Obama Wins
I was really glad that the long night that I was expecting didn’t materialize. It started out a little slow and nerve-racking as we were already very anxious. When Pennsylvania went blue, we felt a little better, but we had yet to flip a red state and Virginia was looking very bad (about 100,000 vote deficit). Then Ohio was called and it was over from there. We all knew that Obama had won the election at that point.
My sons were keeping up with the results on their own computer and keeping up with every point. The funny thing is that I never told them to root for Obama, nor did they see me openly endorse him. Yet they felt some natural affinity to him, were rooting for him the entire time and were excited when he finally officially clinched the win. I can now honestly look them in the eye and tell them that they can be President of the United States and it is not just be rhetoric. They are inspired. The emotion of all of this is indescribable. Seeing the crowds cheering with excitement. Tears of joy were flowing.
Finally, one of the things I love most about this victory is that Governor Palin and the rest of the Republicans trashed community organizers during the Republican National Convention and it was these same people that took them down! A resounding defeat for divisive politics. But I will say that John McCain was very graceful in defeat.
My great-grandmother and her sister (my great-aunt) was run off her land by racists back in Mississippi who stole it. She passed away in 1991 and never got it back. She never saw justice. However, this same country has not only made great strides, but has elected a black man as President. This is not about black America. This is a day that all of us can feel proud whatever our race.
I was not totally sold on Obama in the beginning - and still have some disagreements with some of his proposals - but there is no doubt that he is an inspiring figure and I look forward to moving toward a promising new era in this country…and the world. He has shown the world what can be accomplished in this great nation with hard work. And all of this in peace.
A New Frontier…
The scenes from around the world remind me of the scene from end of Return of the Jedi when the Empire was overthrown.
This truly is a great country. I love it
Filed under: Politics, Reflections
Salaam,
I certainly feel proud and emotional. This is such a special day. It’s not about agreeing with Obama on every issue (I definitely do not) and he has a long and difficult road ahead of him. But it’s about what he represents, and it shows what this country is capable of, it shows the rest of the world what this country is capable of, in the best way.
The scenes from Chicago are amazing. Truly, this is a great night.
And I will also say McCain made a very gracious concession speech. I wish we had seen more of that side of McCain during the race, the side I know has always been there, instead of all the nastiness.
Wow, wow, wow…I’m calling my mom, aunties, grandmom, and great uncles. My grandmother grew up under Jim Crow. Her father was run off his land and they were terrorized by the KKK. My mother grew up during the Civil Rights movement, and was treated like she was nothing and had no potential because she was Black. The idea of a Black man in the White House was a standing joke, a cruel reminder of the racial realities in America. We have a long way to go, but this moment is symbolic of the future. America has this potential to make good on its promises. So many sacrifices people made for us to be here. We should all be inspired to strive, do the best we can, because with the Grace of Allah we can truly make miracles happen with our efforts.
@ Margari
Well said. These stories from our families should not be forgotten
As salam alaikum,
Sidi, I just want to say that your posts have been a constant companion to me through the anxious weeks leading up to this historical breakthrough. You are so insightful. Jazakallahu khairan.
Wa Salam,
Abdallah
Alhamdulillah for an opportunity to be a part of something this great in America. It’s inspiring and he is inspiring.
This is very monumental. We have no excuse now. This is our history.
Anybody else struggling with feeling guilty as AA Muslims, who are happy about this? That’s why I called today’s blog ‘Battle of The Nafs’. Is it wrong to be happy to FINALLY see something of this magnitude come from MY PEOPLE?
A transcendental moment, emotional for me.
@ UmmAdam
If you feel happy about Obama winning because he is black or because he comes from “your tribe”; then your walaa’ wal baraa’ is misplaced and you should feel guilty. Our walaa’ wal baraa’ is only for Allaah’s sake–no other reason!
Obama’s win is only relevant to the Muslim if after his inauguration he climbs to the top of the whitehouse and calls the Adhan. Then the Muslim should feel happy.
As it stands, he is a kaffir, and perhaps an apostate. We can not elevate anyone who Allaah has dishonored.
I am very happy Obama won, he is an inspirational figure and the right man to be the president of a great country. There are a few people telling others that they are encouraging asabiya or nationalism if they voted for Obama because he is black. I dont see anything wrong for an African American to vote for Obama because of race. Its a symbolic victory that the struggles of African Americans and civil rights activists was not just a dream. His victory represents how far society has changed.
@Daud, I think I was emotional because I saw something positive come from “My Tribe”. I get sick when I see all the negative, so why not rejoice when there is some good. I don’t feel that I have any misplaced loyality and I wouldn’t have even cared if Mc Cain won. I thought I was indifferent, but now that I see the hope this election has brought to people whose former roll models were drug dealers, atheletes, entertainers, and even pimps… I feel good.
Just last week the big news coming from Chicago was about the triple murder in Jennifer Hudson’s family…and I actually use to be one of the case workers of the only suspect. Now this week I was able to get good news coming out of my City…concerning my people.
I still have no intentions of going back…ever!
I liked that “New Frontier” clip you posted above.
@ ummadam
I meant for my response to be general, not directed towards you. May Allaah bless you and your family…aameen!
Watching the Arizona speech by McCain was stark. What I noticed - unable to NOT notice was the fact that all the people in the crowd where white (and not ambiguously so) with blond, and brown hair. This is not good, and certainly is not a good representation of what America is. This really isn’t about Obama the man. It is about Obama as a representative of what America is; a multi-cultural entity. Nowhere in the world do American’s resemble any other group of people because such an overwhelming number of us are inter-racial, and multi-racial on many levels.
And this needs to be represented to the world. When my white husband and his black friend were in Sudan, the people asked both of them where they were from. “America”, but they asked the black brother again where HE was from. “America” - “NO you are not, HE is (pointing to my white husband), but you are not” They gave a name to him of his origin that I can’t recall right now.
But isn’t this our experience as African-Americans here in the states and abroad. That WE are not indigenous Americans. That is exactly what I am. And although Obama’s father is from Kenya, the fact of the world seeing a man other than white on that Presidental stage allows the world to see that we are here. We’ve been here, and American is our nationality - period.
It is a beautiful thing……
I am so happy and certain he will make us all proud.
[...] a huge symbolic moment in American history - as many American bloggers have eloquently stated: see Tariq Nelson, Marc Manley, Margari Aziza Hill, H Ahmed, Rickshaw Diaries. See, however, a worthwhile note of [...]
I simply did not believe enough white males were fed up enough to vote for Obama guess I was WRONG
as usual whenever those such as myself are proven wrong we always have to come up with some as yet unmentioned theory as the reson why. And this time is no exception, ok here goes.
although I hate the idea of looking at athletes and entertainers as role models, I think the ubiqious presence of Blackamerican males in leading sports roles (including commentators) as seeing Black males play the role of president on tv and in movies paved the way.
The poor economy combined with Obama’s unflappable steadiness (contrasting McCain erratic implusiveness) sealed the deal
SMH,
Y’all need to STOP QUAFFING THE KOOL AID!!! A half-white man is elected President. It shouldn’t matter much to Muslims other than APPARENTLY Barrack Hussein will cause less harm to Muslims than Palin and McCain. Ask yourself a simple question: WHY did Barrack Hussein seek to be President? Do you think it is out of some DEEP love to establish Truth and his country–or a desire for power, influence and fame? Are y’all forgetting:
“The one who deserves authority doesn’t desire authority, and the one who desires it doesn’t deserve it?”
Are y’all forgetting how quick Barrack Hussein kicked Reverend Wrong to the curb and pretended that he didn’t know that the guy was a negro nationalist?!? It’s a game people–Barrack Hussein is a POLITICIAN who used the same propaganda tools that the corporate psychologists use to get you to buy consumer products. The top level banksters and the folks running the show ain’t going to let someone get into power who is going to go against their long term interests.
The economy has gone global. Americans–meaning the vast majority–will not be able to compete. High paying jobs will continue to be shipped out, while the Latino immigrants will continue to take menial and low level office jobs–at lower wages. Add to that a generally dumbed down, broken family, MTV-BET hypnotized, and consumer culture propagandized youth–and a bunch of aging folks who can’t afford their hospitable bills–and it should be EVIDENT that this country (or the North American Union–if you will) having a half-white President don’t mean nothin’.
And that’s not even to mention the foreign policy challenges Barrack Hussein faces. Same rap, folks. Don’t be fooled by the color of the packaging:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etWLwrvT2vo
^^I know a lot of us understanding that Obama has issues. He’s a politician, human, and he’s not someone who abides by the regulations Allah has set forth. We got that. But why can’t we be hopeful? Is that so bad? Bush is out. McCain/Palin - the ones that were clear with the world about their intentions to continue killing and terrorizing “Islamic terrorists” are out. Just be a little hopeful for some improvement. Let us be a little hopeful, please.
@swarthmoor
I am very familiar with all those conspiracy theories like the nwo, illuminati.Now alot of the things that those conspiracy theories predicted didnt come true.I saw something on youtube about George bush stopping the election or that the world will end in 2012,or that barack obama is the antichrist.Who knows maybe he will surprise us.
@Swarthmoor
so what solution do you propose?
Umm Adam: Not struggling at all!
Something happened last night, for a number or reasons, but I can honestly say that not only is this a victory for “my people” in that sense, but Americans as a whole resoundingly made judgment on a man based on the content of his character. That is something that, as a Muslim, makes me really happy. That is truly something to celebrate.
And yes, he is a fine black man. He is not perfect, perfection doesn’t exist in creation and certainly not in politicians. He will not be able to please all the people all the time, and he would be foolish to try. But, as cynical as I am about most things racial in this country, this really is a big deal. But I think that he really has shown good character throughout this process. He had a general policy of taking the high road when he had plenty of chances to take cheap shots.
I cried. I couldn’t help it. My being Muslim doesn’t erase my forbears who suffered the indignities of Jim Crow. Who couldn’t cast a vote because of their race and/or gender. My living relatives who can clearly remember being called ‘boy’ or having to rely on their fair skin to take advantages of opportunities that would have been otherwise denied to them. Even for me, I was talking with my daughters last night, and I am still under 40. They were surprised at some of the things I told them, like I can remember there being no such thing as a black face on the tv news or as the coach of a football team–that even for me I NEVER believed I would see this day, and certainly not so soon.
There is still a long way to go, but you can’t help but pause and reflect at the magnitude of the moment.
Allahu Akbar.
@ Umm Layth,
BELIEVE ME, i am happy that McCain didn’t get elected, but i am also not getting swept away by the euphoria. Bush was really bad, and McCain would be more of the same, but i am not placing my sense of well-being in Barrack Hussein. Furthermore, this dunya isn’t a place where we should hav a lot of hope. Afterall, this world is a dead end… literally.
Hasnah,
I think it’s important to read conspiracy theory (CT)–as well as, the mainstream media and other sources. I think the CTers are wrong in a lot of the details, but the general principle is sound: the folks who run things operate behind the scenes. They essentially control the major institutions (military/industrial/prison complex, the media, finance/banking, etc.). Their objective is not nationalism, but increasing global control–and the elimination of national boundaries. People with power want to concentrate more of it in their hands–that’s just how human nature operates.
I remember reading Malachi York’s stuff back in the early 90’s (maybe even in the late 80’s) talking about a cashless society and people having computer chips placed in them. I used to consider that almost as dubious as some of his doctrinal stuff (i wasn’t a Muslim back then, so i had no sound standard to judge things–but i tried to keep an open mind). The fact is that Wolf Blitzer, recently on CNN in an interview about chipping US soldiers, made a plug for the all-chipped society when he said: “Yes, and the chips would be good for the security of your children.” And we all know that we can go a week or more without actually touching cash nowadays. Something is OBVIOUSLY GOING ON and i DOUBT the “globe holders” are going to allow the dumbed down citizens of the idiocracy to put someone into power who is going to oppose their long term goals. That just seems to be common sense to me–and not conspiracy theory.
Abu Usamah said:
so what solution do you propose?
Swarthmoor says:
I would say, first of all, do not stop evaluating matters according to the Sacred Law. Do not get swept away, especially for the African-Americans, in `asabiyyah because a half-white man was elected President. Remain critical and objective.
Furthermore, Muslims in America need to consider it business as usual, and make plans for their survival here and elsewhere when the time comes. To do that, first and foremost, we need to see to it that we are all on the same page, and that can only happen by learning traditional Islamic knowledge–especially in matters of Doctrine–and Muslims must be diligent in the da`wah.
Lastly, i’d say that it wouldn’t hurt being involved in the political process (to a certain extent)–if the people who are have a very good understanding of the Sacred Law and the ways of politics. Muslims need to know that the liberals and their doctrines of alleged “tolerance” pose nearly as great a threat to the the Deen as the paleo-cons or the neo-cons. YOU CAN’T SLEEP ON THESE PEOPLE. We’re in a “chess” game–with chess masters–while (many) Muslims think they are playing tiddlywinks with children. NONE of these folks have the best interests of the Muslims in mind (for if they did, then they would embrace Islam). We can help some of them by calling them to the Truth, but we should never forget where we are and the circumstances under which we live.
Will some of you ever be content? Is there anything on this planet that makes you smile, even very briefly?
///@ Umm Layth,
BELIEVE ME, i am happy that McCain didn’t get elected, but i am also not getting swept away by the euphoria. Bush was really bad, and McCain would be more of the same, but i am not placing my sense of well-being in Barrack Hussein. Furthermore, this dunya isn’t a place where we should hav a lot of hope. Afterall, this world is a dead end… literally.\\\
You’re right, and no one should place their sense of well being in this man either. I’m not into politics so much (would of preferred Ron Paul if things went my way) but one can’t help but be grateful that Bush is out and that there IS a possibility for some change, however much that will be. We do live in America and although this dunya will end, we still live here and we have responsibilities. Allah is our goal but to attain Allah we must care for this earth, for our neighbors, for our families and the reality is that we live here so I believe this is why we hope Allah will bring some ease through this man and others who have been elected. But you’re right… we can’t be fooled by him or the dunya… because to Allah all of us will return, subhana’Allah.
I have a serious question for all y’all. Why is it that the vast majority of you who read this blog, NEVER mention Islaamic Aqeedah and how important it is?
Shaykh Albani (rahimahullaah) was correct when he said that,
“The Sahaabah (radiyyallaahu anhum) NEVER differed in the usool (fundamentals of the Deen). Their differences occurred in some of the branches of the Deen. In our times, the Muslims differ in both the foundations and the branches. *Note: it is not permissible to differ in the usool of the Deen.
Imam Maalik (rahimahullaah) said, “The Ummah will not be rectified in its last days, except by that which rectified it in its earliest part.” What this great scholar was talking about was the Da’wah to Tawheed and the Pure Islaamic Aqeedah. It was the call Tawheed and correct Aqeedah that united and inspired the earliest and most successful generations of Muslims. Most of you people call to everything but that.
I see through all the “rap” and “game” we AA Muslims bring to this Deen, and know that it is all from our jaahiliyyah. I am completely astonished at how ignorant , and negligent we AA Muslims in America really are. Aside from the superficial things most of us concern ourselves with–how we look, what we say, and how people view us. Below the surface of our facade and our rhetoric lies VERY serious diseases in our hearts, and that frightens me. It is so, so, sad. Wallaahu Must’aan.
@ Tariq
RE: “…I can now honestly look them in the eye and tell them that they can be President of the United States and it is not just be rhetoric. They are inspired…”
Subhanallaah, this is amazing speech. Why don’t you tell your sons to become doctors, or engineers so that they can make hijrah to Saudi Arabia or other Muslim countries!?! After all, hijrah is written on the soul of every Muslim until the day the sun rises in the west! It is an obligation upon all of us!!!!!!
^^ kill joy..
I am happy that he won. Between him and McCain he was clearly the better choice.
K-Dude says:
Will some of you ever be content? Is there anything on this planet that makes you smile, even very briefly?
Swarthmoor says:
I would’ve been besides myself if i could have caught my limit of 2-3 pound crappies (and a four pounder to boot) today… but instead, i ended up spending too much $ on Capt. D.’s–and it wasn’t even any good!!! Now i remember why i stopped going there. :0(
@ Swarthmoor,
YO, WHERE YOU CATCHIN’ CRAPPIES THAT BIG AT!?!
@ Daud I always suspected you were a Salafi. Only a Salafi would quote an unproven scholar Al Albani. If you love Saudiyya so much make Hijrah there and you will find that you are more accepted here in the US than there in Saudiyya. You can not advance in Saudi because you’re a)Ajaabi b) zanooj/abid and c) you have no family history in saudi cultural traditions. If you go there you will find that out for yourself.
You’re wrong about it is permissible to differ in usool al deen as Abu Hanifah differed with the majority opinion with regards to qiyas. Imam Malik differed with ash Shafi & Ahmad on using the sunnah of the people of Madinah as a source of law and there other examples as well.
I suspect sooner or later you will experience what has been called “Salafi Burnout” and realize Salafism is nothing more than bad bedioun fiqh,historical reinvention and ancestor worship.
How do you figure Albani wasn’t a “proven” scholar? The “proven” scholars did nothing but praise him and said he was from the major scholars of our era.
How is it possible to use qiyas over authentic narrations? NO ONE has an opinion in the presence of a text. Imam Abu Hanifah said throw his opinions against the wall if they opposed a text!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Salafi Burnout LOL. I’ve been Salafi for darn near 20 years. Mashallaah, I’ve seen a lot of people and things come and a lot of people and things go. The da’wahtus Salafiyyah is nothing more than the truth–even though you hate it. People who burnout are ignoramuses who have little religious knowledge.
@ Daud
I’m a yankee, so i was shocked when i came down har and saw the “mutant” crappies–with mouths the size of bass. The crappies have to be a FOOT LONG just to keep. A 14 in. crappie gets a nod–when they are 15 and 16 inches you start to get props. The only problem is that they are HARD TO CATCH (usually)–but when it’s hot you can limit (20) in an hour or two.
Here is a picture from the world of MONSTER crappie:
http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/photogallery/Kevin_Crappie.jpg
I’m proud of my country as well, and I’m proud that an African American has accomplished something like becoming the President of the United States.
I don’t feel conflicted by my faith, the same way those who share my faith feel no conflict while oppressing those who look like me and my tribe. Being just and fair is not only for foreign entities and “outsiders”, that’s the thinking of a punk.
GO OBAMA! Insha Allah, the man who would do the least harm has won, and insha Allah we all will assist President “That One” in making this country a better place and correcting some wrongs.
Lastly, if I hear someone call Barack Obama a possible apostate, I’m going to go Gallagher on the nearest watermelon. He last saw his father when he was 10yrs old and hadn’t seen him since he was 2yrs old before that.. He needed to have been in puberty to even be eligible to declare shahada. His father died an atheist apostate according to most. Obama’s status is between him and Allah. but understand that Islam is not some birthright, the shahada is required when a child reaches adulthood according to everything I’ve read.
Daud, you are the black cloud of this blog.
@ Dynamite Soul
I said it’s possible that he could be an apostate because I really don’t know. That’s why I used the word “possible” in my statement. It don’t even matter if he is one, because he’s still a kafr.
Explain to me how I am the “black cloud” of this blog?
@ Swath Moor
Come on man, stop playin’. I wanna know where your fishin’ hole is. I’ll take a road trip to catch crappies that big!!!!!!!!!!!