Professor Malory Nye argues that the debate about calling the terrorist outfit Islamic state (IS) non-Islamic is not justified because in Islam what is Islamic or not is far from a settled issue. In his view, this debate should be resolved if one calls IS ‘Daesh’- an Arabic word referring to ‘downtrodden’ (daes) or ‘causing discord’ (dahes).
The tragic Bali Bombing of 2002 caused the death of more than 200 people, injured many more and brought fear and economic hardship to the island paradise. Dr. Ahmedullah finds that the response of the Balinese people to this tragedy was very unusual, perhaps unique when compared to other places that have suffered from terrorism. Rather than adopting an attitude of revenge they chose to celebrate life, a choice which can only be explained by looking at their particular Hindu belief systems which are built on the philosophy of ‘Tri Hita Karana’. This philosophy encourages harmony between different people, between people and nature, and between people and God. How these ideas were applied in dealing with the challenges caused by the Bali Bombing is an imporant lesson for everyone.
Alochonaa (Dialogue) 