The sum total of all effects is what we get in Islam

Submitted by prashant (United States), Dec 24, 2015 at 03:01

Dear Dr Pipes,

Is there a difference between the San bernandino killers who killed their friends and neighbors and the Jersey City killer who killed his compatriots belonging to a different religion? If all psychologists and criminologists sit down in a conclave and try to precisely identify the difference betweeen the psychology of the two sets of killers, they will not succeed. It is never going to be easy to pinpoint the exact cause why Islamic world produces so many killers who are willing to kill in the name of Islam. But it is the sum-total of so many little things. In no particular order, I will cite a few. First, there is the deep belief that a fourteen hundred year old code can solve all human problmes.

Second, there is the deep belief that this code is superior to any other code. Third, the deep commitment to the Islamic umma (because of which, for example, a Muslim in a little Indian town can instantaneously decide that every Palestinian is more correct than any Israeli). Fourth, non-separation of church and state. Fifth, absence of a feeling of reciprocity toward other religions. Sixth, a doctrine that franchises violence and allows every human being to act violently for the sake of God (Allah) or religion. Seventh, over-emphasis on religious education and underemphasis on secular education. Eighth, subjugation of women. Ninth, absence of a secular ethics that is independent of religion. Ninth, congregational prayers in very large groups with direct contact with the clergies who are as much involved in politics as in religion.

There may be a few more points that can be added to this list but this is a good start. All these points need to be addressed simultaneously to bring peace and prosperity to the Islamic world. Hoping that one single definitiion can describe all violent people or group is not going to work.

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