Swiss minarets ban 'will fuel Islamophobia in Europe' - Imam

Joseph Ellul

Mar 1st, 04:13

Why argue about religion when the issue here is politics ? Fist of all, niether the PN nor the LP should try to be endorsed by any religous group or religion, at that. Now that we put that aside, who is this Imam ? The Maltese people do not want any Imam, Priest or Bishop to endorse or become a publicc supporter of any political party. So, please, Mr IMAM, whoever you think you are, keep away.

joe portelli

Dec 2nd 2009, 23:32

In a muslim country having a church with a large cross is seen as not acceptable by even the most liberal Muslim , as the country is a Muslim state. Why not ?

Similarly, christian country should not be picked upon simply because it exercises teh same practice - it is not as if the Swiss banned muslims practicing , that would be a different matter.

Good Christian and good Muslims know this and those that are using this swiss decision to stir up hatred are not good christians or good muslims. When in Rome ..........

jcamilleri

Dec 2nd 2009, 23:01

L-gherf tal-Qorti Ewropea ddecieda kontra l-kurcifiss. L-gherf tal-poplu Svizzeru ddecieda kontra l-minaretti. Tghid reazzjoni? Min hu l-iktar demokratiku: il-qorti jew il-poplu?

Jesmond Micallef

Dec 2nd 2009, 22:35

When I was a youngboy, I attended a Catholic private school. I had Moslem classmates and friends. I never had any problems whatsoever with this and do not recall one single instance when this was of concern. On Fridays they used to go to the Mosque. On Sundays I used to go to Church. Now that I have become a man, what do I read and see ??

Joe Xuereb

Dec 2nd 2009, 22:25

@A. Muscat. So you reckon that Saudi Arabia is equivalent to our - not mine, I am an atheist so I have no axe to grind. They call it a clear vision - Vatican? And a mosque in the Vatican would warrant a church in Mecca? And I dare say you really believe that. Italy of course has tens of thousands of Muslims and still they come. And many mosques are there. And, according to you, one Christian church in Saudi, and for how many christians? So it is not really the same thing. I understand many religious people are disillusioned with their religion. I can not, however, understand desertion to join another hardly any better (same myths, revelations, and so on). I did not. Not because I was disenchanted you understand. Because, if god is all they say he/she/it is, then I can not see it. In life, if one makes a move at all, one had better make a positive move. Not get embroiled in more of the same.
The Libya (or anywhere else for that matter) of 125 years ago is not the same as it is today. So, if something is overdue, it should be commonsense.

Graham Crocker

Dec 2nd 2009, 22:19

Muslims don't like the taste of their own medicine, "don't do to others what you don't want done to yourself".

Robert Callus

Dec 2nd 2009, 20:39

I don't think Mr ElSadi attitude towards the way to treat criminals, and his attitude towards homosexuals helps reduce Islamophobia. I still expect a public apology to the LGBT community.

However, he makes an important point here:
"The Imam said he was sure that those who were behind this vote are not true Christians but racists. Those who really loved Christianity respect all religions."

Switzerland is infested with right wing extremists. This referendum was called for their own sinister agenda and has nothing to do with religion, much less with democracy.

A good sign is shown from both the Vatican and the Maltese Catholic church in condemning this decision. I've criticise the Catholic church on many issues however on this issue I thank it for remaining rational and sparing us from unnecessary religious tensions some countries are going through

a.muscat

Dec 2nd 2009, 19:21

9/11 , The ‘Barbaric’ Islam, Bush and his wars for Oil.
{The Quran clearly says…God doesn’t permit killing civilians and condemn those who initiate wars. If a war is a must (self-defense) ... do not burn a plant, nor cut a tree, nor kill an older man, a young child, or a woman... nor monastery dwellers...}

Islam thus prohibits the killing of civilians even during war (even though ‘modern’ governments allow it to themselves).
Needless to say, if armies at war are so prohibited, the killing of innocent civilians by other parties (such as the Twin Towers tragedy) is a much greater crime.
When the principles of a religion are violated by any of its members (such as by Hitler or the Twin Towers terrorists, etc...), it is wrong to attack that religion because of the actions that specifically violate its principles.

People doing those false accusations must realize that they are part of a circle of blinding hatred, sharing that feature with those violators themselves.
Did we ever read any reference to Hitler’s religion when Hitler is mention? A media expert could provide an answer!

a.muscat

Dec 2nd 2009, 19:02

@ Mary Ann Borg.
How many churches are there in the whole of Libya? And in Iran or in Saudi?

Answer:
Are you aware that we have the 150-year-old Maria Immacolata church in Benghazi, Libya? So, for the Libyan to have a 20 years old Mosque in Malta isn’t an issue at all, yet its a long overdue obligation I presume.

Church goers are decreasing all over Europe while too many considering religion irrelevant. But somehow Christianity morals wake-up when Muslims are discussed or any reference for Islam is made!
My understanding is that. For Muslims, Saudi Arabia is equivalent to our Vatican. Christians would fully and freely practice their religion inside a Church in Saudi Arabia’ soil, only when Muslims have a Mosque inside the Vatican’ soil.
Not on country- by- country base. Number of Churches inside Muslims world all over the globe, more than Mosques inside Christian’s countries all over the globe. Unless we tend to edit, or make self-history, facts speak for themselves.

If there are lessons to be learned here, far-right politicians should never pass-thought ballot boxes. Theirs agendas only creates chaos and it goes against all democratic values.

Muscat Pat

Dec 2nd 2009, 18:57

@ Mr Imam
Why do "Swiss minarets" ban "fuel Islamophobia in Europe" but ban of "Christian Churches" Buddist and,Hindu temples in Saudi Arabia, and Iran do not fuel anything in Europe or elsewere?

Franco Farrugia

Dec 2nd 2009, 18:52

Islamophobia is not prevalent in Europe due to the Swiss democratic vote - he knows only too well, or he should know why there is so much Islamophobia in Europe - the fear of intolerance, of absolutims, of violence and demonstrations! Of 'executions on television ... do you want more reasons?

T.gauci

Dec 2nd 2009, 18:20

@GiovDeMartino

Haga tajjba li kullhadd qieghed jiftah mohhu sa flahhar, issa anka l-liberali qeghdin jirrealizzaw li din qi problema permanenti u mhux temporarjament u jekk ma tigix affrontata, ahna nispicaw l-minoirta fil futur jekk mhix diga tard wisq

S.Azzopardi

Dec 2nd 2009, 18:15

The ban on minarets in Switzerland will fuel extremism both in Switzerland's 400,000 Muslims, which up to now where integrating smoothly into Swiss society. More dangerously, Islamic extremists in the Middle East will use this vote as a reason to raise their voice, where more people will heed the call of Muslim fundamentalists to persecute all the Christians of the Middle East, especially those of Iraq. Iraqi Christians have been under constant pressure & threats from Muslim fundamentalists ever since the US & its allies invaded the country, and the Christians of Lebanon, Turkey & Egypt will be increasingly seen as outsiders by their own countrymen - forcing them in exile to the West .

lgalea

Dec 2nd 2009, 18:12

The minarets do not harmonize with the rest of the buildings.
Minarets have nothing to do with faith.
Moslems are still free to exercise their religion.
The Swiss people sent their democratic message.
When the eu had the gall to criticized them it was doing the same thing when it said that it did not recognize the Palestinian elections because the party it supported was not elected.
Does the eu believe in democracy?
Democracy in the eu?
No Sir, its a total DERMOCKRACY.

victor pulis

Dec 2nd 2009, 17:20

The imam should ask himself why people are afraid of Islam. Recent history should supply the answer. In Maltese we have a saying Il kelb il mismut kull ilma jahsbu mishun ( the scalded dog thinks all water is hot.)

GiovDeMartino

Dec 2nd 2009, 17:20

Meta nqalghet il-kustjoni ta' Sticthes u c-censura hafna bloggers ghorrief tghidx kemm qalu li ahna aghar mit-Talebani u stupitagnijiet ohra bhal din. DAWN L--ISTESS bloggers issa qeghdin jaqilghulhom il-hama kollu lill-Musulmani!!!!!!!!!!!PROSIT SVIZZERA!!

Muscat D

Dec 2nd 2009, 17:10

The Imam said he could not understand what kind of harm a minaret could cause to the people of Switzerland. There are only four minarets there.
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“The mosques are our barracks, the domes our helmets, the minarets our bayonets and the faithful our soldiers…” ~ Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan


Says it all really. Minarets are the bayonets of Islam.

T.gauci

Dec 2nd 2009, 17:09

I support the Swiss, say no to political correctness

c. camilleri

Dec 2nd 2009, 16:45

Do we really believe in Democracy? The Swiss have spoken through a democratic process ( and we have to respect their decision whether the Iman like it or not. The Iman mentioned many nice words like democracy, human rights, freedom of worship, which are unknown in all Muslim countries. When in foreign countries, Muslims because they are in a minority want all the rights and freedom possible which are all denied in their countries. Would the Iman tell us how easy it is to have Christians Churches in Muslims countries?
Contrary to Iman i strongly suggest that a referendum should be held in every country for the people to decide on such important matters and not let their MPs do what they like against
their will. Islam is a worrying problem for every country. The present Australian PM and the former PM spoke in no uncertain terms about the problems Muslims are creating in their countries by refusing to conform to laws and customs of their host country. The problem is already big and I think that the Swiss example should be followed to limit the damage already done.

Steven Calascione

Dec 2nd 2009, 16:25

To add to my previous comment, Dr Taj Hargey, thinks that the Minaret is not an essential component of the Muslim faith, having been superseded by technological developments.

Steven Calascione

Dec 2nd 2009, 16:15

Dr Taj Hargey, chairman of the Muslim Educational Centre of Oxford and the imam of the Summertown Islamic Congregation in Oxford said in yesterday's UK Times that: "Muslims who have settled in Switzerland (and elsewhere in Europe) should not confuse culture with creed. To become integrated into their surroundings, they must relinquish the cultural baggage of their ancestral homelands. They should practice a Swiss Islam that is rooted in the society in which they live."

The Chief Rabbi of the UK and Commonwealth calls this "singing in a minor key", good counsel.

GEORGE CUTAJAR

Dec 2nd 2009, 15:41

Judging from the comments posted I think it is the Imam who is stocking the fire with his patronising comments. He should keep his opinions to himself and try stop giving us the impression that he is some moderate.

Norman Tonna

Dec 2nd 2009, 15:41

I don't blame the Swiss for taking such action. Imigrants settling in any European Country should live by the law of that land, or else return to their own country. If we went to an Islamic country, we would be prohibited from introducing our western way of life & culture. So what's your problem Mr Imam?

Etienne Pavia

Dec 2nd 2009, 15:31

Every country has its history and culture. Since Europe is mainly non Muslim, I believe that Muslims should respect our culture as much as the west respects their culture in their countries. I lived in the middle east for over 5 years and I had to abide by their laws. Even during ramadan we couldn't sip a bit of water in the scorching sun as otherwise you can be fined or even prosecuted. Therefore, I believe that the Swiss did the right choice and we should follow! Live in Europe but under european conditions otherwise live in your respective countries!

Charles Micallef

Dec 2nd 2009, 15:31

We are a Christian Country, born and bread, and are becoming more wary of the Muslim tactics to instill their religious believes in other Countries and especially in during the past 10 years.

Since we have always been a tolerant Nation, we always welcomed people of all religious believes and allow all kind of prayer meetings to go on openly, but it is very easy to notice that those who have been given an inch have to stop thinking that we are going to let them have a proverbial yard...Imam or not Imam.

The Imam may be a moderate person, although like mosts people, I am now beginning seriously to have my doubts, but we are also aware of the extremist believers within his religion and we are simply not interested...period!

louise vella

Dec 2nd 2009, 15:06

"We respect democracy and the will of the majority but democracy without having a set of values and a human rights frame is like riding a blind horse without a bridle and saddle."

Yes, dear Imam. go and tell that to the Arab countries, far and near.

K Mifsud

Dec 2nd 2009, 14:53

the pot calling the kettle black?

in Saudi Arabia "Conversion by a Muslim to another religion is considered apostasy, a crime punishable by death if the accused does not recant. The Government does not permit non-Muslim clergy to enter the country for the purpose of conducting religious services. Bibles and other Christian materials are prohibited."


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity_in_Saudi_Arabia

Jesmond Micallef

Dec 2nd 2009, 14:51

Mdina, Former Capital of Malta, Rabat - Citadella, Capital of Gozo. Who built these cities ? Are there any minarets to be seen there ? Just get the real culprits to justice about this whole - "Fundamentalist - Extremism" crap that surfaced after 9/11.

I am not a Moslem, but a Christian and do believe in Justice. What does one expect when one attacks the soul of a persons belief, make it Christianity or Islam ?

Franco Farrugia

Dec 2nd 2009, 14:49

@ Mr Williams - And that is why we don't need more public places of worship!

renald williams

Dec 2nd 2009, 14:24

but you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you - Matthew 6:6 peace and health to all

Chris Ebejer

Dec 2nd 2009, 14:19

"This vote is a racist and discriminatory, particularly against Muslims, because it does not include any restrictions on the places of worship of other religions. It provokes and offends the sentiments of 1300 million Muslims all over the world."


Perhaps the Imam is trying to sweep away the most disgusting and disturbing protest ever held in London in recent years by his fellow Muslims, bearing placards stating:
''Europe is the cancer Islam is the Answer''
''Europe 9-11 is on its way''
‘’Behead those who insult Islam’’ .........and such other despicable wordings of this kind!

Bright as they are, the Swiss are trying to avoid what will happen to them in the near future!

frank grech

Dec 2nd 2009, 14:09

To the Imam, I ask, what about the chopping off of hands, something that you promoted so religiously (!) recently, does it not violate international law? At least you can speak your mind in democratric Malta, what would happen to me if I went and promoted my Catholic views in any Muslim country? Would you kindly reply to this?

Mary Ann Borg

Dec 2nd 2009, 13:54

Whatever the imam says and thinks, I ask readers here 3 points:

1. If muslims in general behave themselves, there will hardly be any worries on this planet Earth. Everyday, the media reports at least one violent instance with muslim connection.
2. Even here in Malta, not one day passes without a mention in the press about some muslim who is brought to court for some reason or other - either for using a false passport, or for attacking another illegal immigrant, or for committing some criminal act.
3. The 'polotically correct' few in Malta are driving the whole country down the track of accepting what is unacceptable to the many. Hail to the Swiss, and who blames them when only yesterday morning, two of their citizens were trown in jail for some 'visa abuse' act, or so the Libyans said, when all the world knows that this is in retaliation for Gaddafi's son criminal actions in Switzerland. Is this the type of peaceful relations cited by the imam as he wrote '"Really, it is a threat to peaceful relations among the followers of different faiths."?

T Mifsud

Dec 2nd 2009, 13:45

Malta, the Switzerland of the Mediterranean is a good slogan today if only we could follow them!

George Cutajar

Dec 2nd 2009, 13:43

The Imam said the vote disappointed all those who held peace and tolerance at heart all over the world

Simply cannot believe this coming from a man who a week ago extolled the virtues of Sharia Law including the cutting off of thieves' hands.
As for referenda banning churches in Islamist states I can hardly see this ever happening simply because referenda are a democratic tool and have no place in Islamic states.
Islamophobia is only being fuelled by islamists themselves, by their attitude and by speeches from their leaders.

Manuel Mangani

Dec 2nd 2009, 13:42

This 'ban' is nothing more than the prohibition on the display on the crucifix in another guise. It's animated by the same feelings of hostility towards religion. It deserves condemnation, in much the same same the ECHR's dicision did.

Adrian Cardona

Dec 2nd 2009, 13:39

Is this the same Imam who would like the cutting off of hands for robbery? He has some cheek!
It's the will of the people. If a referendum were also held here, the result would be exactly the same.

Mario Skinder

Dec 2nd 2009, 13:34

Each Country has laws. The national law supersedes other laws. Religious laws and customs are not priority. Like Santa Clause is not the reason we celebrate Christmas.
No minarets or other structures should overtake your national laws.

Eric Soames

Dec 2nd 2009, 13:30

I agree with Graham Holme & Dr Francis Saliba. Had the moderate Muslim leaders taken a firm stand against the events of 9/11 and had they forcibly condemned those of their faith who were dancing in the streets in celebration [including Muslim neighbourhoods in Michigan], we might be more open to the idea that 'moderate' Muslims exist!

Christian Abdilla

Dec 2nd 2009, 13:27

QUOTE " What will be the reaction of those who supported the vote if we - Muslims - carry such referenda in our countries regarding the churches?" UNQUOTE

Dear Sir, and which nearby Muslim country would be willing to hold a REFERENDUM on anything (especially on something which they consider to be blasphemous to Islam) ? Libya ? Algeria ? Syria ? Egypt ? Morocco ? Tunisia ? Jordan ? Tunisia ?

S. Camilleri

Dec 2nd 2009, 13:08

Dear Mr Imam, the moment we can at least build churches in places like Egypt, Saudi, Pakistan,Iran etc without discrimination (and never mind the steeples or domes!!) then I'll agree with your narrow view. Until then Muslims can consider themselves fortunate that they can freely practice Islam in Europe including Switzerland (where they can ALSO build mosques) without a risk of getting any part of their anatomy chopped off

M Felice

Dec 2nd 2009, 13:01

Congratulations Switzerland!!!...may the rest of the West follow such an example of taking a concrete stand.

V Dimech

Dec 2nd 2009, 13:01

Mr Imam,

The day terrorist attacks against christians in India, iraq etc.. stop, the day I'll be allowed to run around in miniskirt in IRAN, AFGANISTAN etc... I will be pleased to cosent for a new minaret in Europe. Of course the islamic world is still in the dark ages so we'll most probably have to wait for centuries.

Up till then we'll be all gone.

carmel callus

Dec 2nd 2009, 12:52

Iman, you have the right to express yourself in this way because you out living in a free European State; I am sure that I would certainly not enjoy the same right if I were to come and settle in your country of origin!

ken camilleri

Dec 2nd 2009, 12:49

if this Imam stands out as being moderate, than I would love to see an extremist.

Charles Sammut

Dec 2nd 2009, 12:48

"The Imam said such a vote would fuel Islamophobia in Europe and hatred and extremism on both sides."

Rhetorical question: Is that a threat?

Whole parts of Europe are becoming exclusively Muslim enclaves. I had to travel to France a few months ago and trying to book a hotel in the Lyons area was proving difficult. The only vacancy available was in a hotel in the St Fons area. I did not think twice about it at the time, however when I arrived there, it was obvious why few people chose to stay in that hotel, even though it was part of a reputable chain of hotels. There was an armed guard at the door with a German shepherd guard dog. The hotel was surrounded by high walls with razor wire on top. The area is straight out of the Middle East and no sign of the French State being present.

I did not feel safe walking about and the looks I received made me feel like I was an unwelcome intruder. So I do not blame the Swiss for not wanting the same to happen to their country.

George Schmidt

Dec 2nd 2009, 12:48

I would love to read the comments if it would be Malta instead of Switzerland! Religious freedom? They are trying to take over! Well done Switzerland!

D. Scerri

Dec 2nd 2009, 12:44

Fortunately for the Swiss, they have a political system approaching true democracy. So the voting public want to stop any more minarets? That's their business and only theirs.

Personally I think that the sooner mankind wakes up and realises how backward it is to believe in 'God', the better for us all. Sit back and look logically at religion and you'll all realise how utterly brainwashed one has to be to believe in things like 'God'. You might just as well worship the Tooth Fairy.

Joanne Micallef

Dec 2nd 2009, 12:41

I completely agree with U D’Amico’s comments.

H Dempster

Dec 2nd 2009, 12:34

Three cheers to the Swiss. All they are doing is safe guarding their heritage & folklore.
If i were in power i would go one further and remove the one we have in Malta , whether it is a called a mosque or minerat.

A.Schembri Adami

Dec 2nd 2009, 12:32

But the argument is totally illogical; there is no reason of naming as intollerent of other religions or that it will feul Islamophobia. Minarets are as spires or church-towers to a church where bells are rung. But even in Rome the use of bells is restricted. I remember the illogical use of bells at four in the morning called the "Pater Noster"

Graham Holme

Dec 2nd 2009, 12:31

In the U.K we have immigrants world wide,all with different cultures,different religions,.Hindus, Sikhs,Buddhists,Christians,etc,and then of course the followers of Islam.
All the above religions,have integrated ,peacefully into the western way of life,all but the Muslim population,
Everything,about the Western way of life,seems to offend them.

It does not take the banning of Minarets to fuel Islamophobia,the behaviour of the radical Muslims has ensured Islamophobia,is spreading through Europe ,like wildfire
Full marks to Switzerland,for taking this stance.Hope the rest of Europe has the guts to emulate Switzerland,follow their lead.

Dr Francis Saliba

Dec 2nd 2009, 12:30

What regrettably is promoting Islamophobia throughout the Christian world is the double standard of Muslims demanding respect for their unrestricted religious practices outside the Moslem world whilst denying reciprocity and equal treatment for Christians in their own countries.

Joseph Cauchi

Dec 2nd 2009, 12:17

The Swiss voted in the referendum to ban the construction of minarets, as this type of structure JARS with the overall landscape of Switzerland.

It has nothing to do with freedom of religion and the building of mosques in Switzerland. Muslims can build as many mosques as they want, provided that they are built MINUS those “towers” which are called “Minarets”!

The Swiss people want to keep their country Switzerland as it is known all over the world and NOT give the image of being another Middle Eastern country.

So, the Imam is wrong to attribute this referendum as an attack on Islam or on freedom of the Muslim religion.

Let’s keep everything in perspective and be sincere and not try to take political/religious advantage when none exists.

Who wouldn’t prefer Switzerland to be as it is today with those beautiful Alpine scenery and architecture which make her unique, rather than resembling another Baghdad, Mecca or Kabul?


JC.

Marcel Dingli

Dec 2nd 2009, 12:08

Dear Bishop and Church, with your actions you are feeding the snake which is seeking to bite you and poison you.

Mary Ann Borg

Dec 2nd 2009, 12:05

How many churches are there in the whole of Libya? And in Iran or in Saudi? Muslims make unfair demands on other cultures/countries without them offering the same to other religions. Minarets in Muslim countries are fine, church bells in Christian countries are fine too, but for the Muslims to demand and cite this as a reason for extremists is bull. More mosques have been destroyed by Muslims themselves (Shi'its and Sunnis against each other) than by any other religion.

Karl Abela

Dec 2nd 2009, 12:03

On the contrary to the crucfix case, the minarets ban in Switzerland was a choice of the majority of the swiss.

On the other hand, the crucifix ban in Italy schools was the undemocratic choice of the minority which weren't even Italian.

Thumbs up to Switzerland...this was not a racist move, this was simply a case of preserving the swiss identity of their landscape.

F Galea

Dec 2nd 2009, 12:03

Actually the four minarets in Switzerland will remain, the ban is for the construction of further minarets. Also in Switzerland, no calling for prayer is done from these minarets, are there symbollically from only 4 mosques.

Adrian Borg

Dec 2nd 2009, 12:00

Dear Imam, what about all those Arab countries who do not allow Christians to practice their own religion. e.g http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_religion_in_Saudi_Arabia or if you prefer further reading http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/templateC05.php?CID=2402

I M Dingli

Dec 2nd 2009, 11:58

Dear Imam,

As explained by U. D'Amico, the referendum targeted minarets and not mosques. I find your argument to be unfounded. If you guarantee that minarets will not be used for the daily prayers, I would think of voting yes for such a referendum if it had to be held in Malta otherwise....... nope.

James Dimech

Dec 2nd 2009, 11:56

of course the imam is right in threory. However it would be more urgent for him to preach the value of tolerance to the hardliners of his religion.

He should also be appreciave to western democracy which enables him to be critical and express himself. (on our county's top newspaper ! ) No bishop would be able to address an Islamic population in this manner.

Jason Attard

Dec 2nd 2009, 11:53

Mr. Imam

Based on your argument, we can build a number of churches in say, Dubia, Saudi etc... can you imagine the out cry against this from the local people and the international islamic comunity. Mr. Imam, I agree that it may be against international law etc... but you do not need a minaret to pary do you?

Now to say it all... is it not chopping of hands of thieft against international law? So now take it in and accept other countries wishes like we respect yours !!!

Brian Farrugia

Dec 2nd 2009, 11:53

Try building a Church and ringing bells in Egypt,Saudi Arabia or Pakistan and see where it gets you.

J Oatmon

Dec 2nd 2009, 11:52

As I understand it this so called tolerant religion is very intolerant of non Muslims.

For instance it is not permitted to build a church in Saudi Arabia - so why do we permit mosques to be built in Europe?
Women are not permitted to drive in Saudi Arabia, and womens rights and fair treatment under the laws, are non existent in most of the Muslim world - so this is not a tolerant religion, far from it.

Lets see Saudi Arabia make laws to give women equal treatment under the law in Saudi Arabia, and enforce these laws - otherwise I see this as a double standards religion - the haves (men), and the have nots (women and non muslims).

Paul Barrett

Dec 2nd 2009, 11:50

Quote: It also created fear and a feeling of instability among Muslim communities in Europe and frustrated their attempts to integrate in European societies. Unquote.

Alternative: It also highlighted the fear and a feeling of instability among the Christian communities in Europe and frustrate the Muslim attempts to takeover European societies.

The will of the majority in a referendum is fine for now but the Christian majority is steadily and consistently dwindling.

S Aquilina

Dec 2nd 2009, 11:50

If the Swiss felt like voting against minarets it is their business. Is the Imam expecting to dictate his opinion on the Swiss?

Has he condemned the European Court's decision to remove the crucifix? NO. Has he ever condemned the religious freedom in Iran for arresting converts to Christianity? No. So please...........

Philip Gatt

Dec 2nd 2009, 11:48

Imam you have no right to say that banning the construction of new minarets was a violation of international law and violated religious freedom. Islamic countries are already restricting religious freedom to catholics and christians alike. It's the catholic and christian communities who should protest against the discrimination catholics and christians alike are being subjected to by islamic countries. When all muslim countries open their countries to religious tolerance , then YES we will take you seriously when you talk about freedoms and violations. The worst violations are being committed by islamic countries like marrying an 8 year old girl to an aged man, stoning women for adultery, public lashes for those caught in misdemeanors. Need I say more, and then we have some treacherous maltesers who talk about catholic fundamentalists. What arrogance. What ignorance.

ALFRED CURMI

Dec 2nd 2009, 11:41

Unfortunately it's just a symptom of a seemingly irreversible clash of cultures. Islamophobia already exists in Europe, fuelled by the fear of Islamic terrorism. And, as Moslems will rightly say, why has militant Islam come to the fore? Simply because Moslems feel that they are treated arrogantly by the Western Christian (?) countries, both internally with migrants suffering as second class citizens in most cases and internationally especially as no real pressure is put on Israel to find a just peace with the Palestinians.

Once again, UNFORTUNATELY it just seems like it's a matter of the deaf speaking to the deaf!

U. D'Amico

Dec 2nd 2009, 11:39

The difference between allowing churches and allowing minarets is a simple one. Minarets are towers on a mosque from which the call to prayer is sounded. Anyone who has lived or experienced the is in Muslim countries knows how it works and respects it. but in a non Muslim country, the calling for prayer from the minaret, could bother people, since listening to this in their country is not by choice.

Listening to church bells on the other hand, in a catholic country, is part of the local religion and is and was never contested.