A R Modak, in his or her Letter in The Star, Tuesday May 28
(“Look to colonialism for reasons”), while lamenting violence, blames
colonialism for Muslim terrorism.
Allow me to remind Mr/Ms Modak that, centuries before the UK or the
USA were founded, Islam was itself spread by the sword, colonising the Middle
East, North Africa, parts of Europe, and much of Asia.
This
violence extends to the present day in majority Islamic nations, where we have
only to look at the fate of apostates who leave Islam.
Even those who
choose the wrong branch, suffer: In
Syria, Iraq, and Pakistan we see terrible violence between Sunni and Shia.
Deception, threats,
and war in support of Islam are authorised in the Quran and the Hadith: Many
verses can be found in support of these evils, and only a few in support of
peace.
Good Christians, like the Rev Peter Storey (The Star May 29)
speak out against the bad parts of their scripture, reinterpreting it in the
light of modern morality.
Until good Muslims
likewise disown the antisocial parts of their scripture, radicals will have the
support they need for violence.
Colonialism is just
an excuse.
A R Modak's letter:
