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Obama says Muslims must fight 'twisted interpretations of Islam'

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Twisted interpretations of Islam. Hmmm. As opposed to, say, sentencing a blogger to 1,000 lashes in Saudi Arabia and 10 years in jail for insults to Islam?! Is that a twisted interpretation of Islam? Or in line with the teachings of Islam?

10 ( +12 / -2 )

Muslims should also do comparisons with other religions, specially, their religious books, to see what is being sold to them. I would not trust a book that promotes murder, promises of virgins for becoming a "martyr", and labeling of infidel to those who do not belong to their religion. In fact, if I was a Muslim, I would make time to listen to Dr. Wafa Sultan's speech about Islam and Muhammad.

7 ( +9 / -2 )

There is nothing twisted about their interpretation. The religion itself is twisted.

7 ( +9 / -2 )

The parasites (IS) must be exterminated.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

“These terrorists are desperate for legitimacy and all of us have a responsibility to refute the notion that groups like ISIL somehow represent Islam, because that is a falsehood that embraces the terrorist narrative,” Obama said.

President Obama has placed a divider on the issue of violent gangsters shielding themselves in a religious charade and the faithful Muslims who do not see violence as a solution to every problem. There is a difference.

The problem for Muslims, and especially for those unfamiliar with Islam, is there are too many interpretations of the Koran. If there can be too much diversity, the faith of Muhammad may be one example.

"Members of one Islamic group do not usually recognize members of other groups as fellow Muslims, and open conflict between sects is not uncommon. Yet, numerically, it could be said that Islam is less divided than Christianity and Judaism because the vast majority of the world's Muslims are Sunnis."

reference: http://www.religionfacts.com/islam/sects.htm

The geography of these gangster false religions tells more of the story of these violent gangs than religion ever will. If the "religion" angle is stripped off these freaks the more effective response is available. Religion has nothing to do with beheadings and burying children alive. These acts are the tactics of gangsters not the dictate of religion. This is what President Obama is suggesting.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

Which version is actually true to Islam and what Mohammed believed? I would like to see Islam clean its own house.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

He was President when Osama Bin Laden was killed. More Muslim radicals have been killed under him by drones. He's attempting to have the US congress give him more authority to expend military operations against ISIS. But because he also wants to temper anti-Muslim sentiment, he's accused of being soft on terrorists and even of being a closet Muslim. Just plain ridiculous.

5 ( +9 / -4 )

And now he is telling decent people who follow Islam they must Do something about the terrorists, implying somehow decent Islamic people are purposely doing nothing, implying further they may accept what the terrorists are doing.

This is quite important in my opinion.

I think a significant number of older Muslims may generally 'understand' what ISIS is doing, even though they cannot openly 'accept' it or 'support' it.

Why aren't they speaking up about it? Well, Its vital to understand the underlying theology of Islam. Muslims have been dreaming about a Caliphate that can unite the entire Muslim world and rule with strict Islamic code ever since the death of Muhammed. A caliphate is the Islamic form of government representing the political unity and leadership of the Muslim world. Besides uniting the Muslims, the goal is to arrange a massive army and call for Jihad against infidel states for the expansion of the Caliphate.

This is all stated in the Quran, and preached by the Imams. It is not something that only the extremists believe in.

The Quran also makes it very clear that those who resist Islamic rule are to be fought until they are either killed or fully humiliated and forced to acknowledge their inferior status by converting to Islam or by paying a poll-tax and otherwise accepting the subjugation of their own religion.

So you can see the dilemma. How does a 'decent Muslim' know that current events aren't what Allah wants? With that in mind, to speak out in opposition could be seen to doubt one's belief. The way the Quran deals with unbelievers, it's not surprising that believers are unwilling to speak out against current events.

The ideology is the battle that the world needs to start fighting. The problem becomes inflated when politics is factored in.

The only way ISIS will be defeated is if other Muslims fight against it. This means a 'civil war' or an 'internal war' within Islam. This is already underway (and has been for centuries with Sunni vs Shia etc), and is taking shape in the Middle East with the Sunni countries of Qatar, Saudi, Bahrain, UAE etc looking to destroy the Shia led economies of Iran, Iraq and Syria. The obvious issue here is the conflict of interest for the US (interests and responsibilities in Iraq vs the Saudis who may or may not be funding ISIS). It is an official mess.

So yes, I agree with Obama that 'decent' Muslims should be doing more because without trying to force a shift in ideology nothing will ever change - and the only people who can possibly force a shift in Islamic ideology are the Muslims themselves.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Bgood41:

" ISIL and BOKO Harom are like viruses that existed with certain given environment. "

ISIS and Boko Haram represent literal, full-bore, uncompromising Wahabi Sunni islam. The same islamic doctrine that the house of Saud has made a deal with and that Saudi Arabia is supporting by funding Wahabi Sunni mosques all around the world. Trouble is, the Saudis are supposed to be our friends and allies, and we depend on their oil. So Western politicians are in a real pickle here.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

masri:

" dear, do you ever have time to read the whole content of the Holy book?back to old english wise say "dont judge a book by its cover"..I certainly believe your doubt about the book will be enlighten with a good interpretation at the end of the tunnel! anyway, I respect your judgement because anyone has a freedom to speak!peace "

Everybody knows the old testament contains some brutal tales. But the major difference to islam is that:

a) the Old Testament is interpreted and read in historical, while the Koran is taken as the literal word of God which applies today, and b) the Old Testament says nothing about currently existing religions, while the Koran says a lot about Jews and Christians, and what it says is not nice.

So that is one of these standard talking points, which is simply wrong. But I think you know that.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

@Masri I have read the Koran from cover to cover. I found it difficult to finish but I hear it doesn't have the same beauty in English as it does in the original Arabic. However, I found things in it which are very disturbing in the same way as I found things in the Jewish and Christian scriptures disturbing. This shouldn't be surprising to anyone considering these books were written in a very different moral climate. I think until everybody realizes these books have some merit but are products of their time and cannot be a guide to living in the 21st century we will be in trouble. There are better books to read on morality written by smarter people which are far more relevant.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

He makes a good point, yet it would resonate more with Muslims around the world if he also said Christians, Jews, Buddhists, etc. should also resist fundamentalist versions of their faith. As well, he might add we should resist perversions of democracy, where state violence is carried out in the name of the people, but then he'd be a hypocrite.

3 ( +8 / -5 )

'Religion has nothing to do with beheadings and burying children alive. These acts are the tactics of gangsters not the dictate of religion.'

The Jewish scriptures, the Christian bible and the Koran contain violent verses advocating murder. Christianity and Judaism have largely learned to ignore these foul verses but some fundamentalists still like to cling to aspects which in their eyes justify stealing other people's land or railing against homosexuals. Mainstream Muslim teaches the Koran is the word of god and flawless in every aspect. The violent verses are there and given the schismatic nature of religion there is nobody who can claim to give a true interpretation of this book, including the US president. What is regarded as 'twisted' in 21st century Washington may not have raised too many eyebrows 1400 years ago in the deserts of the Middle East. As pointed out, isn't the moral outlook of 21st century Saudi Arabia 'twisted' by his standards?

3 ( +5 / -2 )

@HollisBrown said it pretty well and there is not much I can add, other than to say that everyone who hasn't seen the speech by President al-Sisi of Egypt in December needs to see it/hear it. Very powerful dealing with this head on. And brave.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEhNarfrlec

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Muslims need to police themselves, if they don't want all themselves be policed.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

The people complaining about Obama not calling ISIS muslim are being dense, the president's job isn't to inspire a reformation in islam, preventing prejedice against average muslims is the obvious priority.

No one is advocating prejudice against Muslims for Obama to prevent. Obama had no problem associating Christians to the Crusades so I suppose by Obama's rationale it is okay to be prejudiced towards Christians.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

This claim that ISIS does not represent true islam is bizarre. ISIS represents radical Wahabi Sunni islam to the letter. It is true that there are other versions of islam (e.g. the Shiites, which ISIS murders as happily as Christians and Yazidis), but it is not for Obama to decide which is the true islam and which is not.

Or does he think now he is the pan-islamic grand mufti who can decide on the correct version of islam? Crazy.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

@kcjapan:

"Religion as nothing to do with beheadings and burying children alive." I am not sure if these are your words/thoughts or if you are merely trying to say what it is you think Obama is suggesting.

As MarkG said, two words: sharia law. This is where the lunacy starts. And the lunacy is not confined to "terrorists" in ISIS. If one looks at what is done in Iran and Saudi Arabia by the state on the basis of the teachings of Islam, one understands that it has everything to do with religion and religious teachings. ISIS just takes it to a whole different level and does so across state boundaries.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

What is regarded as 'twisted' in 21st century Washington may not have raised too many eyebrows 1400 years ago in the deserts of the Middle East

Or a few centuries ago in Europe and North America, for that matter.

As pointed out, isn't the moral outlook of 21st century Saudi Arabia 'twisted' by his standards?

Not twisted if they're minted.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Obama is attempting a dance that NO ONE can do, simple as that. All he can do at best it try to sway some minds away from thoughts & acts of terror.

Sadly religion as others correctly point out very often is at the root of a lot of violence & nasty nasty history.

Thankfully many religions kinda brush aside or try to ignore the very real & nasty parts of their "good books".

However Muslim religion however isn't doing very well at all in this regard. If we were to snap our fingers & magically isis didn't exist, ditto the taleban, & if neither the Iraq or Afghan wars had happened etc

STILL the Muslim religion would have some very real rather severe to say the least issues that should be dealt with.

Muslims simple need to do better in this regard, the world only has so much patience & it IS running out.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

jimizo hit the spot and guess what ,,,,, they want the invasion of israel from the east to stimulate their cult

they can't do it from the western side of the map it has to be done from the east to make their prophecy more accurate

because that is prohibited .. you know cult spread is a good trade these days

it makes a good market

brainwashing people by a holy wars is a crime

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Seriously though, true muslims respecting their religion should speak up more against radical islam. I heard its a truly peaceful & loving religion. But when I watch BBC, FOX, CNN etc. all I hear is news of their latest atrocities.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Jimizo:

" I have read the Koran from cover to cover. I found it difficult to finish "

Reading the Koran "from cover to cover" must be a discombobling experience, because the suras are arranged BY LENGTH, which makes the book a complete mess. You have to get a list of the chronolical orders of the suras, and read it in that order, then can see how the book gradually moves from poetic and tolerant to aggressive and intolerant. The problem is that in islamic doctrine, the later suras are the stronger ones and abrogate the earlier ones (this is stated in the Koran itself).

Everybody should read the book, but people should get some information about how to read it first.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

"...after then accusing Americans of being crusaders..."

He never said that or anything else you mentioned.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

The people complaining about Obama not calling ISIS muslim are being dense, the president's job isn't to inspire a reformation in islam, preventing prejedice against average muslims is the obvious priority.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

This is what western leaders must say. Those who think Obama is doing what only liberals do would do well to remember this is almost exactly what conservative politicians say. Bush was gushing in his praise of Islam as president as is the current Conservative PM of the UK. We all know it doesn't take much to disturb this wasp's nest.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I am reading 'Understanding Arabs' right now, it is pretty good, not quite dated (2nd edition - 1996). It also mentions what WilliB did, to get a copy of the Koran ordered chronologically instead of standard ordering, which is mostly by length.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Obama describes these people as psychopaths who are joining ISIS with twisted and perverted view of Islam. Does Obama's description also include some members of the Saudi royal family who are strongly suspected of supporting ISIS?

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Obama says Muslims must fight 'twisted interpretations of Islam't

Unless Obama has not been upfront about his religious beliefs he should leave the interpretation of Islam to the followers of Islam. What American's - and the free world in general - should be most concerned about is Obama's twisted interpretations of America.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

turbosats:

" I am reading 'Understanding Arabs' right now, it is pretty good, not quite dated (2nd edition - 1996). It also mentions what WilliB did, to get a copy of the Koran ordered chronologically instead of standard ordering, which is mostly by length "

It is actually interesting to notice how different the Meccan verses are from Medinan verses. The Meccan verses are mainly poetic and tolerant (Mohammed was a hapless poet in Mecca), and the Medinan verses are rapidly moving from aggressive to rabidly violent (Mohammed became a successful caravan raider and ultimately ruler and dictator).

In effect, the Koran has an old and a new testament.... with the notable difference that in Islamic doctrine the later (aggressive) verses abrogate the earlier (tolerant) ones.

If muslim cleric removed the Medienan verses and read only the Mekkan ones, we would not have this problem with radical islam and ISIS. But very few are calling for that, and they quickly receive death threats.

Meanwhile, Obama is assuring us that that islam is un-islamic...

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Two words, Sharia law.

0 ( +7 / -7 )

@Hollis, thank you for summarizing the entirety of the Qur'an. Too many people don't understand that this is exactly what Islam is. From it's own texts, to Islamic history and currently Islamic governed states.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Elbudo Mexicano:

" Anyway, I am sure our US president OBAMA is on the right track, not only the USA but the European, Australian, Canadian counters parts should also learn from this type of reaching out to young Muslims in WESTERN countries, to keep them from being sucked up into the RADICAL ISLAM hype that is being sold by Al Qaeda, ISIS etc... "

The problem with that narrative is that you have to convince them that islam is good, but literal islam is bad. Sorry, but that is hard sale coming from infidels. Would you expect Catholics to listen to sermons from non-Christians about what kind of Christianity they should follow? Seriously? Because that is, in fact, what you aresking here.

The sort of islamic reformation that we need will have to come from inside islam, and regrettably we see no sign of that.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Obama says Muslims must fight 'twisted interpretations of Islam'

He should tell that to all the members of all the Jihadi groups committing genocide throughout the world. But, who is he to make these claims that these Jihad's are twisting Islam when they are actually following Sharia law!

Wise up and look up Hadd/hudud punishments under Sharia Law.

http://www.oxfordislamicstudies.com/article/opr/t125/e757

http://www.islamhelpline.net/node/8086

https://pietervanostaeyen.wordpress.com/2013/12/28/amnesty-international-isis-and-islamic-penal-law/

BTW, under Sharia Law an individual cannot take the law into his own hands just because someone breaks the laws.

The person must bring proof to the leaders of what the person has done wrong. And it is up to the authorities to try and render punishment.

So whenever you see stories of a beheading, stoning, burning, amputation ect etc etc it has happened because the person has been found guilty of some offense.

Western Islam isn't a problem as long as the followers of that religion adopt the laws and customs of the nation they have moved to. But, many of those believe that Sharia law is better than Western law and try to impose it in the nation they move to.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gZCFdHkd4A

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01rxfjt

0 ( +2 / -2 )

"Obama says Muslims must fight 'twisted interpretations of Islam' "

Empty words. Perhaps they must, but they won't.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Under cutting ISIS is the over all goal of international reaction to their crimes. Part of that effort is to make a clear distinction between ISIS and Islam as it exists today. That effort requires a framework of where ISIS draws its power. Part of their power is a fanatical view of themselves and the victims of their crimes. A view that in its actions proves these are insane people with guns, not holy faithful of rational desires.

Please reference: "The Atlantic published a truly excellent article about Islam and its meaning to ISIS." Provided @ Volland. 08:37AM. The Atlantic article provides the clearest outline of the who, what and when of ISIS.

On the point: "one understands that it has everything to do with religion and religious teachings" @ zones2surf

After reviewing the Atlantic article, the analogy with Jonestown, November 18, 1978, Jim Jones, the leader of the Peoples Temple cult, had his followers kill themselves as an end of the world mania.

ISIS, if the Atlantic has it right, is on the same path. So, in that sense, ISIS isn't Islam, it is a maniac death wish end of the world slaughter house with no holds barred. That characterization isn't what Muslims want from their religion, so in that sense, ISIS is a fanatical gangster operation and that is why they bury children alive. Not because of religion but in spite of religion.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

In 1940 Europe were they called Germans or Nazi's? They were Nazi's. In 2015 Middle East/North Africa they are radicle Islamists. To them it is a religious war. Of course they all ar not vile killers but many non active Muslims support and praise what they do. Obama is on a fence with this one having Muslim family members and living Christian.

Mecca is a city in the world most readers here can never visit. Why?

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

" U.S. President Barack Obama called on the world Thursday to confront efforts to use Islam to justify violence, saying Muslim communities in particular have a responsibility to push back on “twisted interpretations of Islam” "

Now waitasecond.... until now, Obamas official party line was that ISIS et al are not muslim, so the Muslim communities have nothing to with it. Hence his refusal to monitor radical mosques.

Now he acknowledges that ISIS recruits from "muslim communities", so there just might be a tad of a connection? Well.... never say people don´t change their minds.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

Wc626.

Like this on CNN? http://edition.cnn.com/videos/world/2015/02/18/intv-amanpour-holmes-rotterdam-netherlands-ahmed-aboutaleb-air.cnn

Lots more like this and more plenty of topics of Islam.

Here is a good one about the Bible.

http://edition.cnn.com/2015/02/19/living/bible-not-jesus/index.html

I read the international sites, contents differs with local one.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

bass

It's not the presidents job to educate the people or tell the people how to feel about a certain religion or a group of people.

I know it's not his job, but he can certainly set the tone for dealing with the issue of religion and terrorism. Whether he follows through on it is another question. On the surface level at least, I think our president was being prudent and diplomatic when he said:

“Our enemy doesn’t follow the great traditions of Islam. They’ve hijacked a great religion.”

and

"The Muslim faith is based upon peace and love and compassion.”

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

The West is not in war with Islam, but with radical Muslim extremists or Islamo-facism. The trilogy of Islamic doctrine provides certain breeding ground to these Muslim terrorist. Obama continues to deny the fact that contradicts himself in recognizing the grievances of these Muslim extremists. Nation building in Afghanistan goes nowhere, and now providing jobs to ISIL? Radical Muslims not only have jobs as they see it, but have dream of a caliphate as true Muslims who follow Allah's goal. With his own Islamic family background, Obama adopted a new perception of Islam even some Muslims do not agree with. ISIL and BOKO Harom are like viruses that existed with certain given environment. The anti-bio-tic is needed to combat the viruses and proper sanitation must be carry out to clean up the contaminated sources. In denying the breeding ground and viruses, hell lose under false narrative of narcissist community organizer. Be cool right, two years later someone will carry the burden- not ME! History will unmask all these. Who is twisting this reality?

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

So the PRESIDENT of the USA has no right to try and HELP Americans from being ATTACKED by ISIS terrorists?? I am not sure if some of these comments here are real comments or just trouble makers who have nothing better to do than to send asinine ANTI US PRESIDENT OBAMA, hateful comments. Anyway, I am sure our US president OBAMA is on the right track, not only the USA but the European, Australian, Canadian counters parts should also learn from this type of reaching out to young Muslims in WESTERN countries, to keep them from being sucked up into the RADICAL ISLAM hype that is being sold by Al Qaeda, ISIS etc...

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

Muslims should also do comparisons with other religions, specially, their religious books, to see what is being sold to them. I would not trust a book that promotes murder, promises of virgins for becoming a "martyr", and labeling of infidel to those who do not belong to their religion. In fact, if I was a Muslim, I would make time to listen to Dr. Wafa Sultan's speech about Islam and Muhammad

dear, do you ever have time to read the whole content of the Holy book?back to old english wise say "dont judge a book by its cover"..I certainly believe your doubt about the book will be enlighten with a good interpretation at the end of the tunnel! anyway, I respect your judgement because anyone has a freedom to speak!peace

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

The people complaining about Obama not calling ISIS muslim are being dense, the president's job isn't to inspire a reformation in islam, preventing prejedice against average muslims is the obvious priority.

It's not the presidents job to educate the people or tell the people how to feel about a certain religion or a group of people. He should let the people decide for themselves. And the majority of Americans do have a fundemental problem with radical Islam, they know it, understand it and don't need the president to define it for them.

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

Obama is proving yet again to be a moron with a dangerous agenda. First he helps Isis with propaganda. Only Isis and Obama think the west is at war with Islam. reality is everyone else knows it's Avesta with violent Islamic terrorists. It's Also the world, not the west. It seems Obama forgot two Japanese men were beheaded and a Jordanian pilot was burned to death.

after then accusing Americans of being crusaders, Obama thinks ssomehow child rapists who burn living people to death became that way overnight because they don't have jobs, of course this is,everyone else's fault.

And now he is telling decent people who follow Islam they must Do something about the terrorists, implying somehow decent Islamic people are purposely doing nothing, implying further they may accept what the terrorists are doing.

Obama's words actually help Isis by putting the US presidential face on the Isis lie the west is against Islam, he is then blaming everyone else, the west, America and Islam for causing the terrorists to be the subhumans they are and Obama has legitimized Isis by saying they have legitimate grievances.

Is Obama running Isis? He certainly is helping them and not America or the rest of the world

-6 ( +3 / -9 )

Obama says Muslims must fight 'twisted interpretations of Islam'

By what rationale does Obama believe that Muslims must fight against twisted interpretations of Islam? According to his line of thinking those that practice violent extremism cannot be both violent and Muslim; these things are mutually exclusive (never mind that it is not the business of a Christian to tell anyone who is and isn't to be considered a Muslim). Most people would think that everyone should be fighting against 'violent extremism'. But Obama has singled out Muslims (who according to his bizarre thought process) do not have anything to do with such things.

Obama has twisted himself into such a pretzel of political correctness he can no longer come up with a coherent thought.

-7 ( +7 / -14 )

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