Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

Alberici and the apologist: Islam on Lateline

By John Perkins - posted Friday, 17 October 2014


We ordained for the Children of Israel ....

This quote is from the Talmud, and applies only to Jews. He also leaves out

…unless it be (as punishment) for murder or for spreading mischief in the land.

Advertisement

So it does not apply to punishment for "spreading mischief" anyway. The Koran goes on to describe the punishment for such things, including hacking the victim's body to pieces:

The punishment of those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger, and strive with might and main for mischief through the land is: execution, or crucifixion, or the cutting off of hands and feet from opposite sides, or exile from the land: that is their disgrace in this world, and a heavy punishment is theirs in the Hereafter; Except for those who repent before they fall into your power: in that case, know that Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. Qur'an5:33-34

Mr Sali said he wanted to represent "genuine and sincere" Muslims, and it was the radicals who were "trying to trash the name of Islam". We can sympathise with him, as the "religion of peace" is a hard sell, and no doubt most Muslims feel that the behaviour of the Islamic State is an embarrassment. But to try to save face by misrepresenting what the Koran actually says, and what authoritative Muslim sources contend, is not a tactic that is ultimately going to succeed. People can see through this deception.

Islamists like Doureihi, who reject democracy and universal human rights, have views that are objectionable, but at least they are trying to be honest. What we really need to do is to progress these discussions, from quibbling about nuances of Islamic beliefs, to a more substantive level, where we can debate issues about the nature of religious beliefs, their desirability, and most critically, their authenticity.

Unless and until we can start to consider the benefits of reason, rationality, and secularism, especially in relation to Islam, we will continue in a downward spiral of disharmony and conflict that will ultimately threaten civilisation itself.

  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. Page 2
  4. All


Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

40 posts so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Dr John L Perkins is an economist at the National Institute of Economic and Industry Research and a founding member of the Secular Party of Australia.

Other articles by this Author

All articles by John Perkins

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Article Tools
Comment 40 comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy