Malala

what a wonderful speach,brought a tear to my eye..

Fuck the Taliban

(tu)(tu)(tu)

Hi All (and prayers for FH)!

This is something I had to respond to!

As a Muslim (who has studied not only Islam but also other religions / beliefs, including atheism), I remain in limbo when I notice how the so-called Muslim world behaves towards women, children and others when seen against what the religion decrees.

Both sides of Sunnis and Shias leaders indulge in selective interpretations and (mostly regional cultural) practices to justify their chauvinistic and non-compromising stand (not much of a difference to the polished Catholic Church!).

Where are the religious leaders to promote the rights of women and children as equal partners in education (or, their right to it)? Seen in context, they are under the direct control of their esoteric paymasters; the oil and gas sheiks who in turn are under their western 'protectors'! (Take the large naval and army bases of the US in the ME). In reality, Islamic belief, practice and behaviour is reflected as directives emanating from these 'fatwah' issuing centres; paying the piper!


How do I reconcile the Koranic passage that says 'Seek knowledge, even if it be in China!'? Some Sufi scholars have held that do so, even if it leads to irreligiosity (is there such a word?)!

Or, the much prostituted comment 'x number of virgins await a martyr (suicide bomber)'?

How do I reconcile Muslims that support / remain silent at the heinous and animal behaviour of slitting out the heart/lungs of more so a fellow Muslim combatant (or anyone)... and eating it?

Or, public, inhuman slaughter of two Christian priests, slitting their throats with a blunt pen-knife..... with applauding spectators?

Those of you who describe and decry Islam as a sick, demented religion from the goings-on..... I will not disagree.

However, I am not a sick, demented Muslim.... so, please respect those like me!

We do not go about masquerading as saints and crusaders....as fellow humans, we are all fallible.....but not so!

Well said, Umlilo! And you're a brave man to say it too. I wish more thought like this.

Hibs, I missed this about Malala ... do you have a link I could look at?

New York - In her first speech since the Taliban in Pakistan tried to kill her for advocating education for girls, Malala Yousafzai celebrated her 16th birthday on Friday at the United Nations by making an appeal for compulsory free schooling for all children.

Here are excerpts from her speech:

"I cannot believe how much love people have shown me. I have received thousands of good wish cards and gifts from all over the world. Thank you to all of them. Thank you to the children whose innocent words encouraged me. Thank you to my elders whose prayers strengthened me."

"Malala day is not my day. Today is the day of every woman, every boy and every girl who have raised their voice for their rights. There are hundreds of human rights activists and social workers who are not only speaking for human rights, but who are struggling to achieve their goals of education, peace and equality. Thousands of people have been killed by the terrorists and millions have been injured. I am just one of them."

"The terrorists thought that they would change our aims and stop our ambitions but nothing changed in my life except this: Weakness, fear and hopelessness died. Strength, power and courage was born."

"I do not even hate the Talib who shot me. Even if there is a gun in my hand and he stands in front of me. I would not shoot him."

"The wise saying, 'The pen is mightier than sword' was true. The extremists are afraid of books and pens. The power of education frightens them. They are afraid of women. The power of the voice of women frightens them."

"Dear fellows, today I am focusing on women's rights and girls' education because they are suffering the most. There was a time when women social activists asked men to stand up for their rights. But, this time, we will do it by ourselves. I am not telling men to step away from speaking for women's rights rather I am focusing on women to be independent to fight for themselves."

"Dear brothers and sisters, we want schools and education for every child's bright future. We will continue our journey to our destination of peace and education for everyone. No one can stop us. We will speak for our rights and we will bring change through our voice. We must believe in the power and the strength of our words. Our words can change the world."

"One child, one teacher, one pen and one book can change the world. Education is the only solution. Education First."

Umlilo I differ with you on many subjects but with that post you earned my respect. Not many would have the balls!

Sounds like a very brave young lady to me, all credit to her, and an excellent speech too. I wish her and her campaign every success.

Umlilo, like many, I look on that world with huge sadness and disbelief. The continual "tales" of horror seem unending and though I am aware that the press highlighting certain of these "tales" can distort the impression one has, I am sure these incidents are far more widespread than I dare imagine. That said, speaking only for myself, I have never tarnished all with the same brush, an individual is an individual and earns respect etc as such. Muslims as a whole, there are factions of all "groups" and the issues created by some are not in my mind a reflection on the whole. Assuming I have understood you correctly, I have always considered this influence by the west though a smoke screen. As I say, an individual is an individual and they make their own choices etc, this girl perhaps being a very fine and powerful example. I respect you no more or no less for your words, I respected you before

Mutual respect and understanding of peoples differences goes a long way to world peace and love for all. Utopia !! Might not be a myth !!

Welcome back Umlilo !!!X(

Umlilo you are a strong man who shows what humility is in this crazy world!

What odds our Government will take note of Malala and act?

"Evil triumphs when good people say (and do) nothing."

Three cheers for all those who speak up (and act) against abuse and oppression (which includes Umlilo and Malala).

-D

KitKat Wrote:

---

> Umlilo you are a strong man who shows what
> humility is in this crazy world!
>
> What odds our Government will take note of Malala
> and act?


What you suggest KK