23?September?2013

16?Dhul?Qadah?1434

War On Terrorism, Not Religion

Editorial Published in The Nelson Evening Mail Newspaper, February 28, 2006

A point worth making amid the furore over the Danish cartoons is the marked difference in attitude among factions within the Muslim faith. In European and Middle Eastern countries particularly, violent outrage has resulted in death and destruction over publication of cartoons featuring the Prophet Mohammed. In this country, Muslims and others have written strong letters to newspapers, marched in Auckland and in other ways exercised their right to express opposition to printing and broadcasting of images they find offensive. Their response has been entirely understandable and in keeping with the ways and values of this country.

This country's Muslim leadership has gone one step further. Despite feeling insulted and aggrieved that the cartoons had been shown here, they accepted that the choice to do so was made by individual newspapers, including this one. The New Zealand Federation of Muslim Associations spent some time last week lobbying Middle Eastern ambassadors, urging that this country escape trade boycotts or other possible consequences said to face those Western nations in which the cartoons had been published. Its president, Javed Khan, says he is optimistic New Zealand will be spared..

The federation's efforts to safeguard exports to Middle Eastern countries worth $1.5 billion are commendable. How better for New Zealand Muslims to demonstrate commitment to their country? The controversy also provides a significant opportunity for the mainstream, moderate, Islamic faith to engage in discussion with the wider community about issues and values that are important to it.

Confronted with reports and images of cruel oppression of women and girls, violent mobs, hostage-taking, beheadings, suicide bombings and other despicable acts, it is easy to form the impression that Islam is a cruel and fanatical cult that seeks to dominate the world at any cost. It is not. Although some sections of the faith have been captured by radicals, at its core Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance. Unfortunately, the voice of reason its leadership could provide - internationally at least - has been drowned out by the rantings and rhetoric of dangerous extremists with political, rather than religious, agendas.

Many people bewildered by the outrage that publication of a few crude cartoons sparked are talking of a holy war between Islam and the West. Some letter writers are describing the religion in terms that cross the boundary of free speech and consequently will not be published. To suggest, as some are, that all Muslims are extremists and terrorists is like saying all Westerners sympathise with the Crusades or the National Front.

The speed with which the violence spread in the past week, or so, illustrates the volatility in some areas - and the "us and them" approach preached by the leaders of power groups in both East and West is not helping. The riots in France late last year are another warning sign of the dangers of failing to encourage inclusion and assimilation. Fortunately, this country is doing better. Various local and central government initiatives backed by multi-ethnic councils and religious groups are leading the way. As the dust from the cartoon controversy begins to settle in this country, some positive initiatives might well emerge. Not the least would be a greater awareness of and engagement between the members of an increasingly diverse New Zealand community.

Reproduced with permission of the Editor of The Nelson Evening Mail.
Copyright ? The Nelson Evening Mail 2006.