The Subtle Spread Of Islam: Is It Possible?

Click on the title for the complete AP story.

KAZAN, Russia - The clothing store across from the mosque features torn bluejeans, feather boas and brightly colored button-down shirts. But for customers who want the latest look, it also offers headscarves, veils and ankle-length tunics.

In Russia's Tatarstan region more and more young people are switching from Western-style dress to Muslim attire. More than just a fashion, the trend reflects a surging interest in Islam among the youth of this largely Muslim region on the Volga River, some 450 miles east of Moscow.

Islam appears to be creeping more and more into Central Asia. It affects Russia on several fronts. The former Soviet republics like Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, et al, are overhwelmingly Muslim and they can export their influence into other areas of Russia to the north, and China to the east. Right now they are doing it subtlely, but surely; a little here, a little there.

If this was how Islam was spread (by that I mean, by each individual making an educated choice, according to the convictions of their heart, spirits, and souls), I would have no problem with it. If there was no jihad, no bombings, no kidnappings/beheadings, or any other heinous acts dreamed up and implemented for the purpose of converting the area to Islamic law (by force), I could not criticize Islam. And, I would not.

Think about it.

True freedom of religion comes with two components, the freedom to accept and to reject. Evangelizing of any religion, to me is okay, under one condition. If I say, "No, thanks", it means just that, "No thanks". There can be no retribution, of any kind.

Tatars practice a particularly liberal form of Islam — "Euro Islam" he calls it — which views the religion as a personal, individual belief where men and women are considered equal. Islam here also draws on its own specific Tatar traditions that sets it apart from stricter versions, such as Saudi Arabia's dominant austere Wahabbism, Khakimov said.

So, I guess the same Euro Islam that wasn't able to do a damned thing to prevent the attacks in Spain, Britain, and Russia; is somehow supposed to be a source of comfort and reassurance?

It's true that Wahabbism is the most domineering group within the Muslim world, look at how far of an area this sect has exported its violence. From Indonesia to Europe and the North of Africa (and any other point deemed necessary, in between).

And, now they have infiltrated this country.

But if peace is to ever exist in any form on this earth, the Wahabbis must be stopped from exporting their violence. Every country must recognize its own individual risk level and deal with it appropriately. The moderates (that claim they want peace for all) need to chip in a bit, too . They need to reject the call to violent jihad in all forms, loudly and firmly. There must be no, "We reject violence, BUT.........". It must be a resounding statement/message and not full of double talk, justifications, and excuses.

Its not going to be easy. It has been let go, unchecked, way too long. But if we don't get started on it now, the way it needs to be done, our city will soon be gone.