Discernment...

Submitted by Taj (United States), Oct 24, 2007 at 17:44

Donvan,

I cannot emphasize enough that the assertions you've made about the requirment of violence/murder, etc. for the presence of God are absolutely incorrect. Nor are your assertions - as common as they are among critics of Islam - supported by any of the tenets of Islam. Indeed, it is not another matter with regards good deeds and the reward of Heaven. Good deeds such as prayer and charity will attain the closeness of God. Martydom is simply one of many such avenues. Martydom is also striclty defined in Islam and does not entail the murder of anyone of any belief. You may not be aware that "martyrdom" in Islam actually has several definitions, such as death during childbirth, drowning, fire, or falling object.

Indeed, perhaps instead of subscribing to the common islamophobie - and oft-uniformed - criticism of Islam, you should do some subjective study. Therein you will encounter some factual basis of Islam as well as Muslims who actually do not subscribe to your assertions of dogma.

Granted, there are Muslims who ignorantly believe and/or assert incorrect interpretations of the Islamic faith - but this is not singular to Islam. One should not rationally assume that such aberrant views are the norm simply because they are popularly bandied about.

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