firmbeliever,

The truth is that Islam as practiced CAUSED the social and cultural deterioration over the last several hundred years. There is *no* hope for most Islamic countries to provide even the minimal needs of its vast populations... jobs, education, social equality, hope, justice... the negative fruits of the dying Islamic cultures and societies are the reason for malcontent, psychopathic Jihadist bombers creating havoc in western countries.

Islamic culture peaked several hundred years ago, and has been dying slowly ever since.
That's just the way it is.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Choux

firmbeliever,

The truth is that Islam as practiced CAUSED the social and cultural deterioration over the last several hundred years. There is *no* hope for most Islamic countries to provide even the minimal needs of its vast populations...jobs, education, social equality, hope, justice.....the negative fruits of the dying Islamic cultures and societies are the reason for malcontent, psychopathic Jihadist bombers creating havoc in western countries.

Islamic culture peaked several hundred years ago, and has been dying slowly ever since.
That's just the way it is.

---

An excerpt from the following book-
"Crisis in the Muslim Mind", AbdulHamid A. AbuSulayman
Translation byYusuf Talal DeLorenzo
The International Institute of Islamic Thought ,Herndon, Virginia USA
--------------------------------------
http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/humanrel..._mind/ch6.html
...
If the future of the Ummah of Islam is to depend upon the degree of success it achieves in reforming its methodology, thought, education, and organization, as well as laying the foundations for new Islamic social sciences, then the future of all bewildered and threatened humanity rests on the degree of success achieved by Muslims in presenting a living example of Islamic teachings.

Islam provides humankind with a reason for living, and with an ethical code by which to live. It affords humankind with insight into the fitrah and the dimensions of its universal relationships; with the seen and the unseen, the individual, society, and the universe. Islam provides humankind with the foundations for a stable society, progress, security, and world peace.

Islam protects the institution of the family, upholds the principles of justice, self-sufficiency, personal and collective responsibility, freedom of belief and thought, shura, and the oneness of all humankind in terms of their origins, interests, and destiny. It is this perfect Islamic vision which is capable of treating the ills of modern materialistic society and the dangers it has produced. Certainly, the moral bankruptcy of modern society is no secret to anyone. Under the shadow of materialism, the world is divided into north and south, white and black, rich and poor, overfed and underfed, colonizer and colonized, master and slave. To people today, peace is nothing more than the suppression of their fears about the unleashing of the forces of mass destruction by one or another of the nations, classes, or camps competing for supremacy.

In view of the serious flaws in their societies, the developed nations of the world have never had greater need of Islam. This is because Islam embodies concepts capable of mending those flaws.

These concepts may be summarized in two points:
Islam's Society of Unity

Islamic society stands on the foundations of unity and the concept of brotherhood. As such, it focuses on answering the basic needs of the individual and the interests he/she shares with others in terms of the family, the neighborhood, the nation, and humankind in general. If the materialist powers of the contemporary world stand on the philosophy of confrontation, then the philosophy of Islam, collective security, is the philosophy of tomorrow. Allah says:
O people! Heed your Lord Who created you from a single life and then created from it its mate. Then He scattered from them countless men and women (4:1)
O people! We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and nations in order to know one another. Verily the best among you in the sight of Allah are those who heed Him (49:13)
Among His signs is the creation of the heavens and earth, and the differences in your tongues and coloring (30:22)
People were no other than a single community, but then they fell to differing (10:19)
Do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, the needy, neighbors who are near and who are not so near, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (4:36)
On that account We prescribed for Bani Isra'il that whoever slays another, for other than the crimes of murder or depravity, will be as one who has slain all of humankind (5:32)
Never forget generosity between yourselves (2:237)
Address people with kindness (2:83)
Allah does not forbid you, with regard to those who neither war against you nor drive you from your homes, from dealing kindly with them and justly (60:8)
If you do retaliate, then retaliate in a manner no worse than the way you were attacked. But if you are patient, things will be best for those who are patient (16:126)
Fight in the cause of Allah against those who fight against you; but do not transgress (2:190)
If they cease, then let there be no hostility except against oppressors (2:193)
Let not your dislike for a people cause you to deal unjustly. Deal justly, for that is closer to taqwa (5:8)
When you speak, speak justly, even if a near relative is concerned (6:152)
When you make a decision between people, decide fairly (4:58)
Assist one another in goodness and taqwa, but not in wrongdoing and aggression (5:2)
If two parties among the believers fall to fighting among themselves, then make peace between them. But if one should then break the truce against the other, fight the one breaking the truce until it compiles with Allah's ruling. Then if it complies, make peace between them with justice, and be fair; for Allah loves those who are fair. Certainly, the believers are brothers. So make peace between your two brothers and heed Allah so that you may be shown mercy (49:9-10).
Islam's Cultivation of Knowledge

This point is related to the meaning of knowledge and the ways in which academic research is carried out. Materialist thought is essentially based on rational, empirical, and inductive methods so that it proceeds from experience and knowledge of the real world and extracts from these theories about the laws that govern life and the universe. There is no connection between this thought, however, and revelation. The main reason for this has to do with the Western lack of confidence in any of the major religions. This state of affairs arose when it became common knowledge that the texts of Christianity in particular had been tampered with, and filled with a great deal of unreasonable, contradictory, and incredible material.

When we understand the amazing complexity of the social nature of human beings and the number of factors which may come together at any given time to influence human behavior, we realize how badly the social sciences and the unceasing progression of social theories have floundered.

Moreover, as the consequences of mistakes made in these fields are imperceptible over the short run, and as they are nearly impossible to rectify once they have begun to take effect, we may come to have an even greater appreciation for the distinguishing factor in Islamic knowledge. Islamic knowledge agrees with rationalist, materialist knowledge in relation to the fitrah and natural laws of the universe. Rather than stop at the point of gathering that knowledge, however, Islamic knowledge passes on to cultivate and refine it, and to prevent its shortcomings from having any sort of negative effects on society.

Thus, the Muslim has access to any number of approaches and convictions revealed through divine wahy and dealing with the basic issues of social behavior. It is for this reason that even if a Muslim develops incorrect notions on the subject, wahy is there to correct them. So, at one and the same time, Islamic knowledge puts both empirical and inductive knowledge together with the sources of wahy so that Muslims may deal and transact as they please, so long as their dealings and transactions leave no ill effects on society. Muslims may thus earn their livings and order their family affairs in accordance with their particular circumstances. So the teachings of Islam should not be understood as shackles and chains, but as beacons and landmarks along the way of life.
Allah commands justice, the doing of good, and liberality to kin, and He forbids all shameful deeds, injustice, and rebellion (16:90).

These two points, Islam's society of unity and its cultivation of knowledge shall, if the Muslims understand them well, be very important in the world of tomorrow. Human society will no longer be able, in the future, to pay tomorrow for the mistakes it made today. In the decisive battles of history the numbers of dead rarely exceeded a few hundred persons, and nearby nations remained relatively unaffected when their neighbors fell to fighting. Nowadays, however, the whole world is in danger of becoming a battlefield.

When humankind realizes its capacity to destroy itself and the planet on which it lives, then it will realize its need for decisive regulations as prescribed by wahy in the teachings of the Qur'an and the Sunnah. Only by understanding this will humankind save itself from falling into the depths of destruction. Nor will its way out be anything other than unity and the search for common interests.

In order to achieve their goals, Muslims need to understand the mission with which they have been entrusted.
Thus have We made you a middlemost nation to be a witness unto humankind (2:143).
--------------------------------------------
Please check the link for the rest of the book.:)
-------------------
http://home.swipnet.se/islam/article...pt-freedom.htm
A link for your reading... :)

firmbeliever,

With all respect, you are in your head and not seeing the reality of the world.
Frankly, I can hardly blame you. I'm sick of all the ignorance, cruelty, greed, murder, war, psychotic violence we are faced with. A fantasy world is a comfortable place some of the time.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Choux

firmbeliever,

With all respect, you are in your head and not seeing the reality of the world.
Frankly, I can hardly blame you. I'm sick of all the ignorance, cruelty, greed, murder, war, psychotic violence we are faced with. A fantasy world is a comfortable place some of the time.

---

Dear choux,
With all my respect,
I believe what I believe to be the truth,and I do not mind you believing otherwise.:)

It may seem to you like a fantasy world that I live in,but I know that it is not.

To you be your beliefs and to me be mine.:)

Choux
You do not see the wars or the terrorist attacks coming from most of Islam. The most populist Islamic countries are in Asia not the Middle east.

You will also find that these countries are also into science and education rather than keeping folks not knowing anything.

Stay in peace

I see Muslims as deceived and following a false religion. My reasons for this are; there is no reason to believe the Jewish and Christian Scriptures have been corrupted as Muslims believe. Jesus confirmed the Jewish Scriptures saying they spoke of him, how then can Muslims believe Jesus yet deny the Scriptures he believed in and confirmed? Are they in two minds? The Muslims say Jesus will come again Just as the Christians do, but will Mohammed come again? Not likely! Mohammed was a leader who did not practice what he preached, how can you follow such person? Who was even confused as to where the "revelations" came from. The Quoran contradicts itsself and therefore cannot be reliable as a spiritual quide. There is absolutely no point in following a regime of salvation by works as the Muslims follow, without the attoning sacrifice of Jesus all you have is, as he describled, a righteousness of filthy rags. If Christianity required reform, then it needed to be reformed, but the Muslims threw away the meat and bones and kept the skin and decended into a system of works just like the Jews. There is no freedom in this.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by paraclete

I see Muslims as deceived and following a false religion. My reasons for this are; there is no reason to believe the Jewish and Christian Scriptures have been corrupted as Muslims believe. Jesus confirmed the Jewish Scriptures saying they spoke of him, how then can Muslims believe Jesus yet deny the Scriptures he believed in and confirmed? Are they in two minds? The Muslims say Jesus will come again Just asthe Christians do, but will Mohammed come again? Not likely! Mohammed was a leader who did not practice what he preached, how can you follow such person? who was even confused as to where the "revelations" came from. The Quoran contradicts itsself and therefore cannot be reliable as a spiritual quide. There is absolutely no point in following a regime of salvation by works as the Muslims follow, without the attoning sacrifice of Jesus all you have is, as he describled, a righteousness of filthy rags. If Christianity required reform, then it needed to be reformed, but the Muslims threw away the meat and bones and kept the skin and decended into a system of works just like the Jews. There is no freedom in this.

---

Ok maybe I missed something where do the followers of Islam deny the what Jesus (pbuh) teach? Some of them do but not all where the difference is Islam does not believe that Jesus is God. I have never found in my reading of the Bible where Jesus said he was God maybe you can help me out here.

Stay in peace

Firmbeliever, you may not receive a lot of answers immediately. Wrong as it may be, after 9/11 many Americans (non-Muslim or Islamic) may have generalized a lot of things in their minds and possibly feel resentment.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by carbonite

Choux
You do not see the wars or the terrorist attacks coming from most of Islam. The most populist Islamic countries are in Asia not the Middle east.

You will also find that these countries are also into science and education rather than keeping folks not knowing anything.

Stay in peace

---

Check this out:
Reporters without borders: The internet's "Black holes" | Ads of the World
Looks like when you have an islamic theocracy the internet gets shut down.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Stringer

Firmbeliever, you may not receive a lot of answers immediately. Wrong as it may be, after 9/11 many Americans (non-Muslim or Islamic) may have generalized a lot of things in their minds and possibly feel resentment.

---

Stringer,
That is the very reason I put up this thread,because there are many more muslims around the world who do not wish innocents to die especially when these acts are committed in the name of Islam.
And I wished to clarify as much as I can what Islam is really about and that what the media talks about is only a fraction of muslims (and some do not even follow the correct Islamic principles in the first place).

NK,
About the internet filter thing, we too used to have certain sites blocked, but not because of unislamic content but because of the political opposition.

If you look at Thailand, I have read about a site being banned becaues their king was portrayed in some manner that they did not think was appropriate..?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Stringer

Firmbeliever, you may not receive a lot of answers immediately. Wrong as it may be, after 9/11 many Americans (non-Muslim or Islamic) may have generalized a lot of things in their minds and possibly feel resentment.

---

Stringer,
That is the very reason I put up this thread,because there are many more muslims around the world who do not wish innocents to die especially when these acts are committed in the name of Islam.
And I wished to clarify as much as I can what Islam is really about and that what the media talks about is only a fraction of muslims (and some do not even follow the correct Islamic principles in the first place).

NK,
About the internet filter thing, we too used to have certain sites blocked, but not because of unislamic content but because of the political opposition.

If you look at some non Islamic countries, I have read about a site being banned because their king was portrayed in some manner that they did not think was appropriate..?

My Nephew is now krishna. Is this somewhat like Islam?
Do you believe that we reincarnate and even into animals?
Do you believe that it is a sin to eat any meat?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Treeny

My Nephew is now krishna. Is this somewhat like Islam?
Do you believe that we reincarnate and even into animals?
Do you believe that it is a sin to eat any meat?

---

I think we are not similar at all.
Krishna(is actually one of the Gods of Hinduism) and Hindu's believe in many Gods and Goddesses and reincarnation of the Gods among humans.

Muslims believe in only One Almighty,omnipotent God and no incarnations of God whatsoever.We also do not believe in the Almighty having sons or daughters.

About life after death,
We believe that our souls do not die, but all will be resurrected on the Day of Judgement and each will be given his/her due according to their deeds in this world.
We do not believe that our souls or the dead come back into this world we live in,but exist in another place until we are resurrected for judgement.
We do not believe in humans being reborn into this world as animals or otherwise.

We eat meat except for pork(which is prohibited for muslims)
And we also do not eat animals killed in the name of other Gods and Goddesses except Allah.

Hope that was helpful:)

Hey:)
Honestly I'm living now in an environment that includes muslments and christians. I'm in a country called Lebanon presisly.( some people say it's a arabic country but I duno know about that really) anyway, I deal with muslims all the time. They have different ideas, traditions, way of life... but here muslims and christians are acctually living together and if it weren't for the politics no boday would have ever askd about the other person's religionand we would have all lived in peace!

In this country we believe that everyone has the right to believe everything they would ever want! It's normal to search about religions but it's different when your dealing with them.
A lot of christians wouldn't feel comftorble talking or wtv with a muslim cz they dn't really know what to tell them or just the way to express what they want. But believe me muslims face the same problems: they also duno what to tell u! They wouldn't want to hurt you or pick a fight with you since they duno u!

About the muslims religion, well it's much different from the Christian but they both believe in God and practice but the thing is that they are more attached to they'r religion than the christians ( don't take it wrong o.k?) I really duno why they are that attched, actually I'm still trying to know y!:p

If you think that the muslim religion is good well I don't desagree but you should read more about it before really saying that cz I don't think you know all about it. Neither do I but whatevr... :) I hope I helped you in some way to imagine living in a world with 2 different religions struggling for power:)

Leila

Since krishna was mentioned I was in a store the other day and there was a young man. He was looking through books beside of me. He kept chanting something. I was not sure what, but krishna was one of the words that he kept saying over and over. Is this something that these members do. Lol I did not know if I should be frightened and move or just continue to try and look trhough the books. Also he was a little loud about it an said the chant very fast.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by weasmox

hey:)
honestly i m living now in an enviroment that includes muslments and christians. I m in a country called Lebanon presisly.( some ppl say it's a arabic country but i duno know abt that really) anyways, i deal with muslims all the time. They have diffrent ideas, traditions, way of life... but here muslims and christians are acctually living together and if it werent for the politics no boday would have ever askd about the other person's religionand we would have all lived in peace!!

in this country we believe that everyone has the right to believe everything they would ever want! it's normal to search about religions but it's diffrent when ur dealing with them.
Alot of christians wouldn't feel comftorble talkin or wtv with a muslim cz they dn't really know what to tell them or just the way to express what they want. But believe me muslims face the same problems: they also duno what to tell u! they wouldn't want to hurt u or pick a fight with u since they duno u!

about the muslims religion, well it's much diffrent from the Christian but they both believe in God and practice but the thing is that they are more attached to they'r religion than the christians ( don't take it wrong o.k?) i really duno y they r that attched, actually i m still tryin to know y!:p

if u think that the muslim religion is good well i dnt desagree but u should read more about it b4 really saying that cz i don't think u know all about it. neither do i but whatevr...:) i hope i helped u in some way to imagine living in a world with 2 diffrent religions struggling for power:)

Leila

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Salaam Leila,

Thank you for sharing your experience.

I am a muslim, so I know the muslim side,but its nice to hear from a Lebanese especially since many hear only what is said on the media about Lebanon.

Keep sharing...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bushg

Since krishna was mentioned I was in a store the other day and there was a young man. He was looking through books beside of me. He kept chanting something. I was not sure what, but krishna was one of the words that he kept saying over and over. Is this something that these members do. lol I did not know if I should be frightened and move or just continue to try and look trhough the books. Also he was a little loud about it an said the chant very fast.

---

I think he might be saying "Haarey Ram, Haarey Krishna"(that is not the right spelling but it makes it easier to pronounce.
I think that is like saying "Hail" God as Ram and Krishna are both Gods of Hinduism and he must be sort of meditating on the names.

Oh, I thought it was harry, I feel so silly I thought it was a cult, like that jones man and he was worshipping a real live human person. I was feeling really sorry for this young man.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bushg

oh, I thought it was harry, I feel so silly I thought it was a cult, like that jones man and he was worshipping a real live human person. I was feeling really sorry for this young man.

---

I think that Ram and Krishna are believed to have been in this world as human incarnations by Hindu followers.
So you are not far off in thinking they worship a human.

Quote:

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carbonite agrees: True, but this also happens in some areas when Christians run things

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I can't think of one to be honest. But christians or muslims shouldn't be 'running things'. The governing of a nation should not involve religion. That way I can vote for the political party/candidate of my choice I like and my neighbour and I are free to practice different religions.

Religion is for man. And possibly the downfall of man. I have no prejudice to any person in a religion. But a relationship with God, or Allah is the reason we are here. Not to bicker about details of one belief to another
Free will to create or destroy.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by speakez66

religion is for man. and possibly the downfall of man. i have no prejudice to any person in a religion. but a relationship with God, or Allah is the reason we are here. not to bicker about details of one belief to another
free will to create or destroy.

---

Thank you for sharing your thoughts...

I aske the question,because there is a lot of misunderstanding around Islam and I wish to know how people viewed Islam and if possible explain as much as I could in order for others to understand.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Marily

Just out of curiosity, who is alaihi salaam ? According to islam who is Jesus and who is God ? :)

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Sorry Marily and Joe,
I just saw this question and realised I had not answered this before.

"alaihi salam means: may peace be upon him."
And we say this each time a Prophets name is mentioned,but we use sallallahu alaihi wasallam, which means "May the blessing and peace of Allah be upon him." When the name of Prophet Muhammad is mentioned, Muslims show respect to him by reciting this statement of peace.

-----------------------------
The Sunnah Islamic Page
A. Regarding The Sonship Of Jesus:
“Such (was) Jesus the son of Mary: (it is) a statement of truth about which they (vainly) dispute. It is not befitting to (the majesty of) Allah that He should beget a son. Glory be to Him! When He determines a matter He only says to it "Be" and it is.”
Chapter 19, Verses 34-35

“They say: "(Allah) Most Gracious has begotten a son!" Indeed ye have put forth a thing most monstrous! At if the skies are ready to burst the earth to split asunder and the mountains to fall down in utter ruin. That they should invoke a son for (Allah) Most Gracious. For it is not consonant with the majesty of (Allah) Most Gracious that He should beget a son. Not one of the beings in the heavens and the earth but must come to (Allah) Most Gracious as a servant.”
Chapter 19, Verses 88-93

“This similitude of Jesus before Allah is as that of Adam: He created him from dust then said to him: "Be" and he was.”
Chapter 3, Verse 59

“O people of the Book! Commit no excesses in your religion: nor say of Allah aught but truth. Christ Jesus the son of Mary was (no more than) an Apostle of Allah and His Word which He bestowed on Mary and a Spirit proceeding from Him: so believe in Allah and His Apostles. Say not "Trinity": desist: it will be better for you: for Allah is One Allah: glory be to him: (for Exalted is He) above having a son. To Him belong all things in the heavens and on earth. And enough is Allah as a Disposer of affairs.”
Chapter 4, Verse 171

B. Regarding Jesus Being God:
“And behold! Allah will say "O Jesus the son of Mary! didst thou say unto men `worship me and my mother as gods in derogation of Allah"? He will say: "Glory to Thee! never could I say what I had no right (to say). Had I said such a thing Thou wouldst indeed have known it. Thou knowest what is in my heart though I know not what is in Thine. For Thou knowest in full all that is hidden. "Never said I to them aught except what Thou didst command me to say to wit `Worship Allah my Lord and your Lord'; and I was a witness over them whilst I dwelt amongst them; when Thou didst take me up thou wast the Watcher over them and Thou art a Witness to all things.” Chapter 5, Verses 116-117

C. Regarding Crucifixion Of Jesus
“That they rejected faith: that they uttered against Mary a grave false charge. That they said (in boast) "We killed Christ Jesus the son of Mary the Apostle of Allah"; but they killed him not nor crucified him but so it was made to appear to them and those who differ therein are full of doubts with no (certain) knowledge but only conjecture to follow for of a surety they killed him not. Nay Allah raised him up unto Himself; and Allah is Exalted in Power Wise. And there is none of the People of the Book but must believe in him before his death; and on the Day of Judgment He will be a witness against them.”
Chapter 4, Verses 156-159

All Quranic quotations have been taken from the Abdullah Yusuf Ali translation of “The Meaning of the Holy Qur'an”, published by Amana Corporation, Brentwood, Maryland, USA, 1993

All Biblical quotations have been taken from The Holy Bible (Authorised King James Version), Riverside Book & Bible House, Iowa Falls, IA50126, published by World Bible Publishers, Inc.
-----------------------------

An article you might like to read.
Jesus and The Virgin Mary in Islam By Juan Galvan
Many people may be surprised that Muslims love Mary, the mother of Jesus. In the Quran, no woman is given more attention than Mary. Mary receives the most attention of any woman mentioned in the Quran even though all the Prophets with the exception of Adam had mothers. Of the Quran's 114 chapters, she is among the eight people who have a chapter named after them. The nineteenth chapter of the Quran is named after her, Mariam. Mariam means Mary in Arabic. The third chapter in the Quran is named after her father, Imran. Chapters Mariam and Imran are among the most beautiful chapters in the Quran. Mary (peace be upon her) is the only woman specifically named in the Quran. An authentic Haddith states that the Prophet said, "The superiority of 'Aisha to other ladies is like the superiority of Tharid (i.e. meat and bread dish) to other meals. Many men reached the level of perfection, but no woman reached such a level except Mary, the daughter of Imran and Asia, the wife of Pharaoh." (Bukhari 4.643). Indeed, both Mary and Pharoah's wife are an example (Quran 66:11-12). The Virgin Mary plays a very significant role in Islam. She is an example and a sign for all people.
In the Quran, Mary's story begins while she is still in her mother's womb. The mother of Mary, said: "O my Lord! I do dedicate into Thee what is in my womb for Thy special service: So accept this of me: For Thou hearest and knowest all things." (Quran 3:35).

She wanted the baby in her womb to serve only the Creator. When Mary was delivered, she said: "O my Lord! Behold! I am delivered of a female child!" (Quran 3:36). She had expected her baby to be a male child who would grow up to be a scholar or religious leader. However, God had a better plan. God is the best of planners. Quran 3:36 continues "…and God knew best what she brought forth- 'And no wise is the male like the female. I have named her Mariam, and I commend her and her offspring to Thy protection from Satan, the Rejected.'" Mariam literally means "maidservant of God."

In Quran 3:37, God states that He accepted Mary as her mother had asked. He made Mary grow in purity and beauty. She was assigned to the care of a priest named Zacharias. This is interesting considering few women were given this opportunity.

"Every time that he entered (her) chamber to see her, he found her supplied with sustenance. He said: 'O Mary! Whence (comes) this to you?' She said: 'From God. for God provides sustenance to whom He pleases without measure.'" (Quran 3:37). Upon hearing Mary's answer, "There did Zakariya pray to his Lord, saying: 'O my Lord! Grant unto me from Thee a progeny that is pure: for Thou art He that heareth prayer!'" (Quran 3:38).

For rest of the article Jesus and The Virgin Mary in Islam - By Juan Galvan

I guess I would like to know why people of a more loving nature in the islamic faith would continue to support fanatic behavior of your fellow muslims. By supporting I mean not educating the rest of the world that this is just a few bad apples. And this is not the core belief in your religion.
The core belief I am referring to is the fanatical belief that if you are not muslim you are an enemy and must die.
I agree with many muslims and christians that we have too many gods (money, TV, self etc.)
And there is only one god and none before him.
We can all have different opinions and still co exist. I don't want to get political with wars and economy, but christians, jews and muslims have been fighting for millenniums.
How can so called religions fight. Seems to be an oxymoron.

I think if christians had a fanatical view to the point that others are in harms way I would want to separate myself with that group, or try to discredit them as not being part of the christian faith, and then back that up with the word and works of the faith that is a positive

Free will to create or destroy. God creates which side are you (we) on?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by speakez66

i guess i would like to know why people of a more loving nature in the islamic faith would continue to support fanatic behavior of your fellow muslims. by supporting i mean not educating the rest of the world that this is just a few bad apples. and this is not the core belief in your religion.
the core belief i am refering to is the fanatical belief that if you are not muslim you are an enemy and must die.
i agree with many muslims and christians that we have too many gods (money, tv, self etc.)
and there is only one god and none before him.
we can all have different opinions and still co exist. i dont want to get political with wars and economy, but christians, jews and muslims have been fighting for millenniums.
how can so called religions fight. seems to be an oxymoron.

i think if christians had a fanatical view to the point that others are in harms way i would want to separate myself with that group, or try to discredit them as not being part of the christian faith, and then back that up with the word and works of the faith that is a positive free will to create or destroy. god creates which side are you (we) on?

---

About muslims not saying anything, scholars of Islam and ordinary people has said things against terrorism,but it just does not get covered in the International media.
Please do look into the following link.
http://www.muhajabah.com/otherscondemn.php

I am on the side, that each will get his due justice on the Day of Resurrection,those who oppressed and killed will have their due and those who stood for justice will see their due.

That being said, if one was a true muslim,he/she would be fair and just in all their dealings, Allah is the best judge of what is in everyone's hearts.

I would never dissociate myself from Islam,just because someone somewhere does something bad and says he is practising Islam.
It maybe a distorted view he has,but I know that Islam is the truth and whatever anyone else interprets Islam to be does not matter much as I am a firmbeliever.

Because of liberal media sources being the only opinion in the usa I suppose Islam is not getting a fair deal. These fanatics are seemingly the spokesmen of your religion. Their voice is louder that that of more conservative voices. This is not good for you and others who don't share those views. People in america feel threatened by islam because those spokesman are against freedom of choice. Even if it is the wrong choice.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by speakez66

because of liberal media sources being the only opinion in the usa i suppose Islam is not getting a fair deal. these fanatics are seemingly the spokesmen of your religion. their voice is louder that that of more conservative voices. this is not good for you and others who dont share those views. people in america feel threatened by islam because those spokesman are against freedom of choice. even if it is the wrong choice.

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It is our inner struggle to have and keep faith even when all is against us,it is our inner jihad to triumph in our belief when the whole world seems to be fighting us by word and deed.

I have faith in Allah, that even if there are people who see Islam in the wrong light, there are many who see the truth too.
There have been many from America who have learnt what real Islam is and accepted Islam since these terrorism acts got media attention.

From what I know, I believe such mistrust and fighting and killing around the world are all signs and these signs lead to the end of the world time being near and Jesus(alaihi salaam) descending to establish truth.

I am not saying that this will happen in my lifetime,but the signs are there (not all,but most of it).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by speakez66

because of liberal media sources being the only opinion in the usa i suppose Islam is not getting a fair deal.

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I think you may have it backwards there a bit. It's the conservative media that portrays islam as terrorists. Watch Fox News for a while.

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Originally Posted by NeedKarma

I think you may have it backwards there a bit. It's the conservative media that portrays islam as terrorists. Watch Fox News for a while.

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Fox is the only conservative media scource in america
Liberal:
Washington post
Nytimes
Cnn
Msnbc
Abc
Nbc
Cbs
etc...
I could go on and on that is what is backwards.
Then lets look at movies who makes the movies. California is all liberal.
How is it freedom of choice if you only have one type of media coverage?

What conservative media sources do you recommend that give the correct view of islam?

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Originally Posted by NeedKarma

What conservative media sources do you recommend that give the correct view of islam?

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Because of liberal media sources being the only opinion in the USA I suppose Islam is not getting a fair deal. These fanatics are seemingly the spokesmen of your religion. Their voice is louder that that of more conservative voices. This is not good for you and others who don't share those views. People in America feel threatened by Islam because those spokesman are against freedom of choice. Even if it is the wrong choice.

I will correct my statement to say because of the media sources being the only information the majority of the public in America are exposed to, islam is not getting a fair shake.

I do not want to get on bipartisan argument on politics and media, I think we both agree they are biased to the individual opinions of the money behind the source. My argument is that if islam wants to be understood, muslims are the ones responsible for spreading the good news of islam.

There are many people out there who want to dissect every word you say taking things out of context.

If the muslim population is misunderstood, it is not any one person's fault
I would say to the muslim population domestically as well as globally the accountability lies with you to teach the world yourr message. So far the fanatics are teaching the loudest.

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Originally Posted by NeedKarma

What conservative media sources do you recommend that give the correct view of islam?

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By and large all media in the western world has a viewpoint that all of Islam is the same.
This would be like saying all Christians are the same.

There are 2 major sects in Islam and about 6 or more divisions in each, think about how many sects Christianity has.

Stay in peace

As we speak my son has his little islamic friend over for a play date lol. I see islam as interpretation of God, no better nor worse then Catholic or Jewish. I myself am not deeply religious... I see God as a puzzle in a box, you get to open it when you die... you will never know what is in it before then... and fighting about what is in the box or killing because of what may or may not be in the box is horrifying. Maybe in the end only the people with green hair that eat ham and eggs on the second Tuesday of every month will go to heaven... who knows. I judge people on how THEY behave not on how others of the same color or religious beliefs behave. There are extreme groups in all religions...
And just a note on the Saudi driving. I talked to my sons friends mother (who had moved from Saudi although originally from Pakistan) and what she said is "In Saudi women do not HAVE to drive"... she is getting her licence here (canada)... but from her point of view this was a good thing... not a stifling thing... life is perspective.

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Originally Posted by canadianzuzzie

As we speak my son has his little islamic friend over for a play date lol. I see islam as interpretation of God, no better nor worse then Catholic or Jewish. I myself am not deeply religious...I see God as a puzzle in a box, you get to open it when you die....you will never know what is in it before then...and fighting about what is in the box or killing because of what may or may not be in the box is horrifying. Maybe in the end only the people with green hair that eat ham and eggs on the second tuesday of every month will go to heaven...who knows. I judge people on how THEY behave not on how others of the same color or religious beliefs behave. There are extreme groups in all religions....
And just a note on the Saudi driving. I talked to my sons friends mother (who had moved from Saudi although originally from Pakistan) and what she said is "In Saudi women do not HAVE to drive"....she is getting her licence here (canada)...but from her point of view this was a good thing...not a stifling thing...life is perspective.

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Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Nice to hear you are not biased one way or another regarding Islam/muslims.

About Saudi women,
Thank you for giving your friends perspective,being a muslim in Saudi.
It does have a lot to do with perspectives.

About God and death, that I am sure we have different views on... :)

An interesting article I wanted to share...
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Life After Death

By World Assembly of Muslim Youth1
How Do Muslims View Death?

Muslims believe that the present life is a trial in preparation for the next realm of existence. When a Muslim dies, he or she is washed and wrapped in a clean, white cloth (usually by a family member) and buried after a special prayer, preferably the same day. Muslims consider this a final service that they can do for their relatives and an opportunity to remember that their own existence here on earth is brief.

The question of whether there is life after death does not fall under the jurisdiction of science, as science is concerned only with classification and analysis of sense data. Moreover, man has been busy with scientific inquiries and research, in the modern sense of the term, only for the last few centuries, while he has been familiar with the concept of life after death since time immemorial.
All the Prophets of God called their people to worship God and to believe in life after death. They laid so much emphasis on the belief in life after death that even a slight doubt in it meant denying God and made all other beliefs meaningless.

The very fact that all the Prophets of God have dealt with this metaphysical question of life after death so confidently and so uniformly - the gap between their ages in some cases, being thousands of years - goes to prove that the source of their knowledge of life after death as proclaimed by them all, was the same, i.e. Divine revelation.

We also know that these Prophets of God were greatly opposed by their people, mainly on the issue of life after death, as their people thought it impossible. But in spite of opposition, the Prophets won many sincere followers.

The question arises: what made those followers forsake the established beliefs, traditions and customs of their forefathers, notwithstanding the risk of being totally alienated from their own community? The simple answer is: they made use of their faculties of mind and heart and realized the truth.

Did they realize the truth through perceptual consciousness? They couldn't, as perceptual experience of life after death is impossible. God has given man besides perceptual consciousness, rational, aesthetic and moral consciousness too. It is this consciousness that guides man regarding realities that cannot be verified through sensory data. That is why all the Prophets of God while calling people to believe in God and life after death, appeal to the aesthetic, moral and rational consciousness of man.

For example, when the idolaters of Makkah denied even the possibility of life after death, the Quran exposed the weakness of their stand by advancing very logical and rational arguments in support of it:

And he (i.e. man) presents for Us an example (i.e. attempting to establish the finality of death) and forgets his [own] creation. He says, “Who will give life to bones while they are disintegrated?” Say, “He will give them life who produced them the first time; and He is, of all creation, Knowing.” [It is] He who made for you from the green tree, fire, and then from it you ignite. Is not He who created the heavens and the earth Able to create the likes of them? Yes, [it is so]; and He is the Knowing Creator. (Quran, 36:78-81)

On another occasion, the Quran very clearly says that the disbelievers have no sound basis for their denial of life after death. It is based on pure conjecture:

And they say, “There is not but our worldly life; we die and live (i.e. some people die and others live, replacing them) and nothing destroys us except time.” And they have of that no knowledge; they are only assuming. And when Our verses are recited to them as clear evidences, their argument is only that they say, “Bring [back] our forefathers, if you should be truthful.” Say, “God causes you to live, then causes you to die; then He will assemble you for the Day of Resurrection, about which there is no doubt,” but most of the people do not know. (Quran, 45:24-26)

Surely God will raise all the dead. But God has His own plan of things. A day will come when the whole universe will be destroyed and then the dead will be resurrected to stand before God. That day will be the beginning of a life that will never end, and on that day every person will be rewarded by God according to his or her good or evil deeds.

The explanation that the Quran gives about the necessity of life after death is what the moral consciousness of man demands. Actually, if there is no life after death, the very belief in God becomes meaningless or even if one believes in God, it would be n unjust and indifferent God, having once created man and now not being concerned with his fate.

continued in next post

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continued from above post
Surely, God is just. He will punish the tyrants, whose crimes are beyond count - having tortured and killed hundreds or thousands of innocent people, created great corruption in society, enslaved numerous persons to serve their whims, etc. because man has a very short life span in this world and because numerous individuals are affected by one's actions, adequate punishments and rewards are not possible in this life. The Quran very emphatically states that the Day of Judgment must come and that God will decide the fate of each soul according to his or her record of deeds:

But those who disbelieve say, “The Hour (i.e. the Day of Judgment) will not come to us.” Say, “Yes, by my Lord, it will surely come to you. [God is] the Knower of the unseen.” Not absent from Him is an atom's weight within the heavens or within the earth or [what is] smaller than that or greater, except that it is in a clear register - That He may reward those who believe and do righteous deeds. Those will have forgiveness and noble provision. But those who strive against Our verses [seeking] to cause failure (i.e. to undermine their credibility) - for them will be a painful punishment of foul nature. (Quran, 34:3-5)

The Day of Resurrection will be the Day when God's attributes of Justice and Mercy will be in full manifestation. God will shower His mercy on those who suffered for His sake in the worldly life, believing that an eternal bliss was awaiting them. But those who abused the bounties of God, caring nothing for the life to come, will be in the most miserable state. Drawing a comparison between them, the Quran says:

Then is he whom We have promised a good promise which he will meet [i.e. obtain] like he for whom We provided enjoyment of worldly life [but] then he is, on the Day of Resurrection, among those presented [for punishment in Hell]? (Quran, 28:61)

The Quran also states that this worldly life is a preparation for the eternal life after death. But those who deny it become slaves of their passions and desires, making fun of virtuous and God-conscious persons.

Such persons realize their folly only at the time of their death and wish to be given a further chance in the world but in vain. Their miserable state at the time of death, and the horror of the Day of Judgment, and the eternal bliss guaranteed to the sincere believers are very clearly and beautifully mentioned in the following verses of the Quran:

[For such is the state of the disbelievers], until, when death comes to one of them, he says, “My Lord, send me back that I might do righteousness in that which I left behind (i.e. in that which I neglected).” No! It is only a word he is saying; and behind them is a barrier until the Day they are resurrected. So when the Horn is blown, no relationship will there be among them that Day, nor will they ask about one another. And those whose scales are heavy [with good deeds] - it is they who are the successful. But those whose scales are light - those are the ones who have lost their souls, [being] in Hell, abiding eternally. The Fire will sear their faces, and they therein will have taut smiles (i.e. their lips having been contracted by scorching until the teeth are exposed). (Quran, 23:99-104)

The belief in life after death not only guarantees success in the Hereafter but also makes this world full of peace and happiness by making individuals most responsible and dutiful in their activities.

Think of the people of Arabia before the arrival of the Prophet Muhammad . Gambling, wine, tribal feuds, plundering and murdering were their main traits when they had no belief in life after death. But as soon as they accepted the belief in the One God and life after death they became the most disciplined nation of the world. They gave up their vices, helped each other in hours of need, and settled all their disputes on the basis of justice and equality. Similarly the denial of life after death has its consequences not only in the Hereafter but also in this world. When a nation as a whole denies it, all kinds of evils and corruption become rampant in that society and ultimately it is destroyed.

The Quran mentions the terrible end of Aad, Thamud and the Pharaoh in some detail:

[The tribes of] Thamud and Aad denied the Striking Calamity [i.e. the Resurrection]. So as for Thamud, they were destroyed by the overpowering [blast]. And as for Aad, they were destroyed by a screaming, violent wind which He [i.e. God] imposed upon them for seven nights and eight days in succession, so you would see the people therein fallen as if they were hollow trunks of palm trees. Then do you see of them any remains? And there came Pharaoh and those before him and the overturned cities (i.e. those to which Lot was sent) with sin. And they disobeyed the messenger of their Lord, so He seized them with a seizure exceeding [in severity]. Indeed, when the water overflowed, We carried you [i.e. your ancestors] in the sailing ship (i.e. which was constructed by Noah). That We might make it for you a reminder and [that] a conscious ear would be conscious of it. (Quran, 69:4-12)

Events of the Day of Judgment

God states in the Quran about the events of the Day of Judgment:

"Then when the Horn is blown with one blast, and the earth and the mountains are lifted and leveled with one blow [i.e. stroke] - Then on that Day, the Occurrence [i.e. Resurrection] will occur, And the heaven will split [open], for that Day it is infirm (i.e. weak, enfeebled and unstable). And the angels are at its edges. And there will bear the Throne of your Lord above them, that Day, eight [of them]. That Day, you will be exhibited [for judgment]; not hidden among you is anything concealed (i.e. any person or any secret you might attempt to conceal). So as for he who is given his record in his right hand, he will say, “Here, read my record! Indeed, I was certain that I would be meeting my account.” So he will be in a pleasant life - In an elevated Garden, Its [fruit] to be picked hanging near. [They will be told], “Eat and drink in satisfaction for what you put forth (i.e. literally, advanced in anticipation of reward in the Hereafter) in the days past.” But as for he who is given his record in his left hand, he will say, “Oh, I wish I had not been given my record, and had not known what is my account. I wish it [i.e. my death] had been the decisive one (i.e. ending life rather than being the gateway to eternal life). My wealth has not availed me. Gone from me is my authority.” [God will say], “Seize him and shackle him. Then into Hellfire drive him. Then into a chain whose length is seventy cubits insert him.” Indeed, he did not used to believe in God, the Most Great. (Quran, 69:13-33)

The Prophet Muhammad taught that three things continue to benefit a [believing] person even after death - charity which he had given (which continues to benefit others), beneficial knowledge which he had left behind (i.e. authored or taught), and supplication on his behalf by a righteous child (Narrated by Saheeh Muslim).

Thus, there are very convincing reasons to believe in life after death:

1) All the Prophets of God have called their people to believe in it.

2) Whenever a human society is built on the basis of this belief, it has been the most ideal and peaceful society, free of social and moral evils.

3) History bears witness that whenever this belief is rejected collectively by a group of people in spite of the repeated warning of the Prophet, the group as a whole has been punished by God even in this world.

4) Moral, aesthetic and rational faculties of man endorse the possibility of the life after death.

5) God's attributes of Justice and Mercy have no meaning if there is no life after death.
http://www.islam-guide.com/life-after-death-by-wamy.htm
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This is in answer to an opinion stated in the Christian thread...
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Islamic Voice - Jamadi Ul Akhir 1422
Question: Is it not true that Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) has copied the Qur'an from the Bible?

Many critics allege that Prophet Muhummad (pbuh) himself was not the author of the Qur'an but he learnt it and/or plagiarised (copied or adapted) it from other human sources or from previous scriptures or revelations. Here are a few theories and their rebuttal:
1. He learnt the Qur'an from a Roman blacksmith :
Some Pagans accused the Prophet of learning the Qur'an from a Roman Blacksmith, who was a Christian staying at the outskirts of Makkah. The Prophet very often used to go and watch him do his work. A revelation of the Qur'an was sufficient to dismiss this charge - the Qur'an says in Surah An-Nahl chapter 16 verse 103:
“We know indeed that they say, 'It is a man that teaches him,' The tongue of him they wickedly point to is notably foreign, while this is Arabic, pure and clear.” [Al-Qur'an 16:103]

How could a person whose mother tongue was foreign and could speak little but of poor broken Arabic be the source of the Qur'an which is pure, eloquent, fine Arabic? To believe that the blacksmith taught the Prophet the Qur'an is somewhat similar to believing that a Chinese immigrant to England, who did not know proper English, taught Shakespeare.

2. He learnt from Waraqa, the relative of Khadijah(t)
Muhummad's (pbuh) contacts with the Jewish and Christian scholars were very limited. The most prominent Christian known to him was an old blind man called Waraqa ibn-Naufal who was a relative of the Prophet's first wife Khadijah (t). Although of Arab descent, he was a convert to Christianity and was very well versed with the New Testament. The Prophet only met him twice, first when Waraqa was worshipping at the Kaaba (before the Prophetic Mission) and he kissed the Prophet's forehead affectionately; the second occasion was when the Prophet went to meet Waraqa after receiving the first revelation. Waraqa died three years later and the revelation continued for about 23 years. It is ridiculous to assume that Waraqa was the source of the contents of the Qur'an.

3. Prophet's religious discussions with Jews and Christians
It is true that the Prophet did have religious discussions with the Jews and Christians but they took place in Madinah more than 13 years after the revelation of the Qur'an had started. The allegation that these Jews and Christians were the source is perverse, since in these discussions Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) was performing the roles of a teacher and of a preacher while inviting them to embrace Islam and pointing out that they had deviated from their true teachings of Monotheism. Several of these Jews and Christians later embraced Islam.

4. He learnt the Quran from those Jews and Christians that he met outside Arabia.
All historical records available show that Muhummad (Pbuh) had made only three trips outside Makkah before his Prophethood
(i) At the age of six he accompanied his mother to Madinah.
(ii) Between the age of 9 and 12, he accompanied his uncle Abu-Talib on a business trip to Syria.
(iii) At the age of 25 he led Khadija's Caravan to Syria.

It is highly imaginary to assume that the Qur'an resulted from the occasional chats and meetings with the Christians or Jews from any of the above three trips.

5. Logical ground to prove that the Prophet did not learn Quran from Jews or Christians
(I) The day-to-day life of the Prophet was an open book for all to see. In fact a revelation came asking people to give the Prophet (Pbuh) privacy in his own home. If the Prophet had been meeting people who told him what to say as a revelation from God, this would not have been hidden for very long.
(ii) The extremely prominent Quraish nobles who followed the Prophet and accepted Islam were wise and intelligent men who would have easily noticed anything suspicious about the way in which the Prophet brought the revelations to them - more so since the Prophetic mission lasted 23 years.
(iii) The enemies of the Prophet kept a close watch on him in order to find proof for their claim that he was a liar - they could not point out even a single instance when the Prophet may have had a secret rendezvous with particular Jews and Christians.
(iv) It is inconceivable that any human author of the Qur'an would have accepted a situation in which he received no credit whatsoever for originating the Qur'an.

Thus, historically and logically it cannot be established that there was a human source for the Qur'an.

6. Prophet Muhammad was Unlettered
The theory that Muhummad (Pbuh) authored the Qur'an or copied from other sources can be disproved by the single historical fact that he was unlettered.

Allah testifies Himself in the Qur'an. In Surah Al-Ankabut chapter no.29 verse 48 “And thou was not (able) to recite a Book before this (Book came), nor art thou (able) to transcribe it with thy right hand: in that case, indeed, would the talkers of vanities have doubted.”
Allah (swt) knew that many would doubt the authenticity of the Qur'an and would ascribe it to Prophet Muhummad (Pbuh). Therefore Allah in His Divine Wisdom chose the last and final Messenger to be an 'Ummi', i.e. unlettered, so that the talkers of vanity would not then have the slightest justification to doubt the Prophet. The accusation of his enemies that he had copied the Qur'an from other sources and rehashed it all in a beautiful language might have carried some weight, but even this flimsy pretence has been deprived to the unbeliever and the cynic.

Allah reconfirms in the Qur'an in Surah Al A'raf chapter 7 verse 157: “Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered Prophet, whom they find mentioned in their own (Scriptures) in the Law and the Gospel” [Al-Qur'an 29:48]

The prophecy of coming of the unlettered Prophet (Pbuh) is also mentioned in the Bible in the book of Isaiah chapter 29 verse 12. “And the book is delivered to him that is not learned.” [Isaiah 29:12]

The Qur'an testifies in no less than four different places that the Prophet (Pbuh) was unlettered. It is also mentioned in Surah A'raf chapter 7 verse 158 and in Surah Al-Jumu'a chapter 62 verse 2.

Continued in next post.
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Continued from previous post.
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7. Arabic version of the Bible was not present
The Arabic version of the Bible was not present at the time of Prophet Muhummad. The earliest Arabic version of the Old Testament is that of R. Saadias Gaon of 900 C.E. - more than 250 years after the death of our beloved Prophet. The oldest Arabic version of the new Testament was published by Erpenius in 1616 C.E. - about a thousand years after the demise of our Prophet.

8. Similarities in the Quran and the Bible due to common Source
Similarities between the Qur'an and the Bible does not necessarily mean that the former has been copied from the latter. In fact it gives evidence that both of them are based on a common third source; all divine revelations came from the same source - the one universal God. No matter what human changes were introduced into some of these Judeo-Christian and other older religious scriptures that had distorted their originality, there are some areas that have remained free from distortion and thus are common to many religions.

It is true that there are some similar parallels between the Qur'an and the Bible but this is not sufficient to accuse the Prophet of compiling or copying from the Bible. The same logic would then also be applicable to teachings of Christianity and Judaism and thus one could wrongly claim that Jesus (Pbuh) was not a genuine Prophet (God forbid) and that he simply copied from the Old Testament.
The similarities between the two signify a common source that is one true God and the continuation of the basic message of monotheism and not that the later prophets have plagiarised from the previous prophets.
If someone copies during an examination he will surely not write in the answer sheet that he has copied from his neighbour or Mr. XYZ. Prophet Muhummad (Pbuh) gave due respect and credit to all the previous Prophets (Pbuh). The Qur'an also mentions the various revelations given by Almighty God to different prophets.

9. Muslims believe in the Taurah, Zaboor, Injeel and Quran
Four revelations of Allah (swt) are mentioned by name in the Qur'an: the Taurah, the Zaboor, the Injeel and the Qur'an. They were given to Moses (Pbuh), Dawood (Pbuh), Jesus (Pbuh) and the final messenger Muhammad (Pbuh).

It is an article of faith for every Muslim to believe in all the Prophets of God and all revelations of God. However, the present day Bible has the first five books of the Old Testament attributed to Moses and the Psalms attributed to David. Moreover the New Testament or the four Gospels of the New Testament are not the Taurah, the Zaboor or the Injeel, which the Qur'an refers to. These books of the present day Bible may partly contain the word of God but these books are certainly not the exact, accurate and complete revelations given to the prophets.

The Qur'an presents all the different prophets of Allah as belonging to one single brotherhood; all had a similar prophetic mission and the same basic message. Because of this, the fundamental teachings of the major faiths cannot be contradictory, even if there has been a considerable passage of time between the different prophetic missions, because the source of these missions was one: Almighty God, Allah. This is why the Qur'an says that the differences which exist between various religions are not the responsibility of the prophets, but of the followers of these prophets who forgot part of what they had been taught, and furthermore, misinterpreted and changed the scriptures. The Qur'an cannot therefore be seen as a scripture which competes with the teachings of Moses, Jesus and the other prophets. On the contrary, it confirms, completes and perfects the messages that they brought to their people.

Another name for the Qur'an is the 'The Furqan' which means the criteria to judge the right from the wrong, and it is on the basis of the Qur'an that we can decipher which part of the previous scriptures can be considered to be the word of God.
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I received a copy of the Qur'an in the mail the other day. I myself am intrigued to learn about Islam. I will never convert, but I still am curious about it.

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Originally Posted by Biggie

I received a copy of the Qur'an in the mail the other day. I myself am intrigued to learn about Islam. I will never convert, but I still am curious about it.

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If you wish to ask any questions please do and I will try to find answers for any questions you may have.