06/10/09: Muslims welcome Obama's offer of a 'new beginning'

Muslims welcome Obama's offer of a 'new beginning'
Detroit News- Wednesday, June 10, 2009
By: Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi

Still, while his approach is honest, many eager for president's words to become actions
President Barack Hussein Obama's historic speech at Cairo University last week ignited new hope to re-start relations between America and the world's Muslims on the basis of mutual interest and mutual respect.

The president offered dialogue, diplomacy and engagement. Obama's message reminded me of his book, "Dreams from My Father," which ends: "We need to remind ourselves, despite all our differences, just how much we share: common hopes, common dreams, a bond that will not break."

Muslim Americans appreciated the president's concept of a "new beginning." Islam has always been a part of American's story, the president said. The partnership between America and Islam must be based on truth, not paranoid fantasies.

The promise to combat the demonization of Islam serves justice and constitutional integrity. By referring to Quranic verses, recognizing the contributions of the Muslim community in American social life and defending the right of Muslim women to dress traditionally while enjoying equal opportunities, Obama demonstrated his genuine desire to be a unifying leader.

One day after the Cairo gathering, while Osama bin Laden, Rush Limbaugh and fanatic Israelis united in hate against Obama, a big interfaith crowd met at the Islamic House of Wisdom to listen to internationally known Christian speaker and healer Marilyn Hickey.

The participants discussed extremism as a cancer in the body of love and logic, whether it be the murder of a doctor during a church service, suicide bombings or massacres of innocents. These children of Abraham promised to honor our president's ideas and collaborate for harmony and confidence building.

Worldwide reaction to the presidential speech was mixed with relief and grief. Some want to see the proof in the pudding as Obama translates inspiring words into good deeds; otherwise Obama is just a better salesman than his predecessor, who created more radicalism. So far, Obama has been honest.

Choosing Cairo as a platform for his global declaration was controversial.
It is oxymoronic to talk about democracy while supporting Arab dictators like Egypt's Hosni Mubarak and Saudi kings who abuse their own people's human rights. They came to power without election.

For most, the critical part of the speech involved the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Instead of visiting the Gaza ghettos after the speech, Obama traveled to the Buchenwald concentration camp to show his commitment to Israel.

The president demanded that Hamas end violence but failed to demand an end to Israeli aggression against Palestinians. Obama even refrained from demanding an open border between Egypt and Gaza so 2 million Gazans could obtain food and freedom.

Obama's assertion of unbreakable support for Israel did not satisfy the Israeli right. Jewish extremists in Jerusalem were filmed using the most offensive and threatening language against Obama.

How can Palestinians establish a state under Israeli occupation? It makes no sense to promise another $2.775 billion in military aid for Israel in 2010 for a government publicly calling for the assassination of its opponents, expanding illegal settlements while continuing to attack and threaten its neighbors.

Sixty-one years of iron and fire have failed to achieve a peaceful place for Jews. If there is a political will on the Israeli side, there can be real peace and justice in 24 hours.

We join the president to pray for a day when Jerusalem is a secure and lasting home for all the children of Abraham, as in the story of Isra, when Moses, Jesus and Mohammad, peace be upon them, joined in prayer.

Endnote Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi heads the Islamic House of Wisdom in Dearborn Heights. Please send letters to The News at 615 W. Lafayette, Detroit, MI 48226 or (313) 496-5253 or letters@detnews.com.