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It's not enough for Muslims to be revolted by terror
Posted: 30-Nov-2008
Posted: 30-Nov-2008
"They knock on my door aggressively but I don't open it, I stay very quiet." The caller pauses briefly before continuing. "But I am fine." These were the words of UAE national Rashid al Owais, a 40-year-old marble trader whose business took him to Mumbai last week.
Rashid, a Muslim and an Arab, was among the hostages of the co-ordinated terrorist attacks by a cowardly crew of criminal gangsters. He was speaking to Dubai TV on Thursday night from his hotel room in the Oberoi Trident, where he had been holed up since the beginning of the siege. Naturally, the UAE was one of the first countries to condemn this "reprehensible crime".
The situation of the UAE is unique: its ties with India go back hundreds of years, and it is a country where the peaceful Indian community constitutes a majority of the foreign residents. The Organisation of the Islamic Conference, an association of 56 Islamic states, also condemned the terror attacks stating that "these acts of violence contradict all human values and can be justified by nothing". Nothing is the key word here.
Since the evil attacks of September 11, moderate Muslims dread the news of yet another "holy attack" in which the name of their religion – which means peace – is used as an excuse for bloodthirsty savagery. In fact there is an unannounced air of relief among Muslims whenever perpetrators of violent attacks turn out to be from non-Islamic fundamentalist backgrounds. Such was the case during the Virginia Tech university massacre in April 2007 in which 32 mostly students were killed by a South Korean.
We like to remind others that like Rashid al Owais, Muslims are victims of terror, too. We also are mindful of other notorious non-Islamic groups that perpetuate violence, including Eta in Spain and the Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka. The latter are responsible for up to 60,000 deaths and more than 200 suicide attacks, one of which took the life of Rajiv Gandhi, the then prime minister of India.
The perpetrators of last week's Mumbai attacks could not have chosen a more powerful symbol of humanity than India, with its beautiful mosaic of ethnicities – a mosaic that will undoubtedly continue to shine despite the crimes of an unrepresentative minority who hijack Islam whenever the state of their miserable existence dawns upon them.
India is a proud nation in which the Hindu majority embraces many minorities such as Muslims and Christians, and where they are able to dream and flourish. This is the country of Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, who as a poor boy in the mid 20th century was forced to sell newspapers to pay for his studies, but who grew up to be elected as the 11th president of over a billion people earlier this decade.
This is the country, too, of Azim Premji, a young Stanford graduate who had the opportunity to turn a fledgling family business called Western Indian Vegetable Products Limited, into a global software giant now called Wipro, making him until recently it's richest citizen.
This is the country of Shah Rukh Khan, an orphaned Muslim boy who rocketed into movie stardom and yet respects the religion of his wife and continues to place the Holy Quran next to Hindu gods in his house. This is the country of the Taj Mahal, the most magnificent Islamic structure in the world, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
But most importantly, this is the country of the everyday man and woman, Hindu, Christian and Muslim, who wake up each morning and often embark on a journey that could last several hours, leaving their loved ones behind in order to build better lives for their families. This vision of humanity is at odds with the beliefs of terrorists, brainwashed thugs who also leave their homes and embark on a journey – but in their case to commit murder.
It is not enough for moderate Muslims to be revolted by the attacks in Mumbai as we have been revolted by the attacks on the New York office towers, Amman wedding, London transport system, Madrid trains, Beslan school, Jerusalem pizzeria, Baghdad markets and numerous other places. It is time to take a serious stand against these perpetrators and reclaim our religion.
Muslims must be more vocal in their sentiments regarding such criminals, and Islamic states must counter this behaviour proactively. To borrow from an unpopular phrase, the Islamic states must launch a psychological pre-emptive strike against these terrorists and more importantly those who encourage them. Muslim preachers who fail to condemn terror must either be re-educated or discredited completely, and those who excuse terror using certain conflicts as a pretext must be silenced because the poison that they spread today will come back to haunt us all tomorrow.
Some media outlets can also act as a conduit for the terrorists' propaganda. The stories of reformed radicals such as Sayed Imam, also known as Dr Fadl, must be highlighted to the ignorant minority. Our message must be clear: "These acts of violence contradict all human values and can be justified by nothing."
Nothing.
This article was published in The National newspaper on Sunday 30-11-2008 @import url(/zscripts/rte/zirte.css);
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Dear Mr.Al Qassemi
It's not up to you wether I comment on your articles or not. You chose a public forum. You live and die with it. Tough luck.
Freedom of speech my friend or are you trying to limit it?
I will as all other interested people comment on any article as we see fit.
Try stopping us.
you don't rule me or any other reader.
SINCERELY [Report Abuse | Email to a Friend | Reply to this Comment]
The following cleip on youtube may support Sultan's article:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZRuH21JTak
Dhiyaa Al-Musawi's interview on Abu Dhabi TV Iis impressive We need more like him as.
State terrorism is at the root cause of the terrorist acts perpetrated by traitors of the faiths -- whether they are Hindu, Jewish, Christian, Muslim, whatever. Look at the slaughter taking place in Gaza. The Apartheid State of Israel (ASI) is the very definition of State Terrorism. The unfortunate reality is that we live in a system where religions are becoming more and more institutionalized, and the politicization of faiths end up driving people and states alike to kill in the name of God. In the end, state terrorism and group terrorism feed of each and it only makes one wonder whether the relationship is more "intimate" than what one might think [eg: why is Wahhabism in Saudi Arabia supported vs. Wahabism in Taliban Afghanistan attacked]. Also, who do you think funded the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt or Osama Bin Laden in Afghanistan to counter Pan-Arabism or the influence of So-cialism in the Middle East? Even the late Israeli historian Israel Shahak in his book entitled "Jewish History / Jewish Religion" has gone as far as stating that Hamas was in fact helped in it's creation in the 1970s by the Mossad to weaken the PLO's secular/nationalist resistance to Israeli occupation. So what does this mean to Israel's relationship [or involvement/intimacy] with Hamas? Looking beyond the mass media, which let's face it always has to maintain an editorial line for it's respective mass market, and seeking the truth through studies and research, are crucial to combating terrorism...whether it is from a head of state or a political group.
Since we're on the subject of the ASI, the massacre taking place in Gaza right now is nothing short of evil. Where Hamas is in essence a reactionary movement based on the occupation, humiliation, theft, and murder, Israel is recognized as an official state holding a seat at the United Nations. The ASI has no place in the world of nations. Like South Africa during Apartheid, it is an outlaw state built on a racist colonialist agenda and must be dismantled by all means necessary, for it's creation and sustainability are based on the support from the richest and most powerful political and business leaders in the world. They, nevertheless, constitute a minority. On the other hand, as we witness the countless demonstrations being held around the world condemning the ASI and supporting Gaza, the masses are aware. As with Apartheid South Africa, the state of Israel must be dismantled by Boycotting Israeli products, supporting the Divestment initiative out of Israel, and demanding the Sanctioning of the Israeli state for it's illegal, criminal, and unjust policies/acts against the Palestinian people.
And this should begin in the Arab world. For example boycott Leviev Jewerelly in Dubai (Al Qasr Hotel & Atlantis) for it has been documented that the funds to build more illegal settlements in the West Bank city of Jayouss...
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/12/16/18555136.php
The BDS movement is crucial for real peace in the Middle East. That is when "terrorism" (all kinds) will come to an end.
Mohannad [Report Abuse | Email to a Friend | Reply to this Comment]
1- Not all my articles appear on the Zawya portal. I write for several publications as well.
2- This article was written about the November terrorist Mumbai attacks that you unfortunately seem to confuse with other events.
3- I also stand by my articles especially those that are written in a specific context. Condemning the Mumbai attacks does not mean that I condone the Gaza aggression.
4- I recall asking you not to read my articles, please also refrain from contacting me in any form.
Thank you [Report Abuse | Email to a Friend | Reply to this Comment]
Sir
Don't you think it would be more appropriate for you to have said this instead? Why don't you write about that?
Or are you so used to Apologising for the victims instead of indicting the criminals? [Report Abuse | Email to a Friend | Reply to this Comment]
I think the method of delivery of information must be taken into account when responding to the information. EG "A Friend" mentions 6 points on how to write here, which is highly relevant to a piece that may be reported in a newspaper or research article but not relevant to a blog, which by its nature, expresses the opinion of the author.
Therefore, I don't believe these rules necessarily apply. In addition, the request that organized terror attacks by governments should be mentioned etc, would be perhaps required in a book or peer reviewed journal but again not necessary in a blog. Since a blog is not meant to be digested as a completely factual source of information it is up to the reader to apply contextual parameters.
A better discussion including these points could be hosted on a platform such as wikipedia where everyone can contribute their information.
A final point is that I see the comments by "A Friend" the same as the author of the blog. Both are condemning acts of terrorism and working to stop it in whatever shape or form. I see more agreement here than disagreement. I didn't see any picking on anyone or claims to stating facts. I think both people are expressing the same point.
I wonder if the two writers share the same mother tongue, (ie not english) in which case, if the blog had been written in another language, maybe "A Friend" would have had different reactions? [Report Abuse | Email to a Friend | Reply to this Comment]
If you're going to write, then you must accept criticism, did you just think you can say whatever you wanted and people will just simply buy it?
It's called Freedom of Speach. You have one and I do too.
In fact I'm just trying to help you. I've read all your articles. You can improve a lot by focusing on clarifying the central theme and mentioning all facts relevant.
Here are a few pointers:
1) Differentiate between opinion and fact. If I say I like Blue better than Green, that's an opinion, but if I say it's better, then that's an attempt at a factual statement, which needs to have a measuring criteria.
2) There are always 3 sides to every story, try to at least mention 2.
3) Use comparisons so people can understand your point.
4) Make sure your central theme is announced upfront and then work to prove it.
5) Don't pick on one person or group, withot proving that what they did was different, it's not fair and it's incorrect.
6) Do your homework, make sure you get the facts right.
I'm afraid as long as you insist on writing, people like me will answer. otherwise don't write.
Please don't be childish about this, just because you don't like how people respond, it's really not right to ask them to stop reading. [Report Abuse | Email to a Friend | Reply to this Comment]
I do not treat all my readers as idiots, even if some of them are.
Please save me and yourself the trouble of reading my articles.
Thank you [Report Abuse | Email to a Friend | Reply to this Comment]
You don't have to repeat yourself, just get your facts right and don't treat your audience as idiots. We're extremely well educated.
You failed to mention the organized terror attacks by goverments as if they don't count, and only mention small groups.
Yes Terrorism can be measured, as the West and their media in fact do. Surely, a Napalm attack on a sleeping city where people were burned alive and killed 100,000 is more severe than machine gun fire? Just ask the relatives of the victims.
Surely when a people like the Romany lose 2.5 million of their own ( half the world Romany population ) in WWII by the Germans is more severe.
Surely when Algerian men are taken in large groups into caves and a flame thrower is used against them by the French is more severe.
We are saddened by every death especially by criminals, but isn't it time for once you defend your faith instead of attacking it? [Report Abuse | Email to a Friend | Reply to this Comment]
Thank you for explaining (in capital letters as well) what the meaning of Islam is.
It seems that I have to repeat myself for some people. I did mention the terror attacks perpetrated by non-Muslims. So the majority of your comment is invalid.
How interesting that you take the approach of "comparing" terrorist attacks as if they can be measured.
Finally, I did not apologise for all Muslims, I don't know where you got that from. [Report Abuse | Email to a Friend | Reply to this Comment]
Actually my friend Islam means to " SURRENDER" specifically to the will of Allah.
And I don't think that the majority of Muslims, ordinary people and scholars would agree that it's a good thing to place the Quran next to statues of gods. After all Islam demands uppermost a belief in only one god.
You also forget the many terrorist acts perpetrated by non-muslims. The genocide of the indigenous peoples of the Americas, The Spanish Inquisition, The 200 year war by Russia against the Chechens, The rape of China by the Japanese, The Holocaust which not only murdered Jews but also Handicapped, Poles, Romany (incorrectly called Gypsies), the Napalm attacks on Tokyo (100,000 lives lost), the Atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki (0ver 150,000 lives), The millions killed in Vietnam, Apartheid, and the complete and utter eradication of Palestinian villages by Israelis where the townspeople were lined up against the walls of their homes and shot.
The phrase " Pales in Comparison " comes to mind.
Please stop apologising for all Muslims. [Report Abuse | Email to a Friend | Reply to this Comment]
"attacks...that arise due to a deep sense of abandonment, a feeling of being left out, and being called " terrorist" time and again."
So terrorists kill because people call them terrorists and because they feel "left out".
Great logic mate.
P.S. I may not reply to your future comments because I'm trying to be "accepted by the west". [Report Abuse | Email to a Friend | Reply to this Comment]
I am not in total disagreement with the authors assertion. I would however like to point out the following:
We should look at State terrorism and not just stop at condemning these types of attacks [and they need to be condemned in everyway possible] that arise due to a deep sense of abandonment, a feeling of being left out, and being called " terrorist" time and again for just belonging to a particular creed/race/faith.
I have been reading comments regarding this event and following news channels and appalled by the terrorist terrorist terrorist chants of misguided zealots and inebriated islamophobics [as always happens]. Most unfortunately, our own brethren catch the contagion and in their desire to be accepted by the west [do we really need acceptance?] keep pointing in the wrong direction.
People identify the symptom and still fail to see the problem
[respectfully the author is trying to do the same in some ways],
Lets stop all kinds of terrorism [including state terrorism] from Israel towards Palestians/other muslims, India towards its Muslims internally and in Kashmir, American terrorism in Iraq & Afghanistan, Russian terrorism in Chechnya...a recognition of these problems will go a long way in alleviating peoples sense of reclusiveness/abandonment and perhaps make this world a better place and automatically take care of the increasing number of disenchanted ones who can easily be brainwashed into doing senseless things since they feel,
'pushed to the wall'.
Did anyone call those who razed the Babri mosque Hindu terrorists?, did anyone call the LTTE tigress who killed Rajiv Gandhi a Buddhist terrorist; did anyone dare called Timothey McViegh a Christian terrorist? (what about Hitler, was he a Christian terrorist too?).
Stop this Muslim/Islam phobia, Read about real Islam, lets not be swayed by warped ideology and at the same time not at all try and be apologetic to the world by adding superlatives to Islam.
We can only Muslim or not Muslim (there is nothing else like moderate, extremist, modern et al).
Once there is a reassessment of our self-image, there will be change - real change. We need to stand up for our rights and not be afraid to call a wrong a wrong, and fully support a right.
Note:
Case in point [the author will note]:
Didnt we see Dubai acquiesce (and still doing that in many ways) to the whole world by way of its virtual positioning - Dubai was/is and wanted to be secular and I am not arguing the wisdom (or otherwise behind the ideology). However, when it came to US accepting DP Worlds (a Dubai - secular country plausibly) ownership of their ports, everyone knows what argument they gave and how they still perceived Dubai to be.....!...... [Report Abuse | Email to a Friend | Reply to this Comment]