Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Voices in the Night



Andrew Sullivan posted this moving and inspiring video. It depicts Iran at night, dark skies, and nothing to see. But the air is filled with the sounds of chants and prayers. A woman narrates the prayers of her people. The Iranians are crying out to God.

The moment has a calm serenity. It matches the peaceful mood of the silent demonstrators today, marching for miles and miles. They have embodied the spirit of Dr. King and Mahatma Gandhi, the spirit of nonviolence. And they appear unstoppable.

The following words are the translations of the woman's prayer in the video. I hope Sullivan will forgive me for copying and pasting it in whole. But this is such an important message to show, one of inspiration and hope. It must be seen and shared by as many people as possible. The people of Iran the must not lose their faith. Indeed, their faith has inspired the world.

It's fitting, isn't it? The decade that began with the terrorist attacks of 9/11 will end with the peaceful revolution in Iran. It is as though these years were a grand cosmic debate on the true nature of faith, and the true face of Islam. What is the value of religion? Who claims to speak for God? Is there even a God to speak of, and if so, how is this force made manifest in the world?

Anyway, I'm rambling. I'm thinking this through, making it up as I go along, as always. It's alright, it's life and life only.

Once again, you hear ‘Allah-u-akbar!’

One of the simplest ways for people to voice themselves collectively.

They might take our internet or even our telephones –

But we will demonstrate our unitedness by keep shouting ‘Allah-u-akbar!’

People are calling God.

Maybe He will hear their voices and be moved by them.

Defenseless people confronting violent thugs.

Defenseless people who are orchestrating a peaceful uprising.

Tonight they ask for His help.

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