New York City groups, under the collective banner “Oppose Ground Zero Mosque,” are planning another mosque protest and leaflet distribution on Friday, June 25, one and a half blocks away from the 45 Park Place mosque. On the web site, one commentator states “There should not be ANY mosque in USA!”
NYC Mosque Being Protested (Photo: NY Times)
The June 25 protest against the 45 Park Place mosque, which has been in operation since December 2009, is scheduled for 12:45 PM, at 51 Park Place between Church Avenue and West Broadway. The groups stated that “this activity is sponsored by Act for Manhattan, Hindu Human Rights Watch, HRCARI and other Organizations.”
June 6 Mosque Protest – Image (Photo: YouTube)
The June 25 protest groups state that they seek to provide fliers to “Muslims going into the Mosque about their Imam. This can make for interesting exchanges – a kind of ‘street theater’ – especially considering that the whole thing will be filmed as part of a documentary by the Christian Action Network.”
The June 25 protest group states “[t]here will be a documentary being produced by Christian Action Network with interviews from those who will be doing leaf letting”… to show the strength of those who oppose this Mosque..”
R.E.A.L. supports our universal human rights for all people of all faiths, including Muslims attending the 45 Park Place mosque.
R.E.A.L.’s support of our universal human rights includes Article 18: “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”
Our universal human rights come with no caveats. They do not just apply to one race, one religion, one ethnicity, one gender. They do not just apply to those we agree with, those we like, or those whose faith or religious views we share.
With such human rights and freedom of religion threatened in many parts of the world today, it is essential that we are consistent in our support for such human rights. It is essential that we are consistently responsible for equality and liberty — for all.
“In her ruling Monday, U.S. District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp said that the Nebraska funeral picketing law protects family members attending services, while leaving ample alternatives for Phelps-Roper’s protests that are protected by the First Amendment.”
“‘She has not demonstrated that she is likely to prevail’ in her challenge to the statute, Smith Camp said of the lawsuit.”
“Phelps-Roper said she plans to appeal to the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.”
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Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) supports our universal human rights, including our universal human right to dignity for all. We urge all to Choose Love, Not Hate, Love Wins.
The Associated Press is reporting that four Christian activists were arrested during distribution of pamphlets outside of an Arab festival in Dearborn. The police stated that the individuals were charged with disorderly conduct. The four are free on bond.
The AP states that “Haddad tells the Detroit Free Press he isn’t taking sides in any dispute and says police have to keep peace at a festival that draws 300,000 over three days. On Thursday, the Sixth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals court ruled in favor of Anaheim, Calif., evangelist George Saieg (SAYGH). It overturned a lower court and said Saieg could distribute information on the festival’s perimeter.” CBN News also reported that “The ruling comes after a June 7 decision by Federal District Court Judge Paul D. Borman that upheld the Dearborn’s policy of barring the distribution of religious material near the event.”
The Detroit Free Press reported: “‘We did make four arrests for disorderly conduct,’ Dearborn Police Chief Ron Haddad said Saturday. ‘They did cause a stir.’ ‘Everyone’s space should be respected,’ Haddad said. ‘It’s Father’s Day weekend. … People are here to have a good time, and it’s our job to ensure security.'” On May 3, 2010, the Dearborn Press and Guide reported that “Police Chief Ronald Haddad was recently appointed to serve on the Homeland Security Advisory Council, which provides advice and recommendations to Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano on matters related to homeland security.”
Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) supports freedom of speech and freedom of press as part of our universal human rights. We urge the Dearborn police authorities to work with groups that seek to express freedom of speech in a way to ensure that both their freedoms and event security can be effectively ensured. We discourage heavy-handed attempts to stifle freedom of speech among our citizens in America. If this is what happened in Dearborn, then we strongly urge the Dearborn law enforcement authorities to reconsider their approach and ensure American freedoms.
Acts17 Christian Activists Arrested During Pamphlet Distribution
However, it is also our experience that effective pamphleteering and public outreach includes proactive communication with the police authorities in advance. This communication with law enforcement authorities includes documenting who, what, where, and when such advance discussions occurred, so that proper security procedures, proper permits are in place, and that you are working within the security rules for public events. Law enforcement should not discover your events as a “surprise,” and the key to effective outreach efforts includes advance communications with law enforcement authorities. Our approach ensures that law enforcement agencies defend our freedoms, because we are on their side by our communication and cooperation with law enforcement authorities at every step.
When we promote religious or racial pluralism or we challenge religious or racial supremacism of any kind, our starting point is full and complete coordination with law enforcement authorities. We know that this works.
Mission Network News (MNN) also provides another report on the Acts 17 group arrests and pamphleteering efforts outside the Dearborn festival, stating that leader David Wood had viewed the group as troublemakers. MNN quotes Wood as stating: “A pastor said that he was standing talking to one of the police officers earlier in the day, and when we arrived, he heard over the policeman’s walkie-talkie, ‘Hey, those guys are here again. Get them out.'”
MNN’s report says that “Acts 17 is no stranger to conflict at the Festival. Last year, Wood contends that festival security framed them by sending a young Muslim to snatch a pamphlet out of Qureshi’s hands and reported that Qureshi had given it to him. The distribution of pamphlets is banned. Even as the story of the arrests went public, reaction has been mixed. While many are astounded at what happened, many others said the arrests occurred because Acts 17 was being confrontational. Wood disagrees. He says he and his group were simply engaging in conversation.”
MNN quotes David Woods as stating “Nabeel and I aren’t just talking to Muslims to preach the Gospel. Whether a Muslim converts to Christianity or not, we also believe it’s important to address Muslim beliefs. So whether a Muslim converts to Christianity or not, it’s still important that that Muslim believe in teachings of the Qur’an such as Surah 9:29 which commands him to subjugate unbelievers. So many Christians will just go there and preach the Gospel.”
MNN also quotes David Wood as stating: “If we’re in a discussion with a Muslim, we might say, ‘What do you believe about Surah 9:29 which commands you to fight and subjugate and oppress up? Do you believe that, or have you reinterpreted that verse?'” and “As of right now, this poses massive problems, because if we were to show up in an area and try to talk to Muslims, they’re going to see us as people who are trouble-makers.” But Wood also states “If anything, we’re even more determined not to submit to threats and intimidation…The main problem, as far as other Christians who have complained about us is concerned, is that they don’t know what happened.”
But MNN also provides the views of a Dearborn pastor with a different perspective, Pastor Haytham Abi-Haydar. Christian Pastor Haytham Abi-Haydar leads the Arabic Fellowship Alliance Church that meets on Sundays at 1:30 PM at Farlane Alliance Church in Dearborn, MI.
MNN states that “Pastor Haytham Abi-Haydar has been attending the Arab International Festival since 1999, even having been allowed to have a booth at the event. ‘The community has been very good to us. They never denied us a request. From my perspective, we’ve never had any incidents.’ According to Abi-Haydar, Act 17 challenged Muslims in the crowd. Those challenges seemed to invite a crowd. Abi-Haydar says, ‘If he thinks that’s how to reach out to people and that’s how to dialogue with people, I think they are endangering their own lives for no reason.'”
MNN also indicates that Pastor Abi-Haydar states that the Acts 17 group was asked to change its tactics. MNN reports that “Wood and his organization were asked by many evangelical groups to change their tactics. Abi-Haydar says, ‘Why can’t he go around with no cameras, no intimidating people and ask questions and build relationships with the community and sharing Christ? Why is that difficult?'”
MNN reports that Abi-Haydar says when Wood was arrested, he was challenging a young Muslim man. The young man was screaming at him. Police asked Woods and his group to disburse. But Abi-Haydar says they didn’t. ‘I know for one fact: if I was the police, I am responsible for the security of the community there and for the security [of Acts 17 Apologetics]. For their own security, I would have forced them to leave the area. And if they would have rejected it, I would have arrested them myself.'”
MNN reports that “It’s not about large groups forming, says Abi-Haydar. ‘It’s about too many people yelling at each other. Is that [a good] witness?’ Some believe this kind of confrontation is just making the nominal Muslims more radical. Abi-Haydar says a loving approach to outreach and evangelism is needed in order to reach them with the Gospel.”
Religious freedom groups and groups concerned about women’s rights are asking President Obama to urge King Abdulaziz to seek reforms on religious freedom and women’s rights in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has called upon President Obama to urge “the Saudi government to implement effective strategies for preventing people from embracing violent extremism in the first place. They will need to focus on reforms that ensure that intolerance has no place in their culture. Despite the Saudi government pledging to the United States nearly four years ago that it would undertake such reforms, very little progress has been made. In this regard, we appeal to you to raise three important issues: revising the Saudi government-controlled curriculum and textbooks; reining in the government-funded Commission to Promote Virtue and Prevent Vice (CPVPV), or religious police; and releasing Hadi Al-Mutif, the longest serving religious prisoner in Saudi Arabia.”
Women’s rights groups, led by the Muslims for Progressive Values, have organized a demonstration outside the Saudi Arabian embassy on Saturday, June 26, at 1:30 PM, to “to declare to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the U.S. Government that Americans are demanding Nathalie Morin and her children, as well as any foreign nationals held captive, be returned to their countries immediately, that they respect the human rights of women and children and ensure the safety of Nathalie Morin and the safety of her children.”
We support the universal human rights for all people of all religions, of all genders, of races, and all ethnic backgrounds. We call for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to support freedom of religion, freedom of worship, and freedom of conscience in accordance with Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We also call upon the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to ensure the universal human rights of women, children, and all of its citizens in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Saudi Arabia’s Abdulaziz to meet with Obama at the White House later this month
— BNO News: “President Barack Obama and Saudi Arabia King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz will meet at the White House in Washington, D.C. later this month, officials announced on Sunday.”
— “The two leaders plan to meet at the White House on June 29, where they are set to discuss issues such as Gulf Security, peace in the Middle East, and other regional and global matters.”
— DNA News: “In another meeting between Obama and a key ally in the Middle East, Saudi King Abdullah will visit Washington for talks on June 29, the White House said.”
“Faisalabad: June 25, 2010. (PCP) A 73 year old Christian named Rehmat Masih son of Barkat Masih resident of village Jandwali Chak # 165/RB, Teshil Jhumra, District Faisalabad has been charged under blasphemy law vide FIR # 321 dated 19th June 2010, under section 295-C of Pakistan Penal Code with Police Station Jhumra, for making derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad and his wife Hazrat Khadija. He was arrested from his residence on the same day and presently he is behind the bars in District Jail Faisalabad. He will be reappeared before Magistrate Muhammad Sajawal on 4th July 2010 for complete challan. It is learned that the charge is clearly based on false allegations due to some land dispute between the accuser Sajid Hameed and the Christian community. This case of land dispute is still pending before civil courts. The overall law and order situation in the said area is clam and no unpleasant incident is happened till now, but Christian residents are fearful due to attacks by Muslim mob on Christian settlements as taken place in the history of Pakistan after such blasphemy incidents. ”
Background and Detail of the Incident:
“According to local sources, Dr. Palus (one of the relative of Rehmat Masih) told to NCJP’s coordinator Shahid Anwar that dates back in April 2010, Rehmat Masih had some serious discussion over religion with some Muslims of his village. Both the parties exchanged remarks in favour of each other’s faith. At that time, no untoward incident took place but after the silence of two months, this matter was brought into light again in June by some Muslims of the village namely Sajid Hameed (Accuser), Shahbaz Khalid, Afzaal Bashir. On 10th June, they spread rumors in the locality that Rehmat Masih has committed blasphemy by passing remarks against the Prophet Muhammad. After hearing the news of blasphemy, a Muslim delegation came to Dr. Palus and complaint against Rehmat Masih for his sacrilegious act. Dr. Palus told them to calm down and to reconcile the matter peacefully. ”
“On 19th June, the police of Chak Jhumra arrested Rehmat Masih (accused) from his residence on the complaint of Sajid Hameed for disgracing Prophet Muhammad. On 20th June, police presented him before Magistrate Muhammad Sajawal and sent him to the lockup on judicial remand. ”
“On 23rd June 2010, Shahid Anwar (Coordinator-National Commission of Justice and Peace) visited Rehmat Masih (accused) in District Jail, and collected some facts regarding the incident. During the interview in jail, Rehmat Masih stated that while he was on his duty two months ago, some Muslims namely Muhammad Amir, Akbar Ali and Ashgar Ali came to him and started asking questions about Christianity. Muhammad Amir asked Rehmat Masih about Hazrat Mariam (mother Mary, mother of Jesus), but in reply, Rehmat Masih asked Muhammad Amir about Hazrat Khadija (wife of Prophet Mohammad). They exchanged arguments with each other and then moved to their homes peacefully. ”
“Dr. Palus also added that complainant Sajid Hameed has falsely implicated Rehmat Masih in this case, because he has some interpersonal and land dispute with Christian community. It is also learned that Shahbaz Khalid and Afzaal Bashir who are named in the FIR as witness, has political differences with Rehmat Masih, therefore they are trying to involve Rehmat Masih in the fabricated case in order to take political revenge.”
The remarks were part of commentary regarding recent terror-suspected arrests involving security procedures involving the G20 summit in Toronto, Canada.
AFP reports of the calls by anti-democracy organization, Hizb ut-Tahrir, in calling for stonings in Indonesia, and viewing the Internet as a threat to Islamic values. (Apparently this excludes the Indonesia Hizb ut-Tahrir web site.) Hizb ut-Tahrir also called for promotion of a global Islamic caliphate. At the Indonesia Hizb ut-Tahrir web site, Hizb ut-Tahrir claimed that 1,500 individuals attended its rally. Hizb ut-Tahrir Indonesia states that “HTI therefore calls upon all parties, especially members of parliament to break down the total current system and replace it with Islamic sharia.”
Indonesia: Hizb ut-Tahrir Calls for Stoning
— AFP: “About 1,000 protesters led by radical group Hizbut Tahrir shouted ‘Allahu akbar’ (God is greater) and brandished black flags and banners with slogans such as ‘Arrest those who commit promiscuous sex'”
— “Hizbut Tahrir spokesman Mohammed Ismail Yusanto said the Internet was a threat to Islamic values in the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country. He said Islamic or sharia law should be applied across the archipelago of some 240 million people, including the stoning to death of adulterers.”
— “Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia coordinator Fadilah Karimah, 32, said she would like to see adulterers buried up to their necks in public places and pelted with stones until dead. ‘Those people who have sex before marriage should be caned with a stick 100 times in public. Adulterers should be half-buried and stoned to death,’ she told AFP at the rally.”
Anti-Democracy Group Hizb ut-Tahrir Protest in Indonesia
The British Muslims for Secular Democracy (BMSD) has issued a press release on its views supporting the barring of Imam Zakir Naik from the United Kingdom. BMSD stated that “British Muslims for Secular Democracy (bmsd) approves of the decision to exclude Zakir Naik from the UK, based on thorough research conducted by the Home Office,” stating that many of Zakir Naik’s “statements are not conducive to the public good. For example, he made this remark on Osama bin Laden in 2006: ‘If he is terrorising the terrorists, if he is terrorising America the terrorist, the biggest terrorist, every Muslim should be a terrorist.’ bmsd supports rigorous application of the exclusion policy to any international speaker who incites hatred and violence. However, it is also vital that the Home Office are consistent in their application of a tool as powerful – and potentially controversial – as exclusion. ”
Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) reported on May 31, 2010 on the plans of Zakir Naik to visit the United Kingdom and his history of promoting views that seek to encourage others to deny religious freedom.
In October 2009, BMSD challenged the anti-democracy organization Islam4UK and its planned “Sharia law” march in London. BMSD stated that “Our protest against Islam4UK is based on our belief in, and commitment to, those liberal values that define the British state. This includes legal and constitutional equality for all, equal rights for women and minorities, and religious freedom, including the right to be free of faith.” In December 2009, BMSD led a counterprotest against the further efforts of the anti-democracy organization Islam4UK.
In November 2009 and December 2009, BMSD was critical of the efforts of the Stop Islamisation of Europe (SIOE) organization goals to have protests outside the Harrow Central Mosque, stating that “fear-mongering and misinformation whipped up by these demonstrations poses a threat to all British citizens who wants to live in a harmonious society.” In BMSD’s letter to SIOE, it stated that “By demonstrating outside a mosque under the banner, ‘Stop the Islamisation of Europe,’ ordinary peace-loving British Muslims end up feeling threatened and have begun to believe that their fundamental right to practice their religion is being curtailed. In any case, Harrow is an exemplar of good community relations, facilitated by strong communication and co-operation between different faith communities and various agencies such as the police and the local council. Our Director Tehmina Kazi can testify to this, as she has lived in Harrow for over 20 years. Individuals affiliated with Harrow Central Mosque joined our counter-protest against Al Muhajiroun and their leading members wholeheartedly support the merits of secular democracy alongside bmsd. Your campaign is also fuelling the notion that somehow organisations such as SIOE are against all Muslims and the religion Islam in itself. This is being used by the extremist elements within Muslim communities to enhance their recruitment.”
— “Raise awareness within British Muslims and the wider public, of democracy particularly ‘secular democracy’ helping to contribute to a shared vision of citizenship (the separation of faith and state, so faiths exert no undue influence on policies and there is a shared public space).”
— “Encourage religious understanding and harmony, respect for different systems of beliefs, and encourage an understanding and celebration of the variety of Muslim cultures, values and traditions which are present in British society.”
BMSD states that it seeks to achieve these aims by:
— “Facilitating discourse and raising awareness of democracy particularly ‘secular democracy’ and its benefits.”
— “Facilitating broad and enlightened theological discourses, to enable British Muslims and the wider public to be better informed about the Islamic faith.”
— “Raising awareness of religious influence on UK domestic and foreign policies, particularly those which may lead to undue effect on civil liberties.”
— “Addressing Islamophobia and prejudice against Muslims and Muslim communities.”
— “Working with UK and global Muslim and other organisations, opposing radicalism and intolerant beliefs.”
— “Ensuring that politicians and community leaders encourage and practise transparency and ensure legitimate voting practices are followed.”
— “Engaging with marginalised Muslim communities, helping to identify root causes of deprivation and social exclusion, and help work towards a solution.”
— “Providing a lively and interesting social/educational programme which showcases the variety of Muslim histories, cultures, values and traditions in the UK today.”
— “Be responsive to the changing needs and pressures on succeeding generations of British Muslims and adjust and add to its programmes and projects accordingly.”
“British Muslims for Secular Democracy (bmsd) approves of the decision to exclude Zakir Naik from the UK, based on thorough research conducted by the Home Office. Dr Naik is a high-profile figure who has been elevated to a position of power and influence, and many of his statements are not conducive to the public good. For example, he made this remark on Osama bin Laden in 2006: ‘If he is terrorising the terrorists, if he is terrorising America the terrorist, the biggest terrorist, every Muslim should be a terrorist.'”
“bmsd supports rigorous application of the exclusion policy to any international speaker who incites hatred and violence. However, it is also vital that the Home Office are consistent in their application of a tool as powerful – and potentially controversial – as exclusion. ”
“Dr Shaaz Mahboob, Vice-Chair of bmsd, said: ‘This is an encouraging decision from the new Government. We would now like to see them take a similarly firm approach to far-right organisations that stir up racial hatred, and domestic extremists such as the newly-formed ‘Muslims Against Crusades,’ who hurled abuse at the Royal Anglian Regiment homecoming parade in Barking on 15th June 2010.’ ”
Notes to the editors:
“1. bmsd is made up of a group of Muslim democrats of diverse ethnic and social backgrounds, who support a clear separation between religion and the State.”
“2. bmsd’s mission statement: ‘To promote civic engagement, social inclusion, responsible citizenship and good governance particularly within constituent Muslim communities of Britain; in order to build an understanding of the shared values between all citizens to enable them to live in an inclusive, pluralist, secular and confident Britain.'”
“3. bmsd claims no mandate or false representative status. Our primary concern is democratic engagement not detailed theological analysis or debate. The level and depth of commitment to the doctrinal core and orthodoxy of the faith varies among Muslims as much as it does in members of other faith groups. bmsd founders wish to create a platform for alternative, diverse Muslim views, essential for a progressive, multi-layered, democratic identity that is not in conflict with itself or fellow citizens.”
“4. For details please visit http://www.bmsd.org.uk ”
Freedom of speech includes freedom to offend – but when a preacher’s words incite violence, there has to be some sanction
British Muslims for Secular Democracy (BMSD)'s Tehmina Kazi
“What do Dr Zakir Naik, Russian skinhead Pavel Skachevsky, far-right US talk show host Michael Savage, former Kahane Chai leader Mike Guzovsky and Kansas Baptist pastor Fred Phelps have in common? They are all on the list of people who have been banned from entering the UK.”
“Several commentators, like Inayat Bunglawala last week, have asked exactly what Naik has done to deserve such company. A quick internet search of his public statements throws up the following: ‘You heard the Muslims saying Osama Bin Laden is right or wrong. I reject them … We don’t know. But if you ask my view, if this is the truth, if he is fighting the enemies of Islam, I am for him. I don’t know what he’s doing. I’m not in touch with him. I don’t know him personally. I read the newspaper. If he is terrorising the terrorists, if he is terrorising America the terrorist, the biggest terrorist, I am with him … The thing is, if he’s terrorising a terrorist, he’s following Islam.’ Other incendiary remarks include: ‘Muslims in India would prefer the Islamic criminal law to be implemented on all Indians since it is the most practical’, ‘The Jews, by nature as a whole, will be against Muslims’, (Western Mail, 16 August 2006) plus an assertion that western women make themselves more susceptible to sexual assault by wearing revealing clothing.”
“While it is evident that most of Naik’s views are out of step with the values of any 21st-century liberal democracy, this in itself does not provide sufficient justification to exclude him from the UK. As Lord Justice Sedley stated in the notable high court judgment Redmond-Bate vs Director of Public Prosecutions [1999]: ‘Free speech includes not only the inoffensive, but the irritating, the contentious, the eccentric, the heretical, the unwelcome and the provocative, providing it does not intend to provoke violence. Freedom only to speak inoffensively is not worth having.’ Incitement to violence is a crucial caveat of this fundamental principle, and forms the basis of the Home Office’s ‘unacceptable behaviour’ policy. Proscribed actions on the list include the glorification of terrorism, provoking others to commit terrorist or criminal acts, and fostering hatred which might lead to inter-community violence within the UK. Therefore, the most problematic of Naik’s statements are the ones that appear to condone violence: ‘If a Muslim becomes a non-Muslim and propagates his/her new religion then, it is as good as treason. There is a ‘death penalty’ in Islam for such a person.’ Naik’s supporters have cited his freedom of speech as a reason for overturning this exclusion order, but would he take a similar stance if a famous ex-Muslim chose to convene a speaking tour in Pakistan, for example? Further, Najibullah Zazi, who was arrested in September 2009 for planning suicide attacks on the New York subway, is said to have become ‘enchanted’ with Zakir Naik before planning his attack.”
“My organisation, British Muslims for Secular Democracy, supports rigorous application of the exclusion policy to any international speaker who incites hatred or violence. However, it is also vital that the Home Office is consistent in its application of a tool as powerful — and potentially controversial — as exclusion. To its credit, the Home Office made a statement on Geert Wilders clarifying its position, after the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal overturned the ban on his entry to the UK in October 2009. Contrary to popular opinion, it wasn’t the Home Office but the tribunal that allowed Wilders into the country.”
“Supporters of Naik have jumped to his defence by claiming that his more controversial statements, like ‘Every Muslim should be a terrorist’, should be viewed in their proper context: ‘Every Muslim should be a terrorist. A terrorist is a person who causes terror. The moment a robber sees a policeman he is terrified. A policeman is a terrorist for the robber. Similarly every Muslim should be a terrorist for the antisocial elements of society, such as thieves, dacoits and rapists. Whenever such an antisocial element sees a Muslim, he should be terrified. It is true that the word ‘terrorist’ is generally used for a person who causes terror among the common people. But a true Muslim should only be a terrorist to selective people ie antisocial elements, and not to the common innocent people. In fact, a Muslim should be a source of peace for innocent people.'”
“This semi-clarification of ‘antisocial elements’ is all well and good, but what Naik fails to elucidate is exactly who the ‘common innocent people’ are. One would imagine that based on his other pronouncements, they don’t include apostates or gay people. In any case, such defences of Naik entirely miss the point. As a medical doctor and speaker whose lectures on Peace TV are broadcast to millions of Muslims across the world, he is in an incredibly powerful position. Therefore, he must bear total responsibility for every single word that leaves his lips (or his keyboard). Not only should Naik and other religious leaders be extremely careful with the terminology they use (as per the Qur’anic injunction, ‘Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious’), they should be prepared for any criticism that comes their way if certain individuals cite them as ‘inspirations’ and take their more controversial statements too literally. Many of Naik’s supporters point to his remarks condemning 9/11 and 7/7, but nothing less than a clear and consistent repudiation of the quotes mentioned in this article will do.”
In the small town of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, 650 residents came out to speak out about the plans to build an new Islamic mosque, to replace the existing facility. The Islamic Center of Murfreesboro already has an existing facility, but according to ABC, it seeks to develop a larger facility for its 250 family membership. The Murfreesboro, TN population is estimated at around 100,000, and it is 30 miles from Nashville.
During the meeting on the proposed new mosque and Islamic facility, ABC reported that residents displayed “ugly criticism” that “some sharing their opposition in public comments… [made comments] that at times turned intolerant.” The Tennessean reported that “Plans for a new Islamic center south of Murfreesboro have some residents denouncing the Muslim religion and others calling the dispute one of the ugliest displays of religious intolerance in the county’s history… Many saw the event as an embarrassing black eye for Rutherford County over a lack of religious tolerance, while dozens reiterated their fears and charges that the mosque needs to be held to high scrutiny and regarded with heavy suspicion.”
News Channel 5 reported that “The area the Islamic Center purchased land already had the correct zoning for a church, therefore did not need a public hearing before it was approved. That fact upset many people who came to Thursday night’s meeting.”
Video Clip from Tennessee Mosque Protest (Photo: News Channel 5)
Another report stated that “Dozens spoke for an allotted 3 minutes each during the two hour public portion of the meeting. None spoke in favor of the mosque.”
Responsible for Equality and Liberty (R.E.A.L.) supports our universal human rights to freedom of religion, freedom of worship, and freedom of conscience for all people of all faiths. Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”
We urge those who promote hate and intolerance to unburden the hate from their hearts.
Media sources report that a Jewish synagogue in the central Russian city of Tver was damaged by a “homemade bomb” in the middle of the night, but no one was hurt.
— ITAR-TASS reports: “The explosion hit the synagogue at about 02:00 a.m. Moscow time , damaging its entryway and breaking out window glasses in nearby houses, said Igor Elgardt, the chairman of the regional organization Jewish National and Cultural Autonomy.”
— “‘This is not the first vandalism case here,’ he said. ‘Previously, anti-Semitic writings appeared on the synagogue’s wall. There are reports that anti-Semitic leaflets are circulated in the city.'”
— ITAR-TASS also reports: “Anti-Semitic writings have appeared on the walls of the synagogue, anti-Semitic leaflets have been circulated in the city and some 140 graves were vandalized in the Jewish part of the local cemetery in 2009, the statement said.”
