‘Men of God and men who kill in God’s name’

Morning Leader Article
Scroll down the web page


‘Men of God and men who kill in God’s name’

I refer to an article penned by Dr. Marina Reffai in your esteemed newspaper a few weeks back regarding the above subject. ‘Jihad’ means a ‘Holy war.’ In the true context it is fighting ‘temptation’ of shaitan (satan) or against anyone desecrating the name of God. The blurbs of the CNN presenter Christian Amanpour outlined how that news channel covered all aspects of world news and not as an insult to any religious belief.

I don’t intend to make this a controversy but explain to the doctor that it is the bounden duty of newscasters to disseminate news as it happens utilising the modern technology available. There is nothing to be sore about when it comes to facing the ‘truth.’ In modern times ‘religious fundamentalism’ has become a weapon of certain terrorist groups viz. al Qaeda, Hamas, LeT, Taliban among many others who are holding the free world hostage with their twisted ideologies. To prove the facts let me outline a few atrocities;

1. The Pope says that jihad violence is against God’s nature — Muslims get insulted

2. Muslim terrorists murder 202 tourists in Bali — expects no criticism.

3. Muslim terrorists murder 292 innocents in US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania — expect no criticism

4. Muslim terrorists murder 241 US and 58 French peacekeepers in Beirut — expects no criticism.

5. Muslim terrorists murder 52 in London and 191 in Madrid — expects no criticism

6. Muslim terrorists behead Western hostages in Iraq and Christian schoolgirls in Indonesia — expects no criticism

7. Muslim extremists force women to wear sacks in Afghanistan, stone to death women for getting raped or leaving home un-escorted, engage in honour killing of sisters and daughters for dating a suitor — and expect no criticism.

8. Muslims danced in the streets and handed out sweets to the children to celebrate the horror of 9/11 and other worldwide terror attacks — and expect no criticism

9. Muslims have carried out over 5,800 fatal terrorist atrocities since 9/11 — and expect no criticism.

What a hue and cry was raised when a Danish cartoonist produced some caricatures. Demonstrations by the Muslim diaspora who, in the first place, had poured into Denmark seeking safety from terrorists in their own countries, demanded an apology.

The Danes quite correctly reciprocated. "We’re sorry we gave you shelter when war drove you from your country, sorry we took you in when other Muslim nations rejected you, sorry we gave you food and shelter when you had none, sorry we let you re –unite with families when your homeland was not safe, sorry we never forced you to work while we paid your bills, sorry we gave you free rent, phone , internet, car and school for your 10 kids, sorry we built mosques so you could worship your religion in our Christian land, sorry we never forced you to learn our language even after living for 30 years."

Due to holy wars and ideological wars Muslims, en masse, have found refuge in many Western countries as refugees and after establishing themselves — thanks to the generosity of those countries — want the hosts to ‘play ball.’

In this respect I will quote John Howard the former prime minister of Australia, a courageous leader: "Immigrants, not Australians, must adapt. Take it or leave it. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Our culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories of millions of men and women who have sought freedom. We speak English, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic Chinese, Japanese, Russian or any other language. Therefore if you wish to become part of our society you have no choice but to learn our language. Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact because Christian men and women, on Christian principles founded this nation and this is clearly documented. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture. We will accept your beliefs. And will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with as. This is our country, our land and our lifestyle and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy this. But once you are finished complaining, whining and griping about our Flag, our pledge, our Christian belief or our way of life, I highly encourage you to take advantage of one other great Australian freedom… the right to leave! If you are not happy here then leave. We didn’t force you to come here. You asked to come here. So accept the country you accepted.

So to those who daily see and hear the atrocities of war due to extreme, religious fundamentalism causing such suffering of innocent people in the world I have outlined the twisted egotistic ideologies of the few individuals who ‘want to rule the world and people’s minds’ through terror tactics.

In closing I wish to recall an incident I witnessed whilst working in the Middle East. It took place during the Iran-Iraq war a few year back. This occurred on an Arab TV channel that was showing pictures of that war.

The irony is that while the war rages on the soldiers in the battlefield kept a continuous barrage of firing on the opposing side while they do likewise. When the muezzin (priest) calls all believers to prayer (which is done five times a day) every man lays down his arms, spreads out his prayer mat and prays. The very moment it is finished they all are back in business — killing each other.

Brian Jansz, Pannipitiya See The Reply to this Article