Christopher Hitchens thinks he is being very brave in attacking Islam. So do a lot of other Americans on the right and the on the left. They call the prophet Muhammad a terrorist, the Koran a gospel of violence, and Islam a religion for losers and murderers. Since there is an understandable fear and hostility toward Islamic terrorism in the wake of 9/11, Muslim-bashing has found a big constituency and has now become a very profitable career. Where is the bravery today in denouncing Islam?
Contrast the Islam-bashers on the American lecture circuit with the traditional Muslims who have the courage to take on the Islamic radicals in the Muslim world. The Muslim reformers are doing the really needed work, which is not to get rid of Islam (a ridiculous and impossible project) but to promote traditional Islam over radical Islam. Muslims who are confronting radical Islam in Pakistan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia are the really intrepid people. Do this and your life can be at stake. No wonder that Hirsi Ali attacks Islam from the safe precincts of the American Enterprise Institute in Washington D.C. Is Irshad Manji all that brave for letting the Muslims have it on her radio show in Canada? "Yes," these valiant souls will no doubt say, "but I've gotten hate mail and even death threats." Welcome to the club, ladies. I'm more impressed with the ordinary Iraqis who face snipers, car bombs, and suicide attackers on a daily basis.
Yes, there are wimps on the American college campus and in various European quarters who kowtow to radical Muslim demands. But these invertebrates cannot say no to anyone, not just Muslims. They are captive to a politically correct, multicultural ideology. The same people who allow black radicals to take over the college library and call for "death to the white man" are the same ones who view calls to Islamic jihad as just another expression of "diversity." The remedy here is not "courage" but rather a recognition that the institutions of freedom need to be defended against political assault.
Hitchens is a witty and erudite columnist. But Islam-bashing in the online magazine Slate or in Vanity Fair? No courage is required there.
Reader Comments ( Page 2 of 9)
16. We seem to differentiat between the radical muslim and the peaceful muslim. But from what I hear even a peaceful muslim will stone his own daughter if she breaks any laws of the Koran.
Also, prior to the death of Muhammed, women didn't need to be covered up. But when he died it was his command that all his wives and concubines be covered so that no one could ever see them again. Of course the other muslim men decided if it was good for Muhammed then it was good for their women also. And so came the berka (sp)
Lisa at 11:07AM on Aug 1st 2007
17. Thank You, Jones, for your compliment and comments. Yes, it's good to see you as well - an informed person, knowledgeable about this very important subject matter!
Hoo boy, Megan again. Megan - what "hatred" are you talking about? You mean the Mohammedans? Good - because THEY are the Haters. 9/11 - filled with Hate, wouldn't you agree? And 3,000 innocent Americans were incinerated in that Mohammedan Hate. The Madrid train bombings, the London bus/subway bombings, the myriad of murders and mass-murders plus genocide taking place worldwide today by Hate-filled Mohammedans. BY MOHAMMEDANS - NO ONE ELSE. Uh huh, I noticed you didn't (couldn't, actually) furnish me that example of the "FAR WORSE" Christian groups terrorizing people! THAT'S BECAUSE THERE AREN'T ANY. DITTO JEWISH GROUPS. DITTO BUDDHIST AND HINDU GROUPS - IN FACT THE MOHAMMEDANS HAVE BEEN MASSACREING BUDDHISTS IN THAILAND FOR THE PAST YEAR, DID YOU KNOW THAT?
Also, don't you understand that the Orwellian "philosophy" you speak of and claim to repudiate IS the Islamic religion? Islam is as totalitarian as you can get! There is NO freedom of speech or choice or press in Islam. Do you understand that? You're not even free to leave the religion of Islam - that's a crime called Apostasy and they kill you for that!
Oh yes, Christianity and Judaism and Buddhism are MUCH BETTER, MUCH MUCH MUCH (etc) BETTER than Islam. Nowhere in Christianity, Judaism or Buddhism does it say: "Kill everyone who is not of our faith." Yet, Islam DOES say that, many times in the Koran. But, you've never opened a Koran, have you? Nope, that's clear. Because if you did and saw what horrors are written in there, you wouldn't be defending Islam. So, why don't you trot over to a library or bookstore and get a paperback Koran and check it out before embarrassing yourself with more imbecilic comments on a subject you obviously know nothing about. Good Luck in your research.
P.S. Islam is not a religion. It's a Judeo-Christian heresy. Even total Muslim convert loser Ibrahim Hooper of CAIR referred to Islam as an "ideology" the other day on CNN. AN IDEOLOGY! Uh huh, that's right - like Naziism. Thank you, Hooper - the only intelligent thing you've ever said about Islam! LOL!
Stephanie at 11:18AM on Aug 1st 2007
18. I don't like the enormous increase of the building of mosques in this country. I think evil things against this country are taking place there under the pretense of religion, they are demanding things in schools which all other religions are not allowed, using the first amendment to a strtch, their ability to have no ending to the financial backing to take all to law suits, their religion is secretive in part, they are coming to this country in waves and planting in cities all over this country their communities, growing in strength,why, most of them don't like western culture, how many are legal??????? They are not to be trusted, their way is under the radar of religion until there are enough of them here to take over in their name of Islam. They are greater threat than hispanic coming across the border because of their belief americans are the infidel and should be destroyed.
Jane at 11:40AM on Aug 1st 2007
19. Who's afraid? Muslim people are afraid. Are you blind? They ought to stamp out this cancer on their own instead of boarding flights and causing problems in order to sue. If the "good" muslims, as it is put, got together they could put an end to this in five minutes. So??
wayne at 11:45AM on Aug 1st 2007
20. As usual, Dinesh has done a great job of framing a divisive issue in a decidedly non-politically-correct way -- and without bloviating.
I take no issue with the courage and valor of "traditional Moslems" working against "radical Moslems."
Unfortunately, the same accolades can be bestowed upon Soviet citizens who worked against the Communist Party and upon German citizens who worked against the Nazi regime, with the same ultimate result: They were irrelevant. They were irrelevant because they did not have the power or the weapons or the poltical clout to effectively vanquish those who did.
Seems to me the "good Moslems" are in much the same position today, and while the civilized world applauds their efforts, chances are they will one day be consigned to irrelevancy much like the good Soviets and the good Nazis.
Mike at 11:50AM on Aug 1st 2007
21. To Stephanie who seems to have developed a hatred of Islam,
There is a distinct difference between the religion Islam and the mass cult movement that most of you hear and watch on the news. Islam the religion is of peace and worship to the God of Abraham. A simple 5 pillars lies the basic principle in following god, (1)the declaration of faith, (2) praying five times a day, (3) fasting in the month of Ramadan, (4) a pilgrimage to Hajj, and (5) To donate 1/3 of all profits to charity. Now i ask you in these 5 most basic principles, where does it preach violence, the killing of infidels, and of all the other mass hysteria?
Now the Islam portrayed in the media, a different story it is. What you see are groups such as Al Qaida and much more using Islam as a channel to lure in support to a weak and confused audience. An audience who have seen their country weakened, their homes destroyed, their families gone. Using this wide and open channel, they brew up the mob mentality and preach violence, twist a couple of words and Islam is to blame.
Aminy at 12:06PM on Aug 1st 2007
22. Some more remarks to deluded d'Souza's entry:
Chris Hitchens is not "attacking" Islam - he's simply telling the truth about it. If you regard that as an "attack" that's your semantic problem. Islam cannot bear the truth which is why Mohammedans always use "taqiyya" and "kitman," relying on the ignorance of Westerners. Thankfully, however, Westerners are becoming much less ignorant, and deceitful Mohammedans cannot hide behind the lies of "taqiyya" and "kitman" amymore. As Mohammed said, "War is deceit." Well, Mohammedans, your purposeful deceptions are being EXPOSED more and more and more! And you can't stand it, can you?
Also, disingenuous d'Souza only mentions 9/11. What about the over 9,000 global Mohammedan terrorist attacks that have been documented since 9/11? Just conveniently left those out, did you, Mr. d'Souza? And of course you leave out the plots that have fortunately failed - Fort Dix, Kennedy airport, London car bombs and Glasgow. Uh huh - your Islamic bias is showing, bigtime.
What "Muslim reformers?" You don't give one example! I know that there are a handful, but why don't you enlighten us as to the actual name of one and what he/she is doing to "reform" Islam? I'll be waiting for your example(s).
You use, Mr. d'Souza, the phrase "Islam-bashing" as though that's a bad thing! Islam DESERVES to be "bashed" and on ANY type of Forum - whether newspaper, magazine, book, online or not, what have you. And, considering that Mohammedans hold up signs in London that say "Behead anyone who insults Islam," it IS always "brave" to bash the religion of hate and beheading. Bravo/a Islam Bashers! And thanks to Chris Hitchens and Dennis Prager and Robert Spencer. Bravissimo!
Stephanie at 12:02PM on Aug 1st 2007
23. To everyone who believes Islaam is a religion of hatred, violence, corruption, etc., here are a few links that include translation and commentary of the Qur'aan. Since the verses and hadiths will be in context, you will be able to judge Islaam based on its actual teachings. They also include hadiths, or sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (may peace of God be upon him).
http://www.muhajabah.com/quran.htm
http://www.quran.net/
http://www.quranm.multicom.ba/
http://www.tafsir.com/
http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/quran/
http://free.hostultra.com/~islamglobe/Hadith.htm
If you have any comments, suggestions, concerns, etc., please feel free to e-mail me at MahenKhan@aol.com
Mahen at 12:11PM on Aug 1st 2007
24. You are right, aminy, I hate Islam. I also hate Naziism and the KKK and the Khymer Rouge. It's OK to hate bad things, aminy, really, it is!
Where is violence preached and the killing of Infidels commanded? READ THE KORAN, STUPID.
You've forgotten about 9/11 and you're unaware of all of the other Mohammedan atrocities that have plagued the early 21st century? You're an ostrich, are you? If anything, much more awareness and fear (which you call "hysteria") of Islam is needed.
Islam is NOT an Abrahamic faith. That is a lie made up by psychopath narcissist murdering Warlord Mohammed. You're just one of their Western suckers, aren't you, believing the "religion of peace" propaganda? Haven't you ever heard of "Actions speak louder than words?"
Yes, Islam is to blame. It's a murder ideology contained in the Koran. Have you ever bothered to open a Koran? I don't think so. Well, do it, and you will see early on the commands from "allah" the pagan Moon deity to kill everybody who doesn't convert to Islam. Just the same as Mohammed did. Are you listening? JUST THE SAME AS MOHAMMED DID -HISTORICAL FACT.
Stephanie at 12:17PM on Aug 1st 2007
25. Before commenting on Islam read the history of the development of Islam by the Prophet Muhammad and the divide in the Prophets descendents Sunni and Shia. Most of the Western world has seen more of the Muslim Sunni Isalm that is a political social movement for the Muslim community "umma" to fidelity of their community to practice Islam and the Quran. A uniter for the Prophet's movement to rule as an Islam Nation of people apart from all others.
Shia believe the Prophet was a messenger from God, but Sunni gave priority to social order and dominated Shiite by overwhelming political power and military force.
Only criticism for Isalm is their Prophet was not from God, as Jesus Christ is the messiah, the one and only true living God manifest to the world.
Alan Klaus at 1:02PM on Aug 1st 2007
26. To Stephanie:
"Traditional Islam" is the same thing as Islamism, you say? Well, if history has anything to say about it, you could be correct. The big M himself was something of a warlord, but not in the way we might think of a "warlord" today.
Here's the problem: no one knows WHAT "traditional" Islam MEANS. What's traditional for one sect (say, the ascetic Sufis) is "crazy" to another (the typical, relatively liberal American Muslim). I'm not going to name names (for obvious reasons), but my best friend is a north African Muslim who, besides being the sweetest, gentlest (and most PIOUS) person I know, has an insatiable appetite for marijuana (no pun intended). He doesn't see that as a major obstacle to his devotion (though the last time we spoke, he had quit), but rather an unnecessary yet priveliged luxury, much like some Christians' BMWs, large houses, or even something as banal as jewelry. He considers himself to be a "traditional Muslim," and I can't argue with him. "Traditional" is not something one can point to, like, say, the color red. Rather, it is relative.
Seth at 12:29PM on Aug 1st 2007
27. STEPHANIE..GOOD STUFF..IT IS REFRESHING TO SEE A STUDENT OF HISTORY GIVE FACTUAL INFORMATION BASED UPON LOGICAL THOUGHT AND TRUTH, RATHER THAN THE EMOTION BASED PAP ONE USUALLY SEES IN THIS TYPE OF FORMAT. KUDOS FOR TELLING THE TRUTH IN RE THE "MUSLIM FAITH"
ED at 12:37PM on Aug 1st 2007
28. People, if you want to slog through the links posted by the Mohammedan above, go for it.
But while you're slogging and wasting your time, just remember that: "Actions speak louder than words."
Also, get a Koran and see for yourself the 109 "War Verses" sprinkled throughout that command the followers of Islam to "Slay the Infidel wherever you find him." Those are "actual teachings" the Mohammedan above speaks of.
In addition, here's an Islamic belief you're probably unaware of: Islam teaches that Jesus, the "slave" of "Allah" (right, LOL!) will return one day to assist his Master, "Allah," in destroying both Judaism and Christianity. So, if you are either Jewish or Christian, remember that the "religion" of Islam teaches that YOUR faith will be utterly obliterated one day, and the whole world will become Islamic! Oh, goody-goody, eh?
Do you like the teaching of Islam that your faith will be obliterated one day and the whole world become Islamic? If not, then you better start working against this "faith" RIGHT NOW. I really don't want to be forced to wear a black sheet with eyeholes, do you? I don't want to live with the constant fear that for the slightest perceived Islamic infraction I can be justifiably murdered by my father or brother or uncle or cousin, do you? ("Honor Killings"). And so many more atrocities inherent in the Islamic "culture." Oh, FGM - females, you really want your genitals cut out? That's what happens to Islamic females.
Do not be afraid to criticize Islam.
Stephanie at 12:37PM on Aug 1st 2007
29. I have been to many muslim nations such as pakistan to preach in established christian churches. I have been to some of these nation's recently. I preach Jesus out in the open and in stadiums. 25,000 plus people. I always need military protection, and personal body gaurds. I have had the opportunity to see first hand what happens to someone who goes against an islamic republic law. Somebody usually beats them to death and then gets a free pass be thier judicial system. there are ALOT of Jesus loving christians in muslim nations. these brave souls pay daily for thier trust in christ. they stand as the faithful in very dangerous lands where death is always near. they are the only peacful religious people in thier nations. Even the so called moderate muslims will kill you. I have been there. I will be going back. I have spoken to Imams and mullahs in those nations and they believe that Islam will one day be the religion of the world. Islam is the most exported religion on the face of the earth. Just check the facts. First they will populate, then they will dominate. this is what they truly expect. And, if you look around, it is happening. most disscussions I hear or read about are from a media driven point of view. Most people have never been to an islamic republic, and will never go. So, thier mind set is from a removed, politically correct media driven point of view. I don't like political correctness. It stymies free speech. Where the Word of God speaks, I must speak. Where it is silent I must be silent. Politically correct or not. Islam is a nasty brutal way of life. It is the most dangerous threat to free humaninity the world has ever known. Only in our time has it been possible for someone on the otherside of the earth to go anywhere in the world within 24 hours and commit serial murder at the whim of the voice of thier god. think about that. So, all of those who think that Islam is beautiful and peacful, get out of your e-z chair take some vacation time fly to Karachi or Islamabad and then just tell someone you are an american. the religion of peace will show itself. If you live past the night and make it back here, you will change your mind.
Bob at 12:42PM on Aug 1st 2007
30. Dear Stephanie,
I have opened a Koran and on plenty occasions. And for the record if you are going to have a discussion with some one, make it one worth having rather than throwing false accusations and making your self seem arrogant as well as ignorant. Now for one, Allah is simply no more the but ARABIC word for God, arabic the language of which the Quran was revealed and written in. The God of Abraham may i state, if you do not believe me, i urge you to do your research and find out that i am of no liar. Number two, Muhammed was a warrior however did not go after the clearly marked "infidels" as you are fascinated by, but by matters of defense from invasion. Don't believe? Wikipedia it if you seem interested. Number three, for one i am offended that you call me blind and suceptible to the mainstream belief of peace in religion. I hate to point fingers, but i believe it is you who is losing sight and falling to the plunging quick sand that mainstream American as well as Western news has presented you. Though the 9/11 conspiracy leaves many many questions unanswered, I urge you to do much research on the London bombings, and surely like myself, you will clearly find it was hoax. A false flag as those in the government would call it, where the government itself creates a commotion to prosper. Now do your research and you will find out all the twists and turns to what happen during the London Bombing. For 9/11, look at Thermite and WTC building 7. Now this strays away from the current topic yes, but think about these events and where we are now? A war in Iraq which was constructed to be linked to 9/11 by none other than the US government. The UK party led by Blair seemed to dramaticlly slipping in the polls prior to the election, however after the bombings, the seats of the Labor party seemed to be so conveniently safe. I will look into providing you a video so you yourself could become aware if you so choose to do.
Aminy at 12:44PM on Aug 1st 2007