Table of Contents
2
The Expressions
“Infidel” and “Holy War” don’t Exist in Islam.
2.1 The Term Kafir or Kafiron
does not Mean Infidel
4
The Text of the
Quran Supports the Tolerance of Islam
4.1 Muslim Men can Marry
Christian or Jewish Women
4.2
Islam is the Only non-Christian Religion that Honors Jesus
4.3
Islam Allows Muslims to be Friends with the Ones Who don’t Fight them
5.1 Killing of Civilians, Women,
Children and Elders
5.2 Vigilantism is Forbidden in
Islam
5.3 Bin Laden Hijacked the Name
of Islam
5.4 Hypocrisy of the Radical
Groups
6.1 Like Islam, Christian
Terrorist Groups also Hijacked the Name of Christianity
6.3 The Example of the “Army of
God Anti-Abortion” Terror
6.4 The Example of the Irish
Republican Army.
6.5 The Example of Timothy
McVeigh
6.6 The example of Ku Klux Klan
(KKK)
7
More
Information and Arguments
1
Basis
of this Belief:
1. Terrorists, Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), Al-Qaeda and 911.
2. Text from Quran that has been taken out of context, for example “And kill them wherever you find them. Portion of verse [2:190]”
3. The stereo type “Muslims are ordered to kill the infields”.
4. The stereo type “Jihad is a holy war”.
5. Media’s bias and propaganda. Lack of true journalism. Lack of Muslim friendly media. Main stream media is against Islam, see Fox News for example.
6. Hollywood is giving Islam a bad name.
7. Fear Incorporated.
8. Ignorance and lack of tolerance to natural differences intended by our creator.
2
The
Expressions “Infidel” and “Holy War” don’t Exist in Islam.
The expressions “infidel” and “holy war” have negative connotation in the Christian traditions. They invoke the history of religious intolerances and justifies violence against the “infidels”.
2.1 The Term Kafir or Kafiron does not Mean Infidel
According to the Merriam-Webster, one of the definitions of the word “infidels” is “the one who is not a Christian or who opposes Christianity”. This was the origin of this word. This word was not known to the Prophet Mohamed saw or the Arabs. It doesn’t exist in the Islamic vocabulary. The word Kafir, plural is Kufar or Kafiron, means the one who conceals the truth or the coverer of the truth. See Surat Al-Kafiron [109]. Translation of the word Kafir to infidel is a mistake because infidel is a derogatory word intended to insult the non-believers and justify violence against them. It has a negative connotation in the Christian traditions.
Even when we look at Surat Al-Kafiroon [109], we find that it invokes tolerance. It basically says that “we, Muslims, don’t worship the idols you have been worshiping and you will not worship what we worship. Thus, you have your own religion and we have our own religion”. In other words, you have the right to keep your idols and we have the right of keeping our deity too. The Surah doesn’t invoke violence at all.
2.2 Jihad is not a “Holy War”
The word holy war also doesn’t exist in the Islamic vocabulary. The “jihad” is often translated as “holy war,” but the word “Jihad” means struggling or striving. The Arabic word for war is: “Harb =war” or “Qital = fight” or “Mawkia’a = battle”, or “Ghazwa”and not “Jihad”. The term “holy war” has negative connotation in the Christian’s traditions.
Jihad has many types in Islam. The most important challenging type of Jihad for a Muslim is Jihad of the soul. It is the struggle to fight one’s temptations, lower desires, evil inclinations, and too much love and attachment to the attractions of this life. After coming from a battle, the Prophet saw told the Muslims “we came back from the easy Jihad to the tough Jihad. It is the Jihad of the soul”. This statement shows that the fighting is also another type of Jihad. The all-encompassing meaning of Jihad is any kind of struggle to do good deeds.
3
The
text “And Kill Them Wherever You Find Them” is Cut Out of Context and Pasted to
Serve an Ill Purpose
When examining the verse before [2:191] we find that it is basically saying that we, Muslims, fight for the sake of God only those who fight us and don’t transgress beyond that for God doesn’t like the one who transgress, verse [2:190]. It is forbidden in Islam to fight those who don’t fight us. So, it is forbidden to kill civilians and peaceful people. It is narrated in the books of Hadith (traditions of the Prophet saw) that the Prophet saw would give clear instruction not to kill old men, women, little child and don’t be excessive in killing your enemies, i.e. kill as little as necessary.
Verse [2:191] starts by saying “and kill them wherever you find them”. This is the text that has been used to stereotype Islam. If we continue reading the rest of the verse it says that “and drive them from the land they drove you from”. This shows that the context is about a just war where Muslims would be fighting to get back the land they were kicked out from. Then the verse continues to say that forcing people out of the truth is worse that killing them. Then the verse continues to instruct the Muslims not to fight inside the Holy mosque in Mecca unless they are attacked.
The verse that follows Verse [2:192] says that if they stop fighting, then you stop fighting because is god if merciful and forgiving and he wants us to follow his manners.
The previous explanations should make it clear that the understanding of “Kill them wherever you find them” to be kill the “infidels” where ever you find them is taken out of context to serve an ill purpose.
4
The
Text of the Quran Supports the Tolerance of Islam
4.1 Muslim Men can Marry
Christian or Jewish Women
Verse [5:5] says that Muslim men can eat the food of the Christian and the Jewish people, also known as people of the book” and we can marry their women. This is the highest level of tolerance in human relations. The wife of a man is the most beloved to his heart, she is the mother of his children and she is the partner of his life. It the most important relationship in men’s life. For Islam to allow this to be Christian or a Jew, is a high level of tolerance. This also shows that Islam doesn’t say kill the “infidels”, how could a Muslim man is allowed to marry an “infidel” and instructed to kill her at the same time.
One might say why not the other way around. How come non-Muslim men are not allowed to marry Muslim women. The man of the house has an advantage. Non-Muslim wives are protected by verse [5:5], but there is equivalent protection provided to Muslim women who marry non-Muslim husbands.
The permission in Islam for the Muslim men to marry wives from the people of the book but not from other religions. This is because Muslims, Christians and Jews are worshiping the same God [29:46] but Muslims reach to God by surrendering to him, i.e. praying five times a day, fast Ramadan, pay charity, …etc. Christian and Jews reach to God in a different manner. Christians reach to God through Jesus and Jews reach to God through being the chosen people. Unlike other religions, Islam, Christianity and Judaism have a lot in common. Islam considers Christians and Jews to be the best non-Muslims.
4.2 Islam
is the Only non-Christian Religion that Honors Jesus
Jesus has been
honored by Muslims and recognized as one of the Great Prophets and Massagers
sent by God. No other religion honors Jesus or acknowledges him. From an
Islamic perspective, the trinity is composed of a God, an angel
and a Man. The God is the heavenly father, the holy spirit is angel Gabriel and the man is Jesus. Muslims believe that Jesus is
a servant of God and Christians believe that Jesus is the son of God. Jews
don’t recognize the holiness of Jesus or Mary.
4.3 Islam
Allows Muslims to be Friends with the Ones Who don’t Fight them
Verse [60:8] allows Muslim to be friends, kind and just to those who don’t fight
them because of their religion and didn’t drive them out of their land. The
following verse [60:9], forbids Muslims from having a relationship with those who fight them
in their religion and drove them from their land.
An example of this was the situation of world war II. An American man was not allowed to marry a German woman and vice versa. Since the two countries were at war, it makes such a relationship awkward. A similar example is for a Jewish man to marry a German wife or vice versa. How could such a relationship survive or be legitimate. A third example would be the relationship between a Muslim and an Islamophobe. Islam doesn’t allow Muslims to have an intimate relationship with Islamophobes. It is practical.
It should be noted that verse [60:8] uses the Arabic word “Bir” to describe the relationship between Muslims and those who don’t fight them. The same word is used to describe the relationship between parents and children. This signifies the tolerance in Islam.
5
Why
Islam is against 911
5.1 Killing of Civilians, Women,
Children and Elders
This killing directly conflicting with the verse [2:190] where Muslims are asked to fight only those who fight them and not to transgress for God doesn’t like those who transgress. It is also in direct conflicts of the clear instructions of the Prophet Mohamed saw of not to kill women, children, elders and those who don’t fight us. May innocent American citizens lost their lives during the despicable act of 911. Many were Muslims, some of them are even devout Muslims. They were killed by the group that claimed to fight for Islam and Muslims.
5.2 Vigilantism is Forbidden in
Islam
Islam is against individuals and groups who act on their own, take the law in their hand and act as if they are a government, like Robin Hood for example. The war order can be declared only by a head of state who is supported by his people. The wars cause the death of loved ones and the destruction of properties. The head of the state and his people must be willing to make such sacrifices. Bin Laden was a head of a gang, not a government. He took the laws in his own hand and acted as if he a head of a state. This caused the killing of millions of Muslims who had nothing to do with this war declared by bin Laden.
5.3 Bin Laden Hijacked the Name
of Islam
Bin Laden had no right to claim a war in the name of Islam. He doesn’t represent Muslims. He represents only himself and his group. He hijacked in the name of Islam and Muslims to declare his “unholy war”. He was acting on his own and disgraced the name of the religion that he claimed to protect. No one harmed the religion of Islam and Muslims more than Bin Laden and his groups. Majority of Muslims are angry about what he did. Many had to pay the price and die because of his criminal acts. All Muslim and non-Muslim countries condemned the attack including those traditionally considered hostile to the United States, such as Cuba, Iran, Libya, and North Korea.
5.4 Hypocrisy of the Radical
Groups
Radical groups, such as Al-Qaeda, ISIS and other militant groups, killed more Muslims than non-Muslims. They betrayed the religion they claim to be fighting for. The early history of Islam had a match to these radical groups called the Kharijites. They killed many Muslims including the companions of Prophet Mohamed saw, which are considered to be among the best Muslims. They targeted the ones who disagreed with them. Many scholars of Islam in the world today wrote a letter to the leader of ISIS, see this link to oppose and condemn the acts of their groups.
6
Sharing
the Same Religion with Radicals does not Mean that Followers of This Religion
are Radicals.
6.1 Like Islam, Christian
Terrorist Groups also Hijacked the Name of
Christianity
Stop Bombing Muslim Countries. (YouTube Video)
American Terror (YouTube Video)
Who Are The Christian Terrorist Groups? (YouTube Video)
Like Islam, the name of Christianity was also a victim of hijacking its name to justify terror. Christianity was also blamed for the act of the ones who operated under the name of the religion. Christian terrorism, a form of religious terrorism, comprises terrorist acts which are committed by groups or individuals who profess Christian motivations or goals. Christian terrorists justify their violent tactics through their interpretation of the Bible and Christianity, in accordance with their own objectives and worldview. These interpretations are typically different from those of established Christian denominations.
These terroristic acts can be committed against members of other Christian denominations, adherents of other religions, secular governments, groups, individuals or society as a whole. Christianity can also be cynically used as a rhetorical device to achieve political or military goals by terrorists.
Christian terrorist groups include paramilitary organizations, cults, and loose groups of people that might come together in order to attempt to terrorize other groups. Some groups also encourage unaffiliated individuals to commit terrorist acts. The paramilitary groups are typically tied to ethnic and political goals as well as religious goals and many of these groups have religious beliefs which are at odds with the religious beliefs of conventional Christianity.
Numerous individuals and groups have cited their Christianity or Christian beliefs as the motivation for their terrorist acts. This can mean that they see Christianity as their identity and the main reason for their existence, partially in contrast to the identities and existence of other groups which they consider threatening and non-Christian. Terrorists can also cite their interpretation of the Bible or Christian beliefs as their motivation. All types of terrorism have a complex interrelationship with psychology and mental health, however only a minority of terrorists have diagnosable medical illnesses. Christianity can also be disingenuously claimed as a motive to inspire followers or curry political favor or protection. All these motivations are not independent and often complexly interwoven.
6.2 The Example of Hitler
Hitler caused damages beyond any limits. Hitler caused the deliberate killing of 6,000,000 European Jews, more than 2,000,000 Poles, with special efforts made to kill the entire Polish intelligentsia, 6,000,000 Soviet, and at least 2-3,000,000 cold-bloodedly murdered elsewhere in Europe. In total, he caused the death of at least 17 million human beings, far more than the 2,996 of victims in the 911 tragedy, 2,996. Hitler was baptized as a Catholic in the same year he was born, 1889. Hitler's father Alois, though nominally a Catholic, was somewhat religiously skeptical and anticlerical, while his mother Klara was a devout practicing Catholic. It is obvious that Hitler does not present Catholicism. The same standard also applies to Islam. Bin Laden does not represent Islam. He only represents the ideology of the Kharijite group.
Mohamed Ali was once asked
“how do you feel about Bin Laden sharing the same religion as yours” he replied
with a big smile “same as you feel about Hitler sharing yours”.
6.3 The Example of the “Army of
God Anti-Abortion” Terror
Abortion & The Army of God (1:57 min YouTube Video Or download)
Feds: anti-abortion activist linked to Christian terror group planned clinic attacks (2:08 min YouTube Video Or download)
Anti-abortion violence is violence committed against individuals and organizations that provide abortion. Incidents of violence have included destruction of property, in the form of vandalism; crimes against people, including kidnapping, stalking, assault, attempted murder, and murder; and crimes affecting both people and property, including arson and bombings. Anti-abortion extremists are considered a current domestic terrorist threat by the United States Department of Justice.
According to NAF, since 1977 in the United States and Canada, property crimes committed against abortion providers have included 41 bombings, 173 arsons, 91 attempted bombings or arsons, 619 bomb threats, 1630 incidents of trespassing, 1264 incidents of vandalism, and 100 attacks with butyric acid ("stink bombs"). The New York Times also cites over one hundred clinic bombings and incidents of arson, over three hundred invasions, and over four hundred incidents of vandalism between 1978 and 1993. The first clinic arson occurred in Oregon in March 1976 and the first bombing occurred in February 1978 in Ohio.
The
religion of the ones responsible of these attacks are right wing evangelical
Christians. In 1995, an Evangelical minister Rob Schenck, became a leader of
the militant wing of the anti-abortion movement and led blockades in front of
clinics providing abortions, trying to prevent doctors and patients from
entering. he
founded Faith and Action in the nation's capital with the mission of
challenging Capitol Hill with biblical truth and to change the nation one
policymaker at a time. As part of his mission, he handed out plaques of the Ten
Commandments to members of Congress.
Just
like Bin Laden, Schenck came to a different understanding of what it means to
preach the gospel. Although it is motivated by the Christian religion, no one
should blame Protestant Evangelical Christianity for the terror acts of the
Army of God.
6.4 The Example of the Irish
Republican Army.
The European Capitol of Terrorism: Belfast, Ireland - VICE Travels to Belfast - PART 1 of 4 (9:12 min YouTube Video Or download)
The Irish Republican Army (IRA) are paramilitary movements in Ireland in the 20th and 21st centuries dedicated to Irish republicanism, the belief that all of Ireland should be an independent republic from British rule and form their own government so all of Ireland can be free to choose for themselves.
In the late 1960s, when Catholics in Northern Ireland began a civil rights campaign against discrimination in voting, housing, and employment by the dominant Protestant government and population. Violence by extremists against the demonstrators, unhindered by the mostly Protestant police, set in motion a series of escalating attacks by both sides. Units of the IRA were organized to defend besieged Catholic communities in the province and were sustained by support from units in Ireland. IRA believed in terror as a tactic to achieve its goals. Beginning in 1970, the IRA carried out bombings, assassinations, and ambushes in a campaign they called the “Long War.” In 1973 they expanded their attacks to create terror in mainland Britain and eventually even in continental Europe. It was estimated that, between 1969 and 1994, the IRA killed about 1,800 people, including approximately 600 civilians. On July 28, 2005, the IRA announced that it had ended its armed campaign and instead would pursue only peaceful means to achieve its objectives.
Gerry Adams, the figure head of the IRA, is being seen by some as a peacemaker, and by others as a terrorist. He said that he did not care what people think of him. In February 2018, he decided to step down after 34 years as the figurehead of the IRA. When he came to the U.S., he was treated as a diplomat rather than a terrorist.
IRA religion was Catholic, but no one should accuse Catholicism of being a religion of terror. Everyone knew that IRA doesn’t represent the mainstream Catholicism.
6.5 The Example of Timothy
McVeigh
Oklahoma City Bombing: Why Did It Occur & Who Was Behind It? | History (5:08 min YouTube Video Or download)
Tracing the roots of the America's biggest domestic terror attack (7:10 min YouTube Video Or download)
The
Oklahoma City bombing occurred when a truck packed with explosives was
detonated on April 19, 1995, outside the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in
Oklahoma City leaving 168 people dead and 680 injured. The blast was set off by
anti-government militant Timothy
McVeigh, who in 2001 was executed for his crimes. Until September 11, 2001,
the Oklahoma City bombing was the worst terrorist attack to take place on U.S.
soil. Everyone knew that Timothy McVeigh did not represent the mainstream.
McVeigh
was confirmed at the Good Shepherd Church in Pendleton, New York, in 1985. In a
1996 interview, McVeigh professed belief in "a God", although he said
he had "sort of lost touch with" Catholicism and "I never really
picked it up, however I do maintain core beliefs.". On June 11, 2001, the
day of the execution, he requested a Catholic chaplain. He requested two pints
of mint chocolate chip ice cream for his last meal.
McVeigh
religion was Catholic, but no one should accuse Catholicism of being a religion
of terror. Everyone knew that McVeigh doesn’t represent the mainstream
Catholicism.
6.6 The example of Ku Klux Klan
(KKK)
The KKK: Its history and lasting legacy (7:12 min YouTube Video Or download)
The Early Ku Klux Klan and White Supremacy (3:07 min YouTube Video Or download)
The Ku Klux Klan, commonly shortened to the KKK or the Klan, is an American white supremacist, right-wing terrorist, and hate group whose primary targets are African Americans, Jews, Latinos, Asian Americans, Native Americans and Catholics, as well as immigrants, leftists, homosexuals, Muslims, atheists and abortion providers. The Klan has existed in three distinct eras at different points in time during the history of the United States. Each has advocated extremist reactionary positions such as white supremacy, white nationalism, anti-immigration and—especially in later iterations—Nordicism (superiority of the Nordic race), anti-Jews and anti-Catholicism. Historically, the KKK used terrorism—both physical assault and murder—against groups or individuals whom they opposed. All three movements have called for the "purification" of American society and all are considered right-wing extremist organizations. They killed thousands of people. Is it fair to blame white America for the crimes of the KKK.
6.7 The Example of Unabomber
How A Genius Became A Killer | Unabomber: In His Own Words (2:31 min YouTube Video Or download)
Almanac: The Unabomber
Theodore John Kaczynski; born May 22, 1942, also known as the Unabomber, is an American domestic terrorist, former mathematics professor, and anarchist author. A mathematics prodigy, he abandoned an academic career in 1969 to pursue a primitive lifestyle. Between 1978 and 1995, he killed three people and injured 23 others in an attempt to start a revolution by conducting a nationwide bombing campaign targeting people involved with modern technology. In conjunction, he issued a social critique opposing industrialization and advancing a nature-centered form of anarchism. Kaczynski represents himself only and doesn’t represent any kind of main stream American.
7
More
Information and Arguments
7.1 More Arguments
1.
President Obama talks about American Muslims in this YouTube video clip.
2.
The name of Islam was hijacked. No one should accept injustice
and no one should be asked to accept injustice. See interview to Elzeiny family.
3.
Numerical calculations prove that bin Laden and Al-Qaeda were the
very rare exception. According to this
report, it is estimated that Al-Qaeda had 200 - 1,000
members. Dividing this number over 1,500,000,000 Muslims in the world would
yield to 0.00007% of total Muslim population. It is clear
that Al-Qaeda is the exception. Exceptions prove the rule to be true.
Exception exists only if a rule exists. No exception without a rule.
The ones who did 911 were a bunch of Saudi
Arabians. Saudi Arabia has 30 million people, which is about 2% of total Muslim
population 1.8 million. No statistical evidence that Islam is violent.
4.
Race and religion are natural differences intended by our creator. He is the One
who decides where we belong. People shouldn’t punish each other for the choices
of our maker.
5.
Leaders without
formal Islamic education. Osama Bin Laden was a
civil engineer, Ayman Al-Zawahry
was a medical doctor, none of them received any formal Islamic educations that
would permit them to come up with these radical Fatwas.
6.
All American citizens were hurt once, but we American Muslims were
hurt twice. The 9/11 attacks were a tragic event that caused pain and grief
for all Americans, regardless of their religion. However, American Muslims also
faced another kind of hurt after 9/11: the rise of discrimination, prejudice,
and suspicion from their fellow citizens and the government. According to
various polls and studies, American Muslims have reported experiencing more
harassment, violence, profiling, surveillance, and hate crimes in the post-9/11
era. They have also felt more alienated, marginalized, and stigmatized in the
society, as many Americans have negative views of Islam and Muslims. These
challenges have affected their sense of identity, belonging, and security in
the country they call home. Therefore, American Muslims were hurt twice by
9/11: once by the terrorist attacks that killed thousands of innocent people,
and again by the backlash that targeted them for their faith.
7.
There is a substantial difference between propaganda and true
journalism, and intellectuals are being insulted by propaganda. Propaganda and
true journalism are two different ways of presenting information to the public.
Propaganda is a dishonest attempt to persuade people not to examine the facts
for themselves, but to accept a certain point of view or agenda. Propaganda
often uses emotional appeals, selective evidence, misleading statistics, and
false or distorted claims. True journalism, on the other hand, is a honest account of the facts that allows people to make up
their own minds about what they believe to be true. True journalism follows
ethical standards of accuracy, fairness, balance, and objectivity. True
journalism also acknowledges and corrects its mistakes, and
respects the diversity of opinions and perspectives. Intellectuals are insulted
by propaganda because it undermines their values of critical thinking,
rationality, and evidence-based reasoning. Intellectuals value the pursuit of
truth and knowledge, and they respect the complexity and uncertainty of the world.
Propaganda, however, simplifies and distorts the world, and tries to manipulate
people’s emotions and beliefs. Propaganda also insults the intelligence of the
audience, by assuming that they are gullible, ignorant, or biased.
Intellectuals reject propaganda as a form of deception, manipulation, and indoctrination.
8.
Media Bias.
See This video showing the movie “Executive Decision.”
See Reel Bad Arabs: How Hollywood Vilifies a People. (5:20 min YouTube Video Or download)
See Reel Bad Arabs: How Hollywood Vilifies a People - Trailer. (1:26 min YouTube Video Or download)
See Why Hollywood misrepresents Muslim communities- DOD and CIA role. (5:00 min YouTube Video Or download)
See Dear Hollywood: stop portraying Muslims as terrorists. (2:38 min YouTube Video Or download)
Media bias against Muslims is the tendency of some media
outlets to portray Islam and Muslims in a negative or inaccurate way, often by
relying on stereotypes, generalizations, or misinformation. Media bias against
Muslims can have harmful effects on the public perception of Muslims, as well
as on the self-image and well-being of Muslim communities. Some examples of
media bias against Muslims are:
a.
Associating Muslims with terrorism, violence, or extremism,
without providing sufficient context or balance. For instance, some media
reports may emphasize the religious identity of Muslim perpetrators of
violence, but not of non-Muslim perpetrators. Some media reports may also use
terms like "Islamic terrorism" or "jihadist" that imply a
link between Islam and violence, without explaining the diversity of
interpretations and opinions within Islam.
b.
Ignoring or marginalizing the positive contributions,
achievements, and perspectives of Muslims in various fields and sectors. For
instance, some media reports may focus on the problems or challenges faced by
Muslim communities, but not on their successes or solutions. Some media reports
may also overlook the voices and opinions of Muslim experts, leaders, or
activists on various issues, and instead rely on non-Muslim sources or
commentators.
c.
Exaggerating or sensationalizing the differences or
conflicts between Muslims and non-Muslims, without acknowledging the
commonalities or cooperation. For instance, some media reports may depict
Muslims as a monolithic, homogeneous, or alien group, that is incompatible or
hostile with the values, norms, or interests of the wider society. Some media
reports may also amplify the views or actions of a small minority of Muslims
that are extreme or controversial, and present them as representative or
normative of the whole Muslim population.
d.
When a Muslim commits a crime, the media says a
Muslim committed a crime. But when a Christian commit a crime, the media
mention the name of the criminal only and no mention of his religion. Why and
what have been the motives of the media for doing this?
e.
When a Christian commits a crime, the American
people already know that he doesn’t represent Christianity. But in the case of
Muslims, we need to knock on doors and tell people that.
f.
The joke about the Muslim who saved a little
girl from being killed by a dog. A Muslim terrorist killed an innocent American
dog.
g.
The Five things that should be killed, even
during Ihram: the crows, the owls, the scorpions, the mice, the scorpions and the dogs that bite. A Muslim clerk said kill
Mickey Mouse.
Media bias against Muslims can be challenged or reduced by
promoting more ethical, diverse, and inclusive journalism, that respects the
complexity and diversity of Muslim realities and experiences, and that engages
with Muslim sources and audiences in a respectful and constructive way.
9.
Who was Saddam Hussein? Was it appropriate
for the media to go to the Masjid inquire about Saddam Hussein and Osama Bin Laden? What is the right
place to inquire about them? Why?
The Masjid is not a place for the media to inquire about Saddam Hussein and Osama Bin Laden. The Masjid is a place of worship and community service for Muslims, not a source of information or opinion about political or military leaders. The media should respect the privacy and dignity of the Masjid and its attendees, and not assume that they are supporters or sympathizers of Saddam or Osama. The media should also avoid stereotyping or demonizing Muslims based on the actions of a few individuals who claim to act in the name of Islam.
One should go to the CIA to inquire about Both Saddam
Hussein and Osama Bin Laden because they were made by the CIA. Saddam Hussein
was put in power by the CIA to fight Iran. Bin Laden was put in place by the
CIA to fight the Soviet Union.
10.
Who are the ones who carried out the largest number of acts of
terrorism in US? What was the deadliest act of
terrorism within the United States prior to the September 11 attacks?
According to the Wikipedia
article on terrorism in the United States, the largest number of acts of
terrorism in the US were committed by white supremacist extremist groups, who
were responsible for 73% of the 85 deadly extremist incidents that occurred
between September 11, 2001 and 2017. The deadliest act of terrorism within the
United States prior to the September 11 attacks was the Oklahoma City bombing,
which killed 168 people and injured more than 680 others on April 19, 1995. The
bombing was carried out by Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols, who were
motivated by anti-government and militia ideologies.
11.
The terrorist succeeded into disturbing the unity of the American
society. It turned America against its own Muslim population. It produced
a crack in the American fabric. Divide and conquer has been a strategy to
weaken the enemy. Unfortunately, the terrorists managed to achieve this goal.
Muslims are being viewed as Trojan horses, 5th columnist or sleepers.
The terrorist attacks of 9/11 and other
incidents of violence by radical Islamist extremists have had a profound impact
on the American society and its perception of Muslims. According to some
experts, the terrorists succeeded in disturbing the unity of the American
society by exploiting the existing divisions, fears, and prejudices among
different groups of Americans. The terrorists also aimed to provoke a harsh and
disproportionate response from the U.S. government and the public, hoping to
alienate and radicalize more Muslims at home and abroad.
As a result of the terrorist attacks and the subsequent wars and
policies, many Americans have developed negative views of Muslims and Islam, and have become more suspicious and hostile toward
Muslim Americans. Some Americans have also been influenced by anti-Muslim
rhetoric and propaganda from some political and media figures, who have
portrayed Muslims as a threat to the American values, security, and identity.
These factors have contributed to a rise in discrimination, harassment,
violence, and hate crimes against Muslim Americans, as well as attempts to
restrict their civil rights and religious freedoms.
These challenges have affected the well-being
and integration of Muslim Americans, who have reported feeling more
marginalized, stigmatized, and fearful in the post-9/11 era. However, Muslim
Americans have also shown resilience and optimism, and have continued to
believe in the American dream and to contribute to the American society in
various ways. Moreover, many Americans have expressed support and solidarity
with Muslim Americans, and have defended their rights
and dignity as fellow citizens. Therefore, the terrorists have succeeded in
creating cracks in the American fabric, they were able to destroy the bonds of
unity and diversity that define the American society.
12.
ISIS killed many more Muslims than non-Muslims. It is bombing
Taliban now. ISIS is a terrorist group that claims to follow Islam, but in reality, it violates many of its teachings and
principles. ISIS has killed many more Muslims than non-Muslims,
because it considers anyone who does not agree with its extremist
ideology or submit to its authority as an enemy or an apostate. ISIS has also
targeted Muslim civilians, mosques, shrines, and markets in its brutal attacks,
especially in Iraq and Syria, where most of the population is Muslim. According
to some estimates, ISIS has killed over 40,000 Muslims since 2014 and few
hundreds of Non-Muslims.
ISIS is also bombing the Taliban, the new rulers
of Afghanistan, because it considers them as rivals and traitors. ISIS and the
Taliban have different origins, goals, and strategies. ISIS emerged from the
remnants of al-Qaeda in Iraq, and seeks to establish a
global caliphate by spreading violence and terror. The Taliban emerged from the
Afghan mujahideen, and seeks to establish an Islamic
emirate in Afghanistan by negotiating with other factions and countries. ISIS
and the Taliban have been fighting each other in Afghanistan since 2015, when
ISIS announced the formation of its Khorasan Province branch. The Taliban have
killed several ISIS leaders and fighters, and have
reduced their presence and influence in the country. However, ISIS still poses
a threat to the Taliban and the Afghan people, as it continues to carry out
suicide bombings and insurgent attacks, such as the one at Kabul airport in
August 2021, which killed 13 US troops and more than 150 Afghans.
13.
Fear, Inc.
Report: Post 911 Fear, Inc.
Documentary: Fear, Inc. Documentary ( 3:38 min YouTube Video Or download)
Fear, Inc. is a report and a documentary that expose the network of individuals and organizations that spread Islamophobia in the US. The report identifies seven foundations that have funded 33 groups with over $42 million to promote anti-Muslim propaganda and policies. The documentary follows a horror movie fan who hires a company called Fear, Inc. to create his own customized scare, only to discover that the company is part of a larger conspiracy to instill fear and hatred of Muslims in the American society. The report and the documentary aim to raise awareness and challenge the misinformation and bigotry that fuel Islamophobia in the US.
7.2 Double standards
1. Both sides are wrong, the state sponsored terrorism and the group sponsored terrorism. War is the violence of the strong and terrorism is the violence of the weak. This is a quote attributed to Michael Walzer, a prominent American political philosopher and public intellectual. It expresses his view that both state-sponsored terrorism and group-sponsored terrorism are morally wrong and unjustifiable forms of violence. He argues that states that support or conduct terrorism against other states or groups are violating the principles of just war and human rights. He also criticizes groups that resort to terrorism as a means of resistance or liberation, claiming that they are exploiting the weakness of their position to inflict indiscriminate harm on innocent civilians.
Walzer suggests that war and terrorism are not equivalent, but rather opposite, phenomena. War is the violence of the strong, meaning that it is carried out by powerful actors who have the ability and legitimacy to wage armed conflict. Terrorism is the violence of the weak, meaning that it is carried out by marginalized actors who lack the capacity and recognition to engage in conventional warfare. However, Walzer does not imply that war is always justified or that terrorism is always excused. He maintains that both forms of violence have to be judged by ethical standards and legal norms.
2. One man terrorist is another man freedom fighter. The British used to refer to the American freedom fighters as terrorists.
The phrase "One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter" means that the same person or group can be seen as a hero or a villain, depending on one's perspective and values. It implies that there is no objective or universal definition of terrorism, and that the label of terrorist is often used to delegitimize or demonize one's opponents. However, this phrase is also misleading and controversial, as it can be used to justify or romanticize violence, and to ignore the ethical and legal standards of conduct in peace and war.
One historical example of this phrase is the American Revolution, when the British colonists rebelled against the British crown and fought for their independence. The British authorities and loyalists considered the revolutionaries as terrorists, traitors, and rebels, who used violence and intimidation against the lawful government and its representatives. The revolutionaries, on the other hand, considered themselves as freedom fighters, patriots, and heroes, who defended their rights and liberties against tyranny and oppression. The revolutionaries also sought the support and recognition of other countries, such as France and Spain, who shared their interests or grievances against Britain.
Therefore, the phrase "One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter" reflects the complexity and ambiguity of defining terrorism, and the importance of understanding the context and motives of different actors and groups. However, it also challenges us to think critically and ethically about the use and consequences of violence, and the responsibility to uphold human rights and dignity for all.
3. The number of Muslims killed by Americans far exceeds the number of Americans killed by Muslims. The indirect deaths caused by the US-led interventions in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other countries. Over 4 million Muslims have died as a result of Western wars since 1990.
4. Al-Qaeda is a political movement that gave Islam a bad name just like Zionism gave Judaism a bad name. Many Jews are saying that Zionism doesn’t represent us, like Muslims saying Al-Qaeda doesn’t represent us.
Al-Qaeda is a militant Islamist group that was founded by Osama bin Laden in the late 1980s and became notorious for carrying out terrorist attacks against the US and its allies, such as the 9/11 attacks in 2001. Al-Qaeda claims to follow the teachings of Islam, but in reality, it violates many of its principles and values, such as peace, justice, and mercy. Al-Qaeda also targets and kills many Muslims who do not agree with its extremist ideology or who belong to different sects or groups. Al-Qaeda has given Islam a bad name by associating it with violence, hatred, and intolerance, and by fueling Islamophobia and discrimination against Muslims in many parts of the world.
Zionism is a political movement that advocates for the establishment and support of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. Zionism emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and it is based on the ideology of Jewish supremacy. Palestinians and other Muslims see it as a form of colonialism, racism, and aggression that violates their rights and interests in their own land. Zionism has given Judaism a bad name by linking it with political and military conflicts, and by alienating many Jews who do not support or identify with the movement.
Many Jews and Muslims are saying that Zionism and Al-Qaeda do not represent them, because they have different views and values than these movements. Many Jews and Muslims support the idea of coexistence and dialogue between different religions and cultures, and seek to promote peace and justice in the region. Many Jews and Muslims have different interpretations and practices of their faiths, and do not agree with the religious claims or authority of these movements. Therefore, Zionism and Al-Qaeda are not synonymous with Judaism and Islam, and they do not reflect the diversity and complexity of these religions and their followers.
5. Offensive cartoons about Prophet Mohamed saw were considered freedom of speech, but any derogatory remark about the Jews is considered anti sematic, which is a crime in Europe and recently in the US, not to mention the attack from the main stream media.
The offensive cartoons about Prophet Muhammad were published by some European newspapers and magazines, such as Jyllands-Posten in Denmark and Charlie Hebdo in France, as a way of expressing their freedom of speech by insulting Muslims’ faith and culture, and attacking the Prophet Muhammad. Many Muslims around the world found the cartoons insulting and blasphemous, as they violated the Islamic tradition of not depicting Muhammad in any form, and often portrayed him in a negative or mocking way. The cartoons sparked protests, boycotts, and violence in some Muslim countries, as well as attacks on the cartoonists and their publications by some radical Muslims.
The derogatory remarks about the Jews are considered antisemitic, which means expressing hatred or discrimination against Jews as a religious, ethnic, or racial group. Antisemitism has resulted in persecution, oppression, and genocide of Jews, especially during the Nazi era and the Holocaust. Antisemitism is illegal in many European countries and in the US, and is condemned by various international organizations and human rights groups. Antisemitism also faces criticism and opposition from the mainstream media and the public opinion in most democratic societies.
Both cases raise questions and debates about the limits and responsibilities of freedom of speech, the respect and protection of religious and cultural diversity, and the prevention and response to violence and extremism.
6. Bin Laden said, it is either with us or you are a hypocrite. George W. Bush said, you are either with us or with the terrorists. Do you agree with these statements? What is your position from these statements?
These statements reflect the polarized and absolutist views of both leaders, who saw the world in black and white terms, and who did not tolerate any dissent or criticism. These statements also had a profound impact on the global politics and security, as they shaped the course and consequences of the war on terror, which involved military interventions, human rights violations, and radicalization of many people and groups. These statements also challenged the values and principles of democracy, pluralism, and dialogue, which are essential for a peaceful and prosperous world.
George bush statements insults intellectual American because he is accusing them if they don’t agree with him, then they belong to the terrorists. Most Intellectuals are against both, the terrorists and George Bush.
7.
The joke of offering the
same freedoms in the US and the Soviet Union.
The leader of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev, was
once visiting George Bush. Bush was bragging and saying that any American
citizen can come and stand in front of the White House, curse the American
president, curse the American government, curse the White House, and burn the
American flag, and nothing will happen to him. Surprisingly, Gorbachev replied
that he allows the same exact freedoms in the Soviet Union. Bush was surprised,
and asked him how? Mikhail Gorbachev replied that any Soviet Union citizen any
American citizen can come and stand in front of the White House, curse the
American president, curse the American government, curse the White House, and
burn the American flag, and nothing will happen to him.
8. How to reply to:
· Go back to your country. Replay “I am in my country.”
· Love it or leave it. Reply “The American culture is about love what you believe is good and hate what you believe is bad.”
· How do you feel about Bin Laden sharing the religion of yours? Reply “Same thing about Hitler and the army of God sharing yours.”