Metro here tries to preserve the claim that he converted to Christianity and did not return to Islam, stating, absolutely without evidence, that Arab Christians also scream “Allahu akbar,” but that is arrant nonsense designed to whitewash another jihad attack. I was in daily contact with Christian Arabs for nearly 20 years and never once heard one say “Allahu akbar” except when mocking jihadis. In fact, they recoiled at the phrase, having been victims of jihadis themselves.
And even if Metro is telling the truth and there are some Christians somewhere who run around screaming “Allahu akbar,” there is no record, none, of any Christian anywhere committing a terror attack in the name of Christianity while screaming “Allahu akbar.” There is abundant record, however, of Muslims committing jihad terror attacks while screaming “Allahu akbar.”
Maybe Saadallah converted to Christianity and then returned to Islam, turning to jihad to make up for his sin of apostasy. Another possibility: in January 2016, the Islamic State (ISIS) issued a manual entitled “Safety and Security Guidelines for Lone Wolf Mujahideen.” It told jihadis in the West to pretend to be Christians, and stated: “It is permissible for you to wear a necklace showing a Christian cross. As you know, Christians – or even atheist Westerners with Christian background – wear crosses on their necklaces.” According to a hadith, Muhammad said, “War is deceit.” (Bukhari 4.52.268).
“Reading attack suspect shouted ‘Allahu Akhbar’ as he chased victims, court hears,” by Sam Courtney-Guy, Metro, June 29, 2020:
The attack in a park in Reading’s town centre was declared a terrorist incident by police, although no motive has been disclosed
The suspect in the Reading stabbing attack shouted ‘Allahu Akhbar’ as he stabbed six people, a court heard today.
Khairi Saadallah, 25, is accused of killing James Furlong, 36, David Wails, 49 and Joe Ritchie-Bennett, 39, as they enjoyed a socially-distanced drink in a park on June 20.
Witnesses heard him shout the phrase, meaning ‘God is greatest’ as he attacked the men and chased their friends as well as another group of people sitting nearby, according to prosecutors.
He was said to have used a knife bought from a local supermarket the day before.
Saadallah, who came to the UK from Libya in 2012 as a refugee, is believed to have converted to Christianity at some point after his arrival and spent time volunteering at a church.
Reports previously suggested he showed no strong religious leanings towards his friends but suffered from mental health problems.
His sister told the Daily Mail his conversion was motivated by a wish to ‘marry a British girl’ and caused a rift with his family.
A friend told The Times he had expressed no such wishes and converted because ‘he wanted to change his life and get away from the life he was forced to live in his home country’.
While the phrase ‘Allahu Akhbar’ is a staple of practising Muslims globally, it can also be used by some Arab Christians….
Really? Evidence, please.