to dianamoon12

Submitted by tariq (United Arab Emirates), Feb 5, 2006 at 08:56

Since no one gave a reply to your comments, i'll give one.

"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."

If you are trying to say tht Jihad means to strive but muslims misunderstand it, then you are right. Islam has no links with terrorism but unfortunately muslims dont know this.

"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."

Actually wot US is doing is state sponsored terrorism. The US example does not apply to Islam in any way.

"That said, you yourself stated that Islam will do whatever it takes to move forward."
Forward?? where is forward?

"...will use violence to overcome anyone who stands in its way."
What way? Islam allows fighting only to defend muslims, the Islamic way of life, or to free opressed people.

"Beacuse I don't know, but cutting off someones hand for stealing seems a bit excessive"
Maybe its excessive to you. but it is the best way to reduce crime. Cutting of the hand PREVENTS crime and so there are not many ppl whose hands should be cut of.
And in Islam a rapist should be killed. Tell me dianamoon, as a woman do you feel tht is also excessive?

"Islam is an inherently violent religion"
Show this violence by quoting a verse from the Holy Quran will you?

" 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."

Oh yeah? your holy book now. or has it been changed?

"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."

That is exactly wot i have done. now its time for you to do it.

" Read the Qu'uran. Educate yourself- but do so from all sides of the debate. "
I should be saying this to you as i have myself already done this.

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