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Soraya's Song (In the Name of God)

Monday, 06. 1. 2009 – by Genesis Be

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ARTIST'S STATEMENT, by Genesis Be

I first watched "The Stoning of Soraya M." during a private screening hosted by The Moral Courage Project. As a Muslim, I had to act on what I saw because, as I say in Soraya's Song, "I was taught freedom of expression and love, sent from above."

My father, a Baptist preacher and my mother, a former Catholic, both converted to Islam before I was born.

Growing up, I read the Quran, The New Testament and the Old Testament. My father taught me that The People of The Book (Jews, Christians and Muslims) are brothers and sisters, and that co-existence is a must. For me, a loving and compassionate God isn't an oxymoron; it's the essence of faith.

So the atrocities shown in "The Stoning of Soraya M." raise painful but necessary questions about cultural customs in certain Islamic communities. I'm a Muslim who believes in facing up to these questions. At the same time, I'm an artist who understands that interpretation frames reality. Whether it's art or religion, the way we interpret is how we derive meaning.

I choose to interpret both Islam and this movie as a call to challenge corruption and educate ourselves about the urgency of justice for all human beings. Justice starts with each of us. Before you cast the first stone, as the old saying goes, look within. That's my message in Soraya's Song.

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9 responses to “Soraya's Song (In the Name of God)”

becca says:
June 30th, 2009 at 9:34 am
it wont playyyy! i WANT TO WATCH IT!

admin Reply:
June 30th, 2009 at 10:41 am
@becca, try updating your flashplayer at http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/
if it's still not working, here's the direct link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SD5ehwWGIJU
Vicki says:
June 30th, 2009 at 10:12 am
This is a beautiful song that should reach out to everyone. I am a Christian but I want to be at peace with all men and women whatever their faith. It is because of our faith in God that should unify us. Love and compassion are what I have been taught from the New Testament. Others should know who we are by our love.

janice Reply:
June 30th, 2009 at 10:38 am
@Vicki, you definitely took away the intended message of the video. I think it is so neat that Genesis is reading scriptures from various religions in the video. Each one of them has something to teach us.
I hope you will share the video with others and of course go to see The Stoning of Soraya M.
Catherine Gannon says:
June 30th, 2009 at 10:55 am
It says that the video was removed by the user. I'm so disappointed! I wanted to hear it and embrace it!

admin Reply:
June 30th, 2009 at 11:30 am
@Catherine Gannon, please refresh your browser and try again
Olivia W. says:
June 30th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
One doesn't have to be Muslim to see God using you.
Patricia says:
July 1st, 2009 at 8:16 am
I am totally blessed to see the video with the heart of each religion portrayed. It was beautiful, but so sad that this atrocity is being carried out in these times.
Being a God loving Christian, I KNOW how we are all the children of God (we were created in His image).
I believe that people are getting tired of the poor excuses used to separate us.
We are to love one another and join in the belief that has knit our hearts to love the Creator of all life.
You are doing a great and wonderful work, and I pray protection over you while about it.
I am making a point of gathering as many people as I can to go see this movie.
Thank You so much for what you are doing to help people,
Patricia
G.Vishvas says:
July 1st, 2009 at 10:12 am
If a crime takes place in the name of allah then he too is responsible for it. A human being can have excuses (even genuine reasons) at his disposal if his name is misused and he could do nothing to prevent it. But the arabic-kuranic allah-god has no such excuses. Or he is a fake one. Muslims want to hope in a fake god and they also want to enforce this falsehood on whole of mankind by using fascist methods and by manipulating (molesting) innocent children.