Hirshi Ali is right this time: let’s talk, not fight

More often than not, I don’t agree Hirshi Ali’s ways and politics, but in Nova she said something that I totally agree with:

Original

Translation

Want als Balkenende een echte leider zou zijn, dan zou hij nu zijn minister Verhagen naar de groot-moeftie van Syrië toesturen om hem in heldere woorden te verstaan te geven dat een film hem absoluut niet het recht geeft een eventueel bloedvergieten te legaliseren. Deze theocratische dictaturen organiseren zich om Nederland te vertellen dat zij geen film mogen maken. Ik vind dat de wereld op zijn kop.

If Balkenende (MP) would be a real leader, he would send minister Verhagen (foreign affairs) to the grand-mufti of Syria to tell him very clearly that a movie absolutely does not grant him the mandate to legalize a bloodbath. These theocratic dictatorships organise themselves to tell Holland that they are not allowed to make a movie. That’s the world upside-down in my opinion

I think this is very true. Just one person making a movie with a different opinion, doesn’t justify a bloodbath. And besides, it wouldn’t help: it would only give Geert Wilders the opportunity to say: “You see, I was right. Muslims are a violent bunch, they should be banned from Holland and their religion should be forbidden”.

I hope that Muslims in the world don’t let Geert Wilders and his movie provoke them. If they react aggressively, they would just give Geert Wilders plenty of ammo for the next couple of years of his anti-Muslim politics. Just consider him as a little kid asking for attention; if you don’t give him any, he will soon move on again…

And besides: unlike what Geert Wilders says, islam is based on a foundation of love:

“Worship Allah and join none with Him (in worship); and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, Al-Masakin (the poor), the neighbour who is near of kin, the neighbour who is a stranger, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet), and those (slaves) whom your right hands possess.” (Quran, 4:36)

and

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, “By Allah, he is not a believer! By Allah, he is not a believer! By Allah, he is not a believer.” It was asked, “Who is that, O Messenger of Allah?” He said, “One whose neighbour does not feel safe from his evil”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

And if you feel angry: sure… that’s understandable. But instead of rioting and killing, let’s talk, not fight!

“O my Lord! bestow wisdom on me, and join me with the righteous.” (Quran, 26:83)