There is only One Islam, and it is Radical

Submitted by Caesar M. Arevalo (United States), Feb 6, 2007 at 02:59

How many times the word "radical" is being used by Colmes, Hannity, and Dr. Pipes to refer to Islam? Let's count them: (Emphasis mine)

Colmes:…radical rhetoric of…the phrase radicalism?… when you say radical Islamists …We talk about the threat of radicalism a lot…we also hear that phrase radical Islam …this radical rhetoric, watch "Radical Islam:"…

Dr. Pipes: ...what we're seeing here is the radicalization of society…in the hands of extremists…One is the utter extremism of…hands of extremists, of radical Islam…student organizations, are likewise, radical…The larger point is radical Islam is on the ascendant, and moderate Islam is weak.

Hannity:... to spread this form of radical Islam everywhere.. radical Islam is gaining hold?

We see that the word "radical" and its variations were used thirteen times in the interview. The problem with this distinction between what they call "radical" Islam and the utopian idea of a moderate Islam is deceptive and dangerous.

Such position makes the average American, who knows only about Super Bowl, to believe that Islam is really a "peaceful" religion unable to kill even a fly, which has been "hijacked" by "radicals" Islamists. Nothing could further from the truth. There is not such thing as "radical" Islam, what exists is Islam, and it is radical by nature. It is the total obedience to Allah and Mohammed that makes Islam look radical before the eyes of Western people.

However, a point is necessary to be made in this discussion: the distinction of a "radical" Islam as opposed to Islam is only emphasized in the West. In the Middle East, Muslims see Islam as the only true religion and not as "radical." Osama bin Laden is not seen as a terrorist, but as a true Muslim. It is true that not all Muslims commit acts of terrorism, but the acts of terrorism are being carried out by Muslims who read the Quran, pray to Allah, and defend Mohammed to death.

It is the Quran the foundation of Islamic terrorism. Verses like 8:12: Then your Lord spoke to His angels and said, "I will be with you. Give strength to the believers. I will send terror into the unbelievers' hearts, cut off their heads and even the tips of their fingers!" is a source of inspiration to those Muslims who kill innocent people by blowing up themselves and kidnapping civilians to chop their heads off. We can argue that they are misinterpreting the Quran, but that argument is useless. Who can convince millions of Muslims that "radicalism" has hijacked their religion?

That Islam is radical by nature, we can conclude from Mohammed's actions. He killed every single intellectual or artist who opposed him. Remember the cartoons? It was fear that prevented mainstream media from reprinting the Mohammed cartoons. Not a single Muslim protested in the street against the calling of death to America, England, Israel, and Europe by Muslims all over the world.

We will never forget that in the name of Islam Muslims murdered about 10 million of Buddhists during their Jihad. Muslim soldiers massacred 80 million Hindus and destroyed the rich Hindu civilization.

It was Islam the reason why Zoarasterianism was eliminated from Persia. The Jews became permanent dhimmis throughout Islam. It is Islam that inspired Muslims to kill 120 million Christians and animists over the last 1400 years of jihad. Finally, it is Islam what inspired the slaughter of 270 million of non-Muslims for the glory of Allah. There is not "radical" Islam. Islam has always been radical.

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".