Islamism in Europe
OP - April 25, 2012, 02:15 AM
Hi guys,
I am not an ex-Muslim myself, I'm actually an ex-Orthodox Christian from Romania, now atheist.
I am curious however, from an ex-Muslim perspective and perhaps a bit more inside knowledge into the Islamic communities of UK or maybe the rest of Europe, how do you feel about the issue of radical Islam, by which I don't necessarily mean Islamic terrorism, but Islamism (political Islam, a desire to implement Sharia with all its sexism, arm cutting, flogging and other draconic authoritarian laws.)
For example do you believe that a sizable chunk of the community (15-20-30% or more) would like to live under Sharia or you do believe it is only a tiny fringe while almost all have no problem with democracy and secularism, and have been successfully integrated into western society?
Also, do you believe that organizations such as MCB are a positive influence in society and help Muslims or are they unneeded and create unnecessary tension and segregation? Also, how widespread is radical Islam in mosques and madrassas and is there funding from dubious sources (like Saudi Arabian government) and does this suggest an ulterior motive to you?
Now here in Romania, Islam is pretty moderate and dormant, we have some Muslims (mostly concentrated in Dobrogea) that have been here for generations without issues.
The news I read from UK and several other western countries however is not so good. UK has in recent times started to uphold decisions made by Sharia "civil" tribunals, which discriminate against women for example only giving them 50% inheritance. I have read about and seen street protests on YouTube, organized by individuals such as Anjem Choudary, shouting the most repulsive slogans ever among which:
"Nuke Denmark"
"UK you will pay, 7/7 on its way"
"Freedom go to Hell"
"Behead those who say Islam is a violent religion"
"We don't want democracy just Islam"
You get the picture.
I have seen a documentary exposing an extremist madrasah that school inspectors rated well despite the teachings of Jews being evil and providing instructions on how to cut off hands for thieves.
Polls done by various groups indicate sizable support (although not majority) for the implementation of Sharia.
Muslim immigration seems to be very popular as well while the native western population is deciding to have fewer and fewer children and focus on career or other things, thereby facilitating the spread of the religion if the trend continues. Crackdown on extremism is slow as people seem to be worried about being branded as "far right" or "racists" or "intolerant" even though Islam is not a race and the race of its adherents is not relevant.
I had this discussion recently with a group of atheists where I suggested that maybe we should stop giving special privileges for Muslims (like Sharia civil tribunals), start deporting foreign nationals from the EU if they advocate implementing or try to implement Sharia law (which in my view is a national security issue on par with communism and nazism, because if enough people thought like that we'd be seeing riots, unrest and possibly attempts to overthrow the government and abolish the constitution - plus I've seen what Sharia does in the Middle East so I think Europe should have nothing to do with it) and I've been called all sorts of names "bigot", "racist", "right-wing" which I honestly thought was unfair given that I believe in racial equality and I have nothing against Muslims as long as they respect my freedom to be and live like an atheist, as well as the freedom of Christians, Jews, ex-Muslims and everyone else.
But anyway, I'd like to hear your thoughts as well.
Topic: Islamism in Europe