Move may reduce attacks in Islam's name

[ECH1969]

Top Muslim leaders denounce some violence, aren't clear on West

More than 150 Muslim imams and scholars met in Jordan, called by King Abdullah II. The unprecedented statement they released could drain some of the faith-based power behind wars between Muslims in Iraq and elsewhere, some experts say. The impact on attacks like the ones against non-Muslim nations – the U.S., Spain and England, among others – are less obvious. It does not disavow all acts of violence.

The uniqueness of the Jordan announcement lies in the broad base of its support.

Imagine the pope, Billy Graham, the president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the head of the Southern Baptist Convention, Pat Robertson and 150 other assorted Christian preachers and educators getting together – and then hammering out a communiqué.

Nobody believes that Mr. bin Laden, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi or other Islamist terrorists will read the statement, slap their foreheads and exclaim, "How could I have been so wrong?" And nobody is suggesting that any effect of the document will be quickly apparent.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/religion/stories/071305dnrelmuslimmeeting.11c9463.html

[iconoclastic cat]

1. Seriously, why can't they condemn all violence?

I don't understand their reluctance.

[Imajika]

2. Well...

"I don't understand their reluctance."

...the Quran basically says that a Muslim can never take the side of an infidel over that of another Muslim.

It is easy for Islamic religious leaders to condemn violence against fellow Muslims, as the Quran is pretty clear that such acts are unacceptable. Though, keep in mind, Sunni's like Zarqawi don't consider Shiites real Muslims.

Most religious texts are violent. Just look at the Old Testament - a very violent book featuring a vengeful God. Interpret it literally, as many Jews and Christians have over the course of history, and you've got a recipe for incredible violence and mass murder.

At this time, large number of Islamic religious leaders interpret their scriptures very literally.

Imajika

[iconoclastic cat]

3. Thanks!

Rarely do people explain things so clearly around here. :hi:

[Imajika]

4. No problem...

Anytime :-)

[wli]

5. Old Testament

IIRC the Israelites were commanded by God to exterminate the Midianites. i.e. God said "commit genocide" in the Old Testament. Grains of salt/etc. are needed for these things.

[PsychoDad]

6. Sometimes violence is needed.

To protect your life or property, or the life of another. Thus the Quran and Hadith prohibit violence for agression but not violence in self defense.

But even then violence should always be the last option.