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Allahu Akbar: Arabic term used by Muslims, Christians and Jews
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by Frank Liao | November 6, 2009 at 11:42 am
164 views | 14 Recommendations | 2 comments
It's been reported that alleged Ft. Hood shooter Nidal Hasan shouted the phrase, "Allahu Akbar" prior to firing shots. Allahu Akbar is an Arabic phrase that roughly translates to God is Great or God is Greatest.
While the major media outlets have been quick to point out Hasan's Islamic upbringing and paint him as an Islamic extremist, it is extremely important to clarify that "Allahu Akbar" is not a phrase exclusive to Arab Muslims.
The word "Allah" refers to God and is the same word used by Arab Muslims, Christians, and Jews, although they have differing opinions about Allah, and what Allah stands for. So while both Arab Muslims and Christians call God by Allah, only Christians would recognize Jesus as the son of Allah.
Although the name "Allah" is most commonly associated with Islam, it was also used in pre-Islamic times. It was used by Arab Christians in the pre-Islamic Umm al-Jimal inscription (6th century).
It has not yet been confirmed that Hasan actually shouted Allahu Akbar prior to firing shots. All reports of Hasan shouting Allahu Akbar are just reports, and not facts. Allahu Akbar is in no way tied to fanaticism, extremism, or violence. If a Christian shouted "Hallelujah" before going on a rampage, would that automatically make Hallelujah a word identifiable with violence or religious fanaticism? I would hope not.
Even if he shouted such a thing, it would no more reflect on his co-religionists than does the fanatic who murdered Kansas abortion provider Dr. George Tiller and who happened to consider himself a devout Christian does on his co-religionists. It’s worth remembering that nearly all mass shootings in this country are committed by white men. Do we have a white-man problem on our hands?
These are the first words a Muslim child hears after entering this world. The father makes the call to prayer in his or her ears as the welcome-to-this-world message. The same call is heard wherever there are Muslims, five times a day.
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (2)
at 13:19 on November 6th, 2009
Thank you for this post, FrankLiao.
at 03:34 on November 7th, 2009
"It’s worth remembering that nearly all mass shootings in this country are committed by white men."
I really have a problem with that statement. Really.
As a member of the only remaining unprotected class in America, i find that statement beyond the pale. It is hate filled and spiteful and should not be allowed or sanctioned.
It’s worth remembering that nearly all mass shootings in this country are committed by gay men.
It’s worth remembering that nearly all mass shootings in this country are committed by black men.
It’s worth remembering that nearly all mass shootings in this country are committed by Arab men.
It’s worth remembering that nearly all mass shootings in this country are committed by women.
It’s worth remembering that nearly all mass shootings in this country are committed by Chinese men.
Gotta love being in such an exclusive club!