Social Commentary: On Islam

1/3/11

On Islam

First let me qualify: I am NOT a religious scholar. In fact, I am not a scholar at all. So, what follows is not meant to be seen as a definitive study on comparative religion. I will not use quotations from the Bible or the Koran or the Torah, or the Bahgavad Ghita. No. It is written to ask penetrating questions in an effort to gain meaningful answers.

The article appeared in Saturday’s (1/1/11) N.Y. Times. Written by Salman Masood, here’s the first paragraph:

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - - A crippling strike by Islamist parties brought Pakistan to a stand-still on Friday as thousands took to the streets, and forced businesses to close, to head off any change in the country’s blasphemy law, which rights groups say has been used to persecute minorities, especially Christians.

The article goes on to explain that the law calls for the death penalty for anyone convicted of insulting Islam. It also used an example of the law’s implementation by citing the case of a 45 year-old mother of five and a Christian, who was sentenced to death after being accused of blasphemy by Muslim co-workers for touching their water bowl.

Really? Blasphemy? Death? For touching a water bowl? Ah, here then is my question: why does Islam seem so obsessed with death?! I say this with all respect (I don’t want to insult ANYONE) and with good faith in the pursuit of true understanding.

Again, I must qualify that I have not read a single line directly from the Koran. But this may not be a liability in this case. In a sense, it leaves my original question, “why does Islam seen so obsessed with death” as a truly searching and open one. I have no preconceived notion from what I may have read in it. I welcome the opportunity for others, far more scholarly, to educate me.

Even without detailed study of Islam, we see the results of so-called radical Islam displayed in the most violent way on almost a daily basis. On almost every corner of the planet we can site examples of extreme violence executed in the name of Islam. Sure, other religious extremists are guilty of equally heinous crimes, but not nearly with the frequency or ferocity of those executed by Muslims. In addition to the story mentioned above, I recently read of the stoning to death of a 13 year-old Muslim girl who had the audacity to accuse the men who raped her. Deadly riots occurred when a Danish newspaper published cartoons Muslims considered offensive. And there are many other examples. Every day we read of suicide bombers in many Muslim countries. Again, I ask why? Is there a distinct passage that says kill all who disagree with you, who insult you, who don’t believe as you? Does life come so cheaply for Muslims? Is it a philosophy culled from the over-all message of the text?

There seems to be some strange obsession with death. And I don’t see a celebration of life. I see 47 (or 87 or 105, whatever the number) blue-eyed virgins waiting in heaven for Muslim martyrs. Of course, this helps to encourage young men (and now women) to take their own lives and countless other innocent peoples’ as suicide bombers. Still more death. I see women maimed and often murdered in so-called Muslim honor killings. I see poor, ignorant young men used as murderous foils for more educated Muslims who promise their families a better life here and them a glorious afterlife as a martyr. Even a fatwa (a Muslim “hit” put on one by religious decree) might be issued against me for even writing this article! DEATH. DEATH. DEATH. WHY? WHY? WHY?

I understand the political climate in many Muslim nations. It is one that has promoted misunderstanding, fear, ignorance and poverty. One can understand the anger that has precipitated much of the violence. What I don’t understand is this seeming worship of violence. I know of no other religion or culture that exports this brand of “deadliness is next to godliness” philosophy.

Look. I tease people and call myself a heathen. I spent 9 years (including kindergarten) in a Parochial school. I am well versed in traditional religious dogma. I’m sure that my experiences there were a large part of the reason that I rejected formal religion. But that does not mean that I do not have a deep sense of spirituality and a strong conviction to lead a moral/ethical life. I also celebrate LIFE for the miracle that it is. Everyday. I feel sorry for people who don’t see GOD in each and every human being, in life itself. We are the holy ones. Therefore, taking a life is like killing god himself.

Is this blasphemous? I hope not. It is certainly not to me. I would hope that there are many of my Muslim brothers who feel the same way. Perhaps they will be the ones to explain to me why the others are so obsessed with death. It’s one of the things that I would like to come understand in my LIFE.

Amended 1/5/11

It was reported in today's NY Times that Salman Taseer, the prominent Governor of Punjab Province in Pakistan, was assassinated by one of the elite guards charged with protecting him. The Governor was a liberal secularist who was very vocal in his opposition to religious parties and the extremism they spread. He recently began a campaign to repeal Pakistan's contentious blasphemy laws. He was shot multiple times in the chest by the guard, Malik Mumtaz Hussain Qadri, as he entered his car. Qadri surrendered immediately and was quoted as saying upon his capture, "I am a slave of the Prophet, and the punishment for one who commits blasphemy is death".

Is there really any way out of this? Must it be us or them? How can we possibly make them understand - "death be not proud, for death, thou shalt die"! Need we take up the mantle of the Templar's? Until moderate Muslims (I'm beginning to wonder if they really DO exist) step forward and re-take control of their religion, unfortunately, the future looks bleak :(

MORE . . .

Fareed Zakaria, CNN political analyst, host, author and an expert on Middle Eastern affairs had this to say on the assassination of Taseer: "trends in Pakistan are not getting better, not politically, not religiously, not economically. They're all heading in the wrong direction".

Virtually none of Taseer's supporters attended his funeral. And the public silence surrounding his murder has been deafening. Once again, through extreme violence, the forces of Islam have effectively silenced the voices of reason. Religious thugs are still firmly in control, using fear and intimidation to reach their goal; total domination of their own people. Nice faith.

As aptly said in the comment section below, Islam is holding Pakistan captive. They are stuck in a world that hasn't changed in over 1000 years. And, as it is now, it will not change in 1000 more. The world is holding its hand out to Islam and, according to sharia law, it will be promptly chopped off. It's more than sad, it's tragic.

Thank you all. I have my answer about Islam: Thanks, but NO THANKS!!!!!

photo: F LoBuono The Blue Mosque, Istanbul