An American Muslim account of Independence Day from the Panama City News Herald.

http://www.newsherald.com/articles/muslim-75496-americans-time.html

Independence Day also a time for Muslim-Americans to celebrate

July 04, 2009 09:00:00 AM

By MICHAEL W. WESTERFIELD

 

PANAMA CITY

Independence Day brings happiness, joy and excitement to those Americans who know their history and love the freedom our country provides. We have the freedom to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, precious commodities that many countries do not have. It is the day in which we commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, when the United States declared its independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. We celebrate with fireworks, cookouts, carnivals, sports, etc. But what is the Fourth of July to the Muslim-American?

Islam is the fastest-growing religion on the earth, in particular the West. There is an estimated 7 million to 9 million Muslims in America, and many of them celebrate July 4 just like the average American family. In fact, many Muslims in America were born here, and many more have been here since childhood. Yes, there are many African-American, Arab, Pakistani and Euro-American Muslims who pray five times a day, some with beards, others without, women covering their heads - many who love this country, the freedom it has to offer and who hold this beautiful nation dear to their hearts. Their voice is not loud as yet, but our numbers are growing.

I am a Floridian of European descent and a convert to Islam. I have blue eyes and dirty-blond hair, but I believe in the Creator of the Universe (God), Muhammad as His Prophet, I pray five times a day and still go out on July 4. I watch fireworks with my family and thank God for the freedom we have in this country - and yes, I am proud to be an American!

There are many immigrant Muslims who left their homelands to come and live here freely, some many years ago (whose children are second- and third-generation Muslim-Americans), and many who have migrated here recently. They abide by the laws of this great land, earn an honest living and engage in politics. Yes, there are Muslims who do not have an active (political) voice in this country, and do not want one either, but guess what - some of these Muslims were born here (converted to Islam), are of Euro and African descent, and just choose not to honor this country and its freedoms. I am not one of them!

As Muslims, we are commanded to abide by the laws of the country where we dwell, we are to respect one another and other nations, the Quran says: "O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not that you despise each other)." America is a country where Muslims can live freely and love their neighbors (tribes) and practice their faith without restrictions, a privilege that many foreign Muslims were not able to do in their respective countries. We are to denounce evil and stand for good, practice righteousness, propagate peace.

Some of us might look different at times, some wear robes or have long beards, and most women cover their hair and dress modestly. Some people confuse us for Jews, but we are still Americans, just as Jewish-Americans. We love this nation and are a part of it as well. In fact, many of us have taken an active role in politics by becoming governors, city councilmen and councilwomen, mayors, senators, congressmen and congresswomen, and much more.

July 4 is a special day in the hearts of Muslim-Americans. If some (Muslims) do not agree with me, then truly, they do not know the history of this great nation and do not value freedom, truth, honesty, the pursuit of happiness ... and the freedom of religion, just to name a few.

You will see me out on July 4, celebrating with my children and applauding after watching fireworks, but I will not be wearing a kufi (small Islamic cap) on my head, and a robe will not be a part of my attire or a beard.

But what you will see is an American enjoying the freedoms of his country - a Muslim celebrating Independence Day with his family!