Knowledge--in answer to your question

Submitted by Laela (United States), Apr 29, 2008 at 22:28

Just as in every other affiliation in the world, in religion, there are EXTREMISTS. These are people who claim to know the TRUTH, and pursue this truth in an extreme fashion. Think extreme animal rights activists, extreme environmentalists... there are also extreme religious affiliates. I cannot say where they got their information because, well, they're extreme.

I am neither defending them, nor am I condemning them, it is not my place to judge. However, no extremist would ever admit to being so, but in claiming a terrorist act; that comes quite close to admitting extremism, wouldn't you say? Now, recall the story of Sodom and Gomorrah in the Bible…the entire city was to be destroyed. At the plea of Abraham, those who were righteous, and different from the majority in this way, were not condemned along with those whose behavior proved contemptible. Y

es, the majority of people claiming to be Muslims that the MEDIA depicts are extreme in their endeavors…the media wouldn't report on it so extensively if it wasn't going to cause some kind of strong emotion in us…good or bad. However, don't forget that there are some people out there who are NOT like that…and I would wager, THEY are that majority. Try not to take everything you see and hear in the media for strict fact. There are so many different shades of grey between the black and white of this world.

As for your second claim of Muslims wanting to take over the West and questions on survival tactics…:

First of all, WOW! You act as if Muslims are people from another planet! My goodness!

Let me explain something to you: People tend to willingly relate to people who are 'like' them. Finding something to relate to others about is the reason this world is such a social place. However, it seems to be the unrelenting nature of man to save his condemnation for those of his species who may not possess exactly 'relatable' characteristics. Maybe that's the reason the military has that 'Don't ask, don't tell' rule… to keep things on an even plane.

I grew up in Texas of all places, one of the most diversity shy states out there, so I speak from experience when I say people have a hard time accepting you (even AFTER they've already accepted you) if they find along the way that you are somehow different from the majority. It's silly, but that seems to be the way of human nature. I don't know what to say about your 'stake for the west' claim, but that it seems rather harsh and unfounded. I think the problem is more with the West's misconceptions of Islam, and the lack of ambition to gain a real understanding doesn't help either.

Think about it: we still struggle with issues of race, tackling the even more emotional subject of religious acceptance has proved darn near impossible these days. It seems the world is not AS advanced and knowledgeable as many would believe because we can't seem to get past simple acceptance issues.

I am a Muslim. I know that the peace of my heart, put there by the grace and truth of God, is what holds me together. God is accepting of those who show but trust and devotion to Him. I practice Islam. I do not doubt the challenge, and I do not fear the outcome because my soul knows God. THAT, dear Christian, is how a Muslim survives in the west.

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