And this is the tool of moderation !
Posted on 01/23/2005 11:29:17 AM PST by nickcarraway
MECCA, Saudi Arabia -- One of Saudi Arabia's most influential clerics urged Muslims to eschew terrorism, saying attacks on the innocent were not in accordance with the teachings of Islam.
"Islam is a religion of moderation. Extremism has no place in Islam," Sheikh Abdurahman Al-Sudais of the Masjid'l Haram (Grand Mosque) said in a sermon delivered for Friday's Eid'l Adha (feast of sacrifice).
He called on followers of Islam to exert all efforts to protect non-Muslims.
Hundreds of thousands of people, from among some 2.5 million Muslims performing the haj pilgrimage in the kingdom, attended the Eid'l Adha prayers.
Al-Sudais' call came in the wake of stepped up attacks by militant Muslims in troubled areas of the Middle East. Some of the attacks have occurred in Saudi Arabia, blamed on militants linked to the al-Qaeda network, which had declared the pro-US Saudi rulers apostates.
In the latest incident in Iraq, a suicide car bomb exploded at a Shi'ite wedding party in a town south of Baghdad late on Friday, killing at least 11 people and wounding 27, doctors said.
There has been a surge in attacks on Shi'ites as Iraq's January elections approach. Earlier on Friday, a suicide car bomber killed 14 Shi'ite worshippers as they left a Baghdad mosque.
Al-Sudais said Muslim scholars should help preach the real Islam to counter what he said was a distorted interpretation of the religion by some people.
"Islam is a religion of peace but some people are using misguided interpretations of Islam to justify (attacks on perceived enemies)," Al-Sudais said.
He said scholars might have to take some of the blame for the "little success" of distorted ideas because they had done little to counter their spread.
"We are now suffering from this dangerous phenomenon. This phenomenon has become widespread that Muslim scholars must hold on to the real Islam," Al-Sudais said.
'Repulsive hearsays'
Earlier, the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia urged scholars to use all available materials to teach the correct form of Islam.
Sheik Abdul Aziz Al-Asheik told participants at an international inter-culture conference, which was hosted by the World Muslim League (WML), that Muslims would not have difficulty in establishing dialogues with other sectors because materials on Islam were widely available.
"Many non-Muslims know very little or nothing about Islam and depend on hearsays, which are repulsive and distorted," Al-Asheikh said.
He said people who hated Islam were claiming that the religion encouraged terrorism and extremism, and appeared to be winning in some aspects because some people were starting to think that what they were being told about Islam was the truth.
Exposing Islam's enemies
"It is only through constructive dialogue, led by people who understand Islam and its teachings, that the enemies of Islam could be exposed and their lies refuted," Al-Asheik said.
Al-Sudais said the branding of followers of other faiths as infidels and attempts to incite Muslims to rise against their leaders had caused instability not only in the region but in other areas of the globe, as well.
"Theirs is a delinquent and void interpretation of Islam based on ignorance," he said.
Islam does not mean killing non-Muslims, Al-Sudais said.
"It does not mean shedding blood and terrorism, such as killing people (by planting bombs) to send their body parts flying."
Bombings in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia has not been spared from terror attacks.
Bombings have scarred Riyadh, the country's capital, and militants identified with the al-Qaeda network have attacked facilities manned by foreigners.
In the wake of the violence, Saudi security forces have launched a manhunt for Saudi dissident Saad Al-Faqeeh, allegedly a ranking lieutenant of Osama Bin Laden.
This is a must read - it's short but very informative
The Muslim religion is the fastest growing religion
per capita in the United States, especially in the
minority races!!!
Allah or Jesus? by Rick Mathes
Last month I attended my annual training session
that's required for maintaining my state prison
security clearance. During the training session there
was a presentation by three speakers representing the
Roman Catholic, Protestant and Muslim faiths, who
explained each of their belief systems
I was particularly interested in what the Islamic Imam
had to say. The Imam gave a great presentation of the
basics of Islam, complete with a video.
After the presentations, time was provided for
questions and answers.
When it was my turn, I directed my question to the
Imam and asked: "Please, correct me if I'm wrong, but
I understand that most Imams and clerics of Islam
have declared a holy jihad [Holy war] against the
infidels of the world. And, that by killing an
infidel, which is a command to all Muslims, they are
assured of a place in heaven. If that's the case, can
you give me the definition of an infidel?"
There was no disagreement with my statements and,
without hesitation, he replied, "Non-believers!"
I responded, "So, let me make sure I have this
straight. All followers of Allah have been commanded
to kill everyone who is not of your faith so they can
go to Heaven. Is that correct?"
The __expression on his face changed from one of
authority and command to that of a little boy who had
just gotten caught with his hand in the cookie jar. He
sheepishly replied, "Yes."
I then stated, "Well, sir, I have a real problem
trying to imagine Pope John Paul commanding all
Catholics to kill those of your faith or Dr.Stanley
ordering Protestants to do the same in order to go to
Heaven!"
The Imam was speechless.
I continued, "I also have problem with being your
friend when you and your brother clerics are telling
your followers to kill me. Let me ask you a question.
Would you rather have your Allah who tells you to kill
me in order to go to Heaven or my Jesus who tells me
to love you because I am going to Heaven and He wants
you to be with me?" You could have heard a pin drop as
the Imam hung his head in shame.
Needless to say, the organizers and/or promoters of
the 'Diversification' training seminar were not happy
with Rick's way of dealing with the Islamic Imam and
exposing the truth about the Muslim's beliefs.
I think everyone in the US should be required to read
this, but with the liberal justice system, liberal
media, and the ACLU, there is no way this will be
widely publicized. Please pass this on to all your
e-mail contacts.
This is a true story and the author, Rick Mathes, is a
well known leader in prison ministry.
The myth of a moderate muslim is just that.
The total mind control that islam uses over its sheeple makes for brainwashed zombies, not independent thinkers.
And this is the tool of moderation !
And this is the tool of moderation !
I'll believe it when:
1) The terrorist attacks stop.
2) Saudi Arabia becomes an active and participating ally against terrorism and stops all funding for terrorist groups.
Where was this character and his speaking out on 9/12/2001?
thank you......there are some very narrow minded haters on here but of course they exist everywhere. Those of us who really want peace need to support any positive signs but never let our guard down........these people think I'm an apologist when in fact i'm just beihg pragmatic.....when i read some posts here I know why some call us fascists....have a good day
I will to. I think what we have here is a one-eyed camel jockey. He speaks from both sides of his mouth and the liberals fall prostrate before this fool. NSNR.
thank you........no one lulls me to sleep....I was only addressing the ianane arguement the poster made initially. the problem with some here is that you can make one statement and they think you are a Muslim apologist. Some here hate everyone and want to kill every Muslim there is......read what they say. I know exactly what is going on in the middle east but the gist of my post is that if some cleric says terrorism is terrible, than that is better than him condoning it. Many right extremist here wail about how no muslim speaks out but when they do they call him a liar. I wonder if they do this to members of their family or community......it just shows a liberal way of thinking
Good Point. We cannot negotiate with the non-negotiable. Nuke all of the terrorists and let their (allah baba) sort them out. Liberals are all alike, they want America to fall, "It ain't gonna happen on our watch. (MOM) NSNR.
Baby steps are good enough for RINOs.. Actually doing something,
about anything, is well, scary to them..
RINOs are cowards and socialist dupes.. with all the core values of any other parasite..
Do NOT talk down to me. Jerk.
Thank you, my friend. I missed you guys.
I have got to be careful now.
I SAID STOP. What don't you understand about that?
DO NOT POST THIS CRAP TO ME AGAIN.
You said not to "talk down" to you. I am not talking down to you. I never was.
I'm sorry your anger is so out of control... and misplaced.
Peace and blessings be upon you, my FRiend.
Ma'a salama, sahibi!
Retreat has just been blown. This seems to happen every 700 years or so.
The Battle of Fallujah will be the modern day Battle of Poiters.
This is the very first time I've heard a prominent Muslim voice this view. Let's see what happens from here.
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