For my friend Alex

Submitted by Masnur Marzuki (Australia), Jul 19, 2006 at 09:40

Yess... You are right to say that are God chosen people" until "and all others should convert to Islam or die." My dear friend, Islam never teaches us to intimidate others in order to convert to Islam. In Quran clearly says that no pushing, focing or intimidating in choosing religion (Laa Ikraaha fiddiin) (If you have time please find it at Surah Albaqarah 256 in Quran). Fortunately, my family apply this messages. My father never forces us to convert his religion. We freely choose it which one is the best we presumpt or think.

I would argue that Islam is a peace religion. I absolutely disagree to what extrimists commit (terrorism). In Qoran says: we , Moslems, are the best generation (chosen people = khoiru ummah) who tolerate each other, do good things and prevent bad things. So they (extremists) can not confess their religion is islam as long as they commit terrorism or push others to convert to Islam. Our first constitution, Madinah Constitution, even give one hundred per cent guarantee for non-Muslims live peacefully in Muslim countries (Madinah). You know brother, it is natural to say "we are the best (chosen people) ". American say we are the best, British do so, Australians do so, Indonesian do so, Brazilian do so. In religious matters, it's also found. We, Moslems, feel we are the best and you too (Christian is the Best). It's our and your fully rights to claim, isn't it?

You know brother, we, Moslems, respect Isaac very much. We always pray for his peaceful life. Unfortunately we treat him in different views. We, Moslems, considers Isaac as a holy prophet just like Ibrahim (Abraham) or Ishmael whereas you consider him as a son of God (Trinity concept). Isaac is often recorded and noted in Quran as good example for us , Moslems, how difficult to do holy things is.

Isaac is a symbol of solidarity and holy struggle. In Islam, Isaac is our holy prophet, then Mohammad (the last prophet) continued his struggle to free humankind from evil and to bring peaceful life..

May God bless you brother...

Masnur Marzuki

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