28 March 2008

Dear Esteemed Religions for Peace Colleagues,

It is a pleasure to share with you the thoughtful leadership of three outstanding Islamic Religions for Peace colleagues:

HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal, President Emeritus, Religions for Peace
Shaykh Hamza Yusuf Hanson, Co-President, Religions for Peace
Prof. Dr. Din Syamsuddin, Honorary President, Religions for Peace

These three colleagues published an opinion piece in the International Herald Tribune on 25 March 2008, in advance of yesterday’s release by Dutch parliamentarian Geert Wilders of a film that is highly insulting of the Koran and Islam.    

Many—including very notably the Dutch government and Dutch religious and civil society leaders—worked with wisdom and diligence to try to avoid this kind of hurtful and inflammatory situation.  They worked hard to make it clear to the wider world that the film in no way expressed the position of the Dutch government or the overwhelming majority of Dutch people. 

Our own distinguished Religions for Peace leaders are to be especially commended for their taking action prior to the release of the film. They have great credibility with the Islamic community and they have worked with skill to use a deeply painful situation to advance good will.    

Please join me in appreciating the leadership and wisdom of our fellow Religions for Peace colleagues. You will find an excerpt of their opinion piece printed below.

Allow me to also acknowledge our partnership with the Secretariat of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations which offered very helpful leadership.   

In Religions for Peace, we know that we honor our own faiths when we cooperate for the common good.  Let us continue. 

Yours in partnership,
Dr. William F. Vendley
Secretary General 

Another provocation (Excerpt from the International Herald Tribune, 25 March 2008)

A recent Gallup poll of Muslims in 39 countries reported that 92 percent of Muslims believe that attacks on civilians can never be justified. When asked to explain their position, a significant segment of the group cited the Koran's insistence on safeguarding innocent life as a moral duty. In spite of this, Geert Wilders would have us think otherwise.

Wilders's film is the latest in a series of provocations against Muslim communities in Holland, and against Islam in general. Its title, "Fitna," is taken from an Arabic word meaning chaos and civil strife.

It seems that this is also Wilders's intended outcome in producing the work. He argues that most Dutch Muslims should leave Holland or tear up at least half the Koran if they wish to stay. He promises that his film will definitively show "the violent and fascist elements of the Muslim faith."

There is no doubt that a small number of criminal extremists have committed violence in the name of Islam in recent years. But they do not represent the overwhelming majority of Muslims.

The Gallup poll also shows that the tiny minority of people who believe that violence can sometimes be justified rarely use religion or the Koran to support their views. Their reasons are mostly geopolitical. In other words, Wilders's anti-Muslim ranting is not only racist, it is inaccurate.

The cynical use of identity politics to pit people against each other for political gain is not a new tactic. The past few years have been marred by a rise in tensions between small groups of extremists all over the world promoting the perception of a supposed "Muslim-West" divide.

It is no surprise that those on the fringes of either side of "the divide" use similar, incendiary rhetoric to provoke young people, with the ultimate aim of strengthening their own political platforms. In releasing a film that will undoubtedly insult deeply held religious beliefs, it seems that Wilders is hoping to cause a violent reaction to prove his own argument.

As with the Danish cartoon crisis two years ago, this situation, while dangerous, also presents unique opportunities.

Every time resources are deployed to spread disinformation, there is an attendant rise in the public's curiosity. Already there are many who are interested in learning more about Islam. It is likely that their number will grow after this. It is critical that we seize this opportunity to mobilize ourselves to present a more accurate picture of Islam.

As mediators in an increasingly heated debate, our efforts to counter the likes of Wilders must be both outwardly directed - in teaching others about Muslims - as well as inwardly directed toward our youth.

How do we ensure that our youth do not fall prey to such provocation?

We must be sensitive to their needs, and listen to them carefully. We should use every opportunity to further the development of healthy Western and Muslim identities. We must provide them with alternatives both in terms of information and platforms for dialogue and participation. And the best way to start doing this is to exemplify moderation in our own words and actions. Our Prophet would have done no less.