Monday, November 25, 2013

Angola Bans Islam?

Has the African Republic of Angola officially banned Islam?

This story has been circulating on the Web, but I haven't seen it on any of the major news networks, so we'll have to wait and see how accurate the reports are.

According to the reports, in an effort to avoid the cycle of jihadist violence seen in countries like Nigeria, Angola has banned Islam.

If this turns out to be true, we will surely hear endless cries of "racism" and "Islamophobia," from all major news networks and countless politicians. At that point, we'll all have to wonder why there aren't cries of "racism" and "bigotry" against Saudi Arabia for its suppression of non-Muslim religions.

International Business Times—A number of news outlets have reported that Angola has "banned" Islam and started to dismantle mosques in a bold effort to stem the spread of Muslim extremism.

Weekly French-language Moroccan newspaper La Nouvelle Tribune published an article on Friday sourcing "several" Angolan officials, including the Southwest African nation's minister of culture, Rosa Cruz, who reportedly offered the following remarks, which have been translated from French: "The process of legalization of Islam has not been approved by the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights. Their mosques would be closed until further notice."

The media reports have not described why Islam would need to be legalized, considering its presence in the country for many years.

OnIslam.net reports that the African economic news agency Agence Ecofin wrote that Cruz made the statement at an appearance last week before the 6th Commission of the National Assembly. The website goes on to note that, "According to several Angolan newspapers, Angola has become the first country in the world to ban Islam and Muslims, taking first measures by destroying mosques in the country."

Even Angola President José Eduardo dos Santos has weighed in on the controversy, as he was quoted in Nigeria's Osun Defender newspaper on Sunday as saying, "This is the final end of Islamic influence in our country," according to the OnIslam.net report. (Continue Reading.)

***UPDATE*** The Angolan Embassy in Washington is denying the reports:

Angola became a hot topic in the international media over the weekend, as news outlets around the world wrote about reports that the Southwest African nation had banned Islam and had begun to dismantle mosques.

But an official at the Angolan Embassy in Washington, D.C., who did not want to be identified while discussing the sensitive matter, said that there is no such ban, and that the reports are erroneous.

“The Republic of Angola … it’s a country that does not interfere in religion,” the official said via telephone Monday afternoon. “We have a lot of religions there. It is freedom of religion. We have Catholic, Protestants, Baptists, Muslims and evangelical people.” (Continue Reading.)

37 comments:

Eric said...

David Please create a YOU TUBE video concerning the airing last night by MBC DATELINE of the mall massacre in Kenya. NOT one single mention of the fact that there were MUSLIMS and NOT one single mention of the questions asked by them of their victims to PROVE they were MUSLIM before they killed the, NC has followed the lead of ABC and their "72 raisins" show and showed NO GUTS in t telling the REAL story!

rowland said...

Yeah, I saw this story yesterday and I'm still a bit skeptical. I hope it is true though!. That would mean at least ONE country in the world has got its head in the right place amidst all this madness going on around.

My only prayer is that the O and the Cameron don't go about ruining this and sticking their nose where it doesn't belong.

GreekAsianPanda said...

A lot of Angolan sources have said that Islam is banned, so it's almost certainly true. If the "mainstream media" is consistent, there will be just as much silence on the subject as there is about the practice of non-Sunni religions being banned in Saudi Arabia.

A lot of people seem to be happy about this. We shouldn't be. We are all very upset about the constant destruction of churches and the maiming, raping, killing, and displacement of Christians in the Islamic world. I don't know how we'll seem credible if we rejoice.

andy said...

mr wood, you quoted when you revealed mohammad to be a cross dressing homosexual, that if the muslim patrols made another video you would reveal more. may i suggest you go onto british counter homeland offensive they have a you tube video of a muslim patrol in drewsbury, going around during the day like a pack of wolves shouting MDL and EDL go to hell and chasing a white youth down an alleyway, thought you might be interested

rowland said...

@G.A.P:

Firstly, Angola is not a christian country. It might have a mostly christian population but its not a "Christian state".

2. I wouldn't worry about "our credibility". The secular and islamic world do not like us christians. No matter what we do or say they'll still hate us and find every means to discredit christianity. We do not need to seek approval from anyone or any group. We do not need to please anyone either, all we need to do is carry our cross and follow our LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ. He'll take care of the rest.

3. The muslims had this coming, it was only a matter of time. Soon the free world would treat muslims and islam on the basis of reciprocity. That will be the best way to get muslims to behave.

Christianity is banned in Afghanistan, Iran, Yemen. Saudi Arabia bans it in Medina and mecca. While other province only allows christian/church gathering in private homes.

Why Shouldn't Any Country do same??

Anonymous said...

This angolan news outlet mentions the closing of mosques:

http://www.opais.net/pt/opais/?id=1929&det=35025

According to that, 60 mosques were closed in Angola, only 2 remain open in the whole country. There are reports of mosques being destroyed in Angola but it's because they were built illegally. Islam and almost 200 other religious sects have been reported as being deemed illegal because they have traditions that could be abused and lead to violence.

I don't agree with the outright ban. If islam is indeed confirmed to have been banned in Angola then this should be a golden opportunity to discuss and set an international standard to where freedom of religion ends and political influence starts in islam.

titu said...

I am Muslim live and work in Angola 10 years now let me share what i know. In Angola Islam never be legalized we used to build our masque by giving bribe for officials this issue every one knows who lived in Angola as Muslim.what is new about this law only they said they will close all religious activities that is not proved my government includes Islam on the list 198 christian temples also included.But in Africa law to effective take more
10 years.

GreekAsianPanda said...

@ rowland,

How is it relevant that Angola isn't a "Christian state"? Regardless if the Angolan government is secular or Christian, banning Islam is not the way to solve the Islamist problem in Africa.

By credibility, I meant the credibility of our complaints about Islamist violence against Christians. Not speaking against the banning of Islam will make our complaints look hypocritical. And I know Christianity is banned and/or suppressed in most Islamic countries, but banning Islam will not only not solve that problem but may worsen it. Since when has suppressing Islam ever made Muslims behave? One of the few countries where Muslims are actively persecuted by non-Muslims, Burma, has seen attacks against its embassy in Bangladesh and anger worldwide.

If the ban is real, there will be retaliation, maybe against already-battered Nigerian Christians.

solmat said...

@ g.a.p ur talk is irrational.do i hear u said battered naija xtians?i wish u could be saying this in kaduna,or its like where muslims were made to pay d price.i only blame those xtian countriès that tend to be liberal by allowing vampires like muslims to co-live with them!

Unknown said...

I would strongly criticize this move by the Angolan government, however given the case as has always been in core Islamic states like Saudi Arabia, I remain indifferent. It would appear like the Islamic agenda is to enforce and retain block Islamic population in certain states while seeking equality in other states, this I consider rather unfair. If public practice of other religions in states like Saudi is strongly prohibited with a penalty as harsh as death, then I should think that most Muslims would understand and not consider their rights overly violated in another country where Islam is alternately banned. Lets face it, The right place to even begin addressing the problem of religious oppression is certainly not Angola but the middle east !

Unknown said...

The reports says they destroying illegal worship buildings including Christian & Muslim buildings.

Angolas or others can not stop the Spreading of Islam, because Allah granted to reach this Religion in every house in this world to not have any justification in the day of judgement.
We don't know the Better but Allah, what angola is doing now may be led more spread of Islam, because when every one in angola hear the news he or she will Gooogle the Islam and then they will know the Truth of Islam and then they will convert voluntarily and they will defend Islam.

Unknown said...

Mohammed Hassan Mohamed's logic is so pathetic. what does he want non moslems to discover in Islam? Is it the pedophile "prophet" or the beheadings? Or is it the kissing and worship around the idol temple call kabbah? Or the threat of beheading/killing anyone who leaves islam? Have you seen Syria lately? That is Islam for you my friend. I tell you, Islam has nothing to offer the world apart from bloodshed and carnage.
I dare you to let people freely have access to the gospel in the middle east and let them make up their mind. But no, you have to protect them because in your warped thinking, they are so immature you have to think for them. islam is finished! Thanks to the internet.

Unknown said...

On another note David, Islam is celebrated in institutions across the US thanks to Saudi Arabia's money. The guise is " The study of religious understanding" An euphemism for Islamic indoctrination. That's why islam is being taught in elementary schools in the United states, meanwhile Christianity is being attacked. The universities have been corrupted by these bribes, their products are the liberals you see who "defend a woman's right" to go naked in america but says nothing about her beheading in Saudi Arabia for being raped. The atrocities going on around the world is majorly being sponsored by Saudi Arabia and I believe its day of reckoning is getting close.

Unknown said...

This answer is directed to people with the misconception about Saudi Arabia forbidding practicing of non-muslim religion in their region. I was born and raised in Saudi Arabia and aware of the law. Non-muslims can practice thier religion in thier homes but cannot exclusively. Non-Muslim communities living in Saudi are enjoying perks and hospitality of Saudi government as bit as Muslim community. They is no partiality in any form and saudi government play no role in degrading or discouraging non-muslim community in any sector. They treat everybody equal irrespective of cast, creed or religion as prescribed by Islamic Law (Shariah).

Unknown said...

As matter of fact let people of every country acknowledge the beauty of Islam. Its my humble request to non muslim brothers and sister to gather knowledge of islam from relaible sources ie; Quran and Sunnah. I bet my belief that the person who understand it right will not get disappointed by the teaching of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W.S instead he/she will understand the purpose of existence of human life. Quran was revealed to whole of humanity and not only for Muslims. You can indeed possess it and read and most importantly understand it.

Unknown said...

It is outrageous the way non muslims are reacting on the matter. Millions of muslims are butchered and killed brutally in iraq, Afghanistan ,burma ,palastine by American Christians , Israel and many European countries till date. France, Italy and Belgium then crossed the limit by prohibiting of wearing veil for women in their region, which is the crime against humanity. On top of all muslims in a
America and Middle East where randomly picked and forcely imprisoned without any authenticity in guantanamo bay jail in cuba and were tortured worst than animals for decade for no apparent reason but just for amusement of AMERICANtroops. Now this stuation is transparent as plastic wrap, but people still acting ignorent and behaving like illiterates. Why is islam banned?..no reason can possibly favour this judgement but we like to hear it

Eric said...

To Sadidaddy Do you know that JESUS was NOT on the cross according to ISLAMIC teachings? I don't think I need to make ANY other comment as to why ISLAM is FALSE

Unknown said...

@thesadidaddy: name one church in saudi arabia that stand or exists today

Unknown said...

@thesadidaddy: if saudi arabia is so peaceful and friendly towards other religions, why does it only recognize islam?

Kufar Forever said...

@saidiadady. Being born a muslim, you have not read your quran?????? shame, Taqueeya?
Come on, why do you take us for fools?

Anonymous said...

TheSadidaddy said...

"I was born and raised in Saudi Arabia and aware of the law. Non-muslims can practice thier religion in thier homes but cannot exclusively."

They can freely practice their religion as long as they can keep it hidden from muslims. Got it.


"Non-Muslim communities living in Saudi are enjoying perks and hospitality of Saudi government as bit as Muslim community."

Considering that over 90% of Saudi Arabia exports are petroleum and petroleum related products, and seeing how the technology used to drill and process petroleum was (and is still being) developed, manufactured and operated by people from the countries who buy Saudi Arabia's oil, i wouldn't try to pass it as islamic tolerance when "pragmatism" is a far better explanation. Someone more cynical than me might even see it as foreign countries acting as serfs to SA by doing all the heavy work and letting SA getting the lion's share of the profits.


"They is no partiality in any form and saudi government play no role in degrading or discouraging non-muslim community in any sector."

Of course they want non-muslims (foreigners). Western nations are leaders on pretty much all fields of science you can think of.


"They treat everybody equal irrespective of cast, creed or religion as prescribed by Islamic Law (Shariah)."

But you said that non-muslims are only allowed to practice their religion in their homes. How is that being given equal treatment to non-muslims when muslims are allowed to practice their religion out in the open? Tell me, what would happen to me if i were to wear a crucifix out in the open in Saudi Arabia?



"It is outrageous the way non muslims are reacting on the matter. Millions of muslims are butchered and killed brutally in iraq, Afghanistan ,burma ,palastine by American Christians , Israel and many European countries till date."

Firstly, either you're using the present and past tenses interchangeably (surely i don't need to explain why that is wrong) or you're owing us examples of where American Christians, Israeli or Europeans are now butchering and brutally killing millions of muslims. Surely an event of such magnitude wouldn't escape the radar of left-wing news media.

Secondly, as a muslim you really, really should do your best to avoid getting into a body count competition. Not only islam has much more blood on its hands than christianity and judaism combined, Americans, Israeli or European nations would not have killed muslims if they hadn't been attacked first. From 711 Spain to present day Israel, going through 732 France, 1571 Lepanto, 1683 Vienna or the 19th century Barbary Wars, muslim nations have a long history of aggression against other nations. You might want to explain why Americans, Israeli and Europeans killed muslims in the past.


"France, Italy and Belgium then crossed the limit by prohibiting of wearing veil for women in their region, which is the crime against humanity."

No, making women wear a veil is what should be considered a crime against humanity. The use of the veil in islam started as a way to prevent muslims in Medina from accidentally raping muslim women. Those without veil (meaning they weren't muslims) were fair game. And sadly, that mentality carries on today.

BTW, what do you consider the Bengali and Armenian genocides to be?

Foolster41 said...

". Its my humble request to non muslim brothers and sister to gather knowledge of islam from relaible sources ie; Quran and Sunnah."
Yep, that's where I get my information on Islam. And I think it's terrible and vile.

"Non-Muslim communities living in Saudi are enjoying perks and hospitality of Saudi government as bit as Muslim community. They is no partiality in any form and saudi government play no role in degrading or discouraging non-muslim community in any sector."

If understand you wright. your first part contradicts the second. non-muslim religion is restricted to the homes, yet there is no law that discriminates? suuure.

Deleting said...

Eric said, "To Sadidaddy Do you know that JESUS was NOT on the cross according to ISLAMIC teachings? I don't think I need to make ANY other comment as to why ISLAM is FALSE"

Do you realize all of Sadidaddy's statements are lunacy?

Hey Sadiddaddy, do you know that not being a muslim doesn't automatically put you in the 'christian' camp? What you're describing is a military action, NOT A RELGIOUS ONE. The men and women of the armed forces are not presumed to be any religion. That's your country's rules for armed forces services, not ours.

Going beyond that many, MANY, of the people you would rope into the 'Christian' camp would do something very 'non-christian' to you if you insult them on the street.

While we're at it, let's hit another point.

You alleged Saudi Arabia has a wonderful 'loose' stance on religion.
However, I want you to know you're overlooking a key fact that much, MUCH,of SA's engineering, economic, educational infrastructure has to be imported.

And from where???

The west. Non-muslim countries...from places you like to call 'Christians'.

Now, lets do something CrAzYYY here and draw out the conclusion. Muslim countries have a 'superior' religion, the religion of 'god'.

But wait, this all powerful being who enlightened you're oh-so-spiritual nation but didn't think to give you critical thinking skills so the world would crawl to you.

No, his grand plan is to gift people outside of the muslims world with analytic and reasoning skills as well as the ability and resources to be successful.

Saudi Arabia was a desert pit and still is. Your country had to be taught the value of the petro reserves in your country and had to be taught how to vet successfully and basically screw everyone over in the process (people are getting tired of it by the way and will do something about it shortly).

Everything your country has comes from the west and your contribution???

1400 years of genocide, honor killings, sex slavery, slavery in general that's still going on today, and exploitation. Over 270 million people in those 1400 years have been killed in the name of Islam.

You can count on one retired shop teacher's hand the amount of muslims nominated for Nobel prizes (maybe two hands if you want to count Obama). It does not happen.

There are far many more Jews than anything on that list.

Do muslims make contributions to society? Yes. There are muslims who are doctors and lawyers and teachers and they don't want to hurt anyone and never will regardless of what your prophet taught.

But they don't make up for what your religion does or the drain it causes on the world.

Unknown said...

the ONLY way to save christinity from islam is to BAN islam

islam say jesus is man NOT god-man

Murtadd said...

This is indeed one of the smartest things to do as a country. If its true then Angola has my vote and all western countries should follow this example ASAP. Throwing the worm out before it contaminates the apple. Brilliant

Unknown said...

hi greatest enemies of Islam and Muslims, how many churches were destroyed based built illegally? does dis mean only mosques were built without gov. permission? think about, open up, u spititually deaf dumb and blind people.

Anonymous said...

Someone should tell the official response of the Anglan government to the fornt-man of the islamic community in Angola, imam David Já.

Less than an hour ago portuguese language news media quoted him saying that the government in Angola is persecuting muslims, closing down and demolishing mosques and that muslims who try to pray on the street are likely to get arrested. He also says that "The catholic church said that it does not want Islam and right afterwards the government starts acting, if a muslim wants to pray he'll be arrested."

Source:

http://www.rtp.pt/noticias/index.php?article=698921&tm=7&layout=121&visual=49

Going by that report, the angolan legislation for the free practice of religion of 2004 demands proof to be presented to the Ministry of Justice showing the minimum existence of 10 thousand followers spread out through at least two thirds of the country for a religion to be officially recognized.

In late October the Ministry of Justice denied the requests of 194 religious organizations, including the COIA (Comunidade Islâmica de Angola - Islamic Community of Angola).


Still according to that article, the government of Angola has yet to make any comments on the prohibition of Islam. Right now there are 83 registered cults or churches and 1200 requests pending.


Your thoughts? The info right now is confusing, but so far both sides could be speaking the truth. Well, a part of it. If the islamic community in Angola failed to deliver the required evidence/documentation to be officially recognized then the government can honestly say that they're not persecuting islam. The COIA complains about persecution and closing of mosques but that was due to legal reasons regarding their construction, not religious intolerance like David Já claims. As for muslims getting arrested for praying, were they praying in the middle of the street and blocking traffic? If so, i can see how that won them a trip downtown, but not necessarily out of religious intolerance.

Anonymous said...

Syed,

"think about, open up, u spititually deaf dumb and blind people"

Says the follower of Muhammad, who was himself a spiritually deaf, dumb and blind fool otherwise he would not have followed the Devil and traded his soul for worldly gain, such as other people’s lands and property, and multiple wives etc.

For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Matthew 16:26

Anonymous said...

@Salis Ibrahim:

The number of churches or any other non-islamic religious temples closed and/or destroyed for being build illegally is irrelevant. Muslims are the ones complaining about religious persecution because mosques build illegally are being shut down. Your tu-quoque is completely out of place. And frankly, i'd really like to know why is it that no matter nationality, sect or formal education, one of the first things (very often the very first) muslims answer when faced with (what they perceive as) criticism is along the lines of "well, cristians too so shut up".

Sisgp said...

http://en-maktoob.news.yahoo.com/colour-slavery-132823104.html

Anonymous said...

correction: I was addressing Salis' comment not Sayed's.

Anonymous said...

The truth is the only terrible and vile people are you. Hypocrites. Jesus never died on the cross. God cannot die. Not ever, never. How can someone be the "son of God" and be "God". It makes no sense at all. Chirstianity stands for crisis. You people really need to re think.

Anonymous said...

I see Rukiah is making even less sense than usual. If only she dedicated half the time she dedicates to troll to study grammar and the Bible...

Deleting said...

Rukiah said, 'Jesus never died on the cross. God cannot die. Not ever, never. How can someone be the "son of God" and be "God". It makes no sense at all. Chirstianity stands for crisis. You people really need to re think.'
Then why does every single historian who is HOSTILE to Christianity say the crucifixion happened?
It's you who needs to open your history books and read.
And then open your Koran to the same Surah that says Jesus didn't die and then read what Allahs argument is in 5:73 to 75.
What you just said cuts against what Allah said. Allah's argument was Christians thinking Miriam was his wife and they birthed Jesus together. Never ever did he use the argument 'How can someone be the "son of God" and be "God".' Not once. Do you know what that means???
It means not only did you contradict historical facts which can never be disputed...but you just contradicted Allah.
You just nullified your shahadah and status as Muslim.
Welcome to the wonderful world of the kuffar and it only took a year of your coming to this board to do it!!!

Unknown said...

All there, where are you all living, religion teaches us to behave, lets be the followers of who ever, is this the manner of taking things??? jesus and mohammed, all are prophets who lived once and taught us about God so that we all love each other and do something great, and we humans are fighting on their name, Jesus is Godman for Christians??? then follow how peaceful was he, Mohammed is prophet for Islam??? follow wat he said to the people, and how can a muslim say bad about christian when islam accepts christianity,, this world is going on to the dark side... let the religions be banned, lets love each other and live happily.

Foolster41 said...

@Prince Thomas:
" Mohammed is prophet for Islam??? follow wat he said to the people,"

I'm having a hard time following
what you're saying. Are you saying that Christians should just follow Christ and Muslims Mohammad? Any person who knows what Mohamamd actually taught would know this is terrible advice, since Mohammad frequently commanded the mistreatment of women, and the torture, captivity and killing of non-believers. If this is your position, you are incredibly ignorant about what Islam teaches (and I'd recommend Islam 101 - http://www.jihadwatch.org/islam-101.html
)

"and how can a muslim say bad about christian when islam accepts christianity,,"
Indeed. Also, Islam contradicts Christianity and yet claims to fulfil it, even though its documents came years before Mohammad was born. Saldy, no muslim yet has been able to answer this question, instead they make like Dieflader mouse and skip town for a week when asked.

" let the religions be banned, lets love each other and live happily."
As if all religions are the same and just as bad. Simply not true. It seems you are simply ignorant about Islam (and probably Christianity as well). The posistion that all religions are bad, Christanity is terrible ("the crusades!" "Hitler!", ignoring historical and scriptural context) and that Islam is a religion of peace hijacked by a Minority of extremists is a popular meme among liberal progressives.

Unknown said...

i cant see any reason to respect a death cult and i like obamas plan to arm both sunni and shia so they kill each other to the last man then the president can triumphantly drone him!