In December 2007, over 2,000 American Muslims were asked what they wished they could say to the world. This is what they said:

If you are a Muslim watching this, then you’ll understand how it really does feel awesome to put your forehead on the cold hard ground. How great is it that the things they are talking about seem so relevant and easy relate to?

Society so hastily becomes intimidated by an individual based on what we only hear from other people. When actually as it turns out, despite our fear of the unfamiliar, if one looks beyond the misconceptions and prejudgment often enough we will find that you and I are really not that much different after all…

I am a Malaysian Muslimah.

My headscarf is a personal choice and spiritual obligation.
It’s also a fashion statement.

I think that being part of a community means sharing.

There are times I accidentally miss my prayers, whoopsie!
But I do try my very best not to.

The friends I have are not just from my own race.
We merrily exchange recipes as well as ideas on religion.
Respect is what you get when you practice what you preach.

I am not ashamed of my virginity.

Sometimes, I give people free hugs on a whim.

My brother hates it when I give him a kiss in public.
His ambition is to be a daytime vet and an imam by night.

I believe that Allah is a good listener.
Especially when it seems that no one else around does the same.

Confessions of a Shopaholic stands right next to my Quran on the bookshelf.

I love my iPod.
And music is my boyfriend.

Being a med student sure takes preserverence.
Trust me, I’d rather just be watching Grey’s Anatomy too.

Would you still stare me down if I gave you a smile?

The MAS Media Foundation has released an engaging video “A Land Called Paradise” which came to our attention on Facebook.

In December 2007, over 2,000 American Muslims were asked what they would wish to say to the rest of the world.

The video shows what what they had to say, to the sound of “A Land Called Paradise” by Kareem Salama.

A young Muslim boy chews on salad with difficulty: “Broccoli is my personal jihad” is his message.

“Would you be scared if I move to your city?” says a card held by a young bearded Muslim.

A black brother holds the placard “My forefathers were Muslim slaves.” He throws away chains held in his hands.

A veiled sister holding shopping bags shares her secret with “I, too, shop at Victoria’s Secret.“

“I wear the head scarf even though my parents don’t want me to.” says another Muhajabah (veiled lady).

An interesting idea from a sister holding a dollar bill is “I write inspirational messages on dollar bills… in the hopes of helping someone.“

Muslim Idea brought to our notice by
Sister Haleh Banani

Video Credits 
Producer & Director: Lena Khan
Associate Producers: Murad Aldin Amayreh, Fahmi F. Farahat
DOP: Murad Amayreh
Assistant Director: Rania Sultan
Camera Operator: Nader Nuru
Editor: Fahmi F. Farahat
Costume & Makeup: Mohammad Mertaban, Ferdaus Serhal
Production Design: Kellie Huynh
Grip: Abdullah Shamari, Victor Gonzalez
Production Assistants: Yazeed Ibrahim, Tim Lie, Albert Tampi
Special Thanks: Authman Apatira, Shireen Hakim, Jeremy Ellis, Gaith Adhami, Sood Saeed, Mustafa Eshanzada, Amir Shaibi, Frozan Matin, Amir Ali, Adam, Elsayed, Laila Amayreh, Gadeer Milbes, Gaby Laporto, Roohe Ahmed, Sara Hussain, Sonya Servin, Amrin Vazifdar, Rizwan Vazifdar, Ameer Ellaboudy, Fadia Moemen, Hisham Mahmoud, Nadia Aibani, Beenish Hasan, Paula Easton, Alaa Ellaboudy, Dawud Williams, Mumtaz Khan, Shagufta Khan, Guleimbesat Khan, Daniel Khan, Seenara Khan, Adam Motiwala, Sukaena Mithani

Music courtesy: Kareem Salama