Response to Afraid and Rightly So

Submitted by MS (United States), Sep 4, 2007 at 15:03

Hello there,

First off, it is evident from your writing that you haven't the slightest idea what Islam is about nor did you bother to even read about it. First off in response to your claim that Islam is a religion of violence not of peace, I say:

The Qur'an says about the prohibition of murder, (…Take not life, which Allah hath made sacred, except by way of justice and law: thus does He command you, that ye may learn wisdom.) (Al-An`am 6: 151) and Allah says in the Qur'an, (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 Qisas or to forgive): but let him not exceed bounds in the matter of taking life; for he is helped (by the law)) (Al-Israa' 17: 33). According to the Qur'an, killing any person without a just cause is as big a sin as killing the whole humanity and saving the life of one person is as good deed as saving the whole humanity. (See Al-Ma'idah 5: 32)

The ethic of war in Islam is, (Fight in the way of Allah against those who fight against you, but begin not hostilities.) (Al-Baqarah 2:190)

The Qur'an also says, (There should be no hostility except against the oppressors.) (Al-Baqarah 2:193)

Allah says: (O ye who believe! stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest ye swerve, and if ye distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do. ) (An-Nisa' 4: 135)

I believe that sums up the real idea of justice and killing in islam. As for your CLAIM about how muslims approach Jesus Christ, I have this in response:

"Say (O Muslims): We believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto Us and that which was revealed unto Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes, and that which Moses and Jesus received, and that which the Prophets received from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and unto Him we have surrendered." (Al-Baqarah: 136)

So the compassionate human trend included in the biography of Jesus is held in high esteem by both Muslims and their creed. It suffices here to say that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, never addressed Jesus, Allah's peace and blessings be upon him, save by saying, "My brother Jesus."

So in this sense Muslims are really following Jesus, peace be upon him, and are showing great respect to him as one of the chief and great Prophets of Allah (God). However, we believe that Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, is the final Messenger of Allah the Almighty and there will no be prophet after him. Allah, the Almighty, has sent Prophet Muhammad as a mercy for all mankind and his message is for all people until the Day of Judgment.

In response to your claim that Islam prevents peoples freedom of speech:

Then why is it that no peace or tranquility was ever found in present day tranquility between the three major religions except under Muslim rule (which is a historical fact)? In addition, under the Muslim rule christians and jews were allowed to speak and practice their religion freely with no persecution.

And the (faithful) slaves of the Most Gracious (Allâh) are those who walk on the earth in humility and sedateness, and when the foolish address them (with bad words) they reply back with mild words of gentleness. (Al Furqaan:63)

(And say, 'The truth is from your Lord, so whosoever wants let him believe and whosoever wants let him deny') (An-Nahl 16:29).

(No compulsion in religion) (Al-Baqarah 2:256)

Clearly Islam does not prevent any freedom of speech or expression despite what you so desperately want to believe.

I implore you to read about Islam and find out what it is really about and not take your info from people who just want to ridicule islam or the Media. May Allah guide you to what is right.

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