Letter: The big difference between Islam and terrorism

Sunday, November 30, 2008

I am writing regarding the article "Dallas-based Muslim charity convicted of aiding Hamas" published on Nov. 25.

I understand The University Daily Kansan did not write this article. It received it from the Associated Press wire service.

I understand that The Kansan is meant to keep the students aware of what is happening nationwide. I support that; however, I hope when The Kansan puts articles that relate to some groups on campus, I hope The Kansan would write the article more precisely or at least make the headline more appropriate that doesn't sort of attack a certain group on campus.

The Dallas Muslim charity convicted in supporting Hamas might be true (according to Associated Press), but the way the headline is written in the University's newspaper might actually increase the stereotype that Islam equals terrorism.

As a member of the Muslim Student Association here at KU, we spend lots of effort to clarify that Muslims and terrorists are not the same. We make events and bring speakers on campus, and then such an article comes and ruins everything the Muslim Student Association did.

I am not against putting this or such articles in the paper, but please when put the headline of the story, please put it in an appropriate way that won't harm any student group on campus.

I am with you and with everybody. We are all against terrorism. But I would clarify that terrorism does not come from any ethnicity or religion because terrorism is not supported by any religion, culture or belief.

— — Ibrahim Alanqar is a sophomore from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Comments

Abdulameer (anonymous) says...

Of course there is a difference between Islam and terrorism. Islam is a belief system, an ideology. Terrorism is a tactic used by Islam to promote its ideology. The Koran specifically says:
-- We will put terror into the hearts of the unbelievers. (3:151)
-- I shall cast terror into the hearts of the infidels. Strike off their heads, strike off the very tips of their fingers. (8:12)

Muhammad said that he "was made victorious through terror."

So, the use of terror is part and parcel of Islam.

December 1, 2008 at 11:23 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

oliveira (Patrick de Oliveira) says...

and Christianity, or Hinduism... or just about any other religion for that matter... interpretation, interpretation, interpretation...

December 1, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

oliveira (Patrick de Oliveira) says...

actually, i consider myself pretty tolerant. i'm just pointing out that every religion has stuff that you can interpret to advocate violence. i appreciate and respect all different religions (ok, i won't say all, there are some that i have trouble with, such as scientology and, to a lesser extent, mormonism), but, as far as i'm aware, all religions have these different facets.

December 1, 2008 at 10:01 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Mike (anonymous) says...

"terrorism does not come from any ethnicity or religion"

When over 99% of terrorist attacks are by Muslims, I think it's safe to say terrorism comes from the Muslim community.

"because terrorism is not supported by any religion, culture or belief"

So when the families of suicide bombers are compensated after their attacks it is NOT cultural support? When the terrorists are referred to as 'martyrs', it is not cultural support?

Oliveira - The issue at hand is Islam. Are you suggesting that deplorable acts from other religions somehow justify the rampant terrorism that comes out of Islam? Furthermore, name one terrorist act from any non-Muslim faith, and I'll give you ten from Islamic extremists.

December 1, 2008 at 11:30 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Ghoochie (anonymous) says...

George Patsourakos
Americans must stop believing that all Muslims are terrorists. True, the terrorists who were responsible for the September 11, 2001 tragedy in the United States were Muslims; however, that does not mean that all Muslims are terrorists. As in all religions, Islam has its good and its bad people. To think that all worshipers of Islam are bad people is a stereotype that needs to end now!

December 2, 2008 at 1:21 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

oliveira (Patrick de Oliveira) says...

well.

how about discussion some fundamental questions before making these assumptions.

how do you define "terrorism?" is there such a thing as state sponsored "terrorism?"

what delegitimizes terror as a violent act (as opposed to other forms of violence, which often have terror as their objective or inevitably as a consequence).

how do you establish the connection between "terrorism" and a certain characteristic. why is the connection religious, and not circumstantial (stemming from social conditions) or more political?

why is a person driven to commit "terrorist" acts?

instead of saying that terror is more culturally accepted within the Muslim community, why not try to understand why is that so (if it truly is), and what conceptions of terror we are using.

the main issue, is that the language that we use, and are exposed to, is conducive to something very problematic - Muslim is now the new Communist. And wouldn't the exploitation of this notion be a form of "terrorism" too?

December 3, 2008 at 11:10 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jason2007 (anonymous) says...

@Oliveira: Your last post smacks of "It depends on what your definition of 'is' is"

Give me a break. We all know what terrorism is, you're just throwing up red herrings because Mike and others have nailed you on valid, irrefutable points.

"Instead of saying that terror is more culturally accepted within the Muslim community, why not try to understand why it is..."

I believe Abdulameer and Mike already made your point above moot. Abdulameer quoted verses from the Koran which are easy to understand and within the context (historically and literally) equal the exact point he's made. Muhammad advocated "terrorism" and the wholesale murder of people who do not believe in Islam. That's "why it is".

Pull your head out of the clouds and recognize the threat.

December 8, 2008 at 10:10 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

glenjamin (anonymous) says...

I'm sorry that the Kansan staff finds historical facts based on Eastern and Western scholarship offensive. Allah forbid that the truth gets out about Muhammad!

December 11, 2008 at 8:07 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

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