Editorial - Don't put everyone in the same basket

Ok, I know, I know… I said I wouldn’t write this summer, but I have something to get off my chest.

More and more, I see Cornwallites going around calling for the extermination of ISIS. That is all fine and dandy, we all know ISIS is terrorizing the world, except that these same Cornwallites put ISIS and MUSLIMS or ISLAM in the same basket, and that just irritates the hell out of me.

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Yes, like all religions, Islam can seem barbaric. the Quran, if interpreted literally, can be perceived as a violent book, but so is our bible. The bible is used every day by numerous so-called Christians to further some evil agendas. It has been used for centuries to indoctrinate people in systematic theology to better mind control them. The Quran and the Torah have also been used to manipulate and justify actions. It’s so easy! One does something that is a little questionable, then simply quote the book, hiding behind freedom of religion and everybody shuts up!

But generalizing is wrong, people. Aren’t Christian Extremists, who call for the “annihilation” of Muslims in Canada guilty of the same crime than ISIS itself? Think about it! Some of our people, right here, are calling of the extermination of another human race! That is pretty heavy!

Why is intolerance OK at one end of the spectrum but despicable at the other? If you are Christian, you know that God gave us 10 commandments. Seeing that we were having difficulties following these 10 simple directions, he scratched them and narrowed it down to one: “LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR AS THYSELF”. From the looks of it, we can’t even do that right.

Maybe we’d have less of a hard time if we defined love?

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

But many of my “Christian Brothers” while spreading the “truth” , do not protect, nor do they trust, hope or persevere. They actually hate.

I think we could all benefit from a little introspection and a lot more tolerance.

If you, like me, are curious and would like to learn more about other faiths, the Cornwall Interfaith Partnership is holding an event July 10.

Here is the press release

This is to invite you to an open door event at the Cornwall Islamic Centre (507 Pitt Street) during the Islamic month of Ramadan. Although you are welcome at any time, you are specifically invited to the Friday (Juma) prayer on July 10th. The service will start with a brief English talk, followed by two short (five minute) sermons in Arabic, and two “units” or rakats of prayer. Guests are welcome to join or observe. The etiquette for entering an Islamic place of prayer is that one takes off his or her shoes (you will see shoe racks as you come in). Appropriate dress is modest (loose and long). The service starts at 1:30 pm, although I will be there 10 minutes earlier to meet guests. Women normally wear “hijabs” (scarves) that cover their hair, neck, and upper bodies. I’ll have extras on hand for those who would like them. Men often wear a small cap (kufi or tupee), but this is more optional, and I’m not sure if I have extras, and not everyone does this.

Other events during Ramadan include breaking fast (iftar) at sunset (around 8:55 pm) and the special evening prayers (Tarawih), which run throughout the month (starting around 10:45 pm and lasting until around 12:30 am) and during which the entire Quran is recited by memory (portion by portion as the month continues). Anyone wishing to attend these events please let me know. I can be contacted at 613-363-7922.

Blessings,