An Australian MP says that the country could become a Muslim nation within 50 years because "we are aborting ourselves almost out of existence," and that it's important politicians consider the ramifications "for the community and the nation we become in the future."She also says that there are 250,000 children born each year, there are 100,000 abortions and 70 adoptions - "Termination is more acceptable than adoption."
"I have read … comments by a certain imam from the Lakemba Mosque [who] actually said that Australia is going to be a Muslim nation in 50 years' time," said Mrs Vale, MP for the southern Sydney seat of Hughes.Xenophobia? Isn't the "imam from the Lakemba Mosque" a Muslim? After all, he's the guy that brought the subject of "Australia becoming a Muslim nation in 50 years' time," in the first place!"I didn't believe him at the time. But … look at the birthrates and you look at the fact that we are aborting ourselves almost out of existence by 100,000 abortions every year … You multiply that by 50 years. That's 5 million potential Australians we won't have here."
Keysar Trad, head of the Islamic Friendship Association of Australia, said Mrs Vale's remarks were outlandish and that they pandered to xenophobia and the "community's shortage of understanding about Islam".
Keysar Trad, head of the Islamic Friendship Association of Australia, said Mrs Vale's remarks were outlandish and that they pandered to xenophobia and the "community's shortage of understanding about Islam".
The article tweaked my curiosity about Islam's position on abortion, so I Googled to find out.
That's when I found this:
Abortion: The Islamic ViewI quess it was the statement that "The Islamic view is based on the very high priority the faith gives to the sanctity of life" that left me a bit confused, perhaps also the fact that this "statement of position really didn't say much - one either is FOR abortion (the killing of an unborn child) or AGAINST it, although I grant that there could be a grey area in the live of the mother - which live are you in effect choosing to take? After all, comments like these on the Koran from ex-Muslims leave one wondering about how much Islam can truly value life:
Muslims regard abortion as wrong and haram (forbidden), but many accept that it may be permitted in certain cases.All schools of Muslim law accept that abortion is permitted if continuing the pregnancy would put the mother's life in real danger. This is the only reason accepted for abortion after 120 days of the pregnancy.
Different schools of Muslim law hold different views on whether any other reasons for abortion are permitted, and at what stage of pregnancy if so.
Some schools of Muslim law permit abortion in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy, while others only permit it in the first 7 weeks.
However, even those scholars who would permit early abortion in certain cases still regard abortion as wrong, but do not regard it as a punishable wrong. The more advanced the pregnancy, the greater the wrong.
The Qur'an does not explicitly refer to abortion but offers guidance on related matters. Scholars accept that this guidance can properly be applied to abortion.
Sanctity of life
The Islamic view is based on the very high priority the faith gives to the sanctity of life. The Qur'an states:"Whosoever has spared the life of a soul, it is as though he has spared the life of all people. Whosoever has killed a soul, it is as though he has murdered all of mankind." 5: 32
Most Muslim scholars would say that a foetus in the womb is recognised and protected by Islam as a human life.
"Allah orders Muslims in the Quran to terrorize non-Muslims on His behalf":So you can see why I can't help but wonder. Especially in light of terrorism and suicide bombers, how does that fit in?"Strike terror (into the hearts of) the enemies of Allah and your enemies" Surah 8:60
"Fight (kill) them (non-Muslims), and Allah will punish (torment) them by your hands, cover them with shame" Surah 9:14
"I will instil terror into the hearts of the unbelievers, smite ye above their necks and smite all their finger-tips off them It is not ye who slew them; it was Allah" Surah 8:12, 17
Related: Muslims in Europe: Country guide
Cross-posted: Hyscience
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