By Alberto C-M
Ten days following the tenth anniversary of 9/11, the infamous mosque is finally opening. For most of its defenders, this is a sign of reconciliation of the misunderstandings of a specific religion and culture. It seems far from trendy and contemporary to have a disapproving and negative opinion towards the mentioned Mosque. Well, in that case, I’m comfortable and content to be conservative and outdated in this particular matter.
It is probably true that the immense majority of the Islamic World doesn’t approve what happened on that terrible day; the relation to that religious group though, is not only enormous but also inevitable. Those attacks were made under the context of a “Jihad,” commonly know as an Islamic “Holy War.” Scholars of Islamic Studies frequently disapprove this definition; nevertheless, the translation as “struggle” in the idiomatic expression “striving in the way of God (al-jihad fi sabil Allah)” is mostly accepted (as it is shown in several sources, as ordinary as Wikipedia). It has been proven that the perpetrators of those attacks referred to their intentions as part of the “Jihad” and moreover (in a stronger link to the present post’s topic), the Al Farooq Mosque in Brooklyn was used as a basement for meetings and planning for the horrendous massacre.
I’m not pretending to deny to Muslims their right to have a place to worship, and, of course, not blaming them for such crimes, but Ground Zero is the place were many of most of the 9/11 victims’ families go to mourn their beloved who weren’t able to have a proper burial. From my perspective, there is too many negative connotations (either if those connotations are wrong) towards the Islamic world to establish a Mosque in that precise place.
I may sound controversial but from another perspective, would it be bearable for Cambodians to create formation centers in Communism were the Pol Pot massacres took place? I seriously doubt it. But is Communism responsible of the extreme interpretation of its doctrine of some followers? Most would say no, especially many of those who defend the Grand Zero Mosque. But those who defend the innocence of Karl Marx or Islam probably wouldn’t feel appropriate establishing communist academies in the Killing Fields of Cambodia or in the Gulags in Russia.
Tags: 9/11
I agree with Alberto’s views. As an American, I am a strong believer in the American Constitution’s commitment to freedom of religion. I believe that all religious sects in this country should be allowed to practice their beliefs with as little governmental interference as possible. However, this commitment to the free exercise of religion is not absolute. Ground Zero is a place that evokes deep emotions for so many Americans – people who lost loved-ones, neighbors, and friends on that unforgettable day. Muslims should be able to erect a Mosque virtually anywhere in New York City; however, sensitivity to human emotion, respect for those who lost their lives, and respect for those who still grieve those they lost, dictate that they do not erect the mosque next to Ground Zero.
I agree with Alberto’s view as well. It is well understood that America is a place of freedom of religion, and a place where it is acceptable to build mosques, synagogues, and churches. But there is a point where a line must be drawn. As a nation we respect each religion and so each religion should respect America. There must be some level of sensitivity that is given to us, to the people who suffered from the horrific terrorist attack that took place. That being said, building a mosque near the sight of 9/11, is such a blatant disregard for this nation as a whole I cannot support it, no matter how politically incorrect that may be.
Hello there! This post could not be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my good old room mate! He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this page to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Many thanks for sharing!
You talk about compromise Eric and you definitely have a great point, but what ever happened to the Constitution? Islamaphobia is on a rampage here in the United States and I honestly believe that NOT building the mosque NEAR ground zero (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/matt-sledge/just-how-far-is-the-groun_b_660585.html) further fuels that unchecked hatred. Let me explain why. Those vile terrorist attacks that took place on 9/11 were not committed by Muslims. They were committed by evil men who took a holy scripture, twisted it to their means and brainwashed followers. This obviously isn’t uncommon, even throughout history by looking at the acts committed under the guise of Christianity for example.
Now the chain of logic, as it’s constantly argued, is as follows: 9/11 perpetrated by Muslims –> Building Islamic Cultural Center near ground zero = offending the victims. I think my point is clear. If the builders of the center were to acquiesce and move it elsewhere, they’d be admitting that faulty logic. The whole point is that 9/11 was committed by terrorists who HAVE no religion. Islam doesn’t prescribe taking the lives of thousands of innocents no matter the reason. They have a constitutional right to build there, to say otherwise would be abrogating the rights of some citizens arbitrarily which is just flat out wrong.
Just a minor point, correct me if I’m wrong, but unless you’re well versed in the Qur’an and it’s studies I wouldn’t go around trying to posit a definition for something as volatile as the term Jihad. I say this as someone who comes from the Jewish faith and I know I wouldn’t even begin trying to interpret anything in the Torah much less any other religion’s holy scriptures because I simply don’t have the requisite knowledge or experience. To do otherwise is foolish.