I may be already jumping to conclusions in this entry, becuase as such nobody knows that who was behind the attack. But since this is my blog, I just want to went out my thoughts at this stage.
I have to say that I was not particularly shocked or suprised when I heard of a bomb going off in Sultan Park. And most of all, the terror attack was targeted at tourists! (at that it occured on the anniversay of the battle of Badr)
Terrorist factions have been growing quitely but steadily since maybe even before the political unsteability. I wouldn't insult muslims by calling them islamists or islamic fundamentalists or even islamic terorrists. these people don't deserve to be associated with Islam.
As I pointed in my last post, people are using religion or all sorts of things and reasons. We have a political leader who doesn't hesitate to use religion as a tool in his games, and then there is MDP, who plays the same at the same tactics. And lets not even mention Adhalath.
When are we going to wake up out of this slumber? Break out of this taboo? Damn in people, its time to start talking about religion and discussing issues now. Its time to educate ourselves.
Time to stop listening to Fake Sheikhs and make believe laws. Its time to listen to Allahs command. The first verse according to my limited knowledge is 'Iqrau', "kiyavaashey" wasn't it. So why don't we start!!
terrorism... truth... it's all just a matter of opinion isn't it?
ReplyDeleteMaldives is turning into a Muslim fundamentalist country. It's disturbing having all these Islamic extremists around.
ReplyDeleteManaasih - what is the truth that you are talking about??? the fact is innocent people got hurt. How does that become opinion?? do reply, I am curious to know how you justify "truth"
ReplyDeleteShaffie - fundamentalism means, strict adherence to rules. In the case of islam, they are followers of all the rules set by Allah. I don't think that its wrong at all. People tend to mixt up fundamentalism with terrorism. (which is dangerous in itself)Don't you think?
ReplyDeleteathena, what you are saying is how the "fundamentalist" market that term to newbies. But once you are in it, your mind is programmed stop thinking and become a bomb. We should kick Adhaalath party out of Maldives.
ReplyDeletedear anonymous: when it becomes something other than strong adherence to rules, it becomes something else doesn't it? then it would not be fundamentalism. And we should stop thinking in violent terms, and kicking people out is one of that. Why can't we come up with peaceful ways??
ReplyDeleteFundamentalism is adherence to the very basic teachings of anything. In Islam among the numerous calls for moral goodness there is also this:
ReplyDeleteSura (2:191-193) - "And slay them wherever ye find them, and drive them out of the places whence they drove you out, for persecution [of Muslims] is worse than slaughter [of non-believers]...and fight them until persecution is no more, and religion is for Allah."
One can choose to be a fundamentalist and cause great pain and suffering in innocent people. For to be a fundamentalist is to embrace everything...not just somethings. And that includes the above too.
This is why for hardcore fanatics (or fundamentalists or whatever you want to call them) moderates are unbelievers too. It makes logical sense doesn't it?
Ah well. Better start wearing our thinking hats more often.
Education, education, education!
Athena,
ReplyDeleteThe Arabic term "iqra", as used in the Quran, doesn't translate exactly to "kayavaashey" in the sense of learning or education. It implies verbal recitation. True, “iqra” translates as "kayavaashey" in its original Dhivehi context, which is now corrupt because Maldivians have regarded rote verbal learning of the Koran as a form of education. To learn or to become educated is “ungenun”. Iqra is the Quranic term most often used to establish Muhammad’s illiteracy.
Maldives must exit from the mediaeval notion of religion and depoliticise Islam. Adopting the Biblical dictum, “render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s (Matthew 22:21)” would help the current situation. Islam belongs in the mosque and the Muslim home. Let us relegate it there. Allow Christians like me to worship publicly and let us teach everyone to be tolerant. More Muslims like you, Athena, is what we need.
Simon
ReplyDeleteI am actually suprised that you would quote quran without actually looking at the reference. Since you have posted what looked like a possible Shakir translation. I followed the same. Here is what actually Surah 2:190-193 looks like. You can actually see a proper context here can't you! Don't be fooled with the references some of the websites quote, always go to the original.
Surah 2:190. And fight in the way of Allah with those who fight with you, and do not exceed the limits, surely Allah does not love those who exceed the limits
Surah 2:191. And kill them wherever you find them, and drive them out from whence they drove you out, and persecution is severer than slaughter, and do not fight with them at the Sacred Mosque until they fight with you in it, but if they do fight you, then slay them; such is the recompense of the unbelievers.
Surah: 2.192. But if they desist, then surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
Surah 2.193 And fight with them until there is no persecution, and religion should be only for Allah, but if they desist, then there should be no hostility except against the oppressors.
Peopl have a habit of taking things out of context and not going back to the root and actually see what that ayah or surah is all about. I don't know whether its plain laziness or whether people are scared of what they will find out??? I don't know.
But yes I hear you Simon, there are very damning ayahs in the Quran. Since I belive in Allah, I have a habit of putting things in context. I know everyone would not do that, most people are happy with the face value you get. And to be honest we were not taught to examine the quran or Hadiths.
For me fundamentalism is not taking things literally off the book. Doing that is fanaticism. I guess its a difference of definitin here.
Thanks for dropping by. I have been trying to access your new blog, but most of the time its down or I can't access it. whats happening?
Dear athena's ex-muslim friend
ReplyDeleteI conceded that, "iqra" prbably means recite in english. I was going with the meaning I was told as a kid. "kiyavaashey". either way, I thought we agreed that rote learning would account for something!
And no I don't agree that Islam was meant to stay in the mosque and home. Mohammed (saw) was very much a politician as well. (in my personal opinion, we could do without political leaders abusing islam for political gain in the Maldives)
I have always been and still am a big believer in religious freedom. I am a muslim and I am allowed to practice my belief, so I don't see why anyone else shoudn't be either. Maintaing the 100% muslim status in the Maldives is not working. Its only on paper, there are many Maldivian christian, hindu's buddhists and countless atheists. So why bother with the farce? Nobody can force religion down anybody's throat. And nobody should.
I don't know what you mean by 'us' there, but you know how I hate the word "tolerance". But yes it is time for Maldives to embrace other cultures and religions. Learn to live in peace and most of all respect each other.
"Respect to earn respect"?
When I said "us", I was referring to you and me. I have no problems describing myself as tolerant but with a proviso- I am intolerant of those who are intolerant- not very Christian, I know!. I respect those who respect me and do not hold grudges. As soon as anyone accommodates my beliefs, I accommodate theirs. I see no reason why Maldivians cannot live in peace with compatriots who are not of their own faith. Just think of it as having one's own football team that one supports. It is not uncommon for members of the same family to be staunch supporters of opposing football teams. You know how emotive football could be among Maldivians.
ReplyDeleteAthena,
ReplyDeleteThank you. My apologies for referring to an inaccurate source. On the subject of context, you actually made my point even more valid.
Most militant Muslims take it that their dreadful state of being - the poverty and the backwardness - is because of militant action against other Muslims elsewhere. This they see as a valid reason to lash back. It is part of teaching - the Muslim brotherhood is under attack from infidels and we should retaliate. That sort of thing.
Anyway, alls good. Nothing wrong with my blog. It is still alive.
Hi Simon
ReplyDeleteAs I said, I know where you are coming from.
"islamists" or whatever term they go by, yes they do take the quran literally. And I wholeheartedly agree with you there.
BUT - just because some people manage to screw things up, doesn't necessarily mean that the religion as a whole is bad.
And yeah, managed to drop by your blog. :) I must admit, I quite missed the action on your blog. Alls good
uhm truth... the people who did it, how they justify it. False justification for us perhaps, but as true as the people who got injured for them?
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry, I tend to be a bit non-sensical most of the time :)
Hi maanasih
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by. I am not quite sure what you mean. I dont' think what you said is non-sensical, but mind explaining?
yes well.
ReplyDeleteI guess what I'm trying to say is that what you believe to be fake laws, these 'extremists' believe in them as their Truth.
There is conviction behind their acts, and they are obviously ready to go to many lenghts to fight for their beliefs. False beliefs for us perhaps, but their truth...
Our truth is that these actions stem from extremism. And we will fight back to see that OUR truth prevails.
That's how I think it's all just a matter of opinion.
Also, I think it's when we learn to respect each other's beliefs(extremists and others included) and let each other be, as opposed to trying to impose what we think is right, will we ever get any further as a country, nation. But then, thats never happend anywhere has it?
I don't know what to make of it all really.
Hi Manaasih
ReplyDeleteI am all for respecting, each other's beliefs, BUT, when innocent people start getting, I dont' think it warrants anyone's respect.
thats what I been to trying to convey. YES it is very much a difference of opinion. people's truths vary. and yes, live and let live , BUT as long as innocent lives are not interrupted , hurt, mutilated. Am I making sense here? or do you still believe in live and let people bomb people out of existence?
I am not talking about fundamentalism here, becuase I have no problem with any of that. What I do have a problem is fanaticsm. I know they live in their truth as you say, but the bigger truth is, they end up hurting innocent people, and that is something that I can't accept. Because they
DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO DECIDE WHO LIVES AND WHO DOESN'T.
I could make a whole list of Do not have the right here, but out of respect for you I won't. Hope I made some sense!
True, thats what I meant by both extremists AND other people letting each other be...
ReplyDeleteThey can't kill people and expect to get away with it eh? That why I said I didn't know what to make of it all.
And you do make alot of sense!
Glad to have had this enlightening conversation :)
cheers dude
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