1. Freedom of Religion is the Law of the Land.
Unlike some places in the world, the freedom to practice Islam (or any other religion for that matter) is a fundamental right, written into the foundation of U.S. Law. This means that we are guaranteed the right to practice Islam–and to practice it in the way we choose–by the highest law of the land (whether some of our fellow “patriot” citizens like it or not). When it comes to our faith, we answer only to God. So…yeah. Piss off, Peter King.
2. Diversity of the Muslim Community.
Within the American Muslim community, we have immigrants from all over the world–as well as American-born converts of every ethnic origin. This has given us a chance to really examine what parts of our faith are based on Islam and what may be culturally influenced, superstitious, or just something someone’s grandma just made up. The result has been (and continues to be) a renaissance in Islamic thought, with America’s Muslims leading the way. This diversity also guarantees that we get to sample a really excellent range of food at our community functions.
3. Freedom of Speech/Press.
Just take a few minutes to speak with journalists, bloggers and activists from other parts of the world and you’ll thank your lucky stars and stripes that you have the freedom to say what you like without being arrested, beaten, tortured or having your family threatened. The worst thing that will happen here is someone will call you names. (Which they have a right to do, too! See? It’s win/win!) Muslim Americans have the right to speak out and express ourselves regardless of who may oppose us. I only wish more of us were doing it.
4. A (mostly) Reliable Justice System.
No justice system is perfect, but I’m proud to say that America’s is one of the best. Those who are poor, have minority status, or who may not have a culturally popular message are still protected under the law–and there is legal recourse against even the most powerful and wealthy if they should attempt to exploit or persecute those who are less advantaged. Of course, there are no guarantees, but it’s certainly better than disappearing into a dark, dank prison and never being heard from again just because your local land-owner wants to screw your wife.
5. Full Rights to All Citizens.
When you become a citizen of the United States of America, you have full rights regardless of your gender, ethnicity, religion or income. There’s no waiting period for new citizens, no caste system, and no personal bias that can keep you from exercising your rights. So, uh, yeah. Don’t be shy. Get out there and take those rights for a test drive!
6. Open-Mindedness.
It is true that Muslims have recently had to deal with some unsavory, Islamophobic goons making lots of noise in the media, but the reality on the ground is that the majority of Americans are open-minded and willing to give anyone the benefit of the doubt. Culturally, Americans are ‘bottom line’ kind of people. They are more interested in the results of what you’re doing than how you go about doing it. If you’re here to be a positive, contributing member of our society, you’re generally welcomed and respected even if your fellow citizens don’t quite understand the scarf or the no bacon thing. Just don’t let your dog crap on their lawns or cut in front of them before they’ve had their morning coffee, and it’s all good.
7. The Right to Vote.
As a citizen on the United States of America you have (at least theoretically) the same political power as any other citizen. Once we all figure this out and begin to organize, Muslim-American issues will be taken much more seriously by elected officials. However, since we tend to have a hard time even organizing Eid Prayers once a year, I’m not going to start holding my breath on this one.
8. Economic Opportunities.
Unlike many places in the world, America offers great economic opportunities to all kinds of people, including immigrants. Entrepreneurship, hard work, savvy business sense, intelligent investment and education are rewarded no matter who you are, or where you come from. This is different from certain *other* countries that shall remain nameless, where immigrants are basically treated like second-class citizens, exploited for slave wages, occasionally beat up or raped and booted out if they make a fuss. (Just sayin’)
9. Opportunity for Interfaith Dialogue.
Because America is so diverse, Muslims here get a chance to understand different faith traditions. And I’m not just talking about Sunnis, Shias and Sufis! Get to know your local Baptists, Wiccans and Mormons while you’re at it! The exchange of ideas and the ability to share experiences with people of different religions is a vital step toward promoting peace, tolerance, and understanding all over the world.
10. (Relative) Security.
Any time I’ve asked an immigrant family why they chose to move to the U.S., the #1 response has always been the same: Security. You see, most of the Muslims who come here are educated and have money. But they are sick and tired of living in constant fear and turmoil. We live in relative safety and security here where we can send our kids to school without worrying that a roadside bomb will blow up their school bus before they get home, and when we go to turn on the light switch there’s actually electricity available for us to use. What that means for us as American Muslims, however, is that we have an even greater opportunity to live our faith and to help contribute our skills and talents toward solving problems that we all face–regardless of our religion. Alhamdolillah.
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!
