In the West it seems misconceptions about Arabs and Islam are so deeply engrained that the reality of the region is beyond any semblance of comprehension. During his life Mohammed took radical stands that challenged the traditions of his people at every level. He also asserted he was a just a man and that his message was one of justice and peace, constantly advancing a position that all are equal before Allah. Tolerance of Jews and Christians was also a fundamental part of his message. During his last major sermon he looked out over his followers and wondered if any of them truly understood what he had taught.
Since that time the Ummah has been debating the meaning of this man and thus Islam is nothing static, but an ever changing concept in the minds and hearts of the people who practice it. These days this debate has once again reached a pivotal moment where the long suppressed masses are standing up and stating in unequivocal terms their desire to reform the world in which they live, which is the very core of their religion. Mohammed always explained that Islam wasn’t a ritual or set of beliefs, but a manner in which one should constantly exist.
This week people in Libya, Algeria, Jordan, Yemen, Egypt, Tunisia and Bahrain have seized the collective desire for the removal of governments that have strayed very far from the meaning of their faith into autocracy, brutality and injustice. After centuries upon centuries of various leaders telling these people how and what they can do a primordial pressure has finally erupted into the streets and onto headlines around the world. Where it goes from here is a question that no one can answer. One thing is sure, God willing, they will change their fate.
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