First, let me apologize for anyone who feels that I insulted their religion. That was not my intent. Second, I was not attacking Hakeem. I was merly trying to make a point, to spark a debate, which seems mute now considering some of you seem very unhappy; whatever the case, some people on this board took what I was saying to the extreme and interpreted what I was saying with prejudice. In all fairness, I like Hakeem. I really do. In fact, I have stated in other posts that I first became a Rocket fan because of Hakeem. I am not trying to be an iconoclast although some of you might think I am. In some ways I regret even trying to spark a debate especially if it involves religion. No, I am not an expert in Islam, nor did I ever say I was, having said that, I have learned about the religion from these discussions. I think some of you need to step back and be accepting of other ideas even if you think they are wrong and not focus so much on being combative. Again, I apologize if anyone is angered by my comments. That was not my intent.
I don't know why, but I've always found it a little weird to erect a statue of somebody that is still alive
Yep. And coupled with the fact that Hakeem is a little nervous about those kind of things in the first place (religious and humbleness) just make it that much more "weird." I mean, imagine if it was your statue on display. Even if you were a great player, it still would feel strange to see yourself honored like a "Golden Calf." Nevertheless, I don't mind if they do erect a statue. As long as Hakeem is ok with it. Make it respectable, not guady (NOT shrine like).
There is nothing in Islam against being rich! On the contrary, a rich and strong and influential Muslim is prefered over all else!
PICTURES ARE NOT FORBIDDEN IN ISLAM. THE ONLY THING FORBIDDEN IN ISLAM IS CREATING STATUES "BY A MUSLIM" BECAUSE A MUSLIM IS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE GLORIFIED OVER OTHERS AND SHOULD STAY HUMBLE. THAT IS THE REASON WHY THERE MIGHT BE SOME CONFLICTING VIEWS THERE. BUT THE MAJORITY OF MUSLIM SCHOLARS ARE OKAY WITH PICTURES, FOR THEIR INTENT OF USE IS DIFFERENT. My personal opinion however would be that it is OK for the city to honor Olajuwon since it something others want and not him. Therefore, it is not Olajuwon's intent to glorify himself, but rather the city's request to honor him in life and thereafter as a player and a role model, so in that building a statue for him is NOT forbidden. I just hope his Imam advisor is not one of those Imams who posses narrow point of views.
First of all, there is no such thing as "Basketball Gods", it is just a phrase we use. Second of all, NOBODY IN THE WORLD WORSHIPS OLAJUWON AS A GOD, SO I ASSUME THAT WHAT YOU ARE REFERRING TO IS HIS BEING "IDOLIZED" BY basketball fans rather than literally "worshipped", so you gotta make the distinction there. Second, and most importantly, There are hundreds of ways people interpret Islam with, the more right-wingest in Islam might agree with abolishing statues and pictures, which is practiced largely in Saudi Arabia. But the vast majority of Muslims are more open-minded towards that subject and thus practice it differently. And finally one more very important thing: THERE IS NOTHING IN THE MUSLIM BIBLE THAT CLEARLY STATES THE JUDGEMENT ON THIS ISSUE, AND THUS WHAT THAT MEANS TRADITIONALLY IN ISLAM IS THAT IT IS UP TO THE PERSONAL INTERPRETATION OF THE PEOPLE THEMSELVES, AND THUS SOMETHING THAT MUSLIMS CANNOT BE PUNISHED FOR BASED ON A CLEARLY STATED RULE. Please don't make judgements on Islam and Muslims unless you posses the full knowledge of the subject matter, otherwise you would be as ignorant as those who attributed Bin Laden's believes as those of Islam's after the tragedy our beloved country suffered from on 9/11.
As a Muslim, you are only responsible for what you can control. And as I said and will say again for the hundredth time: IT IS NOT FORBIDDEN TO TAKE PICTURES IN ISLAM! IF HENRY FORD WAS AFRAID OF BEING IDOLIZED AND WORSHIPPED BY PEOPLE FOR HIS MAGNIFICENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN SERVING HUMANITY, SHOULD HE HAVE ABANDONED HIS EFFORTS AND STUCK WITH HIS BELIEFS? ABSOLUTELY NOT!! Same thing applies here for Hakeem never had the INTENTION (WHICH ALL THAT MATTERS) to be idiolized or worshipped and he certainly never got out of his way to request such a thing, so whatever fault shall fall will fall on those who do the worshipping and idiolization, not Hakeem. It is like saying that a guy who forgot the door of the apartment unlocked and therefore someone was able to break in and kill his wife and kids should be punished for murder!! Do you see what I am trying to say here people??
Saddam's actions have effectively booted him out of Islam completely, even if he considers himself as a Muslim. There are actions in Islam that convert you to a non-Muslim, and killings and rapings and corruption are just some of those that Saddam has a long history of, so no he is not a Muslim by Islam's doctorine, whether he says he is or not.
Yes, the distribution of Wealth in Islam is through Charity means, and not forced sharing of wealth. Thus, Islam is not Communism, but rather depends on the good will of people to share their wealth materialistically and spiritually. Giving to Charity by the able is one of the 5 Pillars of Islam, which are all that a person needs to do to be considered as part of Islam. Anything else simply strengthens your position as a Muslim.
Hakeem, you're the GREATEST. I want to make you MY OWN statue. I will even put up a building if I just had the money. Whether you like it or not, there are many people who don't get to have their statues erected. You are outstanding and deserve a statue. Isn't that what it's all about? That statue should look like this: (leave that other guy in there... he won't mind having 2 statues)
Just something about Charity in Islam that I wanted to post here, this is an actual Hadith (Or Confirmed Story) that is believed by Muslims: "A man once brought the Prophet Muhammad some gold equal in weight to an egg, and said: "I got this from a mine; take it; it is (to be used as) charity. I have no more than this." The Prophet (ignored the man). Then the man came to him from his right side and repeated the same words. But the Prophet turned his attention from him (again). He then came to him from his left side and repeated the same words. But the Prophet (again) turned his attention from him. He then came to him from behind. The Prophet finally took the gold and threw it away, saying: "One of you brings all that he possesses and says: 'This is charity.' Then he sits down and spreads his hand before the people (to beg). The best charity is that which leaves (the giver the ability to take care of his needs)." I hope that this clarifys the charity concept in Islam that some people here might not know. Thus, If you have Credit Card debt, Car debt, unpaid Mortgage, then you should wait until you are able to fully provide for yourself without owing anything to anyone before you pay charity.
again this goes back to what macbeth eloquently said, the question is: is hakeem actively asking people to take his picture and idolize him? no. does hakeem actively endorse this action? no. if he actively builds a statue when he knows that such statues are objects of worship then you could call him a hypocrite. in this case however nothing he has done (that has been mentioned in this thread) constitutes hypocrisy. think about what you said: you're implying 1) that islam forbids hakeem from playing ball because he may become idolized for being great, 2) that if he plays ball he should not be great so that he is not idolized, 3) that according to islam no person should be in any position of power or greatness for fear of being worshipped, or 4) that hakeem is accountable for the actions of others who may choose to worship him. history and common sense refute all of these. it's ironic that the same extremist thinking used by the ridiculed taliban is in use in this thread in 'hypocritizing' hakeem. also, fyi - for the person who discussed islam's glorification of 'suicide', it's important to understand the context of actions, their causes. although our american defense of the alamo was thought to be merely suicidal, they are not remembered negatively, but rather for what they stood for and for their determination, given the extreme conditions they were in. the same applies for japanese sentiment regarding kamakazi bombers at pearl harbor. perhaps in respecting his desires, this will serve as the best way of truly honoring him and his legacy.
Regardless of his religion the fact is he is retired from the NBA and Houston wants to honor him. If the man is that self centered then let him stay his butt home. I did not see any religion go into effect when he schooled robinsons butt the year David won the MVp award. Im sure Steve or Rudy would not mind a statue of them in the front if Hakeem wants to be an ass. Then again Les forget the statue all together and put the money towards more parking for the Fans!
i don't think you're in a position to judge and declare who lies within the fold of islam or any religion. the scripture you refer to says that during the crime, and only during the crime, one is not muslim. the only acts that completely takes you out of the religion (to my knowledge) are suicide (since you have no chance to repent) and associating partners with God. and what's up with the 10 consecutive replies p.s. that pic above has to be the best rockets pic ever.
