More letters to the Editor
by Tucson Citizen on Mar. 29, 2006, under OpinionThese letters to the editor appear online only and not in the Tucson Citizen’s print edition.
Feingold draws line in sand
Democrats with real spine seem to be in short supply. Thus it is heartening to have Sen. Russ Feingold propose a resolution of censure against President Bush.
The justification for such an action is obvious to anyone who has been following American politics since 2000.
But Democrats who function like Quislings in the face of brute force Republicanism cannot muster the guts to to stand behind someone who clearly is willing to draw a line in the sand.
It’s no wonder real Democrats find themselves in a depressed state of mind.
Their party has abandoned them.
- RUDY DALPRA
Safford
Faith by force not true belief
The Council on American-Islamic Relations calls on the government of Afghanistan to release Abdul Rahman, a man facing the death penalty for converting from Islam to Christianity.
Rahman’s conversion is a personal matter that should not not be subject to state intervention.
Islamic scholars say original rulings on apostasy were similar to those for treasonous acts in legal systems worldwide and do not apply to an individual’s choice of religion.
Islam advocates freedom of religion and of conscience, a position supported by the Quran:
? “If it had been the will of your Lord that all the people of the world should be believers, all the people of the earth would have believed! Would you then compel mankind against their will to believe?” (10:99)
? “This is the Truth from your Lord. Now let him who will, believe in it, and him who will, deny it.” (18:29)
? “If they turn away from thee (O Muhammad) they should know that We have not sent you to be their keeper. Your only duty is to convey My message.” (42:48)
? “Let there be no compulsion in religion.” (2:256)
Faith imposed by force is not true belief, but coercion. Islam has no need to compel belief in its divine truth.
As the Quran states: “Truth stands out clear from error. Therefore, whoever rejects evil and believes in God has grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold that never breaks.” (2:256)
We urge the government of Afghanistan to order the immediate release of Abdul Rahman.
PARVEZ AHMED
board chairman
Council on American-Islamic Relations
Washington, D.C.
