Fitna—the movie

I don’t understand, and, honestly, don’t know what the movie maker, Geert Wilder wants. I personally haven’t seen the movie, Fitna, and I will not see it. I read a review from an Islamic website, and, as a Muslim, I am deeply offended and hurt. I personally see that the only way to react to this is with patience. In fact, Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him) said in one of the hadeeth, “Do not wish war, rather ask Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’aala for peace and security. However, when you confront the enemy, practice Sabr (fortitude and perseverance)” (Bukhaari and Muslim).

It is obvious that the cartoons that portray the Prophet is not enough to insult or provoke Muslims (and now the movie). However, it is sad to know that there are Muslims who react not in the Islamic way in response to these insults. Islam does not teach violence and Islam FORBIDS the act of mistreating non-Muslims. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated clearly in the hadeeth, “Let it be known, if any one (Muslim) commits injustice, insults, aggravates, mistreats or abuses a person of the People of the Book (protected, by the state or an agreement), he will have to answer me (for his immoral action) on the Day of Judgment.” All Muslims believe that we hold accountable for what we do while we live; therefore, we if treat a person unjustly, we will get a just punishment in the Day of Judgment. And, believe me, if we, Muslims, are unjust toward non-Muslims, our Prophet is NOT happy with us.

In the Qur’an, Allah Himself warned all Muslims, “And insult not those whom they (disbelievers) worship besides Allah, lest they insult Allah wrongfully without knowledge” (Al-An’am 108). Indirectly, Allah commanded all Muslims to be patient when it comes to this issue; however, we as Muslims have the rights to deny these false accusations or to respond to these insults, but we may NOT violate the Qur’an and the Sunnah, because, as it is stated in the ayah (verse) mentioned above, Allah fears that if our reaction to this issue is not Islamic, there will be more bad actions (from the non-Muslims), for example, burning the Qur’an. We, Muslims, surely do not want that to happen.

To this extent, the message is clear; Islam does not teach violence, but why are we still accused of being violent? Apparently, not many people understand the proverb, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” So, if you see a Muslim behaving not according to the Qur’an and the Sunnah, the way of the Prophet, don’t judge his religion, but his personality.

In all aspects, the movie, Fitna, shows ignorance towards the true message of Islam, because it does not reflect the real teachings of the Qur’an and the Sunnah. The movie also portrays that the 911 was done by the Muslims. Until now, it is obvious that there is NO evidence that Muslims are behind the bombings of the World Trade Center. So, I say it is childish and immature to believe in the media and to accuse Muslims in general for what happened on September 11, 2001. Is that really how the “modern” society think? I’m sorry to say, such society is not enlightened enough. Learn everything from the source!

With all of these false accusations and insults toward Muslims, I am just wondering if this is the kind of “freedom of speech” that the western world wants us Muslims to learn. If that’s the case, I’m sorry, we can’t accept it, because that is not freedom of speech, but freedom to show HATE. In other words, it is hate speech. Is hate speech protected by the international law? In some cases, YES, especially when it is addressed toward Islam or Muslims.

May Allah gives strength, patience and unity to all Muslims, amin.

A frightening nightmare

It does sound redundant, but, believe me, nightmares are frightening. I don’t like to sleep because I want to avoid having a nightmare, but we humans need to rest.

Do you think that nightmares are a reflection of what you fear the most? Most of my nightmares are “inspired” by psychopathic movies, like “High Tension” or “Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” but I never understand why I like watching those kinds of movies, especially “High Tension” (Maybe it’s because it’s a French movie. I love French movies).

I watched it about three times and it was about two years ago. Until now, I am always afraid that the same destiny will happen to me, that a serial killer will…If you have seen the movie, I’m sure you can tell the story better. I am always scared when I see a small black van that doesn’t have no windows. Especially when I go to the city, I always make sure that there are no such vans around.

I am actually frightened and traumatized by a nightmare that I had once. My neighbor was a serial killer and I overheard him disemboweling his victims. I could hear the machine and it almost sounded like a chainsaw or a drill. In the mean time, his victim was still screaming for help. I didn’t see him doing it, but, although I was dreaming, I could imagine the whole scene in my head. For some reason, the “picture” is still so vivid in my memory.

Honestly, I want to see the movie, “High Tension,” again, because I’m still curious about the twist that happens at the end. I like the kind of movies that make me think, although it is sick and psychopathic sometimes. And yet, I am afraid of having another nightmare if I watch that movie again. I’m sure I’ll be more frightened.

I’m not sure if my nightmares have been caused by that movie, but everything is so vivid that…I’m always worried that “he” has been watching over me. That’s why I always lock the door twice every time I enter my room and always close the curtains. I don’t want to let “him” in and…What if it’s a “she”?

(Sigh) I need to get a life, (Tongue out).