3 Muslim Reactions Sum Up Feelings Ahead of Trump’s Speech on Islam in Saudi Arabia

Wajahat Ali

My friend Wajahat Ali, creative director at Affinis Labs, has been on fire since Trump took office, appearing on CNN and other networks with his unique brand of political commentary mixed with intelligent insight, boldness and humor. He had this to say on Facebook:

Donald Trump, who said on TV, “I think Islam hates us,” will be giving a speech about Islam in Saudi Arabia. Can’t even make this up.

Here’s the gist of the speech:

“Ass-slam-aloo-kim. Love being in Saudi Arabia with my boy, Salman here. Really loved Abdullah. Really did. He loved me, too, you know. Saudis always loved me, really. And I love them! We did great business together. Made wonderful buildings and resorts. Not as good as Mar a Lago, but we’ll get there. We’ll get there.

You know who else loves me? Muslims. They love me, really. Don’t believe the FAKE NEWS or the LIBERAL MEDIA. 15% of them voted for the Donald. Because they know I love the Islam. I love the Islam and Islam loves me.

Now, my base hates Islam, and my advisor Steve Bannon wants WW3 with you, but we agree to disagree, am I right? I’m sure some of you don’t like me, either, but trust me, I’m a nice guy. You’ll learn to love me.

Listen, I gotta say love this 4 wives part. I’m only at 3…right now. Just kidding. Love Melania. Isn’t she great? She’s great. Wonderful first lady. Your ladies are great, too. Beautiful I’m sure. I just can’t see them. But i love what Saudi says about the “right hand posessions.” I know my right hand could grab a lot. It’s a big hand. Big fingers. Really. Could grab a lot. More than Obama, let me tell you. 3 to 5 million more than Clinton…wait, sorry, off topic.

Oh, I forgot, Ramada Inn Mubarak. OK hotels, but GREAT religious tradition. Not even water, yeah? That’s amazing. That’s discipline. I respect that.

I read the Quran on YouTube. Saw a video. Made by this Muhammad, a great Prophet. Really great. He’s doing great things.

You know what I really love? The peaceful Islam he preached. That’s the Islam of Saudi Arabia. We need more of that right now. We all agree there’s a threat. You know it, right? You guys are facing the danger, am I right? Liberals don’t give it a name, but I do. It’s not Islam, it’s RADICAL ISLAMIC TERROR. That’s the Islam which I said hates us. That’s bad Islam. Bad Islam hates me, and you, which is why I hate them. Which is totally opposite from Saudi Islam. That’s the good Islam. That’s the Islam Donald Trump loves.

So we’re united in our love of me and our love of peace and our love of killing RADICAL ISLAMIC TERROR. Also, we both hate Iran. Hate Iran. Iran is a problem. Am I right? Gotta take care of Iran. Although I love the Shia. Love the Shia! You know Lebanon has the Shia. I’ve done business there. Great businessmen. Great food, and women. Nice blondes. We’ve made a lot of money together.

And Saudi Arabia and I, we’re gonna oblieterate ISIS and we’re gonna make big, shiny, beautiful buildings.

Asthma-laila-kumbaya to all!”

Next: Zainab Chaudry and a Serious Take