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| Southeast Asia |
| Bashir: "Violence" Is a Infidel Term |
| 2003-10-27 |
| EFL: THE Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins today but it will not automatically halt terrorism in Indonesia, according to convicted Islamic cleric Abu Bakar Bashir. We really didn’t expect it to. Described by many as the spiritual leader of terrorist network Jemaah Islamiah, Bashir explained that "jihad, which is justified by religion, is good". Asked if violence was permitted during Ramadan, Bashir told The Australian that "violence" was a term used by infidels who wanted to destroy Islam. Yup, that’s the first thing on my mind when I wake up; "How am I going to destroy islam today?" Speaking by telephone from Salemba prison in Jakarta, where he is serving a four-year term for subversion, Bashir explained the difference between jihad and violence. "Islam is peaceful, but there is jihad to defend yourself, and the infidels changed the meaning into violence," he said. I see, so it’s a translation problem. Some radical Muslims, such as JI followers, believe Western nations, and particularly the US, directly oppress Muslims in Palestine, Afghanistan and Iraq as well as indirectly oppressing Muslims throughout the developing world. They believe it is justifiable jihad for Muslims to return the attack. I"m not real clear on this whole "indirect oppression" thing. Announcing that Ramadan would start today, Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs Said Aquil al-Munawar said on Saturday that he hoped the holy month would be peaceful. "I also hope the Yankees will win the World Series" Yet, the general secretary of the extremist Islamic Defenders Front, Shobri Lubis, said it was obligatory for the front’s followers to attack entertainment venues that did not close during Ramadan. "If we can’t have fun, ain’t nobody gonna have any!" |
| Posted by:Steve |
| #7 Wow, I used to think that being Christian was hard, what with the direction to love my neighbor, tell the truth, etc. Just IMAGINE how tough it is to be Islamic--after all, he just pointed out that it was "obligatory" to attack movie theaters and other entertainment venues. I'd make a lousy Muslim! |
| Posted by: Flaming Sword 2003-10-27 5:33:41 PM |
| #6 Whenever I try to ponder a point of view, I try to think like that person. In this case, my thoughts made me violently ill. His thoughts might not be compatable with my infidel sensabilities... or it could have been that nasty Tyson chicken I had for lunch. |
| Posted by: Super Hose 2003-10-27 4:52:08 PM |
| #5 Well I, for one, am certainly satisfied with Indo justice: Bashir fought the Law and the Law won. His leadership of JI has clearly been impacted and he no longer subverts or anything. I'll bet the "reporter" had to even ask prison officials for permission to interview him. That's the cruel price exacted from this peaceful soul for planning to kill then-VP Milliwatti. Barbarous! In fact, just a couple of weeks into his sentence and I think we'd all have to agree - the man has learned the error of his ways and already paid a terrible price - imposed by the vengeful Indo Justice System. I say let's go ahead and give them Hamball, as they have requested - but we'll insist that his cellphone use be restricted. No calls during Prayer Time. This |
| Posted by: .com 2003-10-27 1:25:09 PM |
| #4 Yet, the general secretary of the extremist Islamic Defenders Front, Shobri Lubis, said it was obligatory for the front’s followers to attack entertainment venues that did not close during Ramadan. There it is again... Guys, am I wrong for REALLY starting to doubt Islam is a "religion of peace"? |
| Posted by: Robert Crawford 2003-10-27 12:18:01 PM |
| #3 Ok..Steve and Fred do too, but that's a given. |
| Posted by: B 2003-10-27 11:21:59 AM |
| #2 tu...you always make me laugh. Thanks! |
| Posted by: B 2003-10-27 11:19:01 AM |
| #1 This must be the Muslim version of what the meaning of the word "is" is. |
| Posted by: tu3031 2003-10-27 11:02:20 AM |