February 28, 2006

Islam Threatening Christians in Africa: Freedom for Thee, but not for Me

Be on the lookout for creeping facscism in Africa. Two questions: How is it that the traditional interpretation of Islamic law is now somehow 'fanatical'? Why is it that so few seem to realize that 'freedom of religion' in Islam means its Orwellian opposite?

Incidentally, if a 'moderate' Islamists wishes only to impose a lesser penalty on apostates--say, a fine--it's still religious fascism.

CBN News:

"It is our duty to spread Islam, and to especially try to convince the Christians to change their faith,” Hamdan said. β€œA man has the right to choose his religion, but once he is a Muslim, then he has lost that right. If he changes, under the laws of Sharia, he should be put to death.”

While not all Muslims on the island share his radical ideology, a growing number are attracted to the allure of fanatical Islam.

Life for Zanzibar's tiny Christian minority has become increasingly difficult, as a segment of this island's Muslim population pushes for a stricter and more radical interpretation of Islamic law.

The Zanzibari constitution guarantees freedom of religion, but recent converts to Christianity in particular, feel the constitution cannot protect them.

One Christian convert named Juma said, "The Muslims are teaching people to hate Christians, that if you behead a Christian you will go to heaven. After I became a Christian, the Muslims excommunicated me."

She added, β€œ"They call me a Kafir, which means an infidel."

Meanwhile, other Christians say they face constant threats-- for example, just walking to church on Sunday morning.

"When I go to church, Muslim men along the way hurl abuses at me,” said Christian convert Venessa. β€œThey call me an infidel. They call me a prostitute because I do not cover my face like other Muslim women do. Even the Muslim friends I have, told me that this island belongs to them and that Christians are not welcome."

The hostility has gone far beyond insults and threats. In recent years, several churches have been attacked and burned down.

By Rusty Shackleford, Ph.D. at 12:48 PM | |