[ April 22, 2024 ]
I am happy to announce a new feature: Robert Spencer's popular column, called Jihad Watch like his weblog (which is also essential daily reading), has run weekly for nearly ten years elsewhere and been widely acclaimed. Now it is exclusively here at Atlas. Here's the first, "Why Can’t Non-Muslims Criticize Islam?":
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has long been embarked upon an all-out campaign to compel America and Europe to criminalize criticism of Islam, under the guise of criminalizing “defamation of religions.” Meanwhile, Muslim Brotherhood-linked groups in the United States work energetically to demonize and marginalize any and all who speak out effectively about the threat of jihad and Islamic supremacism. Given the restrictions in Islamic law on non-Muslims saying anything “impermissible” about Islam or Muhammad, these campaigns are no surprise; what is surprising, however, is the extent to which all too many anti-jihadists have capitulated to them and imbibed their premises.
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Islamic groups have insisted since 9/11 that only a tiny minority of extremists who misunderstand the peaceful teachings of Islam are responsible for the jihad attacks that occur with numbing frequency around the world – as of this writing, there have been 18,560 such attacks since that terrible day. Yet despite its daily discomfirmations, the claim that Islam is a religion of peace and that only “Islamophobes” think otherwise has gained remarkable traction. Evidence that core texts and teachings of Islam support and justify violence against and the subjugation of unbelievers, as illuminating as this fact is of jihadists’ motives and goals, has been brushed aside even at the highest levels of our government and law enforcement agencies. The ideas that Islam is peace and that the vast majority of Muslims oppose any violence committed in its name are essential requirements for admittance into the mainstream of public discourse.
Yet one inconvenient fact explodes this iron and unquestionable dogma: in all the years since 9/11, no Muslim group of any significant size or influence has arisen that opposes not just vaguely defined “terrorism,” but the jihad undertaken by whatever means in order to advance the rule of Islamic law and the subjugation of unbelievers. The conspicuous absence of such a group has led both the government and the mainstream media to embark upon an avid and ongoing search for “moderate Muslims,” which has led to numerous embarrassing moments (or moments that would have been embarrassing if the mainstream media were ever held to any kind of accountability): the New York Times fulsomely praised Anwar al-Awlaki as a moderate reformer, and Janet Napolitano appointed Mohamed Elibiary, a man who once spoke at a conference devoted to praise of the Ayatollah Khomeini, and who has now been accused of leaking classified documents to the media, to a Homeland Security Advisory Panel.
These are far from being isolated incidents. In fact, Islamic supremacist pseudo-moderates so frequently fool non-Muslim officials and reporters (who are, after all, desperate to believe their soothing falsehoods) that to catalogue all such incidents would produce a tome the size of the Encylopedia Britannica. But the ranks of the fooled and foolish don’t just include dhimmi Leftists; many among the anti-jihad Right also demonstrate in numerous ways that they have unwittingly accepted some of the Islamic supremacists’ core claims.
Islamic law forbids non-Muslims to criticize Islam, and Islamic supremacists routinely accuse Americans who dare to speak out against the jihad and Islamic supremacism of “racism.” Anti-jihadists deny the label, and yet tacitly endorse it when they take pains to feature “anti-Islamist” Muslims and even non-Muslim Arabs at rallies and conferences, and to laud their work beyond all proportion to its effectiveness in actually bringing about change within the Muslim community.
And so several years ago, an organization called the Free Muslims Against Terrorism held a massively publicized rally against terrorism, and drew no more than two dozen Muslims. More recently, last week another massively publicized rally of Muslims in support of NYPD anti-terror measures drew 36. The enthusiasm greeting both of these sparsely attended rallies was out of all proportion to their actual significance. The unspoken and unexamined assumption behind this eagerness to call attention to “moderate Muslims,” despite their obviously non-representative character in the Muslim community, shows how deeply the “racism” charge has penetrated the anti-jihadist mindset: even opponents of jihad and Islamic supremacism apparently believe that their efforts are not fully legitimate unless Muslims are joining in them.
But why can’t non-Muslims criticize Islam on their own, without Muslims or Arabs to validate their efforts? The human rights violations embedded within Islamic law are obvious to any objective observer. Any individual who cares for human rights has the right and, indeed, the responsibility to speak out and oppose them. It is good that there are “anti-Islamist” Muslims, insofar as they are sincere, but anti-jihadists who exaggerate their importance, influence, and Islamic authenticity not only delude themselves and mislead others; they also show that they have unconsciously adopted the dhimmi status that Islamic supremacists so devoutly hope to impose on them – at least in regard to the legitimacy of their own critique of Islam and jihad.
Non-Muslims standing for human rights against Sharia do not need Muslims to stand with them to give their efforts legitimacy. Muslims should be invited to join, and exhorted to renounce sincerely the violence, hatred and supremacism embedded within Islamic texts and teachings. However, the refusal of most to do so should not become the occasion for self-delusion about the few who do, or willful blindness about the nature and magnitude of the jihad threat.
Robert Spencer is the director of Jihad Watch, associate director of AFDI/SIOA, and author of the New York Times bestsellers The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam (and the Crusades) and The Truth About Muhammad.
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19 Comments
12 years ago
Geller/Spencer 2016!
12 years ago
the closer we get to elections shouldn’t there be a site w/ candidates stand on sharia and jihad? a list of who’s bought into the PC glossing over and who has their eye open?
12 years ago
Pamela, I don’t know what is going on, but every time I opened atlas this morning, I got an annoying sound track, something like The View or a game show. It started 5-20 seconds after opening and so I closed atlas, re-opened, and got it again. I did this five times.
Also it was not easy to get the page to hold still so I could comment on this particular article to tell you that this was happening.
This is the only site where this has happened recently.
Just so you know, in case something is happening.
12 years ago
@ Alice: It happened to me to. Here’s the problem. For some reason, when you open the Atlas Shrugs main page the video clip, far below the header, which features Soledad O’Brien, begins to play.
If you scroll down until you see the video in motion you can turn the video off, but it will re-start every time you open the main page.
Keith Mahone (aka Charles Martel)
12 years ago
This is great! I don’t always have time to look at all blogs I want to!
12 years ago
Nice article. And so true.
Still good though, IMO, to encourage Moslems who have anti-jihad sentiments to be included.
Other than that, criticism of ANYTHING by ANYBODY is one of the foundations of freedom, and it doesn’t matter who is doing the critique. I found the same problems critiquing the gay community who refuses to publicly denounce the pedophiles and virulently anti-heterosexuals in their ranks. Also, no discussion of the effect of same-sex partners on child development issues. Anyone who brings any of this up is considered a “homophobe.” Nonsense. We make each other better by examining our lives and holding people to account for actions that harm others.
In the case of Islam, they have seen how effective this “SHUT DOWN” on free speech and opinion has been regarding, specifically, the homosexual community and the black community, and they are simply borrowing it and building their own case to suit their political aims. If they can succeed in categorizing the Moslem community as a class entity, and a victim class entity, then they can silence the majority who has questions and critique about what’s going on. The end result is cultural change. A fundamental change wherein those who ask questions or offer criticism are ostracized as not being the best humans–instead they will be shunned and silenced as racists or “________ -phobes” of whatever it is.
Particularly dangerous regarding Islam, which is primarily a military or para-military organization spanning countries and continents, and which has an end goal of world domination, no less.
Not to overuse an analogy, but it “wasn’t allowed” to criticize Hitler or Stalin’s regimes, and you can probably think of half a dozen others, such as Iran and Iraq in present times, because the goal of those regimes was ultimate control of the citizenry. Joe the plumber also comes to mind . . .
So I say–shout it out. Be relentless. Develop files. Review them. Be prepared to talk and discuss this at a moment’s notice.
One more thing: I think it might be good to continue to float the claim that the jihadists don’t represent the Moslem community at large. The reason is that there ARE Moslems don’t, but are afraid to say so. They need to know that we know. This provides the basis for exiting Islam for both men and especially women who are suffering. If it becomes an “all or nothing” game, then those who aren’t religious will side with “their team” because they have nowhere else to go. We have to keep the portal clear.
I know that’s not what Robert is saying, but it’s a side issue that is important. If you are born into a Moslem family, you have little recourse. Those who wish to leave MUST know we believe in them. Even if they stay Moslem (practicing Islam their way), it’s better if we allow them the space to develop their own directions, AWAY from the (standard) crazies.
In Denver, CO, a large mosque community was very saddened to learn that a couple of their members were jihadiis. The imam said that the Moslem community needs to look to itself and figure out why their young men are going that way. Everyone was shocked because they felt “persecuted” before from Americans who, as they reported, see them as a threat. They then had to turn to self-examination of their community and how all this works.
If the Moslems follow better people, like the imam I mentioned above, then things will improve, and the jihadists will not be supported. Probably impossible, but still worth maintaining a hope.
As an example: here:
http://www.un.org/en/africarenewal/vol17no1/171wm1.htm
and here: http://www.wluml.org/news/west-africa-mauritanian-muslim-imams-initiate-rare-ban-female-circumcision
“Many campaigners back an approach which involves human rights, education, community development, health care and leaves the decision to the communities themselves.
A Save the Children-backed campaign run by the Mali Centre Djoliba based on this approach has seen 40 villages abandon female circumcision and set up community groups to oversee the implementation of the decision in a country where over 80 percent of the women have experienced FGM.”
In Senegal, 4,121 villages have abandoned FGM
http://www.orchidproject.org/stop-press-new-regional-fatwa-against-female-genital-cutting-issued-in-west-africa-by-islamic-scholars/
Here is a group, barely venturing out of their comfort zone, and declaring that FGM is against their laws. (see list of participants). If they can do that, then perhaps after time, they can receive more enlightenment.
“Considering all this, the form of FGM/C known and practiced in Mauritania and Islamic countries being the same is not justified and it is prohibited by Sharia. It is Allah who knows all!
Nouakchott, September 14, 2011”
On behalf of the participants, the drafting committee:
– The Scholar Hamden Ould Tah: Mauritania
– Dr. Abdallah Al Nejjar: Egypt
– Dr. Youssouf Al Kewda: Sudan
– Cheikh Ousmane Sow: Senegal
– Dr. Ali Limam: Niger
– Professor Sidi Mohamed Ould Chawaf: Mauritania
– Professor Mohamed Abdallahi Ould Al Moustaphe: Mauritania
– Professor Baba Ould Maata: Mauritania
– Rapporteur Dr. Cheikh Ould zeine Ould Limam: Mauritania
Participants: Ulemas from Visiting Countries
1. Dr. Mohamed Wissam Abbas: Egypt
2. Dr. Abdallah Al Nejjar: Egypt
3. Dr. Youssouf Al Koda: Sudan
4. Faghiha Ahlam Elhassan: Sudan
5. Mahaman Bachir El Oumarou: Niger
6. Cheikh Ali Limane: Niger
7. Cheikh Souleymane Konfe: Burkina Faso
8. Mme Assita Toure Boro: Burkina Faso
9. Cheikh Imam Mangue Sylla: Guinea Conakry
10. Cheikh Imam Ibrahima Camara: Guinea Conakry
11. Dr. Aboubacar Abdullah Senghore: The Gambia
12. Imam Khalifa Diammeh: The Gambia
13. Cheikh Mahamadou Traoré: Mali
14. Cheikh Mahamadou Diallo: Mali
15. Imam Malam Djassi: Guinea Bissau
16. Imam Tcherno Embalo: Guinea Bissau
17. Imam Mouhamed Cherif Diop: Senegal
18. Imam Ousmane Sow: Senegal
The Ulemas of Mauritania
1. Hamden Ould Tah
2. Mohameden Ould Mahmouden
3. Aboubecrine Ould Ahmed
4. Lemrabott Ould Mohamed Lemine
5. Faqih Sidi Mohamed Ould Chewaf
6. Faqih Mohamed Abdallahi Ould Al Moustaphe
7. Dr. Cheikh Ould Zein Ould Limam
8. Imam Haddemine Ould Salek
9. Imam Cheikh Ould Cheikh Ahmed
10. Imam Abdel Wehab Ould Mohamed Lemine
11. Imam Mohamed Ould Biye
12. Imam Mohamed Abderrahmane Ould Zoueine
13. Imam Ball Mohamed El Bechir
14. Imam Mohamed Lemine Ould Oumehoud
15. Baba Ould Maata
16. Abbass Diabi
17. Boun Oumar Ly
18. El kory salem Ould Moctar El Haj
19. Abdallahi Cissé
20. Mohamed Ghally Ould Mahmoud
21. Mohamed Lemine Ould Brahim
22. Mohamedou Salem Oumar Sghair
23. Saad Bouh Ould Hamahoullah
24. Aw Amadou Aliou
25. Sid Brahim Ould Baba Ahmed
26. Tah Ould Mamoune
27. Mohamed Ali Ould Al Boukhari
28. Faqih Sidi Mohamed Ould Cheikh Hamadi
29. Mohamed Abdallahi Ould Al Housseine
30. Khadil Ould Abderrahmane
31. El Hacen Ould Moulaye Ely
32. Moulaye Idriss Ould Eddewla
33. Cheikh Sid Ahmed Ould Sidi
34. Cheikh Sid El Mahjoub
12 years ago
My point in listing all these names, is that these men put their name to paper and have taken a stand together to stop the horrible and abusive practice of FGM. They have made a decision toward a pro-social stance. They are protecting their children and their communities.
So . . . if they can begin protecting their own people from harm, based on Islam as they see it, then perhaps they can see other things promoted by jihadist Islam differently. In other words, they can begin to formulate their OWN understandings of Islam and direct it in a better course.
I have no delusions about the actual texts, or about the history and personages of Islam, it’s just that if change can happen within Islam, there is a better chance of good things happening all over the world. If better people assume a greater role in leadership, then they can steer the bad actors away, or at least offer a competing view of “this is Islam.”
In the case of ending FGM, above, it was stated that the text had been misapplied and interpreted incorrectly and ON THAT BASIS . . . etc.
If the reform movement comes from within, the bad people will lose power. It CAN happen. But it WON’T happen if we are silent.
12 years ago
I have said this before and it deserves repeating.
The Republicans are missing the obvious choices for President and Vice Presidential candidates.
Pamela Geller for President and Robert Spencer for VP.
If an ex actor like Ronald Reagan can make such a big difference to the world, imagine what these two could accomplish.
12 years ago
CRITICISM OF ISLAM: THE CRIME OF SUPPLANTING GOD
As Islam equates with God’s absolute and final word of truth for all mankind it is absolutely inerrant and above question and human criticism. Non-Moslems who criticize Islam are ignoramuses blind to the truth and deserving of death for their impudence. Moslems who criticize Islam are blaspheming heretics deserving of a thousand deaths for their crime-they’re the enemy within who should know better thus making them more dangerous than critical infidels. In a word, only God can be critical of Islam; and those who do it are deserving of death for trying to supplant God.
12 years ago
Tightening from “defamation” (old Resolution 2005/3)
… to now “incitement” (new Resolution 16/18, 2011/03)
http://newstime.co.nz/human-rights-resolution-criminalisation-of-criticism-of-islam.html
(video) Clinton wants to “build bridges” to HELL (OIC, Islam) and is just betraying the American people
12 years ago
Here’s a great article that criticised Islam objectively:
http://ishamerdeka.blogspot.com/2012/01/difference-between-bible-and-quran.html
&
http://ishamerdeka.blogspot.com/2012/01/dr-gary-miller-abdul-ahad-omar.html
12 years ago
o/t
Sick, but they’re so good at it! Using a picture of a dead child from 6 years ago!
Anti-Israel tweeters post fake photo of Gaza wounded
http://www.thejc.com/news/israel-news/64981/anti-israel-tweeters-post-fake-photo-gaza-wounded
12 years ago
This is a great article, clear and concise, as usual, from Mr Spencer.
May i copy this to selected political people here in the UK please?
One year ago, i was threatened with arrest, and at a later meeting where a statement
was taken from me, the revocation of my shotgun licence, should i be accused and
prosecuted for speaking out against Islam in a way muslims or the British police find or believe to be defamatory insulting or likly to “cause offence”.
The west owes Mr Spencer a debt more than it can ever repay.
My crime? I printed copies of news from Hudson New York and news reports taken from
UK newspapers regarding what the effect of multiculturalism is on the UK in general
and young white girls in particular. We in the UK have a vote, but no one listens.
12 years ago
Now we see in the UK and France what the end of this PC non-freedom of speech leads. Look at what happened to Geert Wilders. Whoever says their OFFENDED essentially “wins”?
This is such a terrifying development in the civilized world, because it prevents the chance at the arrival at TRUTH. IF you insist on appeasing barbarians, especially Islamic barbarians, you WILL eventually be ruled by them.
And as to fern, they do this all the time–fake photos, killing their own to photograph and blame the West/Israel.
The Left is playing the “incitement” card because it can be argued that it’s Constitutional. Hillary really is the dark underbelly of the O-beast.
12 years ago
“The post was spotted by Israeli Twitter user Avi Mayer, and it has since been determined that the image was a Reuters photograph taken in the aftermath of a fatal accident in 2006.”
from the link above . . .
12 years ago
http://schnellmann.org/http___www.homa.org_mohammad-the-pedophile.pdf
This is a terrific compilation for your files.
———
Spencer said:
“Non-Muslims standing for human rights against Sharia do not need Muslims to stand with them to give their efforts legitimacy. Muslims should be invited to join, and exhorted to renounce sincerely the violence, hatred and supremacism embedded within Islamic texts and teachings. However, the refusal of most to do so should not become the occasion for self-delusion about the few who do, or willful blindness about the nature and magnitude of the jihad threat.”
BRILLIANT!!!
Thanks so much to Geller and Spencer. You are doing what more need to do.
12 years ago
Excellent piece — but why is it here, rather than at Human Events? Did the latter drop Mr. Spencer? I do hope not.
12 years ago
Oh but we CAN criticize Islam. And we DO. And we WILL, no matter who stands with us or who disagrees. The TRUTH doesn’t depend on belief or on a majority. The TRUTH stands alone.
Ephesians 6:11-12 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
12 years ago
While I stand with gma, I am extremely pleased to see Mr. Spencer’s article displayed here but would prefer to have it in multiple venues for maximum exposure.
Since this venue is not on news print, html works. I am convinced that arcane citations such as that to impermissible mentions should be linked to source. I doubt that very many readers know that the cite is to Reliance O11.10 which can be viewed here:
http://www.islamicbulletin.com/free_downloads/resources/reliance_complete.pdf#page=627
I hope that future articles of this sort will include active links or footnotes naming the source texts.
