On Sira and On Actions Speaking Louder than Words

Submitted by Shazia Khanum (Canada), Sep 16, 2005 at 12:48

On Sira:

Many people have written a biography of Muhammad. It will require a scholarly examination to determine the sources that were used to write them, how they were utilized, and of course their authenticity. Which is why we should never judge anyone, for one's understanding of something is very much based on what one has read and who one trusts.

So, if to you, a particular biography gives you a negative picture of Muhammad, and on that basis, you reject and hate Islam, then that's fine. There is no blame on you if your intentions are right and you have done the best to determine the truth about him. To us, the Qur`an is the most authentic source and everything else is examined in its light. Not the other way around.

What we know about Muhammad is for us, and just like I am willing to accept your opposite view of him, you may wish to consider accepting me for my beliefs. One may disagree with this, but that's fine. We can learn to agree to disagree and still develop a mutual respect and co-exist in a peaceful manner and learn the good from each other while forgiving our weaknesses, so long we don't harm each other.

On Actions Speaking Louder than Words:

Yes, I agree!

Actions do speak louder than words.

Which is why, one should not stereotype a large group of people and blame them all on the basis of the actions of a few. We should not paint them all the same, especially if we know that they are not monolithic and have many differences amongst them. One cannot ask for reformation from over 1.2 billion Muslims and also paint them all as evil and terrorists. It's factually not true, and such a stereotyping merely reflects one's one inner state. There are Muslims who are not Islamists or radical. They contribute to society and are just going about their lives in a peaceful manner feeding their families and practicing their faiths within the boundaries of the laws of the land in a peaceful manner. So why should they (who are not Islamists) be lumped with your enemies who are causing havoc on earth?

If you do that, then this is merely a reflection of your own self.

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