Page 36 - the NOISE June 2016

Dear the NOISE Editors:
I came across your May edition with some serendipity, but then later peered deeper to read what attempted to be a political satire cartoon about the state of ISIS. Needless to say, I was horrified. Horrified! Don’t you realize, Noise Editors, whoever you are, that if you read the Quran, especially Surah 9, it become clear Muhammad encourages violence to further Islam! ISIS are all Muslims. And a very small percentage of Muslims condemn their actions.
Hello, Anonymous:
Thank you for taking the time to share your reaction to my political satire with me. As an artist, my satire was a counter-attack on ISIS using my artistic and creative skills.
I read the passage, Surah 9, from the Quran that you mentioned in your letter. It is a strongly-worded passage against “idolaters.” However, there are also passages in the Quran that promote peace and condemn violence,
“There is a reward for kindness to every living animal or human.” (Saheeh Al- Bukhari, 2466) “So compete with each other in doing good.” (Surat al-Ma’ida, 48) The following passage forewarns the fate of murderers, “The first cases to be adjudicated between people on the Day of Judgment will be those of bloodshed.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari, 6533)
Because ISIS is composed of Muslims, it does not mean that all Muslims support ISIS. In fact, most Muslims reject ISIS. ISIS would be a much stronger and more organized militant group than it is now if it gained the full support of Islam’s 1.6 billion members. The Islamic leader, Shaikh Abdulaziz Al-Ashaikh has stated, “Any Muslim who is aware of the teachings of his religion and who adheres to the directives of the Holy Qur’an and the sunnah (the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad) will never involve himself in such acts, because they will invoke the anger of God Almighty and lead to harm and corruption on Earth.”
I welcome all feedback regarding my political satires. Please feel free to send us letters. An open, free dialog of ideas is one of America’s greatest founding principles.
Sincerely, Jury S. Judge Contributor
Hello Anonymous — Your statements could also be reflected in Judeo/ Christian contexts and textual translations. Imagine if the world’s 2.214 billion Christians and Jews disavowed the use of their tax money for militant force anywhere in the world? But that’s a given. — NEd
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Thank you so much for your article, Cindy! I’ve never paid these fees — and I understand better why I don’t have to now!
Stephanie Birdwell
Thanks Stephanie —
It’s great to be as free as bird in the woods! God bless America!
Anonymous
Dear the Noise!
— NEd
36 • JUNE 2016 • the NOISE arts & news • thenoise.us