POV

As Salaamu Alaikum wa Rahmatu Allah. Al-Hamdu-Lillah for your contribution. I am African-American and my wife of 18 years is Puerto-Rican. Did you know that the cultural Lay-Lo-Li originated when the Moors (Muslims of Spain) who helped Colombus chart his way across the Atlantic, due to their knowledge of crossing the desert using the stars. They tried to get the Boriquen Natives to say La Ilaha Illallah. but the best it came was Lay Lo Li, Lay lo Lah, as in Sonora Pocena "Lay lo li en se canta en me tierra de jiarito." May Allah bless you and your family. Ma Salaama

by Abdulaziz Faruq
June 23, 2009, 11:33 PM

i watch the new muslim on pbs., thank god that was a wonderful film... i wish we had more education in this world about muslim reigion i'm not a muslim and i don't belone to any church...but i believe in god., when i was watching this it open my heart and eye's wide...thank you hamza

by theresa kitchens
June 23, 2009, 11:39 PM

AsSalaulaykum i would first like to thank you,your wife and your community for making the moving. inshallah it will help spread Islam and give a different view of Muslims than stereotypes that the media portrays. I am also really happy to see a young bi-racial Muslim family. My husband is 25 and i am 23 we are also a bi-racial family, even though we are both Trinidadian he is East Indian and Yemenis and i am of African and Portuguese descent. When he first came to the U.S (Brooklyn) he was shocked to see the divorce rate the plagues the Muslim communities. It is really nice to see another happy couple. I love to cohesiveness of your marriage and the way you both interact with each other. May Allah(swt) bless your marriage in this world and the hereafter. (Ameen) Also were can we find your music???
- Jazalakirah
If your ever in Brooklyn give us an email we could link up(inshallah)

by Naimah Mohammed
June 24, 2009, 12:11 AM

Assalamu Alaikum Brother, i seen ya flic on PBS, n stayed home content n focused on ya film despite everything else on TV n goin on outside. u helped me manifest exactly what i am tryin 2 show others in my life. i stay in Miami, a collab would be right between u n myself, i belong 2 Future Chamber, under Popa Wu Records Wu-tang. Peace n Blessings InShallah!PEACE! Ishaq

by Malik Ishaq (KipStar)
June 24, 2009, 12:31 AM

Bismillaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahim. My brother Greg is not Muslim but has good manners, reads the Quran and fast Ramadan. MY HEART CRYS to have a Muslim sibling.Can you please call him to tell him about Allah and the Prophet Muhammed(SAW)I tried, but I think your wonderful way of giving dawa would reach him better since I'm up in age.If you can, e-mail me then I will foward his phone number to U. My dua is: May Allah guide U to guide him. Amin. My signature is HeLp CoMeS FrOm ALLAH.So I'm reaching out.GOOD JOB /LOVE THE SHOW. May Allah reward U & the Muslims both in this Life & next. May Allah allow the Prophet(SAW) to intercede for us on the day of judgement. Amin. Thanks for your time. Your sister Waheedah

by Waheedah Toure
June 24, 2009, 12:52 AM

Hamza, the way you live you life is inspirational.
My question is, when struggles come your way, for example, when the raid happened,or when your clearance was invoked, or maybe something as simple as when your parents don't understand your way of life... What do you tell them? What do you tell yourself to keep going? and to keep breathing? How do you motivate yourself to wake up, face the struggles, and do it with an open heart?

by Anna
June 24, 2009, 1:14 AM

Hamza: what would be the best way for a non-Muslim to learn more about the Muslim religion, culture? What is the one message/lesson you would teach to all people?

You are AMAZING, thank you for making me want to do more good....

by Sarah
June 24, 2009, 2:43 AM

I just watched the film and i have to say it was really good, my question is what advice would you give to a newly american convert who converted bc he is getting married to a muslima? he didn't have religion before, but i don't think he fully understands islam either, so what do you think should be his first steps in trying to comprehend Islam?

by samera
June 24, 2009, 2:59 AM

Salam alaikum brother to you and your family. thank you. very nice film and an excellent da'waa. i love the evolution in the process of the struggle to become humanbeing. i have now been muslim these past 15 or so years...all thanks and praise are to God, the Most High. i would like to introduce my shaykh, Shaykh Nazim al-Haqqani, through his representative Shaykh Hisham Kabbani, to you. He is with the lovers of Allah and His beloved, Prophet Muhammad (saw). you would appreciate the music and soul. you would find the love that you have found, even more so, and the connection to Prophet Muhammad saw. please check out: www.sufilive.com. my love and salams to you and your family, sr. rebecca

by Rebecca
June 24, 2009, 8:07 AM

First, Brother Hamza I can not tell you how impressed I am of your conduct as a leader, husband and father. You are everything I hope my own son grows up to become. May Allah reward you and increase your bounty for your dedication and sincerity.

I would like to know if you do speaking presentations. As a Muslimah who has been "on the path" since the 70's, I find the typical Islamic conferences lacking, failing to inspire young men and women and seriously addressing the problems most Muslims in the urban communities face. Your ability to communicate is exceptional and if it were possible for you to travel to New Jersey it would benefit the entire Ummah with a presentation from you. We would welcome you and I would be interested in your reply.

by UmmHussain
June 24, 2009, 11:52 AM

As-salaamu-alaikum Hamza,

It is truly a blessing to see how Allah directs the course of our lives! I am not sure if you remember me, but I remember when you accepted Islam, as I did, years ago in Worcester. You and other brothers used to visit my husband and I, to learn and talk about deen.

I see what you have achieved, how Allah has blessed you with great talent and a beautiful family, and can't help to smile. Allahu Akbar!

I am a poet and freelance writer and would like to interview you, for a piece to be published inshaAllah in one of the prominent Islamic magazines. I pray you will accept the offer.

JAK
Was-salaam

by Umm Hamzah
June 24, 2009, 3:06 PM

As Salamu Ahlakum. I am very interested in the project that you talked about creating a program for the drug dealer. I have been trying to set something up like that in New York City. So if you can send or give me anything that you think I could use to set that up here please let me know. The program was very good. I hope it will give more of us the know how to show the better face of Al-Islam. Thank you and all of the sister and brother who were involved. May Allah continue to bless you all with much success. To all who viewed the program and found the good in it please let others know how to find the brother. Wa Lakum As Salam.

by Abdul-Karim Rahim
June 24, 2009, 9:24 PM

HAMZA i just watched your movie on pbs today and it led me to get out of steeling and drug dealing ...rite now im a seventh day Adventist which means i keep some kind of sabbath on Friday nights and on Saturdays and im open to become a Muslim you know and i just want some more info on this subject...and if you have a myspace or something so that we can keep in touch (nohomo)

by Ezra
June 25, 2009, 12:54 AM

Asalam alekum my dear brother.Am a muslim and was so honoured by the ground you took to spread the ONLY TRUE religion.I have some knowledge on the QURAN-BIBLE and can share with you incase you need.All the best in your Da'wa and may GOD help you.

by Noor
June 25, 2009, 1:51 AM

as salaam alaikum hamza im your wife,s cousin ruqayah we need more young muslims like you guys out here trying to do something positive for muslims how can i get a copy of your c.d for my husband who went through what you went through at times he has problems shaking off his friends from the past i know he can relate 2 you send my cousin all my love and salaams ive been in p.r i never knew she had babies your show made me happy and proud 2 be muslim and proud of you guys you kept goin' even when they kept tryin' 2 knock you down

by ruqayah lopez
June 25, 2009, 4:19 AM

brother hamza you have open me to new things and let me kno that if you can get out i can to.I wanted to ask you if you would contact me and give some help im serious i need it.It took alot for me to even come out like this but you seem real and i know u can help me.So can you please email me? kidd.roberts@yahoo.com thank yu and bless your family

by sean roberts
June 25, 2009, 5:09 AM

yesterday i was thumbing through the channels on tv, and i was blessed to check out your documentary on being muslim in america. I was really impressed! i feel that you are still on THAT journey to finding AND experiencing the joys of god! just like myself! It seems, "too good to be true, but very surreal". but when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable to the will of our savior is when our true blessing will come thru!? your mission was accomplished! i know that you have escalated to many levels spritually since the taping of the show! and the is the blessing in your works! just be patient and obedient! Let go and let god!
gotta love you, brother~ peace!

by arius
June 25, 2009, 5:29 AM

Living in small town and no one really to talk to about Islam. The only small mosque is shut down i think i call and no one answers stopped by a few times no one answers. No one to talk about the questions i have i did however get a hold of a quaran and a video on a discussion. Broke with no chance to venture out much i can get to a couple cities who have a Islamic community but i have no money to travel there so if u can get a hold of me or send me a phone call from someone would appercite it

by Jefferson Gomez
June 25, 2009, 1:51 PM

Hi Hamza, I really appreciated seeing the video about you and your wife and your efforts to make this world a better place. I was extremely moved by your story, so much so that I have just purchased the DVD online. The film director is also to be commended for doing an exceptionally fine job. As a 68 year old Christian white guy who lives in the suburbs, you give me hope for the future!

by John Reinke
June 25, 2009, 3:17 PM

First of all, I only caught the last hour but that was enuff to touch and move me.
How do I get a press screener? When will the piece be shown again on PBS? I would like to interview you (and your wife) for a paper I work for. BTW, the docu makes Pgh. look like there's some potential here.

by Denise Johnson
June 25, 2009, 4:21 PM

I enjoyed the film a lot and the music was great where can I purchase your cd?

by Ron
June 25, 2009, 5:16 PM

as salam u alaikum my dear muslim brother! Insha Allah May Allah swt continue to bless u your family and your islamic community. ameen! My muslim brother it was a blessing to catch the film on you tonight the 24 of june actually i was watching the nba draft. I changed it to pbs and it stayed there. I missed the draft lol. I'm puerto rican too! But most importantly im a muslim al humdulilah. The only one in my family .I reside in camden nj and attend the masjid muhammed on spruce st. if u ever this way insha allah i would like to meet u and offer the salat and vibe to u about the music.I produced tracks and my lil brother is a producer also he's in fla. We would like to put your vocals on some of our tracks. Insha allah. AS SALAM U ALAIKUM

by Adul AliMuslim Torres
June 25, 2009, 11:03 PM

as-aslamu-alaykum,
i learned alot from New Muslim Cool humdulilah.
BUT I wanted to know how could i get involved or what should be my first step in helping the community.?
i do write,and will be inshallah going to college to write /write books, but i wanted to go out in the open and help... and my husband has a agreed to me going out and helping, but he is locked up at this time.

by muneerah
June 25, 2009, 11:24 PM

thank you for your dedication to your family and community, this is Islam, the struggle continues, you are in my prayers brother, I would like to support your music so if you tell me how to buy your music I will. Peace

by mike
June 26, 2009, 12:31 PM

As Salaamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakhatu. Alhamdulillah for your inspirational story. I am a Puerto Rican Musliman and was most impressed with the way your wife supported you in your activism within the community. The Akhi I intend to marry has a spirit similar to yours in that he has come from the streets, found Islam, and now wants to speak in the community to spread the Da'wa. My question is, based on your relationship with your wife, what advice would you give me so I can be as supportive as my soon-to-be husband needs me to be?

by Salmaa Mujahid
June 26, 2009, 3:18 PM

How can I contact you? I have some life questions for you? Thanks

by Jackie Douglas
June 26, 2009, 6:22 PM

I need a Da' wa..I watched your story and I am so inspired by you...I want to learn from you. Can you please tell me how I can contact you so that I may learn from you and be able to pass on the message and inspire others. I am a young mother of four lil girls and I struggle everyday to give myself and my children a better life despite our surroundings. I heard you in the movie that God gives us struggles as a sign of his love for us and that we should go through them and face them with his love I feel that! And yet I have so many questions about life and faith. I am trying to put in place a foundation for my children and myself to not only have faith but live a life of faith and I truly admire your religion yet I too have questions and want to learn more about it I am so eager to get the chance to learn from you and recieve your message and way of life I hope you answer my plea and share your faith with me..Thank You for your grace! Peace & Love my brother in life ...J`

by Jackie Douglas
June 26, 2009, 7:18 PM

AS-SALAAM-ALAIKUM AKEE !
HIT ME UP abdnasrideen@live.com
IIT'S REAL!
ABU NASRIDEEN
IIT'S NOT WHERE U @ IS WHAT UR DOING!

by Abdul Latif ibn Trujillo
June 27, 2009, 12:28 AM

Sallam from the U.K wanted to know if its possible to see the documentry online? your a good inspiration to those that seek the knowledge of truth, uphold your status brother be strong. May Allah show mercy on your mother. Travel the world with your family and enjoy its beauty
Marrakech, Spain Cordoba, Delhi India, Indonesia list goes on, you will see the affect how a noble single orphan arab Muhammad peace be upon him grew to make such a change to the world. It was meant to be.
Sallam Alaikum
Brother Mohammed

by Mohamed
June 28, 2009, 9:07 AM

Did you find the move to Pittsburgh difficult and did you find the residents of Pittsburgh accepting of your beliefs? We have an aging population here in Pittsburgh and that can sometimes lead to problems with acceptance of different cultures.

While I am a Christian, my husband and I have tried to raise our daughter to respect and understand different religions - with the result that she is baptized a Lutheran, attends a Jewish afterschool program, and wants to be married in India in a Hindu wedding!

Are there any classes here in Pittsburgh to teach non-Muslim children (and adults, for that matter) about the basic tenets of Islam?

Finally, what did you name the baby? Just wondering if it was one of the names suggested by the kids.

by Amy Carpenter
June 28, 2009, 11:34 AM

Dear Brother Hamza,
Last night after watching the news, I was browsing the rest of the TV channels and came across your interview. At first I did not know what was the interview about then I heard security clearance mentioned which got my attention. After the interview I turned my computer on and started searching the internet and found your interview page. I am glad you are back at work and your clearance is reinstated.

I served with US Army for five years in Iraq and East Africa as Arabic Linguist. I had a final secret clearance and an interim TS as well. Last Yeas while working I was accepted to work for DIA and was granted another DIA secret clearance I was ready to deploy back to Iraq. My wife got sick and I had to take a medical leave to care for her my four small children. when i return to work I found out that my clearance was revoked. I wrote DSCO and OPM wanted to know what happened to my clearance. No one wants to tell me anything, I wrote to Privacy Act and got no answer. I would like to know who to contact and who can help me understand and why after serving for five years in the war zone my cleance is taken away.
Thank you and may Allah keep you.
Alex

by Alex
June 29, 2009, 12:27 AM

As Salaamu 'Alaykum Wa Rahmatullaahi Wa Barakaatuh

I enjoyed the film and was very touched by many things, but throughout the film, there was one thing that I felt was not right, not in accordance with the sunnah. As Muslims we are obligated to advise each other according to the sunnah. Therefore, I wanted to point out a few things from the Quran and Sunnah that will explain why I felt the way I did. And this is something that has not been mentioned--concerning the music. If we look at some ayaat and ahadeeth, it is clear that music (those with musical instruments in particular) is haraam. I will list just a few (saheeh) evidences to support my view, and –bi ith ni illah-perhaps you will see why music is against the sunnah of the prophet (sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam).

“And of mankind is he who purchases idle talk to mislead (men) from the Path of Allaah, without knowledge, and takes it (the Path of Allaah, the Verses of the Qur’aan) by way of mockery. For such there will be a humiliating torment (in the Hell-fire).” [Luqmaan 31:6]

“Most of the scholars interpreted lahw al-hadeeth (“idle talk”) as meaning singing and musical instruments...(Islam QA).”

“ Narrated Abu 'Amir or Abu Malik Al-Ash'ari: that he heard the Prophet (sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam) saying, "From among my followers there will be some people who will consider illegal sexual intercourse, the wearing of silk, the drinking of alcoholic drinks and the use of musical instruments, as lawful. And there will be some people who will stay near the side of a mountain and in the evening their shepherd will come to them with their sheep and ask them for something, but they will say to him, 'Return to us tomorrow.' Allah will destroy them during the night and will let the mountain fall on them, and He will transform the rest of them into monkeys and pigs and they will remain so till the Day of Resurrection." (Book #69, Hadith #494 Saheeh Bukhaari).

“He (sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam) compared musical instruments to things that are definitely known to be haraam, namely zina and alcohol. If instruments were not haraam, he would not have made this comparison. The evidence of this hadeeth that singing is haraam is definitive. Even if no other hadeeth or aayah spoke about musical instruments, this hadeeth would be sufficient to prove that they are haraam, especially the kind of singing that is known among people nowadays...(Islam QA).”

“It was narrated that Naafi’ (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: Ibn ‘Umar heard a woodwind instrument, and he put his fingers in his ears and kept away from that path. He said to me, O Naafi’, can you hear anything? I said, No. So he took his fingers away from his ears and said: I was with the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and he heard something like this, and he did the same thing (Saheeh Abi Dawood).”

And, “Al-Albaani (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: The four madhhabs are agreed that all musical instruments are haraam (al-Saheehah, 1/145) (Islam QA).”

Wa Allaahu 'Alam

Was Salaamu 'Alaykum Wa Rahmatullaahi Wa Barakaatuh

by a. muslim
June 29, 2009, 4:49 PM

Assalamu Alaikum brother Hamza,

First of all I would like to thank you for the wonderful documentary, you are truly an inspiration.
Second, I noticed that you grew up in Worcester and converted to Islam while you were there. I too am from Worcester and was wondering if you converted at the Islamic Society of Greater Worcester (ISGW)? I feel like I remember seeing you there during Friday prayers and also giving the adhan sometimes. The main thing I wanted to ask you though is if you would be willing to come give a talk at the Worcester masjid some time in the near future. The ISGW is still running Alhamdulilah, and each month, the community puts together a program about a topic. I know this is asking a lot, but I would really appreciate an email back and maybe we can work something out.
JazkakAllah
Noman

by Noman Khanani
June 30, 2009, 12:49 AM

Salamo Alykom,

I really admire your community work, and I want to remind all muslims out there of a hadeeth the prophet said " The muslim that interacts with people and is patient when they harm him is better than a muslim that doesn't mingle and is patient when people harm him" youv'e applied this hadeeth so beautifuly and another Hadeeth is the prophet told us to take care of our neighbor until the seventh one ,and the sholors said that he meant the seventh neighbor to the north and the seventh to the south and the seventh to the east and seventh to the west that is a total of 28 neighbors, can you imagine if we all applied that what a beautiful and peacful and loving world this would be?

thank you Hamza for taking care of your community and others, for taeching brotherhood at ita absolute meaning;we are all equal in Allah eyes no matter what color our skin is, but those who are righteous are closer to him as he said, may Allah reward you for victoring Islam, because islam will come on the day of judgment and say this person victored me and this didn't.

may Allah reward you.

by Um Hassan
June 30, 2009, 1:29 AM

Salam alaikum brother. my name is safia. i am also a latina that converted to Islam. i now live in a very small town in oklahoma. i've only met one other sister here. alhumdillilah! i don't really get a chance to talk with other sisters to provide guidance and support that i need. i ask Allah to give me this first and he does. but like you, before i came over to Islam i was in the streets and things of that nature. since i've become muslim, i've fallen down and given into temptation a couple times. i ask for tobah but i still feel very dissappointed in myself. i want to take my shahadah again in a city nearby. i guess my question is to you, is that have you heard of this before. does it seem right? i hope you will answer or someone (muslim) that reads this will. thank you. and may Allah keep you and your family. safia

by safia alcon
July 1, 2009, 4:18 PM

Salaamualaikum bro,

If you get a chance to visit the ATL hit me up on 678 559 4405. Wanna rap to you about some dawa issues...

Wass Salaam

by Abu Ibraheem
July 3, 2009, 3:01 AM

As Salaam Alaikum...May Allah,the Supreme Being, grant you the opportunity to continue in the truth of Islam. Your film is very real and spiritually lifting. Through my years of Islam, as my way of life, I know and live the blessings that is and will be...I extend to you to visit the United Nation of Islam website www.unoi.org..here is the fulfillment for the Righteous. Everything happens for a reason and mathematics always adds up to the absolute answer...As Salaam Alaikum

by Adilah
July 4, 2009, 7:02 AM

Asalamu Alaikum Brother Hamzah,
I was also wondering what your contact email is? I was interesed in knowing if there was any update in your attempts to stand up for your rights via the ACLU or other civil rights venues with respect to the FBI raid/security clearance withdrawal? If I could speak to you more because I am doing work around similar patterns of abuse that would be great. Documenting and challenging these abuses is very important. Hope to hear back. Jazakallahu Khair.
-Summer

by Summer
July 6, 2009, 4:09 AM

There should be lots of men in the world like you Hemza Perez, You are quite something, you are amazing I am so happy that you Mother didn't give up on you. She is quite something herself.
You inspired me to be patient, be careful, truthful, loyal and kind. Hope to find a strong man like you someday, who I truely deserve. I am not religious nor do I belong to a any organization but, you inspire me to want to be a muslim woman. And I really mean that. The community, the togetherness, the love.

Stay strong
keep inspiring
one love
Sofaya

by sofaya
July 8, 2009, 2:49 PM

AKEE I APOLOGIZE I PUT THE WRONG EMAIL HERE IS MY EMAIL abunasrideen@live.com PLEASE HIT ME UP I WILL LIKE TO COME THROUGH WITH THE FAM. IAM FROM PERU BORN IN N.Y.C .

by Abdul Latif ibn trujillo
July 9, 2009, 1:58 AM

Alhumdullilah

Asalaamu Alaikum brother, I saw your documetary and am very inspired by your actions. I am a convert of 3 years now and have only recently been on my deen alhumdullilah, and seeing this film has inspired me to want to do better in my community. I am not really involved in any organizations as I have only been here for a short time, but I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, I too am Puerto Rican and face the same struggles you do my brother, I thank you for being an inspiration and was also wondering where i can find your music so i can support your cause. Insha'ALLAH I will hear from you soon my brother, my email is al7192@yahoo.com or myspace is myspace.com/datcubsfan73.

Take care my brother in Islam, Asalaamu Alaikum

by Ibrahim Lopez from seattle, washington
August 13, 2009, 4:23 PM

AllahuAkbar

Salaam My Beloved Brother, may Allah be pleased with your wonderful deeds,

I was up until 1am watching your movie, wonderful piece. You are on the right track, after 20yrs of trying to keep on the straight path, it's a blessing to see a young brother holding the torch. Keep up the work, and may Allah Bless you in your travels.

Salaam,
Your Noble Brother,
Bilal

by Bilal from Dallas, Tx
August 13, 2009, 8:22 PM

A question about Naming

Assalamu Alaikum,
I am in a problem and i need some explanation on the basis of Quran and Hadith. Now i am explaining the situation:
In hinduism, on the basis of Uponishod(the second holy book of hindus), "THIRD EYE" is a symbol of enlightment which is used to get rid of the loop of rebirth. Their one of the main god names "SHIVA" has a third eye on his forehead and they are used to worship him.

Now, me and some of my friends are developing a software firm. Before one month we named it "THIRD EYE LAB". But, now, i have come to know that in ISLAM it is strictly prohibited to use the symbols or names of others who are not in islam.

Now, can you tell me some deatils about using symbols of others and what is told in QURAN about it?? I am in need of your answer and suggestion very much. Thak you very much. ALLAH HAFIZ

by Md. Shihabuddin Sadi from Dhaka., Dhaka.
October 4, 2009, 12:38 PM

Asking information

Assalamu'alaykum wr.wb. Ahlan wa sahlan. Hello Dear Sir Hamza. My name is Yones, Muslim from Indonesia. I am seeking the job of arts to America but haven't been getting it. I very like to work with arts, culture and horticulture. If you have the good information for me or can help me please I really very expect it from you. Alhamdulillah if can the job in the world art. Before, thanks for your regards.
Wassalamu'alaykum wr.wb.

by Yones from Bogor, Indonesia
October 26, 2009, 12:30 PM