OPINION:
In “France weighs the tragic cost of appeasement” (Web, Jan. 8) Claude Salhani writes that the gunmen in last week’s murderous Paris attacks “are as far removed from Islam as can possibly be.” Mr. Salhani is simply and utterly incorrect.
In another piece in the same edition of The Washington Times, British Muslim cleric Anjem Choudary tells us that “Islam does not mean peace, but rather means submission to the commands of Allah alone.” Mr. Choudary adds that actions such as those of the Paris gunmen are “determined by divine revelation.” Mr. Choudary made this statement as justification for the massacre in Paris. And it is he who has it right. The divine revelation to which he refers is the Koran, the words of Allah as given to the Prophet Muhammad by the angel Gibril.
The so-called “terrorists” should not be so labeled. Their correct description is “orthodox Muslims,” Muslims who are strict adherents of the teachings of Islam. Any Muslim who opposes them is also opposing the word of Allah. Unlike the Bible, the Koran is not subject to interpretation, but must be taken absolutely literally, since it is the word of Allah.
The West must fully understand this and all facets of Islamic teaching if we are to be successful in defending our way of life.
VICE ADM. JAMES A. SAGERHOLM
U.S. Navy (retired)
Severna Park
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