Islam presentation not in-depth
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Editor,
I attended the “Perspectives on Islam” presentation April 8 by Samir Bitar. It was presented as educational but used taqiyya (permissible lying to further the cause of Islam) and evasive answers. I was disappointed. This was a superficial presentation of Islam.
What was said: “I God” – with the different names given to God by the different religions. Not said: these names do not prove that our Judeo-Christian God and Allah are the same God.
What was said: “Islam means submission – to submit to Allah – to do what’s right.” Not said: what is considered right in Islam. “Do not make friends with infidels. Kill all infidels.”
What was said: “Islam is tolerant.” Not said: one, convert; or two, die; or three, dhimmitude: the condition under which Jewish and Christian people accept being governed Islam and pay a tax.
What was said: “I married a Catholic.” Not said: Consequences of a Muslim woman who marries a non-Muslim man is punishable by death.
He did not answer specific questions regarding Sharia law. He denied knowledge of “Reliance of the Traveler” (a classic collection of rulings made under Sharia law.) He also denied knowing the rule of “abrogation,” which is, when two verses in the Koran contradict each other, the latter verse voids and nullifies the first.
All in all, it was a very benign presentation. He did not explain or discuss actual aspects of Islam and Sharia. I would have appreciated a more in-depth factual discussion.
Samir Bitar did a disservice to the people who attended and wanted to learn.
Sheila Vallejo
St. Ignatius
