break the unity .Rev.Martin Luther King Jr. is right judged the people by:" The content of their caracter".
howpsychicareyou

Sep 16, 2008 1:50 PM

I try not to be bigoted about Islam. Sometimes its difficult. Its easy only to see the negatives.

Anyway, about your sharia comment, I angree


The thing that makes sharia hard to attack explicidly is the so called distinction between sharia and tribal law. The point is no muslim will supply the example of a country implemented any part of Sharia where honest justice has been done.

Religious law destroyed the western world when we had it. Our history books are covered in blood in most places where a church as tried to rule. Religion is often used as an excuse to serve the interests of man in the name of God but in any case pits one man's concept God against another.

The corrollary of Sharia in the end, is war, death and intolerance. I'm not a believer in the killing of innocent people.
ZeeCee

Sep 15, 2008 12:52 AM

I saw you on CNN with Roland Martin tonight (9/14), you had me on the edge of my couch listening to every word you spoke –great line – “I am a Muslim and I love Jesus”, you are very powerful to me! I do have a signed copy of your book...
Fishermage

Sep 15, 2008 12:46 AM

Nice job on the 2008 Special :)

I particularly liked the use of the Samaritan Parable. Nice job "bringing folks together" aspect as well as showing the value of the outcast -- the least the last and the lost.
QesarQesar Veliu

Sep 14, 2008 6:56 PM

Irshad, I have to say you're amazing. I was told you came here to UCONN a few years ago, I only wish I was able to meet you then. Your book is wonderful, I truly hope more people listen to you, especially other Muslims. May Allah protect you from those cowards who threaten you, keep up the good work! Salaam!
-Qesar
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