I was browsing BBC Radio 4 podcasts1 and came across the Beyond Belief programme2, and a particular podcast titled ‘The history and place of Islam in America’ (Mon 4th Oct 2010). The discussion warmed with an introduction as to how Islam spread to America, and then moved onto the main topic of whether it is right to build an Islamic Centre on Ground Zero3.
You can download the podcast here (12.7mb)
The following quote is from Pamela Geller4. Start listening from 13mins 30sec:
It's not two blocks from the site, it is Ground Zero. That building was partially destroyed in the attacks of 9/11. The landing gear crashed into the roof and to erect a fifteen storey mega-mosque and Islamic centre in a building that was destroyed in 9/11 is deeply offensive and insulting and deliberately provocative. Why there?...We have hundreds of mosques in New York City, we have thousands across America, it's not an issue of religious liberty. No-one has suggested abridging or invoking the first amendment, it's an issue of common decency and human compassion. We're constantly being schooled in this hypersensitivity in the Muslim world; you can't run the Danish cartoons, you can't say the word Muhammad on Comedy Central or run Muhammad in a huggy bear costume because it's deeply offensive. And yet, there's no reciprocity. You know, where is the mutual and mutual respect? Where is the mutual and mutual understanding? Over 70% of Americans are opposed to this mosque. It's deeply offending, it's painful. Many moderate Muslims, Muslims of conscience feel that a mosque on Ground Zero is deeply offensive and wrong. (15.42 onwards)
What do you think about the issue? Which side are you on?
Do you agree with her when she says:
In the Shari’ah you cannot insult Islam, you cannot defame Islam… (15.08)
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Title: Breaking the habit – Linkin Park
1The podcasts for BBC Radio 4 can be found at the following address: http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4
2Debate exploring the place of religion and faith in today’s world (BBC Radio 4): http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/series/belief
3Also known as Park51, the Mosque & Community Centre’s team’s blog can be accessed here: http://park51.org/
4Pamella Geller, who featured in the discussion, has her own website, on which her biography can be found: http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/about.html
5Proposed picture of Park51 taken from: http://batteryparkcity.com/real-estate/developer-sharif-el-gamal-sees-park-51-mosque-as-empire-state-building/
Posts
17 January 2011 at 19:04
if its on the actual "ground zero" then no but if its a few blocks away then yes. At the end of the day it seems like they're always gonna stop Muslims from building mosques. when she's going on about "mutual respect" its not a relevant point because she's on the side that Muslims are responsible for the 9/11 attacks
~miss anon~
17 January 2011 at 19:44
This whole ground zero debate is pointless and an excuse to defocus from what really matters. What America does in foreign countries is never up for debate because they are doing the "right" thing. I don't think it was smart for Imam Faisal to build it right THERE but he has every right to. Islam didn't cause the towers to fall. Ignorant people did. I am just worried of the vandalism that will occur when this mosque is built.
17 January 2011 at 21:30
Check out this article,
http://www.blogher.com/park-51-if-you-build-it-they-will-learn
[tried linking directly but its not working :S]
I totally agree with the writers thoughts.
I agree with Perfectly Above, Islam did not cause the Twin Towers to fall, I don't understand why the entire religion has to be held responsible, isnt religion about uniting, rather than dividing?
18 January 2011 at 10:04
i agree with Miss Anon.
but what concerns me most at this moment is Miss Anon's identity. :P
18 January 2011 at 11:10
I agree with all of you and you have all raised some valid points.
Thanks for the link Smiley. In my opinion, I think there are a few issues around this whole 'debate'.
Firstly, the building of Park 51 is going ahead as far as I am aware, and it would be unjust to blame the American constitution for causing hindrances when the President himself has backed it.
Yes, Pamela Geller is right in saying mutual sensitivities should be respected, and that I think is a valid point. It is easy for us (including all you have so far commented), to say it wasn't just 2 planes that were hijacked on 9/11 but Islam too, as we have been brought up being taught good Islamic values. For those people who aren’t Muslims, or who haven’t studied Islam, it may be difficult to make that distinction especially when the terrorists they see on the evening news are using Islamic terminology, referring to Allah and Muhammad, quoting from the Qur’an and the Hadith etc etc. Therefore, those people that are against the whole project may feel insulted and or hurt. However, in their ignorance or lack of knowledge many people fail to realise is that on 9/11 approximately 300 Muslims also lost their lives. Among the mourners were also Muslim mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, wives daughters and sons.
Contrary to common belief, it is not a "Mosque" but actually a community centre that will cater for all people's, providing an interfaith mediation room, a memorial to those that lost their lives in 9/11 places for children etc etc. Despite that, there is a stigma associated with ‘Islam’, an irrational fear among some circles, which will be, and is proving to be the biggest test to overcome. When the centre is built, I think it is incumbent on those in charge to make sure it is used in the manner for which it was advertised. It should be kept open to all the community and be a place that bridges the divides some are trying to form in society, the gaps of race, religion, creed, gender and education for example.
As рεяfεcтℓγ▪ιмpзяfзcт mentioned, there is still problem that the initial fear of some that may get translated into violence. We can just hope and pray.
18 January 2011 at 11:13
And this is an excellent article explaining the choice of location, which can be found on the official blog: Click here
18 January 2011 at 11:24
@ Furree Katt: And what is so concerning about Miss Anon's identity?
18 January 2011 at 16:22
First thought that comes to mind... A mosque on ground zero? A definite NO.. Because it would be offending. But if it's a couple of blocks away.. I don't see why it couldn't or shouldn't be built.
And then, I read your long comment on this post, Nas.. And yep, I am, too.. guilty as charged. Pardon me. It's because people know that the 9/11 attacks were planned and executed by some Muslims (Do correct me if I'm wrong),that I just didn't stop to think, for a second.. a lot of people died during that tragic day. Americans, Filipinos and yes, Muslims. It's just so sad that people would associate the word "terrorists" to Islam and Muslims..
I think it's the peoples' bias that usually fans the flames.. What do you think? =)
P.S.
I'm not really good at talking about topics of religion, politics, the likes.. But well, I can't help but comment. Hehe..
P.P.S.
You don't like Facebook? Aww.. How come? =)
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19 January 2011 at 18:12
You have been tagged :) I gave you the Versatile Blogger award:
http://glandtastic.blogspot.com/2011/01/versatile-blogger-award.html