Anti-Muslim Bigotry

Lowe’s Clarification and Why YOU MUST Take Action On This Issue

Published

December 10, 2011

Omar Usman

Let’s get caught up:

1. Lowe’s pulls advertising from All American Muslim under pressure from right wing nutjobs

Florida Family Association sent out a third email alert on December 6th which reported The Learning Channel’s new program called All-American Muslim. All-American Muslim is propaganda that riskily hides the Islamic agenda’s clear and present danger to American liberties and traditional values. The email alert encouraged supporters to send emails to the companies (including Lowes) that advertised during the December 4th and 5th episodes.

Keep supporting MuslimMatters for the sake of Allah

Alhamdulillah, we're at over 850 supporters. Help us get to 900 supporters this month. All it takes is a small gift from a reader like you to keep us going, for just $2 / month.

The Prophet (SAW) has taught us the best of deeds are those that done consistently, even if they are small. Click here to support MuslimMatters with a monthly donation of $2 per month. Set it and collect blessings from Allah (swt) for the khayr you're supporting without thinking about it.

Lowe’s response (same link as above):

Thank you for contacting Lowe’s. We work hard to listen to our customers and respond to their concerns. Lowe’s has strict guidelines that govern the placement of our advertising. Our company advertises primarily in national, network prime-time television programs and on a variety of cable outlets. Lowe’s constantly reviews advertising buys to make certain they are consistent with its policy guidelines.

While we continue to advertise on various cable networks, including TLC, there are certain programs that do not meet Lowe’s advertising guidelines, including the show you brought to our attention. Lowe’s will no longer be advertising on that program.

2. This resulted in an outpouring of outrage via email, phone calls, and social media. Get a glimpse from the Twitter hashtag – #LowesHatesMuslims

Even Russel Simmons got in on it:

plz ask folks 2 call @Lowes at 1.800.445.6937 ask why #loweshatesmuslims …

— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) December 10, 2011

Dear @Lowes, religious hatred is UN-AMERICAN >> bit.ly/vi8KOD — Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) December 10, 2011

3. Earlier today Lowe’s released a statement on it’s Facebook page to respond to complaints

Here’s their statement,

It appears that we managed to step into a hotly contested debate with strong views from virtually every angle and perspective – social, political and otherwise – and we’ve managed to make some people very unhappy. We are sincerely sorry. We have a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, across our workforce and our customers, and we’re proud of that longstanding commitment.

Lowe’s has received a significant amount of communication on this program, from every perspective possible. Individuals and groups have strong political and societal views on this topic, and this program became a lighting rod for many of those views. As a result we did pull our advertising on this program. We believe it is best to respectfully defer to communities, individuals and groups to discuss and consider such issues of importance.

We strongly support and respect the right of our customers, the community at large, and our employees to have different views. If we have made anyone question that commitment, we apologize.

Thank you for allowing us to further explain our position.

Umm… What?! ‘Managed to make some people unhappy’?? Because this was controversial, they pulled their ads and essentially stand behind it?

This stance means that the initial claims made by the Florida Family Association, in the eye’s of Lowe’s, has credence – i.e. that a show portraying Muslims as “normal” is really a covert ploy to hide their true ‘terroristic tendencies’.

They couldn’t even admit clearly who they upset, as if saying the words ‘Muslim community’ would somehow create more negativity for them. This is evidenced by the fact that many commenters on their Facebook page had no idea what was even going on, as this was such a useless, PR-speak, statement.

Some comments from their Facebook page in response to this statement:

I’m sorry please explain to me how giving in to the fear mongering of a bunch of religious zealots is maintaining a commitment to diversity?

Your statement is a bunch of disingenuous claptrap. If you truly believe what you’re saying, you should probably also pull advertising from any show that discusses any religion.

Its only a hotly contested debate if you believe that fearmongering fanatics who think Muslim Americans are undercover terrorists who want to impose clerical sharia law in America have a legitimate argument. Otherwise, its a non issue and you are simply rejecting the very premise of being a Muslim American citizen. Thats why so many people are genuinely upset and will not be comforted by your pathetic excuse. You have taken a side on this issue by withdrawing your ads.

Now bigots can have their very own place to buy plumbing fixtures. That should make it a little easier to avoid them/you. Good work, guys. See you never.

Lowes pulled their ads from a show about the lives of some Christian American citizens on the Discovery Channel because some small fundamentalist Muslim group protested. Outrageous isn’t it? Wait a minute. I got that backwards. Still outrageous isn’t it?

So, do you plan on pulling all your advertisements from other programs that promote a positive christian view because of crazies like westboro baptist, who represent a minority of a whole but are more well known? Great way to pull away from a show that was helping other understand a culture.

THIS IS RIDICULOUS! Would they pull advertising beacuse an irish show didn’t portray drinking, an african-american show didn’t portray criminals or a catholic show didn’t portray molestation. Why would a show be bad for not portraying stereotypes???

4. “But I don’t like All American Muslim, who cares?”

I don’t want to debate the merits of the show, but let’s be realistic. There’s a large segment of the Muslim population that doesn’t agree with this show because they feel it misrepresents Muslims, or only highlights Shia’s instead of Sunni Islam, and so on.

Here’s why that doesn’t matter. Right wing groups spreading this propaganda don’t differentiate between any of us. Sunni, shia, conservative, or liberal. As far as they’re concerned, all of us are just putting on a facade to hide some ulterior terrorist motives. That is why it is important to stand up and say we’re not going to put up with this bigotry.

Learn a lesson from the story of The Three Bulls

There once lived three bulls, a white bull, a black bull, and a red bull. Looking for food, a lion watched them graze together and realized he could not contend with all three. So he went to the black and red bull and made a deal with them. He told them that he was very ferocious and powerful and that if they let him eat the white bull, he would leave them in peace. The black and red bull agreed, and the lion murdered and then ate the white bull.

Time passed and the lion became hungry again. He went to the red bull and argued that he was ferocious and powerful and that if he let him eat the black bull he would leave him in peace. The red bull agreed and the lion murdered and then ate the black bull.

As time passed and the lion became hungry, he visited the red bull again. As the red bull saw death in the lions eye, as the teeth dug deep into it’s neck, it shouted, “Verily I was eaten the day the white bull was eaten!”

0 Shares

Keep supporting MuslimMatters for the sake of Allah

Alhamdulillah, we're at over 850 supporters. Help us get to 900 supporters this month. All it takes is a small gift from a reader like you to keep us going, for just $2 / month.

Up Next

The Florida Family Association and Lowe’s: a clear danger to American values

Don't Miss

Niqab Rage: Canadian Woman Given Sentence for Anti-Muslim Bigotry

Omar Usman

Omar Usman is a founding member of MuslimMatters and Qalam Institute. He teaches Islamic seminars across the US including Khateeb Workshop and Fiqh of Social Media. He has served in varying administrative capacities for multiple national and local Islamic organizations. You can follow his work at ibnabeeomar.com.

69 Comments

Shabeeb

December 10, 2011 at 10:55 PM

That show is probably the worst depiction of a Muslim I’ve ever seen. I think the majority of Muslims would like to see such horrid depiction abolished eternally.

Reply
- Hassan
  
  December 12, 2011 at 3:44 PM
  
  I think that you are totally wrong on this issue. Although i don’t agree with certain aspects of the show, i think you mentioning that MAJORITY of the muslims would like to see the show pulled of tv is a far exaggeration. Stick with the middle path, don’t go to extremes.
  
  Reply
Usama

December 10, 2011 at 11:02 PM

As Salamu Alaikum all,

Please know that Home Depot should also be boycotted.

http://www.cjpme.org/DisplayDocument.aspx?DO=853&RecID=346&DocumentID=1603&SaveMode=0

Jazakum Allahu khairan,
Usama

Reply
Pingback: Russell Simmons blasts Lowe’s for pulling ‘Muslim’ ads: ‘This can’t happen in … – Entertainment Weekly | Live Newsline
esskay

December 11, 2011 at 12:02 AM

Here’s hoping that this show gets canceled! I don’t know how I feel about the whole Lowe’s thing. This is just like people boycotting companies because they support Israel etc. I mean Lowe’s is free to feel the way they do. We need to work on getting along and getting a better rep than to hate anyone who discriminates against us. As long as they are equal opportunity employers.

The show “All-American Muslims” is giving practicing Americans a bad name.

Reply
- Johnathan
  
  December 12, 2011 at 1:02 PM
  
  I agree with you that Muslims need to work on being better Muslims.
  
  However, there is also a practical reality here. There is a huge, orchestrated effort going on in the Western media by certain groups (religious extremists, foreign powers, politicians, etc) to defame and demonize all Muslims and the 1400 year old religion of Islam.
  
  You are right, we have to be nice. It is part of our religion and we have to sincerely ask ourselves if we are being productive in our society and truly have good intentions even for people who hate.
  
  However, at the same time, business is business. Lowes is not a person, it is a company. Many Muslims are its customers. Some of its customers wrote to them out of their HATE of a certain religion and community and because of MONEY, and ONLY the fear of losing MONEY, Lowes decided to listen to what they said. They don’t actually HAVE any principles.
  
  You have to understand, when you deal with corporations, you are not dealing with a PERSON, it is a CORPORATION – a legal entity recognized by the state as its own person. Lowes doesn’t have any feelings because it is not a person. It’s main purpose as an organization is to create profits for its stockholders. Profit and increasing value for its shareholders is its legal DUTY.
  
  Therefore, Muslims should boycott Lowes, or any other corporation that practices this type of discrimination, until they issue a public apology. And believe me, if its one group of people that I know love to renovate their houses every 5 years, its Muslims. The boycott will hurt their business, and will force them to face the consequences of such discriminatory actions.
  
  Reply
  - Shakeerah
    
    December 13, 2011 at 1:12 PM
    
    Oh I am definitely not buying from them and I will tell as many people as I can not to buy from them.
    
    Reply
  - Aida
    
    December 18, 2011 at 12:12 AM
    
    What do you mean muslims need to work on being better muslims? I know this is getting off the subject of your comment, but how dare you clump us in one group and refer to us as people who hate ! Apparently from what you wrote here, you’re not being the best you could be either. And our religion doesn’t teach hate ! Stop putting all of us inside the planes that intentionally hit the Twin Towers. And realize too, that there were muslim office workers and employees in the Twin Towers that died on 9-11. And we too lost family members ! And we thought it was a terrible act also ! Yes, you should be concious of just how nice you are treating us and we’ll show you how nice we’ll treat you in response to that. And I haven’t renovated my house in over seven years ! lol…
    
    Reply
    - Aida
      
      December 18, 2011 at 12:25 AM
      
      Some Muslims that lost their lives on 9-11-2001:
      
      Aishah Harris, 22; Tower 1 83rd Floor WTC, Taimour Firaz Khan, 29; Tower 1
      92nd Floor WTC, Sarah Khan, 32; Tower 1 WTC, Mohammed Jawara, 33; MAS Se-
      curity WTC, Robert Ellis Talham, 40; and Michael Theodoridis, 32 both passengers
      on Flight #11 AA.
      
      Reply
Abu Ibrahim

December 11, 2011 at 3:44 AM

Home Depot apparently also hates Muslims: http://floridafamily.org/full_article.php?article_no=109

Reply
- Johnathan
  
  December 12, 2011 at 1:12 PM
  
  Then lets boycott Home Depot AND Lowes.
  
  I mean Muslims should really wake up and realize their own buying power in America.
  
  We have a great number of professionals and business people in our community here. We spend a lot of money and buy a lot of stuff.
  
  Why don’t we have an organization that is directed towards the mainstream Muslim population that aids them in their purchasing decisions. That organization’s goals should be to help Muslims make buying decisions based on Muslim values (which also happen to mostly Christian and Jewish values as well) and also based on the integrity for the Muslim community?
  
  Money talks – unfortunately the political situation in this country has deteriorated and has become a system of what can easily be summed in one word – “Bribery”. You cannot rely on your local congressman or senator to protect your rights by writing him or her a letter. Muslims and other minority groups in this country have to wake up and face the reality.
  
  Hit people where it hurts – in their wallets. Boycott Lowes – I am no longer going there. And when someone posts up some good analysis of Home Depot discriminating against Muslims to, I will boycott them as well. That is TRULY the American Way to fight for your rights.
  
  Reply
Umm Ousama

December 11, 2011 at 4:18 AM

Isn’t it time that we reflect on the following ayah?

وَلَن تَرْضَىٰ عَنكَ ٱلْيَهُودُ وَلَا ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ حَتَّىٰ تَتَّبِعَ مِلَّتَهُمْ ۗ قُلْ إِنَّ هُدَى ٱللَّهِ هُوَ ٱلْهُدَىٰ ۗ وَلَئِنِ ٱتَّبَعْتَ أَهْوَآءَهُم بَعْدَ ٱلَّذِى جَآءَكَ مِنَ ٱلْعِلْمِ ۙ مَا لَكَ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ مِن وَلِىٍّۢ وَلَا نَصِيرٍ

whose meaning is:

And never will the Jews or the Christians approve of you until you follow their religion. Say, “Indeed, the guidance of Allah is the [only] guidance.” If you were to follow their desires after what has come to you of knowledge, you would have against Allah no protector or helper. [al-Baqarah:120]

This show and the reaction of these companies is a primary example of this. Even if the Muslims portrayed live more as Americans than as Muslims, they are still not accepted. As Muslims, you will NEVER be completely accepted and integrated in a Western or non-Muslim country. Note that this ayah refers specifically to the Jews and the Christians and not to the polytheists!

Reply
- Siraaj
  
  December 11, 2011 at 2:10 PM
  
  However, we must also keep in mind there are both abu jahls AND abu talibs in the community – the aim is at these people who may either be neutral and change to an abu talib and possibly a hamza :)
  
  Reply
- Susanna Speier
  
  December 13, 2011 at 10:49 AM
  
  I cannot read Arabic and therefore am unable to understand the quote outside of your translated statement, never will the Jews or the Christians approve of you until you follow their religion. It is not an accurate representation who I am or of the Jewish American values I was raised on. I stand with Russell Simmons’ statement, “religious hate is un-American.” Never will I approve of religious hate.
  
  Reply
  - Umm Ousama
    
    December 13, 2011 at 1:16 PM
    
    The English quote is the translation of the Arabic one, although the term “religion” may be better replaced by “way of life”. Like you, although I was raised in Europe, I was raised not to hate people based on their religion and this is why I looked into other religions and became Muslim. However, life has also taught me that you don’t know people until it hits their close circle of friends or their own children. For some people, just because of me wearing a scarf, I changed completely, while for some others, I was the same person as before. For those who accept me and accept my religion, I am still a “problem” because my religion says not to sit with people who have a drink (just to take one example). So, unless I deny to myself the very reason why I loved Islam and became Muslim, and I keep my religion to myself without “imposing” anything of it to my family, I know that, in the background, they wish I wasn’t Muslim and they wished my kids would choose other than Islam when they grow up. And the very reason why I loved Islam is because Islam is a way of life, not just a belief. Islam is a practical religion that you live every day, a religion in which you are reminded of your creator in every action you do. A religion which, if you practice it and love it and try to apply it in your daily life has no comparison to Christianity, even if you try to apply its principles in your daily life. Don’t be mistaken: I have a good relationship with all my siblings and my father and my non-Muslims neighbours. I know, though, that deep down, my family wished I wasn’t Muslim even though my father recognises that I am the happiest of his five children.
    
    Of course, the above is not about you as I don’t know you but about my experience in this life. Even though some people have no problem with Muslims or people with a different faith, it changes when it hits their personal lives and their personal habits and, of course, some people don’t have any problem at all but I am not sure it is a majority. I think that the fact that the majority of people who become Muslim have problems with their family is an indication. And Allah knows best.
    
    Reply
Nuraini

December 11, 2011 at 4:52 AM

never seen the show. from what i heard, wouldn’t have liked it anyway (only 2 words were required for this conclusion: “reality” and “tv”).

but, i am interested in which companies present in my country apparently think that muslims are supposed to be terrorists and not like ordinary people. i mean, why would i want to give money to them? i’ve written to one – because i already have their product – to tell them i find the discovery of their views on a considerable portion of their asian market, quite interesting. and that maybe others would find it interesting too.

Reply
Umm Zahra

December 11, 2011 at 11:14 AM

Frankly, I would like this show off the air. I watched for few minutes on you tube and I was disgusted. I understand your point and I will ponder on it.

JZK for your insight.

Reply
#loweshatesMuslims

December 11, 2011 at 2:06 PM

Honestly, as much as I respect everyone’s views on this, I find it really naive of you all to think Muslims aren’t like the ones portrayed in the show. There are about 5 different families, all have different religiosity some more conservative than others and what not. But to say that Muslims are not like this or its a disgusting show is SO overwhelmingly naive because there ARE Muslims out there like that. Majority of the Muslims on that show say they have iman, they believe in Allah, so why question it and put them down as “disgusting”?

I know some of you didn’t say the people on the show are disgusting, but who else are you critiquing then? Obviously the people! The newlywed couple with a new baby on that show are a great example of what a Muslim marriage should be and to put them off as non-inclusive in our fabric is so offensive to me.

As a conservative, Niqabi, Muslim myself I think everyone needs to rethink and remove the blinders and look at reality and accept it. Allah created us differently and has created everyone with different levels of iman.

Sorry for the rant, but I’m rather tired of hearing the haters out there…

Reply
- Rana06
  
  December 11, 2011 at 3:02 PM
  
  Keeping in mind that anybody can say they have Iman (just like those that say my Iman is in my heart) but Iman is the emotions of the heart, the statements of the tongue and the actions of the limb. Thus you have to see the proof, but it is not our place to judge people that is left to Allah SWT. Also keeping in mind as you mentioned Iman is of different levels. They might not represent the ideal Islam but nonetheless I agree with you on people need to stop beings overly harsh in their criticism.
  
  Fi AmaniAllah…
  
  Reply
Umm Ousama

December 11, 2011 at 3:38 PM

As the show is heavily criticised, I propose that, just as it is right to write to Lowes and other companies which withdrew their advertisement, we should write to TLC inviting them next year to follow your own family in which your daughter might get a few proposals and get married, your wife might get pregnant and get a baby, your son who is reaching 10 years old still has a problem with Salaat, your daughter who is reaching puberty needs now to wear hijaab, bearing in mind that it will last for the whole year.

Who is ready for that? So, let’s face it and recognise that there is probably no Muslim family who is striving to follow Islam to the best of their ability who is ready for that. Invite them for a day to spend with you and you will be exhausted at the end of the day. You will find that you need to be on your best behaviour at all time, maybe a good reminder that Allah is watching us at all time. I could consider it for a day for the above reason but never ever for a whole year.

Anybody up to the challenge?

Reply
- ibnabeeomar
  
  December 11, 2011 at 6:39 PM
  
  agree 100%
  
  Reply
June

December 11, 2011 at 6:05 PM

Salam,

Aren’t we better than the name calling of the “right wing nutjobs?” They can mud sling and call us names all they want but I find referring to them as “nut jobs” just as insulting as the word they say to us. Please consider not using such loaded terms next time. They may speak about the Muslims with loaded terms but aren’t we better than that?

Reply
- ibnabeeomar
  
  December 11, 2011 at 6:40 PM
  
  if i wanted to call them names, it would have been a lot worse than right wing nutjobs :)
  
  Reply
- mw_m
  
  December 11, 2011 at 6:49 PM
  
  You don’t find this…..nutjobbish?
  
  Reply
ibnabeeomar

December 11, 2011 at 6:45 PM

But here’s the thing: I’ve run a few small businesses, and I don’t get your PR strategy here. You’ve gone and got yourself loads of global, negative publicity. The name Lowe’s has overnight become synonymous with fascism. Now OK, perhaps you have your eye on the Nazi dollar. But is that dollar going to balance out all the bleeding-heart fascist-despising liberal dollars you’ve just lost yourselves? Personally, I doubt it. From what I know, rednecks don’t even buy garden furniture. They recycle broken old sofas in their yards (I’ve seen the Dukes of Hazzard), which is certainly environment-conscious, but not great business for the likes of Lowe’s.

http://moronwatch.net/2011/12/dear-lowes-a-little-pr-advice.html

Reply
Hassan

December 11, 2011 at 8:14 PM

OK this is very weird. Two articles reacting to Lowes pulling add from a reality show on muslimmatters.com, yet no articles on a bill passed by senate (93-7) more than a week ago, National Defense Authorization Act that basically legalizes detaining of people (including US citizens) indefinitely without trial. (not that this was not already done before, but it was considered illegal, now it can be legal). Should not that be more of concern to all of us here?

Reply
- BintMahmoud
  
  December 11, 2011 at 10:56 PM
  
  I agree, Hassan. I agree that bigotry needs to be fought and addressed AND that there are a lot bigger issues around us that affect us more than some major corporations (which aren’t that ethical to begin with) not advertising due to following the commands of a Christian group. OH, the changes we would make if we had this kind of response to other major issues.
  
  I’m surprised that some people are so surprised. Public bigotry against Muslims isn’t anything new (protests against mosques, boycotting Best Buy because they said Eid Mubarak, etc).
  
  Reply
- Hassan
  
  December 12, 2011 at 8:14 AM
  
  And I am not only talking about detaining them in foreign land, but also within America. And this is just for “suspecting them of terrorism”. As Rand Paul explained, according to the books, anyone who has missing fingers or have 7 days of food at home can be considered suspects.
  
  Reply
Ahmed Brown

December 11, 2011 at 9:34 PM

Sad. Regardless of my feelings on the show (haven’t watched it, but based on the reviews by other Muslims I doubt I’d like it), I intend to write Lowes after finals inshaAllah. The fact we don’t like the show shouldn’t stop us from addressing this.

Reply
chuck hird

December 12, 2011 at 1:16 AM

I condemn Lowes and all the other retailers that don’t have the backbone to refuse the attacks of Islamaphobes that spread poisonous statements, like the show American Muslims is attempting to install Shria Law into the United States. How insane! I can’t say that I like the show, as I don’t like any reality shows, but the intent of the show American Muslim, to bridge the gap between cultures, is a noble venture. I hppe there are more attemps to help us understand each other. I will not patronize Lowes, and I congratulate the producers of American Muslim for their effort.

Reply
sajjad

December 12, 2011 at 9:04 AM

This show is a artificial hype despite having no real links with islamic values or muslim families,just like artificially created drama of ground zero mosque to boost Muslims to stay behind a mosque,which going to have no benifits for them if its open and no loss if it doesn’t opens,especially never seen a islamic institution looking more like a club, museum or Art center created with the halal donation of more then $11 million dollars.we have a pirority to please Allah swt,not those,who wants to see us in certain way,which fullfills their requirment or standards of en-light modrate muslims,liberals or open minded so that we can fit in that sketch.

Reply
- Regular Baba
  
  December 12, 2011 at 12:42 PM
  
  We also have a priority to defend ourselves from Islamaphobes.
  
  Reply
  - sajjad
    
    December 12, 2011 at 1:36 PM
    
    Good!,so defend it like Jews does with antisemitic law by passing a Anti islamitic law,which will address all these issues, fair or unfair,Otherwise you going to spend rest of your life on this site,posting comments on issue after issue & signing petitions,which no one cares.
    
    Reply
Mehdi

December 12, 2011 at 9:58 AM

I’ve never seen the show. Just heard about it and wikipedia doesn’t give much info about the families.

Were any of them Muslim or are all of them Shia?

Reply
Regular Baba

December 12, 2011 at 10:54 AM

Salam

I think people are missing the point. Even if the program showed muslims acting in the worst possible manner, the message which these right wingers are claiming is that American muslims are very dangerous for America, no matter how they live. The content of the show is irrelevant to the issue at hand, which is that Lowes and Home Depot are basically agreeing with that statement, or at least giving it credence. As muslims, we SHOULD be extremely outraged and upset over this, irrespective of what the show is about.

Reply
- ibnabeeomar
  
  December 12, 2011 at 10:57 AM
  
  thank you. this is the common sense perspective, but unfortunately more uncommon than i envisioned
  
  Reply
  - Regular Baba
    
    December 12, 2011 at 12:41 PM
    
    Unfortunately we muslims still have this self destructive tendency to want to be judge, jury and executioner for every single muslim we see/hear about (remember that short story in which some of the posters started judging a FICTIONAL character!!!!!), and often miss the much bigger issues. And this blog post is a case in point. Allah will deal with muslims who commit sins, either punish or forgive them as He wills. In the meantime, we just keep judging each other and allow the Islamaphobes to win. Very sad.
    
    Anyone know if CAIR is doing anything about this? I don’t see anything on their website,
    
    Reply
- Mehdi
  
  December 12, 2011 at 4:00 PM
  
  Lowes and Home Depot are not agreeing to anything. They are corporations and only care about making money. If they feel that these christian groups have enough pull with the public to cause them to defer from buying from them then they have every right to withdraw from these programs because it hurts their brands.
  
  You shall certainly be tried and tested in your wealth and properties and in your personal selves, and you shall certainly hear much that will grieve you from those who received the Scripture before you (Jews and Christians) and from those who ascribe partners to Allah, but if you persevere patiently, and become Al-Muttaqun then verily, that will be a determining factor in all affairs, and that is from the great matters, [which you must hold on with all your efforts]. Surah Ale Imran: 186
  
  Why are we so quick to whine about these non-issues? Regardless of what the constitution says in theory, this is still a Christian country in practice. We should never forget that.
  
  Reply
- Truth
  
  December 13, 2011 at 6:50 PM
  
  I am one of those people who are skepticle of the Muslim agenda in America. I remember the newspapers and TV news reports of September 11, 2001. They showed dancing in the streets not overseas, but right here in the United States in the Muslim communities some close by in New Jersey.
  Even some of the Muslim owned stores in the neighborhood had signs in the windows not to blame them that we brought this upon ourselves. How can such a stupid comment be made, the people that were killed in the World Trade Center did nothing against the Muslim religion. Not only were more people murdered in the WTC than all those killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor. Look at all the loved ones whose lives were devastated because of this heinous attack on the WTC. It,s getting to the point of being rediculous, a group of Muslims are accepted into a Christian University to get a good education then they want the Christian University to change and get rid of their Christian symbolisms and to provide them with a place to pray. I hope they realize that there is no prayer in the public schools. Whats next do we throw away the pledge of allegiance and the American Flag because some people are offended by it. Please God Bless America.
  
  Reply
  - Aida
    
    December 21, 2011 at 5:15 AM
    
    Some Muslims were killed in the Twin Towers and on AA flight #11. Someone’s lost and misery is always someone else’s sick joy and happiness. Not everyone is For or Against the good and the bad that go on in this society and the world. Don’t regard us all as muslims who were celebratory on that day. Some white folks cheered after they lynched black men. I am sure some white folks somewhere didn’t.
    
    Reply
Patrick Rodgers

December 12, 2011 at 10:57 AM

The largest shareholder of the Lowe’s corporation is The Vanguard Group. Why not visit their page on Facebook? Ask them if they stand by the literally *thousands* of bigoted comments that *still* can be seen on the Lowe’s Facebook page. Persuade them to use their influence to get Lowe’s to take a stand and come out against bigotry and xenophobia.
https://www.facebook.com/Vanguard

Reply
Pingback: The Florida Family Association and Lowe’s: a clear danger to American values | MuslimMatters.org
Hassan

December 12, 2011 at 4:01 PM

with all due respect people, get to the point here. Stop giving your 2 cents about whether you LIKE the show or you DON’T like the show. We did that a couple of weeks back. That part is done and over with. If we keep fighting among ourselves, we will get nowhere. The fact that Lowe’s and other companies are listening to the minority islamophobes shows us who is more powerful. The representative of Lowe’s didn’t call the muslims before they did this did they? No, because clearly they feel that our opinion doesn’t really matter. You can do two things at this point. 1) Sit back on your computers and give cyber fatwas on how you don’t like the TV show and would like to see it gone and with that rip apart your fellow muslims. 2) Call Lowe’s and and show that our voice will not be silenced and that our voice as MUSLIMS actually does matter.

Reply
- Mehdi Sheikh
  
  December 12, 2011 at 9:26 PM
  
  Minority Islamophobes? That’s news to me.
  
  What is this assumption that islamophobes are the minority in this country. Just cause you have a great number of people calling out Lowes on this issue doesn’t mean that they are Islamophiles. Want proof? Just mention how Islaam legislates that the thief’s hand is to be cut or that the adulterer is to be stoned and you’ll see how fast the tide turns.
  
  Right-wing or left-they both hate Islam and Muslims from their own perspective. The right wingers hate us because of we don’t believe that Jesus is our savior and the left wingers hate us because we hate homosexuality and because we believe in God which doesn’t fit in in with their version of what is rational.
  
  Minority Islamophobes. Ha ha.
  
  Reply
  - ibnabeeomar
    
    December 12, 2011 at 11:56 PM
    
    if your definition of islam is reduced to cutting the hand and stoning the adulterer then we’ve got huge problems.
    
    Reply
    - Swarthmoor
      
      December 14, 2011 at 5:31 PM
      
      Ibn Omar,
      
      No, Islam can’t be reduced to cutting the hands of thieves and stoning adulterers–but at the same time, we can’t deny that it is part of the Deen. Muslims, in terms of values, actually have more in common with the FFA than they do with the (edited for language) freaks of Hollyweird.
      
      Reply
Ms Mohamud

December 12, 2011 at 8:20 PM

I think people need to re-read the story of the three bulls. It’s disappointing to see many are not understanding the point of this article at all.

Reply
lulu

December 12, 2011 at 9:04 PM

Muslims everywhere better wake up! This is America and in this country we stand up for our rights. You teach people how to treat you. Make an example out of Lowes and anyone who dares call Muslims anything but upstanding citizens by boycotting them and anyone who shares their racist views into oblivion! And by all means stand together in unity when it comes to valid social problems that effect us all. Allah has forbidden oppression for us!

Reply
- Aida
  
  December 17, 2011 at 11:37 PM
  
  Lulu dear, what muslims have you met personally, not your blanket opinion of them, that have wanted you to treat any other way but fairly? You sound like the racist. I am wide awake.
  
  Reply
Shakeerah

December 13, 2011 at 1:10 PM

The # to speak to someone at the exec.headquarters at Lowes is 336-658-4000
I spoke to a woman and told her how unhappy I was at Lowe’s decision to bend under such extreme bigotry and hatred. Unfortunately, people are so quick to react with hatred when they are uneducated. I am a Muslim and I try and be nice to everyone I see and meet. When people ask me questions I answer them, when people look at me and frown I smile, when people say hateful things I smile. I may be angry but I do not let my anger show and for me that is not always easy but if I react in a negative way then I am no better then they are. I try my very best to educate as many non-Muslims as I can about the beauty of Islam, some people listen and some don’t but it is our responsibility to show in our character and actions what Islam is really about. I am no where near where I should be but I struggle daily to be a better person and a better example of this deen.

Reply
Dahdoo

December 14, 2011 at 12:38 PM

First off – do not call United States Citizens who LOVE THEIR COUNTRY and wish to protect their G_D GIVEN RIGHTS – “right wing nutjobs.” Time and time again, I have seen organizations like CAIR wanting to bring SHARIYA edicts to this country. This is something THAT WILL NOT STAND WITH PEOPLE who have lived here all their lives and cherish their freedoms. If you don’t like this country the way it is, then here’s a helpful hint – GET OUT!! No one is forcing you to stay.

I have nothing but respect for people who have immigrated here LEGALLY and want to assimilate into this culture – NOT MAKE PEOPLE LIKE MYSELF BE FORCED TO ADOPT TO YOURS / ADAPT TO YOU. If you came here to be of the people, and with the people who have also immigrated here in the past as my ancestors had done – LEGALLY – and vowed to uphold our CONSTITUTIONAL WAY OF LIFE – then welcome.

I do not need to read your bible any more than you need to read mine. But you have to understand that you will not be tolerated if you propse edicts that rescind MY LIFESTYLE and further expect me to shell out tax dollars to build a nation for you to trample upon.

There are many good Muslims that want to live in peace and harmony with the rest of us. I am of course, not addressing them. BUT – if you are going to lay silent and allow your bullies to do the talking for you, then by all means expect to get the full force of the anger that was originally directed at those HOLDING YOU HOSTAGE.

There is not much that I am afraid of – as is the same for the millions of other quiet peaceful sheep that live in the US. However, do not confuse our quiet way of living with cowardice.

Reply
- Siraaj
  
  December 14, 2011 at 3:19 PM
  
  Why shouldn’t they be called “right-wing nutjobs”? Just because they love their country, that doesn’t mean they can’t also be nutjobs as well, right? Many liberals claim to love America, but I’m sure you consider them nutjobs, closet socialists and communists, and big government anti-liberty nutjobs.
  
  Besides, it’s the author’s right (as an American citizen) to call whoever he wants a nutjob. It’s not necessarily tactful, but it’s certainly his right – why would you try curtailing that right? I thought you were a patriot who loved their country, but often I find “patriots” like yourself will quickly try to cut others off from the right to the free exchange of ideas (and even name-calling) when it’s not in favor of the values you hold. Well too bad – if you don’t like the author exercising their 1st amendment rights, FEEL FREE TO GET OUT OF THE COUNTRY!!!!!1
  
  Sorry, that was childish. I think we both know that in the US, we can freely exchange ideas, politely or aggressively, and let the people decide if they accept or reject it via the ballot box. I think we both also know there are laws and policies in the country that we agree with and want to maintain, and that there are laws and policies in the country that we disagree with, and we want to change. Wanting to change those policies doesn’t mean we’re haters, it means we disagree with something and want to improve it in the way we see best.
  
  The issue under discussion is about a group of people who have put pressure on Lowe’s to not advertise on a show because the show portrayed Muslims as they are – for the most part, normal, not perfect, and having varying perspectives on how to live their lives spiritually and within society. Lowes is free to advertise or not where ever the like, but when someone attacks a group you’re a part of, a generally law-abiding group of citizens, and tries to marginalize them as radical and saying the majority of them have ulterior motives, then you can expect that group to stand up, take notice, and reprimand advertisers like Lowe’s for pulling out their advertising in a manner that affirms the nonsensical propaganda of FFA.
  
  Siraaj
  
  Reply
  - Dahdoo
    
    December 14, 2011 at 7:41 PM
    
    There is much for me to respond to – I promise I will – but it has to be tomorrow. I’m not the bad guy you make me out to be. I resent being called a right wing nut job. It’s the right wing that actually wants to move the country away from the homosexuality and degradation that you see. We hate this stuff. It is actually the liberals that have pushed this agenda. That is LIBERAL PARTY AGENDA – not people such as myself who by the way are CONSTITUTIONALISTS – not right wing anything. You are quoting assinine TV and bloodstained media agenda and propaganda. Nobody understands that better than me. And when (by the way) have you ever heard a lberal say that they love this country? Please share – dates, times, names, quotes… I do promise to return.
    
    Reply
    - Siraaj
      
      December 15, 2011 at 10:24 AM
      
      Looking forward to the response.
      
      Reply
- Swarthmoor
  
  December 14, 2011 at 5:36 PM
  
  Dahdoo,
  
  If America can be transformed to the extent that it openly legalizes bestiality and advocates homosexual sodomy, then it can accommodate Muslims eating halaal food and women wearing hijaabs.
  
  Reply
  - Dahdoo
    
    December 15, 2011 at 9:02 AM
    
    Don’t forget what else it can advocate…
    
    http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/03/09/new-york-television-executive-faces-sentencing-beheading-wife/
    
    Reply
    - Siraaj
      
      December 15, 2011 at 10:32 AM
      
      Using that twisted logic, then I guess this is what America advocates:
      
      http://www.oneinfourusa.org/statistics.php
      
      Siraaj
      
      Reply
      - Dahdoo
        
        December 15, 2011 at 12:45 PM
        
        Are you saying that this never happened? If it is false then Fox owes you an apology.
      - Siraaj
        
        December 15, 2011 at 1:55 PM
        
        Absolutely not – it happened, but it doesn’t mean what you’ve said, that we advocate this in our religion. This as well as honor killings have nothing to do with Islam the religion – it has to do with the ethnic, tribal, and cultural backwardness of countries in the East.
        
        Similarly, the link I posted, which substantively demonstrates that 1 in 4 women in America are raped, or that 60% of all rapists are caucasions doesn’t mean that Christianity (the majority religion of America and caucasions), or the Constitution itself advocate this behavior. It simply means you have a disproportionate number of men who take advantage of women they meet (the majority of sexual assault coming from acquaintances, and of course, many women don’t report) in America, but it certainly doesn’t make everyone a rapist.
        
        By the way, why don’t I see enough caucasion men condemning rape among by caucasion men, since it seems they are 60% of the rapists in America? I never see conservatives or constitutionalists standing up against rape. Can you provide names, dates, websites from conservatives taking a stand against rape in America? Particularly prominent personalities in the media, or politicians.
        
        Siraaj
    - Rifai
      
      December 15, 2011 at 12:25 PM
      
      Ah…getting “information” from Fox news…that explains a lot
      
      Reply
- Rifai
  
  December 15, 2011 at 12:26 PM
  
  What type of accommodation are Muslims looking for that somehow relegates your freedom??Can you even give us a coherent answer on that ?
  
  If I choose to have a beard and pray my Muslim prayer, how does it affect you?If my sister covers her hair why does it bother you ? When I work my job and give the same output as anyone else , again whats your problem?I am not imposing my way of life on you , so whats the issue here? I thought this was a free country…
  
  Reply
  - Dahdoo
    
    December 15, 2011 at 12:55 PM
    
    They have never taken any of my freedoms away. I speak of the frog being slowly boiled in water with companies slowly over time having to bow down to pressures being put on them to run their businesses contrary to how want to. If a company doesn’t fit your way of life – then don’t patronize them. If you don’t want to take blind people who need seeing eye dogs in taxis, then don’t become a taxicab driver. Live your way without having others being made to sacrifice for you. We call it “voting with your dollar.” I do it all the time. You can as well.
    Remember – a group of Protestants didn’t bring down the twin towers on 9/11/01. We all know how that happened. AND say what you want – it has never been denounced by any Muslim group. Then, a mosque is expected to be erected in that area?
    
    Reply
    - Siraaj
      
      December 15, 2011 at 2:24 PM
      
      Companies are free to advertise where they wish for whatever reason they wish, and we can chastise them on our own platforms as we see fit – we even let you have your say, even though we disagree with it.
      
      We’re doing exactly what you called for – we’re voting with our dollars and our first amendment rights to say what we will against this company pulling advertising. You tell us to vote with our dollar (which is pressuring the company), but when we do vote with our dollar and our first amendment right to free speech, you ask us to leave them alone?
      
      Which is it? I think you don’t know because you are as contradictory and confused as the hypocritical right-wing hacks that have filled your mind with empty talking points.
      
      Siraaj
      
      Reply
    - Hassan
      
      December 15, 2011 at 6:03 PM
      
      Dahdoo, congratulations, your government just took away your freedoms:
      
      http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/12/15/1045791/-Senate-passes-defense-authorization?via=blog_1
      
      Reply
    - Rifaie
      
      December 15, 2011 at 11:32 PM
      
      Thats it? You have a problem with taxi drivers who don’t want dogs in their cabs? Ok… Any thing else?? There are only 7 million Muslims in the US do you seriously think we have the buying power to make companies do whatever we want? And what exactly would we make them do that is terrible for your freedom anyway? What sacrifice am I asking of you , or would I subject you to in this country?? Do you even realize what you are saying?
      
      “Remember – a group of Protestants didn’t bring down the twin towers on 9/11/01″
      
      What does this have to do with the argument at hand?
      
      ” AND say what you want – it has never been denounced by any Muslim group”
      
      I guess I can go ahead and say what I want then since you have invented your own facts.Do you want me to start listing such groups that have denounced it? Why bother , Fox “news” must have told you that cant be true so you probably don’t want to consider anything from this “treacherous” Muslims mouth.
      
      Reply
- Sister
  
  December 17, 2011 at 11:24 AM
  
  “If you don’t like this country the way it is, then here’s a helpful hint – GET OUT!! No one is forcing you to stay.”
  
  Please tell the USA government to stop putting some of us who want to leave on the no fly list. How do we get out? I sincerely would like to know this. Some Can’t even leave through the boarder either because the government can’t live without them, so how does one get out? And the USA government is known for making deals with other oppressive lands when someone it “suspects” is going back to their land (e.g. those released from Guantanamo bay with no charges e.t.c.).
  
  Reply
Dahdoo

December 15, 2011 at 9:07 AM

I never advocated bestiality. You are referencing liberal media – which unfortunately does run the hypnotic sheeple that bleat across the nation. What you term “right wing nutjobs” go to work, support families, they don’t behead their wives or daughters, and go to the gun range to practice their skillsets just in case some moron attempts to butcher them!

There will be no swords at my throat. It is not in my best interest. What there will be is a bleeding corpse at my feet. Then, I shall eat dinner.

Reply
Hassan

December 15, 2011 at 11:39 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdVdjoPR3Vk

Unfortunately, this is only active thread I think I could post to.

Reply
Hassan

December 16, 2011 at 7:15 PM

Was this supposed to be commercial?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=qQhls5PEmeQ

Reply