Poor Infidels

Austrolabe:

I’ve taken non-Muslims to mosques and Islamic organisations on two or three occasions after they expressed an interest in learning about Muslims — possibly more but post-traumatic stress syndrome has blocked them out — and it has always been an uncomfortable and difficult situation. On the first occasion, I left my guest to get something from the car and returned to find him being aggressively interrogated by an Australian-born Muslim about his religious beliefs; and, on the second occasion, my guest was asked whether he believed the “lies” about September 11 having been carried out by Muslims.

Oops.

Tariq Nelson:

What is the common denominator? Not used to “outsiders” coming in? The insular culture? Do you feel comfortable bringing a friend to your neighborhood mosque?

Not unless I wanted to torture him/her.