I woke up this Sunday morning, read some NY times articles, and am now overwhelmed with the Muslim experience. This happens every so often when I read enough articles on foreign policy or watch some CNN special on Muslims. It's kinda is like a feeling of impending doom mixed with racing thoughts and anger.

I think of how this country is the greatest in the world, where resources and opportunities are abound, but then get caught in thinking about a Muslim glass celling of sorts and the fact that my people will never be looked at the same in this country since 9/11. Any press is good press they say, but I can only take so much negative exposure. When thinking of how many friends and acquaintances have turned themselves away from Islam, or how many do not incorporate their religion beyond the home, you have to wonder how much of a effect secular media and influences outside of the religion itself are having on Muslims and their psyche. Maybe this is all obvious, but if you think of the big picture and where we are heading, it becomes extremely confusing and overbearing...at least for me.

I try to think of solutions, to avoid this quasi panic attack. 1) accept that there isn't much I can accomplish by reading about this and to avoid the topic as much as possible, putting my faith in God that goodness and humanity will prevail. 2) do something about it by writing into papers, talking to people, taking a more active stance. 3) write about it in my blog and hope that's enough. 4) Sunday NFL football.

For now, I'm going for a combo of 3 & 4.

addendum:
scary article
hope article

Is there a better option to Alcoholics Anonymous?

I went to my second AA meeting today. It's an interesting experience - hearing the stories of despair, of people surrendering to God, and the excess consumption of coffee and cigarettes. It is a very spiritual and religious organization. It is not simply show and tell as many movies make this out to be. The meetings start off with a reading of the 12 steps and the 12 traditions (read these before going on), which is then followed by a reading from the "big book". A prayer may be added to the mix. Depending on the type of meeting, people might share their stories, discuss business, possible volunteer opportunities, with the introductory "Hello my name is ______ and I'm an alcoholic" preceding all statements. The end of both meetings I attended conclude with a passing of a basket for donations and then the group holding hands in a circle, reciting the Lord's Prayer. This is a far step from what I had imagined for some reason, but I guess I was totally naive to the subject being someone who had never drank alcohol and existing within a somewhat sheltered existence in eastern North Carolina. It's interesting to think of a disease, alcoholism, with the best cure to offer being a spiritual group. No medications, psychiatrist, support group has been as effective in getting people over the disease as Alcoholics Anonymous (proven in various studies). Following this experience, I have many thoughts and comments, mainly scattered but hopefully worth discussing.

Growing up in a scientific household, being exposed to study after study of medications and physiological processes, it puzzles me to think of the solution to a disease being a simple group. But when you stop to think about it, it makes perfect sense. With alcoholism, a person gets into a spiraling habit that effects the brain's function and makes it extremely difficult to reduce the urge and reward mechanism of drinking. Some genes are also implicated in the disease, as well as environmental factors. To get over something that encompasses every aspect of your life, you have to counter it with something that is life changing, and in this instance, God and spirituality serves that purpose.

My initial reaction, as an insecure Muslim in America, was that this isn't fair. How can this be the best solution? To have this Christian doctrine, with the Church preying on the weak is wrong I thought. But it works. If the patient is happy and "cured", how can I argue with that?

One point of view that I've heard from various people (none of whom are alcoholics) is that they'd never join AA because of its huge religious slant. Though AA claims it is open to all religions and agnostics, it does not practically seem to operate in this manner (at least in eastern North Carolina...which is slightly biased).

I know there have been attempts to come up with a more secular approach but none have been as effective so far. I just wonder if there is another method.

In this month of Ramadan, Muslims around the world fast, giving up all temptations during the day including cigarettes, drugs, alcohol, sex (in addition to the food/water, of course). I've known a couple of Muslims that have abused drugs and cigarettes, but during this month, they seem to be able to give that up. So the higher power method works as far as I know. But I see this different from the AA method because it is more enabling. AA requires one to admit that they are "powerless over alcohol" and ask God to "remove all these defects of character". The qur'an states, "O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint". I wonder if I am too naive to think that learning self restraint is enough to give up something like alcohol, but either way, I think it is a different approach to the disease.

There are many similarities between the AA/Christian approach and the Muslim approach. We both acknowledge that alcohol cannot be used responsibly and socially - it should be avoided all together. We both agree on the submission to God and using God's help and guidance during the overcoming of a hardship. There is also huge social aspect to AA, where people can share similar experiences and become friends, have a sponsor to look over them, essentially leaving a lonely existence which both approaches value. But I see the AA approach almost insulting the ability and drive of man which God has given us and the will power and ability to overcome different hardships. If Muslims during a fast can take "control" of certain habits, maybe this can translate into an effective method to end substance abuse. When one fasts, it is a very spiritual connection and this propels one into resisting temptation out of their own accord. God told us to fast so that we may gain consciousness of Him and this can guide our behavior and actions. Maybe a joint method, both enabling and humbling would work, I'm not sure. I just feel that there are not enough options out there for those who suffer from substance abuse/dependence. Though AA works, it might not be the best fit for everyone. I think a more enabling approach using God or a spiritual power as a guide may be just as effective.

On a side note, I think the Muslims across the world have to address the issue of substance abuse. By banning it in a religion, does not mean it does not exist, and to simply shun and belittle those that do abuse substances does not help anyone and is even unislamic in my opinion. Muslims abuse haram substances whether it's allowed or not, and to have a dialogue and meetings dealing with the issue will be a great progressive way to handle this issue. Having anonymous non-masjid affiliated groups led by a former substance abuser might be a good start. Point being, we have to openly discuss the issues and how to deal with this debilitating habit.

These thoughts are from a spark of passion that I gathered today, so I apologize if they were extremely naive, narrow minded, and ignorant. I am open to criticism, and hope that dialogue will help.

use ramadan to kick the habit
even more evidence?