obligation for Muslims to condemn the extremists

abuayisha wrote: As Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria butcher thousands of �infidels� and carry off their women and children into slavery, many in the West are inclined to see this as an unique outcrop of Islamic fundamentalism. Yet after overrunning a Bosnian town on 11th July 1995, Bosnian Serb � ostensibly Christian � forces, cold-bloodedly massacred 8,000 Bosnian Muslims at Srebrenica. Hutu genocide of Tutsi in Rwanda, Khmer Rouge mass-murder of Cambodian city-dwellers, Nazi genocide of Jews, Gypsies and the disabled�. the list of savagery is as long as it is profoundly depressing.

How many of these atrocities were committed explicitly in the name of religion?  Yes, religion was often involved as a means to an end, but it played a minor role at best.  The main goal was usually ethnic or political or social.

I'm not sure that this discussion is asking the right question.  Most Muslims already condemn extremism, at least verbally.  I would rather ask about the obligation of Muslims to do something about those who commit atrocities in the name of Islam.  They complain bitterly when Western powers intervene in their affairs, and often retaliate against the Westerners; but if they won't look after their own issues, what other choice do we have?

I remember a rather chilling discussion on this board a few years ago, when a Muslim asked whether other Muslims would ever align themselves with non-Muslims in a conflict against "fellow Muslims", even if the Muslims were clearly in the wrong.  I was shocked at the number of Muslims who declared that they could never do that.  I think that is the heart of the problem.

Abu Loren wrote: There must be something wrong with ISLAM if young people are being indoctrinated into hate and violence against non Mulsims.

I think Muslims need a heightened awareness of the "narrative" our youth are exposed (indoctrinated by) to from some segments of our community. A case in point is your signature line: "In Dar Ul Kuffar (UK)"

Ron Webb wrote: I'm not sure that this discussion is asking the right question.  Most Muslims already condemn extremism, at least verbally.  I would rather ask about the obligation of Muslims to do something about those who commit atrocities in the name of Islam.  They complain bitterly when Western powers intervene in their affairs, and often retaliate against the Westerners; but if they won't look after their own issues, what other choice do we have? I remember a rather chilling discussion on this board a few years ago, when a Muslim asked whether other Muslims would ever align themselves with non-Muslims in a conflict against "fellow Muslims", even if the Muslims were clearly in the wrong.  I was shocked at the number of Muslims who declared that they could never do that.  I think that is the heart of the problem.

abuayisha wrote: After the Islamic State released horrifying video of militants beheading U.S. journalist James Foley, the world has reacted with outrage including from Muslims worldwide. Is there more of an obligation for Muslims to condemn the extremists? http://live.huffingtonpost.com/r/segment/journalist-james-foley-isis-beheading-killing-muslim-condemnation/53f21d3afe34440c7b00047f