I'm beginning to wonder if all these calls for moderate Islamic voices to "speak out" are nothing but a scheme to point out the fact that is overlooked by broad numbers of people, this being that Moderate Islam is a myth!
Moderate Muslims Urged To Speak Out (Denmark)
The Guardian (UK) ^ | 10-1-2006 | Jan M Olsen
guardian.co.uk
Associated Press Writer
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) - Moderate Muslims must take a stand against extremists, speakers said Saturday at a conference marking a year since the publication of Prophet Muhammad cartoons that led to violent demonstrations in Muslim countries.
The 12 drawings, first published in the Danish daily Jyllands-Posten in September, were reprinted in several European countries four months later, prompting angry mobs to attack Western embassies in countries including Lebanon, Iran and Indonesia.
The cartoons, which included a drawing of the prophet with a bomb-shaped turban, were seen as highly insulting by many followers of Islam, which is interpreted as barring even respectful images of Muhammad for fear of prompting idolatry.
Mona Eltahawy, an Egyptian-born journalist and commentator based in New York City, urged moderate Muslims to speak up against violent reactions like the massive protests and riots in late January and February.
Syrian-born psychologist Wafa Sultan said moderate Muslims have always struggled to make their voice heard even within their own religion, but that the cartoon uproar gave them a platform to present their ideas to the whole world.
``The cartoon crisis was the first step to break out of the box in which we have been sitting since the 7th century,'' Sultan said, referring to the time of Islam's founding. ``We as Muslims must learn to listen to others' opinion.''
(Excerpt) Read more at guardian.co.uk ....
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