Hi Leslie,

I suppose that, in a cock-eyed way, Islamists - as well as the pseudo-Left and much of the homosexual lobby - are Gramscians, out to bring down Western institutions (such a equality, democracy, marriage) any way they can. So they 'co-operate' even if their stated principles conflict somewhat. And they might be winning.

As for criticism of Islam, and speaking as an atheist and ex-communist, one doesn't have to read much of the Koran to realise that it is, on the face of it, almost psychotic in its prescriptions for non-Muslims, especially Jews. Much of it is pinched from earlier folk-stories, in garbled forms, so it seems quite loony, probably even to Muslims.

Clearly, very few of the pseudo-Left and homosexuals have ever opened it. But, of course, it is available on-line, on Google: just type in "Koran". No, they won't do that: opportunists don't need principles or documentation to destroy.

Cheers,

Joe

“Totalitarian-minded citizens challenge our freedom of speech”

Should marriage be redefined in Australia, in light of the bullying tactics employed recently by LGBTI-rights activists and based on what transpired in Canada, following legalisation of so-called same-sex marriage around 2005, the above quote would need to be amended along the lines of “Totalitarian-minded citizens (LGBTI-rights activists) suppressed (in the very least) our freedom of speech, freedom of association, the rights of parents, the right to preach and practise one’s religion.“

No wonder the SSM supporters are doing their best to avoid having to debate what SSM legalisation would mean for Australia.

Hi Raycom,

What are we talking about: 5 % or less of the population, dictating to the rest ? One effect of current social media platforms is the power of a tiny minority to try to bully the rest of society. That seems to work with companies eager to avoid the loss of customers, and with those churches who want to please and be all things to all people. It's probably a bit harder with individuals with opinions on-line - hopefully, anyway.

So we get into strange situations - for example, where a church mob can be sued for issuing a pamphlet advocating something which is legal, or the many situations in which someone can be castigated for expressing their quite legal opinion.

We need to remind the homosexual lobby that, in a democratic society, everybody should be able to express their opinions freely, including, but not only, themselves. If they wish to change people's attitudes, there are civil and non-personal ways to present one's argument. To resort to bullying mean they have lost the moral high ground from the outset, even if they seem to 'win'.

Joe

Quote:

Opponents of Islam claim it denies freedom of speech and censors those who insult Islam. This is factually incorrect. Islam does not prescribe any worldly punishment for unseemly speech. So people who insult should not be persecuted. Islam grants everyone the right to express disagreements with others. After all, the Prophet Muhammad called differences of opinion a blessing in society and never sought to censor or threaten those who verbally attacked him.

According to the Quran, disbelievers called him “a mad man,” “a victim of deception,” a “fabricator” and treated him as a liar. Some claimed he was taught by another person instead of receiving revelations from God. They called the Quran “confused dreams” and “mere stories of the past” and even tore it into pieces.

Through this all, he courageously endured all verbal assaults. Rather than calling for any punishment, the Quran instructs us to “overlook their annoying talk” and “bear patiently what they say.” The lesson here for all Muslims is that we are not to be afraid of insults. Rather, we must have the same courage as our Prophet to face such insults in the eye and respond with forbearance and calm, righteous speech. Muslims must learn how their faith instructs them to respond when they are verbally attacked. No riots; no violence. We respond to speech with speech, but our speech is to be better and more dignified.

End quote

source: Harris Zafar Islam and Free Speech: Principle vs. Privilege, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/harris-zafar/islam-and-free-speech-principle-vs-privilege_b_2831793.html

Hadith (traditions or narrations) reflecting the Prophet's view in regard to freedom of expression:

Abu Huraira reported: A man reviled Abu Bakr while the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, was sitting down. That made the Prophet impressed by Abu Bakr and he smiled. Then, Abu Bakr reviled the man with the same words as him and the Prophet became angry and he stood to leave. Abu Bakr went to the Prophet and he said, “O Messenger of Allah, the man reviled me and you were sitting, but when I responded you became angry and stood up.” The Prophet said, “Verily, there was an angel with you responding on your behalf, but Satan appeared when you responded with the same words as him and I will not sit in the presence of Satan.”

Then, the Prophet said, “O Abu Bakr, there are three persons who are given a right. No servant is wronged by an oppressor and he forgives him for the sake of Allah except that Allah the Exalted will support him. A man does not open the door of charity to strengthen family ties except that Allah will increase his wealth. A man does not open the door to begging to usurp wealth except that Allah will increase his poverty.”

Abu Bakr was one of the first to enter Islam, a very close companion to the Prophet and went on to become the first to rule an Islamic community after the death of the Prophet (peace be upon him)

source:http://dailyhadith.abuaminaelias.com/2014/09/02/hadith-on-satan-the-devil-sits-in-the-presence-of-those-who-curse-each-other/

According to another report (14/146) a group of Jews asked for permission to enter upon the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and they said, “Al-saam ‘alaykum (death be upon you).” ‘Aa’ishah said, “Bal ‘alaykum al-saam wa’l-la’nah (No, death be upon you and curses)!” The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “O ‘Aa’ishah, Allaah loves gentleness in all things.” She said, “Did you not hear what they said?” He said, “I answered, ‘Wa ‘alaykum (and unto you).’” According to another report, he said, “I answered, ‘ ‘alaykum’” – without the “waw” (i.e., wa meaning “and”). According to the last hadeeth (14/148), he said, “Do not initiate the greeting of salaam with the Jews and Christians, and if you meet one of them on the road, push him to the narrowest part of it.”

Source Al Bukhari vol 1

So the Prophet did not respond to those insulting him but criticised his wife for her response