Hey DUDE!

Submitted by Oliver (United States), Nov 7, 2007 at 22:40

Dear Right of Center Filipino - you wrote the following:

Admittedly the koran is an important work of world literature considering the influence it has on a significant portion of the world and the distinction of being the only religious writing that actually gives a step by step instructional on how to live one's life. It had the potential of changing the world for the better.

Please quote just one instruction in the quran that had the potential of changing the world for the better. And please remember, the Medina surahs abroagte the Meccan.

The book itself is a basis for human advancement.

Really - I thought it was the rantings of a madman.

Normally such a calming influence (like the koran) should enable an evolution into something more positive

Calming - calming - practically every ayat is an exhortation to do violence.

If you look at it objectively the koran is the first "holy book" that actually gives a step by step instructional on how to live a better life and achieve paradise in the afterlife.

The quran promises paradise ONLY to those who DIE fighting in the 'way of allah' [JIHAD].

Not so with the koran. If you followed all the regulations found there you were assured a peaceful prosperous existance, so says the prophet.

Not so in the quran, "Jihâd (holy fighting in Allâh's Cause) is ordained for you (Muslims) though you dislike it, and it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you ","O ye who believe! When ye go forth (to fight) in the way of Allah","With Allah are plenteous spoils.","The faithful who sit idle, other than those who are disabled, are not equal to those who fight in the way of God with their wealth and lives. God has exalted those in rank who fight for the faith with their wealth and souls over those who sit idle. Though God's promise of good is for all, He has granted His favour of the highest reward to those who struggle in preference to those who sit at home."

Peaceful prosperity is not something to be found in the quran. DUDE!

Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".