Once again a Muslim leader has made this claim that we have heard so often. Propaganda, because it is contrary to fact, has to be endlessly repeated in order to be accepted by the masses. And that constant repetition works: many, if not most, Americans, today believe that Islam is a religion of peace that has been hijacked by a tiny minority of extremists.
If this were so, however, then large numbers of Muslims, including the leaders of the great Islamic empires of the past, have misunderstood Islam. The history of Islam includes an unbroken record of jihad violence: wherever Muslims have gone in the world, some of them have waged jihad warfare against non-Muslims. The whole shocking record of this, hardly known at all in the West and obscured by mountains of propaganda, is in my new book The History of Jihad From Muhammad to ISIS, the first and only one-volume narrative history of jihad in the English language. Arm yourself against the propaganda, which just keeps on coming — order the book here.
“Congress of World Religions adopts declaration to build peace,” by Aidana Yergaliyeva, Astana Times, October 12, 2018
ASTANA – Religious leaders adopted a declaration on the role of religion in the modern context Oct. 11 on the second and final day of the Sixth Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions here.
“We appeal to all people of faith and goodwill to unite in this difficult time and make their responsibility in ensuring peace and harmony on our planet,” stated the declaration.
The declaration states that to resolve conflicts and ensure stability, the religious leaders agreed to establish dialogues with politicians, international organisations and civil society. This includes calling for negotiations between the parties of military conflicts and reject the use of violence.
“Religion will play the peacebuilding role,” said Dmitry Safonov, the executive secretary of the Interfaith Council of Russia….
The religious leaders stressed that extremism should not be associated with religions.
“We should not confuse Islam with terrorism. It is the mistake of many media. Islam is the religion of peace and tolerance. It doesn’t promote extremism. Security and safety is a human right. That is what Islam believes,” said Mufti of Tajikistan Saidmukarram Abduqodirzoda….
Another key measure mentioned by the deputy minister is educating youth, which was also included in the declaration. It specifies that education about should be about religions, tolerance and respect for family values.
“To prevent the radicalisation of youth. To make religion serve its original purpose and not to confuse them with messages from radicals,” said Ashikbayev….