And apparently no one stood up and resisted, saying that to do such a thing was un-Islamic because Islam was a religion of peace. That’s just for Western consumption. In reality, as this article shows, Islamic rulers do not hesitate to use Islam to incite their supporters to commit acts of violence. Because so many Islamic texts sanctify violence under certain circumstances, this is not difficult.
“Mosques in Sudan: From political tools to wartime targets,” by Mohamed Badawi, Sudan Tribune, July 13, 2024:
Since the 1989 coup d’état, when the Sudanese Islamic Movement seized power under the guise of the Rescue Revolution Council, the new regime immediately adopted policies termed “moderate Sudanese Citizens.” This was a thinly veiled attempt to instil Islamic political ideologies into the governance of Sudan, solidifying their control. To achieve this, they systematically restricted freedoms in both public and private spheres through the implementation and enforcement of oppressive laws and regulations, notably the Public Order laws.
This agenda was furthered by groups of zealots who publicly promoted Islamic slogans, aiming to cultivate a new Islamic culture. This extended to the artistic realm, with the national television station even incorporating religious symbols into its logo.
Ultimately, the regime’s Islamization efforts sought to exploit religion as a shield against criticism and simultaneously legitimize attacks on any dissenting voices opposing their rule.
Furthermore, the regime strategically rebranded the civil war against the SPLM as a “jihad” to mobilize civilians for frontline combat. This involved systematic plans implemented by numerous organizations tasked with this goal, such as the “Jehad Call” (Neda Aljehad) and a weekly Friday evening television program called “Sahat Alfeda.” Additionally, regime-affiliated imams used Friday prayers to promote this narrative.
Even today, the regime continues to exploit mosques as gathering points to further its objectives. This includes calling for nighttime prayers as a show of support, and creating a mandatory display of loyalty at least twice a week known as “Giam Alil.”
During the former regime, mosques on some Sudanese university campuses were secretly used to stockpile weapons like iron bars and other materials by student members of the Islamic Movement. These hidden stashes were deployed during violent clashes against opposing student factions, particularly during university association elections.
In a more recent chapter, during the 2018 Sudanese revolution, mosques once again became political tools. Numerous regime-affiliated imams used their platforms and Friday sermons to undermine peaceful protests and their participants, falsely accusing them of acting against the interests of the Sudanese people. They also employed distorted interpretations of Islamic doctrine to discourage dissent against a Muslim ruler, misrepresenting this as religiously forbidden….
࿗Infidel࿘ says
They were removed from power in 2018. Are they making a comeback?
abu taleb says
Mosques are always used to stockpile weapons, or to kill people, or to rape women. And no muslim enrages for the usage of mosque for such purpose. Yet they enrage if somebody enter the mosque wearing shoes or sandals.
Got the idea of what Islam is?