My failure to understand

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McCool,

Dont fall into the trap of believing that 'islam is extremism', and dont believe that what extremists do in the name of a religion, is representative of that religion, or that wrong-doers are true followers of that faith. In northern ireland, 3000 people were killed by 'catholics' or 'protestants' - but guess what, they were not christians, such activities are not in any way christian.

Also, people have a right to protest, you being raised in a catholic home, your parents would be outraged if they saw cartoons of Jesus performing disgusting acts, or the virgin mary being raped, enough to perhaps take to the streets to protest?

Most of the protests have been peaceful, and flag burning and chanting is kind of standard practice for protestors. All protests attract trouble makers, and I am sure that when protests have turned ugly, the trouble makers are not burning the embassy down because of an edict passed to them at a mosque, they are just trouble makers hell bent on trouble.

Jez

Jez ya hit the nail on the head!:)
 
Mc Cool,

I respect your observation of your community and I do understand where you're coming from. I don't understand why they printed out images of a prophet who [I assume] is revered by millions of people either, but that 's not the case here.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/4693292.stm

that link says, it started with one simple request of the image of the prophet. As soon as the editor found out that image of the prophet was out of line, in my humble opinion, he/she should have put the case to rest. Respect towards other people's faith should be a universal value. That's a reality that we live in right now.

Unfortunately, the editors of the Danish newspaper did not take their clear conscience as guidance and printed those cartoons anyway AFTER knowing the fact that those images were offensive.

The milk has been spilt. What we see now is a repercussion of those, if you don't mind my saying, inconsiderate judgment.

Do I agree with the "reported" acts of violence. I have no reservations to say, NO. I don't.

Do I agree with the publication of the cartoons under the facade of "freedom of speech"? I have no reservations to say, NO, either.

Muslims, like many other people of other faiths have their pride and limits. For all of us, that limits have been crossed the day the cartoons were published. THe issue then arose, how are we going to deal with the situation?

That's when the violence came in. Some do, some don't.

If many governments are really sincere about understanding Islam, the first thing they ought to do is NOT to interpret Islam by the acts of muslims.

I don't believe that all priests molest children either. I expect my brethren from other faiths to employ the same thought process.
 
1) Noor - Anger, Everyone is quick to anger. It is disgusting to me because there is no attempt to understand. The argument immediately comes to "How dare they do this to me!" and talking like that, though probably will not physically harm anyone, it accomplishes nothing in terms of solving the problem or achieving growth.

2) abdul Majid and Selising - Does the teachings of your Qur'an not say that you should turn the other cheek as Muhammad did? You said so yourself, he fed a sick starving woman who once went out of her way to harm him. Did he get mad at her and retaliate when his chance arose? No he did not. He did the noble thing and let go of his anger and hate. He HELPED THE WOMAN at no gain of his own. Much like Jesus went to his death willingly and never raised a finger in anger against those who sought to destroy him. I believe that if you responded to this situation in the way of Muhammad and Jesus then things would work out. Jesus and Muhammad did NOT fight, They accepted. If you Slandered my family I would not retaliate, if I did, after my temper has settled I would realize the error of my way and I would try to make amends. You Selsing would kill? Muhammad allows this? If you think this to be so then I fear your religion is every bit extreme as the media portrays it to be. (I have a feeling Muhammad does not want any blood to be spilled under ANY circumstances)

3) aljawaad - Bees are far from humans, though I value there existence I would not compare their thought process to mine. If you compare yourself to an animal I fear you have little self respect.
As for this - "So you are that type of person. Even if someone disrespects your parents you'll stay quite and watch. You don't value the honour of your parents. Huh so how can you value religion. I think that we are losing our time with you. At least we are trying to defend our honour. We are not like you, who doesn’t even respect your parents. ('I would make it my business......to be as unoffended as possible'"
I pose a question. If I weren't to 'stay quiet and watch' what am I to do? Wage war? For what, words spoken? If I went to my parents and told them someone slandered their name and I wished to 'defend their honour' by engaging the person in some type of combat, my parents would be appalled. Where is the logic in fighting over beliefs? What one believes does not affect me. Besides after I beat the person who slandered my parents/religion nothing has been done to change their mind. In fact I bet the person who did the slandering would care even less for my views. Actions fueled by anger do not make sense. When you are angry you are irrational, why do something to further hate? Also, I believe you to be an angry person, by your reactions to what I am saying I feel speaking with you about this matter would be impossible because you would fill with hate and judgment so quickly that you would close your mind to what I have to say.

4) Sis786 - "What may be normal to you MAY not be to us! " and Visa Versa? There is no shortage of satire in western culture. I can't go 5 minutes with the T.V. on without hearing something about how G.W. Bush is a fool; or how Paul Martin is a Cheat. What about the Bush/Martin fans, they might find such satire offensive. Why should Muslims be any exception to satire? What makes you so special that you should be devoid of satirical comedy? Because it's offensive? It is not other peoples job to avoid offending you; it happens.

5) Jezz - Islam seems to attract extremism. You can call that statement what you will but it is my perception. the Muslim faith is the largest religion that I know of that has people who claim to be devote followers who blow themselves up in the name of God. Extreme? As well "your parents would be outraged if they saw cartoons of Jesus performing disgusting acts"... Assumptions. I believe that were that ever to occur, my family would see the image for what is was. Anger and misunderstanding. YOU DO NOT FIX MISUNDERSTANDINGS WITH ANGER. As for the peaceful protests; death, fire, threats and destruction are not peaceful. Do not blame these action on a few bad apples. When these actions start the 'peaceful' protestors do not disperse. If they do then how come there are still hundreds of people rushing an embassy after gun shots are being fired into the air. Does that make sense to you?

6) Takumi - I agree with you for the most part. I believe that the comic was made based on a misunderstanding of what Islam represents (this is why this thread is titled "My failure to Understand" because I do not know either but I am eager to learn) and anger. Anger for the current state of the world. This comic symbolizes a problem, the problem being the misconception of Islam by the 'Christian' world. Demanding an apology and being angry will do nothing to solve the problem which is the initial misunderstanding. Sadly at this point I believe there to be little you can do to remedy this problem.
 
Mr McCool,

The very fact that people claim to be true believers, and do something violent in the name of a religion (be it Islam or Christianity) usually precludes that person from the religious mainstream. For instance a Protestent taxi driver gets shot in northern ireland, by a 'catholic', the Catholic church always puts out a heartfelt dismissal of the act being at all religious, the killer is clearly not a true Catholic. When the 7/7 terrorist atrocities were carried out, the Muslim Council of Britain, (and its Canadian counterpart) would also have put out condemnations of such actions.

However, there are extremists in the world, and some of them just happen to be from an Islamic background (or may be Catholic or Sikh), but the evil they do is nearly always politically motivated, not religiously motivated, and it is never sanctioned by the religious mainstream. Around the world, people who are politically, socially or militarily oppressed, sometimes they fight back, and rally around those various religions, but the acts they commit are not religious or usually representative of that religion.

I agree that you do not fix misunderstandings with anger, violence serves no purpose, but surely there are things you would protest about? Have there been protests in Canada? There are 15 million Muslims in Europe, plenty of protests, and as far as I am aware no riots, no deaths, no fires. I was distressed at some of the placards (being an unbeliever and firmly attached to me head thank you), but this was a vicarage tea party compared to the riots you might see when the anarchists come to town for trade talks and to burn macdonalds down.

In other countries there have been violent riots, but I wonder how much of this is about religion, and how much is about an opportunity to have a go at the establishment?

Jez
 
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6) Takumi - I agree with you for the most part. I believe that the comic was made based on a misunderstanding of what Islam represents (this is why this thread is titled "My failure to Understand" because I do not know either but I am eager to learn) and anger. Anger for the current state of the world. This comic symbolizes a problem, the problem being the misconception of Islam by the 'Christian' world. Demanding an apology and being angry will do nothing to solve the problem which is the initial misunderstanding. Sadly at this point I believe there to be little you can do to remedy this problem.


I beg to differ. I can do a lot to remedy the problem and trust me one of them is not to behead anyone or to burn any buildings. While I don't claim savoire faire in political tenets of Islam, I do know for a fact that our prophet was sent as a mercy for mankind and that has been proven many times in his life and dealings with other people.

This man, whom they have made fun of, revolutionized not only a city, but a nation and his pure teachings still reverberates in many parts of the world. Unfortunately, as many other theological practices, his tradition has been betrayed and Islamic vigilantes seem to somehow steal the spotlight.

I'm inviting you further your quest to understand Islam and his life and not use this incident as a base for your understanding.

I'm involved in many interfaith dialogue and I know for a fact, even though Australian statistics seem to show otherwise, my fellow citizens from many other faiths do not view Islam as a faith that breeds terror. Of course, they do not represent anyone except themselves.

If misunderstanding of Islam was the issue, then the best avenue for anyone is to simply ask.
 
Hi McCool,
You commented on just about everyone's posts except for mine. Please let me know what you think.

Regards
 
3) aljawaad - Bees are far from humans, though I value there existence I would not compare their thought process to mine. If you compare yourself to an animal I fear you have little self respect.
As for this - "So you are that type of person. Even if someone disrespects your parents you'll stay quite and watch. You don't value the honour of your parents. Huh so how can you value religion. I think that we are losing our time with you. At least we are trying to defend our honour. We are not like you, who doesn’t even respect your parents. ('I would make it my business......to be as unoffended as possible'"
I pose a question. If I weren't to 'stay quiet and watch' what am I to do? Wage war? For what, words spoken? If I went to my parents and told them someone slandered their name and I wished to 'defend their honour' by engaging the person in some type of combat, my parents would be appalled. Where is the logic in fighting over beliefs? What one believes does not affect me. Besides after I beat the person who slandered my parents/religion nothing has been done to change their mind. In fact I bet the person who did the slandering would care even less for my views. Actions fueled by anger do not make sense. When you are angry you are irrational, why do something to further hate? Also, I believe you to be an angry person, by your reactions to what I am saying I feel speaking with you about this matter would be impossible because you would fill with hate and judgment so quickly that you would close your mind to what I have to say.

You won't understand our feelings regarding that matter coz you are not Muslim (May Allah guide your heart).
"If i weren't to stay quite and watch what am i to do? Wage war?..." Well my Bro that depends on the situation and the problems. This depends on many factors. At least if you dont want to wage war, you can at least find a way to protect the honour of your family.
Ok you are jus telling us what you think about us, so let me give you my opinion about you; I think that you are someone who either don't care for your parents or you are someone who don't have the guts to fight to even to protect your honour and dignity. And that's why you are tryind to discourage us too into it.
"In fact i bet the person who did the slandering would care even less for my views". You gave the reason yourself why the Muslims are angry; we are angry and boycotting too has already started in many places so that our views are considered. This will continue until justice has been done.
Since you are giving your opinions about us, let me tell you mine. I think that its you who are quick at judging others. You've been here for only a short time and yet you have already given your opinion on almost all of us. So this must means that you are quick at judging others. I also think that you have come here to create some kind of trouble.
Well since you gave your opinion on us, i'm gave you mine. Don't be offended. Oh i forgot, you won't be offended coz you'll 'try to be as un-offended as possible'.

Peace

 
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4) Sis786 - "What may be normal to you MAY not be to us! " and Visa Versa? There is no shortage of satire in western culture. I can't go 5 minutes with the T.V. on without hearing something about how G.W. Bush is a fool; or how Paul Martin is a Cheat. What about the Bush/Martin fans, they might find such satire offensive. Why should Muslims be any exception to satire? What makes you so special that you should be devoid of satirical comedy? Because it's offensive? It is not other peoples job to avoid offending you; it happens.

Are u saying that you r living in a community that promote humiliation? Disrespect to others? hmmmm....

We don't do that.
 
MC Cool Kuffar create problems and you want us to solve them.
Muslims should help those in trouble but i dunno if he must help the creators of trouble.
 
1)

4) Sis786 - "What may be normal to you MAY not be to us! " and Visa Versa? There is no shortage of satire in western culture. I can't go 5 minutes with the T.V. on without hearing something about how G.W. Bush is a fool; or how Paul Martin is a Cheat. What about the Bush/Martin fans, they might find such satire offensive. Why should Muslims be any exception to satire? What makes you so special that you should be devoid of satirical comedy? Because it's offensive? It is not other peoples job to avoid offending you; it happens.

Comparing George Bush and Paul Martin TO a Prophet is absurd. We as in Muslims arent "Fans" Our Devotion to the Prophet Muhammed PBHU is not one that came into existence now! Its not one that will change. Ever since i learned how to speak and like many Muslims I believed in ONE GOD and THE PROPHET MUHAMMED PBHU was the final and most beloved Prophet of God! Now IF you knew what the Prophet Muhammed PBHU meant to us then you MIGHT be able to undertsand the anger of "THESE" Cartoons. No offence but i find that a non-muslim will never be able to understand! This does not mean you are BLIND to the whole concept of our love and respect to the Prophet just that you might not understand the LEVEL on which we Love and respect our Prophet.

For many years now We have seen things in the Press that are degrading to Islam. After this so called "War on Terror" our Religion has been targeted. BUT you take your information from the Media and not from the true source the "Quran". it is stated in the Quran that if we as in Muslims save on person it is like we have saved Humanity and if we kill one person it is like we have killed Humanity. This is referring to unlawful killings and Terrorism would fall into unlawful killings! BUT the Media dont talk about this instead they talk about "Jihad" Jihad is also when i walk pass a pub and I resist going in "Its a Struggle" yes it is Holy War also BUT in the right concept.

Drawing pictures of the Prophet Muhammed is forbidden in Islam FULL STOP! Then to draw pictures to Humiliate and Degrade the Prophet Muahmmed PBHU is a Whole different story! Was there a need for this You have to ask yourself!

Just also wanted to mention in December 2005, 22,000 Muslims took part in a "Global and Peace and Unity Event" In London. 22,000.00 Muslims did the mainstream Media show this "NO". 22,000.00 Muslims from all over Britain took part in an event about Peace and the Media did not highlight this. BUT when 50 odd people take to the street last week THIS WAS HEADLINE NEWS!

I leave you to think about where YOU get your information from and HOW reliable that INFORMATION really is!
 
Sis786, I might refer you to the 'New Mujhaideen Pics' thread. There you will find many chilling examples of 'peaceful Islam'. You have to understand that these are the images that linger in peoples' minds. All the peaceful demonstrations in the world aren't going to mean squat until you can restrain your fanatics from their penchant for indiscriminant killing.
 
Sis786, I might refer you to the 'New Mujhaideen Pics' thread. There you will find many chilling examples of 'peaceful Islam'. You have to understand that these are the images that linger in peoples' minds. All the peaceful demonstrations in the world aren't going to mean squat until you can restrain your fanatics from their penchant for indiscriminant killing.

Two wrongs dont make a right! But i could show you the pictures from Belgrave Prison and HOW the American Soliders treat Prisoners there THEY are equally "Chilling"

This is where you are wrong YES there are a few "fanatics" amoungst us. But in realtion to the "Mujhaideens" a majority are fighting for peace and justice. Yes will seem weird to you as you have only understood the word and meaning for the media. Do you think that a 12year old boy in Palestine wanted to be killed in such a horrific way than he was! This boy went out to throw rocks at a Israel Tank as it was in thier land killing thier people. Did he deserve to be killed for "Throwing rocks" He was a Mujhaideen someone who sees injustice and fights with it for peace!
 
Two wrongs dont make a right! But i could show you the pictures from Belgrave Prison and HOW the American Soliders treat Prisoners there THEY are equally "Chilling"

This is where you are wrong YES there are a few "fanatics" amoungst us. But in realtion to the "Mujhaideens" a majority are fighting for peace and justice. Yes will seem weird to you as you have only understood the word and meaning for the media. Do you think that a 12year old boy in Palestine wanted to be killed in such a horrific way than he was! This boy went out to throw rocks at a Israel Tank as it was in thier land killing thier people. Did he deserve to be killed for "Throwing rocks" He was a Mujhaideen someone who sees injustice and fights with it for peace!
I agree with everything you just said. I am deeply distressed regarding the Palestinian situation. It is an ongoing crime against humanity. But the direction that some have chosen is doomed, I'm afraid, to failure. Palestinians will never overcome through the actions of suicide bombers. Every time innocent people are killed the palestinian cause is weakened. Like it or not, the outcome of the struggle will be determined in the living rooms of the United States of America. In the end, it is a public relations war, and one the Palestinians are losing. It is incumbant on you, and others like you, to show your brothers such as those in the 'New Mujaideen Pics' thread that their way is ultimately self-defeating. I wish you success.
 
Hi McCool !
Media resort to comic with politicians or other people in Muslim countries too, and their fans are never angered by such comics or cartoons. But playing jokes with a Messanger of Allah is tantamount to joking with the code of faith and conduct divinely ordained by God for the mankind. Take reason and be faithful to yourself.
 
You have all made good points and I am having a difficult time comming up with a rebuttle (that is not why is has been so long since I have posted, Mid-terms :uhwhat )

I guess I want to start with this one;

1) Aljawaad - Your name states you to be a, what I hope is self proclaimed, "Soldier of Allah" and your tag claims that you Fight in the way of Allah. I would like to know what the people of this forum have to say about that. What do you feel when you read that. After I hear some responses I will make my rebuttle to the rest of your posts.

2) Ansar Al-'Adl - Would you not agree with my point that these pictures do not harm you? I recognize that it puts a negative light on what your relegion represents (at least to you) In all honesty what is it you crave to remedy the situation? an appology? it has been given. Keep in mind this cartoon was released in October and it is stiring more trouble 4 months after its release than it did initially. So what is it that Muslims want? What are they trying to achieve?
I am sorry but if you tell me that they are trying to make it understood that they are not extremeist in their nature and that they are reasonable than I would not believe you. As well, political condemnations of the violence do not ease my mind about the situation. If any government promoted this then there would be a serious problem.
You also speak and say things like (I am paraphrasing, correct me if I mis-interpret) the things the media are doing to portray the Muslim faith in a negative light are intentional and the media wanted to make the Muslims look bad. Is that not what you are saying? You used words like "attacked" and "maligned" do you believe these events to be a conspiracy? May I remind you that it is the "Muslims" who strap bombs to themselves and kill themselves and others in the name of the peaceful Qur'an and not the media? You have to understand that as much as you don't like this cartoon, the images comming out of the middle easy are FAR more vulgar, and the are not drawings.
I recognize that only a small percent of Muslims are extreme (like any other relegion), but look at what they are doing.

3) Selsing - "Are u saying that you r living in a community that promote humiliation? Disrespect to others? hmmmm.... We don't do that."
Who is "we"? Muslims?
I saw a video of a Muslim man beating the burnt, decappitated upper torso of an American soldier with a stick. You do not humiliate or disrespect? Do not make such generalizations. All non-Muslims did not make that comic nor support it

4) Sis786 - What are "lawful" killings? How can there be such a thing? why is one death "lawful" under the Qur'an and another "unlawful"? Your points are made in anger. Why be angry is my point. These images DO NOT harm your personal beliefs or faith.

5) fredbear - you make a true and depressing point. Leaving such a decision to the un-caring and the un-informed.

The Muslim faith is not the first to be satired nor will it be the last.
 
Hi McCool,
Thanks for your post. :)
Y2) Ansar Al-'Adl - Would you not agree with my point that these pictures do not harm you?
No I disagree. These cartoons are harmful. At a time of great tension between various groups in western society, these cartoons destroy the efforts of millions of people to integrate minorities into the community and promote peace. These cartoons not only harm Muslims, but they harm everyone because they divide our communities and promote hatred towards a minority. Don't forget that the prelude to the holocaust was anti-semitic cartoons and other such propaganda.
I recognize that it puts a negative light on what your relegion represents (at least to you) In all honesty what is it you crave to remedy the situation?
I don't want anything specific, the intention is to simply raise awareness of this issue and to expose the hatred that is dividing our communities. Peaceful protests are very important in this regard and we also need to explain to non-muslims, like yourself, just what exactly is so wrong about these cartoons, so that they may understand. Through understanding we will be able to achieve tolerance and respect for eachother, and consequenlty, peace.
Keep in mind this cartoon was released in October and it is stiring more trouble 4 months after its release than it did initially.
Snowball effect.
I am sorry but if you tell me that they are trying to make it understood that they are not extremeist in their nature and that they are reasonable than I would not believe you. As well, political condemnations of the violence do not ease my mind about the situation. If any government promoted this then there would be a serious problem.
Agreed.
You also speak and say things like (I am paraphrasing, correct me if I mis-interpret) the things the media are doing to portray the Muslim faith in a negative light are intentional and the media wanted to make the Muslims look bad. Is that not what you are saying? You used words like "attacked" and "maligned" do you believe these events to be a conspiracy?
Not always. In some cases it is simply ignorance and failure to reach out to the Muslims to present the correct understanding, in other cases it is real hatred that is being directed towards Muslims, and in a few other cases it is simply how the western media functions.
May I remind you that it is the "Muslims" who strap bombs to themselves and kill themselves and others in the name of the peaceful Qur'an and not the media? You have to understand that as much as you don't like this cartoon, the images comming out of the middle easy are FAR more vulgar, and the are not drawings.
http://www.islamicboard.com/175722-post57.html
I think the above link to a previous post is relevant to your question. The following two posts were also part of a similar discussion:
http://www.islamicboard.com/175721-post20.html
http://www.islamicboard.com/176321-post27.html

I recognize that only a small percent of Muslims are extreme (like any other relegion), but look at what they are doing.
I agree with you completely on this point, and I'm glad it has been acknowledged.

Regards
 
You have all made good points and I am having a difficult time comming up with a rebuttle (that is not why is has been so long since I have posted, Mid-terms :uhwhat )

I guess I want to start with this one;

1) Aljawaad - Your name states you to be a, what I hope is self proclaimed, "Soldier of Allah" and your tag claims that you Fight in the way of Allah. I would like to know what the people of this forum have to say about that. What do you feel when you read that. After I hear some responses I will make my rebuttle to the rest of your posts.

Im really sorry for you McCool if you don't understand simple english but the user title says it all.
"Soldier of Allah" By the way that's not my name. In fact its my user title.
"Aljawaad" is my login name.
And what you called a 'tag' well i prefer callin it my signature coz i was not tagged when i came on earth.
I f you think that a soldier is someone who always have to fight with guns... then you are mistaken. As for me when i call myself a soldier, by that im expressing my feelings and letting people know that my only reason to be on earth is only to please Allah. There are many ways in which one can please Allah, e.g fighting against injustice, defending one's honour and the honour of others... Also when i say that i fight, this does not means that i always fight physically, my fight can also be verbal, written, etc. In fact it can take the most appropriate form according to the circumstances.
When i say that i'm 'fighting in the way of Allah' this means that im fighting or i'm prepared to fight against everything that Allah has declared as Haraam in his Holy book.
Also, i'll be ready for your rebuttle Insha Allah.
May Allah protect me and all my Brothers and Sisters against Shaitwaan and his tricks. MAy Allah also gives us the courage to fight in his way.

Peace.
 
Fight v.
1. To attempt to harm or gain power over an adversary by blows or with weapons.
2. To engage in a quarrel; argue

Fighting is Fighting, whether with words or guns. You make no sense Aljawaad; Fight, Defend, Honour, Injustice. What are these to you? Words? Commands? I thought you follow a religion of peace? Do you achieve Peace through Conflict?

Why must everything be a fight? Do you ask yourself this? I just heard a Muslim cleric declare a one million dollar bounty on the head of the cartoonist. A CARTOONIST! He is probably a young man making a mediocre salary with a small family. Does this make sense? Is this okay with your God? If he allows this then I fear every terrible thing I have heard about your religion is true. If your God tells you to fight, to die, to defend against words and emotions then it explains EXACTLY why the middle east hasn't seen peace in a long time.

Religions are not to have soldiers, Nation States have soldiers. Religions do not tell you to fight. If the Qur'an and Allah tell you too then there is little hope for the Muslims I fear.
 
Mccool Wat Are You Talking About????

If Dont Have The Right Information Then Ask???

Why Must Everything Be A Fight You Say? Becuase There Is Conflict, Why Is Your President Invading Muslim Countrys?? They Didnt Try To Invade Or Say They Are Invading??? He Makes Misheif In The Land Do You See, Or Maybe Youll Never See, Becuase Your Views Are One Sided !!
 

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