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March 22, 2006
Islamic Scholar Comes to Chico with Message of Peace
The Chico Islamic center hosted a renown Islamic expert, lecturer and prolific book writer, Dr. Ahmad Skar, PHD. Dr. Skar earned his doctorate from the University of Illinois and has lived here since 1962. He said, he wants to help overcome the negative impression many Americans apparently have of Islam. The religion is one of peace, he said. "As a Muslim, I have to be honest and sincere. We are supposed to take care of everyone."
Hmmm...he wants to be honest, that's good, but then he wants us to get over our apparent negative impression we have of Islam? You knew I wasn't going to let that one go unanswered! Ok, let's just say he is a genuine advocate for peace, and I support that, but don't you think he loses a certain amount of his credibility when he says Islam is a religion of peace and we need to get over our misconceptions and then you read about some guy on trial for his life because he dared to convert from Moslem to Christian? Where's the evidence that Islam is or was ever, peaceful?
I'm far from an Islamic expert, but I can read a history book and Islam has a long history of war, oppression and violence. It's been a religion that has demanded conquered people either join them or die. History is full of bloody examples where whole cities have been exterminated in the name of Islam. Conquest of other cultures is part of this religion and who hasn't noticed that modern day terrorists recruit in the name of Islam and use historical references and passages from the Koran to justify their actions for holy war (jihad)?As a Muslim journalist recently noted, "Not all Muslims are terrorists, but nearly all terrorists are Muslims."
Read the Islamic conquest of Southeast Asia. Iran's Chamber Society proudly proclaims the conquest of Iran, as noted in this excerpt from the history of Iran "The Bedouin Arabs who toppled the Sassanid Empire were propelled not only by a desire for conquest but also by a new religion, Islam."
But, what about the Crusades, wasn't that blatant, ruthless, Christian aggession? Yes, it's a popular myth that the Crusaders invaded the peaceful middle east in a huge land grab by power-mad Popes seeking to exterminate a competing religion. If you are one of those who believe that, better do more research. Check out The Real History of the Crusades, By Thomas F. Madden. The Crusades were in most respects a defensive action to block the advance of Islamic armies over Christian lands. Read about the conquest of Spain!
Christians are constantly reminded by liberals that they have plenty of violence and injustice in their history. So why isn't it just as fair to hold Islam accountable for it's growing list of transgressions against humanity?
Don't misunderstand, I absolutely support and endorse any message of peace and anyone willing to work for peace. However, my criticism is, credibility drops when half truths are told. Dr. Skar says Islam is all about peace and taking care of people, when history says otherwise. Better to press for peace and reconciliation with the ugly truth right out in front.
For more on the original story by ER staff reporter, Larry Mitchell, please follow this link.
Posted by Post Scripts at March 22, 2006 07:40 AM