Muslim Prayer Anger vs Jewish Event Ignored- Times Square New York Drama

Smile 2 Jannah

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Video Summary

The video details a public Tarawi prayer held in Times Square, New York City, during Ramadan. It highlights the organizers' intent to foster community understanding and transparency amidst Islamophobia by making the prayer visible. The transcript contrasts this event with other public religious gatherings, specifically a large Jewish prayer and concert held shortly before, and points out perceived double standards in public reaction. Critics of the Muslim prayer are addressed by explaining the religious significance of the recited phrases and drawing parallels to Christian and Jewish scriptures, suggesting that concepts like monotheism and even punishment for certain acts are shared. The video also critiques anti-Islamic sentiments expressed by some individuals at the event, pointing out scriptural basis for similar laws in the Bible and accusing critics of hypocrisy.

A notable aspect is the direct comparison between the Muslim prayer and the subsequent Jewish event in Times Square, arguing that the latter involved a much larger scale of public spectacle, including the use of major screens and dedicated entrances for different genders, yet received less criticism. The video suggests that accusations of "taking over" were directed at Muslims while similar or larger-scale public religious displays by other groups were celebrated. It concludes by questioning the sincerity of critics and emphasizing the transparency and inclusive nature of the Muslim prayer event. An interesting fact is that the video references a hadith stating that "a drink of water is the best charity" to underscore the importance of providing water through projects like boreholes in the Gambia.

Short Highlights

A Tarawi prayer, a Ramadan prayer, was held publicly in Times Square, New York City, with the aim of increasing transparency and community understanding.
Critics of the Muslim prayer were addressed by explaining the religious significance of "Allah is the greatest" and drawing parallels to Jewish and Christian texts, suggesting shared theological concepts.
The video contrasts the Muslim prayer with a large Jewish prayer and concert in Times Square shortly after, highlighting what it perceives as a double standard in public reception and criticism.
Anti-Islamic sentiments, including accusations of hating gay people and references to biblical punishments, were voiced by some protesters, which the video refutes by citing similar or harsher passages in the Old Testament.
The Jewish event in Times Square involved massive screens displaying messages, gender segregation with separate entrances, and a larger scale of public presence, yet faced less backlash compared to the Muslim prayer.

Key Details

Public Ramadan Prayer in Times Square [00:26]

The video details a Tarawi prayer event that took place in Times Square, New York City, on February 20th, which was live-streamed.
Organizers aimed for transparency and community sharing during Ramadan, especially in the context of Islamophobia, to demystify Muslim practices for the public.
The event included an opening of the fast where non-Muslims were invited to partake in the food, emphasizing inclusivity.
The act of praying publicly was contextualized by comparing it to public religious observances of other faiths, such as Chinese Christians and a large Jewish gathering.

The whole point of doing this in Times Square is for the month to be shared with the community and for Muslims to be transparent at a time of Islamophobia.

Religious Parallels and Criticisms [02:13]

The video addresses criticisms, including those from a Congressman who previously compared Muslims to dogs, questioning the purpose of occupying Times Square for prayer.
It explains that the core Islamic declaration "Allahu Akbar" (God is the greatest) is similar to Jewish monotheistic beliefs, citing the Book of Nehemiah.
The prayer's prostration is compared to depictions of Jesus and prophets in the Old Testament, suggesting a shared religious practice.
Protesters expressed anti-Islamic sentiments, including accusations of hate towards gay people and claims that Muslims kill gay people.

"Why do Muslims block the entire place for an Islamic prayer? Why is this allowed?"

Biblical References and Counter-Arguments [04:14]

The video argues that many anti-Islamic accusations are present in the Bible, citing verses from Deuteronomy that prescribe death for disbelief, disobedience, or specific acts.
It notes that the punishment for homosexuality in the Bible is also death, countering claims that Muslims uniquely hold such views.
An individual identified as an anti-Islamic preacher, known for vilifying the Prophet Muhammad, is shown to have a history of alleged violence, including an attempt to kill his father.
The video highlights that the prayer space was open, with onlookers and photographers present, and no restrictions were placed on participation.

"99.9% of what they're saying is present in the Bible, if not worse."

Anti-Islamic Sentiment and Hypocrisy Claims [05:39]

A preacher from the UK is shown doubling down on comparisons of Muslims to dogs, in reference to the Congressman's earlier remarks, and criticizing cousin marriage.
The video counters the cousin marriage criticism by pointing out instances of cousin and half-sibling marriages within biblical figures like Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob, and Abraham.
It addresses a Christian woman who claimed Muslims were mocking prayer by "prostating" and that the prayer was "severed by a woman, a dog and a donkey," suggesting she was comparing herself to a donkey.
The concept of a "sutra" (a screen or barrier) in Islamic prayer is explained, indicating that passersby can move in front of it without invalidating the prayer.

"So any accusation is a confession."

Public Space and Religious Events [07:28]

The argument that faith should be private and public roads are not prayer halls is challenged by the fact that Times Square can be booked for events by any faith.
Headlines from Jewish newspapers about "Jewish pride takes over New York Times Square" are presented as a parallel to the "takeover" narrative applied to Muslims.
The video criticizes the use of "pots and pans" and shouting anti-Islamic sentiments during the Muslim prayer protest, contrasting it with the lack of similar protests against the Jewish event.
Thousands of Jewish teens participated in a large "Jewish pride" event involving screens displaying messages and videos of their Rebbe.

"The irony. They're saying Muslims are taking over when they just had one prayer on one day to literally get the public involved."

"Am Israel Chai" and Dehumanization [10:05]

The slogan "Am Israel Chai" (the people of Israel live) is discussed, linking it to Israeli aggression and the ongoing conflict in Palestine, where many Palestinians have been killed.
Images from the Jewish event show segregated seating for men and women, with a "Boys Entrance" placard, questioning if this is compatible with American culture.
The video notes separate train arrangements for boys and girls at the end of the Jewish event, highlighting further segregation.
The term "takeover" is used by participants of the Jewish event, mirroring the language used by critics of the Muslim prayer, but in a celebratory context.

"Am Israel Chai. This is a statement that's been shouted down the throats of people that are talking and bringing awareness to the genocide."

Comparing Public Religious Displays [12:14]

The video presents a montage of the Jewish event, including foreign flags, large crowds, and slogans like "We are going to make history tonight."
It criticizes a speaker who referred to people in Gaza as "monsters and savages," particularly in light of the high death toll and destruction.
The slogan "Yim Israeli" is presented as not being an American slogan, further questioning the nature of the event's public display.
The video shows the presence of "Shomrim" (a Jewish neighborhood watch) providing security and singing songs not in English, indicating a self-contained community presence.

"Not from a stage in Gaza with a bunch of monsters and savages."

Inclusivity and Hypocrisy in Public Prayer [13:52]

The Jewish event included a concert with singing, dancing, and loud music, which the video suggests limited public access, showing an audience composed mostly of white women.
A scene shows an individual standing very close to someone performing prayer, questioning the respect shown.
The video quotes a biblical passage about not praying like hypocrites who want to be seen by others, implying a critique of the public nature of some prayers.
It highlights the contrast between the Muslim prayer event, which aimed for transparency and engagement, and the more exclusive and performative nature of other public religious displays.