– The verse he quotes are traditionally used to stir for battle and war. The Norwegian translation says “fight” but in Arabic it means “kill them”. It’s pretty serious to use this in an article, said Linda Noor.
She shows video from Islam Net where the manager, Fahad Qureshi, holding a 55 minutes of monologue directed against three Muslim community debaters: Linda Noor Shoaib Sultan and Ali Chishti. Where he quotes the Quran and encourage Norwegian Muslims to “come out on the battlefield,” declared jihad with the pen.
Jihad
– My dear brothers and sisters, I want to ask you earnestly. It’s time to get out on the battlefield. This is not my fight, it is our struggle. Although it is a non-match. It is a battle with pen. If you can write, write articles. If you can not write feature articles, write comments on Facebook. For jihad with the pen is much easier than the physical jihad, says Qureshi in the video.
The three named debaters have in recent weeks criticized Islam Net to be an undemocratic and extremist organization, and have pointed out several times that Qureshi not have a monopoly on Islam and that he must stop equating himself and religion.
Big responsibility
Linda Noor react strongly to the video and quote Qureshi selected from the Quran. She believes Muslims who have knowledge of the Koran and the history behind know what context this verse is used.
– There are very many other verses he could used instead if he genuinely believes that he does not want to link this to the armed conflict. He has a great responsibility toward those he acts as head of, among them there are people who openly threaten violence.
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Written match
Fahad Qureshi says to Our Country that the video was supposed to explain the course of events in the ongoing debate. He believes he has been clear enough in its call to other Muslims.
– When in the video talking about jihad – is not there a danger that some may interpret this as incitement to violence?
– Yes, I use the word jihad, and precisely why I explain why it should not be interpreted. The verse of the Quran which I quote using words that can be interpreted as referring to physical struggle, but I emphasize that I encourage a writing game.
– But you understand those who say that your video can be interpreted as incitement to violence?
– Absolutely not. That’s absurd. Chishtis criticism of Islam Net entitled “The battle for the soul of Islam.” One can argue that there is an underlying violent solicitation in such a formulation, but it will be fraudulent. I know Chishti is not to inflict opponents violence. The same honesty I pray that the other party shows in their formulations.
Interpretation
– He can pinpoint as much as he wants and tell us that we should interpret it as a metaphor. It is interesting that he believes we must interpret this verse metaphorically when he usually so careful that we should not interpret the Quran itself, Noor said.
She believes debates on Islam are often heated, but it is taken to another level with this video.
– I fear that a very unfortunate consequence is that more people will be reluctant to participate in public debate, if the result can be an hour-long declaration of war addressed in your name.
Substantive debate
– There has been plenty of discussion on various Facebook groups about this debate. Many of the comments that come are quite extreme and direct personal attacks, says Qureshi.
– But when you encourage writing jihad by writing articles and comments – encourage you not to several such comments?
– Absolutely not. Islam Net condemn all proportionality and personal attacks. We want a substantive debate with good language.
(This case was first published in Our Country.)
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