-Caveat Lector- Christian Singer Faces Trial for Muslim Koran Lyrics November 1, 1999 BEIRUT, Lebanon (AP) -- By putting a Koranic verse to music, a Christian with communist views has landed in a legal battle over blasphemy. Some Muslims consider singing star Marcel Khalifa's "I am Yussef, oh Father," offensive because it borrows lyrics from their holy book. Politicians, lawyers and intellectuals have rallied to his defense, saying he broke no law. Khalifa's trial on blasphemy charges, which opens Wednesday, could drag on for months. He faces up to three years in jail if convicted. "This is a moral and cultural scandal," the bearded, 48-year-old recently said, in a soft voice that did not hide some bitterness. Some in Lebanon see the controversy as a sign of growing intolerance in the multisectarian, politically diverse nation of 3.5 million people, which has prided itself as a liberal beacon in a largely conservative region. "There is a suspicious campaign against the image and dignity of creativity, as if it has become blasphemous in our nation to be creative," Khalifa said. The singer dedicated "I am Yussef, oh Father", whose lyrics originate from Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish, to the "oppressed" people of southern Lebanon and the Palestinians, saying both live under Israeli occupation. The lyrics borrow from the Koranic version of the biblical story of Joseph, or Yussef, and his ill-treatment by his brothers. The only words from the Koran are "I saw 11 stars and the sun and the moon, I saw them kneeling in prayer before me." Islamic rulings dictate that Koranic verses be "read," or chanted, according to conventional styles known as "Tajweed." Any improvisation is considered blasphemous. "There is a limit to the freedom of expression," said Grand Mufti Sheik Mohammed Kabbani, the Sunni Muslims' spiritual leader. "One limit is that it should not infringe on people's religious beliefs." The Sunni religious authority initiated a lawsuit against Khalifa three years ago when he first started singing the song. But the government of then-Prime Minister Rafik Hariri decided not to prosecute. Investigating magistrate Abdul-Rahman Shehab revived the case without explanation early this month. Politicians across the lines have defended Khalifa. Prime Minister Salim Hoss, a Sunni Muslim, described him as a "distinguished artist with nationalist sentiment." Walid Jumblatt, the top political leader of Lebanon's Druse sect, an acid-tongued government opponent, warned that attempts to muzzle freedoms threaten Lebanon's survival. Even Sheik Mohammed Mehdi Shamseddine, spiritual leader of the nation's majority Shiites, has ruled that singing the Koran is blasphemous but said Khalifa should not be put on trial. Khalifa, a Maronite Catholic with communist leanings, gained fame for his passionate Arab songs during the 1975-90 civil war. When a defiant Khalifa appeared at Press Association building this month to energetically sing "I am Yussef, oh Father," about 300 young fans, Parliament members, former Cabinet ministers, journalists and artists crowded the hall in a spontaneous show of support. Copyright 1999 The Associated Press </interactive_legal.html>. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ======================= Robert F. Tatman Computer Help Desk Desktop & LAN Services Systems Department Philadelphia Newspapers, Inc. [EMAIL PROTECTED] 215.854.2729 215.854.2788 The contents of this message represent the opinion only of the writer, and may not be construed to indicate the endorsement of Knight-Ridder, Inc.; Philadelphia Newspapers, Inc.; The Philadelphia Inquirer; or the Philadelphia Daily News. "Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity." DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance�not soapboxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credeence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
