Why are moderate Muslims such a silent majority?

[phatmonky]

I must say that I find the whole of you to be very pleasant and enjoyable to share a conversation with.Thank you for welcoming me I read that you condemn attacks on civilians such as 9/11 and Suicide Bombings. Why is this side never outspoken and condemning of such atrocities elsewhere? I search across the internet for my news and from my American Stations to the BBC to French Liberal Papers - never do I see a large percentage of muslims calling for an end of violence on both sides. Instead, I constantly read a condemnation of only Israel and the US. It's the same rhetoric I find else where, except for many of the peaceful people here.

Ever since 9/11, people here are quick to point out that "most muslims don't think the way " Osama, and the like, do. I fully want to believe this is true, but with the exception of my own muslim friends, and this board, the condemning of such people is nonexistant - why??

[phatmonky]

Anyone? Is there a silent law as to not condemn your own Islamic Bretheren?

[Dan]

Bismillah

News of unification and peace does not sell as well as controversey and strife. In my local paper, there are articles that regularly consult with my mosque about issues such as terrorist attacks. As for major papers, I think it just does not sell or have the angle they want. I am currently majoring in journalism and have found that editors and owners will have a journalist change the story according to what they want. They will not necessarily tell them what to write but the article will keep coming back to the author until it is changed. The article might just not be included at all. Not every story written makes the paper, so if the author does not comply then it is usually easy to leave off the article. Also because of the Associated Press, the paper can get an article on the topic by another author that states the side they prefer.

[phatmonky]

<i>Originally posted by Dan </i><b>Bismillah</b>

News of unification and peace does not sell as well as controversey and strife. In my local paper, there are articles that regularly consult with my mosque about issues such as terrorist attacks. As for major papers, I think it just does not sell or have the angle they want. I am currently majoring in journalism and have found that editors and owners will have a journalist change the story according to what they want. They will not necessarily tell them what to write but the article will keep coming back to the author until it is changed. The article might just not be included at all. Not every story written makes the paper, so if the author does not comply then it is usually easy to leave off the article. Also because of the Associated Press, the paper can get an article on the topic by another author that states the side they prefer.

Glad someone finally responded, thanks

So I am right in thinking that most muslims openly condemn such acts, simply those stories are not being heard?

Good luck on your path to journalism!

[Dan]

Bismillah.

The killing of innocent people is condemned in the Qur'an. The way I see it is that if you say you follow the Qur'an then you also condemn such attacks.

We must also ask ourselves though why these attacks are even occurring. I mean what is causing people to go against the God given desire against suicide? In our society we keep looking at the symptoms of problems and not the causes. We also keep trying to treat the symptoms and not cure the disease. The reports include death tolls and play-by-plays of what happened but rarely do we get a report of why this is even happening. "For freedom" is not an answer, either. Freedom from what? If one is seeking freedom, then one feels oppressed in some manner. Unfortunately, the history books gather dust and rational thought processes are being eliminated in the schools. The best education I recieved was the ability to educate myself. Learning to learn. Feel free to ask anything else and if I do not cover an aspect of your question then please let me know. I appreciate your desire to ask and know unlike many who hear and never question.

Peace

[SisterJennifer]

<i>Originally posted by Dan </i><b>Bismillah......</b>

We must also ask ourselves though why these attacks are even occurring. I mean what is causing people to go against the God given desire against suicide? In our society we keep looking at the symptoms of problems and not the causes. We also keep trying to treat the symptoms and not cure the disease.

Asalaamu alikum,

I heard that during the end of times many of those living will pass by a grave and say, "I wish I were there instead of here." Which of course indicates severe depression. Also, at the end of times, religious knowledge will dramaticly decrease among people of every faith. So perhaps a part of the answer to the desire for suicide, in some cases, may be the lack of a spiritual well-being. And as Dan said, the best education is the educating of yourself. Perhaps focusing on educating the spiritual self, the tendancy toward depression will be lessened.

God knows best.

~Jennifer

[Dan]

Bismillah

As salam alaikum

That is very true sister. Before Islam, my life seemed to only hold depression and pain. I felt that I had nothing to live for, yet I could not bring myself to take my life because I did beleive in God but I did not know what He wanted from me.

After Allah brought Islam into my life, I realize the point to so many things that used to seem useless and confusing. The Light of Islam has dispersed the darkness from my heart and mind.

As salam alaikum