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Islam unfairly portrayed, clerics tell students, ministers
by John Carter
The following article was written by a reporter for The Mercury, Renfrew, Ontario and appeared on February 10. 2002.The event was arranged by the Rev. Ron Hunt to help the community work through some misunderstandings and anxieties following the September 11th terrorist attack.
Two Ottawa members of the Islam Information Centre visited Renfrew February 7 for a thought-provoking day of religious discourse with students, ministers, and a bible study group.
Islam scholars Sulaiman Khan and Yasim Dwyer attempted to dispel some of the myths about Islam in discussions that ranged from contemplative to animated.
St. Paul's Anglican minister Rev. Ron Hunt, Corresponding Secretary of the South Eastern Regional Multifaith Committee, organized the get-togethers to promote understanding of Islam, the subject of much controversy since the September 11 terrorist attacks in the U.S.
Despite some pointed questions, the two clerics found their Renfrew reception to be generally welcoming. "People were polite and interested in what we had to say," said Dwyer. "I enjoyed talking to rural people...they tend to be honest and straightforward in their questions."
He praised students in Jeff Barber's World Religion class for being so courteous and curious about the teaching of Islam. The two clerics gave a talk introducing Islam to the RC1 Grade 12 students, then answered a wide range of questions. They were impressed the students stayed around to ask questions after the class was over.
Barber was appreciative Rev. Hunt included his class, which is studying the world's five major religions, in the visit. "I tell them (students) it is the most important course they'll take," said Barber. "So this was great for the students...it was a good opportunity to be introduced to Islam first-hand."
A Renfrew mulitfaith inter-denominational Bible Study group gathers behind Rev. Ron Hunt (left) and Islamic scholars Sulaiman Khan and Yasin Dwyer (right) after a thoughtful discussion Feb 7 at St. Francis Xavier Church hall. The visitors are members of the Islam Information Centre of Ottawa. Having clerics explain their religion plays an important role in the course, but it is usually the Christian ministers who come to speak to students, he said.
The Islam clerics visit also included a vigorous session with members of the Renfrew Ministerial Association and a dialogue with members of the inter-denominational Renfrew Community Bible study group meeting at St. Francis Xavier.
"It is very important to note that we're not having any problems with people of faith," said Khan. However, the North American media's coverage of Islam has been negative and superficial, especially since Sept 11, he charged.
Dwyer said that even before Sept 11 many Canadians misunderstood Islam, but since Sept 11 Muslims have really been on the defensive. "There has been a very unjustified portrayal of the religion," he said. "You can't collapse a whole religion over one event by a few of its followers."
The Sept 11 attacks were "abhorent and vicious", he said. "There is no justification in Islam for this." But it doesn't justify making Afghanistan people victims too, he said. Calling Osamam Bin Laden a "vigilante renegade," Dwyer said he is a mystery to most Muslims as well as Christians.
Some members of the Bible Study group felt the pair weren't taking concerns about Muslim involvement in Sept 11 attacks seriously enough.
t was pointed out that there is not the same division of church and state in the Muslim as there is in the Christian world, noted Rev. Hunt.
Dwyer said he sympathizes with Christian ministers who are trying to deal with the secularization of society and the trivialization of religion. Both religions have a lot in common, he said, noting they stress the importance of faith and doing good works
Ministers urged to keep Koran passages in context
There was a mixed reaction by Renfrew Ministerial Association members to comments by Islam scholars Sulaiman Khan and Yasin Dywer, who told them Islam is largely misunderstood because of unfair media portrayals.
Some minsters did not pull punches in questioning. "There seems to be a real hatred (among Muslims) of those who do not see spiritual things the way they do", said Rev Colin Cleugh of Calvary Pentecostal Church, asking the visitors to explain the root of the feelings.
Rev. James Wall of The Little Brown Church read aggressive passages from the Koran published in a pamphlet written by an Islamic-turned-Christian. The text urged believers to subdue and kill unbelievers.
Dwyer said it is wrong to insist Muslims, who have made valuable contributions to Canadian society don't like the West or hate infidels. The hatred is not representative of Islam or most Muslims, he said, adding it is "very unfair" to quote the Koran out of context. Similar passages could also be lifted out of the Bible, he said.
Dwyer explained that in the early days, followers of Islam were persecuted much the same as the early Christians. At first Allah instructed them not to fight back to teach them patience and to deal with adversity. But once they had established their own community in Medina, God gave them permission to defend themselves, he explained. "The context of the quotes was war and oppression...you can find just as many quotes talking about the need for mercy for all creation."
Khan said the Koran makes it clear God doesn't like aggression and instructs people to fight only to correct injustices against those of any religion. "God loves peace, not war," he added.
"We're urged to try compromise and forgiveness and only use force as a last resort. We don't go as far as saying 'turn the other cheek' but we do try to look for ways to prevent it (injustice) from happening again."
He said Islam teaches a respect of women, children and the environment. People aren't deterred from practicing their own religion in Islamic countries, he noted.
Noting the rich history of Islam in Spain, Dwyer said it saddens him to reflect on the divisions today when at one time Muslims, Christians and Jews lived together in that country in peace and harmony.
Islam accepts Christian, Jewish prophets
Islamic scholar Yasin Dwyer explained some of the similarities and differences between Islam and Christianity to members of the Renfrew Ministerial Association.
Dwyer, a convert from Christianity, explained that Islam is the Arabic work for surrender, signifying submission, obedience and peace with Allah (God). He said that Islam reveres Jesus' mother and accepted Jesus as a prophet and the "Messiah", but doesn't believe he is divine.
As well as Mohammed, Muslims believe in many prophets, including Noah, Moses, King David. Islam also believes in the Christian gospels and the Torah as well as the Koran.
Dwyer said his religion also includes a belief in life after death, angels and divine destiny and judgement.
Posted by editor on September 30, 2003 10:32 AM