Muslim Statement Against Torture (American Muslim)

[struggle4progress]

Posted May 25, 2009 ...

We, the Muslim-American community, condemn torture. It is irreligious, immoral, and unethical.

Our religious history is replete with stories demanding that we condemn abuse and torture. The Prophet Moses (AS) sacrificed his royal position to stop an act of torture. The Prophet Jesus (AS) was tortured in an exercise of the brutality of power. The Prophet Muhammad (SAS) forbade the mistreatment of prisoners. Husayn (AS), the Prophet’s grandson, was denied food and water, an act of torture, the abhorrence of which is now part of Muslim cultural memory.

We are are compelled to speak out against torture—just as we condemn acts of terrorism because of their immoral nature. We challenge our co-religionists to live to a higher standard and we challenge our fellow Americans to live to a higher standard.

The torture of human beings at the behest of the American government must be condemned. Extraordinary rendition must be stopped. Simply because another country allows torture does not mean we should encourage and utilize the moral weakness of others. When we ratified the Convention Against Torture President Ronald Reagan said, “ clearly express United States opposition to torture, an abhorrent practice unfortunately still prevalent in the world today.” The violence of torture is the result of power without a moral compass; it is not a model that we as Americans and Muslims believe is one that should be emulated ...

http://www.theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php/features/articles/muslim_statement_against_torture/0017351

[UndertheOcean]

1. Yeah , what about stoning people who have sex to death ....

or cutting the hand of a thief ....

Pot meets kettle.

[struggle4progress]

2. There are plenty of Muslims who don't believe in either:

... there is no mention of stoning in the Quran ...
http://www.stop-stoning.org/faq_stoning

Casting Stones
By Simon Robinson Monday, Aug. 26, 2002
... It has spread most recently to sub-Saharan Africa, a region once known for its moderate brand of Islam. Stoning is not actually mentioned in the Koran ...
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,344039,00.html

Extremism taints image of Islam: Religious leaders
The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Mon, 01/14/2002 7:33 AM | National
A'an Suryana and Muhammad Nafik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
... ""The press should focus its coverage on events that are of most significance to the public at large, unlike such a seminar,"" Mustofa, better known as Gus Mus, told the Post. Syafi'i further said he feared that the talks would only tarnish Islam's moderate face in Indonesia. ""The congress will create an incorrect and unsavory perception of Islam,"" he said. ""People may start to think that Islam is cruel, that it seeks draconian laws that allow amputation,"" for crimes like theft, said Syafi'i, whose organization, along with NU, represented mainstream and majority Muslims in Indonesia. Both organizations, which often differ in opinion regarding matters about religious and social affairs, recently won accolades for uniting to help keep the country intact and promote Islamic tolerance ... http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2002/01/14/extremism-taints-image-islam-religious-leaders.html

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

5. What about Christians hanging witches and banning non-believers?

That doesn't happen now, but it did in the 1600s in Massachusetts. There is no history of Muslims in America doing the things you talk about. Why? Because the faith for Muslim-Americans has moved beyond these ancient laws, just as the Christian faith has moved beyond the old prejudices of the Puritans. Realize that most Muslim Americans don't and have never believed in the harsh punishments you talk about. The only places you find this are in the fundamentalist Muslim countries--the ones that also do not allow me to practice my form of Islam.

[democrank]

3. K & R

"The violence of torture is result of power without a moral compass."

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

4. Amin!

thanks for posting!