http://www.arabnews.com/?page=7§ion=0&article=99335&d=5&m=8&y=2007&pix=opinion.jpg&category=Opinion
Sunday, 5, August, 2007 (21, Rajab, 1428)
Korean Hostages: Let's Not Be Silent Anymore
Dr. Nazir Khaja, Arab News
It has been over a week since Taleban militants abducted 23
South Korean Christians in insurgency-prone Ghazni province. The church group
was on its way allegedly to provide free medical services to poor Afghan
citizens when their bus was hijacked last Thursday. The leader of the aid group
and another member of the group have been killed. The kidnapping is the largest
abduction of foreigners in Afghanistan since the fall of the Taleban regime in
2001.
By their acts of violence the Taleban and other extremists
capture headlines and leave to the rest of the world an impression of Islam
that is of a band of primitive tribesman or a religion unable to hold its
zealots in check, cruel and barbaric. Like Christianity, Judaism, and other
religions, Islam is what its adherents understand it to be. This is largely
determined by what its religious leaders interpret the religious texts to mean.
Christianity and Judaism over their long history and despite bitter struggles
within have evolved their own system of an understanding of faith based on
ethical/moral values. These can be easily understood and accepted by lay people
and are not entirely dependent on the interpretations of the clerics.
Islam unfortunately remains at the mercy of clerics who
interpret each and every aspect of life on this earth - and even the Hereafter!
This is a major source of confusion and conflict within Islam as we look at the
daily reports on sectarian and other forms of violence in the Muslim world. The
Muslim masses remain vulnerable to exploitation by the clerics and their
interpretations of the texts. For the Korean evangelists, they may have a
fervent faith but some in their own society also see them as pawns in a
competition among churches. The competition feeds fund-raising for missionary
expeditions that also serves the coffers of the sponsoring church.
These are the new moneychangers on the temple steps.
In ancient times, Jesus chased them away as they were not
holy. Certainly the photo opportunity before the warning signs about
Afghanistan in the Seoul airport foments media-grabbing sensationalism while
foretelling a folly.
The ultra conservative Taleban are prevalent along the region
traveled by the evangelists. Their understanding of Islam and also of the world
we live in is at best primitive if not barbaric. What did the evangelists
surmise as the logical possibilities?
Could they not see they risked their own and others' injury
or death? Nonetheless they ventured forward, not respecting the expressed
wishes of those they hoped to influence.
In all analysis, cultural appreciation, pragmatism, and
consistency in thought and deed of expressed faith, the South Koreans' zealous
behavior was catalytic to a crisis where no more is needed.
They risk not only their lives but innocents surrounding the
crisis situation and those who they came to save into their faith. The
Taleban's response was consistent with their past record of intolerance. Their
destruction of the historic Buddhas of Bamiyan a few years back is but only one
of several examples of their medieval mindset and behavior. They reacted
predictably to a group of religious fanatics with their own fanaticism. The
Taleban do not understand that death and capture are not the best means of
confronting a challenge to one's faith.
The strength of one's faith and the common sense to see
something for what it is should be the basis for challenge.
Physical confrontation is not necessary. The Holy Qur'an
says, "If anyone killed a person, unless it was for murder or spreading
mischief on earth, it would be as if he killed all of mankind. And if anyone
saved a life, it would be as if he had saved the lives of all mankind." (5:32).
Killing is unacceptable. Islam emphasizes tolerance, inviting others to lead
peaceful lives within the societies based on their own law and tenets. Within
Islam, hostage taking, suicide, or terrorist attacks are not permitted. They
are considered a great sin. To take innocent persons hostage by availing of
some opportunity and then bargaining with their lives is entirely against
Islamic teaching.
This practice was prevalent in ancient times but
unfortunately it has currently assumed a tactical form. This is a great sin and
cowardice and is entirely forbidden in Islam. Muslims have been forbidden to
attack innocent civilians; they have not even been permitted to kill an unarmed
soldier in wartime. The mores of Islam are to treat visitors with respect and
grace. Violence is not how one deals with difference.
The teachings of the Qur'an are interpreted at times
differently among Muslims but there is common respect for the guest from other
lands. In any group, our brothers and sisters define who we are.
We must take responsibility to not tolerate aberrant conduct
should it become the collective reputation of the group.
Christianity needs to bring realism to evangelism that has
devolved to competition in fund-raising and mitigates common sense.
Muslims need to set the expectation that visitors of
different faiths are tolerated and even in the face of evangelism or any other
religious challenge Islam can hold its own with its inner strength rather than
by its followers to react in anger and violence. Too much of the world is now
poised for conflict.
In the media, specific acts of violence capture attention and
polarize.
In place of dealing with the real challenges before all human
kind such as epidemic disease, sustaining the environment, realizing welfare
and education for all, and conflict resolution based on justice from the home
to nation-states, we engage in wars without purpose or end. How much of energy
in celebrating Him is diluted to the distraction of these episodes? Where would
God prefer us to spend our lives? The Taleban must release the hostages
immediately and provide the ill ones necessary medical care. The Koreans must
not get carried away in their missionary zeal to put not only themselves in
harm's way but put others at risk.
The majority of Muslims believe in an Islam that is in accord
with the civilized, humanitarian and tolerant values and norms of this world.
Their voices need to be heard. It is not just the Koreans who are being held
hostage; it is also the spirit of Islam that is being held hostage. Let's not
be silent anymore.
- Dr. Nazir Khaja is chairman of the Los Angeles-based
Islamic Information Service. He can be reached at [EMAIL PROTECTED] .
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