Comments - Latest Popular Stories, Instablogs Community by Farheenjamal

Jayaprashanth

Jayaprashanth — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Ofcourse Islam cannot be blamed for the actions of the Jihadis but a concerted effort needs to be undertaken to change peoples’ perception of Islam with a more open form of Islam which comes out of the madrassa’s into mainstream society. And about the US of A creating Bin Laden, yes they did create Osama Bin Laden and now have paid a very heavy price for it. And about Muslims being massacred like the Jews once were,i’m not too sure bout that.

Maynard

Maynard — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Certainly, Islam is not the source of terrorism. It should not be blamed for anything. What keeps Muslims on the rise is that many extremists in the world are identified as Muslims. So there is a branding to some extent that whenever you are a Muslim, there is a growing suspicion that you may be a terrorist. The Muslim community should create a cleansing about this issue and promote a good image of the millions of Muslims as good people.

Ankita

Ankita — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

This is absolutely correct. People, especially the citizens of the United States of America, have developed Islamophobia i.e. a certain dislike to the Islamic community. It should be understood on their part that it is one or two people and not the whole religion that is to be blamed. Terrorism under any name is not advocated in any religion and in fact considered to be a big crime. Killing people even with a cause is a crime for no one is supposed to decide punishment for others. If a certain man deserves some punishment for his wrong deeds a higher authority called GOD will decide.

Lalit

Lalit — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Ok..then who should be blamed, Christians, Hindus, Sikhs... waste of time it is. Followers of Islam are responsible for spreading Islamophobia. Did you hear what sabeel Ahmed said about his role in Glasgow terror attack. Only Muslims are involved in such attacks and you are saying Islam shouldn’t be blamed?

Jayaprashanth

Jayaprashanth — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

@lalit

It’s pretty pathetic that you cannot even differentiate between terrorists and ordinary Muslim citizens who go about working hard and striving for peace just as you and me do. With a frivolous statement like that you are making yourself look like a religious fundamentalist and nothing else. Are a lot of naxalites not Hindus. What about the Babbar Khalsa militant group. And what about a street terror gang called ”something” 13. The bottomline is, terrorists don’t have a religion and it is absolutely unfair to blame any religion and it’s people in general for acts of terror. AFAIK, any act of terrorism is an act against humanity and the entire world should fight back at terrorists, not at the religion they belong to. I hope you understand this and i’d love to see your response.

Incognito

Incognito — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The problem is, that as long as the mainstream Muslims refuse to condemn what their extremist brothers and sisters are doing, we are going to continue to lump them all together. Sadly, that is human nature.

As long as the Islamic religion refuses to evolve and renounce the ”violence” encouraging sections in the Q’ran, we will continue to believe that is not a religion of peace, and is therefore a threat.

It is up to the Muslims to change our perceptions.

Farheen Jamal

Farheen Jamal — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

no religion professes terror.pick up any Islamic book.i challenge you to show me any reference in any book that gives any hint that Islam and i will publicly apologize for putting up this article on Instablogs.

even your geeta says”hate the sin and not the sinner”

one rotten apple spoils the whole basket similarly one sabeel ahmed defames the whole face of religion.

in the end i would like to tell you this in gandhigiri style”GET WELL SOON” my friend.

Farheen Jamal

Farheen Jamal — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

the above comment is for my friend Lalit.

Dayasurabhi Balaji

Dayasurabhi Balaji — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Very well written post.Islamophobia is a wrong propagnada carried by the West for it’s own benefit.

Lalit

Lalit — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

@Jayprasantha, my intellectual friend you said, ‘It’s pretty pathetic that you cannot even differentiate between terrorists and ordinary Muslim citizens’, Dear, Can u differentiate between terrorists and ordinary Muslim citizens? I am sure u can do and I am waiting for you to disclose the points of difference and revolutionize people’s mind.

I am giving you a clue - reveal the points of difference from these three individuals, (who are siblings too) - Kafeel Ahmed (dead, he rammed the vehicle in the airport, declared terrorist), Sabeel Ahmed (not declared terrorist but he knew all the plans and role of his own brother, Kafeel Ahmed, in the attack, and Mohammad Haneef (He was caught under charges but released later because no charge was proved against him in Australia)

All three were siblings and common Muslims but one became terrorist, second one supported him and third one, might be knowing the plan but still not charged and released. Find the difference now, (it is an easy task after the terror attack but tough task before any such attack attack) And talk practical things...

Joni

Joni — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

It should be stopped because Islamophobia is making the lives hell of millions of Muslims living in the Western countries, They are being alienated and targeted by hatred and discrimination and people of other religions are making them a soft target to show their anger against terrorists.

Lalit

Lalit — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

@ Dayasurabhi, Can you tell me what is wrong propaganda and white is right propaganda? was the 9-11 attack a drama, Are we Indians not suffering the horror of Islamic terrorism? I am also suffering from Islamophobia and I don’t see any benefit in it? Islamophobia is a fact and terrorists are using the religion Islam and the holy book Quran to kill innocent people in the name of religion because in Islam, religion is above humanity.

Greg

Greg — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Why people across the world are not discussing about Buddhaphobia and Hinduphobia. I guess everyone really understands these two religions. The word Islam and terror have become synonyms followers of Islam are themselves responsible for the origin of Islamophobia.

Jayaprashanth

Jayaprashanth — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

@lalit

Im not an intellectual. Anyway you chose to impose this very huge on word me. Thank you. And first of all i believe in evolution and not in revolution. So there is no question of me revolutionizing anything. All i am asking for is to not blame all the followers of a religion for the mistakes of a few people who might happen to belong to that religion. Furthermore you never replied to our great Hindu organizations like VHP killing hundreds in Gujarat in the riots. are they not terrorists. So are all Hindu’s terrorists? Iv said it before and say it again, we cannot blame an entire set of people who follow a particular religion just because a few of their ilk manage to create havoc.

Jayaprashanth

Jayaprashanth — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

@lalit

I can see how narrow minded you are by equating an entire religion with three people, i.e the Ahmed brothers and their Cousin Mohammed Haneef. I fully agree that two out of the three were wrong, but i don’t know for certain whether Haneef was guilty. So i won’t comment on that. However, how could you even think of equating an entire religion with the actions of two misguided men ? This relly beats me. Stop being so damn narrow minded and look at the good people around you who also happen to Muslims/Hindus/Whatever. But, yes, our fellow Muslim citizens should come out and speak out strongly so that people like you see some sense.

Aneez

Aneez — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

@ Lalit

First of all, before I lay down my views on this topic, I have a suggestion for you..

The mask that you are using to hide yourself doesn’t suits you for two reasons:

1) Mahatma Gandhi would never talk such crap as you generally vomit in all your comments, which ultimately goes into making you appear like that baboon who always says ”My Ass is Red”.

2) You portray yourself as a daredevil, tell-it-all, tough ass ... Saddam Hussain’s face would look appropriate on an extremist like you, or if you feel uncomfortable behind a Muslim’s face, then try a median route and choose Hitler, because I’m sure you are a Hindu extremist, so it will help you safeguard your emotions and real intentions.

Okay, now coming back to the point, every religion teaches the same thing ”Love each human being and be kind to each creation of God”. Islam, Christainity, Hinduism, Buddhism.. practically each n every religion stresses on this issue and condemns hatred.

Those who follow this principle belong to God and those who disobey the words of God are Satan’s offspring... be it Bin Laden and those Islamic terrorist who call themselves Jihadis or be it Lalit from Kanpur.

By the way Lalit, please spare Mahatma Gandhi, you don’t need a mask of some great personality to talk crap!! You can do that even with your own face.

Shankar

Shankar — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

I strongly support what Lalit said here and would like to ask Jayprasantha to answer first how would he differentiate between terrorists and ordinary Muslims?

The world is waiting for your answer here...

And for you and Aneez, the answer of all of your questions is in this video.

Can you tell me which holy book of any religion allows its followers to kill innocent people if they do not agree with your religious concepts?

Watch the video and tell us Why Islam is not responsible for Islamophobia?

Shankar

Shankar — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

”A three-and-half year old Muslim girl is saying Jews are apes and pigs and Allah says in it Koran” - And you are saying that Islam is not responsible -PATHETIC.

For Aneez, I think Lalit is using the pic of Mahatma Gandhi because he must be the follower of the principles of non-violence. For us the Constitution of the country is the supreme of all laws, not our religious laws.. For us religion comes after nationality and humanity.

Jayaprashanth

Jayaprashanth — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

@shankar

I will not answer this because unlike you, i do not and will not equate terrorism to religion. And mate if you can answer, how we can differentiate between a Hindu and a terrorist or even a christian/sikh/buddhist and a terrorist, i think that in itself will cover the question you are so eager to ask me as well. And if you want to be so damn generalist, are you a terrorist because a few misled Hindus massacred muslims in the Gujarat riots? Let’s see what you come up with for this question.

Shankar

Shankar — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Killing non-Muslims is legal in Islam - Ahmadi Mullah’s Islam.

Jayaprashanth

Jayaprashanth — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

@Shankar

And i certainly know that for Aneez bhai too, humanity comes before everything. How else do you expect this statement from him?

”every religion teaches the same thing ”Love each human being and be kind to each creation of God”. Islam, Christainity, Hinduism, Buddhism.. practically each n every religion stresses on this issue and condemns hatred” He wouldn’t have supported all religions if he didn’t care a damn for other people and their religions. And what’s even more pathetic is you are taking a three and a half year old little girl’s view so seriously. Grow up mate.

Jayaprashanth

Jayaprashanth — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

@shankar

Now please tell me, how many muslims actually follow the Ahmadi Mullah’s Islam. I don’t think too many. And likewise, there are enough mindless Hindu fundametnalists around who, if they had their way would’ve completely destroyed not just muslims but other religions as well. You narrowminded approach in itself is a blatant pointer of you being, i daresay mindless enough to equate a misled leader, who in this case is Ahmadi Mullah to the entire religion of Islam. Why don’t you throw some light on the numerous moderate muslim leaders who urge people for peace and not indulge in any kind of violence?

Shankar

Shankar — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The world is waiting for your answer mate...how to differentiate...still waiting..

Numerous moderate Muslim leaders?? Numerous?? can you please please please tell me the name of one such Muslim leader, forget the world, tell me one such figure in India in present Indian politics..

You are trying to link this debate with Hindu extremists..let Instablogs publish another debate on this topic, I would definitely answer to all your questions but here just don’t deviate the matter. and yes, I am still waiting for the answer..

Jayaprashanth

Jayaprashanth — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

If you wish yo rubbish yourself, here we go.

Ghulam Nabi Azad-the Chief minister of J&K and a committed member to fight terrorism in the Kashmir valley.

And, here is a link for you

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1060241993.cms

Asma Jehangir

Salman Kurshid

our very own vice president Dr Hamid Ansari.,.,.the list wil go on mate and i know why you cannot answer those questions. simply because you know that you are bullcrapping yourself by equating religion to terrorism.,.,. and by the way, first shed that holy cow and upload yor pic so that all of us can see the great man behind the veil

Jayaprashanth

Jayaprashanth — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

and how bout aour former president Dr A.P.J Abdul Kalam.,.,.,sorry to have left him out.,.,.

Farheen Jamal

Farheen Jamal — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

CNN WORLD NEWS: Islam is the fastest-growing religion

http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/9704/14/egyp...

Islam is Fastest Growing Religion in United States:

http://www.defendamerica.mil/articles...

Times on line: Thousands of british people convert to islam every year:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news...

Why European women are turning to Islam:

http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/1227/p0...

Washington-Report: The Nation’s Fastest Growing Religion

http://www.washington-report.org/back...

Washington Post: Islam Luring More Latinos

http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-...

Islam is spreading among Thousands black South Africans

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id...

Washington Post: Islam Attracting Many Thousands Survivors of Rwanda Genocide

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/...

Islam - World’s Fastest Growing Religion

http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/

do check out all these links i have mentioned above and see that islam is the fastest growing relgion in the world, why is it that people are embracing islam as their religion, why dont they convert to hindusim, christianity but islam , it is imply becoz of the reason that islam teaches nothing but harmony, peace and the beautiful things in life,

all you people, lalit and shankar take note. you have single examples to showcase islam as the route of all voilence, i provide you with ample examples to satisfy you quest for enlightenment on the subject terrorim and islam.

take note..

and by the way my challenge to lalit and now to shankar still stands but i still cant find any takers which makes my point valid.

ISLAM IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR TERRORISM..!!!!

Gagandeep

Gagandeep — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Look, due regard to everyone who has expressed opinion on this piece, I’d still say that Muslims have no one else to blame but themselves. They refuse to engage in a constructive dialog and still treat anyone who questions Islam’s teachings as an infidel.

Frankly every religion is a myth, a source open to interpretation. If you want to propagate violence you’ll easily come across teachings that point towards that and if you want peace, you’d come across different verses.

If a religion deliberately shuns modernity and a desire to evolve with time, it has nothing else to blame but its anachronistic teachings, dangerously out of sync with reality.

Shankar

Shankar — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

@Jaya, I am surprisingly shocked you are calling Asma Jehangir, Dr. Hamid Ansari and APJ Abdul Kalam as leaders, They are good human being, academicians and social worker but not leaders. Yes, Kalam is the best person Islam has ever produced on the earth. I am not saying that 100% of of them are in same group, exceptions are always there BUT these people are not leaders.

Ghulam Nabi Azad and Salman Khursheed are traitors, all Muslims in Congress party are traitors because they are not ready to honour the judgment of Supreme Court against Afzal Guru in the connection with the Parliament attack case.

Let me give two links of Instablogs articles here-

Ghulam Nabi Azad is a traitor: Rajnath Singh

Don’t hang Afzal because in India politics decides everything

’Just look at the leaders who demanded presidential pardon for Afzal. J&K chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti are among those leaders. They did it only after the September 29 general strike in the Valley over the issue.’

@ Farheen, You gave nine links in the support of your comment, I can give you 100 links in the support of my comment.

Sameer Kumar

Sameer Kumar — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

It is funny how the entire planet is fighting all the major conflicts based on nothing but mere beliefs that have no basis in the real world. Frankly speaking, religion is just a very crude form of philosophy that is misinterpreted constantly and those who do it have no knowledge of it themselves. If you ask me, there is no need of something that is doing so little good and so much harm in the modern world. Just imagine how many conflicts in modern world are just extensions of basic religious division. From India and Pakistan to the fight over the holy land, everything over something no one has seen or can confirm. There is no greater religion than humanity and in this regard every religion is a culprit over the past centuries with no exceptions.

Islam has done itself no favors because it really protests too much about nothing and the more sobers ones never make it a point to speak out. Look at the parda system, that very insane ’Talaq’ law and this whole argument I hear some time back creating national controversy which said ’We bow down to none except our god- not even our country or our parents cos our religion forbids us to do so.’ This was told on national television by their religious head! The point is that they are digging this hole for themselves and those who follow the religion and thing otherwise should dare to make a difference. Anyway, it still rubbish to fight about ’your belief vs my belief’ cos at the end of the day you have nothing substantial to prove anything.

Jayaprashanth

Jayaprashanth — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

@shankar

Now, you want leaders. Why the hell are looking just at corrupt politicians, of any religion for that matter, to support your misconception of all muslims being terrorists or supporting terrorism. Why can’t you look at these upright citizens who incidentally happen to follow Islam as their religion. The bottomline is Terrorism knows no religion. It is a global malaise that should be fought concertedly by all sections of society, irrespective of religions. And branding people of a particular religion as terrorists will never help the cause of fighting terrorism. If it does anything, it will only promote ill feeling between different religions and cause more trouble. And as an afterthough, i still consider A.P.J Abdul Kalam, Hamid Ansari and Asma Jehangir as leaders. And i think a vast majority of people across religions consider these people to be leaders. It’s a pity that you think only politicians are leaders.

Shankar

Shankar — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

@Jaya...Don’t throw words in my mouth, I never said that ”all muslims being terrorists or supporting terrorism” I am saying that Islam is responsible for Islamophobia. It doesn’t allow its followers to obey any other rule than religious rule and it doesn’t allow them to respect nation, constitution, law of land more than religion.

You said ’Terrorism knows no religion’. I don’t agree with you because according to me, Terrorists do know Islam well because they take inspiration from there and use the word’ Jihad’ to kill innocent people.

In India, only politicians are leaders and politics decide everything, this is why Kalam is not in office for second term. You better start understanding the difference between leaders and politicians in India that THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE AT ALL.

Aneez

Aneez — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

@ Shankar aka Lalit

I appreciate your effort bro

But, in spite of taking a new identity , you still vomit crap!!

As is quite evident from your ignorant statement >>> I think Lalit is using the pic of Mahatma Gandhi because he must be the follower of the principles of non-violence.. blah..blah, if you idolize such great personality, you don’t just adopt his famous catchline, but you try to emulate his thinking too!

And, as far as your video goes, I don’t think I posed You (read: Lalit) any questions which this video answers, or tries to answer.

And, as I said earlier, I appreciate your effort to polish your ass to make it more red each day, after all baboonish traits don’t vanish so easily. But, at the same time, I’m happy that I got to contribute to this great cause of yours ”My Ass is Red”!

By the way Lalit aka Shankar, I’m happy dat my words at least made enough impact to make you continue this debate, though using a different ID.

Anyway, all things apart, could you tell me what this current pic is? Is it a cow or a bull?? I hope and pray that its a bull, because your words are nothing but Bullshit!.

And last but not least, if you become angry and come back charging at me after reading this comment, I won’t feel bad, I’ll be happy because I will be giving you more reason to polish your ass to make it MORE RED!!

And if, for any reason, I’m unable to answer you back, please don’t feel bad cuz I have more important things to do besides engaging in lame debates with fools like you.

Shankar

Shankar — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

@Aneez, Either God knows everything or its YOU...For you, me and Lalit is same individual!!!!! using different IDs!!! why only we two, for you everone who is not with you is a single entity. This is the root of problem, offence with using abusive words is the best defence for you, there is no place of tolerance, no power of words and logic in any of your comment. you repeatedly abused the person who’s concept and level of thinking was just different from your’s. ’The theory works here- if Mr. A is not with you, abuse him/kill him.’

In both your comments, you did nothing but criticised me personally, abused me. Why don’t you write something sensible and useful to change my thought, I would love to read those comments because I know you are a good writer. You can’t change my thought by abusing me like hell but can do it with a single line of logical comment. I am always ready to change my guard but I found no one who could change it or logically force me to do so. You have proved that you are an a** lover so you used it so many times in a good debate...ooops sorryy.. this is lame debate and I am a fool and the reason is simple - I am not with you. I am laughing like hell and just don’t care who comes and who comes not in the debate.

Aneez

Aneez — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Q Shankar aka Lalit

Is it compulsory for you to prove that you are a fool?? No man, I know it already.

But I’m happy you acknowledged the fact in your latest comment. On one hand, you try to attack me by saying,

>>

But, as the dumb-ass you are, unable to contain yourself, you spill the beans,

>>

both your comments=====criticized me personally

Dude, I think I never criticized SHANKAR in my first comment....Think over it dude! And grow up, IQ levels vary, so don’t expect everyone else to be as clever, oops.. dumb as yourself!

And you talk about me talking out of context? Read my first comment, I have given my honest view on this topic.

By the way, my new logic pertaining to you is: If Mr A is a fool, he will remain a fool even if he christens himself Mr B, or Mr C.

God Bless You

Aneez

Aneez — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

@ Shankar aka Lalit

Is it compulsory for you to prove that you are a fool?? No man, I know it already.

But I’m happy you acknowledged the fact in your latest comment. On one hand, you try to attack me by saying,

For you, me and Lalit is same individual!!!!! using different IDs!!! why only we two, for you everone who is not with you is a single entity.

But, as the dumb-ass you are, unable to contain yourself, you spill the beans,

In both your comments, you did nothing but criticised me personally, abused me.

both your comments=====criticized me personally

Dude, I think I never criticized SHANKAR in my first comment....Think over it dude! And grow up, IQ levels vary, so don’t expect everyone else to be as clever, oops.. dumb as yourself!

And you talk about me talking out of context? Read my first comment, I have given my honest view on this topic.

By the way, my new logic pertaining to you is: If Mr A is a fool, he will remain a fool even if he christens himself Mr B, or Mr C.

God Bless You

Shankar

Shankar — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Yes,, I used the word ’me’, because, for me also we all are the same, and what is wrong if I did the same what you are trying to prove repeatedely. And most important...what if Mr B, Mr. C, Shankar and lalit is same, Is Islam not responsible for Islamophobia?... Don’t make a joke of yourself. I strongly suggest you to read my last comment once again to know the crux of the comment - (”For you everone who is not with you is a single entity. This is the root of problem, offence with using abusive words is the best defence for you, there is no place of tolerance, no power of words and logic in any of your comment. you repeatedly abused the person who’s concept and level of thinking was just different from your’s. ’The theory works here- if Mr. A is not with you, abuse him/kill him.”)

I know you have no answer..

Villager

Villager — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Interesting debate

Villager

Villager — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Aneez is poor chap...derailed the debate.

Saeed

Saeed — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Indians are so much interested in proving Islam responsible for Islamophobia? I am surprised, I would like to say one thing that those criticizing Islam do not know about the religion, no religion teaches to hate, abuse and kill anyone. The problem is that in Islam, there few people who can really teach others the meaning of Islam, these terrorists have made our life horrible.

Azim

Azim — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

I want to invite Lalit and Shankar to Bangladesh, we will show you people why Islam is not responsible for Islamophobia. You would see the real meaning of Islamophobia once you arrive here. Islam is the best.

Amber

Amber — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

You cannot expect multiculturalism in Islam because Muslims do not admit any other way of living life than submission. ‘Islam’ is the Arabic word for submission. For Aneez, Do you know the meaning of liberty? If no I tell you-Lliberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.’ Think over it dude.

Dan

Dan — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Lets face it with brave heart, whenever I board a plane I look every passenger in the plane to find a guy or group of such guys, possible hijackers of plane. I am lucky I didn’t find any. This is not anti-religious thinking, it is a result of watching thousands times the scene of a plane flying into WTC.

Patrick

Patrick — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

I am a regular reader of Council on American-Islamic Relations, the site has published today article on the similar subject and results of several public opinions.

The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life Poll in 2004 -

#Almost 4 in 10 Americans have an unfavorable view of Islam, about the same number that have a favorable view.

#A plurality of Americans (46 percent) believes that Islam is more likely than other religions to encourage violence among its believers.[v]

ABC News March, 2005 Poll-

#Four months after 9/11, 14 percent believed mainstream Islam encourages violence; today it’s 34 percent.

#Today 43 percent think Islam does not teach respect for the beliefs of non-Muslims — up sharply from 22 percent.

#People who feel they do understand Islam are much more likely to view it positively. Among Americans who feel they do understand the religion, 59 percent call it peaceful and 46 percent think it teaches respect for the beliefs of others.

CAIR 2005 Poll on American Attitudes Towards Islam and Muslims-

#The level of knowledge of Islam is virtually unchanged from 2004. Only two percent of survey respondents indicated that they are “very knowledgeable” about the religion.

#Almost 60 percent said they “are not very knowledgeable” or “not at all knowledgeable” about Islam.

#Nearly 10 percent said Muslims believe in a moon god.

#Just a little over one-third of survey respondents reported awareness of Muslim leaders condemning terrorism.

#A vast majority of Americans said they would change their views about Muslims if Muslims condemn terrorism more strongly, show more concern for Americans or work to improve the status of Muslim women or American image in the Muslim world.

(http://www.cair.com/Issues/Islamophobia/Islamophobia.aspx...)

Chris

Chris — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

We don’t like Islam because of its followers, because of what they do and the way they treat those who are against them. Where they dominate, they discriminate, oppress others and teach hate to younger generation. Blaming others is an easy task but accepting flaws needs courage.

Shankar

Shankar — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Thanx Patrick to say everything in points...

Aneez

Aneez — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

@ Shankar

I really have no answers for your illogical query. Maybe I can answer you, but for that I’ll have to degrade my brain n come to your level, and unfortunately, its not possible bcoz I have other things which demand intellect.

@ Amber

Thanks a lot for contributing to my vocabulary. I got to know the meaning of ’liberty’ today. I owe you.

By the way Amber, do you know the meaning of ’debate’? If no I tell you - Debate means to engage in argument by discussing opposing points..’ And as a debater, I think I have this privilege too. Think over it Amber.

And for all those who think I’m derailed, check my very first comment, I have presented my views, but unfortunately, no one has come for it or against it, cuz they love derailed wagons!

Dayasurabhi Balaji

Dayasurabhi Balaji — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

It’s a big debate. Interpreting Religion, I mean holy books be it Bible or Quran or Gita, requires hermeneutic understanding. Moreover a relgion should not and cannot be blamed for what few fanatics do. I say Islamophobia is something that is propagated by the West, because they live in fear of what they have tried to create and unfortunatley most of the Islamic countries have become a prey and victims to West’s ambition in disguise, though there are also ample of other reasons. I hope one is able to remember Joseph Geobbel’s propaganda during Hitler’s regime which was a complete blunder that had helped make one of the tragic incidents of history.And fanaticism is prevalent in other sects as well. One has to fear a fanatic, for whom religion means nothing more than certain dogmas which have been interpreted and re intrepreted over the years - and the West- or leme say Pro- US countries have taken a good advantage of those interpretations.

Mayuri Majumdar

Mayuri Majumdar — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

I cannot help but condemn my friends over here who feel that every muslim is a terrorist. I mean, don’t you think that there are hindu terrorists as well? People like these add up to the tensions going on in the world. Thanks a lot.

Jayaprashanth

Jayaprashanth — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

@shankar

Like you know too much about Koran and it’s interpretation for you to continously talk bullcrap and strut around blaming a religion. And no, im not putting words in your mouth, you asked me how to differentiate between an ordinary muslim and a terrorist in one of your previous comments. So, What does it mean, are you not indirectly calling muslims, terrorists? which to me is absolutely despicable and i don’t think it is worthwhile to even argue with religious fundamentalists like you. I always believe that the Muslim on the street who goes about doing his/her job really don’t want terrorism or any kind of violence. And i continue to so becuase i have too many muslim friends who are absolutely peace loving and anti-terrorism. Just because they don’t come out and stand on rooftops to shout out that they don’t support terrorism doesn’t mean that they support terrorism. Get these facts straight and clear before making frivolous and unwarranted remarks.

Sumit

Sumit — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Great debate indeed and I appreciate Shankar’s logic, it might be wrong but still he scoring up,,anyways..@ Mayuri...can you name some of the Hindu terrorists or groups who rammed airplane in towers, done bomb blasts in moving trains, local trains, parks, bridges, attacked any country’s parliament. @ jaya , i never heard any Muslim organisations issued fatwas against any islamic terrorists and terror groups. If you know give me the links..I just want to know.

Manishkumar

Manishkumar — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Shut up Shankar, Lalit, Attitude, Villager and others, Don’t criticise Islam because they cannot accept any criticism and won’t accept it at any cost, Some groups would issue fatwas against you people, Don’t you know what happened with Taslima Nasreen, Salman Rushdie, Denmark journalists and many more..Stop it and say Islam is great and it doesn’t support terrorism because Islam is largest religion now and going to take the whole world in future without using violent means.

Mayuri Majumdar

Mayuri Majumdar — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Well, try searching and you would get thousands of names...like

#Ramesh Pande. He was among the terrorists who stormed the Ayodhya temple on 5 July.

#Sham Lal and Kirpal Singh, in Rajouri-Poonch, belong to Hizbul Mujahideen and Sanjay to Lashkar-e-Toiba

#Bharat Kumar, arrested in Satwari, Jammu City, with arms and ammunition. Trained for four years in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

#Police arrested a noted Hindu smuggler, involved in Jammu’s Raghunath Temple attack in 2002

#Doctor S.K.Pandita, charged with sheltering militants in Kashmir, along with Pt. Dalip Kumar, arrested, for financing them. Pandita disclosed he carried messages and ammunition to the militants.

Anything else you need to know? :)...i do not base my arguments on free air...i am not denying that terrorism is widespread amongst muslims but we need to accept that even hindus are not clean as well.

Zafrus Salam

Zafrus Salam — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

This is with reference to the “Islamophobia: Islam should not be blamed” my sincere thanks go to Miss Farheen Jamal, Lalit, Jayparshanath, Aneez and other also to put their efforts to bring the truths.

Let me tell you that “Terrorism” is not a monopoly of Muslim and those who are aware of world history might be knowing the origin of the word. In 1881, anarchist killed the Russian Tsar Alexander 11. US President Mckinley, King Humbert 1 of Italy, Archduke were not killed by Muslim. In second world holocaust was not done by Muslims. The Irish Republican Army [IRA] is not Muslims organization and they have killed more people than other similar organizations. In India, Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, Raju Gandhi were not killed by Muslims. Salvation Army in Uganda is not a Muslim outfit but they are Christen and LTTE is a Tamilian group not a Muslim. And so no………..

The western Media has projected Muslim as militants and Islam instigates violence. After the globalization, or last one and half decades Media has become the puppet of the western countries or the capitalist and they have been using it for their vested interests. The common people do not understand it and they are easily brain washed by The Media.

Zafrus Salam

Zafrus Salam — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Raoof Mir

Raoof Mir — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

hi, to all of the above commentators and dear author,

k, lot is being discussed about islam here, can any of you please mention me name of sigle muslim leader or sovereign power like hitter, Bush who have killed millions of people, now the question is are they brander as terrosrists, no...y because both are not muslims..

so the inportant question is why and what is there, that corelates islam with terrorism. It is only that people have reductionist view of islam. People like lalit ( if i m right in mentioning the name)and majority of the population depend of interpretation centers, thats media. it is west that had structured structures in such a way that islam today is seen as major threat for humanity.

It is the west that sees islamic fundamentalism a threatening force. What is the reason? It is because islam is the only religion that poses a challenges to the west.

Why in india communal riots are recent phenomenon , while it was that people here lived amicably for centuries. For all this we have to blame modernity and wests gift to whole world that is nationalism.

If you still beleive that Islam is a threat, then i think we should be proud of islam that in a sense have the ability to raise question against western legacy. DEmocracy, liberalism, parliamentarianism, these are all borrowed concepts when talking about india.

there is no need to prove that islam is a religion with vanguard ideology.

when we problematize a thing, we should always look at it from broader perspective, not with mainstream perspective like dependending on cultural apparatuses thats what people like lalit do. if we really want to comment on islam or any other religion it is always important to read about it, then analyse it and then talk about it.

islam is not a homogenous identity, there are several islams lived in different parts of the world. when we say anything against islam, we should first know which islam you are refering.

if americas war on iraq anf Afghanistan is war against humanity, i prefer Schmittian world then, which at least blames war waged for profit, and despite beleives in war as an eternal confrontation that gives ultimate meaning to life.

and if somebody wants to reproach islam further, please dont before knowing islam, i am here trying to prove islam an infallible religion, but religion of vanguard ideology like socialism, marxism.

Rest, it is not that we dont have right to criticize isla, ofcourse we have. We have right to critize any thing, as everything in this world is contested. But it should always be constructive criticism, not deconstructive criticism that eventually will lead to diseases like fascism,communalism.

regards,

raoof mir

Zafrus Salam

Zafrus Salam — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Apparently, it has become a fashion to point out about “Islam” all the time, despite the fact that other religions have also outdated rituals and customs. People have short memories and they have forgotten that “Islam” was practiced in its best form during the “Taliban regime”. Afghanistan was more peaceful country in “Taliban regime” then ever before or after.

People do not know the fact that “to wear a headscarf or loose attire” is not an Islamic laws but it’s an Arab culture. Islam has categorically warned Muslims [both male & female] to guard their “private parts”. Prophet Mohammed asked Muslims females to cover their body [both hands and eyes should be free and open] in order to avoid to get attracted by males or who was not their legal / legitimate husband.

If Muslims females are practicing it for their own safety what is wrong in it. The so called liberal or those who follow western culture must have experienced that their female are at risk all the time just because of their scanty attires.

Those who live in house of glasses must not throw stone to others.

With regards

Zafrus Salam

OneHumanity Please

OneHumanity Please — Thu, 28 May 2009 00:00:00 +0000

’Islamophobia’, the term itself is incorrect. Phobia is always of an object, not necessarily an ideology. Any ideology is open for criticism and that includes Islam as well, howsoever holy and divine it may claim itself. One does not need to fear an ideology as it can be criticized. If anyone thinks an ideology cannot be critized, such a person needs some serious psychological help.

Also, the results of CAIR were not that surprising. With the advent of the internet, many people have started realizing what Islam is like never before and that’s why you will see there is a sharp rise in people’s opposing viewpoints towards Islam.

If Islam did not teach any hatred towards non - believers, we wouldn’t have seen so many conflicts in the medieval period and also what is going on till date.

It is not Muslims that are responsible for Islamophobia (as per your definition), it is Islam that is responsible. All this so called terrorists and radical Muslims were born like other humans, but certain ideology changed them and I need not tell which is that ideology that influenced their mind.