Second Opinion / OTHER MEDIA : The Muslim Emphasis Is Self-Esteem, Discipline

What is it to be a Muslim? If you believe the media, we are fanatics, extremists, terrorists, or a backward group of people bent upon halting time. A major reason for this is that Muslims have allowed themselves to be defined by people who are hostile toward Islam and Muslims. Contrary to these stereotypes, we Muslims represent a wide spectrum of people who work toward a united global community comprised of people of differing cultures and ethnicities.

We are proud of our religion and what it means for society--all societies. (The Muslim) emphasis upon self-esteem and discipline is the vehicle by which they implement social change. Whereas the prevailing attitude among most Americans is that of “I got mine, you get your own,” our community is more concerned with the well-being of society and wanting for others what they want for themselves.

While American society has given up on those who are incarcerated, Muslims are interested in restoring their humanity and allowing them to be productive people in an ever changing society.