This book should be required reading for all politicians, journalists, teachers, professors, and students...
Anyone who has a genuine interest in current affairs or, like me, studied international relations or has an interest in religion will probably be aware of much of the material in this book. However, it is clear by what is written in the mainstream media and what is said by politicians they have no clue about the true nature of the person that Muslims consider their prophet of Allah.…
Article comments
26 - Leslie Bohn
Islam and Christianity have plenty of justification for violence in the sacred books written by the god of each. The Koran is quite violent and appeals to believers to convert or kill unbelievers, like the Bible. And it's not just the blood-and-guts OT: Here are some instances where the Jesus character espouses violence and hatred:
Luke 19:26-28
Mark 7:9-10
Matthew 5:29-30
Luke 22:36
Mathew 10:34
Both religions have a bloody, destructive history, all justified in the scriptures. And, predictably, religious nuts on this thread can't even discuss the issue with strangers ona a blog without idiotic macho threats about the "gloves off."
27 - Islamophobia is not the answer
I agree with Leslie - I am a US citizen, a woman , a muslim, a mother, daughter, wife, sister and a lawyer. These are some of my roles in society.I believe in a Higher Power because I want to. I choose to believe in various aspects of the Torah, The Bible and The Quran ( shoot me for picking and choosing) . Almost every religion ( except Buddhism) seems to have some violent past or the other - it is for the us to decide what we want to believe. I believe Mohd. was not a pedophile or a war-monger. I don't think Jesus is the son of God but I do believe he was born to a virgin mother and performed miracles. I do believe Moses had conversations with God. Will I go to Hell or Heaven ? That is for God or Allah to decide. If there is no God - I will have no regrets on following a virtuous way of life, even if that means not getting my pot of gold in the end. I am a Muslim woman. Hate me if you want to. Do I care? No.
28 - STM
Sorry, but I simply can't agree that the gospels advocate the kind of violence that the Quran does.
It's a nonsense to believe this is the case. While Christianity has in the past been hijacked and dreadful deeds done in its name, there is not the same justification for violence as that purporting to be the word of God and contained in the Quran.
This is the problem. There is no clerical hierarchy in Islam, so any idiot can stand up and say: "This is what's in the Quran, listen to me, this is the word of God, all infidels must be killed."
While most muslims don't believe this rot, enough do to make it a genuine problem for the rest of the world.
29 - sigh
The Islamic apologists as Spencer calls them, are mostly highly acclaimed scholars telling the real truth about Islam. Islam is a peaceful religion and all the verses and ahadith that people like Bin Laden and Spencer use to get jihadists and bigots (respectively) to join them, are taken out of historical context. One simple e.g. is the question/concern on the "kill the infidels verse" - for the answer please read the article on the link.
Please use some common sense. If islam was so violent then it would not be the fastest growing religion in the world and in the United States. The female American-Muslim lawyer is right: Islamophobia is not the answer.
30 - sigh
Just to get another point of view check out
31 - BHL
peace be to all of you!
In the name of your God
and your prophet
be it Jesus (peace be upon him)
Moses (peace be upon him)
or Muhammad (peace be upon him)
stop this hate and violence.... be it verbal or physical. Muslims deeply respect and cherish the true teachings of all prophets and those who dont are not muslims.
May God guide you, and give you a place in heaven.
As my Prophet Muhammad (God's Peace and Blesseings be upon him and his family) prayed for mankind; may you find guidance and peace!
32 - get your facts right
To sigh in response to the comments on this link, Kill the infidels verse. The apologists extoll the virtue of Islam peaceful nature especially in Moughal India, I would like to direct you to following site:
33 - Texan
Hi Mr/Ms "get your facts right",
The artilce by sigh above sheds true light on nature of Islam. Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) life and Qur'an are to be resarched in detail before making any opinion. Taking out plain stuff without context can spoil any widom, even science.
Also, the images link you have sent is by no means authentic. Any one can draw any type of images against any religion.
May God guide us all.
34 - Ulla !
It is not Islam, or Christianity or any particular faith. What happens when you suppress the natural tendencies of human beings -- that is, subject them to so many rules and regulations that individual choices are seldom made. Hmmm... well, let's see. What happened in Salem? The Salem witch trials were a nice little diversion from the rigorous, rigid religious life! Who needs booze and sex and all the other things denied on a regular basis when we can kill people! What happened after a full, boring decade of the 1950's in America with all the sexual regulations and marital restrictions placed on people? Anyone hear of the free-lovin' drug snuffin' 1960's!
So what the heck are some people of the Middle East going to do when you can't drink, smoke, have sex (unless you're dead and then you get some dozens of virgins) and have to pray 6 times a day, amongst a billion other regulations that muslims are supposed to adhere to on a daily basis? In America, muslims don't get violent because they don't have a government TELLING them to restrict themselves. In many ways, they choose to do it, which tends to make a person a lot less pissed off.
Moral of the story: Man DEFINITELY need his devices. The terrorists are living proof of how such a system is so against human nature.
35 - Ali Pawchaw
eh, peace be with you all,
I am muslim (one who submitted to God)
because im in a state of Islam(submission to God)
It is my way of life those who critisize my religion should start with thier own, for the Quran is perfect even Non muslims have proved it!
Jesus(Peace be with him) is portrayed diferently in the Bible, more militant as you see,...
Christians love to think that their religion is all about peace and love. This is true for many parts of the Bible, but is SOUNDLY FALSE in many other parts!
Let us examine the Bible:
"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. (From the NIV Bible, Matthew 5:43-44)"
"But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. (From the NIV Bible, Luke 6:35)"
It is quite clear from the above Verses that Jesus peace be upon him commands his followers to love their enemies and to give them without expecting anything in return. This is all wonderful and I appreciate that Christians bring such Verses up to prove their points about the Bible being a Book of Love and Peace. However, let us look at the other side of the Bible and see if this claim is really true for 100% of the Bible's NT: [TOP]
Jesus contradicted his own commands!
Above, we saw Jesus commanding his followers to be infinitely patient with their enemies and to help them without expecting anything good in return from them. Yet below, we see Jesus losing his temper and killing his enemies while he was MORE POWERFUL THAN THEM!
If he were in a bad situation where in order to survive he had to kill some of his enemies to enable him to run away or something, then this would be a completely different issue. But below, you will see that Jesus had the full power and his enemies were the WEAK!
"He replied, 'I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away. But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them--bring them here and kill them in front of me.' After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. (From the NIV Bible, Luke 19:26-28)"
Luke 19:26-28 is an obvious contradiction to what Jesus taught from Love toward the enemies. [TOP]
Other non-peaceful commands by Jesus in the Bible:
In the NT, we read about Jesus commanding his followers to buy swords "He said to them, 'But now if you have a purse, take it and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. (From the NIV Bible, Luke 22:36)"
We also read about Jesus bringing corruption and destruction to earth rather than peace "Do not suppose that I [Jesus] have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. (From the NIV Bible, Matthew 10:34)"
Jesus hitting others with a whip, not that it makes him bad, but certainly takes his "perfection" away "So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, 'Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father's house into a market!.' (From the NIV Bible, John 2:15)"
Jesus not respecting the life of the innocent animals, which again takes away his "perfection" from him "He [Jesus] said to them, 'Go!' so they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water. (From the NIV Bible, Matthew 8:32)"
Jesus taught his followers to hate! "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters- yes, even his own life- he cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:26)"
Jesus said that whoever calls somebody a "fool" shall be in danger of hell fire (From the NIV Bible, Matthew 5:22), yet he called people "fools" himself (From the NIV Bible, Matthew 23:17).
...........
How can I Guid you when Allah Doesnt Will it.
Peace for All
~ALI PAWCHAW~SERVANT OF ALLAH
36 - Abu Bakar
This is an effort to stand the civilizations in conflict.Blaming and cursing the religions was not the approach of Prophet Muhammad(PBUH), the messenger of GOD.Islam respects all religions and is a religion of peace.To say something against Islam (as Spencer did) shows his ill mind and illitracy.If in the sunshine,someone says "it is dark" what he would be named ? U know !
Thanks
37 - Herb Stone
Islam is the voice of the devil
38 - mercy of muhammad
Great men that existed throughout history were qualified as such due to a certain trait in their characters. Gandhi for example, was a great politician, Shakespeare a great dramatist, Voltaire a great writer, Napoleon a great military leader and so on. They were all great in one aspect or the other, while the Prophet (SAWS) was great in every aspect of his life. He was so great morally that he never hit or humiliated a soul, never beat a woman, never betrayed or lied, never went back on his word or avenged himself. He was always called 'the truthful and honest one' before bearing the message of Islam, and after becoming a prophet, the values and principles of the Qur’an were the model for his behavior
He was great at forgiving others. On the day of the Conquest of Makkah, his companions were rejoicing saying, “Today is the day of a great battle and today Quraysh will be humiliated by Allah”. Conversely, the prophet's (SAWS) response was that today is the day of mercy in which Allah will bestow honor on Quraysh.
His enemies were never able to slander him due to any bad trait. He lived with them for 40 years before the divine message and another 13 years after it, and never were they able to smear him with a single bad trait that marred his character, or doubt his outstanding abilities. They even testified that he had never lied in his life. That is how great he was and that is how humiliating him smears every American, Indian, Pakistani etc.; everyone, whether Muslim or not. It is an insult to all humankind when such a great man is insulted.
He was merciful even with animals narrating that,
“A man saw a dog eating mud from (the severity of) thirst. So, that man took a shoe (and filled it) with water and kept on pouring the water for the dog till it quenched its thirst. So Allah approved of his deed and made him enter Paradise.”[16]
Thank you. May peace and Allah’s blessing and mercy be upon you all.
39 - ahmed
i just want to tell people who read this book that prophet muhammed was called (before being told the message ) that he is the most honest man in his place and also i never heard about muslims who kill ppl that they are not muslims if there is any wrong information someone tell me the truth even if i know it and will tell you more about it later
40 - Victor
I totally agree with the author's viewpoint and many of us here that Islam is an intolerant religion.
I speak from first hand experience. I have very recently emigrated to Sydney, Australia. I am an ethnic Chinese Christian originally from Malaysia. 60% (and growing very rapidly) of Malaysia's populace are Malay-muslim.
Despite Malaysia being touted as a "model" Islamic country, there is a great deal of subtle religious persecution. Whilst in primary school, we were forced to learn Jawi i.e. written Arabic script.
Children from non-muslim parents whom attain the age of baligh (around puberty) which is twelve years of age can convert to Islam without her/his guardian(s)'s / parents' consent and be forcibly separated from her/his legal guardian(s)/parents.
Apostates (i.e. individuals whom renounce Islam) are forcibly detained to be "re-educated". Apostasy is an offence for muslims. Non-muslims whom marry muslims must convert to Islam. There are now serious proposals by influential muslim ulamas to impose the death penalty for apostates.
It is also a criminal offence to preach Christianity to Malaysian muslims, whilst the government is known to give land titles, access to business opportunities to people converting to Islam. One government run television channel in Malaysia (RTM1) is devoted to spreading Islam.
There are already precedents that allow the sharia laws to infringe on the basic rights of non-muslims, including forcibly separating children from parents, when one of whom converts to Islam. Or the Islamic authorities disrupting and seizing a deceased person from a Hindu funeral to be given a muslim burial, on the grounds he converted to the Islamic faith.
Non-muslim couples holding hands in public places have in the past been given fines for "indecency".
Permits to build non-muslim places of worship are often rejected on the grounds that it "disrupts" the peace and harmony. Non-muslims do not even get a cent in grants from the Malaysian government to help maintain their churches and temples.
Whilst their mosques are sprouting like mushrooms after a downpour - all built using taxpayer funds. Most taxpayers in Malaysia are the ethnic Chinese.
And they are allowed to amplify their loudspeakers to full volume in the wee hours of the morning.
Malaysia is still a "moderate" muslim country (but its practices will be considered barbaric by western standards) only because non-muslims still make a sizeable minority (40% of its population).
I can see more and more of the Malays becoming more Arabised and radicalised (its common enough to see turbaned men and burqa clad women on the streets of Kuala Lumpur) when scores of them are encouraged, sponsored and sent by the government to madrasahs and universities in Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, etc. to study their religion.
41 - David
It may be both practical and realistic to remember that in Islam there is no prohibition against lies said to infidels. This is perhaps a useful tool in the process of infiltration by the sadly polarized state of thought of the fanatic element that thinks only of conquest and forced conversion or death to each infidel/non-Islamic individual.
42 - bliffle
Most evangelical movements justify whatever-means-necessary to achieve their goals. In modern times we can look at the neocons and their fellow travelers who use any lies and cheats to start a desired war or manipulate economic situations.
43 - mohammad my prophet
the truth of mohammad :he is the mericle for humanbeen to protect them from evil .
the truth of mohammad :he is the symbol of peace , kindless , high spirit of muslims to live with all religions in peace as brothers .
the truth of mohammad is written in our holy quraan wich god said " you are with magnificent behavior " .
what ever is said and written about our prophet peace be upon hem will lose first and final life .( la elaha ella allah mohammad rasoul allah )
44 - Sa3eeed
we dont care about your thought ... we love mohammed and that is our faith
45 - Fahed
Out of context all you out there
Read the quran and then Judge Mr.Spencer. Trying to sell himself Looser
46 - M. Haseeb
Islamic is a best religion. In Bible and other all reveal books clearly prohibited drinking of wine and adultery and fornication. Muslim believes on this while adultery and fornication and illegal relation in non Muslim society is very common. Childs no nothing about their father. Even non Muslim women made sex with dog and other animal. That is religion. Muhammad religion is good. Muhammad PBUH is hero of man kinds
This book is just like rubbish and bad intention of rubbish's mind against Great Muhammad PBUH personality.
47 - ray
This is the modren way to become a popular person in the whole world. When someone wants to be famous so he has to do something like that. for all the people who never read or understand a Quran,Islam says don't hurt to anybody, no matter he is a muslim or christian. impotant thing is that he is a human. but the author hurt us. he is not a human.
48 - Muhammad Saqlain Advocate
Islam is unique religion. Quran is unique book of Allah Almighty. Everything is mentioned in Quran. Science is also drive from Quran. Fourteen years ago Prophet Muhammad PBUH has cleared many things which the medical science is proving now. Like week to week development of child in the vom of mother has already very clearly discuss by Prophet Muhammad PBHM. Many other things like protection against disease, law of peace, law of war, treatment with prisoners and many other things. International Law is also mostly drive from Islamic concepts. Prophet Muhammad is great personality. This book is totally lie and against the fact because Muhammad is king of human being and mankin.
49 - mr X
There is a proof that islam is tolerant: even they attack it, it always respect them, it never injure the christ neither juives. It will not suffer because of the attackes i think god don't need our ideologies.
Then it's allowed to girls to merry in the age of 9 and not 5 because at 9 she is able to get children, to cook, to take care after her house, in that century!!!!!!!!! and not now!
And women have all a surat named for their honor!it was not given to men!
Jihadist are not those who kill normal people!be careful jihad is given to :study,hard work, and fighters to defend their homes.
who want to know the truth about muhammed have to read curan not this book!
50 - Frank African American Christian
I have read this book and it explains a lot about Muslims and Muhammadism.
I had read from other sources that Muhammad did not at first believe that the first angle that visited him was really from allah. When you look at the Old Testament of the Bible you see that no one that was privileged to hear God or the Angle of the LORD speak ever doubted that it was from the true and almighty God. Even when Zechariah in Luke 1, NIV talked with Gabriel (yes the Arc angle) and was told that he would have a son, Zechariah doubted and was struck mute for 9 months, Yet a mere 600 years later when Muhammad talked to not one but two angles and disbelieved for 3 years no apparent consequences came upon him. And in fact if you believe Muslims he was blessed with the word of god even though he disbelieved. There is a verse in the Bible that states that "God is not a God of confusion" and this holds true when the LORD speaks in the Bible but for Muhammad.
When you realize the truth about Muhammad's split from his clan that lead to his being put out of Mecca, and his wars to take over the clans in Medina and later to retake Mecca back you see that he was not a peaceful man. Take for example his visit from 'his angle' that told him to make peace with the leaders of his old clan in Mecca by sighing a treaty with them to recognize that their duel deities were good for a year and than they would say that allah was good for a year. When extremist later rebelled he got a very convenient visit from 'his angle' again that told him he had to break that treaty. Later Muhammad said that the first visit must have been from the devil so he was free to do the seconds angles biding. How can a chosen man of allah not know what came from Satan and what comes from god? Unless it all comes from God which could not happen because that would say that God told Muhammad to lie, please see how God handled a treaty that Joshua entered with the Gibeonites in Joshua 9, NIV (please read the whole chapter not just a piece). God does not lie and he does not allow his followers to lie or break their word because it is not convent. The Gibeonites were a thorn in Israel's side every since.
I would also like to thank (Ali Pawchaw January 10, 2007 19:45) for his entry. Ali I know you get tired of the Quran being misquoted or verses taken out of context so I have to say that your miss and half quotes of Jesus are offensive and misleading. First of all, you have to read fully the entire verse not just part of it. For example your quote:
If he were in a bad situation where in order to survive he had to kill some of his enemies to enable him to run away or something, then this would be a completely different issue. But below, you will see that Jesus had the full power and his enemies were the WEAK!
"He replied, 'I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away. But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them--bring them here and kill them in front of me.' After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. (From the NIV Bible, Luke 19:26-28)"
This is clearly and completely taken out of context and you did not even site the meaning of this passage. First of all this is a parable, which means that Jesus was giving a Heavenly principal to explain earthly situations. In this parable Jesus was telling about how some servants that hated their master a would be king over their region. He went on to say that this master/king gave all of his servants some money and told them to be wise investing it. He told how two of the servants were wise and one was foolish. The one that was foolish said the following to the master: Vs. 20 "Then another servant came and said, 'Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth. 21. I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow." Clearly the response that you misrepresented in verses 26 and 27 take on a new meaning when you look at the entire story. Jesus was saying that God is not mocked and if a person decides to misuse the opportunities that is given to him on earth he will face not this simple earthly death but will face an eternal death. We will be judged by Jesus in the end and since he is a Just Creator then all those who do not want him to be king in their lives will be treated like this parables servant is treated in the end. Note there in no contradiction in Jesus as he came to "seek and to save" his first time here and when he comes in full glory in his second coming to "judge and establish his kingdom". As for the rest of you misquotes I pray that you will stop picking and choosing what you want out of the Bible and read it. Ravi Zachrias noted Christian Apologist made a statement and I thinks it holds true. You can judge a religion by the life of the founder. Clearly Jesus was a man of peace where Muhammad was not. I think this book helps people that don’t know what Muhammadism is all about get a clear picture of the life and lies of Muhammad and his followers.
51 - RS
Very interesting discussion on Islam and its prophet. It is not realized that the middle eastern religions- Judaism, Christianity and Islam- are built on intolerence. The violent aspect of this intolerence towards other religions has greatly subsided among Christians and Jews, in that order, in present times but not among Muslims. It makes no sense to refer to a few passages in Bible, old or new teatament, to justify violence by Muslims. Most Christians and Jews seem to overlook those passages.On the other hand, Muslims seem to adhere to similar or somewhat more violent passages in Koran. It may be that Islam is relatively newer and requires a few more ceturies to become ccomparable to Christianity and Judaism in tolerence, but by that time either Muslims will destroy rest of the world or get destroyed in retaliation. This is a very unfortunate situation for the humanity and there is no solution in sight for this problem.
52 - Frank African American Christian
RS (I am sorry for the length), I think you can make a case for violence in Islam from reading this book and the Quran and other writings. Given the examples of the wars and decapitations of Muhammad and his followers from the very beginning, you can't say other wise. I have read news reports of Muslims converting to other religions and being placed in jail for re-education, and if that re-education did not work and they come back to Islam then they would be killed.
However, I think you are looking at Christianity by the actions of people that are not true believers. The Crusades, and other forms of violence and forced conversions are not along the teachings of Jesus Christ. Please review the entire Bible and you will see that Jesus never went to war or harmed anyone. He only attached evil and falsehood and their purveyors.I am soo tired of this word "intolerant" it seems to be used with a very wide brush. It is only used when someone religious is talking and then only by people that are nonreligious or not very religious. True religion is a search for the truth, and the truth does not have to tolerate non truth. It is funny when you hear people say that "I won't accept anything that is intolerant" they open themselves up to all sorts of odd and false things. For example, in this election year in the USA you never hear some say "these politicians are all trustworthy" no, everyone says "I know that they are lying to us" but they accept it anyway. Why would such rational and intolerant of intolerant people fall in such a trap? Because once truth is discarded then there is a void and falseness will fill that void every time. So don't be so anti religion that you tolerate blatant falsehood study and you will see that there is a way to really know. As for overlooking passages in the Bible a true studier of the Bible will know words like: Goodness of God, Sovereignty of God, Holiness of God, Wisdom of God, Justice of God, Love of God and Faithfulness of God. They are the beginning of explaining the Lord of heaven and earth. When you see passages in the old testament of wars most of the time you will see that the wars were fought miraculously by God Himself this is called the Sovereignty of God. When you see all of the people that were killed in the old testament because they broke the law then you seeing how God structured society in harmony like the harmony that God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy spirit are in together. It is not till you get to the new testament and read passages like the Beatitudes, or Jesus' other sayings, like "Love the Lord your God with all you heart, soul, mind, strength and love your neighbor as yourself" (which are in the OT also) that you can really value just how much more true Christians have to "love not kill" (if you love yourself you won't kill yourself), "love not cheat" (unlike Muslims it is not okay to lie to infidels), "love enough not to tolerate non-truth" (the person that is outside of the truth will face eternal separation from God, in outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth). Last point, there is a solution in site "Trust in the Jesus of the old and new testaments" that's it. You don't have to march around an obelisk a certain number of times, you don't have to say any "hail marys". You don't even have to leave your computer just say. "Jesus I believe in you and I want you to be my savior" and He will come into your heart and close the door behind Himself so as not to ever leave you. And if you have doubt that God really exist then take this challenge "pray to God that you want him to prove to you that he is real then read the book of Acts in the New Testament in one sitting or one chapter a day," then see what God says to you. If it works out that He does not speak to you then you are right and you only wasted a few hours. But if I am right then you will gain eternal life with God in heaven in Jesus' eternal joy. I beg you to try this because your life hangs in the balance.
53 - Chubby Pinky
People. People. Why can't you all see your own religion as it is. Keep an open mind. An act against humanity is just that, nothing more and nothing less. Do not justify the actions of this/these leader/s just because you are from that religion. "My religion is the best and others are not." What kind of mentality is that. There are a few questions perhaps worth pondering ...
1. What makes you think you need religion to be a good human being?
2. Why was everyone claiming to be representatives of God?
3. How do you know what they claim is true? Don't tell me it was because these people say so or it was claimed to be written/foretold in some books? If it was so, the question still persists, how do you know what you know?
4. Why can't God speak to us if he has something to say. Don't say that we are not worthy of this direct communication. Hey! If it is indeed he that sees our creation as his worthy pursuits, then why use middlemen?
5. If a religion causes its followers to propagate actions of hatred, bigotry amongst fellow human beings, segregating humans as believers and non-believers and hence dishing out different treatments, killing one another to prove their allegiance to the "true" religion of their God, I say I want no part of it.
6. What makes you think by being with a particular religion, you are sure to be rewarded with heaven or can be saved? Or to contrary to hell if you don't. I don't know. Has anyone gone to these places and come back to tell us how these places are? Or do they exist in the first place? How do you know when we die we will go to either one of these places? No other choices?
7. How do you know these middlemen are sane people? For all you know some of them are bullies, forcing people to submit to their belief or face dire consequence if to the contrary. Some may be just lunatics with a great sense of having self-fulfilling prophesies to justify what they do in those environments they were in. If you look closely enough you will come to conclude that they did what they did for some form of benefit to them. Power. Self-gratification. Justifying claims, etc.
I can go on and on but I am sure you all get the picture. Why can't we see ourselves as human beings. Be good to one another. Listen to your conscience.
I'll leave this posting with this quote (sorry if any one knows who said this, pls make due acknowledgement, thank you):
"There are no gods. No devils, no angels. No heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that harden hearts and enslaves minds."
54 - atif
you can just get answer to all of your questions from www.irf.com, Thanks
55 - atif
you can just get answer for your questions from
www.irf.net Thanks
56 - Muneer
Just one thing:
Islam isn't submission.
The arabic word for submission is istislam.
57 - Muneer
...and the arabic word for peace is salam
58 - not self righteous
Good, another 'discoverer' of the 'truth' is here, and wants us all to know about that. Well, such books have always been written against Islam and Mohammad (PBUH), and this book has ABSOLUTELY nothing new! As i'm sure we've all heard about islam having been spread by the 'sword'.
Lets try to find some answers..
1. Did the ORPHAN boy use a sword when he gave his message.. NO? then what made it spread at such a fast rate? (think 'it helped the cause of needy and underpriviledged of the time', which by any definition is a good thing!)
2. So he wanted to be a 'ruler'? What wordly riches did he amass FOR HIMSELF during/after all his conquests, may i ask? (He always kept very little for himself and died the same way).
3. No? he was after power, was he? What kind of a 'ruler' was he then? What exactly did he do with that power??
4. Do u know that he at times had to take decisions against his own wishes because he was so ordered by Allah? I'm sure you found that at a few places in the Hadith books you said u studied!
5. Still not convinced??
Okay, the point is, you only stand a chance to be convinced if you GIVE urself a chance to be convinced! If you are really confident about your beliefs, challenge yourself and go to someone who is KNOWN TO have the ability to convince people (with logic)! Only then can you claim to have gone the distance in search of the truth.
To name one person who is very famous for such a job is Dr Zakir Naik of INDIA; he says he is geographically a Hindu, but he openly challenges all christian scholars for a debate.. no not cheap personal attacks here on the internet, but face to face talk..cameras on, world watching! why not?
Ok so you are not so much into religion.. Finw, do you know he challenged the very famous Dr William Campbell(writer of a TRUELY famous TRUTH book)to a debate IN USA!! and won convincingly!!
My friends, as a muslim, its part of my faith to LOVE and respect Jesus Christ! He perfromed miracles, was born without a father to VIRGIN Mary, gave life to the dead, all with Allah's powers!
Yes, there are good muslims and there are bad muslims. We know there are good and bad people in all religions (you dont want me to make a list of christians or jews who did the bad things, do you?)
My opinion about 9/11 is that it was a conspiracy against the Muslims. A lot has been written by well-informed people, sincere to the USA, about 9/11, and how the last US govt had been discouraging full fledged inquiry into it! Yes, maybe those Muslims WERE involved, but they were the last persons in the chain! Who used them, and why? These independent reports which unearth the startling deficiencies in the 9/11 commission reportshould give u a hint!
And now more facts!
Do you know that since 9/11, a large number of non-muslims, especially christians have been embracing islam!? WHY??
Why so, despite the continuous propoganda bombardment, defaming islam and muslims!!? the number of muslim converts keeps increasing. I wish there are HONEST surveys about this, and when the TRUTH is out, let people like Mr Spencer be amazed and say 'thats the opposite of what should be happening! to this no-good religion!'
So, people like him can continue to write derogatory books in the name of 'truth'. but that never payed off, and WILL NEVER pay off, Allah willing!
59 - John Schepens
To ITTT I have to say I'm completely in agreement with your Old Testament comment, it's quite a violent piece of work, one must wonder why they call it the Good Book. However I don't understand where you get the part of Jesus being passive-aggresive. In the Holy Qur'an Jesus (Isa) was mentioned many times, and has always been considered as one of te most important prophets in Islam.
To the subject at hand, what was the goal of Robert Spencer? Although writing an intelligent and certainly brave piece of work, being accurate or not, it won't help bring religions together in the least bit as the prejudice of non-muslim readers will grow, so will the contempt for the Western p.o.v. of muslim readers, and who knows it might give extremists some new ideas (God forbid!)