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India-Pakistan
People want traditional form of Islam in Maldives
2011-12-27
President Mohamed Nasheed yesterday called on citizens to reject religious extremism and continue to support the "traditional form" of Islam that has been practiced in the Maldives for the past 800 years.

Speaking at the rally held at the Artificial Beach by Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) "in support of moderate Islam", the President said that the party is accused of being anti-Islamic because it does not support the idea of marrying children or keeping concubines and circumcising girls.

He said that the issues have to be cleared out for the public by scholars and that relevant punishment according to the religion need to be written down in the constitution.
Oh? I thought it was all written down in the holy book...
He also called on opposition politicians and religious scholars to state clearly, where they stand on religious issues for the 2013 presidential election.

"Should we ban music? Should we mutilate girls' genitals? Should we allow nine year-olds to be married? Should we forbid art and drawing? Should we be allowed to take concubines? Is this nation building?" he asked his critics.
Seems that the people who advocate these things aren't into 'nation building', and the people who agree are happy with a nation built in the 8th century...
"This is an old country, people have lived here for thousands of years and we have practised Islam for more than 800 years. In 2011, we are faced with a question, how should we build our nation: what we will teach our children, how should we live our lives and what we will leave for future generations?"

President Nasheed expressed his belief that the Maldivians want "a better life, the ability to travel, not to have to beg for medicines, for each Maldivian to be able to fend for themselves, feed their families and stand tall."

The President said that the turn out for the counter-protest held by MDP compared to that of the protest held at the same time by religious organisations and opposition parties to "defend Islam" shows what the majority of Maldivians want.

"Some people are saying that the government is going against religion because we won't deviate from the traditional form of Islam," he said.

The President completed his speech by saying that the ruling MDP is clear where it stands; and that is with a moderate, tolerant form of Islam.

"asked you to come here in support of the middle, tolerant path. And I believe that most citizens want to continue our traditional form of Islam," he added.
Posted by:Steve White

#4  So the murdering form?
Posted by: Hellfish   2011-12-27 14:13  

#3  His 'traditional' Islam is mere infidelity / heresy / apostasy according to jihadis.
Posted by: Anguper Hupomosing9418    2011-12-27 12:08  

#2  If Nasheed is smart the radical religious nuts will all have terrible accidents, fatal heart attacks, or sudden and acute lead poisoning.
Posted by: PBMcL   2011-12-27 11:16  

#1  "Should we ban music? Should we mutilate girls' genitals? Should we allow nine year-olds to be married? Should we forbid art and drawing? Should we be allowed to take concubines? Is this nation building?" he asked his critics.

Should we chase off western tourists who are the only source of jobs, foreign currency, energy and food?
Posted by: Shimble Guelph5793   2011-12-27 08:35  

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