Answer: WHAT DIFFERENTIATES ISLAM FROM OTHER RELIGION

Submitted by Mike Briggs (Turkey), Nov 27, 2009 at 06:18

Let's start with the "penetrating evaluation": ... Mr.Sharon ... lost the difference between facts and paranoia which is seen in his own words: "The reason that we have what we have [war, a.n.] in Yugoslavia and other places is because Islam succeeded into entering these countries". I am sure he has theories (!) linking all other great tragedies such as WWI and II to Islam as well.

Talented G Marcus too, mixes facts with fiction presumably due to lack of knowledge. JIHADS, just like CRUSADES have specific targets and do not last forever. Just like the popes did centuries ago, any imam can call a jihad and if it is rightfully called, all muslims must follow. Yet noone can show evidence of genocide or colonialism because Jihad can be called only to save an Islamic land or spread the word. So Moorish company on Spain was a Jihad; and reconquista was a form of crusade. See "Expulsion of the Muslims and Jews" section (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reconquista#Expulsion_of_the_Muslims_and_Jews) for which movement shed blood and pillaged the "enemy".

SHARIAH law is based on the teachings of Qoran and Prophet Mohammad, it is true. But those laws are nothing more than a framework which is used to derive new rules depending on the situation/age. Otherwise there would be no rule on use of drugs or medicine, leaving room for chaos. It is not true that Islam denies human rights, women's rights, etc. First four rulers of Islamic government after Prophet Mohammad was elected, including votes from women in 600 AD. Unfortunate situation in many Islam countries in terms of these rights is nothing more than abuse of "real" rules by men.

I am afraid many commentators here is seeing the violent moves in Islamic states as a tool of spreading the word, whereas they are only a reaction to what is perceived to be a "war" on all muslims. Therefore no one behind such attacks really care about the "conversion of infidels"; they only try to cause chaos and show the "enemy" how life feels in the other side of the world.

I agree with Mr.Pipes though, current trend is much more dangerous for western world because finally some people in Islamic circles are realising that they need to think and work to prosper, instead of blaming west for everything.

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