to tariq

Submitted by dianamoon (United States), Jan 4, 2006 at 10:39

Point 1) That is a completely truthful statement. However, only the spirit of what you are saying is true. While classical Arabic may meaning of Jihad means struggle in a literal sense, Contemporary belief among a majority of Muslims, is that Jihad means holy war. And because we live in contemporary times, the contemporary meaning is what disturbs and concerns me.

Point 2) In a sense, you are answering what I am saying, by validating it. Your statement regarding the U.S. violently struggling against people who do not follow its policy is a very popular thesis right now, however, it is a smokescreen. I fully accept that leaders in the U.S. have led it's people into wars. However, this does not say anything about Islam. How the U.S. conducts itself, does not have anything to do with Islam.

That said, you yourself stated that Islam will do whatever it takes to move forward. So why are we at odds? This is what everyone who is opposing you has been saying. That Islam will use violence to overcome anyone who stands in its way.

Point 3) Are the examples that you used here supposed to be showing me how peaceful Islam is? Beacuse I don't know, but cutting off someones hand for stealing seems a bit excessive. It seems, dare I say, a bit violent. Again, your own statements bear out what everyone here has been saying. Islam is an inherently violent religion.

A short note, before anyone responds with telling me that other belief systems are as violent, I fully recognize violence in the PAST in regards to other faith systems. However, in Islam there is an ongoing and current call to violence against anyone who stands in their way. While there are other faiths perpetrating violence on others in modern times (hindus, christians, & buddhists) these instances are so few as to be considered laughable when compared to the Islamic Jihad against them.

To those who question Islam, and truly believe that it is just a different face of God, be openminded enough to look at all sources, the sources that seem to speak for it, as well as the sources that speak against it. Look at instances of human rights abuses for and against Muslims. Look up connections between "moderate" Muslim groups and terrorism. Read the Qu'uran. Educate yourself- but do so from all sides of the debate.

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