I can’t help but share the following Entrypoint observation with you after the horrors I have seen Hamas perpetrate on the people of Israel in the name of Islam and the subsequent reaction of the world community to these atrocities, which is based on a blog I wrote back in 2014 and is unfortunately still valid today.
You can find the original 2014 blog here: https://www.entrypoint.cz/english/blog/frightening-silence-muslim-community/ or read it below the video
The appalling silence of the Muslim community in 2014
We have all become accustomed to images of massive protests in the Middle East against the U.S.,
against a Danish cartoonist, against almost anything. From the perspective of someone somewhat
engaged in Czech politics, it’s commendable how ordinary people in the Middle East are willing to
publicly express their agreement or disagreement, in contrast to the Czech Republic, where people are
largely passive.
But then I noticed that large protests also occur in Western Europe. Whenever a country introduces a
law or regulation that in some way restricts the practice of Islam.
This made me realize it’s not just the Middle East. It’s the strength of the Muslim community, which
actively and publicly demonstrates its views.
Once again, I must say I admire someone willing to leave the comfort of their living room and television
to take to the streets and protest for an ideal.
As I’ve lived my adult life, over the past 20 years, the world has changed. I learned about the conflict
between Arab states and the state of Israel. I watched in shock as planes crashed into the Twin Towers.
I’ve grown accustomed to thorough security checks at airports because there are individuals willing to
detonate themselves and harm civilians, who, one way or another, can’t influence the policies of
Western democracies.
Throughout my life, I’ve asked my Muslim friends about these events. They always told me that these
acts are committed by Muslims who misinterpret the Quran, that Islam is a religion of peace, and that
every social group has its bad apples.
Yes, I agree. There are pedophiles in the church preaching love. There are politicians who steal. There are
police officers who support crime. Yes, we’re all human and have our flaws.
But… there’s a significant BUT.
When such scandals come to light, there are protests against pedophiles in the church, against corrupt
politicians, and against the police. They arise because, as there are a percentage of bad people, there’s
also a percentage of good people who can no longer stand by silently and feel compelled to publicly
express their opinions. Just like Muslims in the Middle East and Western Europe.
Therefore, I’m surprised, confused, and fearful when I see a video online of one human being
decapitating another, all under the guise of Islam. Subsequently, I don’t see vehement protests by
Muslims in the Middle East or Western Europe exclaiming: “Brothers, this is too much!”, “Brothers, this
crosses a line!”, “Brothers, Islam is a peaceful religion!”
Such protests would send a clear message to young Muslims that beheadings aren’t representative of
Islam.
It would also reassure non-Muslims who have concerns that Islam isn’t a religion of peace.
Unfortunately… I see no such protests.
Why is this the case?
As a chess player, I appreciate strategies. Yet, when I consider the possible reasons, I only see two:
- There isn’t a strong enough reason to protest (unlike Danish cartoons).
- It’s a tacit agreement with such practices.
Both possibilities terrify me. I don’t want to think of my Muslim friends as believing it’s not that
important if someone beheads another because they were born in a different part of the world, have a
different faith, or political affiliation. Even more so, I don’t want to think that my Muslim friends tacitly
agree with such acts.
We are together on this planet in an empty universe; please, let your voices be heard!