Faults within Islam

How often have we heard the phrase “Islam is not the problem” in relation to terrorist activities and human rights abuses? To those who say this, I ask: Would radical Islamist terrorists exist if it were not for Islam? Would al-Qaeda, the Islamic State and Boko Haram exist if it were not for Islam? Would Saudi Arabia sentence someone to 1,000 lashes for expressing an opinion if it were not for Islam? Would the extremists of the Taliban exist if it were not for Islam? Would atheists in Egypt be jailed if it were not for Islam?

Of course Islam is a major cause of the violent world we live in. But every religion bears responsibility for the global conflicts that have gone on for centuries and continue unabated today.

Politicians and world leaders dare not deviate from a script that is politically correct for fear of their careers, or worse still, their lives, given the fanaticism of those who cannot tolerate a view that differs from their own.

Islam is not said to be the problem and leaders merely blame the radical extremists who, of course, would not exist if it were not for Islam. And, while Islamic religious leaders condemn the acts of violence, they are not seen to take action to denounce radical clerics who spout hatred against non-Muslims, nor do they accept that their basic religion is part of the root causes of terrorist activities.

Until they can do so and openly discuss the evils of present day religion-based hatred and violence, little progress will be made to create a safer world for all.

Humanity has a long road to travel before people will eventually understand that blind faith in multiple gods and religions belongs in the far distant past.

CHRIS KAYE