The Duggars are known for their conservative Christian faith and have been very vocal about their disdain for the LGBT community. However, the Duggars have been more reserved when it comes to speaking about Islam. Though the family has made few statements about Muslims, many people have automatically assumed they are against Islam and the Muslim population. Therefore, when Derick Dillard tweeted a demand that we stop referring to “faithful Muslims” as “radical jihadists,” many took notice and complimented him for his open-minded take on the situation. However, many quickly realized that Derick may not be saying what they initially thought.
Derick Dillard took to Twitter to make a statement about “faithful Muslims” and “radical jihadists.” The Duggar son-in-law told his followers that we should stop referring to “faithful Muslims” as “radical jihadists.” This initially left many people applauding Dillard for his efforts to de-stigmatize a faith which many assumed he opposed on a level equal to his stance on the LGBT community.
We need to stop referring to faithful Muslims as “radical jihadists”. #terrorism
— Derick Dillard (@derick4Him) June 13, 2016
For those who are unaware, the Duggar family has made numerous statements regarding the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. Michelle made a notorious robocall demanding that her fellow Arkansas residents strike down a bill designed to offer protections to the LGBT community in the workplace. The call focused on a portion of the bill that would allow transgender individuals to use the restroom of the gender for which they identify which Michelle Duggar noted would allow predators into female restrooms.
Though the Duggars have said littler regarding Islam or those practicing the Muslim faith, it was assumed that the family strongly opposed their belief system and no one expected to hear a “pro-Islam” statement come from a Duggar’s mouth. Therefore, when Derick posted that the faithful Muslim should not be referred to as a radical jihadist, it was initially viewed as a positive step for the family as a whole.
The Duggar Family News: Life is not all Pickles and Hairspray page initially praised Derick for his inclusive statement , noting it was unexpected and welcome. However, the page was quickly inundated with followers noting that Derick may not have meant what the poster thought and that his statement was actually, most likely, anti-Muslim.
“I don’t think this means what you think it means. I think he is saying that Islam is inherently a violent religion and that any Muslim following the faith to its fullest is inherently going to be a radical jihadist.”
Following the comments, the page made a “take two” asking if Derick was being Islamophobic or if he could have been trying to break down the stigma that Muslims are not all terrorists.
It seems that people on Facebook and Twitter are split on the meaning behind Derick’s unclear tweet. Many say he is promoting the idea that Islam is not violent while others say he is making the statement that all Muslims following the Koran are violent. Check out some of the commentary below.
@derick4Him I am not sure which way you mean this. Terrorists are not true Muslims. Just as Christian terrorists are not true Christians.
— Laurie (@nonnymouse_) June 13, 2016
@derick4Him I agree. Instead of using the word “Islam,” why not just say “radical jihadists” so you don’t impune peaceful people?
— Philip Moser (@JPhilipMoser) June 13, 2016
@derick4Him At first I thought you were being nice but since you only use “duggar speak” I see what you Really mean.
— Kelly Grant (@KelG60) June 14, 2016
If Derick Dillard was attempting to discredit the idea that all Muslims are terrorists, it would be a change from past Duggar family statements regarding the subject. Last year, Anna Duggar stirred up controversy for stating that Muslim holidays should not be celebrated in school and that “as a Christian” she was “offended” about the idea.
“WOW. Brutal Muslim holiday coming 2 school near you. As a Christian I’m offended.”
What do you think Derick Dillard meant when he said that faithful Muslims should not be referred to as radical jihadists? Was he making a pro- or anti-Muslim statement? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
[Image via Instagram/ Jill Dillard]
