WHO ARE THE REAL ANGELINOS? AN ONGOING SERIES-At a time when Islam has grown to have the world’s second largest religious population (just behind Christianity and well ahead of Judaism), it is important for us to become more familiar with its tenets and practices, all of which demonstrate values we can all share. It is also time to understand the Islamic influence on the development of Los Angeles. This is my ongoing series, “Who Are the Real Angelinos?”
The foundation of the Islamic religion is largely based on the Judeo-Christian belief system. The Qu’ran (which I have read) is written in a very similar way to the Old and New Testaments but with significant additions and modifications. As mistaken as many people are about this religion, few perhaps know that the Qu’ran repeatedly invokes mercy, compassion, and love. For instance, there is the repeated command to look after the less fortunate (one of its five pillars--orphans are particularly referenced). It also requires followers to treat Christians and Jews as equals under Allah (God).
Interestingly enough, there have been recent claims that some centuries-old Chinese documents state that Muslims “discovered America” as early as 1178, well before Columbus reached what he called “The West Indies.” It is also a fact that Cristóbol never set foot on American soil. However, it seems that Columbus himself made reference in his own journal of a mosque he sighted after one of his landings in the Western Hemisphere. Of course, these claims do not take into consideration that the Vikings, Basques, Bristolians (from Bristol, England), Russians, and the Chinese themselves have all made a claim to such discovery.
Did you also know that many Jews and Muslims arrived in Mexico during the colonial period? Many were forced to become faux Christians to ensure their safety, survival, and well-being. Today we are beginning to see that many of their progeny are once again claiming their roots. It is, therefore, not surprising that a large number of Mexicans have converted to Islam or are reclaiming their Muslim ancestry. Muslim and Jewish influences can, therefore, be seen in Mexican architecture and food options—cultural aspects that are consequently being transferred above the border as Mexicans immigrate here—patterns, many of which, have become accepted practices in the Angelino culture.
Authentic Islam, which teaches us to discover compassion and mercy within ourselves, has become very attractive to those who have lost all hope and faith in the world around them. Thus, we see a large number of the incarcerated (and others among the downtrodden) converting to Islam. For many, Islam has provided them with a viable and attractive alternative to the gang life.
What, therefore, draws a diverse set of people to some form of Islam? Think of people like Malcolm X (formerly Malcolm Little) and Muhammad Ali (formerly Cassius Clay) who experienced an epiphany that brought Islam into their lives. For those who were “born” into the faith, they are proud of their Islamic connection (“secular” Muslims identify with their heritage, much as secular Jews do). Many converts have learned from their new faith how to become better people by living up to the Qu’ranic principles found in the five pillars of their faith:
- Faith or belief in the Oneness of God and adherence to the words of the Prophet Muhammad (considered the last prophet of God/Allah)
- Daily prayers [not followed exactly (or in a modified form) among some, especially among the more secular Muslims]
- Concern for and helping the less fortunate (Tzadik—similar to the Jewish Tzedakah)
- Self-purification through fasting (again perhaps based on the many Jewish fast days)
- Pilgrimage to Mecca (for those who are able); consider the effect that the Hajj had on people like Malcolm X (you may want to read his book, The Autobiography of Malcolm X to get a real feel not only for what transpired in his life but also for what drew him to this new religion)
There are many more stand-out American/Angelino Muslims (than those referenced above) who have impacted our lives in so many positive ways. Below are just some of those contributors:
Karima Bennoune is an award-winning journalist, writing among other subjects, on violence against women and on methods for countering terrorism. Others include Fareed Zakaria who hosts his own CNN show, and Ayman Mohyekldin, an Al-Jazeera journalist who also appears frequently on MCNBC.
There are writers like Reza Azlan, a professor and brilliant religious scholar, who wrote No god but God and Zealot, the Life and Times of Jesus. There is also the transformative journalist, Maziar Bahari, who wrote the famous book, Then They Came for Me—now renamed Rosewater after Jon Stewart’s recent movie by the same name.
The famous Salman Kahn created the Khan Academy in which many of our children are involved and are receiving an outstanding education.
There are numerous comedians whose repertoire make us belly laugh—like Aasif Mandvi and Dave Chappelle.
Entrepreneurs such as Jaguars owner, Shahid Khan and any number of athletes like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (photo-born Lew Alcindor) and Ahmad Rashad; actors such as the wonderful Shohreh Aghdashloo; musicians like Ahmir-Khalib Thompson (better known as Quest Love on the Jimmy Fallon Show), and the jazz maestro, Art Blakey.
In medicine, there is the well-known Dr. Mehmet Oz who not only has his own daily show but each summer offers a superb replacement program that features what transpires in our hospitals between doctors and patients. Khalid Mughal is another outstanding doctor of internal medicine.
The above is only a brief illustration of the nearly endless number of people and organizations which have dramatically affected our lives (even if we are sometimes unaware of their impact).
The Islamic community has made an impression on Los Angeles since at least 1930 when its Islamic Center was established on a site that was previously owned by the Negro-run International Brotherhood of the Protectorate of Elks.
The building became an historical site until it had to be demolished once it failed newer earthquake standards. However, when the center was re-funded in 2000, the new complex (something very much needed to upgrade the neighborhood in a way that would allure visitors) was designed to provide housing, business, religious, and educational space. The coordinators very much recognized then and now that “only through education can we compete in the 21st century.” Islam believes that critical thinking is necessary to advance any and all societies and, thus, is an important part of the educational process.
Today we see Islamic community-owned and operated businesses in inner-city Los Angeles—places like drive-through restaurants, bakeries, markets and grocery stores, and thriving fish businesses. It is because of these enterprises that a vast variety of products are sold and a myriad of job opportunities are available.
The early days in Los Angeles were greatly influenced by an American offshoot of Islam, the Nation of Islam, but in recent years the Islamic community as a whole has been and continues to transition to a mainstream, peace-advocating form of that faith’s original intent.
Today, we see a proliferation of interfaith events whose purpose is to educate and share the cultural dynamics of other ethnic groups. Thus, Jewish leaders have invited Muslims to attend Rosh Hashanah services (for the holy Jewish New Year). Muslims, in turn, have Open Mosque Day during which non-Muslims are invited to tour a local mosque and have questions answered. All this is done to open and improve relations between Muslims and non-Muslims.
As with many other ethnic groups upon reaching America, there have been overt acts of rejection and aggression toward the Muslim community. It was only in the late 1960s (at the height of the Civil Rights Movement) that immigration restrictions were lessened. However, only once the community grew and more non-Muslims came into contact with Islamic adherents did Los Angeles Muslims feel a sense of belonging (although 9-11 did not help their acceptance). Muslims as a whole are largely losing their negative stereotype as increasing numbers of people engage with them through work, school, and elsewhere, learning who they really are and inviting them into their friendship circles.
Today, we find the emergence of a strong, progressive Muslim movement (open, by the way, to all genders). Its goal is to build a community in Los Angeles based on the core “Islamic values of compassion, equality, social justice, and human rights.” This “newer” group of Muslim Angelinos wants both to practice their religion in a way that is comfortable for them and to be true to their newly discovered selves.
In fact, these forward-thinking local Muslims welcome “new” Muslims, “old” Muslims, LGBT Muslims, and Muslims in mixed-faith relationships. For the rest of us, understanding their religious and cultural principles ought to change, in a positive way, the many less-than-favorable images that many in our city, let alone our nation, have unfairly harbored over time.
Gatherings by these groups encourage self-discovery and enlightenment. These “modern” Muslims promote diverse activities (and invite others to join in) that include, but go beyond, discussion groups—hiking, social activism, volunteer work, celebration of holidays, enjoyment of art, film, and music, among the many offerings. Zikr is another important component. Its purpose is to “discover and explore through meditation about one’s self and how one can fit in with the world around you”—a concept from which we can all benefit.
There are a number of dictums to which the Muslim community eagerly adheres. For instance, Islamic progressives believe that women are equal and should have the same access to educational opportunities as males do. This attitude extends to supporting equal employment opportunities.
They believe in separation of church and state as well as in universal human rights. They also promote freedom of expression (a principle so highly valued in the U. S. Constitution).
Perhaps, most of all, Islam believes in a pluralistic society: “We affirm that one’s religion and belief system is not the exclusive source of truth. We engage with a diversity of philosophical and spiritual traditions to pursue a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world.”
One can learn a lot from Islamic teachings. Furthermore, interacting with our Muslim neighbors can only enrich all our lives!
(Rosemary Jenkins is a Democratic activist and chair of the Northeast Valley Green Alliance. Jenkins has written A Quick-and=Easy Reference to Correct Grammar and Composition, Leticia in Her Wedding Dress and Other Poems, and Vignettes for Understanding Literary and Related Concepts. She also writes for CityWatch. This piece is part of an ongoing CityWatch series … Who Are The Real Angelinos … exploring the myriad peoples and cultures that define Los Angeles.)
-cw
CityWatch
Vol 12 Issue 97
Pub: Dec 2, 2014
