
Originally Posted by
tomder55
FirmI commend you for that . Do you believe the goal of Islam peaceful or otherwise should be the creation of a global califate ? .......
Thank you tomder for your commendation..
Islams goal is to submit to One God and obey His commands.
The goal of Islam is to build the character of each individual to face His Lord on the Day of Resurrection with a book of good deeds that outweighs the bad.
The goal of Islam is to show guidance to the Heaven of the Hereafter, and to live a life of submission to Allah in this world knowing that this world is only temporary.
I am no scholar on Islam and I speak with what little knowledge I have...
About Islam being peaceful, it is a religion of peace for the soul and justice is demanded by Allah from all muslims.
Even during wars muslims are commanded not to harm children and women or to cut down trees for no reason.
Muslims fighting in self defense is allowed otherwise it would be a very illogical religion.
Regarding the establishment of a Caliphate in this world... I can't say much about it as I have not read in depth on this topic, when I have I will let you know.
I do know/believe that Islam will rule during the time of Jesus (alaihi salaam) after he descends to earth.
( a link to the history of the first four caliphs of Islam
http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/politics...urcaliphs.html.
I do not know about Al Qaeda's agenda other than what I hear on the media, but I do think that they are being given credit far too much and being used as a scapegoat for many incidents .
I also know that it is haram in Islam to take a life unjustly.
Refer following link for a scholars opinion on Bin Laden and his actions.
http://www.spubs.com/sps/downloads/pdf/GSC020003.pdf
About Jihad-
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http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/referenc...erm.JIHAD.html
Other Commonly Used Spellings: JIHAAD
It is an Arabic word the root of which is Jahada, which means to strive for a better way of life. The nouns are Juhd, Mujahid, Jihad, and Ijtihad. The other meanings are: endeavor, strain, exertion, effort, diligence, fighting to defend one's life, land, and religion.
Jihad should not be confused with Holy War; the latter does not exist in Islam nor will Islam allow its followers to be involved in a Holy War. The latter refers to the Holy War of the Crusaders.
Jihad is not a war to force the faith on others, as many people think of it. It should never be interpreted as a way of compulsion of the belief on others, since there is an explicit verse in the Qur'an that says:"There is no compulsion in religion" Al-Qur'an: Al-Baqarah (2:256).
Jihad is not a defensive war only, but a war against any unjust regime. If such a regime exists, a war is to be waged against the leaders, but not against the people of that country. People should be freed from the unjust regimes and influences so that they can freely choose to believe in Allah.
Not only in peace but also in war Islam prohibits terrorism, kidnapping, and hijacking, when carried against civilians. Whoever commits such violations is considered a murderer in Islam, and is to be punished by the Islamic state. During wars, Islam prohibits Muslim soldiers from harming civilians, women, children, elderly, and the religious men like priests and rabies. It also prohibits cutting down trees and destroying civilian constructions.
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And do I think that Jihad being taught in Islamic schools is wrong? If it is taken out of context and used for someone's own agendas, then it is wrong.Some of the schools you see on the news are just simple madhrasas that teach children to recite and learn the Quran, but some who recruit do seem to target the poor people as they are ones who really are needy for any assistance.
Sometimes muslims are shown on videos when the men go camping/trekking etc and shoot guns (which has colour pellets, and how many non muslim have been photographed with guns but these pictures are rarely seen on the news even when the person in question is a wanted felon).I am not saying all suicide bombers were innocent but many of the ones being taken into custody are taken there just because he has a beard and knows the Quran.
Did you know that keeping the beard is part of all Prophets and messengers (even the depictions of Jesus (peace be upon him) in churches etc all have beards and we follow the same custom of keeping the beard .
And if a muslim truly follows the teachings Muhammad (saw) and the Quran in its entirety then he/she will be the most honourable human being you will ever find (I am not talking about those who distort facts and the real teachings of Islam)
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http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/notislam...nceptions.html
Misconception 7
Islam tolerates the killing of innocents because:
Muslims can be terrorists
Muslims engage in `holy wars' (jihad)
Islam spread by the sword
It has a harsh and cruel judicial system
This misconception is one of the most widely held misconceptions about Islam today. And yet in the Qur'an, the Creator unambiguously states (translation),
[17:33] Nor take life - which Allah has made sacred - except for just cause. And if anyone is slain wrongfully, we have given his heir authority (to demand retaliation or to forgive): but let him not exceed bounds in the matter of taking life, for he is helped (by the Law)
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And about you converting to Islam!
That is not for me to say whether you must or not because if your heart does not believe then it is of no use...
But if your heart truly does believe in the teachings of Islam and that there is only One God and that Muhammad (saw) is the last and final messenger and that Jesus (alaihi salaam) is a messenger of God, then you are already a muslim in your heart! :) .