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There are so very many stories like this -- most of them I don't post here. But as our new Jihad Watch contributor Raymond Ibrahim noted the other day, "Why are we not constantly exhorted, day after day, that Christianity, or Judaism, or Hinduism, or Buddhism, or Scientology are 'misunderstood'? Why only Islam?"
Why indeed? Why is there a concerted effort all over the Western world to clear up "misconceptions" of Islam for well-meaning unbelievers, but no effort anywhere to clear up the "misconceptions" of Islam that jihad terrorists have -- the ones who, we're constantly told, are twisting and hijacking the religion? Where do the "misconceptions" that Westerners constantly seem to fall prey to come from? Could they possibly come from those jihad terrorists, committing acts of violence and justifying them by referring to Islamic texts and teachings? Will a pleasant evening (over chicken and pita, as Hugh would point out) assuring non-Muslims that those people aren't true Muslims clear up that problem?
Or are these evenings, carried on more or less daily all over the West, more likely to make their bemused audiences less likely to understand what is happening in the world, and to respond to it appropriately?
"Get the lowdown on Islam, Northern Territory style," by Daniel Bourchier for the Northern Territory News, June 29 (thanks to the Constantinopolitan Irredentist):
RELIGIOUS and cultural understanding and tolerance will be debated as part of Islamic Awareness Week today.The celebration aims to explain what the religion is all about and its role in the Northern Territory.
As part of the week, the Darwin Islamic Centre was officially opened by Chief Minister Paul Henderson last night.
Organiser Ishfaq Haider said the idea of this third Islamic Awareness Week is getting to know each other.
"We invite all local people to come and see what we do,'' he said.
"With so many misconceptions about Islam, this is a good chance to ask questions.''
Highlights today include lectures about Muslim youth in Australia -- and the question of female oppression under Islam....
Posted by Robert at June 28, 2008 1:49 PM
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A very good point. I work with several people who are from India and who are Hindu. None of them expect me to change my life to avoid their particular taboos. So, they can go with me to a restaurant the serves beef and not be bothered (while eating vegetarian or chicken). They don't keep their religion private but the don't parade it either.
Posted by: Jerry M![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jihadwatch.org/nav-commenters.gif)
at June 28, 2008 2:36 PM
Actually, I did some research a long time ago ( easy enough to do, read Robert Spencer's books and get a copy of the Koran to cross check ) and "cleared up the misconceptions."
Misconception: "Islam is a religion of peace!"
Conception: Islam is a THUG-CULT created by the psychopathic sex-crazed pedophile robber Mahomet and is very well suited to ULTRA-VIOLENT THIRD WORLD BARBARIAN THUGS.
at June 28, 2008 2:52 PM
"....Conception: Islam is a THUG-CULT created by the psychopathic sex-crazed pedophile robber Mahomet and is very well suited to ULTRA-VIOLENT THIRD WORLD BARBARIAN THUGS.
Posted by: One_of_the_last_few_Patriots_left..."
If you tell this to Mohammedans , they get severe 'Dysentery'...and complain to UN for Law change etc ( because legally they can't 'murder' the infidels...but in Sharia they can ).
Posted by: Kash225 at June 28, 2008 3:01 PM
Where do the "misconceptions" that Westerners constantly seem to fall prey to come from?
From the mullahs and ayatollahs who tell their own what Islam is all about. No one did more to change my own view of Islam than Ayatollah Khomeini.
Unfortunately, Western "experts" told us all not to worry, that Khomeini represented a "radical" branch of Islam and that "mainstream" Islam wasn't like that.
The terrorists were taught everything that they espouse on al-Jazeera and elsewhere. They heard it every Friday. Osama bin Laden wasn't born with the wisdom of the gods. He was a blank slate, like every other human being. He was taught about Islam and now he tries to teach it to us. It's the same with Ayman al-Zawahiri.
at June 28, 2008 3:04 PM
Sounds more like a lecture in learning the fine art of "smoke & mirrors", which is designed to stymie the Truth, and to soften ones brain to the real dangers of Islam.
The term "misunderstood", or "misconception" about Islam is nothing more than a tactic to lure you away from the facts, and if you are not grounded in the Truth about Islam/Muhammad/Quran & Allah, then you will be susceptible to these lies.
A good place to start is to read Robert's book, The Truth About Muhammad, and to also read the other links and information provided on this website. Get informed!
at June 28, 2008 3:14 PM
"'It is not for conversion, but for conversation,' Dr. Abdalla said." Yeah, right. Conversation now (which means Muslims get to tell non-believers how wonderful Islam is and how any kuffaar criticism of Islam is so hateful and indicative of extraordinary ignorance about the world's true faith), conversion later (or if no conversion and Muslims become a majority, then pure second-class status for dhimmis). Think I'd skip this kissy-face, huggy-bear get together were I there in the Northern Territory of Australia, yet another dar-al-harb country under assault by active or stealth means by the world's most destructive, desultory, intolerant and screwed-up religion.
Posted by: Wellington at June 28, 2008 3:15 PM
The "Darwin Islamic" Centre? How fitting that those two are lumped together.
Posted by: Crusader at June 28, 2008 3:36 PM
Don't like Darwin Islamic Centre?...
There's always the Islamic Darwin Awards.
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=3a7_1187501259
Posted by: western infidel at June 28, 2008 4:18 PM
I hear that the crocodiles in Darwin are also holding an open-house aimed at clearing up misconceptions about the reptiles. Visitors can swim in the local rivers with them, special discounts for Muslim bathers.
It helps to just keep smiling, and don't read Robert's books.
at June 28, 2008 4:26 PM
From the article:
"this is a good chance to ask questions.''
I don't know if we've got any jihadwatchers here from the Northern Territory of Australia.
But if we DID, then let's have a little think about some of the questions they could ask, citing Quran and/or Sira and Hadith.
They could recite the Wife-Beating Verse, Quran 4: 34, and ask Mr Ishfaq whether he thinks it's authoritative.
They could recite the Polygamy verse, and Mr Robert McClelland the Attorney-General's flat declaration that Polygamy is ILLEGAL in Australia, and will remain so, and ask Mr Ishfaq whether he's prepared to accept the Attorney-General's ban.
They could let everybody know all about Aisha, and ask Mr Ishfaq if he thinks marriage to - and conjugal relations with - an unconsenting nine-year-old is appropriate.
They could recite Quran 9: 5 and Quran 9:29 and ask him to Please Explain.
They could quote the Hadith that authorises the killing of those who leave Islam, and put Mr Ishfaq on the spot by asking him what he would do if his daughter or son declared that they were becoming a Christian, an atheist, or a Buddhist.
They could mention the ban on Muslim women marrying non-Muslim men and ask point blank whether these nice smiling Muslims in Darwin would permit their daughters to marry Aussie non-Muslims WITHOUT demanding that said non-Muslims join the Army of Islam.
They could recite the verses that forbid friendship with Jews and Christians...unless feigned, for tactical reasons.
And a good time would, no doubt, be had by all.
Posted by: dumbledoresarmy at June 28, 2008 5:43 PM
But in a way they're right:
Even after 1400 years of continuous jihad, tremendous efforts fighting back at them, we haven't learned a thing about Islam.
Ask any moonbat and they will tell you that all religions are equally bad, that Muslims only want a better life for themselves and their kids, and that Christianity is all much worse.
Yes, Islam is definitely the most misunderstood religion in the world. Because if we did understand, we would take action, serious action...
Posted by: sheik yer'mami at June 28, 2008 7:41 PM
" We invite local people to come and see what we do."
Ishfaq Haider (muslim organizer)
I save gas by watching "what you do" on the Global Incident Map....but thanks so much.
at June 28, 2008 7:48 PM
Would it be too incorrect to paraphrase the evolution of the hominides as 'modern civilized man ASCENDED from apes while Islam DESCENDED from apes'?
Posted by: getrealnow4 at June 28, 2008 7:58 PM
Ah, our old friend and Da'awa doctor Abdallah, the one from the 10 million dollar da'awa centre at Griffith university who was trained in Sowdi Arabia and didn't want anybody to know how much money the Sowdis are paying for the Islamization of Australia?
Who guessed it!
Griffith’s “Islamic Research Doctor” Abdalla sez he will not return the $100,000 grant and will not rule out accepting unsolicited Saudi funds in the future
Posted by: sheik yer'mami at June 28, 2008 8:18 PM
dumbledoresarmy,
If there are jihadwatchers in Darwin, I would suggest that such questions be created and stored on a computer, and printed out on some appropriate stationary; for distribution amongst the participants--especially the filthy kuffar guests.
Make such questions polite, and specific.
Additionally, if those Muslims are asked whether the murder of apostates is permissible in Western nations, the answer will likely be that 'they are required to abide by the laws of the nations in which they live'.
Better, IMO, to note, in those get-togethers, that some Muslim nations kill apostates, in accordance with Islamic law and to ask where they personally believe such divine laws are permissible, today, in the twenty-first century.
Posted by: PRCS at June 28, 2008 9:34 PM
Calling a Muslim a True Muslim
“... The U.S. Congress and the Leadership council for Human Rights condemn Mubarak, the godfather of Egypt that parades himself as the champion, for the Palestinian rights and war on terror, and expose him for what he is. [A true muslim. This is the best qualification we should use, that should say it all, to address these creatures.]
The beauty is, they will understand what we mean by that when you slap them with it in the face, don’t forget the smile, but they won’t be able to accuse you of anything.
Actually I’m looking forward for the day when muslims and Islamic organizations like CAIR and company start suing us for calling them, true muslim followers of mohammad, knowing how much they’re proud of that infamous name that many of them carry. To give them a double dose of, “Feel the pride.”
When it gets to their bones, and we reach the point of being accused as islamophobic and spreading hate speech, for calling them true muslim followers of mohammad, that will be the day when they’ll bring down the house of islam with their own hands on their heads. And that will be the day when you’ll see scores of muslims wearing crosses and stars of David and calling themselves Mike and Emily instead of mohammad and eisha. ...”
This might be an interesting tactic to utilize during discussions with Muslims and their apologists.
at June 28, 2008 9:43 PM
Yes, Islam is definitely the most misunderstood religion in the world. Because if we did understand, we would take action, serious action...
Posted by: sheik yer'mami
When ignorance is bliss, tis folly to be wise.
There's one beatitude that people have taken to extremes: judge not, lest ye be judged.
We're so afraid of even appearing judgmental that we are willing to tolerate threats to our very existence.
at June 28, 2008 10:00 PM
"June 29 :
RELIGIOUS and cultural understanding and tolerance will be debated as part of Islamic Awareness Week today."
Is this a part of the same program as the visitor from Northern Ireland who is coming to explain how the palistinians are being persecuted in the 'occupied territories', or is that an independent and coincidental effort?
How did that meeting, and the ensuing discussion go, I wonder.
Posted by: Lt. Presley O'Bannon at June 29, 2008 12:56 AM
Hmmmm.... The Northern Territory. Also notorious for being the first Australian province to legalize euthanasia. Do you see a connection?
Posted by: Paolo at June 29, 2008 3:27 AM
ummah in overdrive. In the last week they have called two press confrences denouncing terror and giving out that koranic verse "whoever kills one kills all of humanity". The MSM reporters fall for it every time and we have to see group photos of imitaters of uswa hasana, al insan, al kamil in the local dailies. The ahmadiya are holding a jalsa (get-together) today celebrating 100 years in this part of the world, and since Thursday the sunnis under the leadership of the shahar kazi (this is the thug in charge of a city) have been appealing to the rest of the ummah not to attend. Yesterday they visited the local administration and "requested" them not to grant the use of a local park for the purpose of the ahmaddiya jalsa. Let us see what happens today. In any case, the MSM reporters are thoroughly confused about the whole thing coming on top of the "islam denounces terror". I hope some of them do some reading for a change.
Posted by: arjun.sevak at June 29, 2008 4:26 AM
"With so many misconceptions about Islam, this is a good chance to ask questions.''
Yes. I have three questions:
1)Why is your Koran loaded with indictments against non-Muslims?
(Have a list of references from the Koran to further the point)
2) Why did your prophet marry a young girl at 6 and then had sex with her when was nine?
(Have a list if examples from the Hadith)
3) And one last question. Why do Islamist terrorists use quotations from Islamic text to justify their acts of violence?
(Provide list of quotations from leading Islamist terrorists to further the point.)
Posted by: Briars at June 29, 2008 1:00 PM
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