THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 9, 1995 TAG: 9511080007
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 43 lines
In line with numerous Perspectives articles and letters in your newspaper bombarding Louis Farrakhan, Bethanie Ward (letter, Oct. 31) noted Islam as ``one of the world's most oppressive religions.''
As a Muslim, that letter left me very unhappy.
The religion of Islam stands for the unity of God (as the only devine power) and belief in the chain of Prophets and messengers (e.g., Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus) sent to various peoples, and the completion and perfection of these messages for all the worlds in the revelation of the Qur'an to Muhammad. By the doctrines of the Nation of Islam, Elijah Muhammad is also a messenger of God. There are numerous other fundamental differences between these two beliefs. The religion of Islam does not warrant Muslims to insult the religions of other peoples, regardless of what they worship. Islam also enjoins us to speak firmly, with politeness and wisdom from a platform of knowledge.
Louis Farrakhan, regardless of his beliefs, was very wrong to speak ill of Judaism or any other religion. Similarly, Bethanie Ward's letter is indeed wrong and offensive. Her claim of oppression against women being sanctioned in the Qur'an is untrue. In Islam, free and unnecessary mingling of men and women is forbidden.
Regarding Ward's choice of frying rather than accept eternal salvation through Islam, I would say that is simply a question of freedom of choice; there is no compulsion in matters that concern faith. However, I urge her to leave people alone to explore and learn about Islam, and to stop the scare campaign (if that is the intention) against Islam. A multitude of men and women of all socioeconomic and racial backgrounds, from the United States and from all over the world, are asking about, reading, learning and taking refuge in Islam.
SAFIANU RABIU
Norfolk, Oct. 31, 1995 by CNB