Islam Q&A & Discussion

A lot of points have been brought up in the thread titled, "Why I Left Islam." So many points that I do not even know where to begin! In general, I do not like these Muslim vs. West arguments, which is essentially what it is becoming, as things are bound to get semi-hostile. I thought perhaps I could start this thread, and people could pose the pressing questions or points on their mind in a respectful manner, and I could offer my understanding from an Islamic perspective. I am not a scholar (and nor is Osama Bin Laden, Sayyid Qutb, Zawahiri - despite popular belief!) so I will often resort to quotes and works of scholars to back my points. I kindly request that we stay away from questions regarding politics or modern Muslim affairs. The Muslim world today has deviated so far from Islam in every regard, and I am not in the business of defending people. I'm interested in defending my religion. So please either ask a question regarding the traditional Islamic stance of a particular issue, or cite Qur'an/hadith/critics works of Islam that you would like to be commented on.

To give a very concise version of my life/conversion story: I grew up in a Jewish community. My family is fairly secular, yet identifies rather strongly with Judaism. I was sent to Jewish day schools throughout my life. I had created ties with Muslims online, and grew interested in their beliefs and practices. One day, my Rabbi handed out a list of "Violent verses from the Qur'an." I decided to see whether these quotes were true, out-of-context, or what? I picked up a Qur'an and read it for myself. I found that many issues I had with Judaism were answered therein, and all the problems I had with Judaism were largely absent of Islam. Those aspects of Judaism which I liked, were still apart of the religion. In a way, I believed Islam even before becoming Muslim. Since becoming Muslim, I have spent nearly everyday at Mosques and have spent half a year in the Middle East. I am currently studying Religious Studies in an American University.

I have found it to be a religion of peace, contentment, and justice. I truly believe that the West has something to learn from Islam - regardless of whether people accept Islam - in a similar way as there is something to be learned from Hinduism and Buddhism. Verily the Qur'an says, "O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of God is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)."

So please, lets keep discussion respectful, and stay away from comparisons between different societies - after all, if there is anything I have learned through my travels: it is that all cultures have their beauties and their ills.

Anyone interested in an excellent explanation in the roles and rights of non-Muslims in a traditional Islamic state shall listen to this.

MashAllah, you converted to Islam

Good luck in having a rational discussion on this board about Islam. No doubt you will run into the usual right wingers :shrug:

DP is not a place to rationally discuss Islam. It's a place where bashing Islam is OK and sometimes encouraged, but other religions are protected from such childish attacks.

Degreez said:

DP is not a place to rationally discuss Islam. It's a place where bashing Islam is OK and sometimes encouraged, but other religions are protected from such childish attacks.

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Meh. Catholicism and Christianity in general get bashed on a regular basis too.

Degreez said:

DP is not a place to rationally discuss Islam. It's a place where bashing Islam is OK and sometimes encouraged, but other religions are protected from such childish attacks.

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who is encouraging people to bash Islam?

Musa said:

In general, I do not like these Muslim vs. West arguments, which is essentially what it is becoming, as things are bound to get semi-hostile.

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Very much agreed. From my heathen perspective, I do not see much difference between any of the Abrahamic faiths.

It's hard to discuss Islam here as it is difficult for some folks to identify the difference between the religion and those who would pervert it. In fact, some folks can't even identify that there are those who DO pervert it. Best suggestion... if you want to discuss the topic, ignore the folks that seen to do what I just said.

Degreez said:

DP is not a place to rationally discuss Islam. It's a place where bashing Islam is OK and sometimes encouraged, but other religions are protected from such childish attacks.

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Go into the Religion Forum and read what some of the militant atheists say. You'll change your mind REAL quick on this.

CaptainCourtesy said:

Go into the Religion Forum and read what some of the militant atheists say. You'll change your mind REAL quick on this.

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This is the Religion Forum. I've read a quite a few of these threads in this section since I registered here.

There are by far more people allowed to bash Islam than any other religion.

What do you think should happened to someone here that calls for the extermination of an entire religion and its adherents? A two week suspension? :roll:

I assume that anyone here who posted that he wanted the extermination of all the Jewish people in the world with a picture of a giant mushroom cloud above Israel would be banned permanently. Same with anyone who posted that he wanted the extermination of all Christians in the world with a picture of a giant mushroom cloud above the Vatican.

But if it's a poster who, since he registered here, constantly made bigoted posts bashing Islam, well he can come back since he'll probably change his attitude. :roll:

And that's why DP is not a place to legitimately discuss Islam.

The volume of anti religious hate here is typically aimed at Christianity and social conservatives. Most of the threads here deal with Christianity and Christians get bashed more often and more frequently. Not to say those who bash Muslims aren't jerks nor do I want to vindicate their behavior. But Christianity is heavily attacked by militant atheists. I'm not ignoring the fact that Muslims don't get bashed though either, as I've seen it myself.

Degreez said:

DP is not a place to rationally discuss Islam. It's a place where bashing Islam is OK and sometimes encouraged, but other religions are protected from such childish attacks.

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Sometimes encouraged? :lol:

Baron I too have seen those passages before and I also wonder what Islam has to say about them. Most all the muslims I met are very nice people and flat out detest ANY terror attacks.

Thank you, and thank you for respectfully raising your issues/questions about Islam, as well as sharing a bit about yourself.

Obviously, I do not trust Islamic extremist (or fundamentalist as many argue) for all the obvious reasons. I am increasingly becoming suspicious of moderate Muslims as they are not speaking out against the nut-cases. So you’re invitation is intriguing to me.

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First and foremost, Muslims do not feel an obligation to "apologize" for 9/11, because we as a group were not responsible for it. But the attacks have been largely condemned as unislamic. Studies have proven that such people who condone attacks against civilians are politically-concerned more so than religiously. Islam has strongly forbade the killing of civilians to such an extent that one of the main schools of thought says that if a man is to encounter a woman on the battlefield, he should just run away rather than fight. Killing women, children, and non-combatant men is totally impermissible. We have cases of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) expressing disgust at the sight of women killed in war. War is inherently defensive in Islam, for it is said in the Qur'an:


As such, the true SCHOLARS and masses amongst the Muslims stand strongly against terrorism, and I could link you to hundreds of rulings by prominent scholars who oppose such acts. It is only self-proclaimed scholars (who have no actual Islamic credentials), such as Osama Bin Laden, that claim such attacks are permissible.

I also understand that the god of the Koran is not the same as the God of the Bible--although that is another debate.

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Perhaps that could be debatable amongst Christians or Jews, but this is not at all debatable amongst Muslims. A Muslim who says our God is any different from yours is committing an act of Kufr (disbelief)! We believe in the previous revelations, and we believe in all of the prophets mentioned in the New and Old Testament. The word "Allah" simply means God in Arabic, and is used by Christian and Jewish Arabs as well.


Muslims are not even meant to debate fellow monotheists. Instead, we are commanded to bring one another to common terms of agreement.

In any event, here are some verses that I found troubling with Islamic beliefs. What I don’t know is the context of these verses. Do they still apply?

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I am not a scholar, but will do my best! First, we need to understand that the Qur'an was compiled over a period of 23 years. It was revealed in a way that spoke to the individuals of the time, yet used a universal tone. There are found within the Qur'an, times where God was speaking to the Muslims when they were at a point of power, and times at a point of oppression. The Muslims were HARSHLY oppressed for more than a decade, and neighboring tribes remained hostile towards the Muslims until gradually becoming Muslim over time. The Muslims maintained good ties with those who left them alone.

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

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This very short video (3 minutes) addresses this exact verse, which is often quoted (or shall I say, mistranslated): YouTube - Can Muslims Take Jews and Christians as Friends?

The word is not "friends," but rather "protectors." However, this is speaking of a specific people who had waged war against the Muslims. This is warning Muslims against treasonous activity and taking enemies as protectors. This would be similar to Americans telling fellow Americans Muslims, "Do not trust Al-Qaeda, they will not actually help you, but rather deceive you!" or something of that nature (poor attempt to put things in context lol)

If you do not watch the video: please note that not only can Muslims befriend non-Muslims, but Muslim men can even marry non-Muslim monotheist women! The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had himself married a Christian woman named Maria.

Quran 5:33
"The punishment of those who wage war against Allah and His messenger and strive to make mischief in the land is only this, that they should be murdered or crucified or their hands and their feet should be cut off on opposite sides or they should be imprisoned; this shall be as a disgrace for them in this world, and in the hereafter they shall have a grievous chastisement"

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Here is some context/explanation: Altafsir.com - The Tafsirs -

Quran 8:12
"I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Therefore strike off their heads and strike off every fingertip of them"
(Daniel Pearl, anyone?)

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Once again, this is speaking about specific disbelievers. In my book of commentary, it says that "they were defeated," implying that it was during a specific battle. As stated earlier, and I will gladly expand on this if you wish, but war in Islam was inherently defensive during the time of the Qur'ans revelation. I know I have not provided sufficient evidence, but I am simply scratching the surface. You can let me know what you would like me to expand upon.

Quran 9:5
"So when the sacred months have passed away, then slay the idolaters wherever you find them, and take them captives and besiege them and lie in wait for them in every ambush, then if they repent and keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate, leave their way free to them."
(That would be me, right?)

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This was after the idolaters had broken a treaty. The "sacred months" were given as a time for the disbelievers to turn back towards peace. This was in self defense, against people who had oppressed the Muslims. This is yet again speaking of specific fighters, and not general pagans living at the time. But even so, what does the next verse say?

Quran 9:29
"Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor acknowledge the religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued."
(In case anyone is wondering, “the Book” is the Bible and the “People” thereof are Christians.)

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Jizya is simply a tax, and there is nothing wrong with it. Muslims pay more tax in the obligatory-charity fee. Upon paying Jizya, the non-Muslims were largely given much respect, allowed to abide by their own court systems (or choose between the Islamic system and their own), and were protected from the Muslim state and exempted (yet allowed to by choice) from military service. Muhammad (saws) said: "any Muslims who kills a dhimmi (non-Muslim citizen) will not even smell the fragrance of paradise." He has also said, "whosoever harms a dhimmi: I am his foe on the day of judgement." Furthermore, non-Muslims were given FULL freedom of speech within their religious places. See here: YouTube - Islamic Caliphate vs Democracy

But my last question is this, if Islam is a “religion of peace, contentment, and justice” then there are many Muslims that want to kill all of the Jews and erase Israel from the map that obviously have it all wrong. Is there anything in the Koran that can be used to protect the Jews and Israel from the Muslims that want to kill them (i.e. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad)?[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR]

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First of all, let's not bring Israel into the discussion. I grew up in an extremely strong and hateful Zionist community. It is so easy to point out hateful Muslims, and yet, I grew up in an environment where our rabbis literally taught us to hate Arabs. I could pull out similarly violent verses from the Torah, just as you have done with the Qur'an, and I could pull out extremely disgusting verses from highly respected Rabbis, such as Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, who said: "It is forbidden to be merciful to them (the Arabs). You must send missiles to them and annihilate them. They are evil and damnable." I spent 6 months living in a Palestinian refugee camp, throughout which time I was in and out of Israel-proper. I would definitely not like to bring up Israel in this discussion, but I can assure you, without spec of doubt, that the masses of Palestinians in the West Bank are secular, yet feel just as passionately as those in Gaza. It is not a religious conflict, but a political one.

The Muslim world today is facing catastrophe. The Prophet Muhammad (saws) predicted, "After the fall of the Islamic Khalifate (successors/true leadership), there will arise corrupt monarchies, followed by despotic dictatorships..." Leaders such as Ahmadinijad, King Abdul-Aziz, and so on, are not respected as Islamic authority. They are largely post-war creations, many of which are supported by the West against the will of their own people. The masses of angry Muslims across the world are angry at the West precisely for that reason: funding these terribly corrupt and anti-Islamic Governments. Saudi Arabia has done some terribly disgusting things to our historical sites to which every Muslim should be angry about. They cannot possibly be representative of Islam. The Saudi Family is much more concerned with the profit as opposed to the honor and ways of the prophets.

I yet again, highly encourage you to listen to this lecture in order to understand the roles and rights of non-Muslims in Islamic law: YouTube - Islamic Caliphate vs Democracy

I will tell you that Islam is a unifying religion for monotheists. We believe in all of the books, and in all of the prophets, though we believe past revelations have been corrupted and several past traditions to have been lost. It is even said in the Qur'an:

Islam is a religion of good conduct. Not only is the killing of innocent people in Islam undoubtedly IMPERMISSIBLE, as can be cited by hundreds of hadith and loads of Qur'anic verses that I will gladly quote if you wish, but we are even forbidden to kill animals without proper cause. In fact, there is an ENTIRE BOOK written by one of our greatest scholars about the proper way of dealing with BUGS! Due to Islam, I do not even kill bugs in my home unless they pose danger. Islam is a religion of compassion - one which values God's creations, and so the very idea that Islam would allow the killing of fellow human beings is absolutely ridiculous, especially considering in the Qur'an, God has likened the death of one human being to that of all of mankind:

I apologize for some sloppy writing! I hope I have done some justice to my religion. I hope to continue this exchange. It is 3:20, and I have to wake up quite early. If you would like me to expand on any points, I will gladly offer further responses tomorrow!


Your brother in humanity,
Musa

Thanks for the quick reply Musa!
And not to drag Jews in this but Ive seen many more jerk Jews than jerk Muslims. They seem to really dislike anyone other than their own.... but thats a different topic.
Here is a question...... why is it that after mentioning Muhammed you folks always say peace be upon him.... or something like that. Its just verrrrry redundant. I think Muhammad would just tell everyone "Enough! I get it! Yes... peace be upon me. You dont have to say that every time you say my name! And if you DO.... just shorted it like PBUH"

Haha, funny question. *And yes, I should be asleep!* Well, usually I write "PBUH" or "SAWS" (the shortened version of the Arabic phrase). I wrote it out simply so it was understood what I was saying. We say "Peace be upon him" after saying the name of any prophet. It is simply a prayer of respect, similar to how we say "May Allah preserve him" after saying the names of righteous people alive today.

It comes from the Qur'anic verse:
"Allah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet: O ye that believe! Send ye blessings on him, and salute him with all respect."

So it is truly for love and respect of the prophets. It is in fact humbling to pray and send praise to others. Furthermore, it is said that when a human prays for someone else, the angels are praying for the same unto he. So when a Muslim prays for the prosperity of another, the angels are praying for his own prosperity in turn.

And yes, a Muslim ought to have good conduct. Muhammad (saws) was once told that he had great conduct, to which he responded, "Verily I have been sent to perfect the morals and conduct of mankind."

But no need to pass judgement regarding Jews. There was once a story where a man was stomping on red ants. Muhammad (saws) responded, "WHY ARE YOU DOING THAT?" The man claimed that a red ant had bit him, to which Muhammad questioned him as to why he would kill all of the ants for the act of one. Nice metaphor, aye?

Musa said:

A lot of points have been brought up in the thread titled, "Why I Left Islam." So many points that I do not even know where to begin! In general, I do not like these Muslim vs. West arguments, which is essentially what it is becoming, as things are bound to get semi-hostile. I thought perhaps I could start this thread, and people could pose the pressing questions or points on their mind in a respectful manner, and I could offer my understanding from an Islamic perspective. I am not a scholar (and nor is Osama Bin Laden, Sayyid Qutb, Zawahiri - despite popular belief!) so I will often resort to quotes and works of scholars to back my points. I kindly request that we stay away from questions regarding politics or modern Muslim affairs. The Muslim world today has deviated so far from Islam in every regard, and I am not in the business of defending people. I'm interested in defending my religion. So please either ask a question regarding the traditional Islamic stance of a particular issue, or cite Qur'an/hadith/critics works of Islam that you would like to be commented on.

To give a very concise version of my life/conversion story: I grew up in a Jewish community. My family is fairly secular, yet identifies rather strongly with Judaism. I was sent to Jewish day schools throughout my life. I had created ties with Muslims online, and grew interested in their beliefs and practices. One day, my Rabbi handed out a list of "Violent verses from the Qur'an." I decided to see whether these quotes were true, out-of-context, or what? I picked up a Qur'an and read it for myself. I found that many issues I had with Judaism were answered therein, and all the problems I had with Judaism were largely absent of Islam. Those aspects of Judaism which I liked, were still apart of the religion. In a way, I believed Islam even before becoming Muslim. Since becoming Muslim, I have spent nearly everyday at Mosques and have spent half a year in the Middle East. I am currently studying Religious Studies in an American University.

I have found it to be a religion of peace, contentment, and justice. I truly believe that the West has something to learn from Islam - regardless of whether people accept Islam - in a similar way as there is something to be learned from Hinduism and Buddhism. Verily the Qur'an says, "O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of God is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)."

So please, lets keep discussion respectful, and stay away from comparisons between different societies - after all, if there is anything I have learned through my travels: it is that all cultures have their beauties and their ills.

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Tell me what does Islam say about atheists (I am one), the weight of women's evidence in legal proceedings or the virtue of killing your own son to please god? How should we deal with adulterers or homosexuals? Yes, the west can learn so much from Islam.

The Giant Noodle said:

Thanks for the quick reply Musa!
And not to drag Jews in this but Ive seen many more jerk Jews than jerk Muslims. They seem to really dislike anyone other than their own.... but thats a different topic.

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That's odd. I have had so many Jewish friends, I couldn't even count them, and the warmth and hospitality they showed me was terrific.

If your experiences are different, perhaps it lies in your approach.

Australianlibertarian said:

Tell me what does Islam say about atheists (I am one), the weight of women's evidence in legal proceedings or the virtue of killing your own son to please god? How should we deal with adulterers or homosexuals? Yes, the west can learn so much from Islam.

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Killing Sons:

You are implying something which you have little knowledge of. First of all, I have no idea where you have heard this idea of killing your son to please God... this is absolutely rediculous, and not a claim I have ever heard used against Islam. Of course such a thing would be absolutely, without spec of doubt, impermissible! On that note, the pre-Islamic Arabs used to bury their daughters alive after birth, for it was a cause of embarrassment to give birth to a female child. One of the many reasons Islam came was to erase such a barbaric practice. In response, the Qur'an has said, "...evil is their decision" [ Surah 16:59]. Furthermore, the Qur'an forbids the killing of anyone's child: "Indeed lost are those who have killed their children from folly, without knowledge" [Surah 6:140]. A common reason to which children would be killed was for the economic burden they caused, but the Qur'an assured the believers: "kill not your children from fear of poverty, for We provide for them and for you. Surely, the killing of them is a great sin" [Surah 17:31]. Frankly, I have no idea where you heard this idea, but you best drop it, brother.

Atheists:

I am not sure if atheists existed during the time of the Prophet, however, there were certainly many pagans. In this regard, God revealed a chapter of Qur'an titled, "The Disbelievers":

Islam takes a 'live and let live' sort of stance. As the Qur'an says, "there is no compulsion in this religion." During the Prophet Muhammad's (pbuh) lifetime, he was very frustrated by the fact that people were not open to his message. He understood that what he held was truth, and could not bear the thought of people rejecting it. God then spoke to him in the Qur'an saying: "But if they turn away from you, (O Prophet remember that) your only duty is a clear delivery of the Message (entrusted to you)" [16:82]. We believe that guidance comes from God, and if God wants you to be a Muslim, then indeed a Muslim you will be. That is not the choice of man, but rather, in the hands of God.

Furthermore, it is widely believed that the Kuffar (disbelievers) who go to hell are actually those who understand the truth, saw the miracles of the Prophet Muhammad (saws), and yet stubbornly rejected it. Man is held accountable only for that which he knows, for Islam is a religion that judges for intention rather than action or belief alone.

Woman's Testimony:

One of the major issues that has come up as a case against Islam in recent times is the claim that a woman's testimony is invalid in Islam. In fact, this is only partially true. Where it is undeniably true that a woman's testimony is at least less-credible than a man's is in financial matters. In Islam, a man is expected to take care of financial matters, and a woman has full economic rights over her husband. A husband or father is required to pay all expenses for the woman (unless mutually agreed upon otherwise), and that money which the woman makes can be shared with her husband or kept to herself. For this reason, it is expected that a man is more aware of financial issues, and therefore, a woman's testimony in this regard requires more than an individual witness (it can be two women, or one woman and one man, etc.).

In some matters, such as accusations of unchastity, a woman's testimony stands alone. Matters related to a woman's body actually invalidate the testimony of a man. So for example, if a husband accuses his wife of adultery, her testimony otherwise invalidates his, and matters are left in the hands of God. Islam recognizes the equality of men and women, yet also acknowledges their differences and different roles in society. Islam has HONORED women by setting aside certain respectful roles, and has not created a woman as a servant to a man (as is said in the Bible), but rather, male and females as "partners to one another."

See here: Women In Islam Versus Women In The Judaeo-Christian Tradition

Adultery:

Adultery is a terrible sin and crime in Islam, yet has become oh so popular across the globe. In turn, this has broken up families and has expanded the spread of disease. Adultery is a massive sin. Under traditional Islamic law, however, crimes of these types are left in the hands of God except in two cases:

1. The adulterer comes forth and asks for the punishment, in which case she is denied 3 times by the court. If she persists, she is handed the punishment of stoning, and her sins are forgiven in the hereafter
2. Four witnesses are present to testify against her, meaning the act was carried out in public.

The goal of Islamic law is to prevent such terrible acts from being carried out in public, and therefore, only those sins carried out in public are then too punished. If a man or woman claims their spouse had committed adultery, then a divorce is permissible, yet if there were no witnesses present, then there is no punishment. As I stated in regards to witness testimony, if a man claims his wife cheated on her and the woman denies it, her testimony alone invalidate's that of her husband's.

Homosexuality:

I would highly suggest you read the works of Joseph Massad: an American anthropologist. He insists that this witch-hunt for homosexuals currently underway in across the Muslim world is in fact a result of Western culture 'invading' (for lack of a better word) on Muslim societies. Here is a short piece I wrote, summarizing his article for my anthropology class:

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad made headlines in 2007 when stating, "In Iran we don't have homosexuals like in your country...we do not have this phenomenon", making him the source of even more condemnation and satire. Joseph Massad's article highlights the ways in which Ahmadinejad's assertion may actually be true and how the Gay Internationals have actually created homophobia in the Middle East. It has long been claimed that gays have been in hiding due to fear of "coming out" in the Middle East and North Africa. Massad instead insists that same-sex relations have always been prevalent among Muslim culture, yet never before did there exist a counter-culture that actually categorizes themselves as "gay". Instead, he insists that the masses of those engaged in same-sex relations "do not identify as 'gay' or express a need for gay politics...Just because you sleep with a member of the same sex does not mean that you are Gay...it means that you are engaging in homosexual activity. Once a relationship develops beyond sex (i.e. love) this is when the term gay applies" (373).

Gay Internationals encouraging sexual freedom (in my opinion, a purely Western idea) and seeking to portray Arab culture as comprising of a mass number of closeted gays, and, in doing so, actually helping to develop homosexual culture in Arab society, creates hostility and persecution by those interested in retaining the countries' conservative and religious environment. Massad harshly accuses the Gay Internationals: "By inciting discourse about homosexuals where none existed before, the Gay International is in fact heterosexualizing a world that is being forced to be fixed by a Western binary" and therefore bringing about "more repression, not 'liberation,' and less sexual freedom rather than more for Arab men practicing same-sex contact" (383).

Interestingly, the number of stonings and lashings in Muslim countries has increased in recent years to amount in numbers beyond historical proportion, leading me to believe that the fear of imposing Western values is actually the reason for increased conservativism and persecution amongst many Muslim-majority nations. Historically, the laws allowed for what went on behind closed doors to stay behind closed doors and dealt purely with the visible acts carried out in public. But now, with new values imposing upon their society, conservatives and traditionalists have had to resort to new means of repressing values they view as sinful and deviant; yet again, another example of how standardization and one moral code simply cannot work for the entire world.

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A marriage between a man and a man or woman and a woman is not accepted in Islam - we believe men and women are gifts and partners to one another. Sexual relations between the two is likened to adultery. However, as with the other laws, what goes on behind closed doors is left between them and God.

What does Islam say about Jesus and Christianity? I also wonder, are there any recorded miracles that Muhammad preformed in the Quran? I would also like to know how you view Aisha's marriage to Muhammad.

I do not mean to be disrespectful, these are just questions that I have.

Musa said:

Killing Sons:

You are implying something which you have little knowledge of. First of all, I have no idea where you have heard this idea of killing your son to please God... this is absolutely rediculous, and not a claim I have ever heard used against Islam. Of course such a thing would be absolutely, without spec of doubt, impermissible! On that note, the pre-Islamic Arabs used to bury their daughters alive after birth, for it was a cause of embarrassment to give birth to a female child. One of the many reasons Islam came was to erase such a barbaric practice. In response, the Qur'an has said, "...evil is their decision" [ Surah 16:59]. Furthermore, the Qur'an forbids the killing of anyone's child: "Indeed lost are those who have killed their children from folly, without knowledge" [Surah 6:140]. A common reason to which children would be killed was for the economic burden they caused, but the Qur'an assured the believers: "kill not your children from fear of poverty, for We provide for them and for you. Surely, the killing of them is a great sin" [Surah 17:31]. Frankly, I have no idea where you heard this idea, but you best drop it, brother.

Atheists:

I am not sure if atheists existed during the time of the Prophet, however, there were certainly many pagans. In this regard, God revealed a chapter of Qur'an titled, "The Disbelievers":

Say, "O disbelievers,
I do not worship that which you worship
Nor do you worship that which I worship
Nor will I be a worshiper of that which you worship
Nor will you be a worshiper of that which I worship
For you is your religion, and for me is my religion​

Islam takes a 'live and let live' sort of stance. As the Qur'an says, "there is no compulsion in this religion." During the Prophet Muhammad's (pbuh) lifetime, he was very frustrated by the fact that people were not open to his message. He understood that what he held was truth, and could not bear the thought of people rejecting it. God then spoke to him in the Qur'an saying: "But if they turn away from you, (O Prophet remember that) your only duty is a clear delivery of the Message (entrusted to you)" [16:82]. We believe that guidance comes from God, and if God wants you to be a Muslim, then indeed a Muslim you will be. That is not the choice of man, but rather, in the hands of God.

Furthermore, it is widely believed that the Kuffar (disbelievers) who go to hell are actually those who understand the truth, saw the miracles of the Prophet Muhammad (saws), and yet stubbornly rejected it. Man is held accountable only for that which he knows, for Islam is a religion that judges for intention rather than action or belief alone.

Woman's Testimony:

One of the major issues that has come up as a case against Islam in recent times is the claim that a woman's testimony is invalid in Islam. In fact, this is only partially true. Where it is undeniably true that a woman's testimony is at least less-credible than a man's is in financial matters. In Islam, a man is expected to take care of financial matters, and a woman has full economic rights over her husband. A husband or father is required to pay all expenses for the woman (unless mutually agreed upon otherwise), and that money which the woman makes can be shared with her husband or kept to herself. For this reason, it is expected that a man is more aware of financial issues, and therefore, a woman's testimony in this regard requires more than an individual witness (it can be two women, or one woman and one man, etc.).

In some matters, such as accusations of unchastity, a woman's testimony stands alone. Matters related to a woman's body actually invalidate the testimony of a man. So for example, if a husband accuses his wife of adultery, her testimony otherwise invalidates his, and matters are left in the hands of God. Islam recognizes the equality of men and women, yet also acknowledges their differences and different roles in society. Islam has HONORED women by setting aside certain respectful roles, and has not created a woman as a servant to a man (as is said in the Bible), but rather, male and females as "partners to one another."

See here: Women In Islam Versus Women In The Judaeo-Christian Tradition

Adultery:

Adultery is a terrible sin and crime in Islam, yet has become oh so popular across the globe. In turn, this has broken up families and has expanded the spread of disease. Adultery is a massive sin. Under traditional Islamic law, however, crimes of these types are left in the hands of God except in two cases:

1. The adulterer comes forth and asks for the punishment, in which case she is denied 3 times by the court. If she persists, she is handed the punishment of stoning, and her sins are forgiven in the hereafter
2. Four witnesses are present to testify against her, meaning the act was carried out in public.

The goal of Islamic law is to prevent such terrible acts from being carried out in public, and therefore, only those sins carried out in public are then too punished. If a man or woman claims their spouse had committed adultery, then a divorce is permissible, yet if there were no witnesses present, then there is no punishment. As I stated in regards to witness testimony, if a man claims his wife cheated on her and the woman denies it, her testimony alone invalidate's that of her husband's.

Homosexuality:

I would highly suggest you read the works of Joseph Massad: an American anthropologist. He insists that this witch-hunt for homosexuals currently underway in across the Muslim world is in fact a result of Western culture 'invading' (for lack of a better word) on Muslim societies. Here is a short piece I wrote, summarizing his article for my anthropology class:



A marriage between a man and a man or woman and a woman is not accepted in Islam - we believe men and women are gifts and partners to one another. Sexual relations between the two is likened to adultery. However, as with the other laws, what goes on behind closed doors is left between them and God.

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Yet god asked Abraham to kill sacrifice his own son. Interesting how Allah makes and bend the rules as he pleases whilst at the same time not living up to his most merciful title. And even more ironic is that the atheist had to point that out to the believer, that god allowed Abraham to kill Issac. Oh yes, Abraham is good obedient prophet of god. Or in the Islamic tradition, god substituted Issac for a lamb. But either way god didn't tell Abraham that killing his son was a bad thing. No he just magically fixed up the situation, no doubt he was thoroughly impressed that Abrahma was a complete slave to his will. Charming.

Why don't you point to the the more agressive verses in the Koran, discussing kaffirs (atheists)?

YOU CONDONE STONING PEOPLE FOR ADULTORY? Yes the west can learn so much from the 'peaceful koran'!

How about you actually post what the Koran says about homosexuality and the punishment for homosexuals. Secondly, I find it ironic that you critique the western binary of sexuality, while ignoring that muslim society's essentially straightjacket homosexuals into a heterosexual monolith. We used to do that in the west as well.

Musa how about you tell us about where the Koran says that sperm comes from, where does the sun sets or the 'magical barrier' between salty and fresh water.

Australianlibertarian said:

Yet god asked Abraham to kill sacrifice his own son. Interesting how Allah makes and bend the rules as he pleases whilst at the same time not living up to his most merciful title. And even more ironic is that the atheist had to point that out to the believer, that god allowed Abraham to kill Issac. Oh yes, Abraham is good obedient prophet of god.

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The story of Abraham being told to kill his son is in the bible, the Torah, which son his was told to kill is different of course. Which I guess means christians and jews are to kill their sons correct

Why don't you point to the the more agressive verses in the Koran, discussing kaffirs (atheists)?

YOU CONDONE STONING PEOPLE FOR ADULTORY? Yes the west can learn so much from the 'peaceful koran'!

How about you actually post what the Koran says about homosexuality and the punishment for homosexuals. Secondly, I find it ironic that you critique the western binary of sexuality, while ignoring that muslim society's essentially straightjacket homosexuals into a heterosexual monolith. We used to do that in the west as well.

Musa how about you tell us about where the Koran says that sperm comes from, where does the sun sets or the 'magical barrier' between salty and fresh water.

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