By Tawfik Hamid
Since Sept. 11, many in the Unites States and all over the world have discussed the issue of radical Islam without clearly defining it. Failure to do so can be catastrophic as it may lead us to label “radical” Islamic groups as “moderate,” and vice versa. If a radical Islamic group is called “moderate” we will miss the extreme elements within our society that can breed terrorism. Furthermore, we may unknowingly support radical Islamic organizations under the assumption that they are “moderates."
Society can argue at length about relative issues until parameters for measurement are settled. For example, it is difficult to determine if the pyramids of Egypt are big or small without defining in numerical values such as cubic meters what qualifies as “big” or “small.” The same principle has to be applied to define “radical” and “moderate” Islam, otherwise our discussions will result in endless debates.
Currently, we have two opposing views. Some argue that Islam is a religion of peace and that Islamic Shariah law is “peaceful.” Others argue that it is not. This endless argument has caused division within the Western world and will continue to do so until we set clear definitions and parameters for the terms and expressions that we use. Read more ...
Since Sept. 11, many in the Unites States and all over the world have discussed the issue of radical Islam without clearly defining it. Failure to do so can be catastrophic as it may lead us to label “radical” Islamic groups as “moderate,” and vice versa. If a radical Islamic group is called “moderate” we will miss the extreme elements within our society that can breed terrorism. Furthermore, we may unknowingly support radical Islamic organizations under the assumption that they are “moderates."
Society can argue at length about relative issues until parameters for measurement are settled. For example, it is difficult to determine if the pyramids of Egypt are big or small without defining in numerical values such as cubic meters what qualifies as “big” or “small.” The same principle has to be applied to define “radical” and “moderate” Islam, otherwise our discussions will result in endless debates.
Currently, we have two opposing views. Some argue that Islam is a religion of peace and that Islamic Shariah law is “peaceful.” Others argue that it is not. This endless argument has caused division within the Western world and will continue to do so until we set clear definitions and parameters for the terms and expressions that we use. Read more ...
Source: NewsMax
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