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American Jewish Congress to honour "moderate" Muslims

Read the full story here

Among those honoured are Salman Rushdie and Wafa Sultan, both who openly declare their "apostasy" from Islam. Yet they are being recognised by the AJC as "moderate" Muslims. Thoughts?

Reply 1

Howard

5

Socrates

Read the full story here

Among those honoured are Salman Rushdie and Wafa Sultan, both who openly declare their "apostasy" from Islam. Yet they are being recognised by the AJC as "moderate" Muslims. Thoughts?

It rather seems to send out the message that the Jewish Council honors ex-muslims rather than muslims. These men seem an unwise choice. And I also think it's a highly presumptuos and patronizing endeavour anyway. As a Christian I certainly wouldn't want the AJC to honor and award "good little Christians" - "and this year's award for being a really nice (read "Jew friendly") Christian goes to........*drums role* Very patronizing IMO.

Reply 2

naivesincerity

2

Howard

drums role

It's roll Howarth :biggrin:

But I agree, it is patronising

Reply 3

gemgems89

15

Howard

It rather seems to send out the message that the Jewish Council honors ex-muslims rather than muslims. These men seem an unwise choice. And I also think it's a highly presumptuos and patronizing endeavour anyway. As a Christian I certainly wouldn't want the AJC to honor and award "good little Christians" - "and this year's award for being a really nice (read "Jew friendly") Christian goes to........*drums role* Very patronizing IMO.

Hmm. In this case, it seems the "moderate Muslims" are the ones that are slightly supportive of Israel. So by what you're saying, you're implying that it's part of religious Muslim doctorine to criticise Israel and its existence. I don't believe that is a fundamental law in Islam, is it? Therefore, I don't see how it's just "ex-Muslims" who can be seen as "moderate."

Just a thought.

Reply 4

Howard

5

gemgems89

Hmm. In this case, it seems the "moderate Muslims" are the ones that are slightly supportive of Israel. So by what you're saying, you're implying that it's part of religious Muslim doctorine to criticise Israel and its existence. I don't believe that is a fundamental law in Islam, is it? Therefore, I don't see how it's just "ex-Muslims" who can be seen as "moderate."

Just a thought.

Here's another thought. I don't see how ex-muslims can be seen as muslims at all. :confused:

Reply 5

Howard

5

naivesincerity

It's roll Howarth :biggrin:

But I agree, it is patronising

Git.

Reply 6

naivesincerity

2

Howard

Git.

Out with anger, in with love. Just trying to nurture your talents in a supportive way, to bring out the best in you :wink:

Reply 7

Socrates

OP

17

I'm surprised ol' Jonathan has nothing to say.

Reply 8

Longshoredrift80

10

Those are the sort of Muslims I would consider moderate too. And if it is true that the only type of moderate Muslim is an ex-Muslim, I don't think that reflects well on the Muslims.

Reply 9

Socrates

OP

17

But they aren't Muslims! :rolleyes:

It does seem rather meaningless, and as Howard points out, patronising too.

I think it doesn't reflect rather well on AJC that they don't know that an ex-Muslim isn't a moderate Muslim because he/she is not a Muslim.

Reply 10

Socrates

OP

17

I have no problem with Salman Rushdie being honoured by the AJC - however, I'd think it would be more appropriate for his literary talents rather than for being a "moderate Muslim" (which he isn't) and I'm sure he himself would think of it a bit of an insult to be considered a moderate Muslim when he is a self confessed non Muslim.

Reply 11

Longshoredrift80

10

I think the distinction is quite fatuous to be frank. And considering that the leaders of most Muslim groups, even those described as 'moderate' don't even come close to such a description in the minds of most people, I can't really think of many others who could be honoured in such a way. Certainly none as prominent. To be honest, I'm not particularly interested in this issue, I think they honoured some decent people and I don't think it matters whether they are moderate Muslims or "bad" Muslims or ex-Muslims.

Reply 12

Socrates

OP

17

I see you are very convienently avoiding the point.

They aren't Muslims; so why call them Muslims?

Reply 13

gemgems89

15

Howard

Here's another thought. I don't see how ex-muslims can be seen as muslims at all. :confused:

So you're basically saying that true Muslims are not able to support Israel?

Reply 14

Socrates

OP

17

That isn't the point though.

Those being honoured by AJC are non Muslims.

Reply 15

Longshoredrift80

10

So, they're non-Muslims? And...?
To be honest, I think it'd do a hell of a lot of good for the reputation of the Muslim world if those people WERE Muslims.

Reply 16

Socrates

OP

17

They aren't Muslims yet they are being honoured as moderate Muslims - is that so hard to understand that it does not make sense?

Reply 17

naivesincerity

2

JonathanH

So, they're non-Muslims? And...?
To be honest, I think it'd do a hell of a lot of good for the reputation of the Muslim world if those people WERE Muslims.