Howard should convert to Islam: Bashir (released Indonesian cleric to Aussie PM)

ABC Australia ^ | 6/15/2006 | Geoff Thompson

[Dark Skies]

While holding a late night press conference in his Ngruki religious boarding school, Abu Bakar Bashir was asked by the ABC if he had a message for Mr Howard when the Prime Minister visits Indonesia later this month.

"I think John Howard should convert to Islam," he said.

"If he wants to be saved from hell, he needs to convert to Islam and God willing, he will be forgiven by Allah."

Secondly, he warned Australians to never try fighting Muslims because they will definitely lose.

"Maybe with God's permission, they can kill us, but they certainly can't beat Islam," he said.

He then warned Australian journalists not to twist his statement.

[Dark Skies]

The audacity of these killers is unbelievable!

[bilhosty]

What a viscious,stupid,ignorant hateful barbarian.

[cripplecreek]

I'm not exactly sure how he expected anyone to twist that statement.

[agere_contra]

What a viscious,stupid,ignorant hateful barbarian.

I agree, he's a vicious nutjob.

[Redmen4ever]

I am happy that the prime minister of Indonesia believes in his religion. But, in a global community, we have to both believe in what we believe in AND tolerate the beliefs of others that differ from ours, PROVIDED all accept the belief that we should tolerate and live peacefully with each other.

Now, we who are Christians, can look to Jesus for his teaching on this subject. He tells us to preach the good news to all people of the world and to be at peace with all people as much as this is possible. Therefore, while there have been exceptions, we Christians have generally lived in peace with others (e.g., the Dutch did not force the people of Indonesia to convert to Christianity).

But, what has the track record of Islam been? Actually, I think you find a mixed record. Some, in Islam, will point to the practice of Mohammed and his followers to make alliance and tolerate people of other religions, and to the tolerance practiced by the Ottoman Empire in, e.g., accepting Jews upon their expulsion from Spain. Others will emphasize the range of sanctions from petty discriminations to murder practiced by Muslims against those of other religions.

It would be a good thing for the prime minister of Indonesia to emphasize the tolerant tradition within Islam, and thus position his country and the world for peace and cooperation.

[jackieaxe]

Ann Coulter was right, we should invade their countries, kill their leaders and convert them to Christianity. Indonesia shouldn't be first but they should be on the list. It's an insult this POS is out of prison.

[MinuteGal]

Mr. Howard should immediately cancel his trip, period.

Why enhance the cachet of this criminal?

Leni

[The Great RJ]

While this seems idiotic to westerners, Abu Bakar Bashir, is completely serious. The goal of the jihadists is exactly that to convert the world to Islam by what ever means necessary. The war on terrorism is a cultural war that pits fanatic Islam against Western values like freedom of conscience and religion. Look to Iran as a model of what the world would look like if these guys win.

[ekeni]

Bashair has obviously forgotten that his role model said allah would only take into paradise 1 out of every 1000 people. The odds of going to paradise are therefore lousy for Muslims. Why convert indeed! Oh yes, and the majority of people in hell are women according to the role model.