Why is There So Much Anger About the NYC Mosque
Larry King Live highlighted the battle for the New York Mosque plans near the 9-11 site which has angered many Americans. President Obama backs the plans.
The New York Mosque debate is on and few have a more colorful debate than Larry King. On August 19, 2010 edition of Larry King Live, he discussed the pros and the cons of the construction of the so-called Ground Zero Mosque. Many Muslims have reported feeling targeted as the plans for the New York Mosque has been approved. Not only in New York, but all over America, Muslims say they're finding it incredibly difficult as they attempt to obtain building permits for Mosques. Are Muslims a target of "Islamophobia" or do Americans have a right to their fears? Many innocent Muslims were among those who died in the terrorist attacks on the New York City World Trade Center Towers, not just Americans and their pain is real too. Pain, regrets and longing for answers has caused both sides of the coin to question reality and destiny. This article will look at the various arguments, in addition to exploring the Islamic ruling on killing innocent civilians. Islamic Ruling on Killing Innocent Civilians In order to understand Muslims feelings about 9/11, one must first understand what Islam states about the killing of innocent civilians. According to Prominent Muslim scholar Yusuf Al-Qaradawi in Doha, UAE, "Islam forbids the killing of civilians, children, women and elderly, this is the law of war in Islam," he maintained. Jihad or dying for the sake of Allah is only possible in a war situation or when a foreign country invades an Islamic state. To kill innocent women, children and the elderly is against Islamic beliefs and the sayings of Prophet Mohammad. Islam, as a whole, has condemned the killing of the nearly 3,000 9/11 casualties. |
Larry King Live – Debate About New York City Mosque
On August 19, 2010, Larry King conducted an exclusive interview with Governor David Paterson and other panelists. This led a lively debate on the pros and cons of the New York Mosque, which is set to be built near the ground zero site. Some allege that Americans who are still mourning the loss of loved ones have been targeted; there have been accusations of insensitivity on the part of Muslims. Not only is the New York Mosque debated; they also discussed the construction of Mosques all across America.
It was mentioned that the hijackers who flew commercial jets into the World Trade Centers represent a minority group with beliefs that are inconsistent with mainstream Islam. It was also mentioned that innocent Muslims were among those who died in the 9/11 attacks and many have been penalized for the actions of a small group of individuals who held beliefs that differ from the teachings of Islam.
Other panelists included Russell Simmons, Rep. Peter King, Rep. Keith Ellison, among others.
President Obama in Favor of a New York Mosque
As the battle is underway, President Obama stands up for Muslims everywhere. At a dinner celebrating the beginning of Ramadan, President Obama stated, "as a citizen, and as president, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country.”
President Obama had avoided getting involved in this very heated debate for a long time, and according to Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, the President wanted to avoid involvement in the local decision-making process.
But later, President Obama stated, “This is America, and our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakable. The principle that people of all faiths are welcome in this country, and will not be treated differently by their government, is essential to who we are.” President Obama strongly backs Muslims.
Canadian Wife of 9-11 Victim Critical of New York Mosque Plans
This debate highlights the general public's misconceptions and misinformation surrounding Islam. A Canadian woman who lost her husband in the 9/11 tragedy has spoken out against the New York Mosque.. Maureen Basnicki of Toronto traveled to New York to debate the issue at a town hall-style meeting with the developer and a head of the project.
Basnicki came away dismayed and felt her questions had not been answered correctly and fully. She questioned the source of the money that will fund the $100 million complex. Some assume that all the funds are coming from Saudi Arabia and thus, there is concern that the funds are originating from a nation that's home to many terrorists. The truth is, the money is coming from many sources, not just Saudi Arabia.
The New York Mosque complex is to be built two blocks away from the hallowed ground that was once the site of the New York World Trade Center towers. Basnicki's second concern was that the Mosque would not be open to individuals of all faiths. Mosques are never open to nonbelievers, but the complex itself would be open to visitors of all faiths.
Basnicki was also upset when the developer recited a common Islamic saying which means, "May God Protect You" – it's a common saying that means something to the effect of "I hope for the best for you in this life and the next." Basnicki interpreted this saying to mean, "‘Let’s see who’ll protect you when something happens."
Summary of New York Mosque Debate
Conspiracy theories abound, many question who caused the collapse of the World Trade Centers. The 9/11 widows committee has supported the new Muslim complex, while one firefighter's organization want to sue. This has many wondering, "Isn't it time everyone just goes on with their lives and let the bell of freedom ring in America once more?"
Muslims believe that destiny is decided by Allah alone, not by Osama Bin Laden or any other terrorist organization. In Islam, it's believed that no soul can cheat death, even if you are in the tallest building. For Muslims, destiny means never questioning "Why?" Rather, there is acceptance that Allah has made a decision and he has done as he pleased. Many believe that now is a time to come together, to learn from the past and to unite for a peaceful future.
Resources:
"Islam Forbids Kidnapping, Killing Civilians - Qaradawi," Islam Online.
Stolberg, Sheryl Gay (August 13, 2010) "Obama Strongly Backs Islam Center Near 9/11 Site,"
New York Times.
Edwards, Stephen, "Wife of Canadian 9/11 Victim Critical of Ground Zero Mosque,"
Canada.com.
On August 19, 2010, Larry King conducted an exclusive interview with Governor David Paterson and other panelists. This led a lively debate on the pros and cons of the New York Mosque, which is set to be built near the ground zero site. Some allege that Americans who are still mourning the loss of loved ones have been targeted; there have been accusations of insensitivity on the part of Muslims. Not only is the New York Mosque debated; they also discussed the construction of Mosques all across America.
It was mentioned that the hijackers who flew commercial jets into the World Trade Centers represent a minority group with beliefs that are inconsistent with mainstream Islam. It was also mentioned that innocent Muslims were among those who died in the 9/11 attacks and many have been penalized for the actions of a small group of individuals who held beliefs that differ from the teachings of Islam.
Other panelists included Russell Simmons, Rep. Peter King, Rep. Keith Ellison, among others.
President Obama in Favor of a New York Mosque
As the battle is underway, President Obama stands up for Muslims everywhere. At a dinner celebrating the beginning of Ramadan, President Obama stated, "as a citizen, and as president, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country.”
President Obama had avoided getting involved in this very heated debate for a long time, and according to Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, the President wanted to avoid involvement in the local decision-making process.
But later, President Obama stated, “This is America, and our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakable. The principle that people of all faiths are welcome in this country, and will not be treated differently by their government, is essential to who we are.” President Obama strongly backs Muslims.
Canadian Wife of 9-11 Victim Critical of New York Mosque Plans
This debate highlights the general public's misconceptions and misinformation surrounding Islam. A Canadian woman who lost her husband in the 9/11 tragedy has spoken out against the New York Mosque.. Maureen Basnicki of Toronto traveled to New York to debate the issue at a town hall-style meeting with the developer and a head of the project.
Basnicki came away dismayed and felt her questions had not been answered correctly and fully. She questioned the source of the money that will fund the $100 million complex. Some assume that all the funds are coming from Saudi Arabia and thus, there is concern that the funds are originating from a nation that's home to many terrorists. The truth is, the money is coming from many sources, not just Saudi Arabia.
The New York Mosque complex is to be built two blocks away from the hallowed ground that was once the site of the New York World Trade Center towers. Basnicki's second concern was that the Mosque would not be open to individuals of all faiths. Mosques are never open to nonbelievers, but the complex itself would be open to visitors of all faiths.
Basnicki was also upset when the developer recited a common Islamic saying which means, "May God Protect You" – it's a common saying that means something to the effect of "I hope for the best for you in this life and the next." Basnicki interpreted this saying to mean, "‘Let’s see who’ll protect you when something happens."
Summary of New York Mosque Debate
Conspiracy theories abound, many question who caused the collapse of the World Trade Centers. The 9/11 widows committee has supported the new Muslim complex, while one firefighter's organization want to sue. This has many wondering, "Isn't it time everyone just goes on with their lives and let the bell of freedom ring in America once more?"
Muslims believe that destiny is decided by Allah alone, not by Osama Bin Laden or any other terrorist organization. In Islam, it's believed that no soul can cheat death, even if you are in the tallest building. For Muslims, destiny means never questioning "Why?" Rather, there is acceptance that Allah has made a decision and he has done as he pleased. Many believe that now is a time to come together, to learn from the past and to unite for a peaceful future.
Resources:
"Islam Forbids Kidnapping, Killing Civilians - Qaradawi," Islam Online.
Stolberg, Sheryl Gay (August 13, 2010) "Obama Strongly Backs Islam Center Near 9/11 Site,"
New York Times.
Edwards, Stephen, "Wife of Canadian 9/11 Victim Critical of Ground Zero Mosque,"
Canada.com.