Confirmed: Barack Obama Practiced Islam

FrontPageMagazine.com ^ | January 07, 2008 | Daniel Pipes

[SJackson]

Confirmed: Barack Obama Practiced Islam

By Daniel Pipes
FrontPageMagazine.com | Monday, January 07, 2008

In a recent analysis, “Was Barack Obama a Muslim?” I surveyed available evidence and found it suggests “Obama was born a Muslim to a non-practicing Muslim father and for some years had a reasonably Muslim upbringing under the auspices of his Indonesian step-father.” In response, David Brock’s organization, Media Matters for America (MMfA), which calls itself a “progressive research and information center dedicated to comprehensively monitoring, analyzing, and correcting conservative misinformation in the U.S. media,” has criticized one of my sources of information.

MMfA contends in “Daniel Pipes relied on disputed LA Times article to revive Obama-Muslim falsehood,” that “key aspects” of a March 16, 2007, Los Angeles Times article I quoted were later challenged by another newspaper account, “History of schooling distorted,” by Kim Barker in the Chicago Tribune on March 25.

Falsehood? That's a strong word.

To assess MMfA’s claim, let’s review its preferred article and examine what Barker has to say on four topics related to Obama’s Indonesian years, 1967-71:

1. His attendance at a Catholic school;
2. His attendance at a public school;
3. His step-father, Lolo Soetoro; and
4. His friend, Zulfan Adi.

To start with, about the Catholic school, Fransiskus Strada Asisia, which Obama attended 1967-70 (words in square brackets are added by me):

Interviews with dozens of former classmates, teachers, neighbors and friends show that Obama was not a regular practicing Muslim when he was in Indonesia, despite being listed as a Muslim on the registration form for the Catholic school, Strada Asisia, where he attended 1^st through 3^rd grades. At the time, the school most likely registered children based on the religion of their fathers, said [Israella Pareira] Darmawan, Obama’s former [1st-grade] teacher. Because Soetoro was a Muslim, Obama was listed as a Muslim, she said.

The enrollment form from the Catholic school, which has been cited as evidence that Obama was a Muslim in Indonesia [including by the Los Angeles Times], also was rife with errors. It listed Obama as an Indonesian, listed his previous school incorrectly and failed to list his mother, Ann, at all.

About Obama’s time at a public elementary school, 1970-71, variously known as the Sekolah Dasar Nasional Menteng No. 1 or the Basuki school, Barker writes:

When Obama attended 4^th grade in 1971, Muslim children spent two hours a week studying Islam, and Christian children spent those two hours learning about the Christian religion.

During a recent visit to this public school, Barker found that:

Weekly religious classes are required for all students, whether Muslims, Christians, or Hindus, under the government curriculum. A new shiny mosque is in the corner of the courtyard. “The Muslims learn about Islam, prayer and religious activity,” said Hardi Priyono, the vice principal for curriculum. “And for the Christians, during the religious class, they also have a special room teaching Christianity. It’s always been like that.”

About Obama’s step-father, Lolo Soetoro and his religiosity, Barker writes:

In their first neighborhood, Obama occasionally followed his stepfather to the mosque for Friday prayers, a few neighbors said. But Soetoro usually was too busy working, first for the Indonesian army and later for a Western oil company. “Sometimes Lolo went to the mosque to pray, but he rarely socialized with people,” said Fermina Katarina Sinaga, Obama’s 3^rd-grade teacher at the Catholic school, who lived near the family. “Rarely, Barry [a nickname for Barack] went to the mosque with Lolo.”

Barker learned from his friends and family that Lolo Soetoro, who died in 1987, was “much more of a free spirit than a devout Muslim” and “hardly the image of a pious Muslim.”

His nephew, Sonny Trisulo, 49, said Soetoro always liked women and alcohol. One of his health problems was a failing liver. “He loved drinking, was a smart and warm person, the naughtiest one in the family,” Trisulo recalled.

As for Zulfan Adi, cited in the Los Angeles Times piece:

Zulfan Adi, a former neighborhood playmate of Obama’s who has been cited in news reports as saying Obama regularly attended Friday prayers with Soetoro, told the Tribune he was not certain about that when pressed about his recollections. He only knew Obama for a few months, during 1970, when his family moved to the neighborhood.

Does any of the above information from the Chicago Tribune article refute my analysis, as MMfA contends? It raises questions about two details in the Los Angeles Times account (the accuracy of the Catholic school’s registration form and the reliability of Zulfan Adi as a source on Obama). But on the larger issue of Obama’s religious practices during his Jakarta years, it confirms the Times account. Note in particular three excerpts from Barker’s article:

· “Interviews with dozens of former classmates, teachers, neighbors and friends show that Obama was not a regular practicing Muslim when he was in Indonesia” – implying he was an irregularly practicing Muslim.

· “Obama occasionally followed his stepfather to the mosque for Friday prayers, a few neighbors said” – confirming that he did pray in the mosque.

· “Obama’s 3^rd-grade teacher at the Catholic school, who lived near the family [said that] ‘Rarely, Barry went to the mosque with Lolo’” – confirming that Obama attended mosque services.

All this matters, for if Obama once was a Muslim, he is now what Islamic law calls a murtadd (apostate), an ex-Muslim converted to another religion who must be executed. Were he elected president of the United States, this status, clearly, would have large potential implications for his relationship with the Muslim world.

In sum: Obama was an irregularly practicing Muslim who rarely or occasionally prayed with his step-father in a mosque. This precisely substantiates my statement that he “for some years had a reasonably Muslim upbringing under the auspices of his Indonesian step-father."

Therefore, what MMfA calls the “Obama-Muslim falsehood” is in fact confirmed by both articles as truthful and accurate.

Calling this a falsehood is in itself a falsehood.

 

[SJackson]

I don't see this as much of an electoral issue, but Pipes seems to lay out the facts, what there are, in good fashion.

[ken21]

it’s not enough to move the traditional jewish vote to the republicans.

[Slapshot68]

“I don’t see this as much of an electoral issue”

I don’t think it should be an issue at all. I think if the Republicans start attacking Obama on his Muslim background, whatever it may be, it’s going to backfire into making Republicans appear prejudicial.

We have enough problems as it is during this election.

[Joe Boucher]

Man if the dems somehow nuked Tel Aviv the Jews would still vote democrat.

[corlorde]

We have “enough problems” alright, Obama mania is catching on, and it isn’t looking good for Republicans.

[NCLaw441]

I say keep this news down until he gets the nomination.

[ml/nj]

I don't see this as much of an electoral issue

At least, not until the Commodities Scam Queen succumbs.

ML/NJ

[NCLaw441]

You posted: Obama mania is catching on, and it isn’t looking good for Republicans.
***

It is WAY too early to worry about the fall, IMO. Obama is good for us. His lack of experience will hurt him with any statesman-level candidate the GOP may find (and the top tier GOPers are all statesmanlike, even if some are better than others), and even if the worst were to happen and Obama were to win, he will have a hard time getting his lib plans through. (I do, however, fear his presidency should military action be needed anywhere.)

All of that said, better Obama than Hillary. I believe Obama is wrong, but I believe Hillary hates America.

[spectre]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

sw

[Leftism is Mentally Deranged]

The mainstream media is making an issue of Romney’s religion. It willfully and deliberately is ignoring Obama’s religion.

[squidward]

I agree with you. I look at this like somebody overcoming an addiction. Sure it was bad at the time, but they are a better person for overcoming their shortfalls and make a better person of themselves.

[ImpBill]

Yes, and we should definitely not look prejudicial concerning the “Religion of Peace”! /sarc

[avital2]

i wonder if she HRC will make something of his black separatist pastor in Illinois......

[Slapshot68]

He was in elementary school. I don’t like having to defend the guy, but come on...ancient history.

It’s a better idea to attack him on his vision for America...or rather lack thereof.

[corlorde]

We’ll see.

[G.Mason]

"I say keep this news down until he gets the nomination."

Right. And then bury it.

It's a loser as far as campaign issue. One may as well use the fact that his middle name is Hussein as an issue.

[SlowBoat407]

There are so many other reasons not to elect him president (policiies, lack of experience, current associates), the question of what religion he practiced as a child seems forced.

To raise an uncomfortable analogy: why plant a dubious glove when the bloody handprints are all over the place?

[xtinct]

Obama is a grown up now. He appears to be following his own religious path like many people who've abandoned the faith that may have influenced them as children.

As I've mentioned before I attended Catholic elementary school. There were many children of different faiths including Muslims (Persia now Iran) in my classes. Going to Mass everyday was a no prisoners adventure but the non-Catholic children did not have to take religion class. They went to art or music during religion class.

I'd much prefer that a candidates's religion was not a factor in that candidate's qualifications to be president of the United States. After all... none of the candidates will have any luck trying to convert the country. People would flip if that candidate even tried to convert them.

[iopscusa]

Who is the “We” of whom you speak. I for one, do not want anyone with any Muslim name, training or relatives near the Presidency of this country. Let the facts be known about Barack Hussein Obama.
No Magic Candidates for me or many other voters.

[knarf]

"We have “enough problems” alright, Obama mania is catching on, and it isn’t looking good for Republicans."

The word 'change' is starting to come forth from the Pubbies mouths. This, IMO is a grave mistake.

The Republican platform has always been a conservative, if not Christian, list that reflected the founders and their writings.

The moment the Republicans start to use the words of the Socialists, they are triangulated, marked and fired upon.

Words mean something.

Our only chance against Obama is to expose him for the anti-American Socialist he is, and make the case that America is under attack, more fierce than 9/11.

9/11 was horrible and tragic ... but it didn't kill America ... just divided us more clearly.

Socialism will kill America ... and there's more than a few of us that won't go down without a fight.

[gogogodzilla]

No, but it’ll probably effect the Jewish vote in the Democratic primaries.

Most likely send it to the Hildabeast.

Which, if anything, is a good thing. As the Clinton name is about the only thing this election that can actually mobilize the Republican vote.

Mobilize that vote against her.

[twntaipan]

Obama: the ultimate sleeper cell?

[steadfastconservative]

Even if Obama was raised as a Muslim, the fact is that he is now a Christian. He may have been born into Islam but it is pretty clear that he left it. Unless his public image as a practicing Christian is just an act, I don’t think that we have to worry about his religion. His political views are far more worrisome.

[Finop]

Do you suppose this might qualify as one?

Obama mentioned his church during his appearance with Oprah. It’s the
Trinity Church of Christ. I found this interesting.

Obama’s church:
Please read and go to this church’s website and read what is written
there. It is very alarming. Barack Obama is a member of this church and is running for President
of the U.S. If you look at the first page of their website, you will learn that this congregation has a non-negotiable
commitment to Africa. No where is AMERICA even mentioned. Notice too, what color you will need to be if you should want to join Obama’s church... B-L-A-C-K!!! Doesn’t look like his choice of religion
has improved much over his (former?) Muslim upbringing.
Are you aware that Obama’s middle name is Mohammed? Strip away his nice
looks, the big smile and smooth talk and what do you get? Certainly a racist, as plainly defined by the stated position of his church! And possibly a covert worshiper of the Muslim faith, even today. This guy
desires to rule over America while his loyalty is totally vested in a Black Africa? I cannot believe
this has not been all over the TV and newspapers.
This is why it is so important to pass this message along to all of our family & friends. To think that Obama has even the slightest chance in the run for the presidency, is really scary.
Click on the link below:
This is the web page for the church Barack Obama belongs to:
www.tucc.org/about.htm

[Ghost of Philip Marlowe]

It’s a huge electoral issue if Obama denies it or tries to hide it. Imagine if Romney tried to hide or avoid his Mormon faith.

And guess what, if Obama owns up to it, it will be a factor in the elections. Post 9/11 I’m sure there are many voters who aren’t ready to pull the lever for President with someone who has Hussein in their name.

Here’s another reason: If Huckabee becomes the Rep nominee, it will be primarily because the Left artificially propped him up to win that nomination so that they could destroy him in the general election...because of his religious background.

If you think they won’t make an issue of someone’s religion, and that we shouldn’t, you are playing the role of holier-than-thou very well known to those who lose elections.

[Broker]

Obama is a SAINT for pulling down Hillary.

[rhombus]

Did anyone happen to see the guy in the turban standing behind Obama during a rally this weekend? I saw it on MSNBC I think on Saturday morning. It was a rally in either Iowa or NH and there was a white guy that looked like Santa in a turban standing behind Obama holding a campaign sign. It was so weird looking and I’d think the Obama people would be “cerebral” enough watch out for such things. I even wondered if the guy was a Hillary plant. Did anyone else catch this? ...Saturday morning on MSNBC.

[peyton randolph]

One may as well use the fact that his middle name is Hussein as an issue.

---

I absolutely would in a general election. Every GOP campaign commercial should include something like:

Fred Dalton Thompson v. Barack Hussein Obama

Who would you trust to [protect you against terrorist attacks, lower your taxes, secure our border, etc.]

Fair? Perhaps not. But the name drives home the point on trust.

[billorites]

"Man if the dems somehow nuked Tel Aviv the Jews would still vote democrat."

Recalls Milton Himmelfarb's famous quip about how the Jews, "make money like Episcopalians, but vote like Puerto Ricans."

[kenmcg]

this should be saved until after he gets the nomination. First Hillary must be defeated then Obama.

[lightning]

It strikes me that laying out the facts and the background is a useful piece of information.

After all, Mitt Romney’s religion has been vetted fully. Are Muslim religion exempt from that issue?

Give me a break.

[WhistlingPastTheGraveyard]

He left the Muslim faith, but still believes the Muslim call to prayer is the most beautiful thing on earth and can still recite it in flawless Arabic.

If B. Hussein isn’t a Muslim any longer, let him explain to the American people when and why he left the faith.

[moonman]

"I think if the Republicans start attacking Obama on his Muslim background, whatever it may be, it’s going to backfire into making Republicans appear prejudicial."

I hope Obama wins the Democrat nomination, then, articles like this come out. As for the Republicans after the convention, they BETTER make the Muslin connection and KEEP make it!

[no dems]

Oh, my friend, this IS very much an electoral issue. If he gets the Dem nomination, which he very well may, this will be our greatest weapon to use against him.

I’ve said all along that I think he is a closet Muslim.

I really don’t fear him, Hillary or Edwards like I once did. I think a GOOD GOP CANDIDATE can beat anyone of the three. What say ye?

[sono]

Always thought of Barry as a latter day Manchurian Candidate ... truth is proving stranger than fiction.

[Slapshot68]

“Post 9/11 I’m sure there are many voters who aren’t ready to pull the lever for President with someone who has Hussein in their name.”

I’d really hate to see an election where someone is dismissed because of an unfortunate name rather than the issues.

But then again, we’re talking about the American public here. So it will come down to who looks good on tv, who has more money and I suppose, who doesn’t have “Hussein” in their name.

Issues are somewhere way down the list anymore.

[NCLaw441]

You posted: It’s a loser as far as campaign issue. One may as well use the fact that his middle name is Hussein as an issue.
***

I think there are at least a couple of ways the Islam issue could be used with discretion. One is a long shot: let the media cover it. The other is to stress on the campaign trail that this country does NOT discriminate based upon religion, even against those who may practice Islam, the militant variety of which was responsible for 9/11 and other terrorist attacks around the world. If Obama is a Muslim, that is his business...

[Porterville]

Hillary is going to use the attack.... many more to come..

Prepare yourself for the laming of the shrew.

[ImpBill]

My comment was not directed at Osamaba. It was towards playing nice with Muslims.

[SJackson]

I agree with you. I look at this like somebody overcoming an addiction. Sure it was bad at the time, but they are a better person for overcoming their shortfalls and make a better person of themselves.

And so many other shortfalls to criticize him on.

IMO, including his current Church/faith, which imo is a bit out of the mainstream for someone aspiring to represent non-blacks. It requires some explanation.

===================================

About Us

We are a congregation which is Unashamedly Black and Unapologetically Christian... Our roots in the Black religious experience and tradition are deep, lasting and permanent. We are an African people, and remain "true to our native land," the mother continent, the cradle of civilization. God has superintended our pilgrimage through the days of slavery, the days of segregation, and the long night of racism. It is God who gives us the strength and courage to continuously address injustice as a people, and as a congregation. We constantly affirm our trust in God through cultural expression of a Black worship service and ministries which address the Black Community.

The Pastor as well as the membership of Trinity United Church of Christ is committed to a 10-point Vision:

1.      A congregation committed to ADORATION.

2.      A congregation preaching SALVATION.

3.      A congregation actively seeking RECONCILIATION.

4.      A congregation with a non-negotiable COMMITMENT TO AFRICA.

5.      A congregation committed to BIBLICAL EDUCATION.

6.      A congregation committed to CULTURAL EDUCATION.

7.      A congregation committed to the HISTORICAL EDUCATION OF AFRICAN PEOPLE IN DIASPORA.

8.      A congregation committed to LIBERATION.

9.      A congregation committed to RESTORATION.

10.  A congregation working towards ECONOMIC PARITY.

Click here to read about Dr. Wright’s talking points for Trinity United Church of Christ its Web site and the Black Value System.

 

THE BLACK VALUE SYSTEM

Trinity United Church of Christ adopted the Black Value System, written by the Manford Byrd Recognition Committee, chaired by the late Vallmer Jordan in 1981.

Dr. Manford Byrd, our brother in Christ, withstood the ravage of being denied his earned ascension to the number one position in the Chicago School System.  His dedication to the pursuit of excellence, despite systematic denials, has inspired the congregation of Trinity United Church of Christ.  Prayerfully, we have called upon the wisdom of all past generations of suffering Blacks for guidance in fashioning an instrument of Black self-determination, the Black Value System.

Beginning in 1982, an annual Black Value System – Educational Scholarship in the name of Dr. Byrd was instituted.  The first recipient of the Dr. Manford Byrd Award, which is given annually to the man or woman who best exemplifies the Black Value System, was our brother, Dr. Manford Byrd.

These Black Ethics must be taught and exemplified in homes, churches, nurseries and schools, wherever Blacks are gathered.  They consist of the following concepts:

1.      Commitment to God.  “The God of our weary years” will give us the strength to give up prayerful passivism and become Black Christian Activists, soldiers for Black freedom and the dignity of all humankind.

2.      Commitment to the Black Community.  The highest level of achievement for any Black person must be a contribution of strength and continuity of the Black Community.

3.      Commitment to the Black Family.  The Black family circle must generate strength, stability and love, despite the uncertainty of externals, because these characteristics are required if the developing person is to withstand warping by our racist competitive society. 

Those Blacks who are blessed with membership in a strong family unit must reach out and expand that blessing to the less fortunate.

4.      Dedication to the Pursuit of Education.  We must forswear anti-intellectualism.  Continued survival demands that each Black person be developed to the utmost of his/her mental potential despite the inadequacies of the formal education process.  “Real education” fosters understanding of ourselves as well as every aspect of our environment.  Also, it develops within us the ability to fashion concepts and tools for better utilization of our resources, and more effective solutions to our problems.  Since the majority of Blacks have been denied such learning, Black Education must include elements that produce high school graduates with marketable skills, a trade or qualifications for apprenticeships, or proper preparation for college.

Basic education for all Blacks should include Mathematics, Science, Logic, General Semantics, Participative Politics, Economics and Finance, and the Care and Nurture of Black minds.

5.      Dedication to the Pursuit of Excellence.   To the extent that we individually reach for, even strain for excellence, we increase, geometrically, the value and resourcefulness of the Black Community.  We must recognize the relativity of one’s best; this year’s best can be bettered next year.  Such is the language of growth and development.  We must seek to excel in every endeavor.

6.      Adherence to the Black Work Ethic.  “It is becoming harder to find qualified people to work in Chicago.”  Whether this is true or not, it represents one of the many reasons given by businesses and industries for deserting the Chicago area.  We must realize that a location with good facilities, adequate transportation and a reputation for producing skilled workers will attract industry.  We are in competition with other cities, states and nations for jobs.  High productivity must be a goal of the Black workforce.

7.      Commitment to Self-Discipline and Self-Respect.  To accomplish anything worthwhile requires self-discipline.  We must be a community of self-disciplined persons if we are to actualize and utilize our own human resources, instead of perpetually submitting to exploitation by others.  Self-discipline, coupled with a respect for self, will enable each of us to be an instrument of Black Progress and a model for Black Youth.

8.      Disavowal of the Pursuit of “Middleclassness.”  Classic methodology on control of captives teaches that captors must be able to identify the “talented tenth” of those subjugated, especially those who show promise of providing the kind of leadership that might threaten the captor’s control.

Those so identified are separated from the rest of the people by:

1.      Killing them off directly, and/or fostering a social system that encourages them to kill off one another.

2.      Placing them in concentration camps, and/or structuring an economic environment that induces captive youth to fill the jails and prisons.

3.      Seducing them into a socioeconomic class system which, while training them to earn more dollars, hypnotizes them into believing they are better than others and teaches them to think in terms of “we” and “they” instead of “us.”

4.      So, while it is permissible to chase “middleclassness” with all our might, we must avoid the third separation method – the psychological entrapment of Black “middleclassness.”  If we avoid this snare, we will also diminish our “voluntary” contributions to methods A and B.  And more importantly, Black people no longer will be deprived of their birthright: the leadership, resourcefulness and example of their own talented persons.

9.      Pledge to Make the Fruits of All Developing and Acquired Skills Available to the Black Community.
 

10.  Pledge to Allocate Regularly, a Portion of Personal Resources for Strengthening and Supporting Black Institutions.

11.  Pledge Allegiance to All Black Leadership Who Espouse and Embrace the Black Value System.

12.  Personal Commitment to Embracement of the Black Value System.  To measure the worth and validity of all activity in terms of positive contributions to the general welfare of the Black Community and the Advancement of Black People towards freedom.

 

 

[indylindy]

Does it not bother you that the Muslims are not calling him an apostate? For many, it is grounds for the mark of death.

Sorry, that troubles me. The only religion I would not except is Islam. They are warring with us.

[corlorde]

I agree with what you are saying. For some reason (actually, many reasons) Obama worries me. I cannot put my finger on it, but it is something.

~Corey

[SJackson]

it’s not enough to move the traditional jewish vote to the republicans.

I can't imagine it would. In fact in the absense of further evidence, it would likely be played as another example of right wing bigotry, the fact that Hillary first brought it up aside.

[sten]

putting fred up would be 1996 all over again... old, slow white guy versus the young energetic

only winning GOP solution would be Romney in the top seat to bring the northeast and some of the west, and a southern draw on the 2nd seat... and Thompson fits the VP role very well.

[phothus]

Thanks Ghost,

As I read this thread, I was thinking the same thing - that his current radical church could be even more damaging when people find out about it across the country.

Anyway to save a cached version of their website the way it is now? So that we don’t have a new version that is “enhanced” to help the Obama candidacy?

[AU72]

He left the Muslim faith,

In some parts of the world that's a death sentence.

[SJackson]

i wonder if she HRC will make something of his black separatist pastor in Illinois......

Someone should. As someone aspiring to lead all Americans, Obama should disavow his friend. see post 38

[NeoCaveman]

I caught a few minutes of an urban talks show in Cleveland yesterday and the topic was Obama, of course.

The callers kept calling in saying they couldn’t vote for a Muslim....

[SJackson]

Even if Obama was raised as a Muslim, the fact is that he is now a Christian. He may have been born into Islam but it is pretty clear that he left it. Unless his public image as a practicing Christian is just an act, I don’t think that we have to worry about his religion. His political views are far more worrisome.

See post 38 as to why his religion concerns me.

[WhistlingPastTheGraveyard]

The hands-off attitude towards Obama’s faith is one of the more perplexing issues of this campaign. The religion in question is the most violent, savage and intolerant religion ever created. It is a religion that is in a perpetual state of war with the Christian West. It also a religion that sanctions lying to Christian and Jewish infidels.

Of course we have a right to ask questions about Obama’s ties to Islam. We’d have to be insane not to.