OfficialWire: 'Kingdom Of Heaven' May Aid Interfaith Dialogue

Posted on May 4th, 2005 by martijn.
Categories: Misc. News.

The Editorial of OfficialWire: ‘Kingdom Of Heaven’ May Aid Interfaith Dialogue

WASHINGTON, D.C. — (OfficialWire) — 05/01/05 — Because Sir Ridely Scott’s new epic “Kingdom of Heaven” was filmed against the backdrop of the Crusades, it is likely to stir up religious passions still associated with that centuries-long conflict. (“Kingdom” is scheduled to open in theaters nationwide May 6.)

Many Muslims were concerned about the possibility of religious or ethnic stereotyping when they first heard that yet another Hollywood movie would feature Arab-Muslim characters. That concern was not without valid precedent.

American Muslim representatives recently took part in a screening of “Kingdom.” They said the film is a “positive” depiction of Islamic culture during the Crusades. They also said that one of the film’s most striking messages, that Muslims and Christians can live together in peace, will provide an opportunity for increased interfaith dialogue.

In the film, the bad guys are not all Muslims and the Christians are not all angels. Perhaps “Kingdom of Heaven” will do for Muslims that Kevin Costner’s “Dances with Wolves” did for Native Americans, humanize a perceived “other.”

Unfortunately, Internet chat rooms and talk radio shows are already abuzz with the concerns of those who cannot fathom how Muslims can be portrayed as dignified, proud and humane people for whom the ends did not justify the means. Media reports indicated that some conservative Christian are “marshalling their forces” against the film, claiming it is “insulting and unfair.”

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OfficialWire: ‘Kingdom Of Heaven’ May Aid Interfaith Dialogue

Posted on May 4th, 2005 by .
Categories: Misc. News.

The Editorial of OfficialWire: ‘Kingdom Of Heaven’ May Aid Interfaith Dialogue

WASHINGTON, D.C. — (OfficialWire) — 05/01/05 — Because Sir Ridely Scott’s new epic “Kingdom of Heaven” was filmed against the backdrop of the Crusades, it is likely to stir up religious passions still associated with that centuries-long conflict. (“Kingdom” is scheduled to open in theaters nationwide May 6.)

Many Muslims were concerned about the possibility of religious or ethnic stereotyping when they first heard that yet another Hollywood movie would feature Arab-Muslim characters. That concern was not without valid precedent.

American Muslim representatives recently took part in a screening of “Kingdom.” They said the film is a “positive” depiction of Islamic culture during the Crusades. They also said that one of the film’s most striking messages, that Muslims and Christians can live together in peace, will provide an opportunity for increased interfaith dialogue.

In the film, the bad guys are not all Muslims and the Christians are not all angels. Perhaps “Kingdom of Heaven” will do for Muslims that Kevin Costner’s “Dances with Wolves” did for Native Americans, humanize a perceived “other.”

Unfortunately, Internet chat rooms and talk radio shows are already abuzz with the concerns of those who cannot fathom how Muslims can be portrayed as dignified, proud and humane people for whom the ends did not justify the means. Media reports indicated that some conservative Christian are “marshalling their forces” against the film, claiming it is “insulting and unfair.”

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Expatica: Court case Van Gogh murder

Posted on May 4th, 2005 by .
Categories: Murder on theo Van Gogh and related issues.

Expatica – Living in, moving to, or working in the Netherlands, plus Dutch news in English

An article on Expatica.com.

Rotterdam Court has ordered the release from jail of an 18-year-old terror suspect but remanded 11 other suspected members of the Hofstad group in custody.

The prosecutor has accused the defendants of forming a terrorist network and planning attacks against government targets and the murder of politicians such as MPs Ayaan Hirsi Ali and Geert Wilders.

Prosecutor Plooy claimed for the first time on Tuesday that Mohammed B. played a leading role in the Hofstad group. Previously, the security service AIVD and justice officials suspected B. was on the fringe of the group.

(more…)

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Religion not a cause of violence: scholar -DAWN – National; 29 April 2005

Posted on May 4th, 2005 by .
Categories: International Terrorism, Misc. News, Religious and Political Radicalization.

Religion not a cause of violence: scholar -DAWN – National; 29 April 2005

Prof John Esposito has received Pakistan�s highest civil award, Hilal-i-Quaid-i-Azam, on Tuesday. He used the award ceremony at the Pakistan Embassy for pointing out how the two worlds viewed each other with suspicion and fear.

A report on DAWN: (more…)

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Islam and Muslims in Cyberspace

Posted on May 4th, 2005 by martijn.
Categories: Important Publications, Public Islam.

On Islam Online.net an interesting article by Dalia Yusuf Islam and Muslims in Cyberspace: From (Re)presenting to (Re) understanding

An initial study of Islam and Muslim environments in cyberspace proves that there is a great chance for representing Islam and Muslims.

Using the Internet as an alternative and interpersonal form of communication may help to break the traditional cycle of stereotyping among Muslims themselves and between Muslims and others. A more profound and deliberate study may lead us to recognize the possibility of reunderstanding and rediscovering not only the other but also Muslim self-understanding.

To a certain extent, any study of Muslims using the Internet may begin with the predictable psychological barrier between committed Muslims and the media. This was reflected in a discussion on whether the Internet is lawful or prohibited, as the Internet seems to raise issues of pornography and privacy. One Muslim user lamented, �The already critical social problems of Muslim youth at present will be further worsened by the emerging Internet technology.� 1 This was an expected argument among the various reactions.

(more…)

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Islam in the Digital Age: E-Jihad, Online Fatwas, and Cyber Islamic Environments

Posted on May 4th, 2005 by .
Categories: Important Publications.

Two reviews of Gary Bunt’s book Islam in the Digital Age: E-Jihad, Online Fatwas, and Cyber Islamic Environments. One by Alan Sondheim and one by Robert Tynes

For people who don’t know it already, Gary Bunt’s Blog is an important source of information for my blog.

Read the reviews here: (more…)

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Middle East Online: Saudi Al-Qaeda branch makes Internet comeback

Posted on May 4th, 2005 by .
Categories: International Terrorism, Religious and Political Radicalization.

Middle East Online
Saudi Al-Qaeda branch makes Internet comeback

Sawt Al-Jihad online magazine publishes editorial of Otaibi who denies Saudi authorities have eliminated jihad. DUBAI – Al-Qaeda’s Saudi branch posted its Sawt Al-Jihad online magazine Wednesday after a hiatus of several months, dedicating it to clashes earlier this month between militants and security men in the kingdom.

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