New world order not so new

Sometimes there are difficulties with the occasional negative stereotyping of Islam and Muslims in the media in Australia. This is not easy to avoid since our society is characterised by freedom of speech and a right to dissent. But blame for this state of affairs, however, should not be just levelled at the media. Muslims themselves should also take part of the blame.

One problem is that Muslims speak with many voices. Often their spokespeople are not able to articulate the issues in a way the ordinary Australian would be able to understand and appreciate. Those who can articulate issues are often inclined to support the global Islamic jihad and the creation of Khalifat - a marginal view, espoused by a small minority. Also, many Muslim community leaders are rarely theologically trained.

It is worth mentioning here that usually the most radical Islamist ideologues come from a science-based background (for example, doctors, engineers and so on) while the blame for this radicalism is levelled, often incorrectly, at the traditional Ulama (Muslim scholars).

There are also deep sectarian divisions within Islam itself. This is also reflected here in Australia, not only the divide between the majority Sunni community and the Shia minority, but also between the so-called jihadis - (those who support the global Islamic armed struggle against the West) and the ijtihadis (those who favour the rational and moderate approach including Muslim integration into western culture).

As Dr. Zia Rizvi, an Ambassador for Peace and spokesman for the First World Assembly of the Universal Peace Federation gathering in Seoul, Korea said:

We are convinced that it is important for the media to promote respect for all religions, their founders and their sacred teachings at all times. We are convinced that the inter-religious understanding and cooperation is a central prerequisite for durable peace. Any actions that promote disrespect, exaggerate misconceptions, or further prejudice, bigotry and misunderstanding of any religion are regressive and undermine the work for peace so dearly won by many. Universal Peace Federation (IIFWP)