THE EDITOR. Sir:I MUST differ with Charles Morales-Lewin who wrote: "Islam must accept the existence of beliefs other than its own." (The Gleaner, Feb. 9)
Islam's holy book makes mention in many places about the Jews and Christians as 'People of the Book,' and gives them higher status than others. Islam gives special privileges to non-Muslims when they are in a Muslim country. Non-Muslims, for example are not required to join the army and fight against other non-Muslims, as there is naturally a conflict of interest. Christian and Jewish minorities in Muslim lands are supposed to be a 'protected people.' The Holy Bible makes no mention of Muslims, nor gives them any particular protection. It is by the governments' grace that Muslims are afforded protection in non-Muslim countries.
MAKING ASSUMPTION
The press is describing what Islam says by the way that people behave. If a stranger visiting the planet were to examine the behaviour of some Christians and make an assumption about Christianity, he/she might say that Christianity allows promiscuity, free sex, allows women to walk about half-naked, sanctions homosexuality, marriage of the same sex, is monogamous on the books but polygamous in practice, and worships a white Jesus. Western society chooses to
tolerate these practices.
Likewise, if Muslims are oppressing their women it is not on the recommendation of Islam, but on their own cultural failures. Islam affords women a higher status than men, and the mother has more rights than all.
As for Muslims flocking to the West, the reverse is also true. Westerners flock to work in Saudi Arabia, and other eastern countries for the money that they are able to make there compared to the wages they would receive in the West.
And for the issue of Satan? The three great religions have this enemy. The problem with the press, both East and West is that nobody is telling the truth; they are like grown-up brats hurling insults at each other.
I am, etc.,
A.M. ANSARI
stop1998@aol.com
Via Go-Jamaica
