Protests in arab world

This month has seen major changes in muslim countries with Tunisia and Eygpt and other small uprisings around that region. This show of human sprits being pushed and fighting back is inspiring and for some a true test from Allah. Obviously some see the opportunity of a lack of policing to loot and rob others and some use srtrong measures to protest like self immolation. I pray for those who are frustrated to turn to Allah and rely on Allah for a way to make their voice heard. This to me serves as a good example of how tough times can be a great test of your own restraint and stregnth. It also humbles me that so many contries are fighting for stablitiy and I am grateful to be in a country where I dont have to fear waking up to chaos and having my life change overnight to a overthrown government. Of course recessions and other issues abound here as well.

As a westener I see promise in these changes- many like to discredit Islam by pointing to Muslim majoirty countries and saying "these are the examples of how Islam is wrong as these countries have tyrants and corruption" These changes and the images of muslims, and partiularly women, fighting for change is proof that the government of a muslim country is not always a proper example of how Islam should be demonstrated in government

Another intersting story was the Pew report that Muslims will be a very large part of the world population in 30 years due to childbirth and some by converstion- that I'm sure is scary news to those ignoratnt of how Islam can positively impact ones life but I see it as a wonderful thing- Inshallah Muslims will soon not be the 'enemy of the moment' and we will garner respect as an influential faith

muslim corruption- saudi arabia

I recently read about saudi arabias luxery haji train that is only for arabs- I have long been aware of how saudi was viewed as the prime 'example' of muslim leadership and how corrupt it is (extreme interpretations of the quran and so forth) and this report about the train and also the ultra expensive clock in mecca takes it to another level. Many anti islam articles list the injustices of saudi policies and laws and equate it with all muslims. I pray non muslims will know that not all muslims support saudi and they're practices. I haven't made haji yet and feel sad it is so profit based with the expensive packages- what happened to charity, particularly in association with such a beautiful and noble occasion. So many times non muslims feel muslims are not 'outraged' by particular events and that our 'voice' isn't heard but western media picks and chooses how they want to portray muslims and the 'evil muslim' imagery sells, despite many who do protest. Its hard to hear the cries of protest when its not present or allowed to be heard. Inshallah things will one day change