I almost let this story go until an old familiar phrase, "misunderstanders of Islam," came to mind. Isn't it odd how the religion teachers are the ones who just don't get it?
The controversial case of Muhammad Al-Harbi, a Saudi high school teacher accused of mocking religion, came to a surprising end on Saturday. Al-Harbi was sentenced to three years in prison and 750 lashes — 50 lashes per week for 15 weeks. The lashes are to be given in the public market in the town of Al-Bikeriya in Al-Qassim.
The kids don't like him because they failed a chemistry test; the Islamic studies had another reason:
Deeply disturbed by the explosions at the Al-Hamra Compound in Riyadh in 2003, Al-Harbi felt it his duty as an educator to enlighten his students and warn them of terrorism and its consequences. He went to great lengths by talking to students, hanging anti-terrorism signs around the school and speaking against terrorism.“The Ministry of Education has recently ordered all schools to lecture students on the dangers of extremism and terrorism in general, but I was a step ahead of their decision,” said Al-Harbi.
Apparently Al-Harbi’s actions and comments against terrorism upset a number of Islamic studies teachers known for their fundamentalist beliefs.
As always Muttawa provides more detailed and satirised account of the event.
http://muttawa.blogspot.com/
I feel that the teacher was not doing anything wrong by expressing that we all should be anti-terrorist in this world. He is there to teach them about Islam not to go blow up other people because they are not Muslims or just to blow up innocent perople in this world. Now the Islamic groups are killing their own people so I don't know how they said in the name of Islam all the time.I agree what he was doing is right and that the outcome of this case is unfair and should be
brought back into the courts. If the other teachers felt that this was wrong what is was teaching, then we might need to investigate them to see what kind of ties they might have with the islamic murders that are there, since this seemed to have affected them so much. I felt for this teacher and that is the whole reasoning to become a teacher is to teach our children the correct way in life.
sherry
tra-la-la let freedom ring; tra-la-la-la-lah. Well at least we brought freedom to the Saudis and enlightment and tolerance...heck, at least Exxon's profits are up -- so what's the problem? You're not looking at this thing right.
Can you check the Web link in the blog story here? It does not seem to be working.
I also noticed the same thing on another story yesterday.
Anne:
Robert posted this item on DW a few days ago, but used the Reuters piece, which included such allegations against Al-Harbi as saying nice things about Jews. I think I sent Robert the Arab news link, but for certain I copied the URL to my comments on this case.
jeffreyim: the link to the Arab News story worked for me. Try this: http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1§ion=0&article=73171&d=14&m=11&y=2005 or go to The Religious Policeman's cite via the link Vikrant C provided, which also links to the Arab News story.
Otherwise, I ask, where is Shamnesty International in this?
"Chemistry test"... Was it "how to make a bomb in 5 easy steps?" Is that what the "students" "failed?"
I believe that many Saudist disagree with this case. But how can anyone say a things, when they could be charged on Supporting Witch.
I'm sure the liberal professors of America will issue a statement condemning this action and rush to this man's defense any time now...
XRDC declared:"I'm sure the liberal professors of America will issue a statement condemning this action and rush to this man's defense any time now". Our professors are busy consulting with CAIR as to how to impliment islamic teachings and literature into American educational institutions. For that matter, no leader in our country takes any action against the injustice or damage to any of his country's citizen or the country's reputaion.
(1) So much killings and protests were taking place for the false news of defilement of koran,at the Quontanoma bay. BUT it was OK when the islamic hooligans ransacked the Church of Holy sepelcur in jerusalem (The most sacred church to chritians).They used bible pages as toilet papers and crapped in the very sacred center of the church. Not a word of protest-even from the then Pope John Paul(koran kissing Pope)!
or any of our leaders.
(2).Pakistan President Musharaf is demanding five Billion
more dollors( in spite of pocketing multiple millions of American and Europion free funds for the recent earth quakes on his country It is ok ,as it is for a noble cause, but in return for this noble gesture by the western countries, what the Pakistanies are doing? Bombing London subways and killing innocents,burning six churches in pakistan and chasing out native christians of pakistan. In india they bobmed a market place and likked 60 hindoos. For all this, Pre. Musharaf is keeping his mouth shut (fearing it will effect the quake donations).But the Media like BBC, CNN , and our leaders too are keeping their mouth shut. In the long run,we will end up like France.
The golden rule is 'UNLESS YOU VOICE LOUD YOUR INJUSTICE ,THE WORLD WILL TAKE YOU FOR GRANTED" In that respect ,I appreciate our comrade ROBERT SPENCER - THE BRAVE-HEART.
jsla:
Maybe the complain was that Al-harbi refused to teach them how to manufacture bombs.
That's it for sure... And as they say in Saudi "Can't spread the hate if you can't teach to bomb!"
"As always Muttawa provides more detailed and satirised account of the event.
http://muttawa.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Vikrant_Camberleykar"
Thank you for bringing that site again to my attention; I had forgotten where it was. Alhamedi is always very funny, and obviously brave.
For a good time, go to www.muttawa.blogspot.com.
Word to Washington: If anyone in the Pentagon, the C.I.A., the State Department, the Congress, the Executive Branch, the Washington press corps, has the slightest interest in finding out about Saudi Arabia, do visit www.muttawa.blogspot.com.
But remember: the man who blogs, Alhamedi, is the exception. All the others are the rule.
Rafia:
There are leaders, although few in number, that will put their career on the line for the country rather than the country on the line for their career.
A prime example is Tom Tancredo as mentioned often by Hugh. Another is Curt Weldon. The problem is they are few in number and need their constituents behind them 100%.
I am reminded of Weldon as he is on Savage right now regarding Able Danger.
http://www.radiokatz.com/
Muhammad Al-Harbi Akbar!
Saudi students failing? Get out of town! You mean Allah won't magically transfer knowledge to my head because I'm a Muslim? What! I must study?!
Muhammad, I'm sorry for you on many levels. 1) I'm sorry you were born a Muslim. 2) I'm sorry you were born in Saudi Araba (ie, HELL). 3) Sorry that you will spend three years of your life in prison. Actually, prision is very close the daily existence in Saudi. What a god awful hell hole. All Saudis, can jihad my zibber.
Third
by the beard of the prophet, ye infidels will be brought to account..there'll be no more sexy downloads of girlies and such.. and you'll take yer place in the phalanx of bow-downers bouncin'
heads off the floor..YAAAARRR!!!