[Via FrontPage Magazine]
Editor’s note: The following is Part One of a three-part series examining the many parallels between Islam and the mafia.
During a recent debate on HBO’s Real Time, host Bill Maher declared that Islam is “the only religion that acts like the mafia, that will f***ing kill you if you say the wrong thing, draw the wrong picture, or write the wrong book.”
Maher was apparently referring to Islam’s “blasphemy” laws, which ban on pain of death any “insult”—as found in a statement, a picture, a book—to Islam and especially its prophet, Muhammad.
While Maher has been criticized for his “Islamophobic” assertion, he and others may be surprised to learn that the similarities between Islam and the mafia far exceed punishing those who say, draw, or write “the wrong thing.”
In the following three part article, we will examine a number of these similarities.
In this article, Part One, we will look at the relationship between Allah, his messenger Muhammad, and the Muslims, and note several parallels with the relationship between the godfather, his underboss, and the mafia.
In Part Two (forthcoming), we will examine the clannish nature of the mafia and compare it to Islam’s concept of “Loyalty and Enmity”—including how in both Islam and the mafia, those members who wish to break away, to “apostatize,” are killed.
In Part Three (forthcoming), we will examine how both the mafia and Islam have both historically profited from the “protection” racket.
Allah as Godfather; Muhammad as Underboss
The padrino of larger mafia organizations and families—literally, the godfather or “boss of bosses”—has absolute control over his subordinates and is often greatly feared by them for his ruthlessness. He has an “underboss,” a right-hand man who issues his orders and enforces his will. The godfather himself is often inaccessible; mafia members need to go through the underboss or other high ranking associates.
Compare this with the relationship between Allah and his “messenger” Muhammad (in Arabic, Muhammad is most commonly referred to as al-rasul, “the messenger”). Unlike the Judeo-Christian God—a personal God, a Father, that according to Christ is to be communed with directly (Matt 6:9)—Islam’s god, Allah, is unreachable, unknowable, untouchable. Like the godfather, he is inaccessible. His will is enforced by his messenger, Muhammad.
If the Judeo-Christian God calls on the faithful to “come now, let us reason together” (Isaiah 1:18), Allah says “Do not ask questions about things that, if made known to you, would only pain you” (Koran 5:101). Just follow orders.
Though largely invisible and operating behind the scenes, the godfather and his underboss get a “piece of the action”—a “cut”—of all spoils acquired by their subordinates, the mafia.
So do Allah and his messenger Muhammad. Koran 8:41 informs Muslims that “one-fifth [a “cut”] of all plunder you acquire goes to Allah and the messenger” (followed by Muhammad’s family and finally the needy).
The godfather, through his underboss, regularly sends his followers to make “hits”—to assassinate—those deemed enemies of the family.
So did Allah and his messenger. .. Keep reading

Mahmoud says
‘If the Judeo-Christian God calls on the faithful to “come now, let us reason together” (Isaiah 1:18), Allah says “Do not ask questions about things that, if made known to you, would only pain you” (Koran 5:101). Just follow orders.’
Hmm… lets see if I can’t do the same thing.
If the Quran encourages people to study the world around them “And He has subjected to you whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth – all from Him. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought.” (45:13)
the Bible says “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
ARC says
Does that verse from Bible makes you feel better and believe that Islam is not like mafia. 😉 .
How does if feel to be dis-honest with your own self?
Or do you think you understand islam better then al-baghdadi (IS chief and a Ph.d in Islam) or osama or many other lunatics around the world causing all the pains to the world & defending them through so called religion islam.
Buraq says
And dat’s why Osama bin Laden sleeps wid da fishes! Da boss ov all bosses wuz a punk. By da way! Mazel Tov, Reza. May Allah protect yoo, too!
Mafia Islamic clowns!
sanjulcle says
At last, at last, someone else has said it – islam and isis are the same as the mafia. The difference is that everyone knows the Mafia is a bunch of criminals and thugs, and no one tries to tell us they are peaceful people who have misunderstood their role in life!
Judi says
Watch Tom Trento’s rivetting expose of the Muslim Mafia:
terry says
Islam is more “like the mafia” than Bill Maher…..
Absolutely correct!
Jae M says
The only difference is that when Capone tried to take over Chicago, after having corrupted judges and some cops, the FBI set up a force of good that brought them down. If that was now instead, they would be inviting Capone to the White house and thanking him for all the great cultural influences he brought to America.
Barry K says
I agree that main stream Islam especially after the 1970s Iranian Revulution has turned more historic in doctrines,discipline and practice. Muslims before the rise of the mullahs could easily integrate with people of other faiths but now the influence of Salafists teachings find less resistance among the majority and the dream of the restoration of the caliphate is a true call of Islam to many. However to deny that there are Muslims (like Reza Aslan) who chose to differ, is an act of injustice to their right to have their own version of Islam, regardless of whether they are right or wrong theologically. The theology is for the Muslims to debate among themselves. If we keep throwing stones to moderate version of Islam, then how can we expect more moderate Muslims to counter or radicalise the young from radical Salafists leanings. Or do we choose to fight to the death, of whoever? Is that the solution? Can someone , tell me of a better idea?
Nicu says
Absolutely : here in germany Lebanese Mafia clans rule entire cities and even control the Ploce and Judges 🙁 Cos our government let it happen …
Barry K says
Right wing mafias are just as horrible. Non Muslims of non caucasian groups fear both. So what solution does this blog give, other than revealing truths and increasing animosity. ‘Crusades’ forever?
Mirren10 says
”Right wing mafias are just as horrible.”
And who might these ‘right wing mafias’ be ? Perhaps you can post some links, showing these mysterious people doing everything the IS is doing, including crucifixions, beheadings, and mass murder ? Waiting …
”So what solution does this blog give, other than revealing truths and increasing animosity. ‘Crusades’ forever?”
This is just *witless*. So, according to you, the truth must *not* be revealed, because it ‘increases animosity’.
Your sneering remark, ‘Crusades forever’ implies we must not fight back against jihad terror, but roll over like good dhimmis, pay the jizya, and ”feel ourselves subdued”. That’s *much* better than ‘increasing animosity’, right ? Idiot, *and* snivelling coward.
*You* can ignore what’s happening, *you* can be a good dhimmi, because revealing the truth will ‘increase animosity’ if you like, but I, and millions of others just like me, will fight to the death for our freedoms.