Two days ago I was surfing rather aimlessly on paltalk, the chat program through which I follow a number of Muslim chat rooms. It was 5 pm and not much was going on except for two chat rooms carrying something like “dialogues of religions” in their titles. I sometimes visit these chat rooms which usually have 30 to 50 participants from whom about 10 to 15 are actively typing and talking on the microphone. However, discussions in the two of them are quite predictable: It is usually dominated by Muslims who answer questions on their religion and bring evidence that the Qur’an is the word of God. Others, who claim that their religion or conviction is the truth (mostly Christians) are asked to bring (scientific) proof. The word dialogue is quite misleading in these rooms, it is all about convincing the other that she or he is wrong. That can be fun but that day it was rather dull and, yes that also happens during fieldwork, I got bored. So I wandered off….
My spirits lightened up when I saw a chat room entitled “Kuran und Sunna” and the subtitle was something about “wahabi”. Finally, I thought, these are my people, who are on the search for a pure Islam. As soon as I read or hear “Qur’an and Sunnah” I am alert and sure to find Muslims who walk on the path of the pious ancestors, the community of the prophet Muhammad. “Qur’an and Sunnah” has become something like a sign guiding me to my destination. So I entered the room and was welcomed by sweet, clingy Arab pop music. Music!!!! How dare they! That is not how the prophet did it. Are they real Muslims?
On the panel to the right, the participant list, I saw a “Abu Lahab” who was marked as the moderator (which paltalk does with an @) and another non-Arabic name that sounded German (Hans Müller, Martin Schmidt or something similar…). The name Abu Lahab rang a bell but not loud enough to remember that this was the name of the prophet’s uncle who was one of his fiercest enemy and still remembered with disgust by many Muslims.
After a short time I was greeted with a rose and a “salam” in the typing window. I typed back “Guten Abend!” (good evening). Most Muslims would have answered wa alaikum as-salam (and peace upon you). Since I do not want to leave the idea that I am a Muslim and confuse people, I refrain from doing so. Although I find it much nicer. Anyway, I was confused and on my guard. Then the following conversation ensued (rough transcription from my memory):
Abu Lahab: why did you come here?
Carmen: I read the title “Koran und Sunnah” and wanted to drop by. But I did not expect music…. This is no quite in the tradition of Muhammad Ibn Abd al Wahhab, isn’t it?
Abu Lahab: hihihi. Are you Muslim?
Carmen: No.
Abu Lahab: How come you know Muhammad Ibn Abd al Wahhab?
Carmen: I have done Islamic studies at University.
Abu Lahab: Cool! Islam is sooooo beautiful
[at this point he started to play a recording of a man talking enthusiastically about his conversion to Islam]
Carmen: aha.
Abu Lahab: Do you think Islam is beautiful [schön]?
Carmen: Well, I am not a Muslim…
Abu Lahab: hehehe.
Carmen: Are you?
Abu Lahab: no way. Look at my name. Check sura 111.
Carmen: Wait… Abu Lahab…
Abu Lahab: check this: http://www.eslam.de/begriffe/a/abu_lahab.htm
[...]
Abu Lahab: That is me. And Umm Jamila his wife was also great.
Carmen: Okay. Got it. You are quite busy with Islam for somebody who is not a Muslim and obviously not about to become one.
Abu Lahab: I used to read a lot about Islam. Not any more.
[...]
Abu Lahab: I just want to screw people ["verarschen"]. I am waiting for my akhi [Arabic for "my brother", a term many Muslims use in order to refer to a "brother in faith" ]
Clear, he got me and misled me just with the title of the chat room. Having certain expectations of what would await me in the room I was almost disappointed, if not angry. How dare he play music! On the other hand, he also seemed to be disappointed since he was not able to “screw me”. He quickly lost interest in talking to me and stopped.
Good to be reminded from time to time that one should look further than just names!
