The debate over the proposed mosque near the former site of the World Trade Center is burning like wildfire on the social-networking sites. I have seen at least a hundred status updates explaining why it would be immoral and inhuman. I would like to begin by pointing out that a building project of this type is actually amoral. I do agree with those who say that it would be inhuman. Several of my friends have argued that it would 'defile the memories of the innocent Americans who died that day.' That statement assumes that none of the Americans who died that day were Muslims, while at the same time assuming that the people who carried out this attack were representing Islam. Both of those assumptions are absurd. As to the memories of those who died that day, were I among that number, I would want my legacy to be one of love and forgiveness. Sadly, real love and true forgiveness are not listed among human traits that are common, hence my referring to this proposal as inhuman. Mahatma Ghandi once said, "I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."
I have read Islamic literature, as well as a couple of different versions of the Qu'ran. I have several Muslim friends with whom these topics have been discussed at length. The people who committed these acts were not representing Islam any more than Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell represent Christianity. We do not need to send Christian missionaries to these countries; We need to send Islamic missionaries.
I have no doubt that horrible things do occur, but that is not an Islamic trait; It is a human trait. Keep in mind that crimes as bad or worse occur in every corner of the world, including North America, and in every religion, including Christianity. Our newspapers here at home are filled with stories of women, children, minorities and those less fortunate being abused, neglected or marginalized. But, by all means, let's continue the hunt to find someone to satisfy our finger-pointing fetish.
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