Sheikh Majid al-Hafeed, the Imam of the Grand Mosque of Sulaimaniya in Kurdistan, wrote earlier on this same blog that "Jihad means holy war":
http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/muslims_speak_out/2007/07/majid_alhafeed/allcomments.html

What say you, Muzz Siddiqi?

For Dr. Siddiqi only,

As with all pro-Muslim commentators especially those bred, born and brainwashed in Islam, you missed the important issue i.e. the flawed foundations of Islam and all the flawed foundations of contemporary religions.

Please peruse the following followed by your own critique of the flawed foundations of religions:

A synopsis reiterated many times because of its importance:

1. Abraham founder/father of three major religions was probably a mythical character. If he was real, he was at best a combination of at least three men. 1.5 million Conservative Jews and their rabbis have relegated Abraham to the myth pile along with most if not all the OT.

2. Jesus, the illiterate Jewish peasant/carpenter possibly suffering from hallucinations, has been characterized anywhere from the Messiah from Nazareth to a mythical character from mythical Nazareth. Analyses of his life by many contemporary NT scholars (e.g. Professors Crossan, Borg and Fredriksen, On Faith panelists)via the NT and related documents have concluded that only about 30% of Jesus' sayings and ways noted in the NT were authentic. The rest being embellishments (e.g. miracles)/hallucinations made/had by the NT authors to impress various Christian/Jewish/Pagan sects.

3. Mohammed, an illiterate, hallucinating Arab, also had embellishing/hallucinating scribal biographers who not only added "angels" and flying chariots to the Koran but also a militaristic agenda to support the plundering and looting of the lands of non-believers.
This agenda continues as shown by the conduct of the seven Muslim doctors in the UK, the 9/11 terrorists, the 24/7 Sunni suicide/roadside/market/mosque bombers , the 24/7 Shiite suicide/roadside/market/mosque bombers , the Bali crazies, the Kenya crazies, the Pakistani koranics, the Palestine suicide bombers/rocketeers, the Lebanese nutcases and the Filipino koranics with most of this misery being funded by the third Axis of Evil aka Iran.

4. Luther, Calvin, Smith, Henry VIII, Wesley et al, founders of Christian-based religions, also suffered from the belief in/hallucinations of "pretty wingy thingie" visits and "prophecies" for profits analogous to the myths of Catholicism (resurrections, apparitions, ascensions and immaculate conceptions).

5. Hinduism (from an online Hindu site) - "Hinduism cannot be described as an organized religion. It is not founded by any individual. Hinduism is God centred and therefore one can call Hinduism as founded by God, because the answer to the question ‘Who is behind the eternal principles and who makes them work?’ will have to be ‘Cosmic power, Divine power, God’"
The caste/laborer system and cow worship are problems when saying a fair and rational God founded Hinduism."

6. Buddhism- "Buddhism began in India about 500 years before the birth of Christ. The people living at that time had become disillusioned with certain beliefs of Hinduism including the caste system, which had grown extremely complex. The number of outcasts (those who did not belong to any particular caste) was continuing to grow."

"However, in Buddhism, like so many other religions, fanciful stories arose concerning events in the life of the founder, Siddhartha Gautama (fifth century B.C.):"

Archaeological discoveries have proved, beyond a doubt, his historical character, but apart from the legends we know very little about the circumstances of his life.

http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/BUDDHISM/SIDD.HTM

Bottom line: There are many good ways of living but be aware of the hallucinations/embellishments and myths surrounding the founders of said rules of life.

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historical_Jesus for an analysis of Jesus' life to include his illiteracy.

"1. Warfare should be avoided; Muslims should not begin wars and should only use warfare as a last resort.
2. Warfare is a limited enterprise. Its purpose is only defensive and it should only be used to stop aggression and oppression.
3. War should be only conducted against those who fight. Non-combatants should never be targeted and every possible precaution should be taken to protect them.
4. Water resources, animals, agricultural lands and other resources should be protected from harm as much as possible.
5. Warfare should stop as soon as the enemy inclines to peace, and negotiations should be used. All treaties and agreements should be fully observed."

Super. So, does that mean we get back Constantinople and most of the Middle East that was "defensively" conquered by Muslim armies? The Byzantines are going to be elated.

Captain Relativism: You should keep in mind that Christianity spread itself through conquest as well. The Byzantine Emperors used force to extend their realm, and accordingly their version of Christianity (Orthodoxy) as well. Justinian fought the Persians, and where he won Orthodoxy followed. Same with the Aremenian Dynasty, including Basil Boulgaroktonos (the Bulgar Slayer). Back then, all empires spread through force and conquest, and they all imposed their religions on the subjugated.

Islam actually wasn't as bad as Christianity. Byzantine law made following other faiths a crime, and a capital one at that. Jews were allowed to live, but not much more. Islam, however, allowed Christians and Jews to practice their faiths, enough so that it took 400 years before the Middle East became predominantly Muslim. Jerusalem was predominantly Christian when sacked by the Crusaders, and most of the victims were Orthodox Christians. Christians not following Orthodoxy (e.g., monophysites) welcomed Islamic conquerors because they were allowed to practice their religion freely, unlike under the Byzantine state.

Did Islam spread through the sword? Yes, as you point out. But so have other religions. Christianity preaches peace, so much so that the first Christians were pacifists who refused to allow Roman soldiers to join their faith unless they left their legion.

The problem as I see it is that all religions fail to follow their scriptures, Islam included. But to single out Islam is to ignore Christianity's sordid past. To the extent Islam used violence to expand, it was following the example set by Christianity. As Christianity followed Judaism (what happened to the Philistines and Canaanites?).

Read 'The Management of Savagery', the Al Queda terrorist manifesto. It calls for plunging societies into chaos via mass slaughter so that Islamic states may emerge. It is being acted out in Iraq on a daily basis.

'The Management of Savagery' is based entirely upon the teachings of the Quaran and quotes exhaustively from it. It has not been denounced as a misinterpretation of the religion by Muslims worldwide.

In Islam, deceit towards non-Muslims is considered acceptable and even obligatory. This article is pure deceit.

I thank God for the person who finally set the record strait, I could never believe Jesus ever intended humans to be terrorists! I believe that the Qu'ran was based on our lord and savios way in life. God bless you Mr sadiqqi, William I will send this to all my email addresses

Thank you for this article.

I can't understand why the majority of Muslims don't speak out against the terrorists who are using Islam as a reason for killing Americans and other Muslims. Why are these twisted suicide men convinced they are "Martyrs" and will reap benefits in the hereafter by blowing themselves and others to bits? Why do so many Muslims say nothing against these horrible acts if they don't agree with them. I fear their "silence" sends a stronger message to these fanatics that they are supported by the majority in their heinous acts because nothing is said against them. Peace to all is my prayer.

Thank you for this article.

I can't understand why the majority of Muslims don't speak out against the terrorists who are using Islam as a reason for killing Americans and other Muslims. Why are these twisted suicide men convinced they are "Martyrs" and will reap benefits in the hereafter by blowing themselves and others to bits? Why do so many Muslims say nothing against these horrible acts if they don't agree with them. I fear their "silence" sends a stronger message to these fanatics that they are supported by the majority in their heinous acts because nothing is said against them. Peace to all is my prayer.

With your intellegent words and crafty quotes, you are just trying to trick and fool us but we know Islam, Jihad and the Devil are all words for the same thing.

Sweet words desinged to deceive are like poision mixed with sugar, still poision.

Did you miss the point--Islamic ideas are killing people.

Stop the killing. You are just trying to defend devils.

This fatwa was a PR job and was not issued for the purpose of doing the right thing. How about all those mosques right here in America, in which the imam at the end of Salat prays for victory of Muslims in Afghanistan, Iraq and every where, and the entire congregation says a loud Amen? Which Muslims, the terrorists?

The problem is the hypocrisy of Muslims. Yes, all Muslims are not terrorists but why all Muslims do not condemn terrorism and in stead try to rationalize terrorism.

This fatwa is a fraud and a PR job and was not issued for the purpose of doing the right thing. How about all those mosques right here in America, in which the imam at the end of Salat prays for victory of Muslims in Afghanistan, Iraq and every where, and the entire congregation says a loud Amen? Which Muslims, the terrorists?

The problem is the hypocrisy of Muslims. Yes, all Muslims are not terrorists but why all Muslims do not condemn terrorism and in stead try to rationalize terrorism.

Ronnie, Observer, Anonymous, et. al:

For those of you who say that the fatwa is a fraud and a PR job - you all will never be satisfied. No matter what Muslims do, you will always criticize them. I am beginning to feel that the Muslims are turning into the Jews of the early 1900's - hated and persecuted by everyone.

You people keep whining that Muslims need to speak out against terror and when one goes through and issues religious edicts against it, you STILL WHINE. In fact, the last two weeks has been nothing but Islamic commentators speaking out against terror and I see the usual faces on here bashing them for being deceitful. You people will hate no matter what - so why bother posting your hateful, angry, bigoted views here?

What's even more hilarious is that you are more than willing to believe al-qaeda when they say that they want to plunge socities into chaos, yet, when a true moderate speaks out against evil and violence, you cast them aside. Then you whine again that not enough moderate Muslims speak out. Why is this? Because you WANT TO believe that Islam is evil. You WANT a boogey-man to scare you. You want to believe that you are better than they are when you are really nothing more than an insignificant peon with a voice thanks to the WaPost.

To the Moslem Scholars
Why you cannot understand that the Prophet Mohamed (PBUH), or any other Prophets, such as Jesus, Moses and Abraham (PBU them) are ordered by God to follow and implement God’s Laws and words among people. The God’s laws and words, in our days, are represented in the Quran, The Authentic Bible, and the Torah. In the Case of Prophet Mohamed, if he would to follow the Quran, he would never issue Fetwa, except what is reviled in the Quran. Why do you want me to believe that the prophet did that?
The following is a lie.

"In Prophet Muhammad’s own statements, known as Hadith, we find some instances where he prescribed ‘death sentence’ against those who renounce Islam. Muslim scholars have differed in the interpretation of these statements.”

As you know, Murder, which Eye for an Eye, is in the Quran. But Adultery and the forsaking the religion are not punished by death in the Quran, therefore, the prophet cannot do.
Stop making lies. Stop changing the Islam religion. Stop Misleading people. The Islam religion is not different from the Bible or the Torah, but your lies make it different.

The Quranic conditions in which killing is tolerable—The decisive verses.
1- Eye for an Eye
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-Self-defense
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.
Some Quranic Verses that emphasize on the Law of “not to Kill”
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.

The Quranic conditions in which killing is tolerable—The decisive verses.
1- Eye for an Eye
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-Self-defense
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.
Some Quranic Verses that emphasize on the Law of “not to Kill”
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.

STONING TO DEATH THE MARRIED MAN OR WOMAN WHO COMMIT ADULTERY
4-15. If any of your women are guilty of lewdness, Take the evidence of four (Reliable) witnesses from amongst you against them; and if they testify, confine them to houses until death do claim them, or Allah ordain for them some (other) way.
24-1. A sura which We have sent down and which We have ordained in it have We sent down Clear laws, in order that ye may receive admonition. 24-2. The woman and the man guilty of adultery or fornication,- flog each of them with a hundred stripes: Let not compassion move you in their case, in a matter prescribed by Allah, if ye believe in Allah and the Last Day: and let a party of the Believers witness their punishment.
And that is the punishment that God ordain for them, and ordered prophet Mohamed to follow; and not the stoning to death!
4-25. If any of you have not the means wherewith to wed free believing women, they may wed believing girls from among those whom your right hands possess: And Allah hath full knowledge about your faith. Ye are one from another: Wed them with the leave of their owners, and give them their dowers, according to what is reasonable: They should be chaste, not lustful, nor taking paramours: when they are taken in wedlock, if they fall into shame, their punishment is half that for free women. This (permission) is for those among you who fear sin; but it is better for you that ye practise self-restraint. And Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
If the punishment is stoning to death, how can you do half of it in the previous verse’s case!
THE KILLING AND BEHEADING OF HOSTAGES IN IRAQ
8-67. It is not fitting for an apostle that he should have prisoners of war until he hath thoroughly subdued the land. Ye look for the temporal goods of this world; but Allah looketh to the Hereafter: And Allah is Exalted in might, Wise. 68. Had it not been for a previous ordainment from Allah, a severe penalty would have reached you for the (ransom) that ye took. 69. But (now) enjoy what ye took in war, lawful and good: but fear Allah. for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. 70. O Messenger. say to those who are captives in your hands: "If Allah findeth any good in your hearts, He will give you something better than what has been taken from you, and He will forgive you: for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful."
It is very clear that God warns Moslems from mistreating hostages.
47-4. Therefore, when ye meet the Unbelievers (in fight), smite at their necks; At length, when ye have thoroughly subdued them, bind a bond firmly (on them): thereafter (is the time for) either generosity or ransom: Until the war lays down its burdens. Thus (are ye commanded): but if it had been Allah.s Will, He could certainly have exacted retribution from them (Himself); but (He lets you fight) in order to test you, some with others. But those who are slain in the Way of Allah,- He will never let their deeds be lost.
Hostages should be released with or without ransom, according to God’s law.
76-8. And they feed, for the love of Allah, the indigent, the orphan, and the captive,- 9. (Saying),"We feed you for the sake of Allah alone: no reward do we desire from you, nor thanks. 10. "We only fear a Day of distressful Wrath from the side of our Lord." 11. But Allah will deliver them from the evil of that Day, and will shed over them a Light of Beauty and (blissful) Joy. 12. And because they were patient and constant, He will reward them with a Garden and (garments of) silk. 13. Reclining in the (Garden) on raised thrones, they will see there neither the sun's (excessive heat) nor (the moon's) excessive cold.
God rewards people for being kind to hostages.

I deeply appreciate Dr. Siddiqi's stance regarding terrorism and suicide bombing, and hope that Muslims everywhere will heed his words. Violent fanatics of whatever faith are a blight on humanity.

I deeply appreciate Dr. Siddiqi's stance regarding terrorism and suicide bombing, and hope that Muslims everywhere will heed his words. Violent fanatics of whatever faith are a blight on humanity.

I would find this fatwa far more convincing if the word "civilian" was defined within it.

Excellent answers to questions. Helps one understand the issues better, and hopefully explain better as well!.

Mr. Siddiqi. Are these statement below, attributed to you, correct? If yes, then your words above are a lie. If not, please explain.

During an anti-Israel rally outside the White House on Oct. 28, 2000, Siddiqi openly threatened the United States with violence if it continued its support of Israel. "America has to learn ... if you remain on the side of injustice, the wrath of God will come. Please, all Americans. Do you remember that? ... If you continue doing injustice, and tolerate injustice, the wrath of God will come." By "injustice," he meant U.S. support for Israel.

Siddiqi also has called for a wider application of sharia law in the United States, and in a 1995 speech praised suicide bombers. "Those who die on the part of justice are alive, and their place is with the Lord, and they receive the highest position, because this is the highest honor," he was quoted as saying by the Kansas City Star on Jan. 28, 1995.

No, these statements are not correctly quoted. First statement is mutilated and distorted. The second statement is not mine. It does not represent my views.

Mr. Siddiqi. Thank you for that reply - it says something positive to me that you replied as you did.

Marciahon:

So what do you say to the pseudo-Christian extremists who say the Christian god will punish America for its actions?

CHARLES COLSON: "Katrina gave us a preview of what America would look like if we fail to fight the war on terror. "Did God have anything to do with Katrina?," people ask. My answer is, he allowed it and perhaps he allowed it to get our attention so that we don't delude ourselves into thinking that all we have to do is put things back the way they were and life will be normal again."

MICHAEL MARCAVAGE, director of Christian group Repent America: told his members it was no coincidence that the storm struck New Orleans just days before Southern Decadence, the city's annual gay pride celebration.

"We take no joy in the death of innocent people. But we believe that God is in control of the weather. The day Bourbon Street and the French Quarter was flooded was the day that 125,000 homosexuals were going to be celebrating sin in the streets. We're calling it an act of God."

JERRY FALWELL: God continues to lift the curtain and allow the enemies of America to give us probably what we deserve." (Discussing 9/11)

PAT ROBERTSON: "It [terrorism] is happening because God Almighty is lifting his protection from us."

PAT ROBERTSON on the assassination of Israeli PM Rabin: Mentioning the assassination of former Prime Minister Yitzak Rabin at the hands of a right-wing extremist, Robertson said he “had a wonderful meeting with Yitzhak Rabin in 1974, he was tragically assassinated, it was a terrible thing that happened but nevertheless he was dead. Now Ariel Sharon who again was a very likeable person, a delightful person to be with, I prayed with him personally, but here he’s at the point of death. He was dividing Gods land and I would say woe unto any Prime Minister of Israel who takes a similar course to appease the EU, the United Nations, or the United States of America. God says “this land belongs to me. You’d better leave it alone.” ( “700 Club.” ABC Family. Thurs Jan 5, 2006)

FALLWELL AND ROBERTSON ON 9/11:

Then Falwell said, "What we saw on Tuesday, as terrible as it is, could be miniscule if, in fact, God continues to lift the curtain and allow the enemies of America to give us probably what we deserve."

Robertson replied, "Well, Jerry, that's my feeling. I think we've just seen the antechamber to terror, we haven't begun to see what they can do to the major population."

Falwell said, "The ACLU has got to take a lot of blame for this. And I know I'll hear from them for this, but throwing God...successfully with the help of the federal court system...throwing God out of the public square, out of the schools, the abortionists have got to bear some burden for this because God will not be mocked and when we destroy 40 million little innocent babies, we make God mad...I really believe that the pagans and the abortionists and the feminists and the gays and the lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle, the ACLU, People for the American Way, all of them who try to secularize America...I point the thing in their face and say you helped this happen."

Robertson said, "I totally concur, and the problem is we've adopted that agenda at the highest levels of our government, and so we're responsible as a free society for what the top people do, and the top people, of course, is the court system."

Falwell added, "Pat, did you notice yesterday that the ACLU and all the Christ-haters, the People for the American Way, NOW, etc., were totally disregarded by the Democrats and the Republicans in both houses of Congress, as they went out on the steps and and called out to God in prayer and sang 'God bless America' and said, let the ACLU be hanged. In other words, when the nation is on its knees, the only normal and natural and spiritual thing to do is what we ought to be doing all the time, calling on God."

This was on national TV, a mere 2 days after 9/11. The Christian right still believes in this slander.

These people are (or were) the leaders of the pseudo-Christian extremist right in this country. The GOP still panders to them.

So, how about you give equal time to Christians for supporting terrorism and death?

I have an unrelated question for Mr. Siddiqi:

Why must the Koran be read only in Arabic? If Allah truly is the universal god, he must speak to all people equally, regardless of their language. If the Koran truly is the word of Allah, it must be universal regardless of the reader's language. So it seems to me that Allah must have intended the Koran to as true in other languages as in Arabic. Does not this justify translations having equal authority to the original?

It seems to me that Muslims take too literal a view of the Koran. They miss the forest because of the trees. Having equally-authoritative translations could force Muslims to look at the big picture and not get bogged down in details. Here in America, the Christian extremists make this mistake. They obsess over words and phrases taken out of context because they claim the Bible is the literal word of God, even though they're really reading a translation of the original Greek and Hebrew. Other Christians can counter with their translations and force a real debate on what's really meant. Islam seems to lack this.

Why now? Why has it taken this long for somebody(s) to take this position? There has been years of silence from the Islamic community in the U.S. I appreciate the stand but it would have been more usefull years ago.

Hmm, Siddiqi inspected these questions but had nothing to say about mine. I find that quite revealing.

My comment was about "civilians." Who are the civilians supposedly protected by that fatwa?

Are all Americans not serving in the military considered to be civilians? And does that mean that military personnel are legitimate targets?

How about veterans?

How about Jews or Republicans?

Please tell us who the civilians are. There is no point trying to dissemble if you do answer; tell us directly or not at all.

All you Arabs and Muslems, rather than all that profound talk, go to Iraq and stand in between the suicide bombers and innocent children - do something usefull for a change. Greatly appreciated.

KJ,
I am the observer and anonymous (I inadvertently posted twice) to whom you responded. In stead of making bigoted remarks like “you people”, I wished you had answered my questions. I do not know what do you mean by “you people”, but I am a normal human being. It sickens my when I see Muslims disparage Jews, Hindus and all non-Muslims without shame, right in front of their kids. This is the reason that bigotry has stayed alive for generations and is in no danger among Muslims. Unless you people (and let me explain what I mean here: not Muslims in general but racist and bigoted Muslims who disparage followers of other faiths) respect diversity and stop mixing religion with politics, your faith and your fellow Muslims would continue to get bad name. When it is a general belief among many Muslims that killing non-Muslims (“strike terror in the heart of non believers” – from the Quran) is a way to become a martyr and get to have sex with 70 virgins in a land of milk and honey, some Muslims (albeit, just a few) would gravitate toward terrorism.

Stop “whining” and start answering question. Or, is logical discussion of issues not an option? And one more thing, stop sending your kids (I mean right here in America) to mosques for religious education. Some (actually many) of imams at the mosque who teach kids are racists, bigoted and condone and encourage terrorism. They also commit child abuse and perhaps indulge in sexual exploitation. If you think child molestation is restricted to some catholic priests, you are sadly mistaken.

Stop glorifying your PR fatwas. It sound like Bush praising himself for his stupid speeches that he makes against terrorism, the real purpose of which is to exact political capital out of a terrible situation.

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)

Here we have a problem: the moderate muslims are desparately trying to "sweeten" whatever is written or not written in Quran( I read Quaran many years back, hence have forgotten almost everything), while some of the readers are bringing 1000s of years of historical events in the discussion, often in a demeaning manner.What we need to remember is that historical past should be left in history alone because we can´t control history though we can create history.Both christianity and Islam are equally problematic in terms of past war, coercion, conversion, inquisition etc. So there is basically no point in arguing and discusisng about the historical events that our past 10 or more geanerations didn´t even live to know about. What we really need today is that we should forget altogether about religion including Islam and we should educate the worlds populations to practise religion in their private hearts and homes. Religion must not interfere with state rules specific to each and every country. The modern world should be ruled by ONLY BY modern rules; democracy, welfare, social justice, gender and racial equality etc. Instead of defending Islam or demaning it, we should jointly fight against environmental disaster, hunger, diseases etc. So, down with religion, down with Islam and Christianity and Hindusism and Buddhism. Washigton post should stop publishing this garbage altogether and instead concentrate on environmental protection, and how to make modern civilization sustainable and on how to eliminate arms trade altogether and how to make American economy increasingly less dependent on military weapons (and oil). Easier than said, I know though, because what we are seeing today in the Islamic world is impossible to undo in the forseable future. We are losing control of the situation every single minute, and certainly we are not creating a sound history for the future generations. Agree with Koffe Annan that it´s all about politics, otherwise why we should see the Saudis playing a double role in Iraq and why Mush can´t control the taliban in his own country and why the US is selling arms to practically each and every contry in the middle east inclding Israel in outstanding diplomatic (but utterly dangerous) logic!

Dr. Siddiqui

The following quotes from the Qur'an and Salih Bukhari do not seem to square with your assertion above that there is no prescribed punishment for apostasy in Islam. In fact, these quotes are being used by Al Qaeda and any number of Salafists to declare death sentences on Sufis, Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus and atheists.

Can you explained to us why you just pretended that there is nothing in Islamic teachings that calls for the deaths of apostates when there clearly is.

QUR'AN

Qur'an 4:89: They but wish that ye should reject Faith, as they do, and thus be on the same footing (as they): But take not friends from their ranks until they flee in the way of Allah (From what is forbidden). But if they turn renegades, seize them and slay them wherever ye find them; and (in any case) take no friends or helpers from their ranks...

HADITH

Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 52, Number 260: Narrated Ikrima: Ali burnt some people and this news reached Ibn 'Abbas, who said, "Had I been in his place I would not have burnt them, as the Prophet said, 'Don't punish (anybody) with Allah's Punishment.' No doubt, I would have killed them, for the Prophet said, 'If somebody (a Muslim) discards his religion, kill him.' "

Bukhari, Volume 9, Book 84, Number 57: Narrated 'Ikrima: Some Zanadiqa (atheists) were brought to 'Ali and he burnt them. The news of this event, reached Ibn 'Abbas who said, "If I had been in his place, I would not have burnt them, as Allah's Apostle forbade it, saying, 'Do not punish anybody with Allah's punishment (fire).' I would have killed them according to the statement of Allah's Apostle, 'Whoever changed his Islamic religion, then kill him.'"

P.S. Any religion that leaves all decisions about the lives of women to men is a religion a woman should get out of.

Islam has CLEARLY perverted its original meanings to shut women out of everything. The disenfranchisement of women's rights in Islam to deny her full inheritance, rights to the children she herself bears, equality of testimony before courts and preaching in mixed company (men preach in mixed company so CLEARLY this is a violation of equality of women under Islamic law), making a woman's life worth that of a man's leg, blaming women for being rape and killing them if they are, allowing women to be sold to pay the debts of relatives, and subjecting them to rape to punish them for behavior of male relatives is a TRAVESTY.

It is the responsibility of the ulema to correct these injustices. If they don't, nobody should be listening to a word that YOU, or any other "fiqh" expert has to say.

BTW, I've seen some of the videos you've made preaching to women about what their behavior should be in their own marriages, and THAT IS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS.

Now, stop preening for American audiences and get into the Middle East and preach this "version" of things to the people who really need it: the jihadists of Al Qaeda and the Muslim Brotherhood who have criminalized the presence of women in Muslim society and made war on anybody that doesn't toe the party line of the Wahhabis and the Taleban.

And in future, when you are going to talk about the Qur'an QUOTE IT DIRECTLY SO THE PEOPLE IN HERE CAN SEE EXACTLY WHAT IT REALLY SAYS.

And when you talk about "differences" between men and women, describe in detail how women get ripped off of their inheritance in Islam and how their testimony in a court of law is worth 1/2 of a man's in court.

That way people won't have to put up with this deceit quite so much.

And while you're at it, why don't you explain to the people on this site why it took you until after the 7/7 London bombings to come out against violent jihad.

I fully agree with the views of Mr. Muzammil Siddiqui. So many misunderstandings have came up in Islam are because of presenting regional and tribal traditions of certain groups of certain areas as ISLAM. Apart from this, there are many FIRQAs (Believers/Followers of certain pattern of Islam) and they would never become united as MUSLIMs, leaving their FIRQAs' Belief for the sake of ISLAMIC UNITY. Therefore, neither at present for in near future, there is any sign of implementation of Islamic Shariah as a Law of any Land. If any Islamic Firqa would be able to become Rulers of any part of world, and if there are other groups (Firqas), they would fight with each other, thus causing more damage to True Islam. It is time to decide that Islamic Religion and Government of the State should be saparate. All the Governments should be Secular, even in Islamic Countries, because Islamic Firqas' are having more enemity between each others, as compared to different Religions. Religious Leaders are neither accepting these realities and facts nor they are ready to compromise on their Beliefs. If these leaders of Islam will not understand the need of the day, ultimately innocent and neutral followers of Islam, would suffer a lot, because of the rigidity and unyeilding attitide of the SO CALLED LEADERS OF ISLAM.

PLEASE ALL THE MUSLIM NEED TO GO BACK HOME AND GIVE AMERICA BACK TO THE AMERICANS. BUSH IS AN IDIOT.

Simple question where were you and what role did you play if any when the west was using the Pakistani ISI to create mayhem in Afghanistan during the Russian occupation?

What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander?

Will you change your tune if Paksitan joins the west in attacking China sometime in the future?

By all means put an end to violence being carried out by so called Muslims, but have the guts to speak out against adultery, fornication, drug abuse, spousal abuse, deviant lifestyles, and gun violence in the west!

That will be the day!

Re: Why must the Koran be read only in Arabic?

Why must MASS be in LATIN?

Can one ask the Pope why and why is it worrying so many Jews?

Is it because the LATIN MASS is anti semitic?

BTW Norris Whitman: Do you mean give America back to the red indians?

DR SIDDIQI : Thank you for a clear and lucid article. Now I hope the lunatics will know that
suicide bombing of the unarmed and the civilians
will send them straight to Hell.

May I also add that I would put the F16 fighter Pilot and artillary gunners in the same category if their shells land in civilian areas or if they use Napalm and depleted Uranium or agent Orange as was used in Vietnam.

Garak: Good postings. Mostly. Except one.

Because in one of your postings you wrote something very objectionable: You said something like; Christ told the Priests now go and bugger the boys..600million paid by the Los Angeles Diocese..
(actually the total amount paid by the Catholic church for cases against pedophile priets is over 2 billion in the USA).
I don't know your religion.
However in Islam Jesus (Essa ibne Mariam) is called the "Messaiah" and the Koran accepts the Virgin birth of Jesus. Muslims have to accept all the Prophets of the Old and the New Testaments.
It is blasphemy not to. It is a sin to cast a slur on them.

ONE BANGALEE : GOOD QUESTION.
If someone honestly reasons with you he will find the truth.

I could not find why the Koran is only in Arabic unlike the Bible which is transalated in almost all languages. Jesus spoke Aramaic and not Greek
and further more Jesus is not the author of the Bible.
Some scholars have said "the Bible is not the word of God but the word of God is in the Bible".
But Mohammad is the sole author of the Koran(as a secular historian would say) and
Arabic is in a living language.
Further Mohammad came almost 600 yrs after Jesus and in the full light of History. Hence the Koran has remained unchanged.

Dear Muzzamil Siddiqi: I want to tell you something. I was allegedly married to a man that said he was a Christian, but I believe he is a Muslim. I have had nothing but lies, theft, heartache and pain from this man, and he continues through the annulment/divorce lawsuit to be an ass. He used me, stold from me, and never worked at his own job the entire time we were together. He wanted me, toward the end to watch tapes on Mohammed and said such ugly things to me, after I had been good to him and his family, that I have absolutely no belief or trust in anything an Arab says. His friend, an older man, guided him all the way to the USA. On top of all that when I confronted him with the sham marriage, he put a loaded gun to my head. Lies Lies Lies, harassment, spying on me, invading my pc, and my office, you name it and he did it, plus spying on my business friens where they were paranoid. How can I believe anything you say?

The mother of Islamic terror, political Islam is covered here.

What is Axis of Jihad?

Policy response to the terror war.

New book: "The Art of War on Terror: Triumphing over Political Islam and the Axis of Jihad".

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0979470404

Enjoyed the article.

i am kurdish muslm i steadied islm both shiaa and sunni first their is no democracy in islam second islam not respect women woman in islam is shame for that she musyt covered her shame islam not respect other religions in sharia if muslm killed jewish or christan the punshement not the same when he kill muslim in quran called the jews monkeies and calle christain pigs mr sidiqi you could mislead the western how do not know about islam and tell them about beaty false face of islam and hide the real ugly face of islam how you said islam respect woman do why you hide the truth about sabi when islamic army defeare any city or countrey the soldiers have right to take all female like sabaia(sex slaves) you big liar

Would be great if this how Islam was. There are a lot of exaggerations about Islam's peaceful nature. To covert non-believers using the sword is a cherished method among muslims. Killing apostates is not only sanctioned by actively encouraged. You just need to look at how much Salman Rushdie had to ans still continues to endure. Take any muslim majority country and compare the fate of the minorities with those countries where muslims are a minority. Non-muslim minorities are just waiting for the axe to fall.
Women are not equal in Islam. The hadiths have several references where the Prophet reinforces it.

This article is a farce. I hope some true reformation takes place in this religion.

This is quite different from what many Muslims have told me, who support things like the death penalty for apostasy and terrorist attacks against Israel. I wonder how widespread your interpretation of Islam is.

Why does the Quaran call for the killing of infidels, Christians and Jews? Why does the Quaran offer those who die with the blood of an infidel on his sword an open door to Paradise with associated awards?

Its a little late but:

Anyone at Washington Post or Newsweek care to correct the spellimg of this man's name? It is Muzammil Siddiqi.

Let me ask you directly, before discussing what Jihad and Taqiyya means... what Islam really means...

does Islam originated from salam... which means Peace.. or is it derived from "istislam" which means "surrender or die", the word Muhammad shouted while pursing his opposition in various offensive fights raised by the monstrous devil.

I will rather say, Islam is a generic religion, which is useless for mankind.. as it misguides more humans, then guiding them towards proper path...

Let me ask you directly, before discussing what Jihad and Taqiyya means... what Islam really means...

does Islam originated from salam... which means Peace.. or is it derived from "istislam" which means "surrender or die", the word Muhammad shouted while pursing his opposition in various offensive fights raised by the monstrous devil.

I will rather say, Islam is a generic religion, which is useless for mankind.. as it misguides more humans, then guiding them towards proper path...

The Washington Post continues to provide a stage to Islamo-fascists this time the words come from Muzzamil Siddiqi, chairman of the Fiqh Council of North America, and former president of the ISNA one of the organizations named as unindicted co-conspirators in the Hamas funding trial in Dallas!
Some useful information about this “Chairman of North American Fiqh Council” - when Siddiqi was the imam of the Islamic Society of Orange County, one of the celebrity worshippers at his mosque was American Al Qaeda traitor Adam Gadahn. Muzammil Siddiqi was until November 2001 a president of the Islamic Society of North America , a leading Wahhabi front organization in the United States. Wahhabism is a radical form of Islam practiced in Saudi Arabia and advocated by al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and his terrorist leaders. During an anti-Israel rally outside the White House on Oct. 28, 2000, Siddiqi openly threatened the United States with violence if it continued its support of Israel. “America has to learn ... if you remain on the side of injustice, the wrath of God will come. Please, all Americans. Do you remember that? ... If you continue doing injustice, and tolerate injustice, the wrath of God will come.”… “I can see there is already some impact of jihad in Afghanistan, in the intifadah movement in Palestine ... insha’allah, you will see, in a few years, we will be celebrating, insha’allah, the coming victory of Islam in Palestine ... We will be celebrating, insha’allah, the coming of Jerusalem and the whole land of Palestine, insha’allah, and the establishment of the Islamic state throughout that area.”
The Washington Post conveniently forgot to show us a real face of this “moderate”.

The True Islam - You broke that 5-32 part of the sura off a bit too early. You should continue it so people understand what it said. The balance of it is not so pleasant. I suggest people read the entire sura. It is most hostile towards anybody but Muslims.

You should not worry about what is said about the Muslim religion. We are our own worse enemy. Our President NOW wants to sell 20 Billion dollars worth of arms to the Saudis. They are the most against the US but we do nothing because they have the oil. You better Worry about him.
After living overseas for over 17 years the one thing I have learned (as a woman) the women in Saudi are treated different then in the other Arab countries. The Muslim religion there in not the same as the Shei or Sunni. There is NO other religion there. The Saudis are the fanatics. Now you better worry.

Poor misunderstood and misquoted Siddiqi.

He denies making TWO separate statements from TWO different reputable newspapers in the U.S.

Did you write to these newspapers to ask they correct, or retract these "mistatements"? I'll bet you did not, because you know you said them.

If you did not say them, then tell us who did, or are you saying BOTH reporters misquoted you. And then why not tell us what you did say. Did they get a word wrong, if so which one(s)?

I have no doubt you said these things Siddiqi. You can fool some of the uninformed on this board who haven't read a damn thing about the 1350 year history of violent Islamic jihad. War is deciet. Your so called Holy book says that muslim may lie to "defend" Islam. And we, who have bothered to take some time to learn about the Koran , hadiths and sira, have seen it practiced in that 1350 year history and know how easy it is for "scholars" like you to turn the violent spread of Islam into "defensive" actions when it suits you.

And imagine that, a so called "Holy Book" that provides direction as to when it is OK to lie.

To borrow an question that remains unanswered from another board, perhaps you would like to take a sta