Author: David J. Rusin
Publication: New Age Islam
Date: March 23, 2009
URL: http://newageislam.com/NewAgeIslamArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=1267
Muslims have fought - both figuratively and
literally - over the "true" Islam ever since a succession dispute
erupted after the death of Mohammed. This divide has followed Muslims to the
Western world, where it constitutes a neglected facet of radical Islam in
countries struggling to assimilate their new arrivals.
The issue surfaced most clearly when sectarian
tensions spread to Europe and America at the peak of the Iraq war. Threats
against Shiite mosques were reported in the suburbs of Brussels, while vandals
appeared to single out Detroit mosques and businesses owned by Shiites in
the wake of Saddam Hussein's execution. Two recent and rather odd stories
build on the trend. Earlier this year, two brothers allegedly were targeted
during a Muslim hockey game in Canada because they are not Sunnis. According
to their father, Ahmed Buksh, whispers about the boys' affiliation led to
chaos: Both sons were attacked by the opposing players. One son took a stick
to the head while another one took a stick to the mouth that broke one of
his teeth. ...
Islamists attack not only infidels, but also
Muslims who adhere to differing views. No doubt more sectarian battles will
emerge as Western Muslim populations increase and import ancient rivalries.
Less certain is whether governments are prepared to deal with this challenge.
