The Hamas rulers of the Gaza Strip are pressuring local Christians to either become Muslims or leave the area, according to Palestinian officials who spoke to Middle East Newsline.
The charge comes less than a week after reports revealed that Gaza's top female academic had been abducted and forced to convert and marry a Muslim man.
Sana Al Sayegh, who was born a Christian, remains the dean of the Science and Technology Faculty at Palestine University in Gaza City. Her Hamas-affiliated university colleagues were reportedly behind her abduction and forced conversion.
In a further sign of Hamas' intent to create an Islamic state in Gaza, the group has offered to reduce prison sentences by one year for any inmates who grow a beard in compliance with Islamic law and memorize at least five chapters of the Koran.
A mere 2,000 Christians live in the Gaza Strip amid a Muslim population of 1.5 million. When Hamas seized control of the area in June, one of the group's leaders warned that local Christians would have to submit to strict Islamic law.
2007-08-12 21:46:47 · 13 answers · asked by wzr5gq20032000 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I'm amazed their are any Christians left in Gaza. Surely they practice their religion in secret or they're have been beheaded by now.
2007-08-12 21:49:38 · answer #1 · answered by Why? 2 · 1⤊ 4⤋
Honestly who would want to stay in Gaza. Israel has been bombing it nonstop for years and bulldozing homes! the girl should take this opportunity to leave whether she converts or not. This is all propganda. Gaza and hte WEst bank are falling apart and i don't think anyone cares about whether this chick will be forced to convert. they have been in an economic stanglehold for years and humantariran aid has been held by Israel government. Amazing how this can gain headlines but the constant bombing of Gaza by israeli planes are invisible to everyone.
P.S. Growing a beard is not mandatory in Islam. its a Sunnah which means its extra blessing!
and to the coment above When there was a Palestine in the 1940s Christians Jews and Muslims lived in harmony side by side.
salam(Peace))
2007-08-12 22:00:06 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
You discuss an individual case or a social problem in Gaza and want to blame Islam! Is it fair??
The presence of Christians and Jews in Middle East (Approx. 1.5 Million)is a witness of our Rule - No compulsion in faith.
Read Islamic history.
2007-08-12 22:12:56 · answer #3 · answered by aslam09221 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
And folks get upset when us Fundies "evangelize" through conversation. Looking at my atlas, trying to find a nation that is predominantly Christian and "demands" submission to Christ.
(sure..will be some references to Inquisition and Crusades, however, that is another discussion...what we're talking about is the world as it is, August 13, 2007...and not 1307).
never forget, there is a difference in a belief system that calls for "surrender" of will, to one that even translates as "submission".
2007-08-12 22:14:02 · answer #4 · answered by Last Stand 2010 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
human beings changing remote from Islam sense safer in western countries. the probabilities of surviving turning ones lower back on Islam of their own countries is almost 0. Even right here,they're as we communicate banished from the completed pals and relatives. Being bullied right into a spiritual cult couldnt probable have any connection with any precious god.
2016-10-15 03:51:30 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ok hamas are not pressing christians in gaza to become muslims
anyway in palistine theres no differance they're all palistinains
and muslims and christians are actually united in gaza
stop giving wrong facts coz hamas is the only group tht would end the isrealis and hope they do
wat proof do u hve that christains are being made become muslims
u dont
so ur wrong
2007-08-12 21:55:57 · answer #6 · answered by °·.¸.•°amoona°·.¸.•° 3 · 5⤊ 1⤋
Imagine the world-wide outrage if the situation was reversed and Christians were forcing Muslims to either convert or get out?
The liberal left would have an apoplectic fit!
2007-08-12 21:53:07 · answer #7 · answered by jeffd_57 6 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Try again. They try to convert people with threats and mass murders.
2007-08-12 22:54:49 · answer #8 · answered by Potter'sClay-Isa 64:8 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So much for the "there is no compulsion to convert" in Islam.
2007-08-12 21:54:53 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
That is totally wrong blame. They have never fought with christians just among themselves, i mean muslims.
2007-08-12 21:51:09 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 2⤋