Regular readers of this blog will know that I take a highly critical view of the beliefs, philosophy and culture of Islam. I also take the view that Islam like any other religious or political movement is not immune to criticism, especially when much Islamic cultural practice and belief goes against our own Western values. This critical view of Islam the philosophy does not however extend to the hatred of innocent individuals or genuine Islamic reformers (see Playing the Ball and not the Man) and there are also those of Islamic heritage or faith whose views I can respect.

One such person is the writer Ghaffar Hussain, who is a contributing editor to The Commentator site.

In his current article for The Commentator Mr Hussain said:

“In this age of riots, murders, and embassy lynchings over YouTube videos, teddy bears, and cartoons, it is worth highlighting the politicised, selective, and hypocritical nature of such Islamist-inspired fury. There are many things that should offend those who are seemingly shocked by benign and ignorable mockery of religion. These include:

– The systematic destruction of Islam’s heritage in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Since the Saudi royal family conquered the Hijaz region, mausoleums, mosques, grave yards, and other significant buildings connected to the history of Islam and the Prophet Muhammad and his companions have been bulldozed to make way for motorways, shopping centres and five star hotels.

– The fact that the Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) in Pakistan continue to blow up girls’ schools and violently attack young teenage girls for wanting to attend them.

– The systematic persecution of Ahmedis, Shias, Christians, Hindus, and other minorities in Pakistan who, if not being accused of blasphemy, are being hunted down by thugs claiming to be inspired by Islam.

– The destruction and vandalism visited upon the ancient city of Timbukto. Since the al-Qaeda affiliated Ansar al Dine took over the city, mosques have been attacked, mausoleums raided, and other holy sites destroyed, including tombs of great saints. 

– The systematic and widespread practise of female genital mutilation (FGM) that Muslim clerics in North and East Africa defend and promote. A practise that is vile, disgusting, inhumane, and recognised as such around the world.

– The hysterical anti-Semitism that emanates from pulpits all over the Middle East. A form of bigotry that is largely accepted and rarely goes challenged.

– The destruction of Buddist temples and Christian churches in Indonesia that has increased since Islamist parties have begun to make gains in South East Asia.

– The destruction of the Bamiyan statues in Afghanistan by the Taliban, statues that stood for hundreds of years and held great significance for Buddhists around the world.

These are the grievances that should inspire protests and anger but alas they are ignored in favour of ones that can be attributed to the evil West and Israel, however fictitious and spurious the linkages.

The selective nature of the outrage thus points”

Mr Hussain continued and lambasted the ‘grievance and victim-hood culture’ of Islam, and added:

“Gravitation towards a grievance and victim-hood culture is the easy option because it doesn’t compel Muslims to ask the difficult questions such as why we preside over some of the most corrupt, unequal, sexist, dysfunctional, and authoritarian societies on earth.”

Read more at:   http://www.thecommentator.com/article/1888/what_muslims_should_actually_be_angry_about

Mr Hussain is correct in his interpretation that the greatest number victims of Islam are to be found amongst the Islamic people. It is mostly individual Muslims who are imprisoned by Islam.

Links

Destruction of historic sites in Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Daily Telegraph article

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/willheaven/100150573/the-saudis-have-spoiled-mecca-but-the-british-museum-doesnt-want-you-to-know/

New Yorker article on destruction of historic sites by Saudi government.

http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2012/04/16/120416fa_fact_peer