When Islamic Radicals Turn Moderate

[Sally]

If only more Islamic radicals underwent a transformation like this man did.


When Islamic Radicals Turn Moderate
JANUARY 13, 2015 2:27 PM ET



DEBORAH AMOS
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Mansour al-Nogaidan was a radical Islamist in the 1990s who was jailed in Saudi Arabia. He abandoned his extreme beliefs and is now a moderate who advises governments on how to prevent and reverse radicalization.

Courtesy of Mansour al-Nogaidan

After last week's Paris shootings that targeted an irreverent political magazine and Jews in a kosher grocery store, there's been a flood of stories about the dangers of Muslim radicalization and how it happens.

What about people who go the other way, from extremist to moderate? These people exist; the U-turn happens.

When I meet Mansour al-Nogaidan at the Al Mesbar Research and Studies Center in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, he starts off by telling a story about his young son.

Continue reading at:

When Islamic Radicals Turn Moderate Parallels NPR?

 

[Porker]

I just can't trust anyone who wears a pasta drainer on his head.

 

[Sunni Man]

Oh my.......

 

[RoccoR]

Sally, et al,

I read this article, yet come away with no better understanding then I had before I started reading. And that is somewhat strange, in that (ostensibly) I like the direction the article takes and the development of a "reverse radicalization" of Jihadists.

To me --- I'm not sure that I can define what a "radicalized" person is; like pornography --- I know it when I see it. So I'm not sure what the "reverse radicalization" of Jihadists would be. Is some cured of radicalism? Or is "reverse radicalization" like radicalism that has gone into remission? --- Laying dormant until something triggers it again.

If only more Islamic radicals underwent a transformation like this man did.

Continue reading at:

When Islamic Radicals Turn Moderate Parallels NPR?

(COMMENT)

Like so many things I found with Arab, Islamist, and the Jihahdi, the more I learn --- the less I understand. There is a struggle within people of faith in Islam. It is so confusing that even when I talk directly to an Arab (particularly Palestinians) the reasoning behind the struggle (either the religious struggle: Sunni 'vs' Shi'ite --- the Muslim "vs" non-Muslim --- the political Arab "vs" non-Arab --- or --- the struggle for independent Caliphate "vs" Democratic Republics --- the economic materialism: excessively concerned with material possessions; money-oriented "vs" the practical justice and equity for the people) it all becomes blurred and ill defined. As with most discussions with Arabs or regional Muslims about what the goal and objective are --- and the set of requirements necessary to achieve those goals and objectives ---- and you soon realize that their action are incompatible with the attainment of their objective. The discussion explodes into a universe of diatribes --- attacks against someone, something, some consequence, or some belief --- historical, religious or political --- but seldom about the development and advancement for the people --- what is best for the people.

Most Respectfully,
R

 

[Sally]

Sally, et al,

I read this article, yet come away with no better understanding then I had before I started reading. And that is somewhat strange, in that (ostensibly) I like the direction the article takes and the development of a "reverse radicalization" of Jihadists.

To me --- I'm not sure that I can define what a "radicalized" person is; like pornography --- I know it when I see it. So I'm not sure what the "reverse radicalization" of Jihadists would be. Is some cured of radicalism? Or is "reverse radicalization" like radicalism that has gone into remission? --- Laying dormant until something triggers it again.

If only more Islamic radicals underwent a transformation like this man did.

Continue reading at:

When Islamic Radicals Turn Moderate Parallels NPR?

(COMMENT)

Like so many things I found with Arab, Islamist, and the Jihahdi, the more I learn --- the less I understand. There is a struggle within people of faith in Islam. It is so confusing that even when I talk directly to an Arab (particularly Palestinians) the reasoning behind the struggle (either the religious struggle: Sunni 'vs' Shi'ite --- the Muslim "vs" non-Muslim --- the political Arab "vs" non-Arab --- or --- the struggle for independent Caliphate "vs" Democratic Republics --- the economic materialism: excessively concerned with material possessions; money-oriented "vs" the practical justice and equity for the people) it all becomes blurred and ill defined. As with most discussions with Arabs or regional Muslims about what the goal and objective are --- and the set of requirements necessary to achieve those goals and objectives ---- and you soon realize that their action are incompatible with the attainment of their objective. The discussion explodes into a universe of diatribes --- attacks against someone, something, some consequence, or some belief --- historical, religious or political --- but seldom about the development and advancement for the people --- what is best for the people.

Most Respectfully,
R

Rocco, maybe some radicals do see the light and realize it is wrong to be an extremist. I consider a moderate Muslim as one who can practice his religion in a peaceful way and also be tolerant of other religions. As an example, my granddaughter had a Pakistani Muslim friend in high school. The girl's parents allowed her to have parties in their home, and had no problem with whom the girl invited, even if it meant that Israeli Jerwish kids were coming into their home. Another example is when a Muslim Egyptian man teamed up with a Yemini Jew as real estate partners. Even when interviewed, a Muslim friend of the employee of the Kosher market (he himself was an ex employee there) who saved those Jews told how the young Jewish guy who was murdered was like a brother to him regardless of their different religions. Granted that there are probably loads of Muslims who could never become moderate as much as we wish they would, there are some who apparently are.

 

[aris2chat]

Muslims Shouldn't Pray to Defeat Non-Muslims :: Middle East Forum
meforum.org/4974/muslims-shouldnt-pray-to-defeat-non-muslims
Muslims Shouldn't Pray to Defeat Non-Muslims
by Tarek Fatah
The Toronto Sun
January 13, 2015

Muslims Shouldn t Pray to Defeat Non-Muslims Middle East Forum

One of the reasons I avoid attending Friday congregations at mosques is a specific ritual supplication uttered by Imams at many mosques in Canada and around the world, just prior to our formal Friday community prayer, the Juma'a.

In the supplication, the cleric prays to Allah for, among other things, to grant "Muslims victory over the 'Qawm al-Kafiroon,'" the Arabic phrase that lumps all non-Muslims — Jews, Hindus, Christians, Atheists, Buddhists and Sikhs — into one derogatory category, the "Kuffar", or non-Muslims.

This supplication is not obligatory. Not uttering this prayer would in no way adversely affect the holiness or solemnness of the collective community prayer.

I have long argued with my orthodox and conservative Muslim friends and family that at least when living among non-Muslims, we should avoid praying for their defeat at the hands of Muslims.

They agree, but it comes down to the challenge: Who will bell the cat?

Last Friday, the world was still in shock over the Charlie Hebdo massacre when news came that another jihadi terrorist had killed French Jews inside a kosher grocery store in Paris.

Enough, I said. I decided to ask friends to take the challenge to a local mosque and stand silently with "I am Charlie Hebdo" placards.

I wanted to encourage Muslims entering the mosque to join those Muslims who renounce jihad, denounce Islamist terror and stand by the right of free expression, even of people who insult our Prophet.

Only a handful responded to my call. Most of my comrades from our life-long struggle against Islamism were terrified and bailed out at the last minute. Only the president of the Muslim Canadian Congress, writer Munir Pervaiz, and two Kurdish exiles, Keyvan Soltany and Hadi Elis, braved the snow to stand beside me.

Far from condemning the acts of terror, the cleric thundered that Islam "will become established in the land, over all other religions."

Inside the mosque, I was hoping that in wake of the Charlie Hebdo massacre, the cleric would have the good sense not to speak about non-Muslims as adversaries or enemies, but my hopes were dashed.

Far from condemning the acts of terror, the cleric, speaking in English, thundered that Islam "will become established in the land, over all other religions, although the 'Disbelievers' (Jews, Christians, Hindus and Atheists) hate that."

I could not believe my ears. There was no indignation expressed at the taking of Jews as hostages by a French jihadi that morning.

The imam did ask us Muslims that in reacting to insults we should take the example of Prophet Muhammad himself and follow in his footsteps.

The problem with that suggestion is that while there were indeed times when Prophet Muhammad forgave those who mocked him, there were others when he ordered them killed.

At the end of his "khutba" (sermon), the cleric repeated the ritual praying to Allah to grant Muslims victory over non-Muslims. That prayer is: "O Allah, pour patience upon Muslims, strengthen their feet and give them victory over 'Qawm -el Kafiroon' (Non-Muslims).

"O Allah, give victory to our brothers the Muslims, the oppressed, the tyrannized and the 'Mujahedeen' (those who fight jihad against non-Muslims)".

Then we all stood up in orderly rows, turned towards Mecca and followed the imam as he led us in the ritual prayer that is obligatory for all Muslims.

As I left, I knew I would not be returning to that mosque again.

 

[Sally]

Muslims Shouldn't Pray to Defeat Non-Muslims :: Middle East Forum
meforum.org/4974/muslims-shouldnt-pray-to-defeat-non-muslims
Muslims Shouldn't Pray to Defeat Non-Muslims
by Tarek Fatah
The Toronto Sun
January 13, 2015

Muslims Shouldn t Pray to Defeat Non-Muslims Middle East Forum

One of the reasons I avoid attending Friday congregations at mosques is a specific ritual supplication uttered by Imams at many mosques in Canada and around the world, just prior to our formal Friday community prayer, the Juma'a.

In the supplication, the cleric prays to Allah for, among other things, to grant "Muslims victory over the 'Qawm al-Kafiroon,'" the Arabic phrase that lumps all non-Muslims — Jews, Hindus, Christians, Atheists, Buddhists and Sikhs — into one derogatory category, the "Kuffar", or non-Muslims.

This supplication is not obligatory. Not uttering this prayer would in no way adversely affect the holiness or solemnness of the collective community prayer.

I have long argued with my orthodox and conservative Muslim friends and family that at least when living among non-Muslims, we should avoid praying for their defeat at the hands of Muslims.

They agree, but it comes down to the challenge: Who will bell the cat?

Last Friday, the world was still in shock over the Charlie Hebdo massacre when news came that another jihadi terrorist had killed French Jews inside a kosher grocery store in Paris.

Enough, I said. I decided to ask friends to take the challenge to a local mosque and stand silently with "I am Charlie Hebdo" placards.

I wanted to encourage Muslims entering the mosque to join those Muslims who renounce jihad, denounce Islamist terror and stand by the right of free expression, even of people who insult our Prophet.

Only a handful responded to my call. Most of my comrades from our life-long struggle against Islamism were terrified and bailed out at the last minute. Only the president of the Muslim Canadian Congress, writer Munir Pervaiz, and two Kurdish exiles, Keyvan Soltany and Hadi Elis, braved the snow to stand beside me.

Far from condemning the acts of terror, the cleric thundered that Islam "will become established in the land, over all other religions."

Inside the mosque, I was hoping that in wake of the Charlie Hebdo massacre, the cleric would have the good sense not to speak about non-Muslims as adversaries or enemies, but my hopes were dashed.

Far from condemning the acts of terror, the cleric, speaking in English, thundered that Islam "will become established in the land, over all other religions, although the 'Disbelievers' (Jews, Christians, Hindus and Atheists) hate that."

I could not believe my ears. There was no indignation expressed at the taking of Jews as hostages by a French jihadi that morning.

The imam did ask us Muslims that in reacting to insults we should take the example of Prophet Muhammad himself and follow in his footsteps.

The problem with that suggestion is that while there were indeed times when Prophet Muhammad forgave those who mocked him, there were others when he ordered them killed.

At the end of his "khutba" (sermon), the cleric repeated the ritual praying to Allah to grant Muslims victory over non-Muslims. That prayer is: "O Allah, pour patience upon Muslims, strengthen their feet and give them victory over 'Qawm -el Kafiroon' (Non-Muslims).

"O Allah, give victory to our brothers the Muslims, the oppressed, the tyrannized and the 'Mujahedeen' (those who fight jihad against non-Muslims)".

Then we all stood up in orderly rows, turned towards Mecca and followed the imam as he led us in the ritual prayer that is obligatory for all Muslims.

As I left, I knew I would not be returning to that mosque again.

What is particularly sad, Aris, is that clergy like this Canadian one are allowed to immigrate to Western countries. They should have been told to stay in the Muslim country in which they were born if this is their mind set. I just hope that the Muslim clergy going to the different Interfaith meetings don't think like this.