Comments on: Favorable Fatwa Or Taqiyya?

By: Gringo Malo

Gringo Malo — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:58:14 +0000

Among Roman Catholics, only one old priest in Rome is authorized to issue fatwas, and his word is law. Muslims seem to operate under a more democratic dispensation. Anybody with a kafiya on his head may issue a fatwa. I understand that Osama Bin Laden has issued fatwas. The advantage, for Muslims, is that they can always find a fatwa that coincides with their own proclivities. The disadvantage, particularly for Western observers, is that fatwas tend to be rather meaningless. History is a much better guide to Islam. As a boy of eleven, I learned all any American needs to know about Islam from a Landmark Book entitled The Story of the United States Marines, particularly the chapter on Thomas Jefferson's Tripolitan War. I've seen nothing since to change my perception of Islam.

By: Daniel

Daniel — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 04:00:45 +0000

Actually Jihad Watch acknowledged the fatwa (here) and asks an important question:

But here, as ever, the question remains: What about jihad? Without addressing the ideology and its roots in the Qur'an, ahadith, and Sira, acts of violence in the name of jihad -- offensive or "defensive" (jihad in search of an excuse) -- remain untouched by this edict. Thus, even despite the ruling on suicide attacks, this fatwa is not a game-changer, so to speak. There is more than one way to wage a jihad.

Will Tahir ul-Qadri be able to convince the countless young Muslims that have been motivated to join the jihad? I'm not hopeful. [Thanks; I had searched but could not find the reference.]

By: Robert Glisson

Robert Glisson — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 02:55:30 +0000

I find it a strange that he came out with a new Fatwa, just after Geert Wilders party had a victory in the Netherlands and Mr. Wilders showed his film to the British Parliament. Diana West was on Russian Tv defending Mr. Wilders. If the hostess had been armed with this Fatwa, which only affects a few Muslims, it might have gotten ugly. "http://www.dianawest.net/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx" Now if all of the Muslims were to adopt it, I'd breathe easier. [I sent Diana a note of congratulations for wiping the floor with the Millennial you mention, but have not heard back. It's unusual for Ms. West to not reply to an email, although it is now the 2nd time.]

By: John Danforth

John Danforth — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 01:03:20 +0000

Most people will only examine evidence that fits their view, preferring to ignore blatant evidence to the contrary.

That said, maybe this is good news and maybe there will be some moderation. I still don’t like their religion.