The leader of the Netherlands' right-wing Freedom Party, Geert Wilders, has called for a ban on the sale and distribution of the Qur'an. He would also outlaw the book’s use in the mosque and at home. Mr Wilders says the Qur'an (Koran) is a fascist book which promotes violence and is similar to Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf.
Geert Wilders with finger raised |
In a letter-to-the-editor in today’s
de Volkskrant newspaper, Wilders argues that the Qur'an should only be permitted for research at an academic level.
However, the MP - who is known for his controversial statements about Islam - says he knows his proposal doesn’t stand a chance of being approved by parliament. His Freedom Party has nine seats in the 150-seat Dutch lower house of parliament.
A warning
Geert Wilders says he wants his proposal to serve as a warning to radical Muslims who misuse the Qur'an to justify the use of violence. His statement comes in response to the recent attacks on Ehsan Jami, founder of the Committee for Former Muslims. He says the perpetrators use the Qur'an as an excuse for the attacks. Wilders writes that“The book incites hatred and killing and therefore has no place in our legal order.”The jurist, commentator and co-member of the Committee for Former Muslims, Afshin Ellian also thinks that the Qur'an “possesses extremely violent passages with regard to women, Jews and non-believers”. However, he is against a ban. Mr Ellian says you should take measures against the people who abuse the Qur'an, not the book itself:
“It’s a religious book which of course can be read and discussed. What we really should fight are the radical imams and mosques which use the Qur'an to spread hatred. We must take firmer measures against them.”
Hitler
Geert Wilders compares the Qur'an with Mein Kampf, which was written by Adolf Hitler in 1924. In his book, Hitler explained his theories about National Socialism, anti-Semitism and the superiority of the Aryan race.
The sale of Mein Kampf is outlawed in the Netherlands, but owning or trading old copies is permitted. However, Mr Wilders’ proposal to ban the Qur'an is more drastic than the ban on Mein Kampf because it would also outlaw the possession of the book.
* RNW translation (fs)
Tags:
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violence
Erica Lyon,
28-06-2008
- United States
To say Islam is a religion of peace is perhaps the biggest oxymoron in politics today. It is responsible for the 9/11 attacks, the 7/7 London transit system attacks, the Madrid train bombing, and the foiled terror plot just last summer to blow up British airplanes headed for the U.S. If that isn't scary enough, 26% of American Muslims ages 18-29 believe that suicide bombing is justified, according to a study done by Pew. 38% of that same group also believe that Arabs didn't carry out 9/11. (Statistics cited in Newsweek, July 30,2007 issue, pg. 31.) Either way, Muslims in America, contradictory to popular belief, are remorseless and unsympathetic towards the Americans that suffered on 9/11. The rates of extremism are even higher in the Middle East, with 75% of Egyptians supporting terror group Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, according to an online poll rating. Not far behind in Egyptians' respect are Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden. The reason that terrorism is so popular with Muslims may have more to do with religion than politics. Throughout the Qu'ran, Muhammed calls on fellow Muslims to kill any nonbelievers, telling them to " fight and slay the pagans wherever you find them" (Sura 9:5) and to "Kill anyone who does not follow the word of Allah". He told his Muslim followers that he had "been ordered by Allah to fight with people till they testify that there is no God but Allah and Muhammed is his messenger" and to kill "whoever relinquishes his fate" (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Hadid vol. 1, no. 24) --[...]
As we all know, the Qu'ran is based on Muhammed's very words and actions of violence, and although it rejects Christianity and Judaism as valid beliefs, it is in fact rooted in those religions. This is not to say Judaism and Christianity are violent religions also--to the contrary, Islam is a corruption of these two religions. Both of them preach love and acceptance, but the original peacefulness of these two religions was removed to create Islam. Indeed, Muslims have many of the beliefs that Christians and Jews have, but one major difference is that it is glorified in the Quran to kill any nonbelievers.
[...] In fact, Sura 16: 101 (a later chapter) states that later verses shall "substitute one revelation for another". Since Muhammed commands violence most strongly against non-believers in the later chapters, these words replace any peaceful teachings earlier in the Qu'ran. This is why some Muslims, upon studying their religion more closely, become non-Muslim. [...]
With all this evidence of Islamic hatred, Muslims still wonder why they are being discriminated against. They dub this discrimination "Islamophobia". A lot of Americans are buying into this myth as if Muslims are the new blacks in a civil rights movement, but while blacks were suppressed without good cause, Muslims are given as much free speech as any other American, and 71% are able to "get ahead with hard work" (Pew Research Center). Also, while blacks are not able to choose their skin color, Muslims have a choice of what to believe. In fact, I fear that we are being too soft on them, given the fact that our acceptance of them does nothing to quell their anger. [...]
That being said, I would like to thank you, Mr. Wilders, for seeking to ban the very object that is the root cause of many atrocities in the world today. You are a very brave and righteous man.
[abridged - Ed.]
endo,
08-04-2008
-
Agree, bright idea. Ban all so called "sacred religious books". Ban all religions, they just create division and war among human being. Bring peace by banning religions.
fu!,
07-04-2008
-
You damn racist, I hate you [****] Wilders or whatever your name is ... [*******] idiot. You [are] just dumb. I hate you so much. [*edited*]
irfan,
27-03-2008
- INDIA
The people saying like that should be kept in custody, and strictly banned for such idiot speak.
AASHIQ,
06-03-2008
- SAUDI ARABIA
Vilders ma man, u r just testing the nerves of MUSLIMS, whether they will stand up if a pathetic person desecrates their religion. Well I agree that the militants are wrong, but this doesn't mean that the religion they r following is wrong. They r misusing it, right cuz they r ignorant, they lack the understanding of the religion. No religion is wrong be it Judaism or Christianity or Islam. If a christian kills a 100 people does it mean to BAN THE BIBLE!!! At least I thought u were litrate enough to do such a thing as making an anti islamic movie!!!
U have done more WRONG than the militants.
open ur mind cuz in this way u r only widening the hatred between different religios groups, which no one wants!!!
I think TOO much knowledge is itself ignorance, u pathetic VILDER!!
Shaz Memon,
shazmemon@gmail.com,
05-03-2008
- USA
Ban the Bible if you agree with this! Bush killed 100,000 Iraqis and publicly stated he was guided by his faith when he made that decision.
not available,
03-03-2008
- netherlands
Hello dear people. I am from the Netherlands. And I wanted to place a comment on this whole big story.
I only want to say: F**k Geert Wilders. Thank you. This is no spam because it's the truth.
In the Netherlands everybody is counting: how many days does he have to live?
kukbajs,
19-02-2008
-
Ban Muslims. Problem solved.
Vim,
29-12-2007
-
Wake up and smell the coffee, people. Geert Wilders has travelled extensively in many Mohammedan countries and he knows what he is saying.
veil-open,
17-11-2007
-
See my blog for some englightening
aizul,
26-09-2007
- malaysia
Banning the Quran is like banning the bible, bible have hatred and rape too. why don't ban the bible? even the book of torah. why not banning that? Mr Wilders only try to fish for votes, and uneducated enough not to read the whole Quran. Only getting the information from others. What's the difference between Wilder and Hitler? Hitler try to kill all jewish and Wilder try to wipe Muslim from Netherland. Open your eyes, he is the next Hitler.
Bigmo,
30-08-2007
-
The Quran (Koran) concerning other monotheist faiths:
Not all of them are alike; a party of the people of the Scripture stand for the right, they recite the Verses of God during the hours of the night, prostrating themselves in prayer. They believe in God and the Last Day; they enjoin good and forbid wrong; and they hasten in good works; and they are among the righteous. And whatever good they do, nothing will be rejected of them; for God knows well those who are God fearing. 3:113-115
And there are, certainly, among the people of the Scripture, those who believe in God and in that which has been revealed to you, and in that which has been revealed to them, humbling themselves before God. They do not sell the Verses of God for a little price, for them is a reward with their Lord. Surely, God is Swift in account. 3:199
Verily! Those who believe and those who are Jews and Christians, and Sabians, whoever believes in God and the Last Day and do righteous good deeds shall have their reward with their Lord, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve . 2:62
Say: "O people of the Scripture : Come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but God, and that we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords besides God. 3:64
And they say: "None shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian." Those are their (vain) desires. Say: "Produce your proof if ye are truthful." Nay,-whoever submits His whole self to God and is a doer of good,- He will get his reward with his Lord; on such shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. The Jews say: "The Christians have naught (to stand) upon; and the Christians say: "The Jews have naught (To stand) upon." Yet they study the (same) Book. Like unto their word is what those say who know not; but God will judge between them in their quarrel on the Day of Judgment. 2.111-113
If any do deeds of righteousness,- be they male or female - and have faith, they will enter Heaven, and not the least injustice will be done to them 4.124
The Quran (Koran) concerning who we fight or don't:
As for such who do not fight you on account of faith, or drive you forth from your homelands, God does not forbid you to show them kindness and to deal with them with equity, for God loves those who act equitably. God only forbids you to turn in friendship towards such as fight against you because of faith and drive you forth from your homelands or aid in driving you forth. As for those from among you who turn towards them for alliance, it is they who are wrongdoers. 60:8-9
Permission (to fight) is given to those against whom war is being wrongfully waged, and verily, God has indeed the power to aid them. Those who have been driven from their homelands in defiance of right for no other reason than their saying, ‘Our Lord is God.’ 22:39-40
The Quran (Koran) concerning freedom:
2:256 There is no compulsion in religion, for the right way is clearly from the wrong way. Whoever therefore rejects the forces of evil and believes in God, he has taken hold of a support most unfailing, which shall never give way, for God is All Hearing and Knowing.
16:82 But if they turn away from you, your only duty is a clear delivery of the Message .
6:107 Yet if God had so willed, they would not have ascribed Divinity to aught besides Him; hence, We have not made you their keeper, nor are you a guardian over them.
4:79-80 Say: 'Whatever good betides you is from God and whatever evil betides you is from your own self and that We have sent you to mankind only as a messenger and all sufficing is God as witness. Whoso obeys the Messenger, he indeed obeys God. And for those who turn away, We have not sent you as a keeper."
11:28 He (Noah) said "O my people! think over it! If I act upon a clear direction from my Lord who has bestowed on me from Himself the Merciful talent of seeing the right way, a way which you cannot see for yourself, does it follow that we can force you to take the right path when you definitely decline to take it?°
17:53-54 And tell my servants that they should speak in a most kindly manner. Verily, Satan is always ready to stir up discord between men; for verily; Satan is mans foe .... Hence, We have not sent you with power to determine their Faith.
21:107-109 (O Prophet?) 'We have not sent you except to be a mercy to all mankind:" Declare, "Verily, what is revealed to me is this, your God is the only One God, so is it not up to you to bow down to Him?' But if they turn away then say, "I have delivered the Truth in a manner clear to one and all, and I know not whether the promised hour is near or far."
22:67 To every people have We appointed ceremonial rites which they observe; therefore, let them not wrangle over this matter with you, but bid them to turn to your Lord. You indeed are rightly guided. But if they still dispute you in this matter, `God best knows what you do."
24.54. Say: "Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger. but if ye turn away, he is only responsible for the duty placed on him and ye for that placed on you. If ye obey him, ye shall be on right guidance. The Messenger's duty is only to preach the clear (Message).
88:21 22; And so, exhort them your task is only to exhort; you cannot compel them to believe.
48:28 He it is Who has sent forth His Messenger with the Guidance and the Religion of Truth, to the end that tie make it prevail over every religion, and none can bear witness to the Truth as God does.
36:16 17 (Three Messengers to their people) Said, "Our Sustainer knows that we have indeed been sent unto you, but we are not bound to more than clearly deliver the Message entrusted to us.'
39:41 Assuredly, We have sent down the Book to you in right form for the good of man. Whoso guided himself by it does so to his own advantage, and whoso turns away from it does so at his own loss. You certainly are not their keeper.
42:6 48 And whoso takes for patrons others besides God, over them does God keep a watch. Mark, you are not a keeper over them. But if they turn aside from you (do not get disheartened), for We have not sent you to be a keeper over them; your task is but to preach ....
64:12 Obey God then and obey the Messenger, but if you turn away (no blame shall attach to our Messenger), for the duty of Our Messenger is just to deliver the message.
67:25 26 And they ask, "When shall the promise be fulfilled if you speak the Truth?" Say, "The knowledge of it is verily with God alone, and verily I am but a plain warner."
The Quran (Koran) concerning justice:
"And among His signs are the creation of the heaven and earth, and the variation in your language and your colours; verily in that are signs for those who know" (30:22).
"Satan seeks only to cast among you enmity and hate"(5:91).
O you who believe! Stand out for justice, as witnesses to God, and even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be rich or poor. An-Nisaa’ 4:134
"O you who believe! Be the maintainers of justice and bearers of witness for God's sake though it be against your own self, parents and relatives" (4:135).
"O you mankind! We have created you from a single pair of male and female and made you into nations and tribes so that you know each other. Verily the most honoured in the sight of God is the one who is most righteous" (49:13).
O you who believe! Stand out firmly for God, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to piety and fear God, for God is well acquainted with all that you do. 5:8
And thus We made of you a justly balanced community that you might bear witness to humankind and the Apostle might bear witness over you. 2:143
The believers are nothing else other than brothers, Thus make peace between your brethren and observe your duty to God that you may haply receive His mercy (49: 1 0).
O you who believe! If a rebellious evil person comes to you with a news, verify it, lest you harm people in ignorance, and afterwards you become regretful to what you have done. 49.6
O you who believe! Avoid much suspicions, indeed some suspicions are sins. And spy not, neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it . And fear God. Verily, God is the One Who accepts repentance, Most Merciful. 49.12
O you who believe, observe your duty to God with right observance, and die not except in a state of submission (to Him). And hold fast, all of you together, to the rope of God, and do not separate, and remember God's favour unto you: how you were enemies and He put love between your hearts so that you became as brothers by His grace: and how you were upon the brink of a fire and He saved you from it. Thus God makes clear His revelations unto you so that you may be guided" (3:102-103).
Islam is peace!
Pamela,
25-08-2007
- Singapore
I come from a multi-racial, multi-cultural plural society which includes many religions and races but Majority of us live in peace and harmony. Why? From the Netherlands news I've read; because I'm researching on the religious education and conflicts in Netherlands, I've realised too much focus have been placed on the issue on which a religious leader said which religion has the wrong name for a god, has the wrong doctrines. But what's the point? Do these religious leaders foster harmony? What are they showing through their actions? Is this what God wants? Who are the ones suffering in the end? The religious leader? No matter what religion it is, one should not focus on the doctrines of the religion but on the moral values in the parables in religious text teaches. There is a common similiarity in every religious belief. The good of man, the good of humanity. That should be the focus.
For the different religion:
Buddhism: 'Hurt not others with that which pains yourself.' (Samyutta Nikaya V.353)
Christianity: "Always treat others as you would like them to treat you' ( Matthew: 7:12)
Islam: "No one of you is a believer until he loves for him brother what he loves for himself." (Forty Hadith olf an-Nawawi 13)
Hinduism: "Do not to others what if done to you would cause you pain." ( Mahabharata, Anusasana Parva 113:8)
Judaism: " WHat is hateful to you, do not to your fellow man." ( Talmud: Shabbat 31a)
All the above are quoted from religious texts.
Or one could place yourself in the shoes of God. Of course, we do not have his intelligence or great knowledge, but the basic truth of, not wanting people whom you have created to hurt one another, is not difficult to grasp. It is as one parent would not want his children to fight among themselves.
Religious conflicts should not be amplified on the news as it might culminate to demonstrations and riots. What for?
The government should also play their part. They should have a strong neutral stand. All religious related verbal abuse or even comment or opinion should be avoided either through fines or public apology.
I have managed to relate religious harmony to economy growth in a simple cycle. If the people learn to understand that each religion basically teaches the good of humanity, they would learn to respect one other's beliefs and practices. Everyone has a right to choose what to believe. Then, there would be less religious conflicts, followed by social harmony where people cooperate for a common good. This will result in more investors coming into the country as they know it is safe. ANd there will be economic growth. Also people will waste less time on riots and demonstrations and put their mind on striving for the good of everyone in the nation. That way, there will be economic growth as the country increase in their wealth and prosperity assuming there's minimum amount of corruption. Therefore, people will realise that it's not bad to work together as the results show. And they will continue to cooperate for a common good.
In my country, we enjoy the company of people of all different cultures. We celebrate festivals of the different religions together, whether it's hari raya deepavali chinese new year and christmas. We share the joy together and learn to respect and love one another. True, we do have different beliefs when it comes to doctrines and Gods. But we respect that everyone has the right to believe in wadeva he or she wants to. But friends will always be friends irregardless of religions or races. We stand by each other in times of difficulties and in times of happiness. And a sense of belonging soon develops. That's why social cohesion is evident anywhere here.. of course i only speak for the majority. But i do hope that people can learn from us, and that religious harmony can prevail in all parts of the world. so we can look at bigger issues. Like poverty in africa where 1 dies every 3 seconds. These are issues we should be looking at, to help salvage our fellow man from the hardship they face.
jdpeiper,
21-08-2007
- UK
The former Dutch citizen living in Africa is most welcome to it. I'd like to know where in history Judiasm did as much if any harm to the outside world. It isn't even and has never been a religion that seeks converts.
As for Holland being the most liberal, yeah. True, it was and may still be. But we have the Dutch to thank for PC thinking which is wreaking havoc today thru-out the world. Thanks fer nothing.
Audrey Chaplain,
19-08-2007
-
Keep at this ban Geert Wilders. We need more BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN like you who will stand up for the truth. Allah is none other than Satan himself and Muhamed spreads hatred and intolerance. They muslims psycologically brainwash their children at young tender ages with hatred and murder of anyone who is a non-muslim. People need to wake up and realise that Islam is a hypocritical religion that needs to banned radically!! Try going into Saudi Arabia with your Bible and see how they will humiliate you and the Bible but they come running to the West with their Qur'ans and Mosques demanding free of religion. Geert Wilders - We Bless you and covet God protection over you and your family.
No weapon formed against you shall prosper and every tongue that rises against you shall be silenced.
