Archives

President Obama Inspires Malawian Muslim Youth

President Barack Obama’s speech in Cairo, Egypt has won the hearts of many Muslims in Malawi, including the youth who gathered to view the speech at the Public Affairs Section in Lilongwe, Mzuzu University in Mzuzu and Polytechnic in Blantyre on Thursday, June 4.
The speech, entitled“A New Beginning” was followed with keen interest by Muslims across the world and it was extremely well-received in Malawi, with many describing it as a turning point in the U.S. relations with the Muslim world. 

Following the viewing of the speech live at the Public Affairs Section auditorium in Lilongwe, one of the more than 50 attendees said he believed President Obama challenged the Muslim youth to realize their potential in building a non-violent future for the benefit of future generations.  He added, “It is becoming clear that the use of violence will not liberate Muslims but rather work on further marginalizing ourselves.  That is why we welcome his emphasis on peaceful expression of views as was the case with America’s civil rights movements that helped to move mountains across generations.” 

A standing room only crowd also watched the speech at the American Corner at the Polytechnic in Blantyre.  One student observed that President Obama’s direct appeal to the youth to forget the past and move forward and his emphasis on the ability of the youth to remake the world won hearts of many who saw it.  Another student commented that the speech challenged the youth to be progressive and take a leading role in spearheading tolerance and peaceful coexistence. 

President Obama’s use of Islamic greeting “assalam aleykum” (peace be upon you) and expert quoting of verses from the Koran excited many delegates and helped to draw sympathy from many Muslims.  A student, among the 80 that watched the speech at the American Corner at Mzuzu University, commented that “I have been touched by the President’s speech.  I know the chapter and verse which he quoted from the Koran.  It is Chapter 49 verse 13 and what he has said is very true that God created us that we might know and live together in peace with each other”

A senior leader among the Muslim community youth movement said President Obama’s personal history and Muslim roots have transformed him into a symbol of hope to the Muslim community.  He said the President’s commitment to a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict will enhance coexistence among Israelis and Palestinians and Muslims and Christians across the World.

The speech also impressed many non Muslims in Malawi.  A Christian female student at Mzuzu University observed that “the speech was very nice.  As a Christian and as a woman, I believe the President has called for respect for each other because Muslims have their own stereotypes over Christians while Christians equally have their own over Muslims.  The President’s call for people to choose their own ways of behaving and to respect other people’s choices is a welcome development.”
In his remarks, Ambassador Peter Bodde described the speech as an inspirational one that “brought forth the best of American values and traditions that make America strong –religious tolerance, peaceful co-existence, equality of sexes and races.  That is what America is all about.”