Answer to A. Khalaf: Let's avoid provocative messages

Submitted by Nuray (Portugal), Nov 5, 2005 at 17:41

Dear A. Khalaf,

Let's read what Quran says about theological discussion with others;

" And even if you were to bring to the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) all the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), they would not follow your Qiblah (prayer direction), nor are you going to follow their Qiblah (prayer direction). And they will not follow each others Qiblah (prayer direction). Verily, if you follow their desires after that which you have received of knowledge (from Allâh), then indeed you will be one of the Zâlimûn (polytheists, wrong-doers, etc.) (Bakara 145)

Allah says that none will change their beliefs. The people of the Scripture should learn how to survive in the same society, union or world. We are at the internet age. People can reach any information and learn more about other religions. As you know understanding comes from the true knowledge. Is there any other way to keep peace in the world?

Quran is the unique source that recorded the establishment of first Islamic state against pagan Arabs. One can find many verses describing holy wars against the pagan Arabs. This doesn't mean that Muslims will fight against all non-Muslims until whole world become Muslim. It is clearly defined in Islam;

"Allâh does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion and did not drive you out of your homes. Verily, Allâh loves those who deal with equity (60:8)"

You wrote that
"Islam considers all other religions false, so where does the question of understanding come?."

Islam refuses other religions. Actually, all religions refuse other religions. Do you know any religion that embrace any other? Jesus was Jewish but Jews never accepted him as a messenger although they were expecting another messenger, that was told by Moses. Christians don't recognize Muhammed (peace upon him) but Muslims recognises both Moses and Jesus. Endless cycle. Anyway, all of them believe the day of resurrection. The truth will be clear on that day.

Then what remains us other than learning to live peacefully in this planet. This is what I meant by "understanding ". No crime should be labelled as religious action. If someone is committed a crime that means this person is criminal and he/she is the only one responsible from the criminal action. That crime shouldn't be generalized as the action of any religion. On this website a Hindu was asking me to explain why a Muslim guy raped a girl. No religion gives right to a man to rape any woman. People should learn no to generalize street crimes to religions.

Your message is very provocative. Are you trying to say that Muslims are supposed to attack others to convert them into Islam? Really? I didn't know that :-) I try to warn those like you who mislead people by providing misinterpreted information about Islam.

Yours
Nuray

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