You are here

King makes Jordan’s stand on terrorism clear

Jan 12,2015 - Last updated at Jan 12,2015

In a rare display of international solidarity, scores of leaders from countries across the global took part in the biggest ever demonstration in Paris to honour the victims of a recent terrorists attack.

The message could not have been more obvious: The world neither accepts terrorism nor is afraid of it.

His Majesty King Abdullah was among the world leaders who took part in the demonstration, showing his country’s stand.

Wednesday’s deadly terrorist attack on Charlie Hebdo office could not be defended. Rather than defending Islam, the perpetrators affronted Islam and Muslims. The attack in the name of Islam is nothing but a betrayal of Islam itself.

The incident is not a French concern only. In fact, Muslims all over the world should be aware that such attacks could hurt Muslims’ relations with the rest of the world, especially in the countries in the West where millions of Muslims live. 

In some parts of Europe, there has been a rise in Islamophobia and a re-emergence of far-right groups. Equally important, many Europeans see Muslims living among them as a threat to the fabric of their societies. Therefore, Europe is seething with anti-Muslim immigrant sentiment.

This can only provide far-right nationalist parties such as France’s National Front with further ammunition in their anti-Muslim stand.

Due to the deadly attack on the French magazine, more French will fear that radicals might carry out similar attacks in the future.

The resentment against Muslim immigrants is hardly a new phenomenon. And yet, the Wednesday attack is most likely to sharpen anti-Muslim resentment in France and other European countries.

As such, the French president’s statement that his country is at war against terrorists and not against Islam is wise.

Islam does not need anyone to defend it. The culprits do not represent Muslims. But this is not to say that Muslims should sit idle by, doing nothing.

I believe we need to reconsider our educational system and try to propagate the true teachings of Islam. This mission can be accomplished by governments, and should not be left to radicals.

Unfortunately, some in our part of the world gave justification for the terrorist attacks in France. They argue that mocking the prophet is a crime that should not go unpunished. They also argue that world leaders never gathered in any Arab country to condemned the Israeli occupation or the killing of hundreds of thousands by the American intervention in Iraq.

No one is defending the bad Western policies or its colonial history. 

King Abdullah made a much stronger point way by joining world leaders in their united position against terrorism. The King’s decision to take part in the demonstration shows that he is more concerned about the future of his country and the safety of millions of Muslims who live in Europe. 

His move can help defuse the social tension and can deprive the rising right-wing forces in France, which may make Islamophobia their slogan in elections.

I do not know how igniting a conflict between the minority Muslims in Europe and the majority can help the Arab cause. 

Equally important, and herein lies the crux of the matter, not joining the demonstration may send the wrong message internally and to the international community.

Indeed, it will be very difficult for us in this part of the world to enlist the international sympathy for our just causes if we fail to condemn terrorism in all of its form and shape.

[email protected]

up
27 users have voted.


Newsletter

Get top stories and blog posts emailed to you each day.

PDF