Why???

[curious2002]

I am not a Muslim and do not intend on converting, however I do have a question and I hope not offend anyone by it. It is simply out of curiousity. I have read many things on the topic of Islam and it is suppose to be a religion of peace, but the history is full of war and bloodshed. Why is this? I know that many have died because of intolerant Christians and Catholics in the name of religion, but I am just curious. I hope I have not offended anyone, because that is the last thing I would want to do.

Sincerely,
Curious2002

[Ronnie]

A'salam ("Peace" that is the Islamic greeting),

Rest assured no one is offended. This forum is for open minded people who express their opinions whether popular or not. It's not only for Muslims or converts or those wishing to convert it's for everyone. You are correct to say that Islam is a religion of peace and also correct to say that there has been bloodshed in the name of Islam. People are just people, humans with needs, wants, greeds, love, hatered etc... All these things people react to (motives). For example: If I "want" something I can get it by righteous means (work for it, buy it etc...) or by devious means (steal it, kill someone for it etc...) You see that is one of the gifts of life, the choices we get to make. So some people choose correctly and others choose to follow the wrong path. In Islam we are told over and over again to treat people with diginity and kindness, to give charity, to pray for others, to help others, to do good deeds and be righteous etc... Islam is against bloodshed, as a matter of fact you can't even hunt animals for fun in Islam. It protects life (human and non-human)and cherishes it. So then again why the bloodshed? Well, first of all it depends on what you're reading and who it's written by, there's alot of misrepresentation in books. As for Islamic empires conquering other lands I don't recall any of them being requested to do so by Islam. I would like to point out that although these conquests (whether wrong or right) occurred, no one can point out magnificent incidents in which Muslims were absolutely unjust and cruel to their conquered subjects. As a matter of fact history has proven that Islamic empires would conquer the land but allow for people to live their lives as they did before. Some lived better because the the Muslims would rid the people of the tyrannous leaders. Of course it's not all rosey but comparatively speaking it's quite good. Think of these as a comparison: The Inquistion, The Crusades, Slavery in the Americas, The dispossession of the Native American Indians, Vlad the Impaler (impaled thousands of Muslims alive, that's where some concepts of Dracula came from), Nazism (killing millions of Gypsies, Jews, handicapped, etc...), Socialism under Stalin (killing over 10 million Russian), Japanese (killing millions of Chinese), Hiroshima and Nagasaki etc... I can go on and on. Some of these atrocities were committed due to religious fervor. It is unfortunate that humans do the things they do even though we've been blessed with some of the greatest of gifts.
To sum it up: People do bad because they choose to. Since Muslims are people, and believe me there are some bad Muslims, then they behave in evil ways.
I invite you to point out the "war" and "bloodshed" you've come to learn about Islam maybe I can help. I know a little history as it's one of my favorite subjects. You may be even talking about more recent events which I could help. I may not be able to answer all your questions but maybe some (some to your satisfaction others not).
Please know there's a difference between Islam (the religion) and Muslims (the adherents/followers of Islam) who may follow it the wrong way or ignore it and just keep the title.
Just as a side bar--The root/etmyology of the word Islam comes from the Arabic word for peace...

Please write if you'd like to discuss more.

Wa'salam (and in Peace)

[Someone]

Its nice to see people wanting to know about Islam and not believing in the propaganda thats been in the western media after 9/11 incident. If im not wrong its the concept of JIHAD in islam thats been mostly portrayed negatively in western media..I can give u some links which im sure will help clear the misconceptions about http://www.islamonline.net/completesearch/english/Display.asp?hTitle=jihad&Fatwa=1
http://www.islamonline.net/QuestionApplication/english/display.asp?hquestionID=8681

..and ALLAH(GOD) knows best

[curious2002]

I had read in a book read a book when I was doing a paper on the nation of islam here in America (I had come across this book), and at the beginning there was a timeline of the events after the religion was founded and there seemed to a constant string of wars. It had just seemed to me that Islam isn't a religion of peace because of these events. I was also wondering why such hatred of the Jews? I know that they actually housed themselves in what is know as Israel today, for many centuries. They were under Roman rule for quite a long time. They were actually what is known as Palestians( sorry if the spelling is wrong). I can understand that there would be a resentment towards them, but there is no good reason for killing so many innocent children on both parts. Please tell me you don't agree with the killings.



Edited by - curious2002 on 12/13/2002 09:00:56

[Someone]

Right from child hood we've been WITNESSING the brutalities inflicted upon palestinians,afghans,kashmiris,chechyns,bosnians,k osovans,phlipino muslims, ethnic muslim cleansing in india etc etc etc,all by christians,jews and of course indians..You have only 'heard' of unjust killings commited by muslims..Can you,Sir,explain all that to increase our knowledge..Or are WE being killed just 'coz You guys 'heard' something and now consider it your moral duty to take revenge.Thanks

[Ronnie]

A'salam,

Curious2002,

I'm a little confused, "the nation of Islam" is not part of Islam. It's actually a political movement for African Americans in the United States. Their religious affiliation has no basis in Islam. This group is led by Louis Farrakhan, he's not a Muslim nor are any of his followers. For some odd reason they decided to use the name "Islam" in their groups' title. If you'd like more information on the differences I can provide that information. If this is not the group you read about I apologize for the misunderstanding.
I would be interested in seeing that time line. Although I would guess the "string of wars" were politically motivated and not religiously motivated (assuming we're talking about the same thing.)
I would like to clarify. Islam Does NOT hate Jews. Muslims do NOT hate Jews (although you'll find some that do). Actually, Islam regards the Jews in high esteem and even gives them an honored title such as "People of the Book."
Muslims don't hate Jews, they HATE injustice, oppression, immoral behavior, the killing of innocents etc... I'll give a brief synopsis on why some have this sentiment.
In the late 1800's a movement began and gave birth to Zionism. Zionism is a exactly like the Nazi movement except instead of Germans being the superior race it was for those who dubbed themselves "Jewish." Zionists felt that they were dying out, that their culture was mixing in with Christians and others and they wanted to preserve their identtity (be it cultural, religious, racial, whatever). So they decided they needed a place to call home and what better place than Palestine the land in which their "ancestors" came from. A fact to point out is that these European Jews were in no way whatsoever connected to the ancient Israelites or the tribes of Judah. They were a minority in Europe but had incredible power. Even the Hebrew language wasn't spoken for 2000 years. So the connection between the European Jews and those from the ancient days are minimal to none. Let's not forget that anyone can convert to become a Jew (follower of Judaism), it's not a race (although some would like to claim it is). Anyway, so these people who hadn't even been in Palestine for 2000 years decided a little over 100 years ago to claim back what is "rightfully theirs." Ask them why it's rightfully theirs they'll tell you God gave it to them. Anyway, when things got really bad for them in Europe, some of the Zionists consipred with Hitler to take the Jews out of Germany and replace them in Palestine. Well, Hitler had other plans, killing millions of people including Jews. So about 50 years ago those European Jews invaded Palestine and dispossessed those (Palestinians) that had lived their for thousands of years. Throughout the 50+ years these new guys killed tens of thousands of innocent people (women and children). They would bulldoze their homes before their eyes with all their belongings still inside (I swear I have seen this myself). They are killing and torturing people, killings kids with bullets who fight with rocks etc... I can't really capture the genocide with words and express them to you.
Some facts: 1. Many of the leaders of "Israel" were branded terrorists by Europe and especially England. This list includes Ben Gurion, Ariel Sharon, Rabin etc...These were the Osama bin Laden's of those days but now they enjoy the freedom to kill but remain legitimate.
2. Hammas (the supposed terrorist group) was created by the Israelis themselves to counter Yassir Arafat's movement.

Lastly, to answer your question: No, not by any stretch of the imagine do I nor any good Muslim, condone the killing of ANY innocent human being.
"...that if any one slew a person - unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land - it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people." 005 Al Ma'idah 032

Wa'salam

[Someone]

I dont understand why do we have to keep on defending ourselves.Its the christians and the jews mainly that are the oppressers and keep on killling the muslims and yet we are portrayed as barbarians. Why not some body ask them? Its the christians and jewish record thats full of merciless killing and not the muslims'.In ruwanda not so long ago the christian missionaries actively participated in those ethnic cleansing.In indian state of gujrat thousands of muslims were burned alive but no body points a finger at hinduism.Hitler was a christian but no body blames christianitiy.But when it comes to an isolated crime by a muslim they keep on blaming islam and the whole muslim nation.Its time that we remind 'them' of what they have been and still doing and stop being apologetic.enough is enough.

[curious2002]

Someone,
I have heard of the killings of many innocent people of the Muslim population. I feel for these innocent people, but there is a hostility there towards me as an american. I am not of Jewish heritage, but I feel for them as well. Many of innocent people have died too. I do not see these things from only one side.

Ronnie,
I know that the Nation of Islam is completely seperate from the Islam in the east. I had just come across this book by accident. I do have one question. Why does is say in the Quran and other religious books that if someone doesn't convert to Islam by asking and then by force it is right to kill that person. I have seen this passage in the Quran itself. I can't think of the Surah it is in, but I have seen it. And as far as the history and timeline I have mentioned. I have read that Muhammed himself helped run the campaign to convert the whole of the Arab region to Islam. He had done somethings that weren't exactly honorable. Please don't take offense. These are just things I have read about. I am only asking for clarification from a Muslim point of view.

The occupation of the Jews in the late 40's and early 50's was inevitable after WWII. They had occupied that land for many millenia before the Muslim conquest. Europe has always been Anti-Semetic. Ever since the disbandment of the Israelite population.
Here are some excepts from the MS Encarta Encyclopedia.
Hebrew tribes probably immigrated to the area centuries before Moses led his people out of serfdom in Egypt (1270? bc), and Joshua conquered parts of Palestine (1230? bc). The conquerors settled in the hill country, but they were unable to conquer all of Palestine.

The Israelites, a confederation of Hebrew tribes, finally defeated the Canaanites about 1125 bc but found the struggle with the Philistines more difficult. The Philistines had established an independent state on the southern coast of Palestine and controlled a number of towns to the north and east. Superior in military organization and using iron weapons, they severely defeated the Israelites about 1050 bc. The Philistine threat forced the Israelites to unite and establish a monarchy. David, Israel’s great king, finally defeated the Philistines shortly after 1000 bc, and they eventually assimilated with the Canaanites.

The unity of Israel and the feebleness of adjacent empires enabled David to establish a large independent state, with its capital at Jerusalem. Under David’s son and successor, Solomon, Israel enjoyed peace and prosperity, but at his death in 922 bc the kingdom was divided into Israel in the north and Judah in the south. When nearby empires resumed their expansion, the divided Israelites could no longer maintain their independence. Israel fell to Assyria in 722 and 721 bc, and Judah was conquered in 586 bc by Babylonia, which destroyed Jerusalem and exiled most of the Jews living there.

Here are some other excepts:
Ethical Errors in the Quran: Here are some of those errors. (1) Perjury is legalized: "God will not call you to account for thoughtlessness in your oaths, but for the intention in your hearts; and He is Oft-forgiving, Most Forbearing" (Surah 2:225). (2) Murder is legalized: "O Apostle! Rouse the Believers to the fight. If there are twenty amongst you, patient and persevering, they will vanquish two hundred: if a hundred, they will vanquish a thousand of the Unbelievers: for these are a people without understanding" (Surah 8:65). (3) The Quran Legalized deceit: "God will not call you to account for what is futile in your oaths. But, he will call you to account for your deliberate oaths: for expiation, feed ten indigent persons, on a scale of the average for the food of your families; or clothe them; or give a slave his freedom. If that is beyond your means, fast for three days. That is the expiation for the oaths ye have sworn. But keep to your oaths. Thus doth God make clear to you His signs, that ye may be grateful" (Surah 5:92).

"O believers, fight the unbelievers who are near to you, and let them find in you a harshness; and know
that Allah is with the God fearing" (Sura al-Tawba 9:123).

[curious2002]

A continuation of the reply before.

If Islam is a peaceful religion as they say, then Muhammad the prophet of Islam and it's founder, will
be peacefull as well. Let's look at Usama bin Laden's statements in comparison with Muhammad and the Quran.

Usama: "In our religion, we believe that Allah has created us for the purpose of worshipping him. He is
the one who has created us and who has favored us with this religion. Allah has ordered us to make holy wars and to fight to see to it that His word is the highest and the uppermost and that of the unbelievers the
lowermost."
Muhammad: "I have been ordered by Allah to fight with people till they testify there is no god but Allah and Mohammed is his messenger." Abbas in Sahih al-Bukhari (Part 1), 13.)
What part of "fight" does the west not understand? Usama clearly teaches Muhammadan commandments when he preached: "When the holy war called, thousands of young men from the Arab Peninsula and other countries answered the call and they came from wealthy backgrounds. Hundreds of them were killed in Afghanistan and in Bosnia and in Chechnya.We do not have to differentiate between military or civilian. As far as we are concerned, they are all targets" So the question would be, did Muhammad spare civilians? Did Muhammad terrorize? Well, it depended
on his mood for mercy on each occasion. The account of Kinana the Jewish Rabbi who was captured after battle with the Jews in Saudi Arabia is well recorded: "Kinana was brought to the apostle who asked him about it. He denied that he knew where it was. A Jew came (T. was brought) to the apostle and said that he had seen Kinana going round a certain ruin every morning early. When the apostle said to Kinana, "Do you know that if we find you have it I shall kill you?" he said "Yes". The apostle gave orders that the ruin was to be excavated and some of the treasure was found. When he asked him about the rest he refused to produce it, so the apostle gave orders to al-Zubayr b. `Al-Awwam, "Torture him until you extract what he has," so he kindled a fire with flint and steel on his chest until he was nearly dead. Then the apostle delivered him to Muhammad b. Maslama and he struck off his head, in revenge for his brother Mahmud" (Ibn Hisham, "Sirat Rasulallah", as translated by A. Guillaume under the title "The Life of Muhammad", page 515. "T." refers to the reading according to al-Tabari. It is also supported by Sunan of Abu Dawud, Book 19, Number 2996.

The first terrorist incident involves Muhammad's command to his followers to "kill any Jew that comes
under your power". From Guillaume, op cit, page 369.
Usama on one of his fatwas stated: "kill civilians including all those who participate in, or help the Jewish occupiers in killing Muslims" "We are certain that we shall - with the grace of Allah - prevail over the Americans and over the Jews, as the Messenger of Allah promised us in an authentic prophetic statement when He said the Hour of Resurrection shall not come before Muslims fight Jews and before Jews hide behind trees and behind rocks. We are certain - with the grace of Allah - that we shall prevail over the Jews and over those fighting with them.. I am one of the servants of Allah. We do our duty of fighting for the sake of the religion of Allah. It is also our duty to send a call to all the people of the world to enjoy this great light and to embrace Islam and experience the happiness in Islam.

These statements match the verses and hundreds others, and the whole of the Muhammadan orders are clear with no room of any other interpretation. Usama simply follows his faith. He got his instructions from Muhammad who stated: "The Last Hour would not come till the Muslims fight against the Jews, and the Muslims will kill them until the Jews hide themselves behind the stones and trees, and the stones and trees would speak up saying: "O Muslim! O slave of Allah! There is a Jew hiding behind me; come and kill him." The _Ghardaq_ tree would speak, for it is the tree of the Jews." (Muhammad the prophet of Islam, narrated by Abu Hurraira).

Nazism: Jews need to wear an identifiable mark on their clothing to identify them as Jews. The star of David for an identification with the word (Jude) on the chest. A yellow banner is to be fixed around the shoulder or arm, as to be recognized as a Jew. They must live in the Jewish Ghettos.
Islam: Dhimmis (Jews & Christians) must wear identifiable clothing and live in a clearly marked house. For Jews, a yellow banner is to be fixed around the shoulder or arm, as to be recognized as a Jew. (Omar Charter, Faqeeh Al-Muluk, volume 2, pages 124-136).
Nazism: Jews are not admitted to serve in the army or navy. They are not allowed to bear arms.
Islam: He must not ride a horse or bear arms. He must yield the right-of-way to Muslims. (Omar Charter,
Faqeeh Al-Muluk, volume 2, pages 124-136).
Nazism: Jews cannot hold public offices, whether national state, or municipal. salaried or honorary,
are closed to Jews. Jews cannot be Judges in criminal and disciplinary cases. Jews cannot serve on juries.
(The War Against The Jews, Anti-Jewish Legislation, Lucy Dawidowicz, p72).
Islam: Dhimmis (Jews & Christians) cannot be a witness in a legal court except in matters relating to other
"dhimmis" (Jews & Christians) or be a judge in a Muslim court. (Omar Charter, Faqeeh Al-Muluk, volume 2, pages 124-136).
Nazism: A compensation for the protection that Jews enjoy as aliens, they must pay double the taxes the Germans pay. (The War Against The Jews, Anti-Jewish Legislation, Lucy Dawidowicz, p75).
Islam: A compensation for the protection that dhimmis (Jews & Christians) enjoy, they must pay "Jezzieh", a special tax to be imposed on dhimmis (Jews & Christians) only. (Omar Charter, Faqeeh Al-Muluk, volume 2, pages 124-136).
Nazism: The marriage with Jews is prohibited. Adoption of Jews and by Jews is prohibited. (The War Against The Jews, Anti-Jewish Legislation, Lucy Dawidowicz, p84).
Islam: He cannot be the guardian of a Muslim child, the owner of a Muslim slave. (Omar bin Al-Khattab. The Second Khaliph and the Prophet Muhammad's friend in his Charter, Faqeeh Al-Muluk, volume 2, pages 124-136).
Omar derived his covenant from the highest of Islamic source - Muhammad the prophet of Islam:
1. Killing of converts (after being warned for three days) [Saheeh Bukhari 9:57]
2. Orders that non-Muslims are to be fought until they believe in Islam or pay Al-Jizyah Tax [Quran 9:5,29 and Saheeh Bukhari 4:196]
3. In a Muslims society, if a Muslim kills a non-Muslim, the Muslim isn't killed [Saheeh Bukhari 9:50] while a Muslim who kills a Muslim and a non-Muslim who kills a Muslim is to be killed [Quran 2:178 and Sunan Al-Tarmithi - 1401]
4. Mohammad practiced and expelled all Jews, Christians and Pagans from the Arabian Peninsula [Saheeh Bukhari 4:392 and 5:716]
5. Muslims are ordered to push the non-Muslims to the narrowest part of the road when meeting them [Saheeh Muslim 25:5389]

[Someone]

Curious2002 just reading the QUR`AN is not sufficient for its understanding.You have to have sound knowledge as regards the background wehn different verses were revealed by ALLAH(GOD) to our beloved Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. None of us here in this discussion group is an islamic scholar. and explanation of the QUR`AN without sound knowledge is a sin. You obviously have a lot of misconceptions about islam and its nice to see that you want to get it clarified from muslims.thats great.I suggest u go to www.islamonline.net and post/paste your questions there in the 'ask about islam' section. That site has a panel of islamic scholars and im sure they will be able to answer all of your questions to your satisfaction. May ALLAH guide us all to the straight path.Ameen

[Ronnie]

A'salam

curious2002

Wow, either you quoted that book or just researched the heck outta' "all the bad things I can find about Islam and Muslims" (not an actual book :) I was taken aback, I may have misunderstood your curiosity as being lacking in information (whether it be wrong or right), I apologize for my misconception. I wasn't sure if you wanted me to answer the tremendous amount of literature. As I said before I can answer somethings and some I can't. I'm not a scholar by any stretch of the imagination. So, I'll try but I want you to remember that you've taken many things out of context. I also, somewhat agree with "someone" that we do not need to apologize and the finger pointing needs to stop. By mere fact the Occident has killed and oppressed more people than any other civilization. So we don't feel apologetic for anything someone did wrongfully in the name of Islam or if Islam was blamed for it.

All references to the word "fight" in the Qur'an are in the defensive mode. God will help the righteous as long as they fight for justice, Truth and in defense of our freedoms to worship God. "Fight" is not such a bad word, it is replete in Western history but also it's a necessity and a reality of this life. You would agree "the war on terrorism" is a necessary "fight?"

The hostility is towards American policy, not you nor I, I am a proud American also. By the way if you ever go to the Middle East you'll find that they and most people around the world adore Americans. Many want to come here, work and live here and become a productive part of our society.

The whole "converted by force" thing is out of context and is misrepresented. If you have read the Bible you would read incidents such as: All the first born of the Egyptians will die, Pharaoh and his army are swallowed up in the sea, brimstone falls on the people of Lot (Sodom & Gomorah) killing that entire civilization, the Israelits are ordered to destroy the inhabitants of Palestine by razing the land and killing every being whether human or animal etc, Jesus tells his followers to prepare to "fight" so they should get some swords...etc... All that to say this: When God has sent to you the Truth and you have no doubt whatsoever that it is the Truth, and you know of God's existence: But you decide to REJECT it then these are some of the punishments that you get. Having no reason except that you are being evil by rejecting God and His message would endanger you of being punished. Afterall, if this were not the case, what's the point of Hell?

Why was it inevitable? You're not suggesting what I think you're suggesting? Your sources are accurate about the Israelites (not synonomys with Jews) living in Palestine before the Muslim conquests. What I can't figure out is how that's relevant to the issue? This has nothing to do with the Muslims, it has to do with a peoples (ancient Arabs, Canaanites, Philistines, and Phoenicians) these people preceded the Israelites by centuries. So we are dealing with an ethnic issue not a religious one. The religious issue comes into play when Muslims are being oppressed, and you will get a reaction out of that. If we use your logic: Would it be o.k. with you that the Native American Indians somehow attain power enough to take back the U.S. by killing American men, women and children? Would it be o.k. with you that they take land by force, water by force, and kicking all of us Americans out to Mexico and Canada? I mean this land was theirs...You see you can look at things from the point of view that "hey, that's just too bad it's history," or you can view things from a just and moral position. Maybe the latter is unrealistic but I'd rather go with that one. By the way Palestinians are Muslims, Christians and JEWS.

I can't even dignify your quotes regarding Osama bin Laden. I am very disappointed that you would mention him, especially after my explanation that bad people do bad things no matter what their religious affliation is. Please don't retort by showing that his actions were motivated by the teachings of Islam.

Your referred punishment of the Jew was based on Mosaic law, if I'm correct in understanding your reference. So it is not Islamic punishment rather it was Judaic punishment.

You're very clever, or the books you quoted from are. I love how you compared Islam to the Nazis but completely ignored Zionism. I have not read those books so I cannot remark intelligibly nor do I know how far out of context you have taken things. All I know is I know of the author Omar Charter. He is one of the most vehement enemies of Islam. He is hostile and venomous in his language. Where did you find such an obscure book? I may have to read it, I hope it has some historical substance and not just orientalist opinions.

Finally, all I can say is that I now I clearly see where you're getting your information from. Unfortunately, it seems very biased and opinionated and without merit. You also are at fault for taking things out of context. I suggest what "someone" suggested, read the Qur'an and ask questions of knowledgable Muslims. If you are indeed curious, about the truth, then I'm sure you will find what you're looking for.

I recommend the translation by Abdullah Yusuf Ali. I avail myself to you. I welcome your comments.

Wa'salam

[Someone]

Very well said Ronnie,especially this part,
"If we use your logic: Would it be o.k. with you that the Native American Indians somehow attain power enough to take back the U.S. by killing American men, women and children? Would it be o.k. with you that they take land by force, water by force, and kicking all of us Americans out to Mexico and Canada? I mean this land was theirs..."
..and now I have another question for curious2002.Could u please justify the treatment of prisoners in the Guantanmo[im sure the spellings are wrong:)] Bay,near Cuba.Is it civilised,human by any standards? everybody seems to have a short term memory when it comes to the crimes commited against muslims.

[curious2002]

Ronnie,

I'm sorry for getting off track. Please accept my apologies. Unfortunately, it can be somewhat difficult to find information that is not bias in some sort of fashion. Thanks for the response and suggestion. About the biblical references they were true, but much injustice was being done to the Jews. They were inslaved and their first born children were killed to slow down the population growth. This was ordered by the Pharaoh. What I was suggesting is that the Jews were going to go back to that area someday. It just happened to be just after WWII. It actually started before then, but a surge occurred after WWII. Maybe it could of happened in a better way and the same with the Native Americans here in the US. I don't agree with how they were treated. They had been here for thousands of years and the majority were killed off by settlers.

Someone,

I don't agree with the situation at Guantanimo(I doubt this spelling is right either). I think that those prisoners should get some sort of trial and defense. It is only right and fair.

Once again, I apologize, I was out of line. The reference to Usama was out of line.

I just get a little carried away. And maybe I am bias toward Israels stance on these conflicts. That is one of the reasons why I started researching Islam and everything. I just see a lot of violence in the Middle East towards all people and it is sanctioned by it's leaders and it seems that no one is stopping it. Which is sad. Unfortunately, many people in those countries are very poor. I feel for those people. I really do.

[Someone]

Its ok Curious2002.We are all humans and bound to make mistakes.Did u try www.islamonline.net ? Ask your question in 'ask about islam' section.Since you are in the process of learning and discovering islam theres another intersting linke that u'll find useful
http://www.harunyahya.com/50islamic_origins_modern_science.php
May ALLAH (GOD)guide us all to the straight path.



Edited by - Someone on 12/15/2002 13:42:39

[Ronnie]

A'salam,

curious2002,

No need to apologize. You're very kind hearted and seem to be genuinely seeking the truth. I, humbly, suggest that instead of being a staunch supporter of the "Israeli side" (or any side for that matter) try to choose the side which is just and moral. I don't condone violence (unless it's in defense), killing of innocents or anything of the sorts so whomever is committing the injustice is wrong. I try not to judge (it's a very hard thing not to do) but I want to be in the "right" when I meet my Maker. I hope you seek and learn about Islam, not to become a convert (that's not up to you or me) but just so that some of those misconceptions can be cleared up. I also suggest staying away from negative things and negative people. They never help, they obscure things and allow for hatered to swell in the hearts of people. We don't want that. We want tolerance and understanding regardless of sex, ethnicity or religious affiliation.

Please don't hesitate to write to this forum. There are a lot of bright people here and you and I have already started a repoire. If you come across any piece of information you'd like verfied I would love to help and if I can't I'll try to guide you to someone who can help.

Wa'salam (In Peace)