I have finished Sura 3, however before I get into my thoughts, I can't help but wander if I am offending those who follow Islam. As a non believer I am trying to be as objective as possible but I would not want to incite anger. The reason why I am wondering this is because of what has happened to the British teacher Gillian Gibbons in Sudan. She was jailed for allowing school children to name a teddy bear Mohammad. I am not sure if this bear was intended to be named after the Prophet or just a given a name that is very popular.
In reading the article http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/africa/11/30/sudan.bears/ I am a little dumbfounded that many are whipping themselves up into a violent frenzy. Part me can understand why Muslims would be angry. Non Believers have to be careful with the liberties they take while in countries where religion is so important to the people that live there. However, the actions of the mob outside the courthouse yielding swords and sticks declaring they will physically fight for the Prophet seems a bit much. Perhaps I'm being insensitive but this is one fifty something year old woman; swords, sticks and the promise for a "popular release of anger" whatever that means, seems a bit much and quite frankly flat out ridiculous.
I would be open to any explanation from a faithful Muslims as to why violence has to be the proof of faith. let me know also if my endeavour to better understand Islam, with no intention of submitting, is offensive or acceptable. I'm sure I will continue my path regardless but it would be good to know where I stand in the eyes of the faithful.
Every religion has its moments of embarrassment when people and or leaders say and react to issues in totally crazy and inappropriate ways and I certainly am sad to say that for Islam this looks to be one of those embarrassing moments.
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About Me
- Rafael
- I am just trying to make my way in the world without causing any harm while I am here. It is a noble task that I hope to get better at with each passing day. I currently write several blogs. NoThinker is my social activist blog. Running for CRSF is a blog I started when I wanted to track my training for my first half marathon race which I ran in Sept‘08. I also used this experience to raise money for an orphanage in Sri Lanka. My Meditation Journal is where I chronicle my thoughts and experiences with meditation. I hope that something here touches you and enriches your life. I learn best when I learn from others so all comments are welcome.
2 comments:
the teddy bear fiasco is just stupidity. First she did not name the teddy bear, the children did. and surprise they chose the most popular name in the world. yes there are more muhammeds than anything else. it cannot be blasphemy because she wasn't trying to offend anyone. of all the things the sudanese need to be working on this is at the very bottom of the list.
It is certainly a sad state of affairs that Islam and other great religions end up being hijacked by people who have so much hate in their hearts.
As I read the Qu'ran it breaks my heart to see people missing the point of the message. If it is Allah who is Judge who are believers to try and execute the very thing he has reserved for Himslef? The Qu'ran says he is the only one wise enough, compassionate, and merciful enough to rightfully judhge human beings.
The world we be a better place if we let Him do his job.
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