Islam and Islamism
Reader comment on item: Guest Column - Radical Islam Exists: Islamism IS the New Totalitarianism

Submitted by Robert Werdine, Feb 14, 2015 20:41

First of all, I would like express high praise to Qanta Ahmed for her courageous outspokenness here on the danger of Islamism as a totalitarian political ideology, and to Steve Emerson and the Investigative Project for Terrorism for publishing Dr. Ahmed. The excellent work that Mr. Emerson has done in exposing and educating the public about the dangers of Radical Islam—long before 9/11—also cannot be praised too highly. As a Muslim-American myself, I deplore the slanders and outrageous attacks that CAIR, ISNA and other Islamist apologist groups have heaped on Mr. Emerson and the IPT. The efforts of the IPT are directed against Islamists, not Muslims or Islam. CAIR and ISNA would do well to observe the difference.

I would, however, like to address myself to the assertions of commenter "Bob." I must emphasize that to read the Qur'an by ripping verses out of their proper context is an unfortunate habit beloved of both violent Islamists as well as those anti-Islam partisans. Both are exploiting the Qur'an for their own purposes.

All of the verses of the Qur'an that enjoin or allow fighting must be read holistically and in relation to one another and surrounding verses. All proscribe qital (fighting) except in cases of self-defense or persecution. This becomes clearer when the verses 2:216, 3:151, 4:74. 8:12, 15 and 8:39 are read in the context of 2:190-193, 4:89-90, 22:39-41, and 60:8-9.

Even Sura 9:5, the infamous "Verse of the Sword" is limited to fighting the mushrikin (the Quraysh pagans of Arabia) only if they violate their treaties with the Muslims and attack them. The same applies to 9:29, another Islamist/jihadist/terrorist favorite.

Also, this statement on verse 3:151:

"This speaks directly of polytheists, yet it also includes Christians, since they believe in the Trinity (ie. what Muhammad incorrectly believed to be 'joining companions to Allah')"

This is simply false. It is discussing the battle of Uhud which was with the Meccan pagans, and no one else. In Islam, all Jews and Christians who believe in God, the Day of Judgement, and live virtuous lives go to heaven.

Qur'an Suras 2:256 and 109:2—6 confirm absolute freedom of worship, and forbid forcible conversions:

"There shall be no compulsion in religion: the right way is now distinct from the wrong way. Anyone who denounces the devil and believes in GOD has grasped the strongest bond; one that never breaks. GOD is Hearer, Omniscient." (2:256)

"I do not worship what you worship. Nor do you worship what I worship. Nor will I ever worship what you worship. Nor will you ever worship what I worship. To you is your religion, and to me is my religion." (109:2-6)

Also, Sura 5:48 confirms that all faiths who worship God must do so in their own way:

"For each of you, we have decreed laws and different rites. Had GOD willed, He could have made you one congregation. But He thus puts you to the test through the revelations He has given each of you. You shall compete in righteousness. To GOD is your final destiny—all of you—then He will inform you of everything you had disputed."

Sura 5:69 confirms that all Christians and Jews who obey their scriptures and live righteous lives will go to heaven:

"Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the converts, and the Christians; any of them who (1) believe in GOD and (2) believe in the Last Day, and (3) lead a righteous life, have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve."

This is confirmed in Sura 2:62, 3:199, and 22:17.

Saving Islam from the wretched clutches of Islamism is and will be a formidable task. But with the help of brave anti-Islamist Muslims like Dr. Ahmed we cannot but succeed, God willing. Peace be upon you all, and Allah bless Steve Emerson and IPT!

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