In writing about entertaining activities and off-beat news items, I often neglect serious activities that occur in the world. While sober ongoings in the world probably have a much larger affect on our lives, comical stories just seem to be easier to discuss. After all, we have our own daily issues to get through - we don't need anything else to damper our spirits.
Nonetheless, I recently read a couple of articles that really got me thinking about one of the controversial topics in society today. The Globe and Mail published an article describing a meeting that the Canadian Prime Minister, Paul Martin, held with 19 Muslim imams on Thursday, July 28th, 2005. This meeting was organized for Muslim leaders to commend the Canadian leadership for staying out of Iraq, and condemn the terrorist activities that have taken place by Muslim extremists. Although long overdue, statements from this meeting could be significant in helping the wider Canadian population understand the position of peaceful Muslims everywhere. Great steps, right? Yes, until I read the very next article...
On the same day that G&M published the above article, they also published an article describing the clashes taking place between the various Muslim organizations within Canada. Personally, I do not have an issue with some organizations disagreeing with the beliefs of other organizations. This is a part of life and, in my humble opinion, everyone has a right to their own beliefs as long as they do not infringe on the beliefs and practices of others. What I did find disappointing was the public mudslinging that took place between the leaders of these organizations. At a time when it would be advantageous to come together and, in a united voice, prohibit the cold-blooded murder of innocent civilians, some organizations decided it was more important to try and prove that their organization is more righteous than the others. While each of them did condemn terrorism (to their credit), a perception of division was also brought to the forefront.
I do not pretend to know much about politics, nor do I judge which religious organization is flawless and which has its faults. Being a Muslim though, and a part of the visible minority group that is increasingly being targeted based on looks and suspicions rather than proof, it sure would have been nice to hear the imams make a united statement rather than a divided one. On a day when the Muslim community at large took a strong step forward in announcing that they disagree with the extremists' beliefs, I hope we didn't take another step back.
Until next time, Saif's out!
Nonetheless, I recently read a couple of articles that really got me thinking about one of the controversial topics in society today. The Globe and Mail published an article describing a meeting that the Canadian Prime Minister, Paul Martin, held with 19 Muslim imams on Thursday, July 28th, 2005. This meeting was organized for Muslim leaders to commend the Canadian leadership for staying out of Iraq, and condemn the terrorist activities that have taken place by Muslim extremists. Although long overdue, statements from this meeting could be significant in helping the wider Canadian population understand the position of peaceful Muslims everywhere. Great steps, right? Yes, until I read the very next article...
On the same day that G&M published the above article, they also published an article describing the clashes taking place between the various Muslim organizations within Canada. Personally, I do not have an issue with some organizations disagreeing with the beliefs of other organizations. This is a part of life and, in my humble opinion, everyone has a right to their own beliefs as long as they do not infringe on the beliefs and practices of others. What I did find disappointing was the public mudslinging that took place between the leaders of these organizations. At a time when it would be advantageous to come together and, in a united voice, prohibit the cold-blooded murder of innocent civilians, some organizations decided it was more important to try and prove that their organization is more righteous than the others. While each of them did condemn terrorism (to their credit), a perception of division was also brought to the forefront.
I do not pretend to know much about politics, nor do I judge which religious organization is flawless and which has its faults. Being a Muslim though, and a part of the visible minority group that is increasingly being targeted based on looks and suspicions rather than proof, it sure would have been nice to hear the imams make a united statement rather than a divided one. On a day when the Muslim community at large took a strong step forward in announcing that they disagree with the extremists' beliefs, I hope we didn't take another step back.
Until next time, Saif's out!
Comments
At the end of the day, it's all a big photo op. for Paul Martin. Hopefully this engages other Muslims, either of a minority sect or not, to take an active role in discouraging these negative sentiments.