Misuari a shame on Islam

"Under the present circum-stances, we just cannot allow anyone to bring disrepute to Islam and commit sacrilege against the religion." These were the words Malaysian Minister Mahathir Mohamad used in urging the immediate deportation of Nur Misuari. And indeed, it is very unfortunate that at this point in time, persons such as Osama bin Laden and Nur Misuari have emerged to give the world the wrong image of Islam.

Mohammed was a great thinker. He was the religious leader who said, "The ink of the scholar is more sacred than the blood of the martyr." Taliban means "seeker of knowledge." How do they propose to find knowledge? By banning women from getting an education! What is their concept of evil? Shaving one’s beard is a crime! What are the international rights that they defend? The terroristic destruction of the World Trade Center in New York!

Here the local version of bin Laden is Nur Misuari. He has yet to account for the billions that were placed in his hands when he was Governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. And he lived like a sultan potentate once he was appointed–not elected–to said position. As a result, the world in general has a totally distorted concept of Islam.

Mohammed knew that the scholar’s mission was to show them facts amidst deceptive appearances. At the same time, he knew that it was the cause and not the death that was the mark of the true martyr for one may willingly give his life for the wrong cause. In the case of Osama bin Laden and Nur Misuari, they are willing to sacrifice others, but not themselves, for their cause. The Talibans are dying in battle. Bin Laden is safe in a cave. Misuari initiated hostilities in Jolo, but lost no time in ensuring his safety in Malaysia.

Now, they don’t want him in Malaysia. The Malaysians want to deport him as soon as possible. The problem is that President Macapagal-Arroyo does not want him back either. She would prefer it if Malaysia were to incarcerate him for illegal entry and for his possible involvement in the kidnapping of 19 foreigners that took place in the Sipadan diving resort on April 23, 2000. The danger here is that the Philippines does not want him extradited and Malaysia does not want to be stuck with him either; they may simply allow him to go elsewhere.

It is sad that at a time like ours when the world should be concentrating on a global program against poverty, our thoughts, efforts and finances are going to a senseless war against terrorists. And it is the work of a few individuals like bin Laden and Nur Misuari. These two must be brought to justice at all costs.