Volume 108, December 8, 2009
Editors: Mohamed & Rashida Ziauddin
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent and the Most Merciful
Editors: Mohamed & Rashida Ziauddin
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent and the Most Merciful
Editorial:
The recent referendum in Switzerland by the majority of the Swiss citizens to ban the construction of minarets is of course a concern for the global ummah. It is a further confirmation that the ugly head of extremism has expanded its impact even to Switzerland, one of the most peace loving countries of the world. One of the most glaring and ferocious marker of extremism is INTOLERANCE and it is obvious in above referendum. As many of the Muslims worldwide were mislead by the Muslim extremists, many Swiss peace loving citizens are currently inadvertently being mislead by the extreme right wing groups.
It is high time that the moderate and rational majority of all religions, faiths and ethnicity's come together and work towards the common good of HUMANITY. Let us move away from US (Islam) Versus THEM (West) mentality and work towards global peace and harmony, for Allah declared in the Holy Quran: "Mankind is but ONE COMMUNITY".
"Let not hatred of a people incite you to act inequitably", enjoins the Holy Quran
(25:28)
Quran 49:13 states:
"O Mankind, we created you from a single (pair) of a male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may recognize each other. (Not that ye may despise each other) Verily, the most honoured of you in the sight of God is (he who is) the best in conduct." Quran 2:213
"Mankind was one single nation, and God sent Messengers with glad tidings and warnings; and with them He sent the Book in truth, to judge between people in matters wherein they differed; but the People of the Book, after the clear Signs came to them, did not differ among themselves, except through selfish conduct and hatred of one another." (Sura al-Baqara - 2.21)
2:27 (Just as there is One Creator, likewise mankind is but one Community.) Those who break this ratified Bond of Allah and cut asunder the unity of mankind that Allah has commanded them to uphold, and thus lay the foundation of chaos on earth, those will be the losers in the long run. [9:33-34, 9:111, 10:19, 13:20-24, 31:28, 83:6, 114:1]
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, in "Azad, Islam and Nationalism" stated:
"The unity of man is the primary aim of religion. The message which every Prophet delivered was that mankind were in reality one people and one community, and that there was but one God for all of them, and on that account they should serve Him together and live as members of one family. Such was the message which every religion delivered".
We are in no way discouraging the global Ummah to respond. As indicated from below samples of news from across the globe. All PEACEFUL options are on the table such as investors withdrawing their deposits from Swiss banks, holding peaceful demonstrations and protests, expressing your concern by contacting Swiss embassies, boycotting Swiss products world wide etc.
What is important is that Islam being a religion of peace, must respond and express their opposition to above Swiss national outcome by peaceful means. We must collectively show ZERO TOLERANCE for violence, which unfortunately and historically has been the case when Muslims felt offended. We should in no way victimize the innocent Christians and their religious institutions in Muslim countries, where they remain a minority.
We appeal not only to all Muslims of the world, but to all Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists et.c to join us in the fight against EXTREMISM from wherever they may arise. The majority moderates of the world have a historic responsibility to work together to root out the cancerous growth of EXTREMISM.
Examples of intolerance initiated by right wing groups:
(1) In 2003, Umberto Bossi founder of Italy's influential Northern League Party told an interviewer that police should open fire on the boatloads of undocumented Africans arriving on Italian shores, calling the would be immigrants "bingo-bongos". Other Northern League polls have proposed everything from (a) SEPARATE TRAINS FOR IMMIGRANTS, (b) BANNING THE BUILDING OF NEW MOSQUES AND (c) EVEN BANNING THE SERVING OF KEBABS AND OTHER NON-ITALIAN FOOD IN CITY CENTERS.
(2) Wilders, the leader of the anti-Muslim Freedom Party in the Netherlands, who previously warned that mass deportation of millions of Muslims from Europe may be necessary, called for a vote to stem the "tide of Islamisation" in the Netherlands. ("Islamophobia: As Unacceptable as Anti-Semitism" - my.auburnjournal.com. Dec 6, 2009)
(3) There have been French moves to ban the full-length body covering known as the burqa. Some German states have introduced bans on head scarves for Muslim women teaching in public schools. Mosques and minaret construction projects in Sweden, France, Italy, Austria, Greece, Germany and Slovenia have been met by protests.
(4) The People's Party has campaigned mainly unsuccessfully in previous years against immigrants with campaign POSTERS SHOWING WHITE SHEEP KICKING A BLACK SHEEP OFF THE SWISS FLAG AND ANOTHER WITH BROWN HANDS GRABBING EAGERLY FOR SWISS PASSPORTS.
(5) Geneva's main mosque was vandalized Thursday when someone threw a pot of pink paint at the entrance. Earlier this month, a vehicle with a loudspeaker drove through the area imitating a muezzin's call to prayer, and vandals damaged a mosaic when they threw cobble stones at the building.
The recent referendum in Switzerland by the majority of the Swiss citizens to ban the construction of minarets is of course a concern for the global ummah. It is a further confirmation that the ugly head of extremism has expanded its impact even to Switzerland, one of the most peace loving countries of the world. One of the most glaring and ferocious marker of extremism is INTOLERANCE and it is obvious in above referendum. As many of the Muslims worldwide were mislead by the Muslim extremists, many Swiss peace loving citizens are currently inadvertently being mislead by the extreme right wing groups.
It is high time that the moderate and rational majority of all religions, faiths and ethnicity's come together and work towards the common good of HUMANITY. Let us move away from US (Islam) Versus THEM (West) mentality and work towards global peace and harmony, for Allah declared in the Holy Quran: "Mankind is but ONE COMMUNITY".
"Let not hatred of a people incite you to act inequitably", enjoins the Holy Quran
(25:28)
Quran 49:13 states:
"O Mankind, we created you from a single (pair) of a male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may recognize each other. (Not that ye may despise each other) Verily, the most honoured of you in the sight of God is (he who is) the best in conduct." Quran 2:213
"Mankind was one single nation, and God sent Messengers with glad tidings and warnings; and with them He sent the Book in truth, to judge between people in matters wherein they differed; but the People of the Book, after the clear Signs came to them, did not differ among themselves, except through selfish conduct and hatred of one another." (Sura al-Baqara - 2.21)
2:27 (Just as there is One Creator, likewise mankind is but one Community.) Those who break this ratified Bond of Allah and cut asunder the unity of mankind that Allah has commanded them to uphold, and thus lay the foundation of chaos on earth, those will be the losers in the long run. [9:33-34, 9:111, 10:19, 13:20-24, 31:28, 83:6, 114:1]
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, in "Azad, Islam and Nationalism" stated:
"The unity of man is the primary aim of religion. The message which every Prophet delivered was that mankind were in reality one people and one community, and that there was but one God for all of them, and on that account they should serve Him together and live as members of one family. Such was the message which every religion delivered".
We are in no way discouraging the global Ummah to respond. As indicated from below samples of news from across the globe. All PEACEFUL options are on the table such as investors withdrawing their deposits from Swiss banks, holding peaceful demonstrations and protests, expressing your concern by contacting Swiss embassies, boycotting Swiss products world wide etc.
What is important is that Islam being a religion of peace, must respond and express their opposition to above Swiss national outcome by peaceful means. We must collectively show ZERO TOLERANCE for violence, which unfortunately and historically has been the case when Muslims felt offended. We should in no way victimize the innocent Christians and their religious institutions in Muslim countries, where they remain a minority.
Above Swiss outcome is also an opportunity for Swiss Muslims for self-introspection. Having last minute OPEN HOUSES at the Mosques just prior to the referendum may be a drop in the bucket that is too little and too late. Thanks to the global minority of misguided extremist Muslims who continue to feed and thrive on HATE, BLOODSHED and MAYHEM, the right wing forces in Switzerland found it very easy to prey on the peace loving Swiss public by fanning and fueling their insecurity and fears. The results of above referendum indicate that the Swiss Muslims may not have made a strong case to reach out to the Swiss populace to project Islam for what it really is - A RELIGION OF PEACE, LOVE AND TOLERANCE. Per Swiss media reports, only about ten percent of Swiss Muslims are practicing Muslims. Given such a low number, it is fully understandable as to how difficult and herculean task it would be for such a "minority of minority" Muslims to reach out to the Swiss non-Muslims. Let there be no misunderstanding here, our goal is not blaming anybody but instead focusing on the areas of improvement.
Like Muslims who have settled in other Western countries, they know best the areas of improvement that they could work upon in their local communities.
Like Muslims who have settled in other Western countries, they know best the areas of improvement that they could work upon in their local communities.
We appeal not only to all Muslims of the world, but to all Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists et.c to join us in the fight against EXTREMISM from wherever they may arise. The majority moderates of the world have a historic responsibility to work together to root out the cancerous growth of EXTREMISM.
Examples of intolerance initiated by right wing groups:
(1) In 2003, Umberto Bossi founder of Italy's influential Northern League Party told an interviewer that police should open fire on the boatloads of undocumented Africans arriving on Italian shores, calling the would be immigrants "bingo-bongos". Other Northern League polls have proposed everything from (a) SEPARATE TRAINS FOR IMMIGRANTS, (b) BANNING THE BUILDING OF NEW MOSQUES AND (c) EVEN BANNING THE SERVING OF KEBABS AND OTHER NON-ITALIAN FOOD IN CITY CENTERS.
(2) Wilders, the leader of the anti-Muslim Freedom Party in the Netherlands, who previously warned that mass deportation of millions of Muslims from Europe may be necessary, called for a vote to stem the "tide of Islamisation" in the Netherlands. ("Islamophobia: As Unacceptable as Anti-Semitism" - my.auburnjournal.com. Dec 6, 2009)
(3) There have been French moves to ban the full-length body covering known as the burqa. Some German states have introduced bans on head scarves for Muslim women teaching in public schools. Mosques and minaret construction projects in Sweden, France, Italy, Austria, Greece, Germany and Slovenia have been met by protests.
(4) The People's Party has campaigned mainly unsuccessfully in previous years against immigrants with campaign POSTERS SHOWING WHITE SHEEP KICKING A BLACK SHEEP OFF THE SWISS FLAG AND ANOTHER WITH BROWN HANDS GRABBING EAGERLY FOR SWISS PASSPORTS.
(5) Geneva's main mosque was vandalized Thursday when someone threw a pot of pink paint at the entrance. Earlier this month, a vehicle with a loudspeaker drove through the area imitating a muezzin's call to prayer, and vandals damaged a mosaic when they threw cobble stones at the building.
SAMPLES OF WORLD'S RESPONSE TO ABOVE SWISS OUTCOME:
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL:
Amnesty International said the vote violated freedom of religion and would probably be overturned by the Swiss supreme court or the European Court of Human Rights.
UNITED NATIONS:
The United Nations called Switzerland's ban on new minarets 'clearly discriminatory' and deeply divisive. (AP Photo/Heribert Proepper)
BBC reports that not only Muslims, but the most of the world's religious leaders, including Vatican officials, criticized referendum results. Secular leaders all over the world are against the ban too. They point out that the decision may lead to a long, never-ending dispute between Muslims and the rest of the world and cause a sharp new conflict. As the provision in the constitution is clearly contrary to international conventions, it could lead to the withdrawal of the seats of international institutions from Switzerland.
Alam Al-Akhbar, an Arab site in Turkey, invited Muslims to deposit their money in Turkish banks. (1) Turkish Foreign Ministry said: “ban on minarets violates basic human rights and freedoms” (digitalworld)
Turkish Film Director Boycotts Swiss Premiere over Minaret Ban
( novinite.com dec 4, 2009)
( novinite.com dec 4, 2009)
German movie director Fatih Akin pictured at the 66th International Exhibition of Cinema Art in Venice in September 2009, where his film 'Soul Kitchen' won the 'Great Award of the Jury’. Photo by BGNES ) Fatih Akin, award-winning movie director of Turkish origin, has announced he will boycott the Swiss premiere of his latest film "Soul Kitchen", in protest at the recent ban on minarets. In an open letter sent on Friday to the Swiss press, Akin said that the outcome of last Sunday’s referendum "conflicts with my understanding of humanism, tolerance and the belief that harmonious co-existence of peoples of differing backgrounds, races and religions must be possible."
Switzerland had voted in a referendum to ban the future building of minarets, embarrassing the Swiss government, and provoking international condemnation from followers of Islam and non-Muslims alike. Akin stated that he felt the outcome was a personal affront to him because, "as a child of Muslim parents who do not see minarets as symbols of political Islam but rather simply the complete architecture of their houses of worship, I feel personally affected by this referendum." The movie, "Soul Kitchen", takes a light-hearted look at the multicultural mix in his home town. It won this year's Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival, and Akin was due to present the film at its Swiss premiere in Zurich on December 16.
QATAR:
The Qatari newspaper Al-Raya was amazed at the voting behaviour of a country known for its freedom of speech and democratic principles. (1) TUNISIA: According to the Assabah newspaper in Tunisia, “the stigmatisation of Islam in the West is no longer a question of mere media provocation – from now on it genuinely threatens the Muslim minority” (1) ENGLAND: Al-Quds Al-Arabi, edited in London, observed: “If Switzerland – known for its neutrality, quality of life and very high levels of education – is foundering with Islamophobia, one can no longer blame certain other European countries which appear sensitive because of unemployment and the financial crisis.” (1)
The Qatari newspaper Al-Raya was amazed at the voting behaviour of a country known for its freedom of speech and democratic principles. (1) TUNISIA: According to the Assabah newspaper in Tunisia, “the stigmatisation of Islam in the West is no longer a question of mere media provocation – from now on it genuinely threatens the Muslim minority” (1) ENGLAND: Al-Quds Al-Arabi, edited in London, observed: “If Switzerland – known for its neutrality, quality of life and very high levels of education – is foundering with Islamophobia, one can no longer blame certain other European countries which appear sensitive because of unemployment and the financial crisis.” (1)
JORDAN:
“Why do they hate us and what does the minaret ban hide?” asked Al-Dostour in Jordan, for whom the vote reflected the rise of the European far right. It added that this was the result of a campaign against Islam led by Western political authorities and media since September 11, 2001. KUWAIT: The Kuwaiti daily Al-Watan said the vote was the sign of “European mental regression, a return to the Middle Ages and a desire to eliminate others”. (1)
“Why do they hate us and what does the minaret ban hide?” asked Al-Dostour in Jordan, for whom the vote reflected the rise of the European far right. It added that this was the result of a campaign against Islam led by Western political authorities and media since September 11, 2001. KUWAIT: The Kuwaiti daily Al-Watan said the vote was the sign of “European mental regression, a return to the Middle Ages and a desire to eliminate others”. (1)
KUWAIT:
In Kuwait city, the human rights activist Dr Adel Al-Damkhi maintains that initiative by Switzerland to snuff out religious freedom it asked the Arab and Islamic countries to comply with must be revoked, reports Al-Anba daily. (Arab Times, Dec 3, 2009)
In Kuwait city, the human rights activist Dr Adel Al-Damkhi maintains that initiative by Switzerland to snuff out religious freedom it asked the Arab and Islamic countries to comply with must be revoked, reports Al-Anba daily. (Arab Times, Dec 3, 2009)
EGYPT:
For a columnist in Egypt’s Al-Ahram, everything being said about creeping Islamisation and the introduction of sharia law was “pure fantasy”. Al-Dostour in Egypt drew comparisons between Islamophobia and anti-Semitism and pointed out how the hatred of Jews slowly gained ground in Germany, resulting in the Holocaust. (1) In Cairo, Egypt's top diplomat said on Thursday that a Swiss vote to ban the construction of minarets was a "grave mistake" and Europe could no longer lecture his country on human rights. "The Swiss people will some day come to realise what a grave mistake they have made," Ahmed Abul Gheit told Egyptian television in comments carried by the official MENA news agency. (AFP - DEC 3, 2009)
For a columnist in Egypt’s Al-Ahram, everything being said about creeping Islamisation and the introduction of sharia law was “pure fantasy”. Al-Dostour in Egypt drew comparisons between Islamophobia and anti-Semitism and pointed out how the hatred of Jews slowly gained ground in Germany, resulting in the Holocaust. (1) In Cairo, Egypt's top diplomat said on Thursday that a Swiss vote to ban the construction of minarets was a "grave mistake" and Europe could no longer lecture his country on human rights. "The Swiss people will some day come to realise what a grave mistake they have made," Ahmed Abul Gheit told Egyptian television in comments carried by the official MENA news agency. (AFP - DEC 3, 2009)
Egypt's Grand Mufti Ali Gomaa described the ban as “an insult to the feelings of the Muslim community in Switzerland and elsewhere”. There is even a much harsher reaction among Muslim communities, describing the ban as "extreme Islamophobia" or “a manifestation of religious hatred", Al Jazeera reports. (Digitaljournal Dec 1, 2009)
ALGERIA:
The comments of Al-Shourouq in Algeria were hardly more flattering. Under the headline “Four minarets rock Switzerland and tear down its neutrality”, it blamed the Swiss government for allowing the vote to be put to the people. It also placed responsibility on Swiss Muslims, “who failed to unite and speak under one banner and let themselves be distorted”. Sanctions Some media called for a boycott of Switzerland or other sanctions. The Palestinian website Dounia Al-Watan demanded rich Arabs withdraw their money from Swiss banks.
MOROCCO:
The comments of Al-Shourouq in Algeria were hardly more flattering. Under the headline “Four minarets rock Switzerland and tear down its neutrality”, it blamed the Swiss government for allowing the vote to be put to the people. It also placed responsibility on Swiss Muslims, “who failed to unite and speak under one banner and let themselves be distorted”. Sanctions Some media called for a boycott of Switzerland or other sanctions. The Palestinian website Dounia Al-Watan demanded rich Arabs withdraw their money from Swiss banks.
MOROCCO:
The Moroccan daily Al-Alam asked whether the vote didn’t throw back into question the issue of interreligious dialogue – precisely what Al-Watan in Kuwait was calling for, suggesting conferences to fight Islamophobia.
The appeal for dialogue was also made on IslamOnline, a moderate site that recognises a serious crisis between the West and Muslims. The problem, it said, “is the absence of a reasonable voice ... it falls to Arabs and Muslims to be responsible for preventing problems and protecting their beliefs and customs”. Abdelhafidh Abdeleli, swissinfo.ch (Translated from French by Thomas Stephens)
AUSTRIA:
Muslim groups in Switzerland and abroad condemned the vote as biased and anti-Islamic. Business groups said the decision hurt Switzerland's international standing and could damage relations with Muslim nations and wealthy investors who bank, travel and shop there.
"The Swiss have failed to give a clear signal for diversity, freedom of religion and human rights," said Omar Al-Rawi, integration representative of the Islamic Denomination in Austria, which said its reaction was "grief and deep disappointment."
IRAN: :
Iran’s Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki has warned Switzerland of unspecified "consequences" if the ban on the construction of new minarets, approved last week by 57 percent of Swiss voters, is enforced. The vote went "against the prestige of a country which claims to be an advocate of democracy and human rights," Mottaki told his Swiss counterpart Micheline Calmy-Rey in a telephone conversation that was quoted by the Iranian news agency IRNA. (World Jewish Congress; Dec 7, 2009)
(1) Swissinfo.com, Dec 7, 2009
LIBYA:
Libya's Muammar Qaddafi ....is now accusing Switzerland of inviting terrorism with open arms.
"Al-Qaeda militants are now saying: 'We warned you that they were our enemies... Look at what they are doing in Europe. Come and join us for a jihad (holy war) against Europe,'" Qaddafi said Saturday in a speech celebrating the 40th anniversary of his rule. "Switzerland has done the so-called Al Qaeda, or the terrorists, the biggest favor." (ABOUT.COM DEC 7, 2009)
Libya's Muammar Qaddafi ....is now accusing Switzerland of inviting terrorism with open arms.
"Al-Qaeda militants are now saying: 'We warned you that they were our enemies... Look at what they are doing in Europe. Come and join us for a jihad (holy war) against Europe,'" Qaddafi said Saturday in a speech celebrating the 40th anniversary of his rule. "Switzerland has done the so-called Al Qaeda, or the terrorists, the biggest favor." (ABOUT.COM DEC 7, 2009)
JEWISHWORLD, Dec 4, 2009
European rabbis condemn Swiss minaret ban: During Moscow summit members of Conference of European Rabbis issue censure of Swiss referendum results endorsing ban on construction of minarets. 'Europe cannot beat radical Islam by knocking down minarets; moderate elements should be supported,' Rabbi Aba Dunner says
EUROPEAN UNION:
Sweden's Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, whose country currently holds the rotating European Union Presidency, called it a sign of prejudice and possibly fear. (RADIOFREE EUROPE, RADIO LIBERTY; DEC 8, 2009)
European rabbis condemn Swiss minaret ban: During Moscow summit members of Conference of European Rabbis issue censure of Swiss referendum results endorsing ban on construction of minarets. 'Europe cannot beat radical Islam by knocking down minarets; moderate elements should be supported,' Rabbi Aba Dunner says
EUROPEAN UNION:
Sweden's Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, whose country currently holds the rotating European Union Presidency, called it a sign of prejudice and possibly fear. (RADIOFREE EUROPE, RADIO LIBERTY; DEC 8, 2009)
HOLLAND:
Switzerland's ban on building new minarets probably conflicts with the freedom of religion and therefore breaches international treaties on human rights, Dutch foreign affairs minister Maxime Verhagen said on Monday. (Dutchnews.nl. Dec 1, 2009)
Switzerland's ban on building new minarets probably conflicts with the freedom of religion and therefore breaches international treaties on human rights, Dutch foreign affairs minister Maxime Verhagen said on Monday. (Dutchnews.nl. Dec 1, 2009)
PICTURES FROM SWITZERLAND
(All pictures below from yahoo.news.photos)
(All pictures below from yahoo.news.photos)
Outside view shows the minaret of a Mosque in Rendsburg, northern Germany, being silhouetted by the sun on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009.
Switzerland is confronting an international backlash over a shock vote to ban new minarets and struggled to reassure stunned Muslims at home that they were not regarded as outcasts. (AFP/Graphic)
In this Oct. 26, 2009 file photo pedestrians walk in Zurich, Switzerland, on Monday, Oct. 26, 2009 below posters of a conservative initiative promoting a 'Yes' to ban the erection of minarets in Switzerland. A voting on the initiative is held in Switzerland on Nov. 29, 2009. An attempt to ban the construction of minarets in Switzerland has set off an emotional debate on Islam in the Alpine nation, stirring fears of boycotts from Muslim countries and of violent reactions.
(AP Photo/Keystone, Steffen Schmidt, File)
(AP Photo/Keystone, Steffen Schmidt, File)
A man passes by a poster of the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP/UDC) which shows a woman wearing a burqa against a background of a Swiss flag upon which several minarets resemble missiles at the central station in Geneva, Switzerland, Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009. Swiss citizens will vote on November 29 on a referendum launched by right-wing groups on whether the construction of minarets should be banned in Switzerland. (AP Photo/Keystone, Salvatore Di Nolfi)
People pass by a poster of the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP/UDC) which shows a woman wearing a burqa against a background of a Swiss flag upon which several minarets resemble missiles at the central station in Geneva, Switzerland, Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009. Swiss citizens will vote on November 29 on a referendum launched by right-wing groups on whether the construction of minarets should be banned in Switzerland. (AP Photo/Keystone, Salvatore Di Nolfi)
A pedestrian walks past a display advertising the initiative against the construction of new minarets (contre la construction des minarets) in Switzerland, in Geneva November 9, 2009. Switzerland will hold a referendum on banning the construction of new minarets on November 29 after a group of politicians from the Swiss People's Party (SVP) and Federal Democratic Union gathered enough signatures last year to force the vote. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse
Two demonstrators wear minarets made from paper on their heads to protest against the results of a vote in Switzerland at the Helvetiaplatz square in Zurich November 29, 2009. Switzerland voted to ban the construction of new minarets on Sunday, a surprise result certain to embarrass the neutral government and which the justice minister said could affect Swiss exports and tourism. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann
A demonstrator wears a minaret made from paper on his head to protest against the results of a vote in Switzerland at the Helvetiaplatz square in Zurich November 29, 2009. Switzerland voted to ban the construction of new minarets on Sunday, a surprise result certain to embarrass the neutral government and which the justice minister said could affect Swiss exports and tourism. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann
Protesters hold placards as they demonstrate against the results of a vote in Switzerland in Lausanne December 1, 2009. Switzerland voted to ban the construction of new minarets on Sunday, a surprise result certain to embarrass the neutral government and which the justice minister said could affect Swiss exports and tourism. The placard on the left reads, "Secular country? Are you joking!" and the one on the right reads, "Minarets ban, and what about religious liberty?" REUTERS/Valentin Flauraud
The minaret installed on the roof of a Turkish Cultural Centre pictured in Wangen bei Olten, Northwestern Switzerland, Nov 20. (AFP/File/Fabrice Coffini)
A traffic sign "Stop" is seen in front of the minaret of Geneva mosque. Switzerland is confronting an international backlash over a shock vote to ban new minarets and struggled to reassure stunned Muslims at home that they were not regarded as outcasts. (AFP/Fabrice Coffrini)
Muslim worshippers pray at the Geneva mosque in Switzerland. Switzerland is confronting an international backlash over a shock vote to ban new minarets and struggled to reassure stunned Muslims at home that they were not regarded as outcasts. (AFP/Fabrice Coffrini)
The minaret of the Geneva mosque in the neighbourhood of Le Petit-Saconnex. UN human rights chief Navi Pillay has sharply criticised a Swiss vote banning minarets, condemning a growing wave of "anti-foreigner scaremongering" in several countries. (AFP/File/Fabrice Coffrini)
Protestors surround a symbolic minaret to protest against the results of a vote in Switzerland at the Place Neuve square in Geneva, Switzerland, Monday, Nov. 30, 2009. Swiss voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional ban on minarets on Sunday, barring construction of the iconic mosque towers in a surprise vote that put Switzerland at the forefront of a European backlash against a growing Muslim population. (AP Photo/Keystone, Laurent Gillieron)
Demonstrators protest against the results of a vote that banned new minarets, in Lausanne, Switzerland, Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009. Swiss voters have approved last Sunday a right-wing-backed proposal to ban construction of new minarets, a surprise result that is being seen as possibly damaging Switzerland's economic ties with Muslim states. (AP Photo/Keystone/Jean-Luc Barmaverain)
The moon shines over the Mevlana Mosque in Rotterdam December 1, 2009. A Swiss vote to ban the construction of new minarets puts the spotlight on the Alpine country's social and political divisions and could herald a new surge in populist, anti-immigrant sentiment. REUTERS/Jerry Lampen
The moon shines over the Mevlana Mosque in Rotterdam December 1, 2009. A Swiss vote to ban the construction of new minarets puts the spotlight on the Alpine country's social and political divisions and could herald a new surge in populist, anti-immigrant sentiment.REUTERS/ Jerry Lampen
Head of the Central Council of Muslims in Germany Ayyub Axel Koehler poses for a picture after an interview in front of the Reichstag in Berlin November 30, 2009. Koehler, commented on Switzerlands decisive vote on Sunday, to ban the construction of new minarets. REUTERS/Thomas Peter
A woman writes slogans on a symbolic minaret erected to protest against the results of a vote in Switzerland at the Place Neuve square in Geneva, Switzerland, Monday, Nov. 30, 2009. Swiss voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional ban on minarets on Sunday, barring construction of the iconic mosque towers in a surprise vote that put Switzerland at the forefront of a European backlash against a growing Muslim population. Slogan at top reads, 'Forgive them! We did not vote for the ban, long live tolerance'. (AP Photo/Keystone, Laurent Gillieron)
Demonstrators protest against the results of a vote that banned the construction of new minarets in Switzerland, in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009. Swiss voters have approved last Sunday a right-wing-backed proposal to ban construction of new minarets, a surprise result that could damage Switzerland's economic ties with Muslim states. Inscription in French reads: All Muslims. (AP Photo/Keystone/Dominic Favre)
Egypt's Mufti Ali Gomaa, pictured in March 2009, denounced a vote to ban new minarets in Switzerland on Sunday as an "insult" to Muslims across the world, while calling on Muslims not to be provoked by the move. (AFP/File/Muhammad Sabri)
A model of a minaret, burning candles and a banner that reads 'This is not my Switzerland' are seen on the Bundesplatz square in front of the governments building in Bern, Switzerland, to protest the acceptance of a minaret ban initiative on Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009. Swiss voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional ban on minarets on Sunday, barring construction of the iconic mosque towers in a surprise vote that put Switzerland at the forefront of a European backlash against a growing Muslim population. (AP Photo/Keystone, Peter Klaunzer)
A minaret of a mosque is seen in front of the steeple of a catholic church in the western Austrian village of Telfs, west of Innsbruck December 2, 2009. Switzerland voted to ban the construction of new minarets on Sunday, a surprise result certain to embarrass the neutral government and which the justice minister said could affect Swiss exports and tourism. REUTERS/Dominic Ebenbichler.
The Essalaam Mosque in Rotterdam is the biggest mosque being built in Western Europe December 1, 2009. A Swiss vote to ban the construction of new minarets puts the spotlight on the Alpine country's social and political divisions and could herald a new surge in populist, anti-immigrant sentiment. REUTERS/Jerry Lampen.
The Essalaam Mosque in Rotterdam is the biggest mosque being built in Western Europe, is seen with the Rotterdam skyline as backdrop December 1, 2009. A Swiss vote to ban the construction of new minarets puts the spotlight on the Alpine country's social and political divisions and could herald a new surge in populist, anti-immigrant sentiment. REUTERS/Jerry Lampen
Riot police block the entrance to the Swiss Embassy during a protest against the results of a vote in Switzerland, in Ankara December 2, 2009. Swiss voters adopted a ban on building minarets in a referendum on Sunday, defying the government and parliament which had rejected the right-wing initiative as violating the Swiss constitution, freedom of religion and a cherished tradition of tolerance. REUTERS/Umit Bektas
Demonstrators lay a black wreath at the entrance of the Swiss Embassy to protest against the results of a vote in Switzerland, in Ankara December 2, 2009. Swiss voters adopted a ban on building minarets in a referendum on Sunday, defying the government and parliament which had rejected the right-wing initiative as violating the Swiss constitution, freedom of religion and a cherished tradition of tolerance. The sign reads: "In the eyes of God, Islam is the sole religion.
" REUTERS/Umit Bektas
" REUTERS/Umit Bektas
Protestors erect symbolic minarets to protest against the results of a vote in Switzerland at the Helvetiaplatz square in Zurich November 29, 2009. Swiss voters have approved a right-wing-backed proposal to ban construction of new minarets, initial projections showed on Sunday, a surprise result that could damage Switzerland's economic ties with Muslim states. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann
Muslims enter the Islamic Cultural Foundation and Geneva mosque. Switzerland is confronting an international backlash over a shock vote to ban new minarets and struggled to reassure stunned Muslims at home that they were not regarded as outcasts. (AFP/ Fabrice Coffrini)
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