Dear Muslims
I intend to write a letter to the Islamic Council of Norway entreating them to transmit my message of sympathy and humility to other Muslims in Norway.
With this post I'm starting a project of my own with the purpose to communicate my worries and compassion and hopeful advise to Muslims. I intend to take this far, into newspapers, to other Islamic organizations and so forth.
I must say that so few Norwegians have expressed themselves who don't support the publishing of the caricature of your Prophet Muhammed. I feel an urgent and pressing call to reach out to Muslims whereever I can get in touch with them.
As a Christian and an ethnic Norwegian, residing in Norway, I feel ashamed on behalf of my country. Although, it is unfair that 4,5 million individuals should be held responsible for something that a newspaper with only a minority reader group have done. So far, only the newspapers' proponents have seemed to have their say. I on the other hand am worried about my country, about Muslims in my country and my future.
The reactions from Muslims in the Middle-East and their resentment is frightening. I know that they are capable of attacking my country in unmentionable fashions and I myself wish to avoid any conflicts with Muslims. I'm not a war-mongerer like so many other Europeans(incl. Norwegians and Danes) appear to be at the moment.
I cannot possibly be alone about my viewpoints. I know what it is like to have my faith offended. I experience it almost daily myself. Jokes about Jesus, silly cartoons and caricatures, depictions of my God as a terrorist, imbecile and other things that makes my stomach churn by thinking of it.
But I don't let myself be quailed or harrassed by these insults. I have as a Christian who is used to ridiculing of my faith and my God, developed a rigid immunity to these things and I ignore them. Instead I try not to be upset and I pray for God to preserve my patience, persistence in my faith and love for those who ridicule me. Is it possible for Muslims to do the same? Maybe it will seem cynical to you. With the deepesy humility, I hope someone will consider it.
My God dispises those who strife and cause strife, wars and arguements to occur. He wants me to be meek, gentle, peaceful, patient, not to let myself be filled with hatred and bitterness. Is it possible for Muslims to think the same way?
I have never been so afraid for my country like I am now. I don't hate Muslims and wish that they won't hate me.
There is more I can say and I will write whenever I think of something.
In the meantime, I'll be looking forward to replies.
Yours humbly,
Ghaniel
I intend to write a letter to the Islamic Council of Norway entreating them to transmit my message of sympathy and humility to other Muslims in Norway.
With this post I'm starting a project of my own with the purpose to communicate my worries and compassion and hopeful advise to Muslims. I intend to take this far, into newspapers, to other Islamic organizations and so forth.
I must say that so few Norwegians have expressed themselves who don't support the publishing of the caricature of your Prophet Muhammed. I feel an urgent and pressing call to reach out to Muslims whereever I can get in touch with them.
As a Christian and an ethnic Norwegian, residing in Norway, I feel ashamed on behalf of my country. Although, it is unfair that 4,5 million individuals should be held responsible for something that a newspaper with only a minority reader group have done. So far, only the newspapers' proponents have seemed to have their say. I on the other hand am worried about my country, about Muslims in my country and my future.
The reactions from Muslims in the Middle-East and their resentment is frightening. I know that they are capable of attacking my country in unmentionable fashions and I myself wish to avoid any conflicts with Muslims. I'm not a war-mongerer like so many other Europeans(incl. Norwegians and Danes) appear to be at the moment.
I cannot possibly be alone about my viewpoints. I know what it is like to have my faith offended. I experience it almost daily myself. Jokes about Jesus, silly cartoons and caricatures, depictions of my God as a terrorist, imbecile and other things that makes my stomach churn by thinking of it.
But I don't let myself be quailed or harrassed by these insults. I have as a Christian who is used to ridiculing of my faith and my God, developed a rigid immunity to these things and I ignore them. Instead I try not to be upset and I pray for God to preserve my patience, persistence in my faith and love for those who ridicule me. Is it possible for Muslims to do the same? Maybe it will seem cynical to you. With the deepesy humility, I hope someone will consider it.
My God dispises those who strife and cause strife, wars and arguements to occur. He wants me to be meek, gentle, peaceful, patient, not to let myself be filled with hatred and bitterness. Is it possible for Muslims to think the same way?
I have never been so afraid for my country like I am now. I don't hate Muslims and wish that they won't hate me.
There is more I can say and I will write whenever I think of something.
In the meantime, I'll be looking forward to replies.
Yours humbly,
Ghaniel
