Is Islam Bad for Tourism?
Sep 7th, 2006, in Society, Travel, by PatungAttempting to forbid sinful activities, such as drinking, harms the growth of tourism in Muslim areas.
Luthfi Assyaukanie mentions the success of Hindu dominated Bali in developing a thriving tourist industry, and compares it with the lack of such success of the Muslim dominated Ternate and Tidore islands in North Maluku, and also Lombok, both places being able to lay claim to having many of the tropical charms that normally would see sun-seeking foreigners with too much spare time on their hands beating a path to their doors, bringing along with them lots of money.
Not only beachside attractions distinguish Lombok and Ternate-Tidore but they are also places full of history. Interestingly, Lombok, like Bali, was once an important centre of Hindu learning and culture. While Bali held on to its Hindu heritage, and thrived, Lombok abandoned it in favour of Islam, and did not prosper, in terms of the travel industry at any rate.
Ternate and Tidore, in the Moluccas, near the island of Halmahera, have not succeeded at all in the tourism area, says Luthfi, while Lombok’s limited success can be put down to its proximity to Bali – it has merely taken the “overflow” from the Island of the Gods and cannot take any credit for having done so.
Foreign tourists like to drink alcohol, says Luthfi. But on the little islands of Ternate and Tidore there are few places, if any, where degenerate westerners can indulge their weakness for the demon drink, or get “hammered”, in colloquial terms. Luthfi met with some people on the islands, people who all said, when asked, that they would welcome the development of a tourist industry. But, when asked about the existence of “cafes” or bars they said that such places as had existed had all been shut down by the local branch of the FPI (Front Pembela Islam). One person said:
There used to some [cafes and bars] but they were all torn down. Recently one has opened but they [the owners] are still afraid to operate.
(dulu ada, tapi semuanya sudah dihancurkan. Baru-baru ini ada satu kafe didirikan, tapi masih takut beroperasi.)
Luthfi, in Islam, Turisme, dan Toleransi, says the citizens of Ternate, Tidore, and Lombok, and other Muslim areas that would like to build a tourist industry, should learn from the tolerant attitude of the Balinese, that is, that in order to enjoy the benefits of tourism the various consequences have also to be accepted.
61 Comments on “Is Islam Bad for Tourism?”
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Mohammed Khafi says:
Adam,
I agree with you that the law is wrong, it is distinctly anti-secular, but your statement that the law is addressed to Muslims is blatantly untrue “France’s ban on religious symbols and apparel in public schools took effect Sept. 2, 2004. The ban includes all overtly religious dress and signs (including Muslim headscarves, Sikh turbans, Jewish skullcaps and large Christian crosses).” You say that it affects the Muslimah because they follow their religion more sincerely, I would ask where in Al Quran does it stipulate that women should wear headscarves?
You have stated that the Muslimah have no choice because they cannot afford Muslim Schools and that there are only two Muslim schools in France, I would ask why are there only two Muslim schools in France, You are talking in your comments about Muslim tourists with money, and building ethical tour operators why are they not instead spending this money to help found schools for the Ummah in France, surely in that there is more good in the eye’s of Allah.
On the issue of pork I find it hard to believe that there are no other choices, but even so, it is possible to eat without eating pork, even if the children or parents were to prepare prepacked meals prior to their children leaving for school in the mornings. I spend half of my life in non Muslin countries, if there is only pork meat to eat, I eat vegetables, or egg or fish.
The so called Keepers of Islam, are by and large a scandalous mockery of their religion, they have human trafficking, enforced slavery, rape of servants, disrespect of womens rights, no freedom of religion as stipulated by Allah in Al Quran, they are racist to an unbelievable degree are dictatorial, and spread their brand of Wahaabiist Islam by buying off corrupt supporters with their Petro-dollars.
I would like to ask you, where you get the idea that Islam requires segregated areas of beach for men and women? We in Indonesia are very strongly family oriented and this would never ever cross our minds, as long as the women are modestly attired that is sufficient.
Your statement of “general occidental depravity” seems just a little too much like stereotyping, I have many friends from many countries in the West and I have to say that although some are a little liberal, I would never use the term general occidental depravity!
Peace
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Adam says:
Mohamed,
1/ first I’m sure you use to read the qur’an as a Muslim and therefore you are conscious of the OBLIGATION for our sisters to cover their hair, on this point there is after divergences amongst Muislims in the interpretation of the covering (partially, full head and neck, arms also etc…). However women are free to respect or not this recommendation as all that is asked by God, who is the only judge. If you still do not agree with I could give reference in the Qur’an and in authentic Hadiths on this points2/ Concerning the law I just would like to make you understand that the real targets and victims of this law were Muslimah and to a lesser extent Sikh, Jewfishes have not the strict obligation to dress the cup, so they don’t suffer of this law. Bear in mind this law to be implemented required a change in the constitution. Have you seen Christians with huge crosses at school (students have less than 18yrs there), please Mohamed you follow the things from far and you are not in the French context, it would be too complex to explain the situation and causes because they are various (ramping racism since the 11/09, the colonialist past, the dominant non-belief in the country, the silent pressure exercised by dominant Zionist medias, the corrupted members inside the community that break the efforts of union, the general poverty of Muslims in France, the fact they are not organized in lobby, and have none political weight and nobody to represent them, and to a lesser extent the willing to maintain a glass ceiling to hinder poor people to succeed, the high unemployment etc…). To understand it you have to bear in mind in the last presidential elections, the racist party (Front national) passed the first tour for the 1st time in the history.
3/ I agree with your comments concerning the Muslim school buildings, but you need to know that they are highly regulated, and authorizations are restricted by the government that banned new openings and funds coming from foreign countries. Consequently it is absolutely impossible today to open a new school even if you have the money! Otherwise, we have the right to travel to discover the world (which is recommended by God) we cannot wait the government good willing to let us open schools to travel!
4/ Concerning the pork, of course you can find an alternative prepare a meal or something like this, but why do you put in place a so unfair law for kids that are less than 10yrs who are not conscious they will eat pork, what is the goal of such a behavior? Excuse Mohamed, we cannot always accept and be nice we are also French citizens bornt there, imagine the same rules were decided in your country! Mohamed, keep in mind our Prophet (peace upon him) was very tolerant with others but firm against the injustice!
5/Concerning tourists from Saudi Arabia, God will judge them
6/ “the depravity” I felt you were shocked by this word, here even the schools teachers ask the government to do something to regulate the young girls clothes and behaviors because it is a real catastrophe (Kids of 13yrs old smoke Hashish, dress and show their strings, dress too short shirts, no longer respect their parents and professors etc…), it is only for kids I let you imagine what it is for teenagers and adults. Excuse me to have shocked you but given the situation I think the word is appropriated
Regards -
Adam,
You have obviously never read any of my other comments on this website, if you had you would realise that, I totally reject Sunnah and Hadith. I find them to be a total corruption of the teachings of Allah and His Messenger. Allah says that his Al Quran is complete perfect and fully detailed and I believe Him. I find that Sunnah and Hadith are too often used by our religious scholars and political leaders as a source of control and power over the Ummah, and by disbelievers to discredit both Islam and The Prophet.
I will take you points one at at time for comment:
1, The only rules for dress in Al Quran are the requirement for modesty, covering of the breasts, and lengthening of garments.
The word Hijab is used in the Quran. In our modern usage it means head cover. This may or may not include face without eyes and may also include one eye. This is not the way it was used in the Quran though. This meaning came from Judeo/Christian traditions. The followers of the Hadith adopted this meaning and that is why many of the Muslimah wear head garments. Many Muslim men tell the women that this rule comes from the Quran, when in fact it does not.
2, The French law as applies to all religions, if the Muslimah affected by this law were to follow Al Quran and Allahs guidance, there would be no problems with regard to Hijab.
I do have sympathise with you regarding the French colonial past, the political system, and admit that there is a very dominant Jewish influence in the western media, but the general poverty of Muslims in France I am afraid is more due to cultural problems and the following of Sunnah and Hadith, which brainwash young children into not being analytical and to not question anything, this contagion is prominent in most Muslim countries in the world, where the rich and powerful increase in wealth and power at the expense of the masses. Regarding the lack of representation and political weight, where are your community leaders, you all have voices and votes, organise these things, Allah says in Al Quran that he will not change a peoples state until they try to change it themselves. I would think that you have sufficient numbers do you not to elect Muslim representatives?
The glass ceiling as you describe it, I think is present in all societies, it takes time to slowly change the system. The rich and powerful want to stay that way, it can only be changed by revolution or reform, revoultion is too costly a price to pay in peoples lives, reform takes time as it has to be done from within without changing the status quo too dramatically, just look apon it as change for your children rather than for yourself.
The racist political parties feed on fear, fear of minorities shouting for acceptance of their own rules, fear of the certain groups controlling all of the money and media, fear of the other nationals taking their jobs, fear of extremists. They are still in a minority, the only way to make sure that they stay that way is to be less antagonistic to the majority and give the racists less to feed on, you have the freedom to practice your religion as you see fit, you have the choice to live your own life according to Sharia if that is what you wish, but you have no right to dictate to anybody, even your fellow Muslims what they should do or how they should behave as long as you yourself have those freedoms and choices, Allah says there is no compulsion in religion!
3, In an Article from Le Figaro it quotes:
“There has been no upsurge in Muslim schools. About a dozen denominational establishments have been created over these past few years and they educate approximately 600 pupils, mostly at the primary school level. In the end, the law banning conspicuous religious symbols in school only brought to the fore projects that had been under way, such as the one in Decines, in the Lyon suburbs. Prior to this, the Averroes private high school opened its doors in Lille in 2003.
On the other hand, clandestine facilities are on the rise as well as remedial courses for children. The contents of these courses are sometimes opaque. Some Muslim families are taking their children out of the public school system, which is “thus leading to a form of segregation”, says a General Intelligence [RG] report from the end of 2005.
The Salafists, who advocate a fundamentalist form of Islam based on the life of the Prophet, try to protect “their children from a very young age and to keep them away from the perversions of heathen society” write the RG, which monitors (with difficulty) the day care centres and undeclared schools that are set up by these families often in homes or within the mosques’ facilities.”
In the UK where it is easier to establish Islamic schools it was found that only 5% of the Muslim population chose to send their children to those schools, perhaps the problems are more due to a lack of demand? With regard to the Salafists, if they are so concerned with the “perversions of a heathen society” why chose to live in one in the first place! What you have to realise is that you or your parents chose for you to live in a secular society for a reason, and having made that choice, you then cannot try to bend that society to your will as you are still a minority, as long as you have religious freedom, which I no doubt think you have, you have to learn to live within the confines of that society or move to a country with a society which more suits your needs. You have to decide if the benefits of being French and living in France outweigh the disadvantages to your religious beliefs.
4, My children are 4 1/2 years old, they know we do not eat pork, if I were to send them to a school where pork was served, I would try to ensure that the food was marked in such a way that there could be mistakes made. I have yet to find an educational establishment which only had one choice of food, are you saying that there are no choices at all other than pork?
If the rules are so tight can you say that the non pork meat is Halal, If I were faced with that situation I would most certainly prepare food for my children at home.But do not forget what Al Quran says on this matter:
“He has only forbidden you dead meat, and blood, and the flesh of swine, and any (food) over which the name of other than Allah has been invoked. But if one is forced by necessity, without wilful disobedience, nor transgressing due limits,- then Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” 16:115
5, I think He already knows:
“The dwellers of the desert are very hard in unbelief and hypocrisy, and more disposed not to know the limits of what Allah has revealed to His Apostle; and Allah is Knowing, Wise.” 9:976, Certainly if you define “depravity” as the state of being depraved or corrupted; a vitiated state of moral character general badness of character; wickedness of mind or heart; absence of religious feeling and principle. I could see how it could refer the type of person you described.
What I took exception to was the phrase “general occidental depravity” I generally do not like generalisations as they are invariably used to stir up feelings of animosity, distrust, fear and hatred amongst the less educated masses to whom they are generally being voiced.
Again we have an example of lack of morality but to my mind this starts at home, I blame the parents who for some reason just cannot be bothered to set examples for their children to follow or set all the wrong examples, however this doesn’t just apply to one particular race, group or religion.
And just to bring these comments back on topic, I still don’t think that Islam is Bad for Tourism.
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Bradlymail says:
There a lot of confusions about Islam. Islam is a religion and the principle of life for the Muslims. Nowadays a lot of confusion between Arab cultures and Islam. Most asian Muslims are more following the Arab cultures than Islam as religion. What about our culture?
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Molisan Tono says:
Forget about itm our Indonesian cultures are full of sh*t compare to Arabic culture, well at least that’s what most of Moslem here think about it.
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Bradlymail, Molisan Tono,
You are both quite right of course, Arab colonialisation is taking place in Indonesia, but as long as there are people like us to stand up and make our voices heard we cannot give up on our country.
Indonesia should be a shining light for religious tolerance, we have such a rich cultural and religious history, but we none of us seem to ever learn anything, egotism seems to be at the very core of our existence, why can we not fight for harmony and tolerance instead of our own narrow beliefs? I will continue to fight for what I believe is the right path, but tolerance of others views is inherent in that belief, we all have to make our own mistakes do we not?
I just hope that the silent majority of tolerant Muslims will wake up to the fact that their religion and their tolerance is being hijacked and will start to make their voices heard! Their silence is as much a sin as the extremist acts which are being carried out in the name of their religion.
“For evil to succeed all it takes is for good men to do nothing!”
Peace
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Khafi, I believe there’s only a way to make such wonderful land to live in our beloved Indonesia which is tolerance. Of course differences must taken place too, without it, how could it be for us to take a right decision for all?
Most tolerance has shown upon this country by minor group, can major group here in Indonesia at least respect us a bit? And let us do what be believe and what we know we can do best for this country?
Peace too.
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Heh Molisan Tono,
I am on your side, don’t forget that I am also in a minority, I know my way of looking at things makes mainstream Muslims mad, probably makes mainstream believers of most religions mad, but I strongly believe that we have to concentrate on what God has given us and look at any deviations on that, as long as they are not exclusionist of course, as just embellishments to make our lives more interesting. It clearly states in Al Quran “to you your religion, to me mine”.
Peace
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Hassan says:
Mohamed Khafi: it’s funny that you are worrying so much about “Arab colonialization” while it is western cultural colonialization that is the bigger threat.
Let’s take a look at the last 30 years of our country’s history. I’d say no one will argue that it’s western culture that had changed our traditional cultures and values the most, and not Arab. Where’s your voice in that department?
Just a light example, I think that kebabs and burkas are the major Arabic cultural influence in the food and clothing sector that had spread in Indonesia, can you name more western influence besides Mcdonald’s and tank tops in that sector alone? Easy right? Not to mention it’s influence in our way of live. Free sex anyone?
You are facing the enemy on they wrong side.
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Hassan,
Arab colonialisation is one of compulsion, lack of tolerance, and removal of peoples freedom, you just need to look at how much freedom is given to the inhabitants of Saudi Arabi and how much choice they have in debating or questioning it, the Arab colonialisation is being forced on people. It is a culture of oppression, the Arabs even force converts to choose an Arabic name before they will call them Muslims, it is like the Chinesese in this country being forced to chose Indonesian names if they wanted to be more accepted as Indonesians, even though some of the families have been here for centuries.
As far as western cultural colonisation is concerned, it is something which people are chosing for themselves, I don’t remember anybody dictating to women that they had to wear mini skirts, or eat at Macdonalds or have free sex?
I just don’t think we have enough pride in ourselves to value our own culture, perhaps that is something which needs attention as well.
Your comment about facing the enemy on the wrong side forces me to ask you, what is the enemy? compulsion, lack of tolerance, lack of human rights or freedom of choice, goodwill and understanding, and rights for all Indonesians?
Peace
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Hasan can you see most radical Muslim organisations in Indonesia are colonised by Arab decendants. Good example is FPI who’s the leader? J.I who’s the leader? They make use of Indonesian people for their own purposes !!!
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Muhammed khafi: maybe it’s not always about freedom of choice, but more about right and wrong (according to Islamic teachings). Kebabs are halal, and burkas are mildly debatable. While McDonalds might be halal in nature, but the proceeds are then used to strengthen a country whose ‘day job’ is invading and colonializing Islamic countries, killing Muslims. While miniskirts and free sex are clearly haram.
Tell me, where did your allegiance stood the most, freedom of choice and human rights or halal and haram, and Islamic teachings? Trust me, western cultures and Islamic teachings can’t mix, no matter how you try to fit them together. One is a product of humanity based on lust (nafs), while the other is the product of Allah SWT, with the good of mankind in mind, whether we (and our nafs) like it or not.
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Hassan,
Allah clearly states “there is no compulsion in religion” no matter how you put it, that makes it clear to me that no matter what we think is right or wrong, we can not and should not compel others to live by the standards which we uphold ourselves.
As regards Islamic teachings, you already know how I feel about that, I cannot on the basis of Isnad accept your idea of Sunnah and Hadith, The only Sunnah and Hadith for me are those in Al Quran, Allah’s Holy book.
I also believe that western cultures and Quranic Islamic teachings can co-exist based on these views, America, and the United Kingdom are two examples and as much as I detest the government and leadership, have proved to be lands of freedom of religious choice, freedom of speech, and equality and justice, for a large proportion of their populations, much more so than any Islamic country I can name. Can you name an Islamic country which allows such freedoms and justice for it’s peoples?Religion is your personal choice, and you have no right to demand others to believe what you do. You can put your views to them and hope that they see that your religion is better than theirs, but for the life of me I cannot see that the example of Mainstream Islam is doing a very good job of promoting Islam. Mainstream Islam is all about force and coersion, and not as it should be about setting a good social example. Allah says in Al Quran ” invite others to your religion with kindness and good words”
Peace
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Mohamed,
1/ you said at many times you reject sunnah and hadith, so I am curious to know the way you pray, because, the Prophet teached us how to do it, and God not precisely detailed it in the Qur’an, I can say the same for the woudhou and many other things.
It is impossible for a common human to understand the deep sense of the Qur’an, and the Prophet was here to give us the concrete materialization of what it contains.
Argue that you could follow the din only by your own interpretation of the Qur’an is a big mistake.
2/ Be careful by saying at each time “there is no compulsion in religion”, the personal interpretation of this ayat made that some people in our religion have decided to not pray, pay the zakat, have free sex, drink alcohol, in an “official way” given there is no compulsion for them. Please don’t take a piece of ayat like this and justify your opinion, I’m sure you know the continuation of it “because the good way was distinguished from mislaying”, are you sure you take the good way by rejecting the sunnah, what means the way of the Prophete?
3/ Allah said to the ones who believe in Him and have the faith (‘ladhina Amanou) to obey to Him and to the Prophet (PUH). You can say that scholars use certain points of the sunnah to their own interests, and I could agree with you, but to reject wholly the sunnah, is also to reject the integrity of those who have brought all the authentic hadiths, which means the tabirin who lived at the same time as the the sahabi who lived with the Prophet himself. The non-believers have the same rethoric than you, but the concerning the holly Qur’An, what do you say to them when they it?
You certainly know the 40 authentic hadiths of Imam Nawawi, among which many events will have after a confirmation in the Qur’an, how can you reject it?
As you I think Islam is suitable with all cultures, but please don’t speak about freedom in the United States (I have a part of my family there), where the medias are not free and make propaganda, where since the 11/09 girls hesitate to dress their hijab because of the critics and Muslims are on phone-tapping, where it is difficult to take the plane when you have a Muslim name. I can understand the fear, but why a concrete dialogue has not been opened to clarify the situation? or more precisely How could a dialogue be led in a correct environment when you have your army that is killing or encourage other governments to kill thousand Muslims in Irak, Soudan, Palestine, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria. You confuse your hanger against Saoudi, an idyllic vision of the western countries, and the Sunnah…this mix doesn’t make sense -
Magy says:
Excuse me, am I missing something here? I thought it was mostly Muslims killing other Muslims in Irak. I thought it was Iran that wanted to invade Irak, and Irak to inwade Kuwait. I thought it was a certain dictator that killed kurds in northern Irak. I thought it was the UN that is sending tens of thousands of troups together with the African Union to secure peace and hinder the sloughter of inocent, even RI has commited troups to secure the violence in Sudan where the Arab militias are responsible for most of the killings not Muslims, in Nigeria, perhaps you could enlight me on the scale of “western killings” in this country – I’m no aware of such killing, other than by Muslim mobs in the north and Christian mobs in the east killing each other.
By the way – are you aware of that th US is ranked no. 1 by Muslims in the world to be the country where one best is allowed to practice Islam? Nowhere in the world is tolerance towards Muslims as high as in the states. Even in Arab countries the rankings are lower.
Women power will be the end of intolerance in Arabic influenceed countries.
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Adam,
Magy seems to have dealt very well with your last issues.
Thank you sister!Adam said:
God not precisely detailed it in the Qur’an
“The word of your Lord is complete in truth and justice” 6:115
“A.L.R. These are the signs of the clear book” 12:1
“We have made it (the Quran) easy to understand and in your own tongue (language) may you take heed.” 44:58
“A.L.R. This is a book whose verses have been perfected” 11:1
“Shall I seek other than God as a source of law, when He has revealed to you this book fully detailed?” 6:114
Complete, perfect, and fully detailed!
If Allah wanted us to know how to perform our prayers in a certain way, don’t you think he would have told us?
After all it says in Al Quran :
“Say: Though the sea became ink for the Words of my Lord, verily the sea would be used up before the words of my Lord were exhausted, even though We brought the like thereof to help.” 18:109Adam said
It is impossible for a common human to understand the deep sense of the Qur’an,
Yet Allah says:
“And We have indeed made the Qur’an easy to understand and remember: then is there any that will receive admonition?” 54:17Adam said:
Argue that you could follow the din only by your own interpretation of the Qur’an is a big mistake
“(O man), follow not that whereof thou hast no knowledge. Lo! the hearing and the sight and the heart – of each of these it will be asked.” 17:36
Allah asks us to use our own hearing, sight, and heart to determine things, to blindly follow somebody else’s interpretation is to follow without knowledge.
Allah even goes so far as to say that you should not follow your own fathers because they may be wrong:
“When they are told to follow the (Revelation) that Allah has sent down, they say: “Nay, we shall follow the ways that we found our fathers (following). “What! even if it is Satan beckoning them to the Penalty of the (Blazing) Fire?” 31:21Adam said:
“there is no compulsion in religion”, the personal interpretation of this ayat made that some people in our religion have decided to not pray, pay the zakat, have free sex, drink alcohol
Their behaviour has nothing to do with personal interpretation of this verse, what utter nonsense, their behaviour is more likely that they just don’t believe in Allah. Forcing them or anybody else to conform to your ideals will not make them good, or make them believe.
I cannot believe that the Sunnah and Hadith are in any way connected with the Prophet as Allah displays him in Al Quran, they are used by non believers to ridicule Islam and the Prophet and to denigrate a once glorious religion!, They are used by terrorists to justify murder, they are used by the ignorant and uneducated to subdue and control their wives and female family members, and they are used by the rich and powerfull to control the Ummah for their own political purposes.
These are all things which Allah gave Al Quran to Prophet Mohammed to combat and release the ordinary people from, but things seem to have become twisted around so that these manmade fabrications now seem to have more authority than Al Quran itself.Peace
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Magy
I said “army that is killing or encourage other governments to kill thousand Muslims in Iraq, Sudan, Palestine, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria”
1/ US soldiers are killing Iraqis, certain among them have just been judged recently, and all that happened is certainly transparently communicated.
2/ Can you seriously tell me the chaos provoked in Iraq is not the fruit on the united states war in Iraq, for weapons that did not exist, I don’t care of Iran intentions, or anything else I talk about people humiliated everyday, tensions between ethnics completely exacerbated because of an unjustified war? What is the result of this war? A deeper separation, hanger between civilizations.
3/ Who has supported and is still supporting lords of war in Sudan only to hinder the Islam expansion? Whilst they know very well, they have brought the terror during many years? Why do you think Soudanians are massively supporting the Islamic wing? Because they hope they can reestablish a little bit of justice and bring them the safety.
4/ Who is financing the Christian mobs who are killing Muslims, in order to hinder the increasing Islamcisation in Nigeria?
5/In Ivory Coast, the situation is quite the same in the streets, but in the government, how can you explain a president (evangelist) refuse completely to have a Muslim 1st minister, by invoking stupid arguments, and has the support of the US?
6/Perhpas the US ranks Number one, but the points I exposed in my last mail are true, and you know it, even recently a business school as opened in the Emirates, because students and also teachers realized since the 11/09, the situation has become tighter for Muslims in the US.
The western countries are an example in terms of freedom, technology etc…but excuse me the geopolitical willing completely pollute their ideology!
We have to be conscious of that to find peaceful solutions instead of trying to hide the truth behind Iran, Saddam, terrorism, Islamism etc”¦such amalgams created the biggest injustice ever seen since 60yrs. The real question is, are we really to live together?
Regards -
Sad to say people that look like they come from the middle east and/or show any sign of being Islamic are percepted by most people in the world to be more inclined for being potential terrorists. This is sad, but perhaps not surprising, given the fact that Islamic terrorists currently are very active and even very vocal about their intentions.
I’m not entering any discussion were the Muslims are put against the “west”. This is meaningless. There is no substantial conflict – or clash of cultures. Islam is not bad for tourism – Islamic terrorist are.
Every society that oppress women and minorities seem to be less prosperous in many ways than other societies. Today most middle age interpretaitions have been weeded out. No one really belives that god created the earth in seven days any more. Nevertheless more people seem to be religious than ever. This development has paved the way for prsperity and equality in opportunities in life.
In many Islamic countries, not RI, middle age interpretations still is in demand. And in this way you could say that Islam is behind and discourage development and also tourism. In many Arabic countires women are not allowed to work outside their home, etc. this is of course bad for development of the country and as well the men and women.
Some undercurrents in RI seem to go this path also – but the tide is not going to reverse. Everyone knows middle age interpratations will eventually go away, and women be freed to live their lives as they please, not in command of their husband and men in their surrounding.
I peronally think this is the root of many conflicts today – many men are really frightened that they should not have any power over women any more. When they feel small and insignificant in their life they could always find some comfort to command their wife.
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emwady says:
Mr. Hassan, one question for you, do you ever hurt your heart about Islam before?
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brian says:
I have been to 14 countries in my travels, and I have purposely avoided going to places like Batam and Indonesia because of Islam.
While many of you will call me prejudice, I cannot rationalize spending my vacation in an atmosphere dominated by that religion. Thank you, but I will spend my tourist dollars in one of the many beautiful, tolerant locations in the region. -
Ihaknt says:
Brian, prejudice, no. ignorant, yes. But nonetheless, it’s your money and you can do as you please. I trust you had a good holiday. Fair enough, I would like to be relaxed too if I ever went on a holiday (damn, I hope it’s soon!).
But I do hope one day you can see Indonesia beyond its religious belief, because there’s so much more to it. All you need is just to know the right people.
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DianDoank says:
Well Brian that’s your money so you should spend it as the way you want it.
But to miss beautiful places in these world just because the people at that country dominated by certain religion hemm…I think that is bit too much unnecessary worriness. -
Ja Kong Su says:
Islam is not bad for tourism, Islam extremist is bad for everybody.
Indonesia is a beautiful country and nice people but extremists try to be more Islam than Arabian…they (FPI) like to sweep western tourists, bars etc
those bad Moslems are maintained by government for political reasons, those bastards are less than 5% of Indonesian Moslem but have strong influence in community….therefore Bali as Hinduism
island is still the best fr tourists but …bad Moslems were/are there with the bombs for wrong jihad., they killed own people and western tourists but if they are told to go ‘jihad’ to israel, they are like dog who hide the tail between the legs. -
Matt says:
I am reading this and its all very sad! It is great that this forum is available but it is scary to read! My problem with travel to Indonesia is violence and bombs etc. But it will not stop me from traveling as I am more likely to be hit by a falling plane. Islam like all religious has it fanatics but I wish more religious leaders would stop the excuse that its for Islam, the Jewish, then Christian and Islamic faiths believe in the same god. The people preaching along the way makes them distinctm but spitting on each other is not gods work and there were other religions in asia before those from the middle east.
I little more tolerance and a friendly smile. And keeping a culture that is uniquely Indonesian would be far more attractive then us all becoming robots in someone elses religious army, god would be crying. Also telling people what to wear and how to act as some indication of our morals is deviant. Depending on your culture not all of us think a naked breast or thigh is rude, or sexual. The true nature of growth and understanding is in our own learning. I think, and not to judge all others. I guess thats what makes the Balinese beautiful!
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Roni Sianturi says:
What kind of tourism do you mean Saukanie?
It seems like you want to “warm” the people’s opinion, don’t you?
Give your data based on your article, I don’t think you have one.
Next day you will write another article : Tourism is Bad for Islam. -
Craig Hamilton says:
OK, I’m an Australian Sailor bound for Ambon and the Maluku Islands this year. I can say without a doubt that sailors AVOID anywhere that has sectarian violence or excessive crime. That’s it. The only reason. I have pondered long and hard over my decision to visit this area this year, I hope I have made the correct one.
Every single long distance sailor, WANTS to experience your religions, beliefs and cultures. That’s why we go sailing. Otherwise we’d avoid the potentialy dangerous ocean passages and stay home where it is predominately safe. I have met very few yacht’s who will not respect the culture and religious conditions of the places they are visiting.
It’s important to note a couple of things on these subjects.
Yacht tourism is usually the FIRST tourism to reach a beautiful and isolated place. It takes many years of constantly good reports filtering back from these yachts before other organized forms of tourism emerge. But they do emerge and continue to build in to more modern forms of tourism.
Last year I spent 3 months sailing remote parts of Papua New Guinea. On one island that had not seen a visiting yacht for over 4 years, 2 yachts had equipment stolen on the same night. The story of this theft made headlines on our nightly radio chats between yachts and NOT ONE SINGLE yacht visited that island for the rest of that year. I suspect it will be 2 – 3 years before the incident is forgotten and the yachts return. Meanwhile, the neighbouring islands will reap the benefits of the trade and tourism that the yachts bring.
EVERY single war in the history of mankind has been fought in the name of god, on both sides!
Differences in religious beliefs are the WORST possible excuses for violence ever!
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Nelson says:
Most religions have been created by man NOT GOD to control the masses, that’s right and to benefit themselves with power and the wealth. Why do you think the Saudi Arabia finances extreme islam, because if they had a democratic society all the oil money would go to the state and not a few individuals as happens now. It is in their interests to promote anti western sentiment to the many fools who listen to them.
Your corrupt country is going the same way. I’ve never come across the amount of greed that I have witnessed in your country. The gross amount of wealth that the people at the top have stolen from the country makes me sick, but they are all good Muslims, what a joke. By the way would GOD nominate a man who had a nine year old child for a wife as his/her/its spokesman?
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Indonesia has PANCASILA for fundamental, there’s 5 different religions (moslem, buddha…etc) so I just can say if Indonesia is not an islamic country…Moslem just majority in fact…not in every regulation and law of civilization, and I am not agree if Islam is bad for tourism.
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joyboy says:
Hassan says
“…you’re not just a racist, you suffer from ethnophobia as well.”
Point at someone Hassan and four fingers come back at you.
xenophobia is based on place of birth, racism being based on ancestry, and prejudice is any unreasonable attitude that is unusually resistant to rational influence.
Which categories do you fall into Hassan?Your comments:
“…artificial japs,..”
“Last thing, mr big shot white man,..”
“black people are totally intolerant and feel just better than other people. Most white people cannot see the real face of the blacks because…”
Your words, your thoughts.
Hassan said:
“We’ didn’t ask you to care about us”.
Hassan, who’s WE, is it you and Santa! By not saying “I” you then avoid any ownership of YOUR statements (weak).
Next time try to use ‘Caucausion (white), African (black), Japanese (Jap) instead of xenophobia race bating.
Comment on “Is Islam Bad for Tourism?”.
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Dear Mohamed,
1/ Concerning the French situation (the « law ») let me give you a little bit of flesh on the bones. You need to understand this law was only addressed to the Muslims, because actually no other believers practice their religion so deeply and so sincerely as Muslims in France, and therefore Muslim women who dress the veil (which is also an obligation for Jewfishes and Christians too, but in France they don’t follow their religion rules) were “invited” to leave the school if they refuse to remove it. Our sisters were the only targets of this law, even if Indian Sik (who dress the turban) pay also the consequences but in certain cases they have been tolerated. Also the law you referred on the “laïcité” and separation between religion and state, had the aim to hinder Christian proselytism in the early 20th century, so that each individual could freely follow its religion in the respect of others. But to prove the unfair character of the last law, I inform you the French constitution should have been modified by the Government to allow the law on the hijab to be implemented! Do you think a sister is making some proselytism only because of his hijab? It does not make sense at all!
Otherwise this was just a delude to divert the hanger of teachers at this time, who had massively demonstrated during more than 1month in the streets because of the Government willing to modify their advantageous retirement plan.
Consequently many sisters are in a dead end, either they chose to remove their veil and are suffering of it and are still discriminated by teachers, or they decided to leave school and to not have an education because they have not enough money to go in a private school for Muslims (only 2 ones exist in France and are closely monitored by the police and are expensive), or they went in private school but they are treated of communautarists and integrists by the French population. This year in certain child schools, the choice to not eat pork and the meals without pork has been removed, but always in schools where yiu have only non-believers, Muslims but no Jewfishes”¦therefore you have to accept your child eat pork, or if you refuse you have to feed him yourselves, however if the parents are at work how can they do”¦?
Mohamed, it’s very hard here, I promise !
Note, this law has even been considered as racist and completely stupid by the US.
The UK is a particular case in Europe, Muslims are better respected there than anywhere else in Europe, because they are organized, united, and have a real purchase power.
2/ I am really in anger against the prostitution made by tourists from Saudia Arabia, instead of being the ambassadors of Islam they are only the ambassador of the “fitna”, I know they are not all like it, but we are conscious of their hypocrisy. I am happy you talked about it Mohamed, because this point is the reason for which Western Muslims will be more on more keen of traveling towards far Asia with a dominant Muslim population rather than Middle East. In my mind, those persons form part of the “tourist pack” I described within my last mails, and form part of people that must be ousted from your country.
Finally, believe dear Mohamed that the potential for ethical tourism is real, and if the Indonesia did not take the train, other countries will benefit of it. You can make a parallel with the Islamic Finance that is developing even in Europe currently, many people as me are wondering how implement an ethical tour operator, and I can ensure you will have the results soon. The things could change because God is all powerful, and if you make efforts in its way to bring the justice, things will change. Should government was aware of the potential of ethical tourism I am sure they would build dedicated ethical spaces for us and would begin to clean the location, it is just a question of money. It’s sure the things could not change immediately but even a small initiative (1 hotel, with a private beach, with separation between men and women, no alcohol, halal food etc”¦) could give many fruits. Maybe this type of hotels already exists if it is the case let us be informed, if not you have a strong opportunity here. And also do not forget there are not only Muslims who are fed up this situation, but also other communities (as Mormont from Salt Lake City for instance) even non-believers who want to go out from the general occidental depravity.
Salam