Are you looking for pornography on a Muslim site? Well you won't find that here. You won't find something that is distasteful either.
This is a Muslim blog. Its a blog created by activists to tackle real issues being debated, swept under the rug, or urgently in need of discussion.
Real life issues mean dealing with things that are not pleasant, that make you un-easy and challenge the very things that you stand for.
I hear a lot about censorship, what's synonymous with this word is the term "salafi police" in the Muslim community. I am not a fan of labels, nor do I care for censorship. So, in no way do I see me taking this post down as a win for censorship.
Naseeha, giving advise, is critical in Islam, especially when it comes to endeavors such as a community blog with wide array of perspectives and beliefs. In taking down this post I have come to realize that there is a fashion an way in which things could and should be posted and the sensitive nature of the topic being discussed here requires that finesse.
I am a community blogger, what makes me happy is when I have a community that I am part of and belong to. It also makes me angry, disappointed and frustrated. Because the same community is often times not the best. However, no matter how angry, disappointed and frustrated the community gets me, the one lesson I have learned is that to be positive change, you can not run miles ahead of the group of people I wish to be part of, to work on behalf of, to represent.
That means re-evaluating my own sensibilities. Which is a challenge and a internal discussion for myself.
Living in America, heck in the "modern, post-modern, internet age" world is not an easy task. With access to so much information its often easier to just not care. To be indulgent in things that are superficial and fantasy centered.
As Muslims, our work is to make Islam not just a thought, a passing phase in one's life, but relevant and truely a "way of life." I am not here to just make a statement, make people's mouths drop and stand in disgust. Nor am I here to be a militant issue person.
I have blogged about pornography in the past, as well as sex slaves, and Muslim Gay issues. I have blogged about marriage issues in the Muslim community, and race. I have blogged about the Moon Wars, pummeled leftist Muslims for their idiotic apologist's mantra that undermines the community. I have gone after right wing nut cases as well.
For the most part, you read this blog because you find something here that is worth reading. I value that. However, the armchair activism that the majority of our readers participate in is not helping anyone. Sure we get the hits, however, we always need feed back. Public comments tell me, us, where to go and how to go.
To be honest, I have gotten no more comments on this post then any other controversial post. However, I have gotten stopped or IM'ed more often then other posts. I love that people respect me enough to help me understand what they think. I however, also would love it if you are honest and leave your comments here. Because if school is a lesson to learn from, then we know if you have an opinion then most likely five other people also share that opinion or question.
Expect the post to be reposted. Until then, I look forward to hearing back from you on whether the video should or shouldnt be posted.
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13 comments:
hmmm...i wonder if it would be as big of an issue if these steamy scenes were with a woman? would it matter as much? either way i don't care, it's still a damn good show so i'm going to keep watchin it:) who are we to judge.
that's sick man!
But thats the thing. Its a fictional show, does it matter what this persons life is before or after or during the life of the show? Whether it be professionally or personally?
I am not sure if I have an opinion on this. Thats what worries me, not having an opinion. LOL
hmm
he's an actor, an artist, playing a role; i don't think it makes a difference in whether he can/should play the role of an imam in a tv show
please take down that clip- in essence you're allowing many people to see inappropriate things
i hate how homophobic muslims are. there are innapropriate things everywhere...EVERYWHERE!!! you don't have to approve of homosexuality or even like it to be able to IGNORE THE CLIP!
going on to hour three, no feedback as of yet...
I have no idea what the clip actually pertains. So long as it does not show visuals which are haram, or the `awra, then post it.
To the passive comments out there:
How else are we going to critically analyze the problems within our ummah?
Why are we so scared to post up something if its going to be for the benefit of ourselves, our Ummah?
Get your mind out of the gutter, stop with the ostrich act, and realize that issue's like these are in the minds of Muslim youth. Muslim youth are viewing this and worse- It's not going anywhere unless we bring it to the surface and tackle the problems. I say post it! Thank you for bringing this up!
People one comment in the space of 6 hours. See I dont understand how you can get all hyped up about something and then not take the opportunity to really state your opinion- and you can do it anonymously.
Why should i care what people who have no real opinions really have to say? there have been over 50 hits on this page alone and only one comment, supporting the posting of the video and they dont even know what the content is. I went to class, I had meetings and I come back after six hours and ONE comment.
That is sad. I mean yeh people, here comes the Muslim humanist to change the world! Gives me lots of hope ya'all.
asalamu `alaykum,
I really think that it's crucial for us as Muslims to discuss issues that are prevalent in our community. Pornography is definitely one of those issues that we need to discuss and highlight because it's a spreading epidemic. I remember Br. Affad's previous post about Pornography in the Middle-East and I felt like it was a very informative.
However, there is a very big difference between discussing something and watching it. For instance, if I was teaching someone preventative measures in regards to rape, I wouldn't show them a video of someone being raped. The intellectual and serious discussion can still take place without seeing the act itself. I don't think that by watching the clip, I will get insight into the issue nor will it change my perception.
Another important issue to look at is where this video is being posted. As a reader of Muslamics, I feel comfortable enough opening up the website and watching/reading anything because I trust those who run this blog enough to know that everything will be screened accordingly. If I continuously came to this website and had to worry about everything being posted, my freedom and/or comfort level will decrease, which shouldn't be the case with a Muslim website.
I think that watching men-men and women-men kissing are both wrong and shouldn't be on a Muslim website. Just because women-men kissing is a social accepted act in America does not mean that us as Muslims should think it's "okay." The problem lies in watching the act, regardless of who's doing it.
Just my thoughts, Jazakum Allahu khayran
affad you already know my opinion. i saw nothing wrong with the video.
don't post the video please :)
i received it in an email previously and was shocked when i watched it. honestly, i don't even see the value of spreading it.
and there's always lowering the gaze - this surely is not following that.
Salams all,
I agree with all the points made by the last anonymous (could have almost been my words!).
Jazakum Allah khairan for taking the video down Affad, even if only as a sign of respect to the 'community'.
Also, thank you for the analysis on the updated post, inshaAllah it'll spur some interesting and useful comments.
A suggestion for our readers who wish to be more than armchair activists...how about contributing to Muslamics? Guest bloggers are always welcome and if we like your posts we have space for a couple more full-time contributors inshaAllah.
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