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DEL.ICIO.USIs there a link between American and Muslim values?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
American values and Islamic faith co-exist amicably in the personal lives of thousands of American Muslims against a backdrop of misunderstanding and discord between Islam and much of America.
They exist in the Rahman family of Gwinnett.
Ahmadur Rahman, his wife Rumana Afrin and son Raiyan, 9, are Muslim immigrants to this county.
Rahman, who is originally from Bangladesh, first visited the United States in the early 1990’s as a participant in an international Lions Club convention, held in New York City. In 1993, he and his wife returned to New York City as immigrants. Their son was born there.
The Rahmans relocated to Gwinnett two years ago to be near family who had also migrated to the area. They have contributed a lot of good to Gwinnett in the short time that they have been here.
Rahman, 40, holds a degree in economics and is a Microsoft Certified Systems engineer. He works a part-time and a full-time job in the hotel food and beverage industry.
In addition to holding down two jobs, he is the founder of Northeast Atlantans for Democracy. It helps Muslim and non-Muslim immigrants alike learn about American politics and encourage them to be involved as voters, lobbyists, and candidates.
His wife Rumana has two masters degrees, one in geography and the other in education. Rumana could choose other better paying jobs, but instead she has decided to enrich the lives of young children by teaching pre-school.
When Raiyan grows up he plans to become a physician like his paternal grandfather.
The Rahmans’ are so firmly rooted in their faith that they’re not afraid to expose their son to other beliefs. He attends Killian Hill Christian School in Lilburn. The family likes the school’s strong academic program and they want their son to understand and respect the predominant religion of the society they live in.
Despite the tragedy of Sept. 11, Islam is the fastest growing religion in the United States.
Today, there are an estimated two to four million American Muslims and more than 1,200 mosques. Sixty-two percent of these mosques have been founded since 1980, according to the U.S. Department of State website.
The prosperity and diversity of Gwinnett that attracts many newcomers to our county is also inspiring thousands of other Muslim families from around the world to make Gwinnett their home. There are now several mosques in Gwinnett, including Norcross and Duluth.
The Rahmans’ lives exemplify the best of American and Islamic values. Gwinnett is fortunate that the family has chosen to make their home here.
Is there a link between American and Muslim values? Can Christianity and Islam ever peaceably co-exist?
THE RAHMAN FAMILY
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By American and Muslim Values are the Same
October 17, 2006 07:26 AM | Link to this
Yes Islam and American values have a lot in common. That is why Islam is the fastest growing religion in America.
Traditional Islam encourages tolerance and acceptance of others. The first person to call others to Islamic prayers was Bilal a black African – to testify to this oneness of humanity.
Muslims believe in hard work and a strong business ethnic. Muslim’s also believe in one God and in faith. These are all values that most Americans also believe in.
By Peace
October 17, 2006 07:29 AM | Link to this
The diversity in Gwinnett is one of Gwinnett’s greatest strengths. A Christian should see this as an opportunity to reach the world without leaving his/her own back yard. As a Christian myself, I will not go back on my belief in Jesus Christ, the Trinity and heaven and hell. This is real in my life.
As long as these other religions are not forced on me and I am respected for what I believe I will be peaceful with a co-existance with any religion. Things get touchy when people sometimes expect certain rights due to religion and the Christian religion is supressed.
I appreciate the attitude of the family you mentioned above. It’s an honor to have these people in our community.
There are others, however, who have joined us illegally, expect handouts and many times the males will treat females disrespectful. American culture does not allow the mistreatment of women. These people really need to become educated on what is the proper way to treat Americans, especially women. It’s no fun to be treated disrespectable by a 10 year old boy just because it is his culture, and we have no recourse because it is his religion to treat women badly.
We need more people like the ones you mentioned to hopefully mold some of the people who use and abuse. Thank you for this article.
By Islam gets a bad rap
October 17, 2006 10:02 AM | Link to this
I agree with the other writer, thanks for this article. Too often all we focus on are our differences and on hate. This family are both proud Americans and Muslims. We must begin to humanize others in the Muslim world and separate a few fanatics from good people like the Rahmans.
To link all Muslims to terrorists is equivalent to linking all Christians to the Ku Klux Klan or other hate groups who have misued Christianity. There are good and bad people in all faiths.
By Well Wisher
October 18, 2006 04:23 AM | Link to this
Rahman family is not really an example of merging two culture and faith togather because they have sent their child to a christian school, not to Islamic school, and acting more like a Christian American than a Muslim American, since the article does not provide any possible activities of the family as Muslims.
best
By Woodie
October 18, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this
It is questions like these that make people wonder about Muslims. There have been alot of kooky Muslims in history. But there has also been alot of kooky Christians in history. Bottom line, if you are a kook, chances are it doesn’t matter what your religion. But when common Muslims start listening to these kooky fanatics, then there is going to be trouble for Muslims. Best to get the kooks off the soapbox before they create more problems.
By gabrielle
October 20, 2006 02:24 PM | Link to this
It’s nice to hear that Muslims who come to this country are having good experiences. I hope the United States continues to be a country that accepts immigration and appreciates cultural and religious differences. This is a benefit to our country and can not and should not be lost.
By sabrina nizam
October 20, 2006 04:04 PM | Link to this
Thank you for such a positive article. Gwinnett’s diversity is beautiful and as a Criminal Prosecutor in Gwinnett County, I get to see a lot of it. What may surprise people is that not only have I taken an oath to uphold justice, but I am also a practicing Muslim. Muslims, like the Rahman family, contribute in all walks of life, even within our judicial system. Being exposed to the positive aspects of different cultures and religions is invaluable and we continue to strive to do so.
By Abdullahi Shehu Adamu
October 21, 2006 05:46 AM | Link to this
I am happy to hear about Rahman’s family religious issue. Even though I’ve never been to United states but still I do believed that based on what I read, heard and see over the news concerning American muslims. It takes alot of courage and patient to live freely in such environment where majority of people misunderstands muslims faith and believes.
Rahman’s family is a good example to people around them to know that Islam is a Religion of peace and harmony.
There are good and bad people in all faiths.Therefore, If American people are patien enough, eventually they would come to realise how healthy,clean and beautiful Islam is.
By Wondering?
October 22, 2006 10:16 AM | Link to this
As commented above “eventually they would come to realise how healthy,clean and beautiful Islam is”, please explain why the sunni’s and shias are hell bent on killing each other off? Are they not Muslim? And if you leave Christianity why is the punishment not death as it is in Islam? Please explain how wonderful and peaceloving this is?
By KA
October 23, 2006 08:45 AM | Link to this
The major western religions, Christianity, Judaism, and yes, Islam are each very similar in their basic tenets. The values they teach are more alike than different. You won’t learn that from your religious leaders. Ignorance of other religions and media sound bites alienate us. Go to the library or a book store and start with a survey of world religions so that you can inform yourself and your family. You will learn an appreciation of other faiths, and unlearn your arrogance about the exclusivity and superiority of your own faith.
By Brian Curtis
October 23, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this
What an odd question… as if “American” and “Muslim” were two different things, or even opposites!
American values aren’t the same as “Christian” values, or “Jewish” ones, or “Muslim” ones for that matter. They’re American, period. And lest we forget, people of ALL faiths (and none at all) are Americans and share those American values.
So really, the question makes no sense. Now, if you wanted to ask if Muslim and Christian values can live side-by-side, go right ahead. Personally, I think the answer is “As long as they’re not fundamentalist zealots, yes.”