19.11.2004, 18:26
Prejudice against Islam Behind Dutch Attacks
Professor Ahmet Akgunduz, Rector of the Netherlands' Rotterdam Islamic University says prejudice is behind the recent incidents in the country.
Stressing that tension has risen because of Western unfamiliarity with Islam, Akgunduz said, "The incidents show once again that everybody needs dialogue, correct information and education. We should get people together; otherwise, we cannot live in peace and understanding." Pointing out that the tension started long before the murder of director Van Gogh, Akgunduz disclosed that the issue was closely related to Western perceptions of the connection between Muslims and Islam with terror. Akgunduz said Western media displayed a provocative attitude rather than calming, added that people in the West have the
Idea, "A Muslim is obliged to kill non-Muslims." He stressed that there were verses in the Koran for peace as well as for war, including the verse, "A Muslim believing in God is a person who does not harm the life and goods of others," which most Westerners are unaware of. "In this century we should forget past antagonisms regardless of religion and everybody should struggle together for world peace," said Akgunduz.
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://zaman.com/?bl=international&alt=&trh=20041119&hn=14015">http://zaman.com/?bl=international&alt= ... 9&hn=14015</a><!-- m -->
Professor Ahmet Akgunduz, Rector of the Netherlands' Rotterdam Islamic University says prejudice is behind the recent incidents in the country.
Stressing that tension has risen because of Western unfamiliarity with Islam, Akgunduz said, "The incidents show once again that everybody needs dialogue, correct information and education. We should get people together; otherwise, we cannot live in peace and understanding." Pointing out that the tension started long before the murder of director Van Gogh, Akgunduz disclosed that the issue was closely related to Western perceptions of the connection between Muslims and Islam with terror. Akgunduz said Western media displayed a provocative attitude rather than calming, added that people in the West have the
Idea, "A Muslim is obliged to kill non-Muslims." He stressed that there were verses in the Koran for peace as well as for war, including the verse, "A Muslim believing in God is a person who does not harm the life and goods of others," which most Westerners are unaware of. "In this century we should forget past antagonisms regardless of religion and everybody should struggle together for world peace," said Akgunduz.
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://zaman.com/?bl=international&alt=&trh=20041119&hn=14015">http://zaman.com/?bl=international&alt= ... 9&hn=14015</a><!-- m -->