Response to Imam Ahmed Syeed ali Muhammed

Submitted by jennifer solis (United States), May 17, 2008 at 20:39

Your posts indicate that you are a kind, considerate person.

I think it admirable, that as a Muslim, and especially an Imam, you respect others' religion, and go so far as to write that Christianity, Judaism, as well as Islam are capable of doing "good things" for people. Of course you lead your congregation in English; that is understandable. I agree that it is not neccessary to understand Arabic in order to apply the Qur'an. So long as one is sure what one applies actually is the Qur'an.

How would one know?

See, this is my question; alot, if not all, of the radical Islam activity claims that it is justified based on the Qur'an and it's teachings.

So, what better way to prove them wrong, than by actually knowing what the Qur'an says; and what better way to know this, than to go to the original language it was written in? I understand this is not your calling; I have a feeling that even if someone, who knew Arabic, pointed out verses in the Qur'an that were apparently antithetical to your belief, you would dis-believe them.

Again, this argument does not seem to matter to you and your exercise of your faith. This is your right.

But if someone, somewhere, preferably a group, of scholars of Arabic and the Qur'an could translate so as to negate the "violent verses", specifically of the later Medinan verses, it could be a starting point of sorts, to help in the defeat of Islamic extremism.

Sadly, from what I have seen, this is not possible.

So "peaceful" Muslims exist, not based on all of the scripture, but on exclusion of some scripture. This results in a revoling-door of what Islam means, or doesn't mean. I gather that for you, Imam Ahmed Syeed ali Muhammed, and many other Muslims, the Meccan verses and the Five Pillars are more than satisfactory.

Again, I do respect you, and believe you are a kind person; I wish you well.

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