I'm baffled. Even as I write this I am not sure it will or
should be published. But as I hear Presidential candidates wax political on
what they would do to combat terrorism, something is missing. It is the voice
of Muslims around the world.
It is an easy comparison to make between the KKK and ISIS. KKK
hides behind the American Flag and Christian religion to justify violence and
racism. ISIS hides behind a black flag and Islam to justify violence and
extremism. When the KKK was taking responsibility for the terrorist
activity in Mississippi, the bombing of black churches and the lynching of
black people, Christians all over the country stood up to condemn them as not
representative of America nor Christianity. Christians rightly pointed
out that violence and the killing of innocent people was not accepted by their
religion. The KKK was rightfully pointed out to be "radicalized"
Christians who were minority thugs who did not share the beliefs of the
majority of Americans and Christians. We could therefore condemn the actions of
terrorist and their violence without condemning an entire country or religion.
Where are the Muslim leaders, the Imams, the leaders of Mosques
around the world voicing their disapproval and condemnation of suicide and murder?
In the news coverage after the Brussels attack, I have not heard one Muslim
voice of authority rise to say, "We do not accept this as a representation
of our faith." The only thing I have seen in all the coverage is a
reporter finding moderate Muslims to ask if they feel they are being persecuted
as a group for the actions in Brussels. To a person they say yes. The
reason they are feeling that way is partly because the leaders of their faith
have done nothing to distance themselves from the violence. If leaders of
Islam do not come out and condemn the actions of ISIS unilaterally, stating
firmly that Islam does not stand with a small group of radical terrorist's,
then they become complicit in their silence. If the
leaders of the millions of Muslims living peacefully and harmoniously do not
come out and condemn the violence of ISIS as not a part of their religion, then
we can only assume they all support it.
I have Muslim friends. They do
not support the ISIS mandate nor their actions. They do not attend
radical Mosques nor tolerate extremist views. I have the feeling most Muslims feel that
way as well. Why are they not speaking out? Why are they not attempting to
organize and find ways to show another side of this ancient religion? Why are
they letting a few thugs and killers define their life style?
As I said, I'm baffled.
As you were,
Jay
2 comments:
they don't speak out because they are afraid of being considered apostate by the radicals and therefore subject to retribution.
Actually, if you ever read the Quran, it teaches and advocates what ISIS is doing. They're not really being radical, just good Muslims. Despite what people would have us believe, Islam is NOT a religion of peace. Just check your history books how violent the spread of Islam was (earlier books that haven't been changed yet.).
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