President Barack Obama met with the Egyptian people in June 2009, and his speech was one of encouragement and peace. The speech caught the attention of many because President Obama quoted from the Quran five times in a most positive and respectful way.
For too long the Muslim world has felt that no one outside their ranks considered them important enough to deal with fairly. They have endured colonialism, oppression, and deceit in its highest forms. It can be said that the policy of the colonial period continued in the Middle East even as slavery ended in America. For many, President Obama represents an end to centuries of such a wayward policy.
Oppression Defined for Muslims
As such there are different forms of oppression affecting the Muslim community; slavery is the most outwardly obvious and severe. Other forms are more subtle; like convincing a people that their culture and worth is substandard. Colonialism wrought over the centuries against the Middle Eastern people represents this type of oppression.
A New Direction For Muslims and Non-Muslims
President Barack Obama’s appearance in the Middle East heralded the end to the psychology of colonialism and subversive policies towards Muslims and the Middle East.
But Muslims must do their part also, as the Quran states. “And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah; but if they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression. “ (Quran 2:193)
Muslims fight only in self defense for freedom from tyranny, oppression and those who promote terror. However, now is the time to come to the table and enjoy peace as God commands. Enjoy that which is best for humanity.
The new direction is not to seek out those to fight but those to fellowship with. It should not matter from what religion a person adheres to when he or she calls for peace. It only matters that the call is made.
The Godly are Those Who Desire Peace
Peace can only be had with a clear understanding of purpose and sincere devotion to its development; not everyone will be online. There will be those who will build on the idea of error, oppression, and terrorism. There will be those who insist that President Obama is wrong or hold him as suspect until he proves himself. But the godly among humanity will strive for peace.
As such, those who desire peace, like President Barack Obama, peace loving Americans, and clear thinking Muslims who patiently persevere, the goal of peace will be obtained; God willing.
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