Moderate Muslims

Submitted by Maham Bilal Khan (United States), Mar 29, 2005 at 19:36

Dear Mr. Pipes,

Upon reading your piece on 'What Are Islamic Schools Teaching?', I myself am surprised to find out that there actually are Muslim schools or madrassahs in the western hemisphere, that promote hatred of non-Muslims. One would think that after 9/11 these institutions would tone down or change their attitudes, even if it has to be out of fear.

However, I belong to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Islam. If I am not wrong, I think you will be talking about Muslims who are in favour of Israel. I want you to know that our community always believed that the state Israel was bound to be founded...that it was destiny and that it is mentioned in the Holy Qur'an. I also want you to know that we do consider the Palestinians' struggle a 'jihad' but we do not agree upon the 'way' that they are conducting their jihad...violence can not be a part of modern jihad.

All those institutuons, including mosques, that teach violence and hatred, can not be teaching the true values of Islam. Obviously, you might agree with me since you understand that in every religion there are moderates and fanatics/extremists and it is the group of fanatics that preach such hatred and evil. And this is your topic at the University of Toronto.

I hope that you do take into consideration this little information that i have told you about us...we are all for peace and we do not promote hatred against Jews or Christians in our mosques.

In fact there is something that I would like to send to you...an old document of the Holy Prophet ( PBUH), called the Charter with the Christians...perhaps it would interest you.

I will e-mail it you.

I wish you the best of luck in Canada.

Thank you,
Maham B. Khan,
Fort Worth, TX
USA.

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