Faith

Saudi Scholar: ‘The Freedom Enjoyed in the West Is a Hundred Times Better Than in Islamic Countries’

Aql Al Bahili Says Life in the West is Better Than in Islamic CountriesThe diligent staff at MEMRI is back at it again — scouring Arab media channels for newsworthy segments worthy of translation and dissemination. This time, a revealing clip was discovered featuring Saudi scholar, Aql al-Bahili, as he explains to his counterparts why the “freedom enjoyed in the West is a hundred times better than in Islamic countries.”

Unafraid to speak the truth, al-Bahili continued:

 

“I know and I acknowledge that there is freedom in the Koran. Many Koranic texts state that people are free. But when the political implementation of a certain ideology has failed to accomplish justice for over 1,400 years, whereas others [i.e. the West] have managed to instate justice by means of a [different] political ideology, I believe that even though [Islamic justice] preceded them, this does not detract from the credit due to those who have reformed the path of human society, infusing it with freedom through an ideological platform other than Islam. Today, all the Islamists acknowledge that the freedom enjoyed in the West is a hundred times better than in the Islamic countries. […]

“Indeed, I am aware that Islam is all-encompassing. Our problem is that sacred texts are being cited by tyrants, by honorable people, and by Islamists alike. Today, we must adopt general principles by which human society abides: People must obtain their rights, public funds must not be plundered, a doorman may become a minister, and a minister may become a doorman, people must have the right to be safe from attacks, as well as the right to establish companies and political parties. These are the principles of human societies on planet Earth.” […]

To speak such words can be a dangerous thing in the Islamic world. Many hope al-Bahili and others like him will not be silenced.

Video and transcript provided by MEMRI:

Comments (84)

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  • sasquatch08
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 2:53am

    My only question is who is protecting this man after what he said… He’s gonna need it.

    But that’s what happens when you fight the good fight.

    Report Post »  
  • Mr.Fitnah
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 2:22am

    Islam means submission.
    Not peace not freedom submission to the will of mohammad and and his sock puppet allah.
    Mohammads will, jihad ,
    “Allah said, ‘A prophet must slaughter before collecting captives. A slaughtered enemy is driven from the land. Muhammad, you craved the desires of this world, its goods and the ransom captives would bring. But Allah desires killing them to manifest the religion.’”
    Al sira 327

    Report Post » Mr.Fitnah  
  • suz
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 2:20am

    WOW! can we clone him?

    Report Post » suz  
    • Baddoggy
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 4:54am

      He will be headless within the week so do it quickly…

      Report Post » Baddoggy  
    • conservativejon
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 8:00am

      What that man said is is just as dangerous as when the founders signed the Declaration. Though we belive in diffrent religions, i will pray that God keeps him safe.

      Report Post »  
    • StonyBurk
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 8:21am

      Has anyone informed him that the Frenchman Montesquieu was RIGHT. In the Spirit of Laws Montesquieu compared government systems and the religion associated with each. We have more and a better quality of freedom in America BECAUSE we were established a Christian nation. Islam is more given to despotic rule. As reflected in the Christian Bible( and I presume in the Jewish Sacred Writing as well– when the Angel ( translates Messenger) of the Lord (translates Jehovah -the National name for the Jewish Deity) spoke to Hagar the Egyptian of the seed of Abram (translates Abraham) she carried in her womb( Thank God Planned Parenthood wasn’t around then) Saying she would have a son –and name him Ishmael.That he would be a Wildman.That his hand would be against every man ,and every mans hand against him. As one cannot get corn when they plant acorns.One cannot expect the nature of the seed to produce something other than what is found.The seed of Ishmael has produced wild men whose hand is against every man even their own brothers.This Arab scholar has merely spoken a known truth. Has he accepted the Reason behind such truth told?

      Report Post »  
    • 123456beatriz
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 8:33am

      HEY! Friends CAIR Again pull down BareNakedIslam web. So This horrible group is trying to destroy America. Please Wake UP and Soooonnnnnnn!

      Report Post »  
    • SgtB
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 9:13am

      People, this is not the only man who thinks like this and can see reason. I have served with Muslim men from Africa and the Middle East and the ideas of inalienable rights and Liberty are not lost on them any more than those ideals are lost on American society. I hope that all of the neocons here take this knowledge and wise up about the world that they live in. Maybe one day we won’t have to worry about people in this nation threatening to attack and destroy other nations practicing their own sovereignty.

      Report Post » SgtB  
    • SoNick
      Posted on March 2, 2012 at 3:34pm

      @STONYBURK
      You also have a very peculiar interpretation of Montesquieu‘s view of religion in L’Esprit des Lois. While he clearly demonstrates that certain religions provide a better breeding ground for free civil societies (i.e. the Christian world has given rise to more free and just political systems than the Islamic world), he also states that the freedoms enjoyed are not dependent on the message of said religions. In fact, he goes as far as saying that a “bad” religion could produce an good civil society and that a “good” one could lead to an evil regime. Montesquieu also said very clearly that it would be ridiculous to base human laws on religious principles, because religion is concerned with the betterment of the individual, while laws exist to uphold the well-being of whole countries, who are made up of individuals who often have very different belief systems.

      Report Post »  
  • Naram-Sin
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 1:56am

    We’ll all miss Aql al-Bahili. It won’t be long until Muslims try to prove him right.

    Report Post »  
  • Junter
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 1:54am

    Aql al-Bahili spoke well and honestly. I hope he can affect positive change in his country.

    Report Post »  
  • mchurchwell
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 1:30am

    Is he dead yet?

    Report Post » mchurchwell  
  • wntsmallgov
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 1:26am

    If the middle east does become free then this man has the place of people like George Washington and John Adams.

    Report Post » wntsmallgov  
  • DaveOregon
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 1:13am

    If he’s sincere – there stands a man – willing to expose himself to death to state the Truth. Much more a man then any suicide bomber ever had a hope of being. Make fun of him if you want – and I’m not saying not to have reservations – but in his country to say these things? Me thinks he has more guts then many Europeans or Americans I know.

    Report Post »  
  • cuinsong
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 1:12am

    I can only say its about time some body from Islam spoke some sense! Need more like him!

    Report Post » cuinsong  
    • KristiJo311
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 1:32am

      btw, if you look closely enough, you can actually see an (Edison) lightbulb above his head! :P

      Report Post »  
  • wordweaver
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 1:09am

    Thank you, Captain Obvious. Sadly, you will not be able to convince your Islamic brethren.

    Report Post » wordweaver  
  • cookcountypatriot
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 12:56am

    please pray for the safety of that man and his family…..what he said was truth…and said it beautifully…

    Report Post » cookcountypatriot  
  • OverFiend
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 12:25am

    He’s Dead !

    Report Post » OverFiend  
    • deano24
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 8:44pm

      Yep, My thoughts exactly. I wonder why others don’t come to the same conclusion. Maybe out of fear of what would happen to them when they speak out.

      Report Post » deano24  
  • chameleonx
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 12:12am

    It’s true! We do have better freedom then many in Islamic countries. However, we are losing that freedom through various means. I advice many Americans to support freedom any way possible. Even though I’m critical of religion; I would like people to have the freedom to believe and respect the beliefs of others. The same with anything else.

    Report Post »  
    • nzkiwi
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 12:41am

      Good comment.

      And this, of course, is why the islamic leaders hate the west so much.

      It is pretty hard to convince potential followers that sharia is the best way, when they can so easily look over the fence.

      All these tyrants are left with is denigration and demonisation of the west, really.

      Report Post »  
    • cariboodragon
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 1:40am

      your freedom is an illusion that will become a stark reality of slavery soon enough

      Report Post »  
  • AxelPhantom
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 12:08am

    I will pray for his safety.

    Report Post »  
  • TJexcite
    Posted on February 29, 2012 at 11:50pm

    Something along the lines of Communism like Sharia looks good on paper. Freedom and justice for all but the people doing, are doing it wrong so that there is not justice and no freedom in all its history.

    Report Post » TJexcite  
  • PROV1X
    Posted on February 29, 2012 at 11:43pm

    in regards to the headline, NO SHIZNIT DICK TRACEY!!

    Report Post » PROV1X  
  • spreadcommonsensenot pc
    Posted on February 29, 2012 at 11:37pm

    COME ON Blaze……….you know the truth or have you turned pc??????? print IT……

    Report Post »  
  • spreadcommonsensenot pc
    Posted on February 29, 2012 at 11:35pm

    IF he is a “true follower” of islam—-hes lying……….
    If he is a seeker of TRUTH…………………………….. Time/and His own words will tell the truth…

    Report Post »  
  • Itsjusttim
    Posted on February 29, 2012 at 11:35pm

    And Americans will say: yeah that’s right, that’s right we are the greatest, and worth admiring to want to be like us. All the while America becomes more blinded. If you don’t belong to God, then you belong to the earth and the earth will have it’s way with you.

    Report Post » Itsjusttim  
    • Razorhunters
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 12:54am

      would rather the earth have it’s way …than the malicious and torturous ideas and creations of man.

      ” Conan: Crom, I have never prayed to you before. I have no tongue for it. No one, not even you, will remember if we were good men or bad. Why we fought, or why we died. All that matters is that two stood against many. That‘s what’s important! Valor pleases you, Crom… so grant me one request. Grant me revenge! And if you do not listen, then to HELL with you! “”

      plenty of time for religion later…we have a nation and civilization to save.

      Report Post » Razorhunters  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on February 29, 2012 at 11:35pm

    .
    Poor thing just painted a target on his head.

    I have always wondered “If a man has the power to talk another into Blowing Himself Up and doing Evil. What Great Thing could he inspire him to do for Good?”……………

    Ya‘ll it’s still not to late for a SpankDaMonkey/Beck 2012 Ticket……..

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
  • banjarmon
    Posted on February 29, 2012 at 11:32pm

    I pray he has a long life….I fear he is a marked man!!!

    Report Post » banjarmon  
    • Micmac
      Posted on February 29, 2012 at 11:48pm

      Yep. Taking bets on how long he has? j/k

      NoBama 2012

      Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on February 29, 2012 at 11:58pm

      Think Obama will put a target on the guy? .. maybe make an apology? … after all Obama is trying to make us into what this guy has just denounced.

      OMG 2012!

      Report Post »  
  • spreadcommonsensenot pc
    Posted on February 29, 2012 at 11:32pm

    HIRE this guy in OUR university system,
    knowing the koran( its ok to decieve the infedals to befriend them, then……….he cant be TRUSTED.

    time/his words will tell his true COLORS……

    Report Post »  
    • SurhanSurhan
      Posted on February 29, 2012 at 11:46pm

      The self appointed apostle Paul used the same tactic to convert his followers to Christianity.

      2 Corinthians 12:16: But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.

      Report Post »  
    • spreadcommonsensenot pc
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 12:35am

      guile nothing —“self appointed”? wow dude read it again, and by the way try reading the koran thru the filter of GODS WORD………you are of “another spirit”

      Report Post »  
    • heartitorleaveit
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 1:45am

      February 26, 2012 at 12:11am
      In reply to Texas.7.
      @ TEXAS.7- “Surhan, I will have to look it up online, my daughter actually has my copy of the Koran, believe it or not. She was doing research too. But I will look it up.
      Will you answer why you became a Muslim, or were you born into a Muslim family and are following the faith you were raised with?”
      ***************
      I would like to answer your questions but I cannot on this venue. It would give my enemies here too much power.

      _________________________________________________________________________________

      Wow! Your enemies?

      Qur’an:4:104 “And do not relent in pursuing the ENEMY.”

      Qur’an:4:100 “He who leaves his home in Allah’s Cause finds abundant resources and many a refuge. Should he die as a refugee for Allah and His Messenger His reward becomes due and sure with Allah. When you travel through the earth there is no blame on you if you curtail your worship for fear unbelievers may attack you. In truth the disbelievers are your ENEMY.”

      Ishaq:578 “Crushing the heads of the infidels and splitting their skulls with sharp swords, we continually thrust and cut at the ENEMY. Blood gushed from their deep wounds as the battle wore them down. We conquered bearing the Prophet’s fluttering war banner. Our cavalry was submerged in rising dust, and our spears quivered, but by us the Prophet gained victory.”

      Report Post » heartitorleaveit  
    • heartitorleaveit
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 1:46am

      S urhancyberjihadsatan can’t

      U surp the

      R eality that the

      H istorical and / or

      A rchaeological evidence

      N eeded to

      S anctify the quran as the perfect

      U nblemished Word of God DOES NOT EXIST.

      R ighteous Almighty God has provided all the

      H istorical and

      A rchaeological evidence

      N eeded to Prove The Sacred Bible as the true Word of God. :]

      Report Post » heartitorleaveit  
    • Texas.7
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 2:05am

      Surhan,
      May I suggest: http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G1388&t=KJV

      It will help you not to take things out of context, because you can both look up the word and it’s foundation meanings by clicking the Strongs concordance number.

      The word which is unfortunately translated as “deceit” is dolos G1184, which could more accurately be understood in this context as “subtlety”. It is from G1185, deleazō, which means enticement, or allure.

      Now, in context, Paul is saying in 2 Cor 12:13-16 That he didn’t come to them with all of his needs, because he chose not to take anything from them. He says that they were not treated inferrior to the other churches except that he didn’t want to be a burden to them, because “parents” take care of their kids, not the other way around (he being their spiritual mentor). v 15, he would gladly spend all and give all for them, but “am I to be loved less” for not voicing my need to you?

      Then, here is the beauty of what he is saying (picture the tender smile on his face as he writes them)
      v16 “But be that as it may (that he didn’t take anything from them, and maybe that made them feel less loved), I did not burden you myself; nevertheless, (here is his smile) clever fellow that I am, I (instead) took you in by allure. (Rather than their pity, Paul sought their love; he‘s responding to the idea that they felt less loved because they weren’t asked to help with his needs- mid-easterners are

      Report Post »  
    • Texas.7
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 2:10am

      Mid-Easterners are so hospitable!

      Then, v17, he continues that he never took advantage of them (you kinda stopped just before that part)

      Report Post »  
    • nzkiwi
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 2:18am

      Well done, heartit, that was pretty clever.

      Report Post »  
    • Texas.7
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 2:35am

      HEARTITORLEAVEIT,
      You are so right, and as Christians, we know we are to be ready at any time to explain our faith. Not that I do a very good job of it, but I don’t run from it either. I quite enjoy talking about Jesus. :)

      But then again, we don’t hate my enemies as the Koran teaches. I‘m don’t think I would have even thought to call anyone here my enemy- though they may be following the enemy. Someday, Surhan may come around and be a brother in Christ. No challenge is too great for the Lord…

      Report Post »  
    • drago
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 5:42am

      encinom, i see your replying to your own posts again, now go take your meds and lie down you f-n idiot.

      Report Post »  
  • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
    Posted on February 29, 2012 at 11:30pm

    Duh.
    Radical Jihadist says what?

    Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
  • UBETHECHANGE
    Posted on February 29, 2012 at 11:29pm

    He ain’t kidding: Human Rights in the Middle East? http://youtu.be/QjwWXiKam8s

    Report Post »  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on February 29, 2012 at 11:26pm

    Amazing, someone willing to stand up for the truth, even knowing he may pay the final, ultimate price for his testimony. We need more such people here at home to stand agaisnt the darkness.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
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