Posted on 07/15/2005 7:01:01 PM PDT by freedom44
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - American Muslims have launched an advertising campaign to denounce acts of terrorism after bombers believed to be British Muslims killed at least 54 people in attacks on London.
"Any effort by terrorists to hide their criminal activities under the mask of religious piety is being categorically and unequivocally rejected by mainstream Muslims," said Parvez Ahmed, chairman of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
He said the television ad, which will air nationwide by July 19, is an attempt to detach Islam from the "heinous" acts of a few Muslims.
Police believe the attacks are linked to al Qaeda, the Islamic militant group behind the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States and the Madrid train bombings last year.
"Backlash is a concern ... but it's not our main motive," said CAIR spokeswoman Rabiah Ahmed. "Our main motivation lies with making sure our position is clear where Islam stands on terrorism."
The 30-second public service spot, called "Not in the Name of Islam," features two American Muslim women and religious leader Imam Johari Abdul-Malik.
"We often hear claims Muslims don't condemn terrorism and that Islam condones violence," they say.
"As Muslims, we want to state clearly that those who commit acts of terror in the name of Islam are betraying the teachings of the Koran and the Prophet Mohammed. We reject anyone -- of any faith -- who commits such brutal acts and will not allow our faith to be hijacked by criminals. Islam is not about hatred and violence. It's about peace and justice."
The director of the Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding at Georgetown University, John Voll, welcomed the campaign.
"I think Americans, especially these days ... are justified in being fearful of the suicidal violence attempts by extremist fanatics in many different traditions," he said. "It is counterproductive for Americans to then focus their fear on the people who are probably their closest allies, and that is average, mainstream Muslims."
I guess the premier American civil rights group for terrorists and their supporters is looking for a little PR to smooth things over.
T.V. ads should be launched against muslims.
Along with alot of missles.
I used to know a woman who was beaten by her husband. When he would calm down and beg for forgiveness she would reason with him and he would make nice. When she forgot about the last beating the husband would turn around and do it again.
It's kind of like the history of islam.
The tide won't turn until we see the last remainder of "secularized" Muslims begging to be allowed to stay in the west because they fear reprisals in their Islamic countries after we deport them, too.
Get 'em up, roll 'em out, DEPORT.
Bravo, and godspeed to our freedom-loving Iranian brothers and sisters.
What do you think the chances are of your countrymen throwing the yoke of islam in the gutter that was forced upon your ancestors?? Is there any movement to bring back Zoroastrianism?? Persia was once a great culture, rich in science and the arts, that is until the muslim hordes came.
"It only took 4 years!"
The cynic in me says that it is a ploy.
On the other hand, I'm will it give CAIR the benefit of the doubt, at least they are saying the words.
That puts them light years ahead of the Democrats.
This is the first CAIR statement that hasn't played the victim card.
I'm going to be an optimist and say that it might be a step in the right direction.
I'll withhold judgement until I see what comes as a second step.
"I was actually going to say something about the history of Christianity, but it would have been a visceral response."
Oh please do.
Oh, these should be great commercials....
"...and remember, We Muslims do not support the killing of infidels, unless it is justified"
".....if questioned by the FBI, be sure to be indignant and express shock and conern for religious freedom......it will be easier if you imagine cutting off his infidel head"
"....call 1-900-4-allah....our prices on explosive belts will blow you away..."
"....Islam....... you have to understand the anger caused by Jewish pig-dogs"
Most persians I know were likable guys except for one named Mohammad. All the Arabs and half the Pakis i knew were pieces of $hit and enemies that needed killing!!
Simple reason for that : Iranians don't like Islam and like the west. They see Islam for what it is.
hopefully iran will soon be free and they can sprad their sanity in the region. There was an interesting article here a while back. They interviewed a young iranian at a ski resort in Iran. He stated that he hated islam because it was forced on his ancestors and that zoroastrianism was the proper Persian religion. This gives me hope!
It is not enough that they condem terrorism. They must actively report any knowledge of terrorist activity within their community and acknowledge that this is an appropriate action acceptable to the Imanns.
In my years, I have often seen proud cultural groups brag that when one of their members does something wrong, their own community corrects the problem, They Clean Their Own House. It's time for Islam to Clean It's Own House.
If they can't do it themselves, then they must support others to do it for them.
A lot of us FReepers are big time critics of Islam. My niece is married to an Iraqi-American who traces his roots to Persia or Iran. Ali feels the same as you. He is a cultural Muslim, has read the Quran, and is not very religious due to the violence and deception that he believes permeates within Islamic teachings. I too am familiar with the Quran and Hadith, having read both prior to 9/11 as a homeschooling assignment on world religions with my son.
Just the other night, I started going off about Islam and Ali got upset and pointed out how proud he was that the US and its allies took down Saddam. He also spoke about the many Muslims who risked their lives saving American soldiers (Jessica Lynch, the Kurds, that Navy Seal in Afghanistan who was helped by the shepherd, etc.) and pointing out the insurgents. He asked me to not be so critical and paint all Muslims as Osama Bin Laden lovers, because this can turn away Muslims who are questioning the negative aspects of their faith and who could do good in this world.
I know that from my studies, any Muslim who criticizes Islam or denies it can be put to death. I oft times forget about the brave Muslims he pointed out and can only remember how Muslims--if they are taking their Quran seriously--must be at war with the infidel.
I am proud of the Iranians who are standing up to the Mullahs. Forgive me if many of my posts are harsh towards ALL Muslims. Sometimes it's awfully hard to trust a people whose religion--if taken literally like the radical Whabbists and Shites do--claim it's OK to lie to, cheat, loot from, rape, enslave, and murder those who won't convert to Islam.
Islamists note the urge to find moderate Muslims and are learning how to fake moderation. Over time, their camouflage will undoubtedly further improve.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.