Islam and Democracy

Paper Summary:

The paper examines the reactions of the Muslim community to the publication of cartoons with Muhammad in a Danish newspaper. The writer argues that, while agreeing with the view-point that the extremist version of Islam may be in conflict with some of the ideals of democracy, he strongly believes that a moderate version of Islam, is in no way incompatible with democracy. The paper further examines how moderate Islam is practiced by an overwhelming majority of Muslims around the world. The paper further argues that both the violent reaction of some Muslims against the publication of the Muhammad cartoons, as well as their publication in the first place, were examples of insensitivity and intolerance towards the views of others.

Outline:
Introduction
Does Islam Support Terrorism?
Exercising the Freedom of Speech?
Compatibility of Islam with Democracy
Conclusion
Works Cited

From the Paper:

"However, most moderate Muslims argue that this passage is about a specific incident and should be read in the context; they also point out that the Quranic and Islamic teachings about "jihad" and war almost invariably stress upon the concept of a "defensive war." For example, Verse 2: 190 of the Quran says: "Fight in the way of Allah against those who fight against you, but begin not hostilities. Lo! Allah loveth not aggressors." ("The Rules of Jihad"--BBC) Some Muslim scholars also believe that the "internal" Jihad--the fight to overcome their own selfish desires--rather than fighting an external enemy is the greater Jihad in Islam."

Sample of Sources Used:

• "The Internal Jihad." BBC Website. 2006. November 12, 2006. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/beliefs/jihad_2.shtml>
• "Is Islam Compatible with Democracy?" Oxford Analytica International. September 14, 2004. November 12, 2006. <http://www.cmf.ch/transfert/_sCrans/press/INTERNATIONAL_%20Is%20Islam%20compatible%20with%20democracy_.pdf?PHPSESSID=a38d9661926c82c05cced11e8feee1a2>
• "The Last Word: Flemming Rose." Newsweek International. February 13, 2006 issue. November 12, 2006. <http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11179140/site/newsweek/>
• Mcnern, Ethan. "Holocaust Cartoons." The Scotsman. February 09, 2006. November 12, 2006. <http://news.scotsman.com/international.cfm?id=204162006>
• Mirza, Syed Kamran. "What is Islamic Terrorism and How could it be Defeated?" November 12, 2006. <http://www.mukto-mona.com/Articles/skm/islamic_terrorism.htm>

More papers on Islam and Democracy:

• Argumentative Essay # 72626 : "Islam and Democracy"
• Comparison Essay # 88188 : "Islam and Democracy: A Summation of Islamic Scholarship"
• Research Paper # 101848 : "Islam and Democracy"

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