http://www.arabnews.com/?page=7§ion=0&article=128424&d=14&m=11&y=2009&pix=opinion.jpg&category=Opinion
Saturday 14 November 2009 (27 Dhul Qa`dah 1430)
Islam is not about fundamentalism
Tariq A. Al-Maeena | [email protected]
Shortly after the Fort Hood shootings in which the lives of 13 US Army
personnel were senselessly wasted by a killing rampage by one of their own, a
US radio commentator called me up for my take as an Arab and a Muslim on the
incident.
Gary specifically wanted to know if there was any hint of sympathy in the
Kingdom for the actions of Maj. Nidal Hasan, the 39-year-old military
psychiatrist responsible for the carnage that included at least 31 injured at
the military base in central Texas.
My response was immediate. This was a dastardly act by a psychopath, a
person who apparently flipped and let loose. "But he shouted Allah-o- Akbar
(God is Great) before he started firing," interjected Gary, the implication
being that Islam was somewhat connected to the event.
"Whether he did that, Gary, or recited the whole Qur'an or a thousand
Hail Mary's before the shooting spree does not absolve him of the crime in the
eyes of God, and there would be no paradise waiting in the hereafter. This was
an indiscriminate act of killing, and one made more bizarre by his turning his
gun on his own colleagues. Islam clearly forbids the destruction of innocent
lives.
"Rest assured Gary, that we are just as shocked and outraged at these
events. Speaking as a Muslim, I can tell you he is not one of our own and to
tie Islam to such a horrific act is in itself an offense. Pick up a newspaper
today and you'll read of acts of violence just about anywhere in the world.
Whether they are committed by Muslims, Christians, Jews, Buddhists or whatever,
they are still acts of crime. And inexcusable at that, regardless of whatever
distorted ideology they chose to follow."
"But Tariq, initial reports coming out point to his having some
connections to a radical imam with connections to Al-Qaeda back in D.C."
"Gary, Al-Qaeda is not an Islamic organization. Al-Qaeda has
indiscriminately killed or injured many, including Muslims I might add. They
are nothing short of being terrorists, full stop! Their ideology is fueled more
by the greed for power than any religious affiliation. Granted, the majority of
them seem to recite some holy verses before setting off on their murderous
activities, but this in no way should cast a shadow on a religion that promotes
peace and tolerance.
"The Kingdom itself has not escaped unscathed against such acts of
terrorism. Al-Qaeda has gunned down scores of Muslims, be they security
officers or civilians. Where does Islam factor into all of this?
"And as for fundamentalism, we are well aware of the dangers they pose to
society in general. The Kingdom is actively promoting interfaith dialogues
around the world to lessen the misunderstandings that have taken off in recent
times. This is not for cosmetic purposes, but for enhancing understanding
between various faiths. At home, the authorities vigilantly ferret out those
with suspected extremist ideologies and lock them up. There is hardly any
sympathy or tolerance. The "hellfire and brimstone" variety of preachers that
could also be found practicing in the backwoods of Louisiana under different
faiths are being reprogrammed or else face prison sentences.
"And while it's still a little early to tell whether this major was
psychologically or religiously motivated, let me honestly say that I doubt
there is a squad of cheerleaders in the Kingdom rah rahhing him up."
"And Gary, a little bit of advice before we sign off. Read up a little
more on Islam to have a better perspective on this great religion. Only then
you will understand that what this major did had very little to do with the
religion as we know and practice it. Islam is not about fundamentalism."
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
