According to the New York Times, “Nine influential American Muslim scholars have come together in a YouTube video to repudiate the militants’ message. The nine represent a diversity of theological schools within Islam, and several of them have large followings among American Muslim youths.” The video is about 5 minutes in length. Select the link and the video will open in a new screen.
Comment by The Truthfulness in Spirit of Islam
August 2, 2010 @ 7:00 am
Nine individuals herein who truly understand the word of God and his intent for his creation, nearly 11 billion souls on an earthly environment whereby dastardly acts of cowardice and self-indulgence of nothing less than cold-blooded murder harm the innocent, each individual a child of God’s and a creation in likeness.
Suicide bombers and those that use sword or weapon to kill oneself or another, is this in the likeness of God who has created such spirtualism and commitment by many to follow God’s word and to reach out to others to portray Love and compassion.
God Bless these men and so many others among us who understand that violence is not what God dictated for he was very transparent in his teachings and word. One must not necessarily embrace another, however respect and tolerance, afforfding another the diginity he/she deserves.
God Bless us as we are blinded by self-indulgence, the prowess of power and manipulation of another.
It is truly unfortunate that from generation to generation, from Babylon to present, no matter the form of man-made goverbment, mankind is constantly in strife and despair.
Today, the “Brutes of Tehran, a supposed governing body who chooses to do away with the richness of Persian blood, a history of people so ambitious, creative and caring about America and its fellow brothers and the injustice of so many in so many places. The statements and cold blooded killing thrust upon God’s people as well as the rampant corruption should not be this ongoing professing of all mightiness and tyrant’s outburst calling for the killing of others in the name of religion should be seen for what it is – an agenda contrary to truthfulness and compassion towards others.
God is the only one who can and does judge and for every soul, it is that moment before the Lord which one prepares himself/herself and one who has taken Life, the breath that God blew into man to create the human being, well, God is witness to all….
Bravo gentlemen for representing the Love and compassion, the tolerance of others which nearly 1.5 billion souls believe in following the truly Islamic teachings. This hatred towards another, this intolerance is not God’s word, these actions are the actions of men of deceit and whether cleric or not, priest, the Vatican as well, God is witness….God is witness to all….
Christopher Tingus
chris.tingus@gmail.com
Comment by dan oconnor
August 2, 2010 @ 8:05 am
With its 8,485 views over the last three weeks and the vast majority of those in the United States, Canada, Britain, and Australia I wonder how influential it is.
The debate of its origin and influence will not change the tenor of the argument. Its posting on Facebook garnered ten times more hits than the NYT.
Perhaps if 9 Saudi Clerics did the same thing, there might be a different geographical view map.
While I appreciate and agree with the Muslim scholars, does the fact that they are Americans dampen its effect? Who is the target audience? If it’s Americans, why? If it is not Americans, why?
Influence is a key trait for inspiration and both elements of leadership. If no one is listening (yet) how much influence do they have?
Just some questions.
Comment by Arnold Bogis
August 2, 2010 @ 12:44 pm
According to the NYT article, the fact that the scholars are American and speaking English is the point of their effort. It is to counter-act the videos and other media in English that have helped radicalize U.S. citizens in recent months.
There have been numerous examples of Clerics from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and other places that have made similar efforts. We do not hear about them in our press because they tend not be done in English.
A great resource in English about this subject is: http://www.jihadica.com/
While I have nothing to argue this point with, I suspect that pure “view numbers” on Youtube or any other social site might not be the best barometer of a message’s effectiveness.
Comment by Dan O'Connor
August 2, 2010 @ 1:13 pm
I don’t disagree with you in terms of “view numbers” but it is a barometer of sorts to measure saturation, not effectiveness.
I too have heard some examples of Clerics from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and other places attempt to rebuke the radicalization.
If the “…American Muslim leaders are increasingly engaging the war of ideas being waged within Islam.” my question than is who is the target audience; Americans who have yet to convert and/or radicalize or those outside our Nation?
Hence the thought on saturation vice effectivness. One may be akin to culture as opposed to ideology.
It is worthy of much discussion.
Comment by William R. Cumming
August 3, 2010 @ 1:44 am
Well one of the strengths and weaknesses of Islam are its many “Official” voices.
Is there an annotated version of the QURAN out in English?
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