Nidal Malik Hasan and the Power of Belief

Part Two

What is the Evidence?

          Hasan had more than once made it clear to colleagues that he was a devote Muslim and that he was a Muslim first, an American second.  He had confided to an associate that the US should not have invaded Iraq or Afghanistan and that he condoned acts of terrorism against the US Military and Christians.  He had made the statement that where Christians feared death, Muslins looked forward to death.  Investigators found in his apartment a secular business card with the abbreviation SOA, which is believed to be a euphemism for “Soldier of Allah.”  The business card is secular in that it does not contain his Army rank of major.  One cannot help wondering if he was practicing psychiatry on the side and subtly incorporating Islamic beliefs in his treatments.

            Hasan had been corresponding by email with Anwar al-Awlaki, an American born and educated Imam who had been the spiritual adviser of two of the 9-1 hijackers.  Al-Awlaki had been under investigation by the FBI who had apparently intercepted the e-mails by Hasan but decided they were not seditious but had to do with psychiatric treatment. 

            An Imam is an Islamic spiritual leader usually in charge of a mosque or community.  The FBI apparently concluded the communications had something to do with research Hasan was doing at Walter Reed Hospital.  What possible contribution could a rouge Imam contribute to psychiatric research unless it had to do with irrational beliefs that induced objectionable behavior?

            Now let’s take a look at the Koran.  Is it a peaceable document as some claim or does it contain the seeds of violence?

            The Koran evolved over 13 years beginning in 610 A.D.  At first Muhammad advised restraint and tolerance but as his movement gradually gained strength he became more militant.  Muhammad was driven out of Mecca (Hegira) by his Koreish cousins but in 624, although outnumbered, he won his first battle at Badr. He went on to conquer several Jewish and Christian tribes, watching while 600 Jews were slaughtered in one day.

            The Koran conveys how Muhammad grew more confident and militant.  Sura 22:39-41:  “To those against whom war is made, permission is given (to fight), because they are wronged, and verily, God is most powerful for their aid.” 

            Muhammad was revered as a prophet and the faithful believed his words were the words of Allah.  Sura 22:58:  “Those who leave their homes in the cause of God, and are then slain or die, on them will God bestow verily a goodly provision.”  The “goodly provision” has metamorphosed into a bevy of virgins in paradise. 

            Sura 2:190:  “Fight in the cause of God those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for God loveth not transgressors. And slay them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out, for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter.”  Nidal Malik Hasan answered the call.

            Sura 61:4, 11-13:  “Truly God loves those who fight in His cause in battle array, as if they were a solid cemented structure…that ye believe in God and His Apostle, and that ye strive (your utmost) in the cause of God, with your property and your persons.  That will be best for you, if ye but knew!  He will forgive you your sins, and admit you to gardens [Paradise] beneath which rivers flow, and to beautiful mansions in gardens of eternity.  That is indeed the supreme achievement.  And another (favor will He bestow), which ye do love-help from God and a speedy victory.  So give the glad tidings to the believers.”  The Islamic Paradise sound almost as classy as the Mormon Celestial Kingdom.

            Sura 9:5:  When the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the pagans wherever ye find them, and seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war).  But if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practice regular charity [become Moslem], then open the way for them.”  It was in this manner, conquer, convert or die, that Islam became a mighty force to be reckoned with.  Muhammad was not only a prophet and spiritual leader but a military commander.

            To imply that Hasan was mentally disturbed is to imply that all religious people are mentally disturbed. 

            When Zacarias Moussaoui was placed on trial it became a forum for the advancement and justification of Islam. If Khalid Sheikh Mohammed along with four other 9-11 conspirators are tried in a civilian court it is predicted that we will once again play into the hands of Islamic zealots allowing them another forum in which to advance their fundamentalist agenda.  We will see how Obama handles Hasan.  If you think Obama has nothing to do with the decision and has allowed Eric Holder to make the decision, then you are naïve. I’m afraid Obama is mistakenly doing what he can to make peace with Islam at the expense of US dignity and sovereignty. 

            When Hasan gave away personal items the day before the attack it indicated he wanted to be a martyr.  He had no doubt been under a lot of stress over where his loyalty should lie, with his religion or the Country of his birth.  He chose a religion which is a theocracy over the democratic principles of the United States.  He could have targeted civilians but chose men who were about to be deployed to Iraq where they would be fighting, not the Iraqi people, but his fellow Muslim fundamentalists.

            It is interesting to note that Muslim anti American groups and countries like Iran, Syria and Libya and militant groups like Hamas, Elquida, the Taliban and Hezbollah have been strangely silent over the Fort Hood attack.  The run-of-the-mill Muslim is usually ready on cue from an imam to swarm into the streets to protest or celebrate.