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Why Jesus (PBUH) & Mohamed (PBUH) were sent to The people?
Since the creation of humans, God sent many prophets to instruct humans of how to manage their societies laws. When Jesus came to the Children of Israel, he did not come to change the Torah (The Old Testament), but to instruct the Jews to follow it. In other words, Jews leaders were following their own teachings that deviated from the Torah.
When Mohamed Came, he did the same thing, which reminding the Jews and the Christian to implement Gods laws among people and not their own laws. In other words, The Torah and the original Bible are the laws the constitute the true religion and not their own laws that constitute falls religion.
He hath revealed unto thee (Muhammad) the Scripture with truth, confirming that which was (revealed) before it, even as He revealed the Torah and the Gospel. (3) Aforetime, for a guidance to mankind; and hath revealed the Criterion of right and wrong. Lo! those who disbelieve the revelations of Allah, theirs will be a heavy doom. Allah is Mighty, Able to Requite (the wrong). (Quran-sora 3-verse 2)

Lo! We did reveal the Torah, wherein is guidance and a light, by which the prophets who surrendered (unto Allah) judged the Jews, and the rabbis and the priests (judged) by such of Allah's Scripture as they were bidden to observe, and thereunto were they witnesses. So fear not mankind, but fear Me. And barter not My revelations for a little gain. Whoso judgeth not by that which Allah hath revealed: such are disbelievers.(5-44)

And We caused Jesus, son of Mary, to follow in their footsteps, confirming that which was (revealed) before him in the Torah, and We bestowed on him the Gospel wherein is guidance and a light, confirming that which was (revealed) before it in the Torah - a guidance and an admonition unto those who ward off (evil). (5-46) Let the People of the Gospel judge by that which Allah hath revealed therein. Whoso judgeth not by that which Allah hath revealed: such are evil-livers. (5-47)

In my studies for the Quran and Sharia, I have noted that many famous Sharia books depend on the “Hadith” in finding the Islamic laws. The Hadith are stories that show how prophet Mohamed (peace be upon him) and his companions implemented the Laws of God (Allah). Surprisingly, the Moslem scholars and others religious leaders (Shafi, Ben-hambl, Ben-Timia) have instructed Moslems to follow the Hadith laws, even when it contradict a Quran Verse—The True God Laws! Some of the results of such teaching are:
1- More that 70 different Moslem groups that are fighting and killing each other.
2- A religion that does not represent the Quran but represent man made books.
3- A religion that promote the killing of any person who disagree with.
The prophet Mohamed, like any other prophet, followed his Lord laws that are represented in the Quran and the Bible and the Torah:
(4-104) Lo! We reveal unto thee the Scripture with the truth, that thou mayst judge between mankind by that which Allah showeth thee. And be not thou a pleader for the treacherous;
Please, note that when God speaks Good about the people of the books, he mans the people who follow his true books (the Quran, the Bible and the Torah), and when he speaks bad about them, he mans the people who do not follow his true words; these people can be Moslems, Christian or Jews who are controlling the religion and misrepresenting it to humans.
The entire Quran speaks about that. The following are few of such verses
Alif. Lam. Mim. (2:1) This is the Scripture whereof there is no doubt, a guidance unto those who ward off (evil). (2) Who believe in the Unseen, and establish worship, and spend of that We have bestowed upon them; (3) And who believe in that which is revealed unto thee (Muhammad) and that which was revealed before thee, and are certain of the Hereafter. (4) These depend on guidance from their Lord. These are the successful. (5) Alif. Lam. Mim. (1) This is the Scripture whereof there is no doubt, a guidance unto those who ward off (evil). (2) Who believe in the Unseen, and establish worship, and spend of that We have bestowed upon them; (3) And who believe in that which is revealed unto thee (Muhammad) and that which was revealed before thee, and are certain of the Hereafter. (4) These depend on guidance from their Lord. These are the successful. (5)
Say (O Muslims): We believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto us and that which was revealed unto Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes, and that which Moses and Jesus received, and that which the prophets received from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and unto Him we have surrendered. (2:136)
They are not all alike. Of the People of the Scripture there is a staunch community who recite the revelations of Allah in the night season, falling prostrate (before Him). (3:113) They believe in Allah and the Last Day, and enjoin right conduct and forbid indecency, and vie one with another in good works. These are of the righteous. (114) And whatever good they do, they will not be denied the meed thereof. Allah is Aware of those who ward off (evil). (115)
But those of them who are firm in knowledge and the believers believe in that which is revealed unto thee, and that which was revealed before thee, especially the diligent in prayer and those who pay the poor-due, the believers in Allah and the Last Day. Upon these We shall bestow immense reward. (4;162)
Alif. Lam. Mim. Sad. (7:1) (It is) a Scripture that is revealed unto thee (Muhammad) - so let there be no heaviness in thy heart therefrom - that thou mayst warn thereby, and (it is) a Reminder unto believers. (2) (Saying): Follow that which is sent down unto you from your Lord, and follow no protecting friends beside Him. Little do ye recollect! (3)
And argue not with the People of the Scripture unless it be in (a way) that is better, save with such of them as do wrong; and say: We believe in that which hath been revealed unto us and revealed unto you; our God and your God is One, and unto Him we surrender. (29-46)

Rhonda amd M. Maan hit the nail right on the head. Discussions such as these draw the "usual suspects" away from their hate sites, armed with only wha they have been fed. There are only a two or three posting under multiple names with unmistakable syles but the same undocumneted lies (the evidence: no page citations to any reputable history books)

janet- well, im not sure how you surmised this from these writings.

1) holy war is a term used by the crusaders.
its a christian invention but its very compelling in its imagery, isnt it.

there are 2 jihads. the greater jihad- which is taking constant inventory of our souls and recognizing our negative impulses- and then working to eradicate them.
this is a constant and lifelong struggle to refine our natures.

it is called 'greater' becauce it is the most important, and deserves the most attention.

the lesser is the case of a defensive allowance to protect ones home and property and family.

it is not offensive.

for instance, the offensive occupation that the united states has undertaken in iraq would be forbidden in islam.

if a force comes to your home and attempts to harm, subjugate or destroy- muslims are obligated to protect themselves.

the ayats dealing with jihad deal alot with those who sit at home and allow others to fight for them when they are able to help.

how is this unusual in any society?

if an invading force comes into your town, and there are healthy young men hiding with the women and children, wouldnt the people say, "hey you, get out there and fight for your home!'

there are allowances for people to be humna beings and have lower natures in the qu'ran.

often there will be several options a person can take.
in the case of murder for example, if your brother is murdered and the murderer caught and brought before you-

would it be your wishes concerning the fate of the murderer that would be followed?

no, the state would decide for you to put the murderer into prison and the state would decide without your consultation to give the lethal injection and kill them.

in islam, you have several options.

you can have the murderer killed and exact your revenge.

or, the murderer can pay the family and make some amend.
like in the case of your hypothetical brother- if he had a wife and children and they were left without resources from his death- such a compromise would help to some tiny degree.

in america- the same widow and her orphaned children would simply be left to fend for themselves- and the people are left to foot the bill to house and feed the prisoner-

yesterday in connecticut, 2 men visciously murdered a woman and her 2 daughters.
they were released form the prison system early because they are just too overcrowded.
as far as a social solution, this system failed this family miserably.

and the third option is considered the best, and of course that is forgiveness.

this is a simplistic example of a complex problem.

but i doubt any could fail to see the wisdom in it.

it goes back to the greater jihad, where one is constantly striving to be the best human they can be.

if you had read the preceding post, you would have seen the exhortations to jbe just, and keep hatred from your heart-

ill repeat a few key lines for you here-

~~~~stand out firmly for Allah, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to piety: and fear Allah. For Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do.
2-208. O ye who believe! Enter into peace whole-heartedly~~~~~~~
"Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loveth those who are just.
10-99And if your Lord had pleased, surely all those who are in the earth would have believed, all of them; will you then force men till they become believers?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

maybe you missed that the first time around.

suffrage for women in america didnt come until less than a hundred years ago.
and there are still no equal rights for women- (the american woman makes 77 cents for every dollar a man makes.

islam gave women control over their own finances 1470 some years ago.

and women are as equal as the teeth on a comb to men, as a matter of fact- ALL are equal.

what other religion proclaims this openly?
none. not even christianity had the foresight to include this in its teachings.

the qu'ran is from ALLAH, and is a users guide for social equality and success.

peace

Let me get this straight.
1. The concept of jihad, holy war, is the West's responsibility, and Muslims are the innocent victims?

2. This Muslim leader has nothing to say about apostasy, one of the main bones of contention that non-Muslims have with Muslims?

3.Suffrage and equal rights under the law are irrelevant for Muslim women?

(4-104) Lo! We reveal unto thee the Scripture with the truth, that thou mayst judge between mankind by that which Allah showeth thee. And be not thou a pleader for the treacherous;
According to the Quran, the prophet Mohamed (PBUH) was instructed by God to follow the Quran laws that are written in perfect words; moreover, the Quran warns the believers from following any books that would contradict its laws, and even following the verses that was revealed for a specific situations, and not following the decisive ones that are the basics of God’s laws.
He it is Who has revealed the Book to you; some of its verses are decisive, they are the basis of the Book, and others are allegorical; then as for those in whose hearts there is perversity they follow the part of it which is allegorical, seeking to mislead and seeking to give it (their own) interpretation. but none knows its interpretation except Allah, and those who are firmly rooted in knowledge say: We believe in it, it is all from our Lord; and none do mind except those having understanding (3- 7).

In the previous Quranic verse, and many other verses, God warns people from following verses in the Quran that were revealed to give the prophet certain guidance in a specific situation. But once the situation ends, the special guidance should not be followed, but the original one—the decisive—becomes the law.

In some verses in the Quran, the prophet Mohamed (PBUH) was instructed to fight back the Jews and Christians who allied with the unbelievers to fight Moslems and end their religion (They drove the prophet and his companion out of Macca).

Excepting those of the idolaters with whom ye (Muslims) have a treaty, and who have since abated nothing of your right nor have supported anyone against you. (As for these), fulfil their treaty to them till their term. Lo! Allah loveth those who keep their duty (unto Him). (9:4) Then, when the sacred months have passed, slay the idolaters wherever ye find them, and take them (captive), and besiege them, and prepare for them each ambush. But if they repent and establish worship and pay the poor-due, then leave their way free. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. (5) And if anyone of the idolaters seeketh thy protection (O Muhammad), then protect him so that he may hear the Word of Allah, and afterward convey him to his place of safety. That is because they are a folk who know not. (6) How can there be a treaty with Allah and with His messenger for the idolaters save those with whom ye made a treaty at the Inviolable Place of Worship? So long as they are true to you, be true to them. Lo! Allah loveth those who keep their duty.
9: 29Fight against such of those who have been given the Scripture as believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, and forbid not that which Allah hath forbidden by His messenger, and follow not the Religion of Truth, until they pay the tribute readily, being brought low.

Thus, God ordered him to claim back Macca (as he ordered prophet Moses to fight the people who lived in Jerusalem). This was a specific order for specific situation, but once was over the decisive verses becomes laws. The following are some of the decisive ones that speaks about Christian and Jews and other issues, which Moslems have to follow or they are not Moslems (true believers of God)
He hath revealed unto thee (Muhammad) the Scripture with truth, confirming that which was (revealed) before it, even as He revealed the Torah and the Gospel. (3) Aforetime, for a guidance to mankind; and hath revealed the Criterion of right and wrong. Lo! those who disbelieve the revelations of Allah, theirs will be a heavy doom. Allah is Mighty, Able to Requite (the wrong). (Quran-sora 3-verse 2)

Lo! We did reveal the Torah, wherein is guidance and a light, by which the prophets who surrendered (unto Allah) judged the Jews, and the rabbis and the priests (judged) by such of Allah's Scripture as they were bidden to observe, and thereunto were they witnesses. So fear not mankind, but fear Me. And barter not My revelations for a little gain. Whoso judgeth not by that which Allah hath revealed: such are disbelievers.(5-44)

And We caused Jesus, son of Mary, to follow in their footsteps, confirming that which was (revealed) before him in the Torah, and We bestowed on him the Gospel wherein is guidance and a light, confirming that which was (revealed) before it in the Torah - a guidance and an admonition unto those who ward off (evil). (5-46) Let the People of the Gospel judge by that which Allah hath revealed therein. Whoso judgeth not by that which Allah hath revealed: such are evil-livers. (5-47)
6-151. Say: "Come, I will rehearse what Allah hath (really) prohibited you from": Join not anything as equal with Him; be good to your parents; kill not your children on a plea of want;- We provide sustenance for you and for them;- come not nigh to shameful deeds. Whether open or secret; take not life, which Allah hath made sacred, except by way of justice and law: thus doth He command you, that ye may learn wisdom.
17-33. Nor take life - which Allah has made sacred - except for just cause. And if anyone is slain wrongfully, we have given his heir authority (to demand qisas or to forgive): but let him nor exceed bounds in the matter of taking life; for he is helped (by the Law).
29-46. And dispute ye not with the People of the Book, except with means better (than mere disputation), unless it be with those of them who inflict wrong (and injury): but say, "We believe in the revelation which has come down to us and in that which came down to you; Our Allah and your Allah is one; and it is to Him we bow (in Islam)."
2-178. O ye who believe! the law of equality is prescribed to you in cases of murder: the free for the free, the slave for the slave, the woman for the woman. But if any remission is made by the brother of the slain, then grant any reasonable demand, and compensate him with handsome gratitude, this is a concession and a Mercy from your Lord. After this whoever exceeds the limits shall be in grave penalty.
2-190. Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loveth not transgressors.
2-194. The prohibited month for the prohibited month,- and so for all things prohibited,- there is the law of equality. If then any one transgresses the prohibition against you, Transgress ye likewise against him. But fear Allah, and know that Allah is with those who restrain themselves.
5-2. O ye who believe! Violate not the sanctity of the symbols of Allah, nor of the sacred month, nor of the animals brought for sacrifice, nor the garlands that mark out such animals, nor the people resorting to the sacred house, seeking of the bounty and good pleasure of their Lord. But when ye are clear of the sacred precincts and of pilgrim garb, ye may hunt and let not the hatred of some people in (once) shutting you out of the Sacred Mosque lead you to transgression (and hostility on your part). Help ye one another in righteousness and piety, but help ye not one another in sin and rancour: fear Allah. for Allah is strict in punishment.
5-8. O ye who believe! stand out firmly for Allah, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to piety: and fear Allah. For Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do.
2-208. O ye who believe! Enter into peace whole-heartedly; and follow not the footsteps of the evil one; for he is to you an avowed enemy.
5-32. On that account: We ordained for the Children of Israel that if any one slew a person - unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land - it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people. Then although there came to them Our apostles with clear signs, yet, even after that, many of them continued to commit excesses in the land.
60-8. Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loveth those who are just.
10-99And if your Lord had pleased, surely all those who are in the earth would have believed, all of them; will you then force men till they become believers?
A warning message to the prophet to not force people into worshiping God.
10-100 And it is not for a soul to believe except by Allah's permission; and He casts uncleanness on those who will not understand.
2-256 There is no compulsion in religion; truly the right way has become clearly distinct from error; therefore, whoever disbelieves in the Shaitan and believes in Allah he indeed has laid hold on the firmest handle, which shall not break off, and Allah is Hearing, Knowing.

One of the comments here made a very good point: the reason for violence rooted in the middle east is a lack of education. And don't blame Islam for these people's lack of education- the Prophet Muhammad (upon whom may be peace) is noted for saying that Muslims should educate themselves, even if it means going to China. This teaching is upheld by many Muslims, and my family is one of them. Regardless of gender, my parents have educated all of my siblings, including myself. I, as a woman, have every right to seek knowledge and Islam allows to do so. Want proof? It is said that half of the Islamic faith can be learned from Aisha, the Prophet's wife. And just for the record- this is why the Prophet married such a young girl like Aisha. The Prophet was aging, thus he knew it was vital to secure the teachings of Islam. Thus, the easiest way would be to tell his mate, a wife. Think about it- when you're married, who's the person who you tell everything to? Your partner. Therefore, Aisha being of young age and a quick mind, would be perfect.

The education many people in the middle east do receive is a contortion of Islamic law. The violent Muslims are mainly those who pick and choose the teachings of Islam they'd like to practice. Even some of the imams who do hold quite of a bit of knowledge concerning Islam choose not to practice all of it- and this is the root cause of chaos. We are very fortunate to have such amazing educational facilities in the West. However, we cannot blame the middle east for falling behind- their resources are awfully limited, thus it will take time for them to catch up.

Peace to All.

Indeed Islam has no relation with the sucide attacks on innocent peoples.

The word "Islam" is derived (made) from the word "Silm" means "Peace". The peace "Silm" of Islam is not restricted to any special comunity at all. It covers all of the creatures even the dogs and cats etc.

There is a verse (sentense) in Quran says " Do not kill any life without right. It means to not kill even any insect if it is not harmful to you. It does not means if some thing is harmful you must kill it. What it means is; killing of any life is allowed if otherwise your own life is in danger.

There is one more verse (Sentense) in Quran says " Who killed a single human being without any right, he killed all the human beings". In the context of the said verse (sense of Quran)the single life of man or women is equavalant of all human beings.

It should must be noted that as per Quranic view there is no different between the life of Muslim and Christian and Jews and Hidus. The life of all Human beings are same in value. Therefore, it did not differ between them while talking about killing of life in the above said verses.

Actually, as per Islamic point view of the univers; the whole univers is between the fingers of Allah (God). If He wish, He can convert all the human being to his choosed religion either Islam, Christianity or Judaism. But He wishes to leave the human beings to use their mind and differentiate between truth and fals. Otherwise the Judjment day will be useless.

As He left the choice of right religion on human beings, there are many religions in the world. Allthough every body says that his religion is right and all other is wrong, Obviously, there will be only one right religion and others wrong. There is no doubt in this fact also that Allah (God) knows which is the right religion.

Even though Allah (God) is not restricting the Air, Water, Sun and other facilities to only believers in right religion. All of His facilities is common and free to all of His creatures and not only for human beings.

Then who gives the militants the right to kill the innocent peoples? No body only Satan misguiding them. Therefore, The Islam or the Muslims should be blamed at all for minlitancy of few dozens peoples. Otherwise, the Christianity and Christains should must accept the responsibility and feel guilty of Killings of innocent poeples from Hitlor to G. W. Bush. all over the world.

These days, the killings of innocent peoples is not only the problem of this univers. The offence against humanity is not limited to killing only.

All of our American and Europian friends should take in notice that Millions of peoples are droven from their houses, stolen out their lands, their mothers and fathers had been killed for no sin, no guilty, those are starving and dying for food out of shelter under sky. If the Christinity allow these all cruality against human beings? Never.

So, we should understand the reality of on going politics in this world and should never blame any religion or any comunity.

This not the problem of religion. Actually this is the the problem of Humanity. No body will agree to kill himself as a sucide bomber if he will be enjoying the life like others. The life is beloved to everybody. The life of killer and killed one is same in value. Indeed the circumstances of the inbalanced world is forcing them kill themselves.

The powerful countries especially America and Allies is never fighting for religion (Christianity) but for more power and to be continue in power. The Chritianity is itself Victim of this bling contest of power. The peoples made themselves free from relgious ritual & practices. The Churches are empty of worshippers. The modern civilization is threat to not any particular religion but the Christianity is victim of it more than any other religion. The Christianity has been defamed because of it.

Thanks to the readers

I mean seriously, I know moderate Muslims living in the same mainstream society as I do - they loathe suicide bombers and terrorists, they don't make excuses for them and plea for an understanding of their "oppression and lack of inclusion". They're not oppressed and they're not excluded because a) they live in North America, not Europe, and b) because they're normal, mainstream people with normal, mainstream views. They like the gay people they know, they think suicide bombings are horrible and ugly tragedies, they thought Spider-Man was okay entertainment, and c) they don't whine about being excluded, they just include themselves. No one wants them excluded from anything, and they know that - they do normal things like Frisbee and movies and bike rides, like any non-Muslim I know.

As a gay man who fits in very comfortably into mainstream, everyday society, I can say with great ease that if you *want* to be oppressed and excluded, as Humera Khan so clearly wishes to be, then you'll be oppressed and excluded. If you want to be on the same track as everyone else, they're mostly more than happy to have you along.

Humera Khan is a self-pitying self-deceiver.

What whiny drivel.

"If people go crazy with despair, can we blame them?"???

Are you kidding?

Say it with me, Humera Khan: Suicide bombers are evil. Inhuman anger management cases causing the indiscriminate maiming and killing of innocent civilian bystanders is pretty blame-worthy, in my personal view.

Oppression and lack of inclusion? These are not 'understandable mitigating factors'. Oppression and lack of conclusion are mere buzzwords to this woman - Martin Luther King Jr. never bombed a public square, Ghandi never encouraged people to die taking as many of the enemy along as possible. We remember and admire these men for above all their great humanity and decency, and how it inspired to effect real change.

Humera Khan is no Martin Luther King Jr, and no Ghandi. And she'll never create any worthwhile or even lasting change.

WaPo - find someone smarter to contribute.

What whiny drivel.

"If people go crazy with despair, can we blame them?"???

Are you kidding?

Say it with me, Humera Khan: Suicide bombers are evil. Inhuman anger management cases causing the indiscriminate maiming and killing of innocent civilian bystanders is pretty blame-worthy, in my personal view.

Oppression and lack of inclusion? These are not 'understandable mitigating factors'. Oppression and lack of conclusion are mere buzzwords to this woman - Martin Luther King Jr. never bombed a public square, Ghandi never encouraged people to die taking as many of the enemy along as possible. We remember and admire these men for above all their great humanity and decency, and how it inspired to effect real change.

Humera Khan is no Martin Luther King Jr, and no Ghandi. And she'll never create any worthwhile or even lasting change.

WaPo - find someone smarter to contribute.

Also, I must point out how hypocrites you people are. If a Muslim person commits some bad act, you mention their religion. But otherwise you don't mention their religion. A few days back - in US - a Haitian woman was raped, sodomized, forced to have oral sex with her own son by ten teenagers. One of the criminals inserted his gun inside her. Of course their religion wasn't mentioned!!! Should this have been done by people of Muslim names, it would have been promptly mentioned and Islam would have been responsible for this. In US again, two 15 yo burnt a kitten alive and they were arrested. Again no religion was mentioned 'coz they didn't have muslim names. Christian Church has throughout the history exploited children for sex. Do I need to tell you they paid 650 million dollars for child abuse. Of course no hue and cry from westerners. How shameful it is that the people who committed these heinous crimes are still serving as Bishops and Priests.

Annette and Ron,

I must ask you to not equate the actions of certain people to represent Islam. Al Qaida is not Muslim and its members are not Muslims by the very definition of Islam. Islam doesn't accept killings. We hate Al Qaida more than you do 'coz its giving our beautiful religion such a bad name. If there are honour killings somewhere, it's local culture. It doesn't mean our religion asks them to do so. Also, I'd like to request people to stop referring to certain web sites. It's very well known that there are thousands of web sites created in Islam's name by Islam's enemies to give it bad name. If you want to give a reference it should be credible and not how you interprete it but how we interprete it. FYI, you can watch pornography in Saudi Arabia. Now you'd tell me Islam allows pornography. No, it doesn't. This porn channel is broadcast by Israel for free!!! Also, you people have this opinion that women are oppressed in Islam. Our beautiful religion strictly forbids this. If you care to listen, we love and care more for our women than you westerners do. Their honour is our honour. You people cannot believe that Humera (being a Muslim woman) can write positively about Islam 'coz she's an oppressed woman in your opinion!!! If a woman by Muslim name would write against Islam you'd be praising her and may be award her a Noble prize or some Booker at least! Let me make this clear. Stop equating Islam with some bad Muslims' actions. There are bad people in each religion and not just in Islam. I must reiterate: Islam is the only religion which encouraged people to free their slaves, which gave women their inheritance rights, which made it compulsory on rich Muslims to take care of poor. I never hear anything positive about Islam. For example, there are very few suicides, divorces, no drugs, no alcohol, no prostitution etc etc etc. All you people show your true colours by showing our religion in very bad light. Nothing is farther from the truth. How do I justify West's hypocrisy: 2-3 days back a Magazine published a cartoon on the reigning Spanish prince and his wife. All the copies of the magazine were promptly confiscated; even printing blocks were confiscated by a judge's order!!! I don't see any freedom of expression hue and cry now. Whatever happened to your freedom of expression, hypocrites?!! You are the same people who offended Muslims by publishing offensive cartoons about our Prophet. How do you justify your dark actions throughout the human history? You enslaved people everywhere you went. You spread racism. And what's happening now. How do you justify your genocides in Afghanistan and Iraq and I guess very soon in Iran? Who manufactures all kinds of weapons of mass destruction? You hypocrites talk of democracy but then you make UN totally dictatorial. Why should 5 states be more equal than others?!! I can keep going on about your hypocrisy. But do I really need to write all this? Don't you all know what you have done and are doing to humanity? BTW, USA, Australia, Canada, NZ (to name a few) were all colonized by White Christians by enslaving, killing local populations!!! People who live in very fragile glass houses don't throw stones on others. I hope you know this.

I went through the article by Humera Khan. Islam does not allow its follower to confront with fellow citizens.Islam is the religion of peace

I went through the article By Humera Khan really it is informative. Islam does not allow to its follower to confront with fellow citizens. Islam is a relegion of peace.rights of women are very much safegaurded in our releigion.

Note: Whether or not Ms. Khan's responses suit your tastes, it cannot be denied she was brave enough to step up to share them. Please stop these personal attacks--are they really necessary?

Thank you Rhonda. I agree with you wholeheartedly. If you began reading any of this with an already set mind, then why bother reading and/or commenting? You will only upset yourself, or worse, others. Please, do everyone a favor, and keep your animosity to yourself. If everyone did that, wouldn't this world be a (albeit seemingly) beautiful and loving place?

If you didn't want to "waste your time" reading either of my posts, please read this: Stop taking the Qu'ran or Bible out of context. It helps no one, but hurts every one.

Why do we all bicker as if we were children?

It is undeniable that Christianity, Judaism, and Islam have all had some hand in terrible violence (past, and present). It is a set-in-stone truth. So why do we continue to point fingers and bring up the past? Why can't we strive for a better, peaceful future?

After this kind of display, how can anyone, any religion, claim to be loving? Even if you were once (twice, thrice, umpteen, it matters not) wronged, can you not find it inside you to forgive, and move on?

It seems a popular (and deceitfully "intelligent") choice to take the Qu'ran and Bible out of context, by both sides. This is unacceptably ignorant. Very few people have read the entire Bible, and the same can be said of the Qu'ran. Written works must be taken as a whole, none of this "out of context" balderdash. Any quote can be molded to suit the quoter's purpose. I should know, I'm a high school AP Language student.

I could have chosen not to reveal my age, however, in doing so, I hope to open some eyes. I would assume, naturally, that most of the comments here are posted by adults. You are the paradigm for my generation. Instead of instilling feelings of understanding and tolerance (or the polar opposites), you have instilled (in me) feelings of hopelessness and weeping sadness.

How can we call ourselves human? Where are the human characteristics? I see none.

I see hate.
I see mordancy.
I see ignorance.

For those who may scoff and think, "this is but an uneducated teenager," know that this "uneducated" teen has lost all faith and respect in you, and those like you.

For those who actively advocated peaceful discussion and understanding: Thank You. You've shown me there is still hope, even if it appears to be a dying ember.

Please, Grow Up. If you can't do it for yourselves, then take this as a plea for mercy: do it for my generation.

i have been on these boards since their inception, last november?

and in all that time i have allowed others to dictate what my responses are, bevcause there are so many misconceptions and ive been trying to give a patient and reasoned response.

my problem is that i respect each individual and feel each deserve attention.

for the purposes of these boards- i will choose to define myself and speak only on what i choose.

there are far too many beautiful things to express and these boards are for fostering understanding.

peace
peoples

halozee-

there arent any muslim countries in the world right now.

how exactly is islam responsible for what has happened to the palestinian people?

it is what it is

concerned- no, as youve been far too rude to me in the past-

many many times

so you know i wont answer you anymore

give respect and you will get it

now peace all

o - and certainly halozee

muslims are people and we love

even those who repeatedly defame me- i respond with patience - i can only speak for myself

Victoria,

You sound more like a Buddhist than a Muslim.

If you are a Muslim, please address the historical foundations of Islam as requested many, many times. You cannot even admit that there was no angel Gabriel and therefore there was never any communication between God and your "Mo Man".

Victoria,
Nascar Pilot.

If you believe in the equality,you just be a muslim.
Could you write any islamic country where equality(especially male-female) exist??
If you long to pray one song of love,you just be a muslim.
Does islam know what love is ??
If you are driven to social justice,you just be a 'sweden'.
Could you show any islamic country where 'social justice' exist ??

Harmony,is there 'harmony' in Palestine or any islamic country ??
Unity,what is it?.Which 'unity' in Palestine and muslim world ??
Compassion,is there 'compassion' for non-muslim ?? What is 8.12
Respect,Does islam respect Trinity,Son of God,Bible ??

Dear Victoria,you are a good driver.

Nur,

No,No,you are wrong.
Islam is responsible for present backward and poor situation of muslim women in all over the world.
Islam insults the women.Exact notion of 2.282 'woman be moron and may error'.
Woman is the second class citizen in islam.
Headscarf,veil,burqa are torture and compulsion on women.
4.34,4.3 and 4.11 humiliates woman.

a salaamu alaikum sister and thanks for your honest thoughts

i find that on these boards and life, the questions people ask are so very limited- (and often slyly accusatory) that it does become tiring making the same responses that are usually rebuffed before theyre even out.

it keeps me from ever speaking about the reason i became muslim- and what it means-

i became muslim before 911 when everyone was totally unaware of it- as i always say- a little knowledge is a dangerous thing-

long before i encountered islam i realized that people accuse others of what they themselves are guilty of-

and find in others what is in their own hearts.

a racist will find racism wherever they look (in the "other" of course) a liar will accuse one of lying etc...

so i didnt read any posts- i know some of the bashers and their exchanges-

as the siter said- islam is about how we relate to each other-
do we do it with respect, love patience?

omigod i just thought of something funny when i wrote this-

ala jeff foxworthy- ill co-opt his line-

if you believe in the equality of all humankind-
YOU JUST MIGHT BE A MUSLIM

if you recognize the common desires and aspirations that we all have and the siterhood that binds us
YOU JUST MIGHT BE A MUSLIM

if you long to pray one song of love in the same tune with the same words at the same time to the same god with all of the people in sync-
YOU JUST MIGHT BE A MUSLIM

if you are driven to social responsibility and fearless in your pursuit of what is true and just
YOU JUST MIGHT BE A MUSLIM

if personal responsibilty eats at your very core so that every thought you think, and act you enact comes only with the knowledge that a merciful god will reward you as you deserve on judgement day-

and in your honest heart admit that it is every persons job to protect and succor every other person

and that you must also speak out when wrongs are done
YOU JUST MIGHT BE A MUSLIM

o well- enough of that -

harmony(as beautifully expressed by the author)
unity
compassion
respect
heart burning with the desire to do what is right
striving to be your best striving to be your superlative sterling self

relentless inspection of ones own weaknesses and the work work work to change weak into strong in oneself

a salaamu alikum and peace peoples

And by the way, "Frank":

In regards to Islam and Nazis in WW2, don't you find it ironic that some Jews were Nazi sympathizers? At least I do.

Just two quick comments:

1. Islam, like other religions, is not a monolithic bloc- you have extremists, moderates, so on and forth. So to speak of "all Muslims" as West-haters, potential terrorists is a complete vilification.

2. Patriarchy existed even before Islam was introduced into the world. Don't talk about women's conditions in Saudi Arabia or any other Muslim country as a result of Islamic law. It's a result of an ARCHAIC system of patriarchy.

Some of the ignornat people here are posting and re-posting under different names (i.e. Frank alone has posted no less than 18 times under various names). And most of the people who brandish their so-called verses have just copied and pasted from 3rd rate hate sites. Go home and eat TV dinners you losers.

I had an inkling that there was more to jihad than I had heard or read. My distrust of the media has lead me to do some reading on Islam, but this has been the most concise and rational explanation that I've come across. When stated as you did, it makes a lot of sense. Thank you for your insight.

Many times I have had to remind people that it is the Muslim Extremists who push the Holy War upon the world and Muslim Extremists are by far a vast minority.

Perhaps someday we can all live in peace.....and no, I'm not a Muslim for all of you out there that just don't get it.

You think the West must accept Islam? You think WE somehow owe you our acceptance? No, it is YOUR responsibility to win us over with your actions! Jews have lived in America since the first days. They have added to our culture and been integral to building America. Where are the Muslims in American history? Where are the famous Muslim founding fathers of the USA?

They don't exist because you sat your camels until America was the beacon to the world and THEN you decided to take part.

Doesn't work that way Sweetheart. You have to earn acceptance. And it can't be earned through whining, bombing, rioting or honor killings.

Go f yourself.

a dialog has multiple purposes.
it may be to change the minds of others.
it may be to provide additional facts or receive additional facts.
or it may be to provide the truth where only lies would otherwise be.
and i say it again. if anyone can find a false fact - point it out.
here is how. quote my statement and link to it. provide the correct information and link to your source. we are talking about facts here not opinions.
if you fact is superior to what i have then i may change it - but at least everyone will see why you say i am wrong.
but islamics dont seem to do that. they fall into 4 main categories in responses.
1. christians are just as bad, even if christ never said to kill or hate.
2. you are out of context - but you never describe the context.
3. that my facts are untrue - but you never post authority for showing im wrong.
4. personal insults calling me a bigot for quoting the koran and correctly siting history. want to know what a bigot is - how about a group of people that for 1400 years have hated anyone not islamic, and then murdering them if they dont pay a ransom or convert.

Very weak statement:
"What I would say........Since neither approach is working maybe it’s time to look for alternative solutions."
"Maybe its time for alternatives"...?!
No realization that many Muslims have adopted inhalation as their political strategy and would rather destroy their enemy of the moment than to build a future for their children.

I am really disappointed with the hateful responses of the audience. If you already have a set opinion on Islam, that's your business. But then why bother to be part of this dialogue. You know everything- right?

you can lie islamics - but you cant hide - from the net.
here you are again - telling the world that only islamics are innocent in islam and that you want world domination.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=peFQWuk4nuo&mode=related&search=

and this one

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maHSOB2RFm4&mode=related&search=

darn i love youtube and the stupid islamics that get up and say it in public.

To parse "jihad" as an answer to "how the West continues to view Islam: Jihad, apostasy and women!" is irrelevant and inadequate and, in a phrase, beating around the bush. Why has Humera Khan parsed and parsed and not addressed some real issue. Westerners are not criticizing Islamists, in the way she is criticizing Westerners. Westerners are criticizing the absolute, Satanic absence of justification by persons who kill innocents. Sadly, though it probably makes no difference in justice, the many of the innocents killed are Muslim, and killed by other Muslims sent forth by the Qur'an. Decent persons must reject this Islamist view, which some Muslims do not agree with, that it is all right to kill innocents, children, women, men, because the Qur'an allows killing innocents so long as one is promoting Islamism (the rights of Muslim women and so forth and so on). When will a Muslim be forthright and state that if the Qur'an allows killing of innocents, then that part is in error? When will a Muslim be forthright and state that if the Qur'an allows suicide bombing of innocents, then that part is in error?

even mickey mouse has a place in islam:
first little mickey says to murder jews:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZEGsnWZKh8

and when that is not enough - they have a program with a pretend jew murdering him so that little children think it really hapened and the hate of islam is with them forever.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=iDMta_VBdLQ

women in islam - proud mothers of peaceful children.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yw2EisVqKZ4&mode=related&search=
48 seconds into this is a little girl of 3 or 4 who has been taught to hate jews.
and in another part the children are told to go out and kill jews.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhbHVEGnYD8&mode=related&search= and 45 seconds into this one a 2 year old says jews are apes and pigs and must be killed.

why do islamics play this "poor misunderstood me" game. because they think they can still get away with it.
the net shut that little game down. now we have links to every lie you have told and every time you lie i will point it out.

islam specifically tells other islamics its ok to lie - especially to non islamics.
The following quote demonstrates the broadness of situations in which the prophet permitted lying. "The sons of Adam are countable for all lies with these exceptions:
During war because war is deception,
to reconcile among two quarreling men, and
for a man to appease his wife."
The principle of Al-Takeyya - The Arabic word, "Takeyya", means "to prevent," or guard against. The principle of Al Takeyya conveys the understanding that Muslims are permitted to lie as a preventive measure against anticipated harm to one's self or fellow Muslims. This principle gives Muslims the liberty to lie under circumstances that they perceive as life threatening. They can even deny the faith, if they do not mean it in their hearts. Al-Takeyya is based on the following Quranic verse:
"Let not the believers Take for friends or helpers Unbelievers rather than believers: if any do that, in nothing will there be help from Allah:
except by way of precaution (prevention), that ye may Guard yourselves from them (prevent them from harming you.)
But Allah cautions you (To remember) Himself; for the final goal is to Allah." Surah 3: 28
According to this verse a Muslim can pretend to befriend infidels (in violation of the teachings of Islam) and display adherence with their unbelief to prevent them from harming him. Under the concept of Takeyya and short of killing another human being, if under the threat of force, it is legitimate for Muslims to act contrary to their faith. The following actions are acceptable:
Drink wine,
abandon prayers, and
skip fasting during Ramadan.
Renounce belief in Allah.
Kneel in homage to a deity other than Allah.
Utter insincere oaths.
The implications of the principle of Al-Takeyya
Unfortunately, when dealing with Muslims, one must keep in mind that Muslims can communicate something with apparent sincerity, when in reality they may have just the opposite agenda in their hearts. Bluntly stated, Islam permits Muslims to lie anytime that they perceive that their own well-being, or that of Islam, is threatened.
In the sphere of international politics, the question is: Can Muslim countries be trusted to keep their end of the agreements that they sign with non-Muslim nations? It is a known Islamic practice, that when Muslims are weak they can agree with most anything. Once they become strong, then they negate what they formerly vowed.
The principle of sanctioning lying for the cause of Islam bears grave implications in matters relating to the spread of the religion of Islam in the West. Muslim activists employ deceptive tactics in their attempts to polish Islam's image and make it more attractive to prospective converts.
They carefully try to avoid, obscure, and omit mentioning any of the negative Islamic texts and teachings.
An example of Islamic deception is that Muslim activists always quote the passages of the Quran from the early part of Mohammed's ministry while living in Mecca. These texts are peaceful and exemplify tolerance towards those that are not followers of Islam. All the while, they are fully aware that most of these passages were abrogated (cancelled and replaced) by passages that came after he migrated to Medina. The replacement verses reflect prejudice, intolerance, and endorse violence upon unbelievers. In conclusion, it is imperative to understand, that Muslim leaders can use this loop-hole in their religion, to absolve them from any permanent commitment. It is also important to know that what Muslim activists say to spread Islam may not always be the whole truth. When dealing with Muslims, what they say is not the issue. The real issue is, what they actually mean in their hearts."

as i have previously said - who cares what is in the heart of a man trying to kill you or your family? the last line only concerns islamics and tells them that their fake god will know they are just lying and dont really mean it.

SO IM A BAD GUY FOR POINTOUT WHAT ISLAM SAYS AND WHAT ISLAM DOES AND WHAT ISLAM DEMANDS - and islam is allowed to lie to anyone to pretend they dont say and do what they say and do.

The best response so far, summarized by Humera Khan's opening statement: "How disappointing that the three questions posed reflect the limited vision through which the West continues to view Islam: Jihad, apostasy and women! Surely, the world deserves to hear about Islam from a more authentic starting point?"

Why do we continue to view Islam within such a limited context? In the six years since 9/11, I think every American, of every creed and color, has heard at least a hundred times about the meaning of jihad and the distinction between the greater and the lesser jihad.

The same goes for status of women in Islam, apostasy, ill-trained imams, clannish behavior, moderate Muslims not speaking out enough, and so on.

Let's widen the horizon and ask more pertinent and intellectually stimulating questions. I am sick of the same questions going round and round, drawing the same, predictable responses from the pundits, and in the end, Americans are as confused as ever.

Why not ask about specific examples of Muslim doctors providing free health-care to the uninsured, of Muslim volunteers providing food and shelter to the homeless, of Muslim philanthropists contributing to environmental causes? People are not interested in the finer poinst of belief as much as they are interested in specific actions that the beliefs lead to.

When the fruit-bearing trees in my backyard bear fruits, do I share them with my Christian, Jewish and Hindu neighbors (I do and I know that I am not an exception.) When schools ask for volunteers to help out with extra-hour math tutoring, do Muslim parents respond? Yes, they do. And so on. These are the types of issues where our lives as Muslim Americans intersect with the lives of our fellow Americans.

What this means is that we are just like everyone else in our hopes and dreams. We are not an exotic species with other-worldly concerns animating our waking and sleeping hours. Like others, we have also discovered that belief is easy and action difficult.

So let's get away from stereotypical questions and ask about issues that concern us in our everyday lives and how they are informed by our faith. Now that will be a genuine contribution!

H Khan's response to the questions posed to her are disappointing and intellectually dishonest.

Khan writes,
"Jihad simply means ‘to struggle’. The ‘struggle’ in the first instance is against ones self – our inner demons, egos and passions. This continues into our personal relationships where we are advised to act justly and in consideration of others."

Her response ignores the dominant and commonsense meaning of the word (as applied to American-Muslim relations) in the Islamic world today. I have heard countless pundits trotted out on the major TV networks to assure the American public that Jihad refers merely to an 'inner struggle.' Many Muslims of my aquaintance--from countries as different as Egypt, Indonesia and Pakistan--have assured me that Jihad is commonly understood as HOLY WAR, specifically against the infidel West.

Clearly there are Americans who wish to see the destruction of the Islamic world.

We call these people racists and do not associate ourselves with them.

Similarly, there are a significant number of Muslims throughout the world who wish to see the destruction of Western civilization. Why not just say, "For those Islamists who wish to see bombs rain down on American cities, Jihad means something more than 'inner struggle'." What's so difficult about acknowledging this?

Ms Khan's essay seems to be featured as a reply to clearly defined questions--she even iterated them for clarity--to which the answers were supposed to indicate "What Islam Really Says". A doctrinaire approach, perhaps?

Her essay is indicative, however, of the effort some people of Muslim faith have been putting into explaining away the deeds of radical, extremist Islamic fringe elements who are so notorious for their so-called struggle: the terrorist acts.

She knows that what matters is not "What Islam Really Says", rather what Islam does from those fringes. Just as it is, frankly, with the fallacy of spreading democracy by armed occupation in Iraq.

Listen to this apology in defense of the deeds, not the faith : ""The conflicts within the Muslim world today are not straight forward and the politics are complicated. Ordinary Muslims are feeling disempowered, misunderstood, oppressed and left desolate to suffer the consequences of politics that they do not have a say in. The social costs are unfathomable, and if people are going crazy with despair can we blame them?""
It's all there in the last sentence: can we blame them?

She goes on: ""What I would say to the potential suicide bombers who invoke Islam to justify their actions would be the same as what I would say to Western governments who invoke democracy to invade Muslim countries and kill innocent civilians – neither rhetoric or action holds true to the origins of their belief systems. Since neither approach is working maybe it’s time to look for alternative solutions."" A balanced approach?

Notice that the suicide bombers invoke Islam to justify their actions ( just their actions ), while Western governments invoke democracy to invade Muslim countries and kill innocent
civilians. Kill innocent civilians.

So much for the header: Muslims Speak Out.

Well, not exactly. Ms Khan is a fortunate beneficiary of the effects of multiculturalism in the UK, the freedoms there. Even the freedom to be less than grateful. The freedom to dissemble and pretend that terrorism against innocent civilians can be explained away.

The freedom to choose a safe haven of an adopting country and have the allegiance to her Muslim faith prevail by unreasonably blaming the Western world for all that ails it.

More silly the ones amongst us who believe in spreading democracy even if it takes armed occupation to give it away.

excellent article

I appreciate Ms. Kahn's frustration at superficial and often inaccurate coverage of Islam by Western media, but she fails to note that these faults are endemic to journalism regardless of the subject, so it's almost irrelevant. I think more interesting is that her real issues seem to be with muslim/islam precepts as practiced/interpreted by some muslims (males in particular).

Doesn't that suggest less effort should be spent at venting against Western journalism and more effort focused on educating both the West and those muslims failing to practice islam as intended?

I would welcome Ms. Kahn's (or others')response(s).

(No disrespect intended by lack of capitals in this response - i get tired of finding the shif key).