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Tensions Rising between Kenyan Christians and Muslims
Welcome to the safari capital of the world. Palm-fringed, white sandy beaches, breath-taking views and abundant wildlife have made Kenya one of the finest adventure spots on the globe. Straddling the equator on the east coast of Africa, Kenya boasts a vibrant multi-ethnic and multi-religious culture. Roughly twice the size of Nevada, it has a Christian majority and a historically peaceful Muslim minority. For the most part, the two faith groups have lived together peacefully here in Kenya. The one exception was in 2000, when clashes between Christians and Muslims led to the destruction of one mosque and two churches. But nothing has divided Kenyans, particularly along religious lines, as much as the events of September 11, 2001 and afterwards. One Muslim commented, "America just wants to conquer the whole world. That's what this war on terror is all about -- a war against Islam." Muslims and Christians, who once lived peacefully side-by-side, now find religious tensions rising to levels not seen here before. Another Kenyan Muslim added, "When the Christians say they want to convert every person in Kenya to be a Christian, nobody complains. But if we say as Muslims that we want everybody here to become a Muslim, everybody is up in arms!" A growing number of Muslims are turning towards the more radical and militant expressions of Islam. Sheikh Al-Hajj Yussuf Murigu, a prominent Islamic leader in Kenya, says he is more comfortable obeying Allah's laws than Kenya's man-made laws. We asked him, "Do you believe in Sharia law?" Murigu replied, "Yes, of course! How can I be a Muslim and not believe in Sharia law?" So it came as no surprise to Christians when Sheikh Murigu and others began demanding that Sharia courts be included in the country's new draft constitution. Posted by: TS(vice girl) 2004-09-15 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=43262 |