Islam under Pressure

Submitted by Mizani (Malaysia), Oct 25, 2002 at 04:18

I am a Muslim living in Malaysia. I believe Islam has been tainted by the radical "new teaching" (started last century) invented by radical groups in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan and expanded all over the world. These groups follow the radical interpretation of Islam and believe that those who do not agree with their interpretation -- Muslims or non-Muslims -- are infidels or enemies and thereby declare "jihad" on those who disagree.

I am a strong believer and faithful to Islam. I respects other religions -- Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism. etc as they respect me. Jihad is the effort to improve ourself -- not to go to war or blow up a building. Strict laws that were applicable to 1400 years ago may not be applicable now. Islam is open to different intrepretations - Osama's version is the terrorist version; the moderates have their own intepretation. It is the vault of followers, not of the religion.

After reading some of the comments, I am afraid to go to US. I think most of Muslims now are being "squeezed" between extremist Muslims and angry non-Muslims.

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