To Farid

Submitted by Joe (United States), Feb 17, 2006 at 13:21

Well put.

I agree with you on what you said, the distinction between polical and religious Islam. However, I believe Islam is undergoing a radicalization, a "Great Awakening" of Islam. Most individuals (perhaps generalized as Muslims) are not as tolerant as the Moroccans. Perhaps the real Islam, intended by Allah, is peaceable and forgiving, and not unlike any other peaceful religion. The question then is, Why Change? From my understanding, the "real" Islam purported by many Muslims (and good people I may add), is not unlike Christianity in its traditions and practices- that of devout, good people with a devotional as well as cyclical relationship with God.

The problem is that there are some fundamental differences. Even if it may be deemed as radical or extremist, if one can find direct literal evidence for an action, then perhaps that IS what the religion intended. My theory is that Islam intended by Allah was simply twisted by Muhummad, perhaps through temptation, perhaps self-greed.

Allow yourself to believe for at least a second, that perhaps the teachings espoused by Muslim extremists are the teachings espoused by Muhummad. This would mean that you are not following Muhummad's relgion, and your ideas about Islam are wrong. However, since you are pious men, the religion you might follow is Christianity--where the same peaceful teachings are espoused, but there is no literal base for militancy or violent extremism.

To put it mathematically, if Islam can be divided into A and B (A being peaceful Islam, B being Extremism), and the teachings of A are equal to those of C (Christianity):

A, B, C = GOD, A =/ B, but A = C, simplified, C, B = GOD

then the equation can be simplified into C or B are paths to God. Since you follow A, and thus C, you are following the Christian teaching.

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