By Syed B. Soharwardy
President, Islamic Supreme Council of Canada (ISCC)
Muslims Against Terrorism (M-A-T.org), Calgary, Alberta
The Canadian Muslims are concerned that a knowledgeable person like Rev. Franklin Graham does not know or understand the teachings of Islam. Let me quote the following two media reports before going further.
In a report aired Friday on “NBC Nightly News,” Rev. Franklin Graham stood by remarks he made about Islam last month at the dedication of a chapel in North Carolina. At that event, Graham said, “We’re not attacking Islam but Islam has attacked us. The God of Islam is not the same God. He’s not the son of God of the Christian or Judeo-Christian faith. It’s a different God, and I believe it is a very evil and wicked religion.” In the NBC report, Graham said, “I don’t believe this [Islam] is this wonderful, peaceful religion.” SEE: http://www.msnbc.com/news/659057.asp?cp1=1
On Sunday, Graham issued a statement in which he said: “It is not my calling to analyze Islam or any other religion, though I recognize that all religions have differences. In the past, I have expressed my concerns about the teachings of Islam regarding the treatment of women and the killing of non-Muslims or infidels.” Graham said he would have no further comments on the issue. SEE: http://www.charlotte.com/observer/natwor/docs/franklin1119.htm
I saw your father, Rev. Billy Graham (for whom I have deep respect) on TV at the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance service at the National Cathedral in Washington, on Sept. 14, saying “We come together today to affirm our conviction that God cares for us, whatever our ethnic, religious or political background may be,” He further said, “The Bible says that he is `the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles.’”
You must have some misunderstanding about the teachings of Islam and we are sure that these misunderstandings can be removed through a dialogue. Therefore, on behalf of ISCC, I would like to invite you to visit Calgary and discuss all the issues which you might have with the Islamic faith. ISCC will pay all your traveling and living expenses to Calgary. Please choose a date and time convenient for you and let us know.
If your busy schedule does not allow you to come to Calgary I am willing to travel to any place where we can discuss your issues with Islam. Please let me know when you have time to meet with me at a place of your choice.
May I also suggest to you to review a presentation about Islam at http://www.islamicsupremecouncil.com and send me your comments.