Time for Muslims to sincerely reevaluate the message of Islam

Submitted by Prashant (United States), Nov 21, 2022 at 12:22

Dear Dr Pipes,

It is not very unusual for a host country to display aspects of their culture to guests when they host International events. In India lamps are routinely lighted, tilaks (red marks) are routinely placed on the foreheads of visiting dignitaries, and aartis (small oil lamps to show respect) are routinely conducted. In Western universities I have seen ceremonies that highlight Judeo-Christian heritage of the Western world being conducted.

Then, why should we be uncomfortable if Qatar displays some aspects of Islamic heritage during the world cup? I think Qatar's display of Islamic hadith and religion should invite Muslims to sincerely reevaluate the message of Islam.

We all meet good Muslims around us. That some of our best friends can be and are Muslims is not the issue of contention. But Muslims need to realize that the core message of Islam is problematic.

While most religions of the world talk about kindness, mercy, love, respect, elimination-of-ego, and charity, Islam wastes most of its bandwidth on stubborn monotheism, cruel treatment of infidels, criticism of other religions, and such other things. I have never seen an Islamic reference to charity that is targeted toward non-Muslims. Every few lines, the Quran talks about how merciful Allah is but it gives no directive to Muslims to be merciful to non-Muslim adversaries until and unless they agree to submit to Islam.

And, we read the above things about Islam in the back drop of murders by Muslims in the name of Islam. 9/11, shootings of people in Jerusalem cafes, fratricidal violence in Somalia, killings of the Yezidis during the last decade, the cruel wars of Muhammad during his lifetime, and brutalization of the world by Islamic marauders throughout history.

The Quranic injunctions tally with the facts of the Islamic world on a daily basis and Islam fails to paint a good portrait of itself.

If Muslims want people to admire the display of Islamic culture in Qatar and elsewhere, Islam should become a kinder and gentler religion. Be merciful toward non-Muslims, be kind to women, show kindness to each other, don't carry your religion on your sleeves 24x7, pray but be flexible, do not criticize other religions 24x7x365 etc are the principles that Muslims should adopt. These are the things that the world needs from Muslims. And, to be liked by the world, Islam must oblige. Just saying "we are as cool as you" will no work.

Hope some Muslims are reading and are paying attention.

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