RE: Islam is a cult RF

Submitted by Kiana (United States), Feb 24, 2008 at 11:35

I agree with you there, that modern day salifism (which at least in the us is more "religious and less political) and the political organizations(like hamas, though they use religion they are more political and less religious) both have aspects that could be considered cultish. I would argue even they aren't a cult in the true definition.

However, they aren't the majority. Salafi is really not a very widespread belief. They are forefront because they have a goal and agenda to reform the muslim world because they believe they every other muslim "sect" is wrong and corrupt and needs to be forced to the true pure form of the Salafiyaah. Most muslims in the world aren't salafi, they are actually few. However, the MOST powerful muslim country is a salafi country.... Saudi Arabia so they have money and they have US backing. So they are able to put their beliefs forefront and ship schools outside to England, US, and many many countries.

Now another point is, even though the Salafi movement is a polarizing and "strict"(for lack of better word right now) movement it in itself is not a radical and violent movement. And most Salafi's do not partake in anything political or believe in reckless violence. However the habits and beliefs within it makes it very easy for the adherents to become radicalized. The reason why it appears that the radical and political muslims are in control and are most are because they have a plan and an agenda to change the face of the muslim world and the rest of the world so they are putting themselves in the front by protest, violence, and movements.

These people have of course completely taken over Afganistan, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Sudan, Palestine, and some smalls parts of Egypt, Tunisia and from afar it seems like they are a majority in the English muslim community, but i myself have never been to england so again it could just be that because they are the only ones in england putting themselves out there in England that they appear to be the majority. . But Other muslim countries and countries with a nice percentage of muslims are not overwhelmingly Radical.

Non radicalized muslims are in their whole belief system supposed to stay out of political movements and out of confrontations and agression until they are attacked personally. And also most of the muslims are scared shitless because the others are monsters and are homicidal. So they live their lives for Allah, and try to be a good person and stay to themselves. Which of course isn't just dangerous for them but probably for the entire religion and world, but they don't want to get involved

Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".