Geert Wilder's Fitnah, the ban on scarves in France, the controversy over the largest mosque in Germany, the Danish cartoon incident and the most recent ban on minarets in Switzerland have mutilated Europe from a region of tolerance and justice to something quite different.
Western Europe has provided refuge to a large number of unfortunate people persecuted in their countries. This region stands out for providing rights to all its citizens and directly follows the United Nation's charter of human rights. Europe has hosted Islam for more than 1,300 years and Islam has deep roots in the European culture both Eastern and Western. Why then, all of a sudden, has Islam become a threat to Europe?
Granted, some Muslims are not great citizens. Likewise, some Christians are not great citizens. Every community has their deviants, this is a fact of life. However, to simply dismiss over 50 million Muslims who are a functional part of the European culture is not the right approach. Europe should follow its tradition of justice and equality and refrain from regressing into the middle ages.
European people must stand up against such acts and remove this blemish from their region as it only succeeds to earn them embarrassment.
Comments
Great points all around. I'm not sure what is going on in Europe, but it's not good. Muslims should help by not provoking and by leading with a good example of peace. Very well written article.
Very well said. I enjoyed your examination of this topic and hope that others will also see the point you are making.
Well we can not blame Swiss Government on this. Also,not swiss people. But one thing is certain, its a latest trend against Islam in disguise of democracy.
Supporters of this ban has a point too when they mention strict laws against minorities and their houses of worship in the Muslim World. The funniest thing about the ban is, however, the refrendum itself. What a majority Christains population will decide was very obvious. Conduct a similar refrundum in Israel and Saudi Arabia, YES/NO vote ratio will be 99:1.
If church-building were restricted in a Muslim country that's "religious fanaticism". But if mosque-building is restricted in a Christian country it's "justifiable anxiety". Now that's hogwash!
Thanks, Mrs Noor, for your article.
I think Switzerland feels like it's being left behind! Hence the need for the ban on minarets so it can keep up with the rest of Europe in trying to squash Muslim influence!
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