The real problem is ambiguity

Submitted by Boris Frenkel (United States), Jan 2, 2003 at 14:31

We can argue forever whether or not Islam is a violent religion. The real problem of Islam (and many other ideologies) is its ambiguity and vulnerability to polar interpretations. If a religion does not specifically define what a good or bad human conduct is, there will be always some people who will use this religion as a weapon to achieve their personal political and economical goals. All religions have suffered from this problem. However, fundamental 10 Commandments made quite clear that Judiasm or Christianity are not violent religions by definition. Of course, both of them have been and still are violated from time to time, but in each case we can determine what particular rule of conduct is violated and how. Does Islam answer these questions with precision? Some may say, look deep inside Kuran, analyze prophecies and you will find all the answers. This is not good enough. Nobody has time and abilities for deep analysis. Most people need quick, simple and concrete instructions, a Reader's Digest if you wish. These specific instructions can come from family, clerics, political leaders, not holy books. However, if a leader says "Kill!" and a holy scripture simply says "Shalt not kill" it may take much longer and more effort to justify any killing, because instruction is specific. Can we see Kuran as a source for quick, simple and concrete rules of behavior?

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