“Dhimmitude” – a word you should understand

Peanut Gallery: As events unfold in the Middle East, “dhimmitude” is a word you should understand- it directly affects Christians living in Islamic countries and explains why they are so often mistreated (see earlier post “Muslim Persecution of Christians”).

“dhimmitude […] represents a behavior dictated by fear (terrorism), pacifism when aggressed, rather than resistance, servility because of cowardice and vulnerability. […] By their peaceful surrender to the Islamic army, they obtained the security for their life, belongings and religion, but they had to accept a condition of inferiority, spoliation (plundering) and humiliation. As they were forbidden to possess weapons and give testimony against a Muslim, they were put in a position of vulnerability and humility.”^[9] (Wikipedia)

To put it simply, non-muslims (dhimmi s) living in Islamic countries are second-class citizens with little, or no, protection under Sharia law. They are essentially at the mercy of the enforcing religious authority.

If you read the entire Wikipedia article you will find that my characterization of “dhimmitude” and “dhimmis” is disputed by some scholars as “past history” and could be described as Islamophobic. But disputed or not, there is growing evidence that Western observers of Islamic countries have turned a blind eye to the current wide-spread reality of “dhimmitude,” particularly in rural, or lawless, areas that are outside normal Western scrutiny. (I refer you again to “Muslim Persecuton of Christians.”)

This current post, however, was prompted by an article by Andrew G. Bostom posted on pjmedia.com, “Muhammad Morsi’s Islamic Jew-Hatred, Bernard Lewis’ Islamic Negationism” – asking the question: “Why do the media’s Middle East pundits ignore the Jew-hatred intrinsic to Islamic doctrine?”

The answer lies in the willful denial of the historic realities (past and present) of “dhimmitude.” Jew-hatred (and Christian persecution) are intrinsic to Muhammad Morsi’s Sharia inspired worldview. But it simply doesn’t fit the Western pundits’ “Arab Spring” narrative.

Continue reading ““Dhimmitude” – a word you should understand” →

Please pray for Arab people

August 27 | Arabian Peninsula – Please pray that the Word of God will be spread across the Peninsula. Pray that people will desire to read it and will find copies to read. Pray that Bibles will be distributed or will be sold in stores where they are available.
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The winds of social change are sweeping over the Arabian Peninsular – the “natives are restless” and governments are stressed. Political and religious forces are vying for supremacy. The mood is tense making distributing Bibles and sharing faith in Christ even more perilous. And yet… the work goes on.
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“But the word of God continued to spread and flourish.” (Acts 12:24)

Oman: Waking up too | The Economist

Peanut Gallery: This article gives a good overview of the challenges facing Oman in the future – government succession and diminishing oil revenue. However it does not recount the amazing forward leap into the 21st century that Oman has made under the wise leadership of Sultan Qaboos. While there certainly is censorship of government criticism, Sultan Qaboos rightly deserves and receives the respect and admiration of the Omani people. Western democracies would be well served by statesmen like the Sultan.

Oman: Waking up too | The Economist.

Oman: Waking up too
Even placid Oman is being buffeted by the Arab winds of change
Jun 23rd 2012 | MUSCAT | from the print edition

IT HAS been described as the world’s most charming police state. Oman’s ruler, Sultan Qaboos, who overthrew his father in 1970, now stands out as easily the longest-serving ruler in the Middle East, and perhaps as the world’s only absolute monarch not to have a publicly designated successor. A few reforms have got under way since strikes and protests hit the country last year. But with most power still in the sultan’s hands, questions about the future have begun to loom. The calm is now being challenged, albeit still a lot less fiercely than elsewhere in the Arab world. Continue reading “Oman: Waking up too | The Economist” →

Shirin Ebadi: A Warning for Women of the Arab Spring – WSJ.com

Peanut Gallery – Make no mistake, Islamists are no friends of women.

Since women make up half of the region’s population, any democratic developments must improve the social and legal status of women in the Arab world. It appears the Tunisian society has strong civil institutions, and there is much hope that democracy can take hold there. But in Egypt, many political actors are talking about returning to Islamic law, which could result in a regression of rights for women and girls similar to what we experienced in Iran in 1979.

Please click on picture/link for full story –