The heinous despicable crime of mass murder in France is to be condemned in the strongest terms, but mere condemnation is not enough for us to overcome the scourge of terror on our societies. Let us be clear about it once and for all, there is no such thing as Islamic terrorism, just as much as that there is no such thing as Catholic fascism nor Christian Nazism. Terrorism has no religion. It is committed by disgruntled crazed individuals who invoke twisted versions of faith to justify their crimes and violence. There are however reasons that drive sentiments of extremism and there are twisted versions of faith that provide the malicious justification of violent extremism. These are the problems we need to focus on if we are serious about weeding out the vile of terrorism and violent extremism from our societies. Minority communities and especially Muslim communities in the West must embrace their national identity and feel at home both spiritually and physically. France is home to millions of Muslims who breathe red, white and blue and who sing every day vive la France. Their love of one’s country and their passionate embrace of a Godly faith of peace, liberty, justice and righteousness are the very basis for their contributions to the greatness and well-being of their beloved country. At the same time, we must deal with Islamophobia as a heinous version of racism that is as destructive to our societies as is the violent expression of its recipients. Societal values enshrined in France’s founding principles must be protected at all times, but their protection necessitates that we protect against the very antithetical actions that strip them of meaning and purpose. Freedom of expression does not mean the use of that Godly given right to denigrate the very faith that a people hold so dear to them. Restricting the behavior of vile and racism is the very prescription for a healthy exercise of free speech and the vibrancy of the freedom of expression. Allowing racism and Islamophobia to fester, breeds the contempt and discontent born out of social circumstance and discord that lead to the deadly mix of extremism and violence known as terrorism. Those who perpetrated these horrific crimes were robbed twice from meaning in their lives. They were robbed from an understanding that they belong in their home and that their faith is respected and tolerated. They were also robbed from an understanding that their faith is one of humanity and mercy. That, it is a faith that is divine and Godly necessitating the embrace of the humanity of others and the love of the children of God, respecting their Godly given rights of freedom and life for all. That, the very prophet they claim to avenge, is the Prophet PBUH sent as an all-encompassing mercy to mankind. France , a bastion of egalitarian values and principles, must remain true to the brilliance and radiance of these principles if It is to overcome the pain and challenge that these violent events bring forth. Resorting to fear and reactionary posturing will plunge its fragile mourning state to a more polarized and angry societal forces and will lead to worsening social discord. Invoking its high values and overcoming its pain, on the other hand, by coming together and embracing ALL of its people, while addressing these challenges, will heal its wounds and deliver France stronger and more able to remain united and strong.
Posted on: Thu, 08 Jan 2015 05:06:43 +0000
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