What a good idea! It sounds strange given the geopolitical tension around the world. But embracing Islam would be a whole lot more productive than condemning it.
Now, being atheist, I’m not advocating religion. Rather, I’m suggesting that a positive attitude that embraces people would have better results than a divisive and condemning one that has been adopted by world leaders. And September is a good time to see the best of Islam. It is the time of Ramadan when practicing muslims fast during the day and use the time to reflect on friends family and good work.
Coincident with the advent of Ramadan and the anniversary of the WTC collapse, a new video tape purportedly made by al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden has urged the American people to embrace Islam in order to stop the war in Iraq. The speaker makes no overt threats to the US and does not directly call for attacks, according to transcripts of the tape obtained by several media organisations in the United States.
Religion is not an end in itself and I would not advocate conversion. Religion is a step on the path to enlightenment. But our own values do advocate compassion and cooperation and it would reduce fear and terror if we were able to be more tolerant and less prejudiced of people representing one of the largest, most homogenous religions in the world.
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