Thursday, May 21, 2009
Crazy Crap / Politics / Silverman World's Most Respected Islamophobes to Gather in Nashville for Symposium
Posted by Jack Silverman on Thu, May 21, 2009 at 9:35 AM
It was evening, the prelude to that dreaded, protracted obscurity of seemingly endless night. The sky was handsomely streaked with crimson and indigo, amber and violet, vermilion and fuchsia, reproducing those alluring, decorative colors of autumn that celebrate incipient death. To the east, a snow capped Mount Lebanon thrust a silvery, humped silhouette into the darkening cerulean sky.I mean, you're not going to mistake that for the barely lucid ramblings of Stacey Campfield now, are you? That passage is from a short story titled "The Blasphemy," by Ares Demertzis, a parable whose message could simply be put as "Kill the Muslims before they kill you." And therein lies the thematic thread running through NER: Islam is an inherently sinister religion, and it's coming to gitcha! It's all there in the Koran, people! This has nothing to do with complex geopolitical situations, poverty or extremism, folks. The problem is simply that Islam and its Koran are inherently evil, according to the folks at NER. (I wonder if they've read our "holy book" lately--some of the stuff in there is pretty batshit crazy too, no? Not to mention our beloved Rummy's use of Christian scripture to promote the war in Iraq.) That's why you need to sign up right now for "Understanding the Jihad in Israel, Europe and America"! Don't delay--the future of white people everywhere depends on you! Registration deadline is May 25! Read about some of the featured
Comments (78)
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Oh my god, does anyone want to go with me? I want to ask Wilders about being prosectued for inciting racial hatred. plz plz plz
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That's a lot of pork they're spewing. Do we have to have this here? What did we do wrong?
What is it with xenophobes wanting to use Nashville as a base of operations? First Crafton's pal in Virginia, now this. Don't these carpetbaggers know we don't want any of their hate?
I find it interesting that the retards at the Scene seem to despise Christianity but come to the rescue of Islam at the drop of a hat. I am not a member of any church or religious organization…but I think it’s pretty accurate to state that Islamic culture is indeed retarded, by and large. It is a religion founded upon violence and hate. Women have virtually zero rights in almost all Islamic countries. Religion itself has proven to be a pretty destructive force in the world, and Islam is no exception. Mr. Silverdouche simply has it out for these people and is using this issue to make something out of nothing. I have yet to see anything that these people have said that comes even close to the assertions put forth by prominent Islamic leaders.
More pathetic drivel from used-to-be-readable Scene...
Kevin, your mature and insightful rebuttal pretty much speaks for itself, but I'll try respond to some of your points.
I don't despise Christianity. I think that most religions have their flaws, and there is plenty of kooky stuff to go around, even in the Old Testament, a.k.a. my people's book.
I agree that the attitude toward women in most predominantly Islamic countries is abominable. Orthodox Jews and evangelical Christians also have pretty strong opinions of where a woman's place is.
My point is, to say that Islam is the root of all our problems, and is inherently evil in a way that other religions aren't, is oversimplification. If anything, religious extremism in any form is the real problem. I do know moderate Muslims here who are no different in their social views than other religious moderates.
I also know that the religion of Islam has been hijacked by cynical leaders for political and military purposes, much the same way Christianity has been hijacked in this country by cynical politicians.
And when sites like Jihad Watch, FrontPage Magazine and New English Review spew forth hateful ideas and misinformation, they're just contributing to the problem.
Sincerely,
Mr. Silverdouche
Jack, have you ever read The Nashville Scene? You guys are about as mature as my 3 year old nephew. You guys DEFINE yellow journalism. So spare me the rightious indignation, you f&cking hypocrite. The fact that you had the balls to even respond proves I struck a nerve. Most of you are too cowardly to defend your "work".
Give me a break...if what you posted here is what you tried to convey in your article then you failed miserably. This is just a personal vendetta, nothing more. You people are so indoctrinated by this so called "progressive" movement (Socialism/Statism) it's pathetic. So, since you view these people as a threat to your agenda you go out of your way to find poo to sling at them. Im not sticking up for them, I am merely pointing out that you and your ilk are far from a positive alternative. And no, I don't think Islam is the root of all evil...just the biggest root of all in the Middle East. Just a hair in front of Judaism/Christianity, which might catch up soon if they just manage to murder a few thousand more innocent people.
You guys are just the other side of the grimey coin...
Kevin--seriously...you are starting to sound delusional. I think Mr. Silverman's post and response to your colorful comment was relevant and on point. I'm a Christian and some people that claim to share my faith scare the crap out of me...extremism on any level is very dangerous. I don't like that a hate spewing organization of any kind is welcome in this city. If you feel progress is socialist, you should probably retreat back to the cave.
Reading between the lines Kevin, sounds like you are actually in basic agreement with Mr. Silverdouche's (heh, sorry Jack) response, that religious extremism is the problem. He even said in the original article that our own holy book has some pretty batshit crazy stuff in it) I saw nothing in your post that says you disagree with him. But somehow you don't have the balls to admit it, or you're just mad at the Scene in general.
When people want to be upset about something and then they get a clear-headed response (which you actually asked for), they typically go off anyway because they're just determined to be pissed off. Or pithed off, in this case.
In the past 8 years, we have seen the same kind of hate, that hitler produced, against jews slowly creep into Germany, and then the jews , and the Bush regime, slowly spread the same hate against the Arabs. We are suppose to be a Christian nation, and hate and discrimination is not a Christian way. The jews are suppose to be the holy ones but, have practiced hate, stole land,and killed Arabs for 60 years. I pray Obama will stop the hate and the inpending war the jews want with Iran, but Israel is hell bent to create a war.
Those calling Wilders et al "Islamophobes" is pretty damn funny since the FBI today just caught 4 Muslims, 3 of which are prison "converts", having already PLANTED Bombs outside of jewish centers in NYC and were on their way to use a stinger missile on a National Guard aircraft.
Who taught those "converts" to -kill-the-Jews during their religious lessons in prison? Why, prison Imams!
Real freaking hilarious...
No Mission Statement? Oh dear, we at New English Review want to correct that omission asap.
"According to Jack Sliverman, New English Review has "no discernible mission statement". This doesn't mean there is no mission statement; it just isn't discernible - low profile even. Instead of thinking outside the box, we think in it, giving not 110 per cent, but a mere 90%, getting it right not first time, but second or third time. Going forward is soon followed by going backwards, to a time when "deliver" referred to letters, twice a day in England not so long ago, or milk in glass bottles. Our ducks are not in a row, and we all sing from different hymn sheets." -- Mary Jackson, NER London
"Mary can speak for herself. I, however, have listened to my Commencement speakers. I intend to follow my bliss. I intend to give something back. I intend to make this world a better place. I intend to demonstrate, in thought and word and deed, Compassion and Commitment. That's my mission. That's my statement. I hope Jack Silverman is satisfied." -- Hugh Fitzgerald, NER
I don't know what that last comment is other than fucking poetry.
I, for one, am satisfied. Thanks Jack!
As far as the mission statement: I have no problem with the lack of mission statement. My point was, I was trying to figure out the site's reason for being. Is it a literary mag? A politically motivated site? A Jihad Watch-style site? An auction site for pastries that look mysteriously like the Shroud of Turin?
I will admit to begrudging admiration for the explanation New English Review editor Theodore Dalrymple(a.k.a. Anthony Daniels) gave for his pseudonym: "[I] chose a name that sounded suitably dyspeptic, that of a gouty old man looking out of the window of his London club, port in hand, lamenting the degenerating state of the world."[
You said this Silverman:
"It's all there in the Koran, people! ....The problem is simply that Islam and its Koran are inherently evil, according to the folks at NER. (I wonder if they've read our "holy book" lately--some of the stuff in there is pretty batshit crazy too, no?"
You're a damned fool Silverman. Muslims believe that the Koran is the DIRECT WORD OF GOD TO BE OBEYED BY ALL. There are NO ERRORS! Not a word has been changed in 14 centuries.
MUHAMMAD WAS THE PERFECT MAN, TO BE EMULATED BY ALL. A pedophile, thief, warmonger and anything BUT the perfect man!
Muslims must strive to obey the Qur'an, the Sura's and the Hadiths. It is NOT subject to re-translation!
On the other hand, Christians are NOT forced to follow the bible. We do not do "an eye for an eye" and all the other BS. No one has ever suggested, to my knowledge, that Christians are supposed to practice the archaic laws of the bible!
Whereas, Muslims do exactly that! Sharia Law.
And since you are mocking Geert Wilders and the NER, please visit London, France, Amsterdam, Germany and Belgium and see for yourself how Islam has taken over their societies. But be careful, all of these areas have no-go zones. These zones are designated as such because police and fire personal are not allowed in without a backup police escort, very dangerous. Western women without head scarves have been known to have been beaten.
And it's all coming to America!
It isn't Islamophobia when they really ARE trying to kill you.
http://barenakedislam.wordpress.com
And just what are Jack Silverman's qualifications to speak about Islam, anyway? He shows no sign of ever having read the Koran or the sayings of Muhammad which form the basis of the Islamic belief system as well as Islamic sacred law, the Shariah. Readers should know that Islamic values are in flagrant contradiction to the values of our civilization, and the best proof of this is that ALL 57 Moslem-majority countries have subscribed to the Cairo Declaration of Human Rights in Islam -- as opposed to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which defines the values of our civilization.
Our western civilization is defined by the values which are enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These values are, in short:
--will of the people is basis of authority of government
--right to life, liberty, security of person
--abolish slavery in all forms
--right to enjoy the arts
--equal rights of men and women
--freedom from torture or cruel treatment and punishment
--freedom of thought, conscience, religion, including freedom to change religion, --freedom to manifest religion in public
--right to marry regardless of race, nationality or religion
--equal rights in marriage
--freedom or expression, impart information through any media
--right to take part in government through freely chosen representatives
Now, let us look at the values of Islam. Not a single Moslem country supports the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, even though some of them pay lip service to it! ALL 57 Moslem countries have subscribed to the Cairo Declaration of Human Rights in Islam which declares:
-- Reaffirms role of Islamic UMMAH which God made the best nation
--The Ummah should guide humanity
--Freedom and right to dignified life in accordance with the Islamic Shariah
--All human beings are united by submission to God (meaning of "Islam")
--Right to life guaranteed "except for a Shariah prescribed reason"
--Prohibited to violate right of safety from bodily harm 'without Shariah prescribed reason"
--"Woman is equal to man in human dignity, and has rights to enjoy as well as duties to perform."
--"Husband is responsible for the support and welfare of the family."
--Parents have right to choose education for their children "provided they take into consideration the interest and future of the children in accordance with the ethical values and the principles of the Shariah"
--Education "so as to enable man to be acquainted with the religion of Islam"
--"Prohibited... to exploit poverty or ignorance in order to convert ..to another religion or to atheism"
--Right to freedom of movement "within the framework of Shariah"
--"... right to enjoy fruits of one's scientific, literary, artistic or technical production... provided that such production is not contrary to the principles of Shariah."
--"There shall be no crime or punishment except as provided for in the Shariah"
--"Taking of hostages for any purpose is expressly forbidden." (But, never enforced.)
--"Right to express opinion freely in such manner as would not be contrary to the principles of the Shariah"
--"Right to propagate what is good and warn against what is wrong and evil according to the norms of the Islamic Shariah."
--Freedom of information, but "may not violate the dignity of Prophets or.. corrupt or harm society or weaken its faith."
--"All rights and freedoms stipulated in this Declaration are subject to the Islamic Shariah."
--"The Islamic Shariah is the only source of reference for the explanation or clarification to any of the articles of this Declaration."
All of this sure seems like a clash of civilizations to me! For good measure, here is what some leading Islamic leaders have to say on the subject of human rights:
1981 - Iranian rep to UN: "UDHR is a secular understanding of the Judeo-Christian tradition" which could not be implementey by Muslims wihout trespassing the Islamic law.
AYATOLLAH KHOMEINI:
“What they call human rights is nothing but a collection of corrupt rules worked out by the Zionists to destroy all true religions.”
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AYATOLLAH MOUSSAVE-KHOMENEHI:
When we want to find out what is right and what is wrong we do not go to the United Nations; we go to the Holy Koran…”
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MUHAMMED NACERI, member of Morocco Council of Religious Scholars:
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was for complete equality for man and women. For us, women are equal to men in law, but they are not the same as men, and they can’t be allowed to wander around freely in the streets like some kind of animal.”
----------------------------
Former Iranian president Ali Khamenei said: “When we want to find out what is right and what is wrong we do not go to the United Nations; we go to the Holy Koran. For us, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is nothing but a collection of mumbo-jumbo by disciples of Satan.”
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(1) When we speak of human rights in Islam, we mean those rights granted by God. (Abul Maududi -- perhaps the most widely read, respected and influential Islamic writer of the 20th Century)
Let the reader decide, now, whether there is a clash of civilizations. It is perfectly obvious, when we look at the evidence, that the values of Islam are different and incompatible with the values of western civilization. There is no reason whatsoever to assume that American Moslems have renounced the Cairo Declaration and the Sharia.
Women have virtually zero rights in almost all Islamic countries.
Funny how Benazir Bhutto was Prime Minister of Pakistan!
In case anyone is interested in what the Koran has to say, here below are a few excerpts. There is just nothing comparable in the Bible. Even though the Bible contains many verses of cruelty, they are limited to particular ancient times, places and peoples, and have no relevance to people's behavior today. Notice that the Koranic verses are phrased in general against non-Moslems, and they are considered valid for eternity because Moslems consider the Koran to be Allah's literal word.
FROM THE KORAN:
--The unbelievers are your inveterate enemy. (4:101)
-- Mohammed is God's apostle. Those who follow him are ruthless to the unbelievers but merciful to one another. (48:29).
-- It is unlawful for a believer to kill another believer, accidents excepted. (4:92)
-- Believers, take neither the Jews nor the Christians for your friends. (5:51)
-- Make war on them until idolatry shall cease and God's religion shall reign supreme. (8:40)
-- Fight against them until idolatry is no more and God's religion reigns supreme. (2:193)
-- The true believers fight for the cause of God, but the infidels fight for the devil. (4:76)
-- We will put terror into the hearts of the unbelievers. (3:151)
-- I shall cast terror into the hearts of the infidels. Strike off their heads, strike off the very tips of their fingers. (8:12)
Our western civilization is defined by the values which are enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Sez who, some anonymous bigot on the Internet?
Oh, and especially for Moslem apologist FGFM, here is what the Koran says about women:
-- Women are your fields: go, then, into your fields when and as you please. (2:223)
-- Men have authority over women because God has made the one superior to the other... Good women are obedient. As for those from whom you fear disobedience, admonish them, forsake them in beds apart, and beat them.” (4:34)
Remnember, that is Allah speaking directly!
The Koran also explicitly says that women are to inherit only half that of their brothers, and that a woman's testimony in court is worth only half that of a man's. The Koran also stipulates divorce procedures for prepubescent girls, thereby sanctioning the marriage of prepubescent girls! Why not? After all, Mohammad, at the age of 49 married a 6-year old girl and had sex with her when she was 9 and he was 52. And, Muhammad is required by Allah in the Koran to be the most excellent example of behavior for Muslims to follow.
Some people like Silverman are simply afraid of the truth and feel better 'hiding' behind their computer. I will be speaking at the Symposium and have no problems speaking about the national security threats Islamic Scholars/Organizations such as CAIR pose to our country. While good men and women have fought for our country and give their lives everyday, you have a 'Silverman' hiding behind his/her 'mommy' eating 'chicken noodle soup...yellow is the best word to describe the Silverman's of the world who are afraid to face reality and allow real Americans like we have in Afghanistan and Iraq 'protect' him while he 'pecks' away from his computer. Grow up Silverman and leave your mommies wings. Dave Gaubatz
When I lived in an East London neighborhood that was probably over 50% Pakistani, I came away with one real impression of the British Muslim community:
Those fuckers love fried chicken. Seriously. I feel weirdly racist saying it, but in additon to the blaspheous KFC franchise at the end of the corner that sold FRIES AS THE ONLY SIDE, there was Dixy Fried Chicken (love the spelling), Tennessee Fried Chicken, Sam's Fried Chicken, Mississippi Chicken, various stores that were named some variation of Halal fried chicken, and so on. Over like, 6 blocks. Those joints were everywhere.
Fried chicken will probably bring the world together. It's not forbidden in any religion and is beloved by every race, creed and color.
Islam is retarded? Has Geert Wilders ever seen America's Funniest Home Videos? Or Fox News?
As a devout Christian, I pray for the Muslim world. It is my obligation to love them. However, I am loyal, because of biblical teaching, first and foremost to the right of Israel to exist as the world's only Jewish state.
At any rate, it is Mr. Wilders' right to be able to speak in the USA, and we should listen to his experience in Holland. He has experiences to share about how intolerant the Muslim world is, and we should listen.
Mr. Gaubatz, your content is excellent, but the Grammar Gestapo says you need to learn when to use an apostrophe (mommies --> mommy's) and when not to (Silverman's --> Silvermans).
FGFM said:
"Funny how Benazir Bhutto was Prime Minister of Pakistan!"
Emphasis on "was".
Before you call these speakers extremists, please read the Koran. The Koran speaks for itself.
To all of you islamophobes out there, ignorance is your main problem....Let us not spread hate. These are times of enlightement and we should appreciate what we have. Read your books, read your history and politics before you jump to conclusions about Islam. we don't need a clash of civilizations but rather peace and understanding. Humanity comes first...
Who or what is Allah?
Allah is the Arabic word for God. Allah is a unique name in Arabic. Muslims prefer to use Allah because it is neither masculine nor feminine and cannot be made plural.
Muslims believe there is only one God and therefore believe that all people believing in God – whether Christians, Jews or those of no specific faith - believe in the same One God. Throughout time and place, there have been and are many names for the One God. In Hebrew, the word for God is Eloh. Arab Christians refer to God as Allah.
www.lucybushillmatthews.com
God is described in the Qur'an by his qualities, or Names. Muslims believe He does not have any children, get tired or have other human-like qualities.
“God! There is no God save Him, the Living, the Eternal. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. Unto Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the Earth. Who is he that intercedes with Him save by His leave? He knows that which is in front of them and that which is behind them, while they encompass nothing of His knowledge save what He will. His throne extends over the heavens and the earth, and He is never weary of preserving them. He is the Most High, the Supreme (in glory).” (Surah Al-Baqarah, Chapter 2 Verse 255)
Do Muslims worship Muhammad?
Early Orientalists called Islam ‘Muhammadanism', implying that Muslims worshipped him. However, a "Muslim" is, by definition, "one who submits to God" and to God alone. God says in the Qur'an:
"Say: He is God, the One and Only; God, the One on whom all depend; He begets not, nor is He begotten. And there is none comparable to Him" (Surah Al-Ikhlas, Chapter 112 Verse 1-4)
"Muhammad is no more than a messenger: many were the messengers that passed away before him. If he died or were slain, will you then turn back on your heels? If any did turn back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to God; but God (on the other hand) will swiftly reward those who (serve Him) with gratitude." (Surah Al Imran, Chapter 3 Verse 114)
Do Muslims believe in Jesus?
According to Muslim belief, Jesus, son of Mary, is one of the greatest messengers of God. Jesus' birth without a father is considered to be a God-sent miracle, in the same way as Adam's birth without either a father or a mother was a God-sent miracle. Muslims believe in the many miracles of Jesus Christ during his life, believe he ascended into Heaven alive (unlike almost all other prophets, including Muhammad, who died naturally), and believe he will one day come back again to rule.
However, Jesus is not considered by Muslims to be divine: instead he is accorded the status of a Prophet. Muslims believe that about 124,000 Prophets were sent over time and to different communities - and Muslims believe in all of them. 25 are mentioned by name in the Qur'an, including Adam, Jonah, Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Joseph, David, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad. Muslims are encouraged to say ‘'Peace be upon him'' after every Prophet's name, as a mark of respect.
Are those who are not Muslims considered to be infidels?
All people, whatever their belief, are “children of Adam'' and part of the human race: Muslims must therefore treat each and every person with humanity.
Infidel is not a word ever used in the Qur'an. A Muslim is one who believes in and submits to God, as well as who believes in Muhammad and the other Prophets; a muslim (with a small ‘'m'') is a much broader term and means anyone who submits to God (this is similar to the current use of conservative/Conservative).
God says “Whoever submits his whole self to God and is a doer of good, he will get his regard with his Lord, on such shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.” (Surah al Baqarah, Chapter 2 Verse 256).
Finally, freedom of conscience is laid down by the Qur'an: "There is no compulsion in religion. Truth stands out clearly from falsehood; whoever rejects evil and believes in God has grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold that never breaks. And God is All-Hearing and All-Knowing." (Surah Al Baqarah, Chapter 2 Verse 256)
Do Muslims believe in Angels?
Muslims believe that angels have been created by God from light. They have no free will and fulfil certain functions in the service of God. They also worship God. Angels mentioned by name in the Quran and Hadith (the words of Muhammad) include:
•Gabriel (Jibreel in Arabic), the leader of the angels. His function was mainly to bring revelation to people, including to Mary, mother of Jesus, and to Muhammad.
•Azrael (Azraeel in Arabic), the Angel of Death.
Did Muhammad write the Qur'an?
The Qur'an reveals extensive knowledge of historical events and previous prophets. Some non-Muslims believe that Muhammad obtained this knowledge from Christians, copying the stories from the Bible. It is true that many of the same events and prophets are mentioned in the Qur'an as in the Bible.
However, there are many key differences that make Muslims consider it impossible for Muhammad to have written the Qur'an. For example, in the Qur'an, the world is said to have been created in six periods of time (e.g. 7:54), rather than in six days as in the Biblical version. In the Qur'an, both Adam and Eve were tempted by Satan (7:22-23) and subsequently asked for and received forgiveness; in the Biblical version, it was Eve alone who was tempted, and who was punished by God with painful childbirth for all womankind (Genesis 3:12-17). The crucifixion is an essential part of Christian theology yet according to the Qur'anic account, Jesus was not crucified - although it appeared as if he was (4:157). The Qur'an also explains many natural phenomena which were not mentioned in the Bible and which were unknown at the time: for example, the stages of formation of the embryo in the womb (53:46; 76:2; 23:14).
The Qur'an claims to be the direct word of God. “Will they not then ponder on the Qur'an? If it had been from other than God, they would have found therein much incongruity.” (Surah An-Nisaa': Chapter 4, verse 82).
The Qur'an clearly says that Muhammad could not read or write himself. “And you (O Muhammad) were not a reader of any scripture before it, nor did you write it with your right hand, for then might those have doubted, who follow falsehood.” (Surah Al Ankabut, Chapter 29 verse 48). Muslims believe Muhammad received revelations from God through the Angel Gabriel; he then immediately ordered his companions to memorise them. The companions subsequently wrote the verses down in Arabic. While the Qur'an exists today in Arabic exactly as it was in the seventh century, there are numerous different translations in over 40 languages.
Acts of Worship
Do Muslims really manage to pray five times a day?
Muslims believe God has asked them to perform formal prayers five times a day, within specified time periods. These prayers serve as a constant reminder thought the day to live life in a good way. Each prayer usually takes no longer than five minutes. The preparation and performance of prayer is meant to be physically, mentally and spiritually uplifting, allowing the person praying to temporarily forget worldly concerns, and to focus on praising and worshipping God. Of course, some Muslims will not pray the full number of prayers; some Muslims do not pray at all.
In addition to the formal prayers in Arabic, a Muslim can make their own personal prayers in their own language directly to God, at any time, anywhere, in their own way. These are called duas, or supplications.
Why do Muslims have to pray towards Makkah?
Muslims pray towards the Kabah, a simple cube structure, which is in Makkah. Muslims believe it is the first and most ancient house of worship built for humankind, originally built by Adam, and subsequently rebuilt by Abraham and his son Ishmael.
The Kabah is simply a focal point, to unite the Muslim community through the world in their worship of God. God exists beyond time and space.
If a Muslim does not know the direction of the Kabah, then he or she can pray anyway.
‘It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards East or West; but it is righteousness to believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the angels, and the book, and the messengers; to spend of your substance, out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer, and give zakah [obligatory charity]; to fulfill the contracts which you have made; and to be firm and patient in pain [or suffering] and adversity, and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the God-fearing.' (Surah Al-Baqarah, Chapter 2 Verse 177).
How do Muslims manage in Ramadan without drinking water?
Every year, for one lunar month known as Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food, drink and sexual relations from dawn to sunset.
"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed to those before you that you may achieve God consciousness." (Surah Al Baqarah, Chapter 2 Verse 183)
Fasting is a time of reflection and appreciation of all that we have; a time for increased devotion towards God, a time of generosity towards those less fortunate, and a time of unity with others who are fasting. It is also a time of developing self-restraint. Weight loss is not meant to be an objective of fasting. It can be hard without water particularly when the days are long and the weather hot, but the mind is a powerful tool and those who are fasting know that they are more fortunate than many to be able to have fresh water and food at the end of the day.
Do babies and children have to fast?
Neither prayer nor fasting are obligatory until children reach the age of puberty, when they can understand the purpose behind them and take responsibility for their own actions. However, children often like to take part in both of these from an early age. Even toddlers copy their parents in prayer, and children as young as four or five may try to ‘'fast'' between mealtimes. Babies do not fast!
Whom do Muslims have to give their charity to?
Once one's wealth exceeds a certain minimum, Muslims have an obligation to give away 2.5% of their savings annually, to purify their wealth while helping the poor and needy. Muslims calculate their own charity payment and choose which people or organisations to give to.
Muslims may also give as much additional voluntary charity as they wish. Muhammad said: "Charity is prescribed for each descendant of Adam every day the sun rises." He was then asked: "From what do we give charity every day?" Muhammad answered: "The doors of goodness are many...enjoining good, forbidding evil, removing harm from the road, listening to the deaf, leading the blind, guiding one to the object of his need, hurrying with the strength of one's legs to one in sorrow who is asking for help, and supporting the feeble with the strength of one's arms-all of these are charity prescribed for you." Even a smile is charity.
What is Hajj all about?
The pilgrimage to Makkah in Saudi Arabia is an obligation for men and women, once in a Muslim's lifetime, for those who are physically and financially able to visit.
Hajj consists of a series of ritual acts, symbolic of the lives of Abraham (Ibrahim), his wife Hagar (Hajar), and their son Ishmael (Ismail). On Hajj, all male pilgrims, regardless of nationality or wealth, are required to dress in a garment consisting of two sheets of white unhemmed cloth. It is a pilgrimage of absolute equality between men and women, and between different races and classes.
Malcolm X wrote about Hajj: “During the past eleven days here in the Muslim world, I have eaten from the same plate, drunk from the same glass and slept in the same bed (or on the same rug)-while praying to the same God with fellow Muslims, whose eyes were the bluest of the blue, whose hair was the blondest of blond, and whose skin was the whitest of white. And in the words and in the actions and in the deeds of the ‘white' Muslims, I felt the same sincerity that I felt among the black African Muslims of Nigeria, Sudan and Ghana. We are truly all the same - brothers.''
The close of Hajj is celebrated with a holiday known as Eid ul Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice. This festival celebrates Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son, as God had commanded, as a sign of his devotion. Once Abraham had demonstrated his devotion, God stopped him from sacrificing his son and told him to sacrifice a sheep instead. In commemoration of Abraham's unwavering belief, Muslims everywhere arrange for a sheep to be slaughtered and the meat is then distributed to the poor.
Practices
Is the Muslim Eid like Christmas?
Like Christmas, Eid is a time of major celebration. There are two Eids or festivals a year. However, unlike Christmas, their timing in the solar calendar is not fixed, since they are held in accordance with the lunar calendar, which is 11 days shorter than the solar one. Also unlike Christmas, the festivals are not based on celebrating a birth, but on the completion of two different acts of worship: Ramadan and Hajj.
Eid-ul Fitr is the Festival of Breaking the Fast. It marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting for Muslims around the world. The other Eid, Eid-ul-Adha, marks the end of Hajj two months later. Muslims celebrate both Eids by dressing in their best clothes and attending the mosque for a short congregational prayer. Immediately after prayer, Muslims exchange Eid greetings and embrace each other with hugs, before visiting homes of relatives and friends, giving and sharing food, and thanking God for all they have been given. Children are delighted to receive presents of clothes, toys or money.
It is all too easy for Eid, like Christmas, to become commercialised and to lose its original message. Many Muslim businesses will offer ‘Ramadan sales' or ‘Eid specials' to prospective customers.
Why can't Muslims drink alcohol or eat pork?
There are known potential benefits of drinking alcohol in moderate quantities. However social drinking can easily lead to heavier drinking and there are known potential risks from drinking alcohol in large quantities, including fatal accidents, fatal diseases, an increased chance of developing cirrhosis of the liver, increased risks of many different types of cancer; alcohol can also harm an unborn baby.
"They ask you (O Muhammad) concerning alcoholic drink and gambling. Say: "In them is a great sin, and (some) benefit for men, but the sin of them is greater than their benefit."…….." Thus God makes clear to you His Laws in order that you may give thought." (Surah Al Baqarah, Chapter 2 Verse 219)
The Qur'an has not explained the reason for the prohibition of pork. But Muslims are not alone in abstaining from pork: Jews do not eat pork, neither did Jesus; Confucius also advised against it. It may be due to the pig's willingness to eat any kind of food, including dead insects, excreta and rubbish; it may be due to the similarity of human organs to those of the pig.
Some Muslims will not touch pigs. However, pigs are God's creatures and we should show them the same kindness we show any other animal: cruelty to any animal is forbidden in Islam.
Why aren't any images of people or animals allowed in mosques?
The mosque contains no images of people, animals or spiritual figures as Muslims in prayer are supposed to be focusing on God alone. Outside the mosque, many Muslims accept the representation of people and animals, particularly for educational purposes.
The vast majority of Muslims would never consider representing any prophet in any context. In Islam, prophets are highly revered but must not be worshipped in any way: representing them visually may ultimately lead to their worship.
What is Shariah law?
Shariah is more than law: it is a set of principles and morals, based on the Qur'an and the hadith (the record of actions and sayings of Muhammad), as well as ijma, (consensus of scholars) and qiyas (analogy). Literally, Shariah means ‘'the way or the path to water (or life)''.
"To each among you, we have prescribed a law and a clear way.” (Surah Al Maida, Chapter 5 Verse 48)
Shariah deals with many aspects of day-to-day life, including finance, banking and contracts (e.g. investing, use of interest), family law (eg marriage, divorce, custody, inheritance), social issues (eg dress, hygiene) as well as criminal acts (eg theft, murder).
Some principles are in line with Western notions of human rights e.g. the idea of force majeure in contracts, the presumption of innocence, the principle of precedent in making legal decisions, the prohibition of illegal drugs, the right to privacy, the right of women to own property in their own right. Other principles (e.g. the death penalty allowed for murder under certain circumstances) are in line with notions of human rights in only some Western countries.
What is a fatwa?
A fatwa is an Islamic religious ruling, a scholarly opinion on a matter of Islamic law. It is not binding on the faithful. The people who pronounce these rulings are supposed to be knowledgeable, and base their rulings in knowledge and wisdom. They need to supply the evidence from Islamic sources for their opinions, and it is not uncommon for scholars to come to different conclusions regarding the same issue, or for one scholar to alter his or her conclusions based on additional evidence or changed circumstances. In order to decide whether to follow the fatwa, Muslims look at the opinion, the reputation of the person giving it and the evidence given to support the opinion.
Why do people kill in the name of Islam?
The Qur'an states:"...Whoever kills an innocent soul it is as if he killed the whole of Mankind. And whoever saves one, it is as if he saved the whole of Mankind..." (Surah Al Maidah, Chapter 5 Verse 32)
It is Islamically unlawful to murder an innocent person. Hence, if anyone kills an innocent person, they have committed a grave sin in Islam. Yet innocent people continue to be killed throughout the world, by people who call themselves Muslims as well as by people who do not.
Why do Muslims engage in Holy War?
The word jihad is a word frequently used in the media to mean ‘holy war', yet jihad has never been referred to in this way in the Qur'an. In fact, the term "holy war" was coined in Europe during the period of the Crusades.
In Arabic, the word jihad means ‘to strive, struggle and exert effort'. It is a central and broad Islamic concept that primarily means ‘'to struggle against evil inclinations within oneself.''
Islam is not confined to the boundaries of the individual but extends to the welfare of society and humanity in general. An individual cannot keep improving himself/herself in isolation from what happens in their community or in the world at large. Hence it also means struggle to improve the quality of life in society and the struggle against injustice, oppression and tyranny.
In accordance with accepted international norms, Islam does permit fighting in self-defence, as a last resort, or on behalf of those who have been expelled forcibly from their homes. However it lays down strict rules of combat that include prohibitions against harming civilians and against destroying crops, trees and livestock; the Qur'an also insists on cessation of fighting as soon as the need for self-defence has gone.
"Fight in the cause of God against those who fight you, but do not transgress limits. God does not love transgressors." (Surah Al Baqarah, Chapter 2 verse 190)
"If they seek peace, then you seek peace. And trust in God for He is the One that hears and knows all things." (Surah Al Anfal, Chapter 8, verse 61)
Did Islam spread by the sword?
The Qur'an clearly says "Let there be no compulsion in religion". (Surah al Baqarah, Chapter 2 verse 256). In addition to this, Islam teaches that a person's faith must be pure and sincere, so it cannot be forced on someone.
The idea of forced conversion has been popular in Europe from the time of the Crusades. The (non-Muslim) historian De Lacy O' Leary wrote: "History makes it clear, however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of the sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myths that historians have ever accepted." (Islam at the Crossroads, London, 1923, p. 8). Muslims ruled Spain for roughly 800 years: during this time, and up to when they were finally forced out, non-Muslims there were treated with respect and had flourishing communities. Additionally, Christian and Jewish minorities have survived in the Muslim lands of the Middle East for centuries. Countries such as Egypt, Morocco, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan all have thriving Christian and/or Jewish populations.
Are Muslims anti-Semitic?
Jews and Christians are given an honourable title in the Qur'an: 'the people of the Book.' Moreover, God has commanded Muslims not to insult other faiths.
Both Jews and Muslims believe in Abraham as their forefather. Abraham had two sons, Ishmael and Isaac: Muhammad is descended from Ishmael, and Moses is descended from Isaac. The Semitic language family includes Hebrew and Arabic.
Anti-semitism should not be confused with anti-Zionism. Many people who rightly condemn anti-semitism struggle to understand the Zionist support for the occupation of Palestinian territory which is not legally theirs, and struggle to understand the support for extremely harsh living conditions imposed collectively upon innocent men, women and children living in the Occupied Territories of Palestine.
Does Islam oppress women?
Verses of the Qur'an make it clear that men and women are equal in the sight of God. According to the teachings of Islam, the only thing that distinguishes people in the sight of God is their level of righteousness.
‘'For believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in charity, for men and women who fast , for men and women who guard their chastity and for men and women who engage much in God's praise - for them has God prepared forgiveness and great reward” (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:35).
Islamic law guaranteed rights to women over 1400 years ago, clearly stating that women have the right to vote, seek an education, own property, financial independence, and to operate a business. These rights were granted to women in Europe and America in the last one hundred years. These rights also came about in a different way to Europe and America, where rights became part of the law only after women had been through great political struggles. In Islam, rights were given by God through revelation and cannot be reversed by anyone's decision.
In Islam, marriage is a partnership between a man and a woman. Muhammad said: "The most perfect in faith amongst believers is he who is best in manner and kindest to his wife." Muhammad's wife Khadijah was a business woman, and employed Muhammad to work for her: it was she who instigated the marriage proposal. An arranged marriage (where a family member finds a suitable spouse) is another way of finding a spouse. Forced marriage (where a girl/boy is forced to marry against her/his will) is not permitted: in Islam, both parties have the right to consent to their spouse.
Throughout the world, there remain many Muslim women who are not able to exercise their rights, within marriage or elsewhere - this is due to local cultural or traditional practices that persist in spite of Islam, not because of it. There are other women who are also not able to exercise their rights: victims of domestic violence can be found within many countries and cultures.
Why are Muslim men allowed more than one wife?
Polygamy is the practice of having more than one spouse simultaneously; polygyny is the specific practice of having more than one wife simultaneously. In pre-Islamic Arabia, polygyny was a normal custom, and there were no limitation on the number of wives a man may have. Islam placed a limitation for men to have no more than four wives.
There are a number of possible practical reasons why polygyny is allowed in Islam. In times of war, it can be used to look after the widows who are left behind, and who may not be financially able to look after themselves or their children. In addition, a man who discovers that his wife is barren or is chronically ill, but who wishes to have children of his own or satisfy his natural instinct in a legitimate way, while still caring for his first wife, can also turn to polygyny as a solution.
Polygyny may be likened to the practice of having a mistress by some, but a non-Muslim male has no legal obligations or responsibilities towards his mistress(es) and their children. A Muslim husband has the same legal obligations and responsibilities towards his second, third, or fourth wife and their children as he has towards his first wife and children. Moreover, the man must live with all of his wives on a footing of equality and kindness. To fulfil these conditions is no easy task: if a man feels unable to treat his wives fairly with kindness and love, then he is commanded by God not to take more than one wife.
"… then marry (other) women of your choice, two or three, or four but if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one...." (Surah An-Nisa, Chapter 4 Verse 3)
In practice, it is rare for a Muslim man to marry more than one wife.
Why did Muhammad have so many wives?
Muhammad was married to one woman, Khadijah, for 25 years.
After her death, Muhammad had multiple wives, as a practical way of taking responsibility for divorcees and widows and their children, and as a means of integration of the newly founded society. Many of these marriages were for political reasons, in order to strengthen the fragile early Muslim community. He treated each one fairly and with kindness.
Why do Muslim women pray separately to Muslim men?
When it is time to pray one of the five ritual prayers, men and women pray in separate lines following the same Imam. The Muslim prayer is a physical one, where worshippers stand closely together in prayer, with their shoulders and feet usually touching the person next to them. They also prostrate down to the ground. The separate praying is to avoid any possible distraction the opposite sex may cause.
Why do some Muslim women cover their hair?
Islam asks men and women to be modest and humble, in both outward appearance and in manner.
Colours and styles of clothing can vary across cultures, but the basic principles are that the clothes are: loose enough not to show the figure; thick enough not to be transparent; and cover the body. The Qur'an calls for women to "draw their coverings over their chests," and Muhammad instructed believing women to cover their bodies except for their face and hands. Most Muslims interpret this to require the head to be covered as well; others will cover the entire body including the face and/or hands with niqab. For a man, the minimum amount to be covered is between the navel and the knee.
Hair covering for women has been a tradition in many other faith and cultures throughout time. Historically this includes the Jewish and Christian faiths, although now haircovering is generally only customary in these faith communities amongst Orthodox Jews and Christian nuns.
What does Islam say about sex outside marriage?
In Islam, marriage is described as a union between a man and a woman who are not closely related. Sex within marriage is considered a blessing. However, all sex outside of marriage is forbidden - it does not matter whether that relationship is fornication (sex between unmarried people), adultery (involving a married person), bestiality, incest, pederasty (a sexual relationship between adult and child) or homosexuality.
However there are different degrees of wrongness in Islam. One of the principles of Islamic jurisprudence is: harm should be removed. This means that which is harmful must be avoided where possible; where it is not possible, the lesser of two evils should be perpetrated to avoid the greater. In this context, safe sex outside of marriage is ‘'less wrong'' than unsafe sex, which can hurt so many more people.
Some people have a very negative view of those with HIV and AIDS, assuming it was contracted due to sex outside marriage. Yet HIV and AIDS may be contracted in a variety of other ways (for example a wife infected by the husband who is HIV positive; a child infected through mother-to-child transmission). Even if HIV and AIDS was contracted through sex outside of marriage, Muslims should be adopting the fundamental values as found in the Qur'an: justice (adl), benevolence (ihsan), compassion (rahmah) and wisdom (hikmah). This is why many Islamic aid organizations readily assist those with HIV and AIDS.
Are most Muslims Arab?
Muslims come from a diverse array of races, nationalities and linguistic backgrounds. Less than 20% of the Muslim population is Arab. There are more Indonesian Muslims than Indian or Arab Muslims.
Turkey and Iran are not Arab countries: the native tongue of people who live in those countries is not Arabic and they are of a different ethnic heritage to the Arabs.
And not all Arabs are Muslims. An Arab can be a Muslim, Christian, Jew, atheist - or of any other religion or ideology.
If you become Muslim, do you have to change your name?
To become Muslim, you simply need to say the declaration of faith, with knowledge of what it means and with sincerity of belief. The declaration is: ‘'I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except God and Muhammad is His messenger."
Any name is ‘Muslim' as long as it is inoffensive; it is preferable for it to have a positive meaning. However, many Muslims give their children Arabic names, to assist with their sense of faith identity.
Muhammad did insist on changing the name of a man previously known as Abdu Shams, since his name had the meaning ‘Slave of the Sun'. The first African convert to Islam was Bilal, an Ethiopian, who kept his name and whose name is now popular with Muslims throughout the world.
If you are Muslim and want to get married, do you have to marry a Muslim?
Muslim men can marry Jewish and Christian women, who are referred to as "People of the Book." This comes from the understanding that Jews and Christians share similar religious outlooks - a belief in One God, following the commandments of God, a belief in revealed scripture (Books), etc.
"This day are all things good and pure made lawful to you.... Lawful to you in marriage are not only chaste women who are believers, but chaste women among the People of the Book, revealed before your time, when you give them their due dowers, and desire chastity not lewdness. If anyone rejects faith, fruitless is his work, and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost" (Surah Al-Mai'dah, Chapter 5 Verse 5).
However, it is easiest, both in terms of compatibility and for the upbringing of future children, for a Muslim man or woman to marry another Muslim.
What will happen to a Muslim if he or she doesn't want to be Muslim any more?
Each person has the right to complete freedom of belief.
"Let there be no compulsion in religion". (Surah al Baqarah, Chapter 2 verse 256).
There is an idea that Islam advocates killing apostates. Fighting – and killing- is only permitted against those individuals who fight -and kill- the Muslims. This is so whether or not they used to be considered Muslims.
"Rummy" knew who is in charge (the Lord) in offering a word of encouragement to the President during the tough decisions that were being made - it's what Christians do!
"Commit to the LORD, whatever you do, and your plans will succeed - Proverbs 16:3," appeared on a April 1, 2003 report ....
What is at stake? And not just for America or Europe, but for all of humanity: FREE WILL (spirit?) and the birthright of any human being to express and exercise free will (the reason we incarnate here on earth in physical bodies?).
You will have to agree that any being or organization that consciously wants to suppress the free will of another human being is evil. The Roman Catholic Church was saved from making the same mistake over the last few hundred years thanks to the enlightenment that curbed it's influence and relegated it to where it belongs (separation between church and state). Islam still has to give up it's political or law-making (=sharia) aspirations before it can integrate with the free West. Until that time Islam and the free West will be at odds, to say the least.
It is all Fabrication of the truth, women in a lot of Muslim countries have all their rights, more rights than our women have at least they don't sell their women to Porn and call it freedom or women liberation.Really you guys need to travel and travel and see for yourself, don't just base what you say on what you read from a racist far right web site. Know the other side before you make a judgment and be fair in your judgment. By the way,all these guys that are doing this hate mongering stuff are using you Christians, these folks work by proxy, they already sent your kids to die in Irak for nothing, you all should know that by now!
Some stories from the Islamic hadiths:
Ishaq:369 “Thereupon Mas’ud leapt upon Sunayna, one of the Jewish merchants with whom his family had social and commercial relations and killed him. The Muslim’s brother complained, saying, ‘Why did you kill him? You have much fat in you belly from his charity.’ Mas’ud answered, ‘By Allah, had Muhammad ordered me to murder you, my brother, I would have cut off your head.’ Wherein the brother said, ‘Any religion that can bring you to this is indeed wonderful!’ And he accepted Islam.”
Ishaq:464 “The Jews were made to come down, and Allah’s Messenger imprisoned them. Then the Prophet went out into the marketplace of Medina, and he had trenches dug in it. He sent for the Jewish men and had them beheaded in those trenches. They were brought out to him in batches. They numbered 800 to 900 boys and men.”
Ishaq:676 “‘You obey a stranger who encourages you to murder for booty. You are greedy men. Is there no honor among you?’ Upon hearing those lines Muhammad said, ‘Will no one rid me of this woman?’ Umayr, a zealous Muslim, decided to execute the Prophet’s wishes. That very night he crept into the writer’s home while she lay sleeping surrounded by her young children. There was one at her breast. Umayr removed the suckling babe and then plunged his sword into the poet. The next morning in the mosque, Muhammad, who was aware of the assassination, said, ‘You have helped Allah and His Apostle.’ Umayr said. ‘She had five sons; should I feel guilty?’ ‘No,’ the Prophet answered. ‘Killing her was as meaningless as two goats butting heads.’”
Ishaq:368 “We carried Ka’b’s head and brought it to Muhammad during the night. We saluted him as he stood praying and told him that we had slain Allah’s enemy. When he came out to us we cast Ashraf’s head before his feet. The Prophet praised Allah that the poet had been assassinated and complimented us on the good work we had done in Allah’s Cause. Our attack upon Allah’s enemy cast terror among the Jews, and there was no Jew in Medina who did not fear for his life.’”
Tabari VII:100 “Every time I opened a door, I shut it behind me from the inside, saying to myself, ‘If they become aware, they will not have time to stop me from killing him.’ When I reached Rafi, he was in a dark room with his family. As I did not know where he was in the room, I said, ‘O Abu Rafi.’ When he replied, I proceeded toward the voice and gave him a blow with my sword. He shouted and I came back, pretending to be a helper. I said, ‘O Abu,’ changing the tone of my voice. He asked me, ‘I don’t know who came to strike me with his sword.’ Then I drove my sword into his belly and pushed it forcibly till it touched the bone. I hit him again and covered him with wounds, but I could not kill him, so I thrust the point of my sword into his stomach until it came out through his back. At that, I knew that I had killed him [in front of his wife and children]. I came out, filled with puzzlement, and went towards a ladder in order to get down but I fell into a moonlit night and sprained my foot. I bound it with my turban and moved on. I came to my companions and said, ‘By Allah, I will not leave till I hear the wailing of their women.’ So, I did not move till I heard them crying for the Jewish merchant. I said, ‘Deliverance! Allah has killed Abu Rafi.’ I got up, feeling no ailment, and proceeded till we came upon the Prophet and informed him.”
Tabari VII:147 “Amr was sent by Muhammad to kill Abu Sufyan [the Quraysh leader and merchant]. The Prophet said, ‘Go to Abu Sufyan and kill him.’ …When I entered Mecca I had a dagger ready to slay anybody who laid hold of me. My Ansar companion asked, ‘Should we start by circumambulating the Ka’aba seven times and praying two rak’ahs?’ I said, ‘I know the Meccans better than you do.’ But he kept pestering me until in the end we went to the Ka’aba, circumambulated it seven times, and prayed.”
Tabari VII:149 “I went into a cave with my bow and arrows. While I was in it, a one-eyed man from the Banu Bakr came in driving some sheep. He said, ‘Who’s there?’ I said [lied], ‘I’m a Banu Bakr.’ ‘So am I.’ Then he laid down next to me, and raised his voice in song: ‘I will not believe in the faith of the Muslims.’ I said, ‘You will soon see!’ Before long the Bedouin went to sleep and started snoring. So I killed him in the most dreadful way that anybody has ever killed. I leant over him, struck the end of my bow into his good eye, and thrust it down until it came out the back of his neck. After that I rushed out like a wild beast and took flight. I came to the village of Naqi and recognized two Meccan spies. I called for them to surrender. They said no so I shot and arrow and killed one, and then I tied the other up and took him to Muhammad.”
Tabari VIII:38 “The Messenger of Allah commanded that all of the Jewish men and boys who had reached puberty should be beheaded. Then the Prophet divided the wealth, wives, and children of the Banu Qurayza Jews among the Muslims.”
Tabari VIII:40 “The Messenger commanded that furrows should be dug in the ground for the Qurayza. Then he sat down. Ali and Zubayr began cutting off their heads in his presence.”
Tabari VIII:90 “Abu Basir went out with his companions. When they stopped to rest he asked one of them, ‘Is this sword of yours sharp?’ ‘Yes,’ he replied. ‘May I look at it?’ Basir asked. ‘If you wish.’ Basir unsheathed the sword, attacked the man, and killed him. The other Muslim ran back to the Messenger, saying, ‘Your Companion has killed my friend.’ While the man was still there, Abu Basir appeared girded with the sword. He halted before Muhammad and said, ‘Messenger, your obligation has been discharged.’”
Tabari VIII:96 “A raiding party led by Zayd set out against Umm in Ramadan. During it, Umm suffered a cruel death. Zyad tied her legs with rope and then tied her between two camels until they split her in two. She was a very old woman. Then they brought Umm’s daughter and Abdallah to the Messenger. Umm’s daughter belonged to Salamah who had captured her. Muhammad asked Salamah for her, and Salamah gave her to him.”
Tabari VIII:122 “The Prophet gave orders concerning Kinanah to Zubayr, saying, ‘Torture him until you root out and extract what he has. So Zubayr kindled a fire on Kinanah’s chest, twirling it with his firestick until Kinanah was near death. Then the Messenger gave him to Maslamah, who beheaded him.”
Tabari VIII:141 “The battle cry of the Companions of the Messenger of Allah that night was: ‘Kill! Kill! Kill!’”
And so on and on and on. Is this the kind of "batshit crazy" stuff you see in the Old Testament? Or is this a whole 'nother level of "batshit crazy"? Is this basically the same as the O.T. and N.T., just interpreted a little differently? Do these stories resonate with you, as being basically the same as the stories you heard in Sunday school?
For those who claim that all religions are the same, how well do you know what Islam teaches?
Did Buddha order his followers to kill a woman poet as she slept with her infant child because she "insulted" him? Did Jesus order the beheading of 900 boys and men prisoners? Did Confuscious demand that his followers bring him the heads of his "enemies"? Did Bahai's ever have a battle cry of "Kill! Kill! Kill!"?
What are you talking about, all religions are the same?
would love to go wearing my army ACU,and ask what do they think about muslim,and arabic joining the US military...man whould love to see what they will say when I tell them that I`m an arabic and muslim proudly serving in the US army.....what a shame that this eventis going to be 45 mints. away from my duty station.....
I am from Tennessee but moved away almost 30 years ago. I am dismayed that Tennessee is considered a "stronghold for radical islamic forces." I think people from Tennessee are too smart to allow such a thing to happen. Am I wrong or have Tennesseans been tricked by the Islamic forces? The Muslim "religion" is nothing but a brainwashing, controling sect whose goal is to have a totally Muslim world. Tennesseans have always been patriotic. Muslims are not patriotic - they are liars and sneaky maniacs who have only one goal, world domination which means bringing down the USA. Women mean nothing to them except to have their children (whom they rear in the same Muslim brainwashing way)- their way of increasing the Muslim population. Tennesseans are too smart to fall for such a tactic. Please say it isn't true.
Brian Mophtali said: "Long live Islam, Sharia is the law of all Muslims"
Every child is born a Muslim. (It is only through ignorance and corruption that they later choose another religion, such as Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc. and leave the One True Religion, Islam).
Sharia is the law of all Muslims. Every child is born a Muslim. Do the math.
Artemis, you are spreading false narratives that are supported by bogus verses. It's devils like you that continue to provoke religious wars and spreading hatred. Unfortunately, there are many like you out there making major conflicts imminent in our society. I don't understand why? Why do we have to live that way? Why so much hate? Haven't we learned from history? What would Jesus do? Shannon,continue to spread knowledge because ignorance is bliss..I pray for the Muslims. I don't think it's fair to blame a billion of them from one person's ideology. I don't think Muslims hate Christians because of the unabomber's actions or even the Irish terrorists actions.Infact, if you read Shannons post above,Muslims have no beef with Christians or Jews. Terrorists don't represent Islam because they are taking matters in their own hands which is more of a political agenda than a religious fight.
Mr. Silverman,
Do you concede that there are significant differences between the problems posed by Islam and those posed by other religions? That the scale of the Islamic problem overshadows all others at the present moment? Just look at the world's hotspots:
Muslims vs. Jews in Israel
Muslims vs. Christians in Afghanistan, Iraq, Europe, the United States and Africa
Muslims vs. Hindus in India
Muslims vs. Buddhists in Thailand
Muslims vs. Russians in the Caucasus
Muslims vs. everyone in Indonesia
Who are the aggressors in these conflicts, and did they seek U.N. Security Council approval?
D.C. sniper? Stabber of Theo Van Gogh? London tube bombers? Glasgow airport attackers? Beslan child murderers? What do they have in common?
Subjugation of women? Punishment of non-believers? Imprisoning of homosexuals? Where does this take place?
The phenomenon spans continents, races and income levels. Isn't Islam the obvious common denominator?
Of course, this doesn't mean that the religion itself or all of its adherents are evil or that other religions are without their own problems. Even if a disturbingly high percentage of Muslims sympathize with terrorism, almost all of them abstain from it. Christianity and other religions can lead to intolerance, too.
But do you not agree that the current problems posed by Islam are of a completely different order of magnitude? And if so, does that make you an Islamophobe?
Thanks,
Steve
John said: "Artemis, you are spreading false narratives that are supported by bogus verses."
No, I'm quoting mainstream Islamic literature. Don't believe me? I gave the notations so anyone can go look them up.
You call me a devil; which one of us is filled with hate?
I love our freedom to choose whatever religion people desire: Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism. I love that women have equal rights in our society. I love that women can drive cars by themselves, go to the beach, go to school. I love that we have freedom of speech, to criticise Jesus, Mohammad, Abraham, or Buddha, without being jailed or murdered for it.
I love a lot of things about our country and our society. And I want to keep these things.
Some more quotes some of you Islamophobes may find to your liking:
Numbers 31: And the Lord said unto Moses, "Avenge the children of the Mid'-an'ites.. They warred against the Mid'-i-an'ites, as the Lord commanded Moses, and they slay all the males. And they took all women as captives, and their little ones, and took the spoil of all their cattle, and all their flocks, and all their goods. And they burnt all their cities wherein they dwelt, and all their goodly castles, with fire. Moses said, "HAVE YOU SAVED ALL THE WOMEN ALIVE? NOW KILL EVERY MALE AMONG THE LITTLE ONES, AND KILL EVERY WOMAN that has known a man by lying with him, but all the young girls who have not known a man by lying with him keep alive for yourselves."
[Joshua 6:23,21]Joshua said to the people of Israel, "The Lord has given you the city of the all silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron, are consecrated unto the Lord: They shall come into the treasury of the Lord.
The people utterly DESTROYED ALL THAT WAS IN THE CITY, BOTH MAN AND WOMAN,YOUNG AND OLD, AND OX AND SHEEP, AND ASS, WITH THE EDGE OF THE SWORD.
Ooops. that was not from the Quran.
Sooo sorry
Dear Steve. Why did you leave out the following:
Word War 1
World War II
Korean War
Vietnam War
Hindus vs Sikhs
Hindus vs Christians
Catholics vs Protestants (Ireland)
Serbs vs Croats
HUTUS vs TUTSIS
I did not know that Muslims were fighting Christians in the US and Afghanistan and elsewhere because of religion.
It was the US that invaded Afghanistan - not the other way around.
You mentioned Muslims against Jews in Israel. Would you not fight if your home and land was taken away and given to some White so called European Jew who had no ties to the land periad? What about the Palestinian Christians who fight alongside their Palestinian Muslim brothers.. don't they deserve a mention?
As for murders, abuse of homosexuals, abusing women, abusing children, rape, abusing children in the church, incest, etc.,...
just read your local paper in the US and you will find that all that and more is happening right here in America and you will also find out that the top 10 murder capitals of the world are right here in your own backyard.
Anonymous,
The fighting in your list is from the past -- not ongoing. That's why I mentioned Islam as the biggest *current* threat. If Europe and the Angloshpere were currently engaged in a mostly-internal world war with each other, I would certainly identify that as a huge problem, but they are not.
The U.S. is fighting the Taliban and al Qaeda in Afghanistan in response to the Sept. 11 attacks that those groups conducted on the U.S. from their base in Afghanistan. The U.S. is fighting in Iraq in response to Saddam Hussein's violation of the armistice that resulted from his earlier invasion of a fellow Arab nation. Neither Al Qaeda nor Saddam Hussein sought UN Security Council approval for their attacks, but the U.S. did seek UN Security Council approval for their responses.
Almost the entire Muslim world has been conducting an agressive war against Israel for decades because they want to wipe Israel off the map. Their attacks started long before the Palestinians became an issue. It is, of course, really just an excuse.
The crimes that you mentioned in the U.S. are against both the law and traditional Judeo-Christian moral code, and perpetrators are put in prison for those crimes. Compare that to Islamic terrorism, which is justified by Islam. That's a pretty substantial difference, don't you think?
I would also add that crime in the U.S. has grown because it has been excused and justified by the Left as an understandable response to social injustice. Can I say that you disagree with that view and wish to see criminals punished?
Thanks,
Steve
Silverfish, do you not understand the difference between a holy book that says "2000 years ago, Believers killed some non-Believers", and a holy book that says, "Believers, kill the non-Believers wherever you find them."?
That's not a slight semantic difference, that is crucial to understanding the actions of Believers of different faiths today.
Geer Wilder’s use of the word retarded in describing Islam is spot on. A standard dictionary definition of retarded means slowed down or backwards in mental development or school achievement. A synonym for retarded is backward – and Islam is certainly that – an unchanging, oppressive and suppressive ideology lifted whole cloth from a barbaric past.
Yet while the ideology is archaic, the methods for spreading it are ultra-modern. Islamic based schools teach discrimination and hatred of “non-believers” as they are mandated to do according to the Koran, yet mendaciously cry discrimination and hurl the epithet Islamophobe at anyone who disagrees with them.
It is futile to get caught up in religious discussions and comparisons. Think of Islam as you would any other governing systems - Communism, Socialism, Capitalism, Fascism, Stalinism, Bolshevism, - whatever - because that is what it is, a political system which has cloaked and codified its aim in a religious text – and that aim is to make the whole world Islamic, subject to Shariah law. That was the goal centuries ago, and that is the goal today, to be achieved by any means possible. Jihad is the duty and holy obligation of every Muslim. It says so in the Koran.
Oh yes, you can call me islamophobic if you like. I don’t mind.
I will not dispute that Jihad Watch is an "Internet hate site" since the site has often spoken against Islam in general instead of Jihadi terrorism, but the Council on American-Islamic Relations (formerly the Islamic Association for Palestine) is part of the terrorist front group HAMAS's parent Muslim Brotherhood organization. They are no better a source for anything than Jihad Watch, and probably worse.
Artemis: The Old Testament Bible still says "Believers, kill the non-Believers wherever you find them." It is just that no one has followed those rules in 2,000 years excepting certain acts of Western imperialism.
guy in the army: I like the thought, but I heard that going to any political event in uniform is against regulations. You would want to check that out if you were to ever do something like that.
Jack-
The problems with Muslim culture are legion and obvious.
Women are not allowed to own businesses or buy property without the approval of their husbands. The Taliban forced Afghan women to walk several paces behind their husbands. In Saudi Arabia women are not allowed to be alone in the presence of a male non-relative. Muslim societies practice so-called "honor killings", in which men kill a female relative who has brought dishonor on the family by choosing to date a non-Muslim, declining to marry the man (often her first cousin) that her father has chosen, or even getting raped. Yes, in Muslim culture a raped woman is the perpetrator and must be punished (again, that is). The London police announced a couple of years ago that they were opening investigations into the honor killings of 200 London Muslim women, previously overlooked for purposes of political correctness. In Jordan (the most liberal Muslim country in the mideast), the rape of women became illegal just 4 or 5 years ago.
Homosexuality is strictly illegal in Muslim countries, and often carries a death sentence. Iran publicly hangs homosexuals. In the Palestinian territories, the most prominent Palestinian cleric has issued a fatwa that they should be crushed to death against a wall by bulldozers.
Religious intolerance is rampant. Under the law of dhimmitude, non-Muslims are forced to pay the jizya, a special tax on non-Muslims. But in many Muslim countries (such as Afganistan), being a non-Muslim is simply illegal. In Saudi Arabia, possession of a Bible is a capital offense. A British teacher in Sudan was sentenced to jail for allowing her students to name a teddy bear Muhammad. There were worldwide riots and murders committed by Muslims because a small Danish newspaper published anti-Islamic cartoons. Just today, there is this:
http://www.theage.com.au/world/muslim-migrants-riot-in-athens-20090523-bixy.html
And of course, there is that little thing called terrorism. Maybe you've heard of it? Decades of attacks by Muslims against the West. Something about 3,000 people being killed in NY.
There is also economic and cultural backwardness in the Muslim world. The study of topics not strictly compatible with Islam is illegal, which is why no Muslim country ever produces any innovative technology or product. The entire non-petroleum GDP of the mideast is smaller than the annual sales of Nokia. More books are translated into Spanish every year than have been translated into Arabic in the last 1,000 years.
Here's a video on what the Palestinians have done to the agricultural infrastructure the departed Israeli settlers left there:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fo_FlvFSEXU
There is blatant political oppression and authoritarianism in the Muslim world. All Arab Muslim societies (except of course post-war Iraq) are dictatorships. Almost all Muslim societies the world over are authoritarian dictatorships. Rather than using Gaza as an opportunity to build the long-awaited Palestinian state, Palestinians declined to build roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, water treatment plants, etc. and instead spend all the international donor money on political patronage and corruption. See this from the liberal Atlantic:
http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200509/samuels/8
The Palestinians elected a terrorist group as their ruling party in Gaza. And then that group, Hamas, set about conducting political assassinations of their rivals, Fattah, in a civil war that they started.
And yet you ignore all these facts and insist against all evidence that Muslim culture is no worse than your own. Of course no culture or people is perfect, and our society certainly has its own problems, but this is reactionary and close-minded to the extreme.
But even worse than this, you insist that any criticism of this backwardness and oppression of women, gays, and religious minorities is itself bigotry. Thus, you support a very real instance of bigotry in the name of opposing another, imagined one. In effect, you are choosing multiculturalism over human rights for women, gays and non-Muslims. How ironic that liberals claim moral superiority in their supposedly greater concern for the rights of women, gays, minorities, and the poor - and then defend the most extreme culture of hatred on Planet Earth, one which makes the bumbling morons at the Aryan nation and the KKK look like moderates.
