Editor,
Although I personally follow the Jafari Shia school of Islamic thought, I cannot idly sit by while the corporate-owned, mainstream media continues to libel my Sunni Muslim brothers and sisters. In regards to the unfortunate and tragic events that took place in France at the Charlie Hebdo offices, the oldest and most respected Sunni Islamic University in the world issued a statement. The spokesperson for al-Azhar University said, “Islam denounces any violence.”
Every religion is prone to having followers who might subscribe to or come under the influence of extremist and intolerant views. The media’s repeated linkage of groups like IS with Sunni Islam is laughable from an informed and fair-minded point of view.
The average American should take the time to learn the difference between Sunni Islam and Wahhabism. Wahhabism is an intolerant and conservative form of Islam currently in vogue in Saudi Arabia and initiated by a scholar named Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahhab. The roots of this movement can be traced back to the 1700s in the area of present-day Saudi Arabia.
To make a long story short, the Wahhabis innovated a belief that any Muslims who did not follow or understand Islam in the exact manner as them were non-believers who could then be killed. This theologically shaky belief justified war against fellow Muslims and would eventually contribute to the birth of the modern kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Sunni Muslims are not Wahhabis, and the vast majority of them do not condone wanton violence against others, be they Muslim or non-Muslim.
Readers should consider that if Wahhabis have no problem inflicting death and destruction on fellow Muslims over minor religious differences, then what do you think would be their attitude toward non-Muslims? We should all seek and pray for a world where moderation, mutual respect and tolerance can thrive. Advising his fellow Muslims, Imam Ali said, “Our enemies are not the Jews or the Christians, but our enemy is our own ignorance.”
Sincerely,
Muhajir Romero
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