I don’t think your argument works. It may be the case that the Bodu Bala Sena has misappropriated the true message of the Buddha, but one cannot therefore excuse Buddhism of all responsibility. Buddhism is not primarily a set of doctrines, interpretations or stanzas that need chanting, but a lived historical experience embodied and shaped by the empirically observable actions of Buddhists.

Thank you for your reply Amjad. I don’t think understanding “time and space for the revelations” is relevant though; hate speech is hate speech regardless of when and where it was promulgated. I am only aware of very few references that exist in the Quran that suggests (not commands) respect for other religions. One being “lakum deenukum waliya deen”, however in contrast there are many, many rather hateful references owards the disbelievers and the fate that awaits them. My point is that the Quran is taught to young Sri Lankan Muslim children and it is not questioned because it is considered a holy book; how are the intolerant bits being filtered out?

What is your point mr. Can you clarify bit more what you mean by

“Not only Quran, the Bible also propagate hate speech against the ‘other’, but according to GV hate speech is only incited by the saffron clad mob……:)”

One important point you have missed; I am not here to assess the religions and hate speech; the point about Buddhism and hate campaigns against others in Sri Lanka is that such campaigns and groups associated with them enjoy state patronage.

“To simply answer your question…..adopt a secular constitution, and get rid of religion meddling with public affairs.”
I like this idea; until Sri lanka achieve this position, we will see so much troubles ahead!

Most religions are inherently violent, homophobic, sexist and misogynist.

Not only Quran, the Bible also propagate hate speech against the ‘other’, but according to GV hate speech is only incited by the saffron clad mob……:)

To simply answer your question…..adopt a secular constitution, and get rid of religion meddling with public affairs.

Furthermore, the most fundamental question yet is the need for religion in a modern world and I am yet to hear even a passable counter argument…..

sinhalese quran has “adhewa wadheen maranu”, kill non believers of god. Buddhists do not believe in god. so they get upset reading this stuff.

Not a single Buddhist temple allowed in Islamic countries.

I think you made an interesting point which I think falls in the area of stereotypes and misconceptions. I dont not know whether this is what the Quran says , but from my limited understanding of Islam I certainly do not think it advocates that followers should be antagonistic to other religions. It is clear the inter-religious education is essential from a young age to educate citizens on the TRUE practices and customs of other religions , thus reducing the ability of groups to exploit common stereotypes to fulfil their agendas.

Hi thank you for the points. What you bring up is an important point in terms of understanding religious teachings. Your reference to the qur’an underlines this in not understanding time and space for the revelations. It is not enough just to pick certain verses from the qur’an without understanding the context in which they were revealed. You neglect to mention the numerous references that exist in the qur’an that command muslims to respect other religions and their followers nor do you take into account the examples of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions in dealing with non muslims
So I guess what is needed from all communities is greater understanding of each other’ s practices, teachings and thoughts.