My Reply to James and Kafir

Submitted by Chloe (United States), Jan 2, 2010 at 03:22

James:

"...that why don't you first consider how "BIASED" muslims are to everyone and everything."

Wouldn't it be better to lead by example, then, instead of invoking prejudice and discrimination against Muslims? There are many, many more innocent Muslims out there than just the handful of extremists groups that we hear about. We forget those practitioners of Islam who do not support the radicalized views that get so much more publicity. Those good practitioners should not be discriminated against because of what happens in their culture.

Kafir:

"Better yet, when YOU start to condemn suicide bombers, the militancy of Islam, and your desire to live among equals, as an equal, THEN I'll consider your comment to be of value."

Firstly, I do not support suicide bombers in any way. I do not support the murder of others for one's personal gain, although I must admit that I do admire their faith in their religion. I wish I had more in my own.

Secondly, as far as militancy goes, do you refer to the actual definition of Islam? It does mean for one to submit, to surrender one's self, but to God/Allah. At the moment I am reading a translation of the Qur'an to see for myself what it's all about - until, of course, I learn Arabic and read past the translator's own idea. I haven't gotten very far, but what I did read is this: violence is only acceptable in the case of a Jihad - no definition necessary, I think. But overall, the religion of Islam concerns itself with peace, not violence, destruction, and war. It is only those extremists who take matters into their own hands and blow (pardon the pun, it was not intentional) everything out of proportion. They are the ones who get noticed - not the devout Muslim woman who prays every time it is necessary.

And I do wish to live among equals, as an equal myself, but how are we to obtain that goal unless we make the first move? How can we ever achieve that unless we stop making such prejudiced, hurtful comments against a population of people who, overall, are not suicide bombers like everyone claims?

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