Religious freedom in the Muslim world?




 

Response to Mosque near Ground Zero

What can President Obama say about the proposed Muslim mosque that would be built near Ground Zero? He's in a tough spot - he said in one speech that they should be free to worship anywhere to be consistent with American ideals, and then another day said that he didn't say it was wise to choose the plan the mosque where they did. Here is an interesting, short NPR clip about the debate and Obama's and Bush's reactions to the proposed mosque.

What would you say about this if you were the President?

I am a Muslim

I attended an event at the Schlow Centre Region Library called "I am a Muslim." At the event, there were three speakers who are Muslims from different parts of the world. One of the speakers was from Kosovo, another was from Sudan, and the most memorable speaker of the night was a female student from Saudi Arabia who spent time talking about the hijab:

"It's a choice...just because I wear the hijab, that doesn't mean I am a good Muslim...If you don't wear the hijab, that doesn't mean your a bad Muslim," she said.

She also addressed the woman's role in Islam:

"I can go to work if I want, but that money is mine, not my husbands. Islam appreciates a woman," she explained.
But she elaborated by saying, "Her [a woman's] responsibility is to raise the children, not make the money for the family, that's the man's job."

As you can tell from the picture, a lot of students and people from the community came out to the event.

Pastor on trial for sharing faith with Muslims

From www.klove.com/news/top-stories.aspx

Mark Holick was communicating his faith by sharing Christian packets outside of a mosque in Kansas when he was arrested. The officer gave no answer when Holick asked what he was being charged with.

Holick is no stranger to speaking out about his faith, and won a previous trial after being arrested for sharing his faith on a public sidewalk down the road from a homosexual event.

Holick may have annoyed both of these groups by sharing his faith outside of these functions, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have the write to share and communicate.

Obama's Remarks on Jihad

While in India, President Obama spoke to a group of Muslims about "jihad" and his interpretation of the religion. He said, "I think all of us recognize that this great religion in the hands of a few extremists has been distorted to justify violence towards innocent people that is never justified."

Obama also added that "Islam is one of the world's great religions and people of all faiths need to treat one another with respect and mutual dignity." Do you think people will begin to better respect  and understand different religions if top leaders continue to address religious issues? I think communication can only enhance respect between religious groups.

And speaking of communication, it was neat to see the difference between the United States and India's coverage on Obama's remarks-- both audiences seemed to be receptive and appreciative.