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US Congress Passes Historic Ramadan Bill / Keith Olbermann on “Islamofascist” Week

Published

October 3, 2007

Abu Reem

Keith Olbermann delivers a crushing blow to Horowitz. Apparently the ad used on a poster that is promoting this event of bigotry and religious intolerance displays a photo of a female “victim” of “Islamic savagery”. Turns out the photo is of an actress, who is still very much alive, apparently from some movie!! Just goes out to show that hatred is all-consuming with truth is its first victim. See here for transcript (if video isn’t working).

Your MSA can be part of the response to this Islamofacist week. Check out MSA-National’s “Peace… Not Prejudice” Campaign.

[youtube dmterna-Zl4]

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While Horowitz and other Islamophobes are busy preaching hatred and increasing intolerance against fellow Americans, Congress was able to do at least something right for Muslims, under the guidance of the first Muslim Congressman, Keith Ellison. They passed the “Ramadan Bill” 376-0, quite an accomplishment. Where were the remaining 59 members of congressmen (435 in the House)? 49 of these “no-votes” (where members choose not to caste a vote at all) or “present” votes were by Republicans. Any surprise there? The majority of Alabama Republicans were part of this “silent” crowd. It was tough to vote against such a benign resolution so most bigots preferred to stay quiet. Check out who did and didn’t do here. Perhaps you should call your congressman if he was one of the silent lambs. The text of the bill is below the sleeve:

US CONGRESS PASSES RAMADAN BILL

This is HISTORIC for American- Muslims and Muslims around the world. This is the first time in history that the United States Congress will commemorate and recognize the month of Ramadan as the Islamic holy month. The language from the bill text is below for your viewing.

110th CONGRESS
1st Session – H. RES. 635

Recognizing the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and commending Muslims in the United States and throughout the world for their faith.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
September 5, 2007

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas (for herself, Mr. MEEKS of New York, and Mr. KEITH ELLISON) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs

RESOLUTION

Recognizing the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and commending Muslims in the United States and throughout the world for their faith.

Whereas since the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, threats and incidents of violence have been directed at law-abiding, patriotic Americans of African, Arab, and South Asian descent, particularly members of the Islamic faith;

Whereas, on September 14, 2001, the House of Representatives passed a concurrent resolution condemning bigotry and violence against Arab-Americans, American Muslims, and Americans from South Asia in the wake of the terrorist attacks;

Whereas it is estimated that there are approximately 1,500,000,000 Muslims worldwide;

Whereas Ramadan is the holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal for Muslims worldwide, and is the 9th month of the Muslim calendar year; and

Whereas the observance of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan commences at dusk on September 13, 2007, and continues for one lunar month: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That–

(1) during this time of conflict, in order to demonstrate solidarity with and support for members of the community of Islam in the United States and throughout the world, the House of Representatives recognizes the Islamic faith as one of the great religions of the world; and

(2) in observance of and out of respect for the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, the House of Representatives acknowledges the onset of Ramadan and expresses its deepest respect to Muslims in the United States and throughout the world on this significant occasion.

The Congress passed the resolution unanimously 376-0 on October 2,2007.

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Abu Reem

Abu Reem is one of the founders of MuslimMatters, Inc. His identity is shaped by his religion (Islam), place of birth (Pakistan), and nationality (American). By education, he is a ChemE, topped off with an MBA from Wharton. He has been involved with Texas Dawah, Clear Lake Islamic Center and MSA. His interests include politics, cricket, and media interactions. Career-wise, Abu Reem is in management in the oil & gas industry (but one who still appreciates the "green revolution").

65 Comments

Amad

October 3, 2007 at 3:05 PM

for those in the Northeast, here are the “silent” or dare I say “silenced” lambs:

No Vote NY-14 Maloney, Carolyn [D]
No Vote NY-27 Higgins, Brian [D]

Present NJ-5 Garrett, E. [R]

Interesting or is it that Mr. Bobby Jindal [R] is the only Lousianan not voting for it?

Quite a few in Texas… Texan Muslims get working!

Reply
Moiez

October 3, 2007 at 3:38 PM

Why doesnt the volume work

Reply
ibnabeeomar

October 3, 2007 at 5:23 PM

are your speakers on mute? :)

i just tried it and it is working

Reply
Abu Omar

October 3, 2007 at 7:30 PM

Islamofascism Awareness Week? Coming from a right-wing authoritarian like David Horowitz this is ironic to say the least. For him to call anyone fascism is the pot calling the kettle black.

http://antiwar.com/justin/?articleid=2051

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/max-blumenthal/the-demons-of-david-horow_b_19827.html

http://www.counterpunch.org/cloud03082007.html

Reply
...

October 3, 2007 at 7:31 PM

cant believe 2 from ny didnt vote- my GOD NYYYYYY =( let me email them =)

Reply
MR

October 3, 2007 at 11:05 PM

“…” Send me the contact info too
:-D

Reply
JDsg

October 4, 2007 at 5:00 AM

The photo of the woman being “buried” actually comes from the 1994 Dutch movie, De Steen. See Sadly, No! for more info. Be sure to also read this post as well.

Reply
...

October 4, 2007 at 9:36 AM

here we go MR,
http://maloney.house.gov/index.php?option=com_email_form&Itemid=73

Reply
...

October 4, 2007 at 9:41 AM

here is the other one…
http://higgins.house.gov/email.asp

Reply
Affad

October 4, 2007 at 12:57 PM

For those who would rather read the transcript of some of the more notable comments during the resolution discussion you can visit here:

http://sharafmowjood.blogspot.com/2007/05/first-time-congress-recognizes-month-of.html

Reply
Abu Omar

October 4, 2007 at 10:46 PM

Tom “Bomb Mecca” Tancredo refused to vote for this resolution, as he has to maintain his Islamophobic bona fides: http://thinkprogress.org/2007/10/03/tancredo-ramadan/

He is one nasty little bigot if I ever saw one.

Reply
Faiez

October 5, 2007 at 8:16 PM

Does this mean I get school/work off for Ramadan? :)

Reply
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Muslims Against Sharia

October 6, 2007 at 4:52 PM

Congress Crosses the Line. Where is the Outrage?

Muslims Against Sharia condemn politically correct cowardice of the United States Congress. We call on every American Muslims to contact their congressmen, and voice their disgust with Congress’ blatant disregard for the United States Constitution.

Congressional Resolution HRES 635 EH:
“House of Representatives … acknowledges the onset of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal”

First Amendment to the United States Constitution:
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion”

Reply
Abu Omar

October 6, 2007 at 5:23 PM

What is a neocon-front group doing posting here?

Reply
Abu Bakr

October 7, 2007 at 12:59 AM

Dear sir,

The name of your organization is an act of apostasy from Islam and disbelief in the Lord of the Worlds.

Repent now in this blessed month of Ramadan before you stand before Allah for judgment.

was-salamu `ala man ittaba’a al-huda

Reply
Muslims Against Sharia

October 7, 2007 at 1:03 AM

MODERATED – watch the comments please, no personal attacks.

also the link to your website has been replaced in this post.

-ibnabeeomar

Reply
Muslims Against Sharia

October 7, 2007 at 1:11 AM

“The name of your organization is an act of apostasy from Islam and disbelief in the Lord of the Worlds.”

Dear Abu Bakr,

We respectfully disagree. We do not believe that stoning, cutting off body parts, and other medieval practices acceptable under Sharia are beneficial to the advance of Islam, hence our name. We believe that in this argument Allah is on our side.

Muslims Against Sharia

Reply
Direct link

October 7, 2007 at 1:59 AM

Yes, Allah legislates something and you say Allah is wrong and you expect Allah to be your own side …how logical

Carpet Bombing, “guantanamo bay” style are your civilized methods

Reply
Direct link

October 7, 2007 at 2:01 AM

Then We put you, [O Muúammad], on an ordained way concerning the matter [of religion-Sharee’ah in the arabic verse]; so follow it and do not follow the inclinations of those who do not know. [45:18]

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Muslims Against Sharia

October 7, 2007 at 2:08 AM

“you say Allah is wrong” I do not recall saying that. Please do not confuse YOUR paranoid delusions with MY words.

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Muslims Against Sharia

October 7, 2007 at 2:12 AM

“guantanamo bay”? You are such a hypocrite! I would rather be in Guantanamo Bay than in any Middle Eastern or South Asian prison. As for carpet bombing al-Qaeda infested territory, I have no problems with that.

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Abu Bakr

October 7, 2007 at 3:21 AM

Alhamdulillah, Islam will advance fine without you.

-Muslims against “Murtads Against Shari’a”

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AbdulHasib

October 7, 2007 at 9:34 AM

Bismillah,

@”Muslims against Sharia”

It’s interesting that your website was created and copyrighted recently and comes recently in light of the recent islamo-fascist propaganda.

I’m pretty sure this is the same group behind the rest of the batch of sites. (including supporting a website that has a ridiculous notion that the Flight 93 memorial in pennsylvania is replicated to look like an open air mosque, faces makkah, and is a “traitorous” architectural design that supports the terrorists that took the plane down http://www.crescentofbetrayal.com/ ; just an aside, please find something better to do with your time you sad people.)

Simple. I doubt the validity that you are in fact run by muslims.

Since you people lie about God, why wouldn’t you find reason to lie to us.

It truly is sad that you have more similiarites with the “Islamo-Fascist” extremists you claim to call out against than that which seperate you from them. In fact you are the ones choosing the path of extremism and schism, rather than discourse and understanding.

If you truly cared for objectivity and open mindedness, calling to Freedom and your so called Justice, attacking a religion with near 2 billion followers (through your perverse means); and more so it’s core fundamentals, is not only fruitless, but take it from me and believe me.. it is not productive.

If you truly care for this countries constitution and what it was founded upon, than fighting hatred and intolerance WITH hatred and intolerance will lead to nowhere.

I, as a Muslim, urge you that you actually understand Islam, what it calls to at a core fundamental level, and you will find that it simply calls out against the very same extremists you claim Islam has harbored and taught.

Throughout history groups have risen who have brought more schism between the sons of Adam through perversion and conflict, I urge you to not contribute to that global perversion and conflict.

Islam will grow whether you create 10 sites or 100 aimed to spread, your fascism.

If you give false lectures on oppression of women in Islam, the reverts to Islam in this country will still continue to be staggering towards women. Those same free, american born, who read with objectivity, understanding, and found comfort in what the founding fathers of this country stood for, freedom in their religion and a right to find the true form of their pursuit of happiness.

Let us then come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but God, and that we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords besides God. That is what all the Messengers came with, from Adam to Noah, to Abraham, to Moses, to Jesus.

Then if you wish to turn away, that is your choice, but bear witness that WE are the Muslims…

And God knows Best..

Reply
Muslims Against Sharia

October 7, 2007 at 1:01 PM

Abu Bakr,

You Islamofascist “tolerance” is not surprising.

Reply
ibnabeeomar

October 7, 2007 at 1:51 PM

idiots against shariah, we were moderating your comments, but i think its best to you let you post freely as you like to do a good job of showing your true colors quite blatantly :)

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Muslims Against Sharia

October 7, 2007 at 3:29 PM

ibnabeeomar, you’re not talking about your tolerance, are you?

Reply
amad

October 7, 2007 at 4:49 PM

We can safely ignore “Deceivers against Shariah”. They seem to be a front for far sinister purposes. Apparently, they have some vapid neocons and ardent Zionists on the team, and perhaps may have been founded by them as well.

In fact, atheist blogger “Freethinker” has done a bit of expose on them. Connected to:
-Atlas Shrugger, right-wing Islamophobic website
-Israpundit, the ardent zionist website.

See more here

So, what is the purpose of what Freethinker refers to as “non-Muslims against Shariah”?

To fool Muslim fools into supporting a crusade against themselves. Do these right-wing/Zionist nutjobs really think that we can be fooled so easily?!

Reply
BintMuhammed

October 8, 2007 at 6:00 AM

Did you all notice how on their website they say KORAN rather then Quran…are you sure your not NON-muslims against the shariah? what sane muslim would say that the Quran is spelled as the KORAN? but on the day of Judgement that will be the least of your problems if you dont repent now.

Reply
Al-Ozarka

October 8, 2007 at 8:15 AM

Ruth, I really thought you had more sense than to take a biased and Media-Matters/Moveon.org media puppet like Olbermann seriously!

Surely you see the blatant treachery in Olbermann?

And…9/11 is over?

No, Dear…not by a LONG shot! America will CRUSH the islamofascist horde!

Reply
Al-Ozarka

October 8, 2007 at 8:16 AM

Despite the treachery of the left.

Reply
Al-Ozarka

October 8, 2007 at 8:28 AM

Ozarka, if you cannot contain your personal insults, then you are welcome to use them on LGF, but not here -MM

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Al-Ozarka

October 8, 2007 at 12:25 PM

Insults? I doubt you really understand what an insult is to someone like me…an American!

Reply
Al-Ozarka

October 8, 2007 at 12:28 PM

Insults? I doubt you really understand what an insult is to someone like me…an American!

“…they have some vapid neocons and ardent Zionists…” – Amad

“Do these right-wing/Zionist nutjobs …” – Amad

Be fair, Dear!

Reply
Muslims Against Sharia

October 8, 2007 at 1:06 PM

Al-Ozarka, the lonely sane voice. I am trying to figure out why sanity is so rare on these forums. Any ideas?

Reply
Amad

October 8, 2007 at 1:38 PM

Ozarka, many of us are no less American than you are. In fact, we may be more concerned about this country’s future than neo-Bush cowboys like yourself. When you recognize the hubris this country’s “ruling party” has developed over the last few years, you too will become sensitive to the direction that we are heading into.

Olbermann speaks intelligently and boldly without being obnoxious and loud (like O’Reilly) and that makes the right-wingers cringe like never before. Especially since he has been right more than he has been wrong. Read these books if you care:
-Imperial Hubris
-American Theocracy
-The Israel Lobby

Read them, unless you are afraid that you may hear something that shakes the very roots of your belief about American politics.

Reply
Amad

October 8, 2007 at 1:49 PM

Thanks “Deceivers against Shariah” for proving your loyalties to right-wing ideologues right here on MM!

Reply
AnonyMouse

October 8, 2007 at 4:09 PM

Does anyone else find this as amusing as I do?
“Muslims Against Shari’ah” – hah! Do you even know what Shari’ah refers to? By saying you’re against Shari’ah means that you’re against the way that Muslims all over the world live their very lives, in the worship and obedience of God…
Shari’ah encompasses EVERYTHING in a Muslim’s life: sleeping, eating, drinking, dressing, behaviour with others. Now do you have an idea of what a vast term it is?

I wish that we could meet with the people behind the screen-names in real life… truly, I wonder who they are!

Reply
Amad

October 8, 2007 at 4:36 PM

Hmm… Ozarka, those comments were directed to the group of “Deceivers against shariah”… unless you are part of their little deception click.

Btw, if tomorrow a bunch of liberals started a group “Conservative Christians For Abortion”, knowing well that they are NOT conservative OR Christians, how would you feel about that effort? Esp. if it is funded/supported by your arch-enemies Moveon.org or other progressive organization?

Reply
Muslims Against Sharia

October 8, 2007 at 5:57 PM

At least you don’t claim to be tolerant or moderate. However, I am very curious what “little deception click” means. Must be some new Zionist tactic that I am not aware of yet.

Reply
AnonyMouse

October 8, 2007 at 6:29 PM

Come now, MAS, haven’t you noticed the total lack of death threats? And that your comments actually show up on the site? Doesn’t that count as “tolerant and moderate” in your books?

Reply
Amad

October 8, 2007 at 6:31 PM

Actually, we are both tolerant and moderate alhamdulillah and our posts all over this blog speak for themselves. Of course, those posts speak volumes only to those who themselves are moderate, not the bigots on the other side, who would be only satisfied if we left our religious principles (as your group exemplifies in the obvious support it gets from those kooks, though I believe yours is actually concocted by them. Irshad manji would be a better example of a “Muslim” living up to right-wing/neocon standards).

Seriously, do you guys have any Muslims in the group, even in name? And are these “Muslims” known in their communities?

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Muslims Against Sharia

October 8, 2007 at 7:04 PM

“Doesn’t that count as “tolerant and moderate” in your books?” You’ve got to be kidding me. Attacking someone for having different ideas without threatening to kill him should be considered “tolerant and moderate”? Oh, that bigot Irshad Manji! How dare she speak up and express hew views?!

Reply
Amad

October 8, 2007 at 7:37 PM

Manji is free to speak and express her mind. She doesn’t represent the vast majority of Muslims. Neither do you or your fake little LGF-created fraternity.

By the way, I am sure if you kiss some more neocon behind, they’ll drop in a few dollars so you don’t have to beg for donations in the name of “we are Muslims but we really hate Islam” mantra.

Reply
Muslims Against Sharia

October 8, 2007 at 9:42 PM

Amad,
Just because you want to live like a monkey in the 7th century, there is no reason majority of Muslims want to follow you. We believe in two different Islams. I believe in the religion of love, while you believe in the religion of hate. Watch the zombies wake up.

Reply
Abu Bakr

October 9, 2007 at 3:02 AM

just for the record, so that the brothers and sisters are aware… the post was deleted by the moderators, but “Murtads Against Sharia” endorsed carpet bombing.

Reply
Muslims Against Sharia

October 9, 2007 at 4:40 AM

We do endorse carpet bombing when it targets al-Qaeda or Abu Bakretard

Reply
amad

October 9, 2007 at 6:53 AM

Just because you want to live like a monkey in the 7th century,

Thank you for continuing to put your foot in your mouth. And thank you for letting us know what you think of the Prophet (S)’s generation, who was incidentally also in the 7th century.

What’s funny is that even the progressives have abandoned you. Talk about being isolated!

Reply
Al-Ozarka

October 9, 2007 at 11:58 AM

“Ozarka, many of us are no less American than you are. In fact, we may be more concerned about this country’s future than neo-Bush cowboys like yourself.”

Ruth….?

Just what do you consider an insult, Ruth?

I’m seeing, now, you’re true colors, Dear.

Reply
ruth nasrullah

October 9, 2007 at 12:10 PM

Hi Al-Ozarka. Sorry, just noticed you were posting here. Hope all is well with you.

Just to clarify, there are six of us on the MuslimMatters editorial staff, plus a bunch of guest writers. Without commenting on this or any other post, I just want to say that we don’t necessarily always share the same viewpoints and don’t always all participate in every post.

I’ve gotten a little behind in keeping up with MuslimMatters. Being so busy (still blogging on the Chronicle, BTW) I probably read and comment a lot less than I should.

The point being that as with this post, you can’t assume my opinion is the same as any other’s, and you can’t even assume I’ve read it! (My apologies to my fellow MM writers…)

Anyway, due to time constraints I’m sitting this one out. Sorry.

Reply
Sis Shaykha

October 9, 2007 at 12:43 PM

Asalaamu Alaaaikum,

Muslims against Shariah?-well if that isn’t just the dumbest thing I ever heard.

You lot are either non muslims pretending to be Muslim, or just ignorant Muslims getting a BIG paycheck from the government….

May Allah guide you, ameen

Wa’alaykum Aslaaam

Reply
AnonyMouse

October 9, 2007 at 3:16 PM

“Attacking someone for having different ideas..”

You should realize that there’s a difference between tolerating and accepting. We’re tolerating you on this website; we absolutely refuse, 100%, to accept what you believe.

“We do endorse carpet bombing when it targets al-Qaeda or Abu Bakretard”

You do realize that saying things like that (insulting Abu Bakr) isn’t exactly going to earn you brownie points with anyone, right?
It’s a basic concept that even 6-year-olds have understood: if you want someone to agree with you, you don’t insult them.

“Just because you want to live like a monkey in the 7th century”

Wow… so you think that following the Laws of Allah (swt) makes us ‘live like monkeys’?
I hope you know that’s a statement no Muslim, who actually believes in islam, would ever make.
BTW, you do know that ALL the rules and regulations in Islam – those which apply to eating, drinking, dressing, behaviour w/ others, etc. – all counts as Shari’ah, right? So are you saying that we should throw out all those laws, which were Divinely Revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) and are enshrined in the Qur’an?

Reply
Muslims Against Sharia

October 9, 2007 at 3:32 PM

AnonyMouse,

The fact that you can post your statements, however fallacious, about me while censoring my replies, speaks volumes about your bravery.

Ok, “M”AS, we have had enough of your comedy. So, the only comments we’ll approve are answers to the following:
-Who is the founder of this organization? And who are the key people in it?
-Who is financing it?
-What is your relationship with prominent neocon bloggers?
-Amad

Reply
AnonyMouse

October 9, 2007 at 9:28 PM

I don’t moderate the comments; Amad is usually the one who does so.

Reply
DrM

October 10, 2007 at 7:31 AM

I’m gone for a few weeks, and the zionazi rats are all over the place. Everybody should know by now that “Muslims against Sharia” is neocon charlatan front(with Pam the harpy Gellar on board)….they aren’t Muslims by any stretch. Maybe they’ll want to join “Jews for Gas Chambers” next.
What a pathetic joke.

Reply
Al-Ozarka

October 10, 2007 at 10:02 AM

“I don’t moderate the comments; Amad is usually the one who does so.”

That explains a whole heckuvalot!

Reply
Al-Ozarka

October 10, 2007 at 10:03 AM

And…forgive me, please, Ruth. It’s my first experience at this site.

I was a bit perplexed as to why YOU would censor me when you have been so gracious in the past.

Cheers!

Reply
Sequoia

October 10, 2007 at 11:31 AM

Al- Ozarka,

Amad and most others on this site are extremely open to debate. I am not a regualr poster, but I do frequent this site almost daily. It seems that your post and Muslim against Sharia, weren’t inteded to stir up an honest debate but rather insult the views and beliefs of the men and woman who frequent this site. If you would follow the history of this site, you would be aware that this is not the first time, nor sadly will it be the last. Yet, each time Amad (Mouse,Ruth as well as others) have handled the insults with dignity….not censorship.

Aside – I hope everyone has a great Eid :)

Reply
Amad

October 10, 2007 at 5:07 PM

Thanks Sequoia… always appreciate your words of support and reason.

Reply
Dave

October 13, 2007 at 12:37 AM

Why doesn’t this bill exist in the HR records?
Maybe because someone is lying?

Reply
ibnabeeomar

October 13, 2007 at 4:03 AM

or maybe someone just sucks at research?

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c110:H.RES.635.EH:

Reply
Pingback: muslimmatters.org » 9/11 Convenient for Expansion of Powers
Iman

July 5, 2008 at 6:59 PM

Sigh! Im so tired of the word “islamofascist”!!!!

Reply
Iman

July 5, 2008 at 7:02 PM

Oh.. and another good place for information and to confront these attitudes is here

http://www.islamfactor.org

Reply
Jawed

April 9, 2018 at 4:16 AM

you would be aware that this is not the first time, nor sadly will it be the last.

Reply