What are your thoughts on Islam?

[Skiptomylue11]

Islam has been in the media a lot since 9/11, Israel/Palestine, and the Iraq war. What are your thoughts on some excerpts from the Quran and Hadiths?
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">(Quran 4:3)YUSUFALI: If ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly with the orphans, Marry women of your choice, Two or three or four; but if ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one, or (a captive) that your right hands possess, that will be more suitable, to prevent you from doing injustice. </div>
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">(Quran 4:34)SHAKIR: Men are the maintainers of women because Allah has made some of them to excel others and because they spend out of their property; the good women are therefore obedient, guarding the unseen as Allah has guarded; and (as to) those on whose part you fear desertion, admonish them, and leave them alone in the sleeping-places and beat them; then if they obey you, do not seek a way against them; surely Allah is High, Great.</div>
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">(Quran 5:38) YUSUFALI: As to the thief, Male or female, cut off his or her hands: a punishment by way of example, from Allah, for their crime: and Allah is Exalted in power. </div><div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">19:27-38 YUSUF ALI translation
At length she brought the (babe) to her people, carrying him (in her arms). They said: "O Mary! truly an amazing thing hast thou brought!
28 "O sister of Aaron! Thy father was not a man of evil, nor thy mother a woman unchaste!"</div>
Aaron was the brother of Moses.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Quran (5:51) SHAKIR: O you who believe! do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends; they are friends of each other; and whoever amongst you takes them for a friend, then surely he is one of them; surely Allah does not guide the unjust people.</div>
Quran source: USC-MSA Compendium of Muslim Texts

Hadiths: All are selections from Sahih Bukhari (usually considered the best collection of traditions on Mohammed)
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Volume 4, Book 55, Number 546:</div><div class="quote_post">... Apostle said, "The first portent of the Hour will be a fire that will bring together the people from the east to the west; the first meal of the people of Paradise will be Extra-lobe (caudate lobe) of fish-liver. As for the resemblance of the child to its parents: If a man has sexual intercourse with his wife and gets discharge first, the child will resemble the father, and if the woman gets discharge first, the child will resemble her."... </div><div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Volume 4, Book 54, Number 540:
Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Umar:
Allah's Apostle ordered that the dogs should be killed.
</div><div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Volume 5, Book 58, Number 236:
Narrated Hisham's father:
Khadija died three years before the Prophet departed to Medina. He stayed there for two years or so and then he married 'Aisha when she was a girl of six years of age, and he consumed that marriage when she was nine years old. </div><div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Volume 5, Book 59, Number 362:
Narrated Ibn Umar:
Bani An-Nadir and Bani Quraiza fought (against the Prophet violating their peace treaty), so the Prophet exiled Bani An-Nadir and allowed Bani Quraiza to remain at their places (in Medina) taking nothing from them till they fought against the Prophet again) . He then killed their men and distributed their women, children and property among the Muslims, but some of them came to the Prophet and he granted them safety, and they embraced Islam. He exiled all the Jews from Medina. They ...</div>
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Volume 7, Book 62, Number 110:
Narrated Aisha:
(the wife of the Prophet) I bought a cushion having on it pictures (of animals). When Allah's Apostle saw it, he stood at the door and did not enter. I noticed the sign of disapproval on his face and said, "O Allah's Apostle! I repent to Allah and His Apostle. What sin have I committed?' Allah's Apostle said. "What is this cushion?" I said, "I have bought it for you so that you may sit on it and recline on it." Allah's Apostle said, "The makers of these pictures will be punished on the Day of Resurrection, and it will be said to them, 'Give life to what you have created (i.e., these pictures).' " The Prophet added, "The Angels of (Mercy) do not enter a house in which there are pictures (of animals)." </div><div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Volume 7, Book 62, Number 132:
Narrated 'Abdullah bin Zam'a:
The Prophet said, "None of you should flog his wife as he flogs a slave and then have sexual intercourse with her in the last part of the day." </div><div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Volume 7, Book 71, Number 664:
Narrated Saud:
I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "If Somebody takes seven 'Ajwa dates in the morning, neither magic nor poison will hurt him that day." </div><div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Volume 8, Book 81, Number 774:
Narrated Abu Huraira:
The Prophet said, "Allah curses a man who steals an egg and gets his hand cut off, or steals a rope and gets his hands cut off." Al-A'mash said, "People used to interpret the Baida as an iron helmet, and they used to think that the rope may cost a few dirhams." </div><div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Volume 9, Book 83, Number 17:
Narrated 'Abdullah:
Allah's Apostle said, "The blood of a Muslim who confesses that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that I am His Apostle, cannot be shed except in three cases: In Qisas for murder, a married person who commits illegal sexual intercourse and the one who reverts from Islam (apostate) and leaves the Muslims." </div><div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Volume 9, Book 89, Number 321:
Narrated 'Aisha:
The Prophet used to take the Pledge of allegiance from the women by words only after reciting this Holy Verse:--(60.12) "..that they will not associate anything in worship with Allah." (60.12) And the hand of Allah's Apostle did not touch any woman's hand except the hand of that woman his right hand possessed. (i.e. his captives or his lady slaves). </div><div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Volume 4, Book 52, Number 46:
Narrated Abu Huraira:
I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "The example of a Mujahid in Allah's Cause-- and Allah knows better who really strives in His Cause----is like a person who fasts and prays continuously. Allah guarantees that He will admit the Mujahid in His Cause into Paradise if he is killed, otherwise He will return him to his home safely with rewards and war booty." </div>
Source for Bukhari Hadiths: Islamic Society of North America
I'm interested in reading any discussion.

 

[Pakman]

Islam is a religion of peace.

 

[I-Miss-MJ]

<div class="quote_poster">Pakman Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Islam is a religion of peace.</div>

What'd you say?

Sorry I couldn't hear you over the explosions of suicide bombers and planes flying into buildings.

 

[Chuck]

<div class="quote_poster">I-Miss-MJ Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">What'd you say?

Sorry I couldn't hear you over the explosions of suicide bombers and planes flying into buildings.</div>
Another sheltered, ignorant, American! No wonder everyone hate us!

The fundamentalists, the extremely small percentage of Muslims who are violent, they are not representative of the actual religion the same way Fred Phelps and the Westboro Baptist Church are not representative of most Christians.

 

[monty001]

<div class="quote_poster">I-Miss-MJ Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">What'd you say?

Sorry I couldn't hear you over the explosions of suicide bombers and planes flying into buildings.</div>


Dude...that's just messed up. It's not fair to base an opinion on a certain percentage of a group. Would you single out a certain Christain, Jew, Baptist...and base your opinion of that Religion by the acts of that individual?

 

[M Two One]

People that think this religion is evil and all that crap are just clueless and careless. That's alright, you don't have to care. I'm not religious myself and I don't practice or follow any, but I learn what I can. Those extemist Islamic people don't even know much about their own religion obviously. Why? Well, I clearly remember reading that you're allowed to kill your enemies, but not any innocent. What do the Islamic terrorists mostly do? Kill the innocent. Doesn't even make any sense, they're just lost and brainwashed. They believe that if they die for their causes that virgin women will await them in the afterlife. Right, right.

My personal thoughts about Islam? Just another religion. Very interesting to read about and I respect the interest and beliefs. However, I don't respect the individuals that try to force it onto others. That goes for any Religion.

<div class="quote_poster">Chuck Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Another sheltered, ignorant, American! No wonder everyone hate us!</div>

He's from Australia.

 

[M Two One]

People that think this religion is evil and all that crap are just clueless and careless. That's alright, you don't have to care. I'm not religious myself and I don't practice or follow any, but I learn what I can. Those extemist Islamic people don't even know much about their own religion obviously. Why? Well, I clearly remember reading that you're allowed to kill your enemies, but not any innocent. What do the Islamic terrorists mostly do? Kill the innocent. Doesn't even make any sense, they're just lost and brainwashed. They believe that if they die for their causes that virgin women will await them in the afterlife. Right, right.

My personal thoughts about Islam? Just another religion. Very interesting to read about and I respect the interest and beliefs. However, I don't respect the individuals that try to force it onto others. That goes for any Religion.

<div class="quote_poster">Chuck Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Another sheltered, ignorant, American! No wonder everyone hate us!</div>

He's from Australia.

 

[monty001]

What sucks about all of this is that the ones that are going out and committing the suicide bombings and etc. are all young teenagers. Unfortunately, in our countries young kids are taken and brainwashed at a very young age and raised in that environment, just as M Two One said.

My thoughts obviously are Pro Islam, since I am a Muslim. I understand my religion and know that the stuff that goes on out there, the crap that's in the media, it's all wrong. The people that go commit suicide "in the name of Islam" are all wrong. Yes if you're a Martyr and you die fighting for your religion and protecting it from the enemy you get to Heaven, but not by blowing yourself up and killing innocent people. Just FYI, suicide is forbidden in Islam.

 

[umair]

<div class="quote_poster">I-Miss-MJ Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">What'd you say?

Sorry I couldn't hear you over the explosions of suicide bombers and planes flying into buildings.</div>

Okay. You need to hold up there buddy.

So you think Muslims are a bunch of terrorist because of actions commited by a few idiots? You saying that makes you more of an idiot than those commiting suicide by blowing themselves up. You need to watch what you're saying before you say something.

In Afghanistan for example, parents send their kids to this place to learn about Quran and Islam. Now these little kids have no knowledge except the knowledge of Islam. Older people who want violence in the world, go to these little kids and they start teaching them that if you commit suicide you'll go to heaven. So when they are all grown up, they have this in their mind. They are totally brain-washed. When they are grown up, they are told to blow themselves up so they can go to heaven. And that's the reason these kids especially young adults are the people who you'd see hijack planes and all that other crap.

So are you going to blame other Muslims and call them terrorists for actions commited by some idiots?

 

[kobimel]

I have nothing against Muslims or Arabs. Just against the ones who kill innocent people all of the time.

 

[Legacy]

<div class="quote_poster">I-Miss-MJ Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">What'd you say?

Sorry I couldn't hear you over the explosions of suicide bombers and planes flying into buildings.</div>

That is the most ignorant and stupidest post I have ever read on any forum. For a few people's actions, you blame the whole society of people who believe in Islam? You need to really grow up, bro.

 

[Legacy]

<div class="quote_poster">kobimel Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I have nothing against Muslims or Arabs. Just against the ones who kill innocent people all of the time.</div>

So do we Muslims. None of us like what Osama and Saddam Hussein have done over the past few years. They are just ruining the name of Islam, just like 95 percent of the media.

 

[M Two One]

<div class="quote_poster">Legacy Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">So do we Muslims. None of us like what Osama and Saddam Hussein have done over the past few years. They are just ruining the name of Islam, just like 95 percent of the media.</div>

This is not tue. Most would be a better word to use there, belive me. No offense, every religion has their "crazies."

 

[Legacy]

<div class="quote_poster">M Two One Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">This is not tue. Most would be a better word to use there, belive me. No offense, every religion has their "crazies."</div>

Well that's basically what I meant. Maybe 90-98 hate them. This song by Lupe Fiasco speaks greatly about Islam:


<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">(Clip from Farenheit 911)

Awootho billahee min shaytaan nirrajeeme bismillah hir Rahman neer raheem

(Athaan)

This is one's for all my brothers and sisters who died in Iraq, Israel, Afghanistan and right here in America
(Jesus Walks)

Abraham Talked
Muhammad Talked
And Moses split the sea
(Jesus Walk with me)
I ain't tryin to profit of the prophets so this one's for free

G's up along with Muhammad and Jesus
In the Quran they call him Isa
<font size=""3"">Don't think Osama and sadaam are is our leada
We pray for peace, but the drama intrigues us </font>
All, so we fall for the illusions of the beast
So instead of tryin to teach we show our teeth
Saying God, different beliefs
Hijabs, Sunday clothes, yamika, kufi, same mission beneath
We all tryin to get to where the sufferin ends
In front of the Most High bein judged for our sins
Can front for the Most High, so the struggle
Continues
You, every bird, bird and tree, me, her and me
We virtually on the same boat
With the same goats, on the same sea
Tryin to stay afloat, and put the devil in the yolk
With a couple of God's quotes
(CHORUS)

ATHAN
(astaghfriullah)

And to the sisters and the mothers of ours
Who cover theyselves cause they're lovers of God
The Creator of the worlds, Sculptor of the stars,
During Hajj we walk, through Ramadaan we starve
Though you not eatin, there's a feedin of the mind
A defeatin of the demons, a seein? of the signs
A leanin on the lines from the surahs
Getting purer, God deemed it unclean
(Ther's no eatin of the swine)
Nor drinkin' of the wine
We all been to the wind, so I send out a message to my kind
I'm Cordial to Mr Norfull, Mrs. Adam you're the theme song when I'm battling*
Creb flow, player whats happenin
I can hear the truth in your rappins'
(No)
Sex before you marry
No grudges
You should be carry no lyin
Not supposed to be gamblin'

CHORUS
( I know it sounds familiar)
We all the same man
It's all a game
The devil hate each and every one of us exactly the same
( I wanna walk like Jesus, talk like jesus SAW)


You know
(uh)
And To my Akh's tryin to stay on their deen
It gets mean especially when u stay on the scene
And at the same try to stay out of trouble
But don't forget the blessing's in the struggle
The Most Forgiving will forgive it if you stay repentant
And hustle
You gotta stay on your salats, your zakats, your Quran
To my homies and miskeen
Astagfurallah,
Allah forgive us all
For we all are sinners
Bless us to be among the winners
When it ends
But until then please strengthen the mission within our hearts
All praise is due to God
(Amen)
Tellin it how it was taught me
I ain't tryin to sell it can be brought for free
This is how it is
Now how it ought to be
Muhammad talk to me
Jesus walk with me
I hope?.
(CHORUS) </div>

 

[monty001]

<div class="quote_poster">Umair Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">In Afghanistan for example, parents send their kids to this place to learn about Quran and Islam. Now these little kids have no knowledge except the knowledge of Islam. Older people who want violence in the world, go to these little kids and they start teaching them that if you commit suicide you'll go to heaven. So when they are all grown up, they have this in their mind. They are totally brain-washed. When they are grown up, they are told to blow themselves up so they can go to heaven. And that's the reason these kids especially young adults are the people who you'd see hijack planes and all that other crap.</div>

It's not just in Afghanistan Umair. Even in Pakistan and India and all other Islamic countries. You see it mostly in the 3rd world countries because their lack of education. Parents don't know where to send their kids for school or what a proper education should be like. They figure that "Hey, our kid will learn about Islam. What a great thing." Little do they realize that the so called "teachers" are extremists and what not. I'm not saying that all of them are. Just unfortunate that they influence little children so much, many of which think what they are learning is the right way.

 

[M Two One]

Well, I hope the song isn't actually spoken as "Don't think Osama and sadaam are is our leada."

 

[Legacy]

<div class="quote_poster">M Two One Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Well, I hope the song isn't actually spoken as "Don't think Osama and sadaam are is our leada."</div>

Thats a typo from the lyric site.

 

[M Two One]

Umair, I would pay attention to Monty, he's right.

More then 40 percent of Muslim children in extremely poor sections are taught to hate and kill. They're brainwashed from the beginning of their lives. I remember a friend of mine (RIP) who was in the middle-east and called me from there telling me that some children in certain areas are yelling at the troops in their language, "death to American patrol, Allah will destroy you in the afterlife."

Does that read anything to you like you learned about Allah? Of course not, but these poor children are taught that your Religion is about fighting and killing the enemy. These people are taking your Religion and throwing dirt on everything it stands for.

 

[Chutney]

When it comes to the topic of extremism in religion, I like to draw parallels with the same thing that happens in politics. Concepts like democracy, marxism/communism, and even totalitarianism are often thought up with the noblest intentions of creating a society that functions properly and benefits the common good. But there numerous examples of people or groups twisting these ideologies around to benefit themselves and incite violence against their enemies (the "Reign of Terror" and parts of the French Revolution for democracy, Stalin's regime and a lot of the Latin American revolts for marxism/communism, and almost any brutal dictatorship you can think of for totalitarianism). That doesn't mean those ideologies (as well as the people who believe in them and propogate them) are wrong.

When it comes to power, people will do anything to gain and maintain it. That includes exploiting something that can pacify and brainwash large numbers into giving their lives up for them. Religion isn't the only thing that's been misused in this manner, and its unfair and short-sighted to think that it is.

 

[Pakman]

<div class="quote_poster">I-Miss-MJ Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">What'd you say?

Sorry I couldn't hear you over the explosions of suicide bombers and planes flying into buildings.</div>

Are you being serious, or are you kidding?
I didn't want to go off on you without knowing 100% if you're being serious or not. So, I dont get the "learn how to take jokes."

 

[Pakman]

<div class="quote_poster">kobimel Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I have nothing against Muslims or Arabs. Just against the ones who kill innocent people all of the time.</div>

Same here, bro. What have Osama and Saddam and other extremists done for us, the Muslims? They've only made our lives harder.

EDIT: Oh and great post of the song lyrics by Lupe, Legacy. I like that song too.

 

[M Two One]

I think I-Miss-MJ just doesn't understand the Religion and as such catagorizes it. A little information in small detail would assist I'm sure. Depends if he's willing to learn.

 

[umair]

<div class="quote_poster">monty001 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">It's not just in Afghanistan Umair. Even in Pakistan and India and all other Islamic countries. You see it mostly in the 3rd world countries because their lack of education. Parents don't know where to send their kids for school or what a proper education should be like. They figure that "Hey, our kid will learn about Islam. What a great thing." Little do they realize that the so called "teachers" are extremists and what not. I'm not saying that all of them are. Just unfortunate that they influence little children so much, many of which think what they are learning is the right way.</div>


Exactly. You are exactly right. It also happens in other countries besides Afghanistan. I said Afghanistan because it came off the top of my head, and most of it happens there.

 

[umair]

<div class="quote_poster">monty001 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">It's not just in Afghanistan Umair. Even in Pakistan and India and all other Islamic countries. You see it mostly in the 3rd world countries because their lack of education. Parents don't know where to send their kids for school or what a proper education should be like. They figure that "Hey, our kid will learn about Islam. What a great thing." Little do they realize that the so called "teachers" are extremists and what not. I'm not saying that all of them are. Just unfortunate that they influence little children so much, many of which think what they are learning is the right way.</div>


Exactly. You are exactly right. It also happens in other countries besides Afghanistan. I said Afghanistan because it came off the top of my head, and most of it happens there.
<div class="quote_poster">M Two One Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Umair, I would pay attention to Monty, he's right.

More then 40 percent of Muslim children in extremely poor sections are taught to hate and kill. They're brainwashed from the beginning of their lives. I remember a friend of mine (RIP) who was in the middle-east and called me from there telling me that some children in certain areas are yelling at the troops in their language, "death to American patrol, Allah will destroy you in the afterlife."

Does that read anything to you like you learned about Allah? Of course not, but these poor children are taught that your Religion is about fighting and killing the enemy. These people are taking your Religion and throwing dirt on everything it stands for.</div>

I agree 100% with what Monty is saying. We are basically saying the same thing. It's just that I said Afghanistan only while it happens in a lot of other countries too.

The parts I bolded are exactly what I said in my other post. I dont get why your telling me to pay attention to Monty's post when we said about the same thing.

 

[Skiptomylue11]

Don't you guys think its rough, that if someone changes their religion from Islam, the hadiths (and the 4 schools of Islam) teach they should be killed?<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Volume 9, Book 83, Number 17:
Narrated 'Abdullah:
Allah's Apostle said, "The blood of a Muslim who confesses that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that I am His Apostle, cannot be shed except in three cases: In Qisas for murder, a married person who commits illegal sexual intercourse and the one who reverts from Islam (apostate) and leaves the Muslims." </div>

Or that if someone steals (something worth at least 3 dirhams - the price of a rope or a shield), they should have their right hand cut off?<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Volume 8, Book 81, Number 774:
Narrated Abu Huraira:
The Prophet said, "Allah curses a man who steals an egg and gets his hand cut off, or steals a rope and gets his hands cut off." Al-A'mash said, "People used to interpret the Baida as an iron helmet, and they used to think that the rope may cost a few dirhams." </div>

Or that a man and woman (who has her period) should not be alone in a room together? (unless husband and wife, or blood relations)<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Volume 4, Book 52, Number 250:
Narrated Ibn Abbas:
That he heard the Prophet saying, "It is not permissible for a man to be alone with a woman, and no lady should travel except with a Muhram (i.e. her husband or a person whom she cannot marry in any case for ever; e.g. her father, brother, etc.)."...</div>

Or that if someone is drunk he should be beaten.<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Volume 8, Book 81, Number 764:
Narrated Anas bin Malik:
The Prophet beat a drunk with palm-leaf stalks and shoes. And Abu Bakr gave (such a sinner) forty lashes.
Volume 8, Book 81, Number 765:
Narrated 'Uqba bin Al-Harith:
An-Nu'man or the son of An-Nu'man was brought to the Prophet on a charge of drunkenness. So the Prophet ordered all the men present in the house, to beat him. So all of them beat him, and I was also one of them who beat him with shoes.</div>

Side note: Does anyone know what this hadith means? Does Islam consider any pictures made are bad? including photographs? Or does it mean something else?
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Volume 9, Book 93, Number 646:
Narrated Aisha:
Allah's Apostle said, "The painter of these pictures will be punished on the Day of Resurrection, and it will be said to them, Make alive what you have created.' " </div>

 

[phunDamentalz]

<div class="quote_poster">Skiptomylue11 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Don't you guys think its rough, that if someone changes their religion from Islam, the hadiths (and the 4 schools of Islam) teach they should be killed?

Or that if someone steals (something worth at least 3 dirhams - the price of a rope or a shield), they should have their right hand cut off?

Or that a man and woman (who has her period) should not be alone in a room together? (unless husband and wife, or blood relations)

Or that if someone is drunk he should be beaten.

Side note: Does anyone know what this hadith means? Does Islam consider any pictures made are bad? including photographs? Or does it mean something else?</div>
You're adding more weight to Islam being an extremist religion.
The anti-drinking thing is retarded.
Cut off your hand for stealing? Insane.
Changing your religion and you are kILLED? Face it, tHese people are lunatics.... U.S. democracy is flawed, but this is barbaric.

 

[phunDamentalz]

<div class="quote_poster">Skiptomylue11 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Don't you guys think its rough, that if someone changes their religion from Islam, the hadiths (and the 4 schools of Islam) teach they should be killed?

Or that if someone steals (something worth at least 3 dirhams - the price of a rope or a shield), they should have their right hand cut off?

Or that a man and woman (who has her period) should not be alone in a room together? (unless husband and wife, or blood relations)

Or that if someone is drunk he should be beaten.

Side note: Does anyone know what this hadith means? Does Islam consider any pictures made are bad? including photographs? Or does it mean something else?</div>
You're adding more weight to Islam being an extremist religion.
The anti-drinking thing is retarded. Where I'm from (Dublin, Ireland) you are CONGRATULATED if you are drunk, not beaten.
Cut off your hand for stealing? Insane.
Changing your religion and you are kILLED? Face it, tHese people are lunatics.... U.S. democracy is flawed, but this is barbaric.

 

[NJNetz]

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Sorry I couldn't hear you over the explosions of suicide bombers and planes flying into buildings.</div>

I'll be honest, when I hear the word "Muslim", that's the first thing I think of.


All religions have flaws....but Islam takes it to a whole new level. Not trying to offend anyone, but that's how it is.


I have no religion, and I'm happy. Do I believe in God? Yes.

 

[monty001]

What do you mean by flaws? Who creates these flaws? Is it the Religion itself or is it the people who choose to act in such a way (which mind you is forbidden) that it creates a certain stereotype.

 

[Chutney]

When it comes to the hadith, I think Islam suffers from the same problem that the other Abrahimic traditions do (Judaism, Christianity) as well as most religions in general. There's a significant portion of Muslims that consider the interpretations and opinions of those scholars to be infallible. However, people need to realize that the historical setting surrounding those texts explains a lot. These people weren't insane for suggesting such cruel punishments, they weren't bigots for viewing women in that light, and that's largely because that's how everybody behaved back then.

But when it comes to fitting Islam within a modern democratic society, IMO, the hadith need to be considered as supplementary to the Quran and the fundamental Islamic philosophy. This is a challenge currently facing all the religions (eg: Christians have the same problems with some of the stuff said in the Gospels) and I believe the answer is to emphasize the basic spiritual knowledge, as opposed to the opinions of some scholars on how Islam should influence every aspect of society.