Science Talk

Ramabriga · Guest

A clearer understanding of the realities of Islam
By:
Posted: 5/8/08

Though Islam has been misunderstood for many years, the dislike toward it has been on the
increase since the Sept. 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Center.

Perhaps the most amazing aspect of American society is its lack of concern over the ignorance
displayed-television, movies, music, politicians and even teachers promote racism by condoning
and exemplifying it. Who is to blame? The media, whose flat-out false information drives many
Americans to believe that Islam is purely evil, seems a likely candidate.

It's common to associate negative qualities with Islam, since barbarism and violence are on the
top of the list. Long draping gowns, silken veils, mysterious dark faces and a language of
exotic sounds are fair observations. What is not fair, though, are the dark associations that
have been attached to them: that their loose, flowing clothing could only mean that they are
hiding something, the veils are for concealment and dark faces suggest dark intentions.

Muslim clothing reminds Americans of the past, which seems barbaric in comparison to the modern
world. For this, Islam is seen as uncivilized. The quiet and secretive nature, which is
apparent in both a Muslim's apparel and his mannerisms, creates suspicion and fear. It may be
shocking, but the culprits of American misunderstanding are right next door. Culprit number one
remains the media.

The American media is a strong factor in the average American's misunderstanding of Islam
merely due to its own function, which is to communicate news of importance. It is only natural
that the bad news will be the good news, because tragedy and bloodshed are more stimulating
than a quick glimpse of religious volunteers smiling at work.

Islam is, like the many religions of the world, a call for good faith, good works and love. It
may seem like a wild statement to the common American, but Islam's message focuses on the
submission to God through peace. The contrasting influence is the constant display of Islamic
terrorists bombing Jews and Christians on the television screen.

The public takes in the visual depiction of the Muslim and develops a generality about the
entire religion. This would be like condemning Christianity for being intolerant on the basis
of the existence of extreme fundamental Protestantism, but the media focuses little attention
on them. When they do, it is a fleeting memory of a narrowly slanted argument. Only the bad
guys are shown, so only the bad guys will be known.

To get to the source of the issue, we need to ignore the mainstream media. We need to read the
scripture itself and learn what the religion is truly about. I introduce culprit number two:
faulty information.

The Qur'an is the Islamic scripture, transcribed word for word from the angel Gabriel to the
prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. In it we find the fundamental essence of Islam, which is
followed by the vast majority-submission and love.

In opposition to the belief that all Muslims think Christians and Jews are the enemy and are
going to Hell, Allah says, "Surely those who believe, and those who are Jews, and the
Christians and the Sabians [a now extinct Christian sect from Iraq], whoever believes in Allah
and the last day and does good, they have their reward with their Lord, and there is no fear
for them, nor shall they grieve" (2: 62).

Here we clearly see that Allah loves all 'people of the book'. Muslims even believe that
Christians and Jews will find a reward in the afterlife.

Meanwhile, Jews and Christians alike believe that all religions except their own will lead
followers to Hell. Allah even says of his followers, "Lo! You are they who will love them while
they love you not" (3: 118). This is similar to Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and though the
presentation of the language is different, it's accurate to say that the message is the same:
to love even those who hate you. This is certainly far from the warcry of a fanatical or
sadistic Lord.

In speaking of fighting, Allah says, "And spend in the way of Allah and cast not yourselves to
perdition with your own hands and do good to others. Surely Allah loves the doers of good" (2:
195). Clearly, if any Muslim believes he needs to commit mass-murder for Allah, then he is the
wrongdoer - not Allah.

Terrorism is the result of compulsion, a vice that the Qur'an directly opposes. In it, we read:
"There is no compulsion in religion-the right way is clearly distinct from error" (2: 256).
Could it be any clearer? If there is any doubt left in the idea that Islam is a violent
religion and prejudiced against Christianity and Judaism, one need only read "And fight in the
way of Allah against those who fight against you but be not aggressive. Surely Allah loves not
the aggressors" (2: 190). Allah is calling for self-defense, because fighting is allowed only
against those that fight you. Even in cases of defense, he commands that Muslims be passive.

To comprehend a religion, examination of the scripture is most important. Any summary,
analysis, commentary, book, essay, story, newspaper article, magazine article, pamphlet, news
show, documentary, radio show, song, or Web site can be false, corrupted, and/or biased. Any
person can be a fool and most are.

Only the scripture, which is the religion, can fully represent its essence. Accordingly,
Muslims follow nothing but the Qur'an. They believe it to be the direct word of God, so they
preserve its originality. The majority won't even read it in any language other than its
original Arabic, and dedicated Muslims of non-Arabic cultures usually learn the language.

With all of this in mind, it is obvious why the text is so important.

Lance Ashoury is a senior majoring in journalism. His opinions do not necessarily reflect those
of The Equinox.

http://media.www.keeneequinox.com/media/storage/paper537/news/2008/05/08/Opinions/A.Clearer.Understanding.Of.The.Realities.Of.Islam-3367868.shtml
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Sir John Howard · Guest

Ramabriga wrote:

count zero · Guest

Mohammed was 55 years old when he married Ayesha just 9 - what a
paedophile?

Kickin' Ass and Takin' Na · Guest

On May 10, 4:30 am, count zero <adrianbo...@postmaster.co.uk> wrote:

Sir John Howard · Guest

count zero wrote:

Day Brown · Guest

count zero wrote:

Doug · Guest

"Day Brown" <daybrown@hughes.net> wrote in message
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Day Brown · Guest

Doug wrote:

±¿¢Doug¢¿± · Guest

"Day Brown" <daybrown@hughes.net> wrote in message
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Patriot Games · Guest

On Thu, 29 May 2008 00:15:58 -0700, "±¿¢Doug¢¿±" <no¡nen@now.com>
wrote: