Jul 18
Well said
Re: Important distinction
Date: 18 July 2004
Will Cummins’s two recent articles on Islam (Opinion, July 4 & 11) have been excellent, and we commend you for having the courage to publish them. There is an important distinction between being Islamophobic and telling the truth.
We must not create a climate of hatred towards Muslims, for many are peaceable and law-abiding. But in order to prevent irrational Islamaphobia, we have to confront the harsh realities of the militant Islamist agenda.
In many countries, Islamism has resulted in horrific violence and persecution of other religious groups – and, indeed, of moderate Muslims. In Pakistan, the blasphemy laws and Hudood Ordinances [covering theft, prohibition and unlawful sexual intercourse] have led to unjust imprisonment, torture, rape and even death for many, Christian and Muslim alike.
In Sudan, thousands, both Christian and Muslim, have been enslaved or displaced as a result of the jihad unleashed by the National Islamic Front. In Indonesia, the Laskar Jihad and other militants have deliberately destabilised communities.
In Nigeria, Christians face continuing attack. In Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran and elsewhere, other faiths are restricted or driven underground, and Christians have been imprisoned and killed.
While we in this country display an extraordinary level of tolerance to other faiths, much of the Muslim world has not reciprocated.
From:
Stuart Windsor and Benedict Rogers, New Malden, Surrey
Speaking of Mr Cummins, he has a rather good piece on the Tories and Islam in today’s Sunday Telegraph.
