FrontPageMag.com By Robert Spencer By Hugh Fitzgerald Books Jihad Watch Islam 101 Qur'an Blog Raymond Ibrahim Robert Spencer
 
« Chechnya may shut TV channels that fail to explain Islam basics | Main | Don't touch that dial, dhimmi: Thai satellite company begins broadcasting Hizballah's Al-Manar channel »

January 10, 2008

Italy expels Muslim cleric for "anti-Western" sermons

Chalk one up for sanity and self-preservation.

"Italy Expels Muslim Cleric," from ANSA (thanks to Davida):

(ANSA) - Turin, January 9 - Italy on Wednesday deported to Morocco a Muslim cleric who the interior ministry said posed a risk for national security. Mohamed Kohaila, 44, was an imam or prayer leader at a mosque in Turin who was secretly filmed last year giving what was considered to be an anti-Western sermon.

The video was broadcast by state television on a news talk show in March after which both local judicial authorities and the interior ministry opened investigations. Although the magistrates here decided the case should be shelved, a probe by the interior ministry, which re-translated the video footage, concluded that the imam was dangerous and should be expelled.

Kohaila had been in Italy for the past 15 years and operated a specialised butcher shop in Turin....

Posted by Robert at January 10, 2008 12:32 PM
Print this entry | Email this entry | Digg this | del.icio.us

Comments
(Note: The Comments section is provided in the interests of free speech only. It is mostly unmoderated, but comments that are off-topic, offensive, slanderous, or otherwise annoying stand a chance of being deleted. The fact that any comment remains on the site IN NO WAY constitutes an endorsement by Jihad Watch or Dhimmi Watch, or by Robert Spencer or any other Jihad Watch or Dhimmi Watch writer, of any view expressed, fact alleged, or link provided in that comment.)

...woo hooo...more to come....the tide is beginning to turn....

Posted by: exsgtbrown [TypeKey Profile Page] at January 10, 2008 12:52 PM

Evidence of intelligent life on earth.

Posted by: joeblough [TypeKey Profile Page] at January 10, 2008 1:04 PM

One step forward, but what will Italy do to take two steps back?

Posted by: TheOmegaMan [TypeKey Profile Page] at January 10, 2008 1:05 PM

KOOL

http://illustratedpig.blogspot.com/2008/01/kool.html

Posted by: shiva [TypeKey Profile Page] at January 10, 2008 1:10 PM

It is so strange that - after all - western media outlets prefer to name him as one who "operated a specialised butcher shop" rather than a person who ran a Halal butchers ..

religion aside - I find that the chicken and lamb from Halal butchers to be a better quality than many supermarkets ..

Posted by: drk [TypeKey Profile Page] at January 10, 2008 1:26 PM

I found it rather appropriate that he ran a butcher shop...


Help Expose Islam by sharing the short recording at (360) 326-6730.

Posted by: JihadHotline(360)326-6730 [TypeKey Profile Page] at January 10, 2008 1:29 PM

Well that's a total contrast to what happened in the UK when an TV documentary secretly recorded various imams and mulslim spokesmen preaching hatred in their mosques. And I mean real hatred.

The response of the West Midlands police was to.....condemn the film makers for stirring up racial trouble! Not to prosecute the preachers of hate!!

Damn, we should have had the West Midlands police in the international Dhimmi of the year nominations.

Posted by: Celsius [TypeKey Profile Page] at January 10, 2008 1:57 PM

Thats grounds for jihad.
2:190

Posted by: GrennBeck [TypeKey Profile Page] at January 10, 2008 1:59 PM

Sanity returns.

Posted by: tanstaafl [TypeKey Profile Page] at January 10, 2008 2:38 PM

Is that a light at the end of the tunnel?

Now if only the rest of the civilized nations will follow suit.........

Posted by: ImNoDhimmi [TypeKey Profile Page] at January 10, 2008 2:57 PM

...maybe civilization can be saved....

Posted by: exsgtbrown [TypeKey Profile Page] at January 10, 2008 3:00 PM

"a specialised butcher shop in Turin...."
-- from the ANSA article


Why not specify that it is a halal butcher shop. Why leave it hanging?

Posted by: Hugh [TypeKey Profile Page] at January 10, 2008 3:18 PM

Celsius, actually, the reporter in Italy has also been hounded by the civil rights gestapo, and various elected nannies have made all sorts of threats regarding funding for the TV network. But the tide is turning in Italy regarding illegal aliens (the bum's rush of Romanians that started last year, who now commit more than 25% of violent crimes in Italy, had most to do with it), and now Italy, France and Spain are talking about a joint effort, so that the bums one throws out don't just run to the other. Small gains.

Posted by: longtime lurker [TypeKey Profile Page] at January 10, 2008 4:00 PM

Without ACLU-insanity and CAIR-curse, Italy is bound to last longer than America!

Posted by: Alert [TypeKey Profile Page] at January 10, 2008 5:28 PM

Bunch of weeds. They take advantage of western superior culture yet preach against it. If you don't like it, by all means grab your things and get back to where you came from.

Posted by: Crusader [TypeKey Profile Page] at January 10, 2008 5:50 PM

Somehow I have this little picture in my mind, of Oriana Fallaci and the rest of the Italians in Heaven, dancing round in circles singing the Gloria, on hearing this heartening little piece of news.

The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.

A flood of postcards to the Italian Minister of the Interior, briefly commending him on his wisdom, in thus making a start at freeing Italia bella from the invading Mohammedans, would be an excellent idea. (Can an Italian jihadwatcher post the relevant address, here?)

Brief notes to the Italian ambassadors in various countries, referencing this news story and commending Italy for doing the right thing and setting a great example for others, might also be a good idea.

If the Italian Interior Minister sticks to this decision, and has the courage to repeat whenever necessary, he will be a candidate for Anti-Dhimmi Internationale.

Hey, perhaps there should be an award for the NATION that manages to consistently perform at least a dozen acts of clearheaded and practical resistance to all forms of Jihad (including the demographic), during the coming year. And the president and parliament of that nation should receive approving letters from Infidels all over the world.

Posted by: dumbledoresarmy [TypeKey Profile Page] at January 10, 2008 6:45 PM

"Somehow I have this little picture in my mind, of Oriana Fallaci and the rest of the Italians in Heaven, dancing round in circles singing the Gloria, on hearing this heartening little piece of news." --posted above

Thank God!

Posted by: darcy [TypeKey Profile Page] at January 10, 2008 8:12 PM

I hate to be a bearer of bad news, but one step forward and a huge leap backwards:

Brussels, 10 Jan. (AKI) - More than 400 Muslim groups on Thursday signed a 'charter of values' at the European Parliament pledging tolerance and respect for the laws of the countries in which they live.

"The charter amounts to a code of good conduct for Muslims in Europe which commits them to taking part in building a united society," said European Parliament vice-president Mario Mauro.

"It pledges Muslims to helping create harmony and well-being in our societies and to fully playing the role of citizens in upholding justice, equal rights and respect for difference."

Mauro is an Italian politician from the conservative Forza Italia party of former premier Silvio Berlusconi and in his role as deputy European Parliament president is tasked with handling relations with churches and religious communities.

"The charter gives a great boost to strengthening intercultural and inter-religious dialogue. And it reinforces Muslims' duty to respect non-Muslims," said Mauro.

The document was prepared by the Federation of Islamic Organisations in Europe and endorsed by the groups in Brussels.

I have detailed the charter below, but pop over to the link just below to get principals and objectives.

http://www.eu-islam.com/en/templates/Index_en.asp

Muslims in Europe Charter Project

Introduction to the Charter

Despite their diversity, Muslims of Europe share common values and principles. In order to portray this to European society they need to clearly express their religious convictions and the nature of their presence in Europe.

This charter aims to define a number of principles in accordance with the common understanding of Islam within the European context and to set thenceforth the foundations of greater positive interaction with society.
The rationale for such a charter includes

• The contribution of Islam to modern Europe as well as the rooted Islamic presence as represented by Muslims in many of the Eastern Europe states. Likewise, the establishment of Muslim communities in several Western European countries has witnessed a shift from a transitory presence of foreign migrants to a more permanent presence.

• The Muslim presence in Europe requires a framework of citizenship based on justice, equality of rights, with respect for difference, and the recognition of Muslims as a religious community.

• The importance of Islam in the world and its spiritual, human and civilisational potential requires a rapprochement with the West, and Europe in particular, in order to ensure justice and peace in the world.

• In line with the expansion and development of the European Union, there is a need for greater co-operation among Muslims of Europe.

• The need to uphold the values of mutual understanding, working for peace and the welfare of society, moderation and inter-cultural dialogue, removed from all inclinations of extremism and exclusion.

These considerations have led European Muslim organisations to formulate this charter in the hope of enhancing the role of Muslims in benefiting European society and to help it build bridges with the rest of the Muslim world.

Read in This Charter

 Section One: On the Understanding of Islam
 Section Two: The Muslim Presence in Society

 On Citizenship
 Islam's Contribution to Europe

Articles of the Charter

Section One: On the Understanding of Islam

1. Our understanding of Islam is based on immutable principles that are derived from the authentic sources of Islam: the Qur'an and the Prophetic traditions (Sunnah), within the framework of consensus with consideration for the time factor as well as the specifics of the European reality.

2. The true spirit of Islam is based on moderation as extended from the Objectives (Maqasid) of this religion. This moderation avoids both laxity and excessiveness and reconciles reason and revelation, taking into consideration the material and spiritual needs of man, with a balanced outlook on life which brings together the existence in the next life as well as constructive work in this world.

3. In its principles, rulings and values, Islam can be structured under the following three areas: the creed as expressed in the six pillars of faith — Belief in God, the Angels, the revealed books, the messengers, the Hereafter and Divine Decree; the Shari'ah as expressed in acts of Worship and human interaction; and the Ethical code which lays down the foundations for living the good life. These three interconnected areas are complementary and aim to fulfil the Interests (Maslaha) of humanity and avert harm from it.

4. The emphasis on the human dimension, legislative flexibility and respect for diversity and natural differences among human beings are important characteristics of Islam.

5. Islam has honoured human beings as stewards of the earth. This honour embraces all the children of Adam, both male and female, without discrimination. By virtue of this honour, human beings are to be protected from anything that is an affront to their dignity, is harmful to their mental faculties, is damaging to their health or which abuses their rights by exploiting their vulnerabilities.

6. Islam gives particular emphasis to the social dimension and calls for compassion, mutual support, co-operation and brotherhood. These values are exemplified in the rights due to parents, relatives, neighbours, the poor, the needy, the sick, the elderly and others, regardless of their race or creed.

7. Islam calls for equality between man and woman within the framework of mutual respect and views that a balanced life is one in which the relationship between man and woman is harmonious and complementary. It unequivocally rejects all notions or actions that undermine women or deprive them of their legitimate rights, regardless of some customs or habits of some Muslims. Islam strongly opposes the exploitation of women and their treatment as mere objects of desire.

8. Islam considers that a family based on the bonds of marriage between a man and a woman is the natural and necessary environment for the raising of future generations. The family is the basis for the happiness of an individual and the stability of society. Thus, Islam emphasises the significance of taking all measures in order to reinforce the family and protect it from all things that will weaken or marginalise its role.

9. Islam respects human rights and calls for equality among all human beings, it rejects all forms of racial discrimination and emphasises the importance of liberty. Hence it condemns compulsion in religion and allows the individual freedom of conscience. Furthermore, Islam encourages that freedom ought to be exercised in accordance with moral values and respect for law, such that it does not infringe upon the rights of others.

10. Islam calls for mutual acquaintance between people, dialogue and co-operation among people and nations so as to enhance co-existence and achieve peace in the world. The term Jihad that occurs in Islamic texts means to exert all efforts towards good, starting from reforming oneself to spreading truth and justice between people. Jihad in its understanding as warfare is regarded as one of the means available to a Muslim state when it needs to defend itself against aggression. This is in compliance with international law. Based on such an understanding of Jihad, Islam rejects indiscriminate violence and terrorism and supports just causes and affirms the right of all people to defend themselves by legitimate means.

11. Islam enjoins upon Muslims to be honest and respect their undertakings. It forbids treason and treachery. It ordains excellence in dealings with other people and the rest of creation.

12. In view of the virtues of consultation (Shura) and with consideration to the developments in the political, legislative and constitutional realms, Islam affirms the principles of democracy based on pluralism, freedom to choose political authority and peaceful alternation of power.

13. Islam urges human beings to use nature in a responsible manner. This requires the preservation of the environment and its protection from all causes of pollution and harm as well as anything that will destroy the delicate balance of nature. Likewise, it requires the protection of natural resources and forbids cruelty to animals, over-consumption and wastage of wealth.

Section Two: The Muslim Presence in Society

The Principles of Interaction Among Muslims

1. Despite their ethnic and cultural diversity and their affiliations to various schools of Islamic law and thought, Muslims of Europe all constitute one religious entity within a framework of Islamic principles united by fraternity. Likewise throughout the European states, they also share a belonging to the state in which they reside. Any discrimination arising between them based on ethnic origin is against the value of Islam which emphasises unity.

2. Based on the principles of their religion and on shared interests, Muslims of Europe are urged to come together and co-operate and co-ordinate the efforts of their different institutions. This should not fail to recognise the natural diversity that exists among them, within the framework of Islam as generally agreed by consensus.

3. In addition to their belonging to the country in which they reside and their commitment to citizenship, Muslims of Europe also belong to the Muslim 'Ummah.' Their connection with Muslims around the world is natural by virtue of their belonging to the same faith. This relationship should be capitalized upon in strengthening the links between Europe and the Islamic world, as any form of mutual help among people of the world is encouraged.
On Citizenship

1. Muslims of Europe respect the laws of the land and the authorities that uphold them. This should not prevent them from individually or collectively defending their rights and expressing their opinions based on their specific concerns as a religious community or any general matter that concerns them as citizens. Whenever there is a conflict with regards to certain laws and matters that are specific to religion, the relevant authorities should be approached in order to arrive at suitable and viable solutions.

2. Muslims of Europe adhere to the principle of secularism based on the neutrality of the state regarding religious affairs. This means just dealings with all religions and allows those who hold religious values to express their beliefs and practice the rites of their religion either as individuals or groups in both the general and specific matters, as is specified in European and international human rights charters and treaties. On this basis, it remains the right of Muslims, as religious communities, to establish mosques, religious, educational and welfare institutions to practice their religion in day-to-day affairs in virtue of diet, clothing and other needs.

3. As European citizens, Muslims of Europe regard that it is their duty to work for the good of society and their enthusiasm in this endeavour should be no less than their enthusiasm in demanding their rights. They are required to play an active role in society, in contributing, taking the initiative and striving to bring benefit to others.

4. Muslims are urged to positively integrate with their respective societies, on the basis of a harmonious balance between preservation of Muslim identity and the duties of citizenship. Any form of integration that fails to recognise the right of Muslims to preserve their Islamic personality and the right to perform their religious obligations does not serve the interests of Muslims nor the European societies to which they belong.

5. Muslims of Europe are encouraged to participate in the political process as active citizens. Real citizenship includes political engagement from casting one's vote to taking part in political institutions.

6. Muslims of Europe emphasise their respect for pluralism and the religious and philosophical diversity of the multicultural societies they live in. They believe that Islam affirms the diversity that exists between people and so is not discomforted by this multicultural reality. Rather Islam calls for members of society to appreciate and enrich one another through their differences.

Islam's Contribution to Europe

1. The universal and humane principles of Islam endorse the coming together of the world so long as the rights and particularities of peoples are respected and the principles of fairness in trade and co-operation are observed without exploitation and hegemonic use of power. Hence Muslims of Europe consider it their duty to consolidate relations between Europe and the Muslim world. This requires that we free ourselves from the mutual prejudices and negative impressions that exist between Islam and the West so that bridges of fruitful exchange can be built.

2. Given its culturally rich heritage and emphasis on humanity, Islam, through its presence in Europe, can participate in enhancing important values in contemporary society such as justice, freedom, fraternity, equality and solidarity. It gives primacy to moral considerations as well as to scientific, technical and economic progress. This participation can be beneficial and enriching for the whole society.

3. The Muslim presence in Europe is regarded as a key element in establishing better communication and co-existence between the different religions and beliefs by encouraging discussion between different faiths and ideologies. This will no doubt bolster the path towards global peace.

4. Through their religious and cultural legacy as well as their presence in many different European states, Muslims of Europe represent a supporting element to the efforts of strengthening the European Union. With its diverse religious and cultural make up, Europe can act as an important civilizational signpost with a key role in maintaining international stability between influential world powers.

"Oh Mankind, indeed we created you from a male and female and have made you different nations and tribes so that you may get to know one another." (Qur'an, The Chambers [Al-Hujurat]: 13)

Posted by: Daffersd [TypeKey Profile Page] at January 11, 2008 7:02 AM

Well a great big stinking bit of Taqiyya, but what is even more evident is that by accepting this the EU has just accepted Sharia law as having primacy for Muslims in Europe.

If anything I have seen deserves to be Spencered then this is it.

This is the European policy towards the Islamic threat, exposed for all to see, naive, imcompent, superficial and lacking in any understanding of Islam. I would be laughing if it was not such a fatal error for the people of Europe!!!

I mean they even back track in some of the clauses, take 9.

9. Islam respects human rights and calls for equality among all human beings, it rejects all forms of racial discrimination and emphasises the importance of liberty. Hence it condemns compulsion in religion and allows the individual freedom of conscience. Furthermore, Islam encourages that freedom ought to be exercised in accordance with moral values and respect for law, such that it does not infringe upon the rights of others.

Accordance with moral values (read Islamic morals) and respect for law (read Sharia law) a classic Islamic document...

Posted by: Daffersd [TypeKey Profile Page] at January 11, 2008 7:09 AM

Grazie Italia!
BTW, no thanks to Prodi or any of his ilk on the left, who would cave to Muslim pressures faster than a speeding bullet. We can thank the Italian right, which allies itself w/Israel and the USA, complete with the waving of Israeli and American flags at their FORZA ITALIA party rallies. The open waving of both of these flags, anywhere in Europe, is about as a rare as seeing a dodo bird.
Also, why is Bush becoming an ever more rabid out-and-out Islamist??? He wants Turkey to join the EU; yesterday he told Israel that it should "un-swiss cheese" itself (a-la Jimmy Carter's brilliant idea)- both of these actions would result in catastrophic Muslim population growth (in Europe and Israel). Is Bush THAT clueless?
I know that right after 9/11 he had to make "nice" and say Islam is a religion of peace...but...almost seven years AFTER the events of 9/11, why is Dumbya still spouting this nonsense?

Posted by: neapolis [TypeKey Profile Page] at January 11, 2008 2:40 PM

Well done to Italy! By throwing out this dangerous cleric and Romanians (mainly gypsies) who commit crimes in Italy I think they are starting the long overdue fightback. Hopefully this will spread to the rest of western Europe and to North America. There is still time, but it is running out.

Posted by: Bath Ed [TypeKey Profile Page] at January 13, 2008 10:40 AM

Comments are turned off and archived for this entry.


Web Site Counter