[mariachi]

(Original post by tammie123)
we shouldn't take EVERYTHING in the Quran literally, as God may have just intended for it to just be taken metaphorically. As long as the 5 pillars are followed, they don't kill anyone and the person believes in Allah, no one can argue that they aren't a Muslim.

as much as I would love to see most Muslims sharing your views, I am afraid that you are (at least for the moment) in a minority. Not that this matters much, at least here in the "West"

as I see it, the hype surrounding the Quran is astonishing. Not only is it "miraculous", but also of "astounding literary quality"

It is "inimitable", "valid for all times and all places" , "unaltered", "letter for letter the word of God" and so on and so forth with the hype... a blatant case of "Emperor's new clothes"

until Muslims start toning down the rhetoric, and start treating the Quran as a book containing religious guidelines and messages, but still a man-made book, I see difficulties in any change happening

Christians, via "higher criticism" have taken a more detached approach to the Bible, and some day Muslims will do the same

I don't think we will be around to witness it, however

By the way, I did read the Quran (well, not the "real" Quran, but an English translation) and I can't, for the life of me, understand what's so extraordinary about it

[Indo-Chinese Food]

(Original post by tammie123)
Can you please refrain from twisting my words, I meant that we should install the moral values depicted in the Quran into our lives such as Zakaat (giving to charity), respecting our elders, looking after the sick and old and seeking knowledge whenever possible. But we shouldn't take EVERYTHING in the Quran literally, as God may have just intended for it to just be taken metaphorically. As long as the 5 pillars are followed, they don't kill anyone and the person believes in Allah, no one can argue that they aren't a Muslim.

nothing was twisted- the point still stands, walk into oyur local mosque and announce even just PARTS of the quran shouldnt be taken literally and see what the angry mob that forms have to say to you.

[AdvanceAndVanquish]

(Original post by ashrafmr)
See the previous post. James Holmes (responsible for the recent Batman shootings) is a perfect recent example. He terrorized a whole cinema, and yet they label it as a case of 'insanity'.

"This is not a whodunit," said Craig Silverman, a former chief deputy district attorney in Denver. "The only possible defence is insanity."
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/wor...-1226438964619

You obviously don't understand what you've read, or the definition of the word 'terrorism.' Regarding the first, Silverman is not claiming that he is insane, but rather that his only defense against criminal responsibility would be insanity, since there is no doubt that he actually did it. Regarding the second, not everyone who 'terrorizes' is a 'terrorist.' The words are etymologically related but distinct.

[AdvanceAndVanquish]

(Original post by Maliha Ahmed)
This is my opinion, it cannot be changed no mater how hard you try. Everyone have the right to express their opinion, if you disagree with mine, then its your problem. You can say whatever you want to, I don't care, because to me I'm on on right path and to you you are, and no one's going to change. So no point debating over it.

This is about as pig-headed as it's possible to get, and exactly the wrong attitude for anyone in education. Someone with this attitude could go through a whole course of higher education and come out just as ignorant as they were on day one. Productive discussion, as well as learning, rests on the assumption that someone will abandon an opinion if it is shown to be contrary to the evidence.

[hhforever]

Blame osama........

[Maliha Ahmed]

(Original post by Marco1)
It seems to me that Muslims have difficulty taking criticism of their religion. The benefits of critical discussion and objective, earnest debate, is what has made Western society advance. Freedom of speech towards knowledge and clearer understanding. You say it is misunderstood, then blame yourselves. But you must be openminded enough to listen and discuss with the discipline of self-imposed objectivity. I fear I am wasting my time anyway because you are taught from birth to believe it is the only way and a flawless doctrine - so perceive any rejection of it as misunderstanding, prefering to blame anything other than your own religion or members of it. Have you seen what is happening in many North African countries lately? The ruthless Islamist regimes are quite frightning in their beligerent deeds. Which countries have the worst examples of human rights? I am sure I will be negged but my concern is more about presenting some facts rather than a popularity contest.

I'm really sorry to say but seems like to me that perhaps you ignore facts. Every religious person have difficulty taking criticism of their religion, not just muslims. Second thing is, I agree with you about blaming ourselves because Islam is misundestood, because muslims are not following the true teaching of Islam. However, don't you think muslims are just humans? and so do make mistakes, so you can't blame the religion, just blame the human nature. To judge a religion, you must have a look at the teachings of that religion and there's nothing wrong with the teachings of the holy Quran and our beloved Prophet Muhammad(peace & blessing of Allah be upon him). If people think giving the message of peace, harmony, equality and having a special relationship with the one who created us is wrong. Then, I'm proud to be a muslim.

[Marco1]

(Original post by Maliha Ahmed)
I'm really sorry to say but seems like to me that perhaps you ignore facts. Every religious person have difficulty taking criticism of their religion, not just muslims. Second thing is, I agree with you about blaming ourselves because Islam is misundestood, because muslims are not following the true teaching of Islam. However, don't you think muslims are just humans? and so do make mistakes, so you can't blame the religion, just blame the human nature. To judge a religion, you must have a look at the teachings of that religion and there's nothing wrong with the teachings of the holy Quran and our beloved Prophet Muhammad(peace & blessing of Allah be upon him). If people think giving the message of peace, harmony, equality and having a special relationship with the one who created us is wrong. Then, I'm proud to be a muslim.

I don't think I am ignoring the facts. The facts are exactly what I am considering. You come back with a very general statement that every religious person has difficulty taking criticism of their religion. Not true. Some are very open to hearing different people's views. If one subscribes to a particular faith in a diverse world, why wouldn't that person expect some to hold opposing views and want to voice them. Just because you find your doctrine sacred, why should others should have to tread carefully around your particular sensibilities? Secondly you make another discussion-killing statement, "and there's nothing wrong with the holy Quran.... etc". That illustrates my point which is Muslims seem unwilling to objectively discuss their religion or consider any criticism of it.

[Truthman]

(Original post by cimperator)
Sameera you're so right they don't understand what is Muslim, not all of us are Al-Quaida, we're respectful of all other religions in Islam we recognize all the prophets from Adama to Essa, people have a wrong misconception which lead them to make a connotation that every Muslim=11september
We're normal human beings with a monotheistic religion that give freedom to women in a decent way and prevent them from deviance and non correct behaviour, Islam is a religion where each individual can express its feelings and follow a structure, organize and well done sets of instructions on how to be a good human being in the society May Allah put blessing upon all of us Muslim and non Muslim brother
if you want to get an inside of Islam listen to a lecture from the honorable Professor Tariq Ramadan of the Oxford University who is an eminent figure that knows exactly the modern aspect of Islam and Muslims

Sent from my GT-S5570

they don't understand what is Muslim, not all of us are Al-Quaida

Yeah? So how are going to tell which muslims are "Al-Quaida" and which ones are regular muslims who actually dont follow/practice (reject) koran?

we're respectful of all other religions

You are? Good. But can you still call yourself a practicing muslim?

In islam you are allowed to respect the kuffar and the kuffar's religions?

Where does the koran teach such a thing? I'd like to see it.

in Islam we recognize all the prophets from Adama to Essa

You are talking about muhummads islamisized biblical charaters which are complete perversions of the biblical figures.

Heres and example.

The biblical noah was only told to build an ark because God had already decided to destroy the world, yet the islamic noah (nuh), recreated by muhummad in muhummads own image to help muhummad fulfill his own person agenda, had a message that the people rejected and were there for to be killed for it (classic example of muhummad fabricating biblical characters):


sura 71:
1Lo! We sent Noah unto his people (saying): Warn thy people ere the painful doom come unto them.

2He said: O my people! Lo! I am a plain warner unto you

3(Bidding you): Serve Allah and keep your duty unto Him and obey me,

21Noah said: My Lord! Lo! they have disobeyed me and followed one whose wealth and children increase him in naught save ruin; http://www.searchtruth.com/chapter_d...nslator=4&mac=

Clearly the above verses show how muhummad fabricated the biblical figures into muhummads own image so that muhummad could validate himself.

"Serve Allah and keep your duty unto Him and obey me,".

The biblical noah said no such thing. Muhummad was making out that the biblical prophets asked to be "obeyed" by their own people, which is a blatant perversion and clearly shows how muhummad fabricated the biblical figures to con the mostly illiterate arabians into accepting him as their prophet.

Gen 6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
Gen 6:7 And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth;
Gen 6:8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.
Gen 6:13 And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.
Gen 6:14 Make thee an ark
Gen 6:17 And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die.
Gen 6:18 But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons' wives with thee.
Gen 6:22 Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.
Gen 7:1 And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.
Gen 7:5 And Noah did according unto all that the LORD commanded him.
Gen 7:7 And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood.

Do you see? The biblical noah had no message and nor did he ask for people to "obey" him.

Therefore, the islamic noah who you claim to respect is someone completely different from the biblical noah.


Here is another example:

Muhummad had trouble with his wives (maybe they knew muhummad was a fraud?) and therefore wrote in his koran that the biblical noah also had trouble with his wives:

Allah warned 'A'ishah and Hafsah because they hurt the Prophet (pbuh) by mentioning the example of the wives of Noah and Lot, sura 66.10. Ibn abbas. http://www.altafsir.com/Tafasir.asp?...0&LanguageId=2

Noah’s wife, called Wāhila, used to say to his people that he was a madman. it was said, to the two women: ‘Enter, both of you, the Fire along with the incomers’, from among the disbelievers of the peoples of Noah and Lot. Sura 66.10. Tafsir al jalalayn http://www.altafsir.com/Tafasir.asp?...0&LanguageId=2

Wow!



Here is another example of muhummad misusing the name of the biblical noah:

71: 26 And Noah said: "O my Lord! Leave not of the Unbelievers [kafireena] a single one on earth!

The koran says christians are "kafara" and is therefore claiming that the biblical noah would want christians DEAD:

SURA 5.17; Laqad KAFARA allatheena qaloo inna Allaha huwa almaseehu ibnu maryama.

[5:17] PAGANS - Rashad Khalifa, INFIDELS - Al-Muntakhab, KAFIR - Aisha Bewley, UNBELIEVERS - Muhammad Ahmed Samira, who say: ", The Messiah, son of Mary, is God.

sura 9.73. Ya ayyuha alnnabiyyu JAHIDI ALKUFFARA waalmunafiqeena waoghluth AAalayhim wama/wahum jahannamu wabi/sa almaseeru.

O Prophet, do jihad against the kafirun (non muslims) and hypocrites and be harsh with them. Their shelter will be Hell. What an evil destination! 9:73 Aisha Bewley .

So the koran is clearly calling for muslims to do jihad against christians who believe jesus is God and is putting words into the mouth of noah to support these muhummadian islamic ideals.

But what muhummad failed to realize is that the biblical noah was save BY GRACE. GRACE is the very thing christians live by!:

Gen 6:8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

In Christian theology, grace can be defined as the love and mercy given to us by God because God wants us to have it, not because of anything we have done to earn it. [1] It is understood by Christians to be a spontaneous gift from God to man - "generous, free and totally unexpected and undeserved"[2] - that takes the form of divine favor, love and clemency. It is an attribute of God that is most manifest in the salvation of sinners. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grace_(Christianity)


Here is another example I discovered recently of the koran telling one story of moses (musa), which actually totally destroys the korans claims to be a book/message sent from the same God who moses recognized as his God.

The below error is devastating for the koran:

The koran claims that it was the islamic god allah who told moses to "strike the rock":

(Then) We directed Moses by inspiration when his (thirsty) people asked him for water: ‘Strike the rock with thy staff’: (al-‘Araf, 7:160)


Thats a major koran error.

God told moses to speak to the rock not strike it.

Num 20:8 Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock:

Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to it:

Num 20:11 And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also.

Because moses didnt do what God told him to do which was to speak to the rock in the eyes of the people he was not allowed to enter the promised land.

Num 20:12 And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.

We're normal human beings with a monotheistic religion that give freedom to women in a decent way

Sorry, but conscious women do not need or want freedom to be "given to them", its not a gift, it is a basic right.

And as a matter of fact, women in pre islamic arabia had much more rights and freedom than women at anytime under muhummads islam:

Status of Women in Jahiliyah



Women were also seen as goddess in pre-islamic arabia:

Having reached al-‘Uzza, Khalid destroyed HER and returned to the Messenger of Allah. (The History of al-Tabari: The Victory of Islam, translated by Michael Fishbein [State University of New York Press (SUNY), Albany 1997], Volume 8, pp. 187-188;

Said the Prophet. 'RETURN AND DESTROY HER So Khalid went AGAIN to Nakhlah, and out of the RUINS OF THE TEMPLE THERE CAME A BLACK WOMAN, ENTIRELY NAKED, drawing his sword he CUT HER DOWN.." (LINGS, Muhammad His Life Based On the Earliest Sources)

–whereupon a naked, wailing Ethiopian woman came out before him. Khalid killed her and took her jewels that were on her. Then he went to the Messenger of God and gave him a report of what happened. "That was al-‘Uzza," he said, "and al-‘Uzza will never be worshiped [again]." http://www.answering-islam.org/Respo..._abusufian.htm

and prevent them from deviance and non correct behaviour,

Thats entirely subjective. 'killing disbelievers' IS "correct behavior" in islam as well as many other things which most sane people would not call it "correct behavior".

Islam is a religion where each individual can express its feelings

Maybe you dont really understand what it means for a human being to "express its feelings" because for a start If you were free to "express feelings" you would be free to leave islam without the threat of death or violence against yourself.

if you want to get an inside of Islam listen to a lecture from the honorable Professor Tariq Ramadan of the Oxford University who is an eminent figure that knows exactly the modern aspect of Islam and Muslims

The truth is, tariq ramadan would get turned over by anyone who understands the basics of islam. For example, i just saw tariq being asked what he thinks about stoning, he said they would have to go and find out what the islamic text says, well, he should know already that the islamic text will show that muhummad had adulterers stoned and muslims are ordered in koran to do what muhummad did. http://amanpour.blogs.cnn.com/2010/0...tariq-ramadan/

Ramadan enjoys a certain status in Islamic circles - a kind of ambassador for his grandfather's brand of political Islam. So who is the real Tariq Ramadan and what does he stand for? In this incisive and insightful study of the man, well-known French writer and journalist Caroline Fourest dissects the public pronouncements of Tariq Ramadan. Drawing on his numerous books, articles and speeches as sources, she demonstrates with chilling clarity that the West has been beguiled by Ramadan's doublespeak. Tariq Ramadan is slippery. He says one thing to his faithful Islamist followers and something else entirely to his Western audience. His choice of words, the formulations he uses - even his tone of voice - vary, chameleon-like, according to his audience. In most people, this would be merely funny or irritating, but Tariq Ramadan is too influential a figure to be dismissed so lightly. Caroline Fourest does an incalculable service. In this long-overdue English translation of Brother Tariq she proves, once and for all, that Tariq Ramadan is not to be trusted.
Brother Tariq: The Doublespeak of Tariq Ramadan [Large Print] [Paperback] £19.13 http://www.amazon.co.uk/Brother-Tari.../dp/1458779165

Personally, i would love to debate tariq ramadan because i know he would not be able to refute a word i say because he is already bound by the same books (islamic text) i would be using.

[harvester94]

(Original post by sameera95)
But as a girl I would rather wear something modest than have guys staring me up and down in the street.

True Sameera but there is happy medium. I would not wear a burka and cover everything on the other hand I don't wear short skirts and book tube tops. I am more modest in my dress. I went to Jerusalem in March and seems most Young Muslims there wear the hijab but also wear attractive tight jeans and nice tops. Is that inappropriate?

I know a bit of Islam and respect it but it has flaws. Jesus did not go changing the rules every time he wanted to marry which he never did. Jesus is just more pure and innocent and a miracle compared to Mohammed. Just what I have been studying.

[Maliha Ahmed]

(Original post by Marco1)
I don't think I am ignoring the facts. The facts are exactly what I am considering. You come back with a very general statement that every religious person has difficulty taking criticism of their religion. Not true. Some are very open to hearing different people's views. If one subscribes to a particular faith in a diverse world, why wouldn't that person expect some to hold opposing views and want to voice them. Just because you find your doctrine sacred, why should others should have to tread carefully around your particular sensibilities? Secondly you make another discussion-killing statement, "and there's nothing wrong with the holy Quran.... etc". That illustrates my point which is Muslims seem unwilling to objectively discuss their religion or consider any criticism of it.

Could you please tell me who those "some" are? We muslims might have difficulty taking criticism of Islam, but we still take it. Infact, you wouldn't even find a single muslim who don't listen to those who criticise Islam. Funny how you can say "muslims have difficulty taking criticism of their religion" when every muslim around the world do take it, in schools, in colleges, at work, on a street, on tv, on radio, at airports, on forums like this one, just everywhere. Okay, so what exactly you think is wrong with the teachings of holy Quran? The holy prophet( peace & blessings of Allah be upon him) once said "The best of you are those who treat their wives best." This is one of many great teachings that our beloved prophet gave us because of the beautiful teaching of Quran.

[sameera95]

(Original post by harvester94)
True Sameera but there is happy medium. I would not wear a burka and cover everything on the other hand I don't wear short skirts and book tube tops. I am more modest in my dress. I went to Jerusalem in March and seems most Young Muslims there wear the hijab but also wear attractive tight jeans and nice tops. Is that inappropriate?

I know a bit of Islam and respect it but it has flaws. Jesus did not go changing the rules every time he wanted to marry which he never did. Jesus is just more pure and innocent and a miracle compared to Mohammed. Just what I have been studying.

The point of being modest is that you don't show off your body so wearing tight clothes isn't right, but that doesn't mean you have to wear the burka. Everyday clothes will do just fine as long as they're not tight, see-through or revealing.

With regard to Jesus (PBUH), I believe he was a Prophet of Allah just like Mohammed (PBUH) was. I do not think that Jesus is the Lord nor His son, because I believe Allah is One and above all creation. I suggest you watch this to see the Islamic point of view on Jesus (PBUH)

[Marco1]

(Original post by Maliha Ahmed)
Could you please tell me who those "some" are? We muslims might have difficulty taking criticism of Islam, but we still take it. Infact, you wouldn't even find a single muslim who don't listen to those who criticise Islam. Funny how you can say "muslims have difficulty taking criticism of their religion" when every muslim around the world do take it, in schools, in colleges, at work, on a street, on tv, on radio, at airports, on forums like this one, just everywhere. Okay, so what exactly you think is wrong with the teachings of holy Quran? The holy prophet( peace & blessings of Allah be upon him) once said "The best of you are those who treat their wives best." This is one of many great teachings that our beloved prophet gave us because of the beautiful teaching of Quran.

Sure. I did not think I needed to say who the "some" are because I thought it was fairly obvious. The some include, Hindus and Buddhists and non fundamental Christians and I am sure many more. Catholics take a lot of criticism and much of it unfair but thay do not respond with emotional outrage in the face of criticism because of the Western tradition of free speech and intellectual debate. I am not saying you don't take criticism for your religion, but it is how you respond to it that I am concerned with. Do you resent criticism or welcome it? Criticism can be a catalyst towards further understanding and if one is at ease with one's faith then what have you to fear of criticism? You have the right to respond to that criticism don't you? Every religion has its critics. If Islam is perceived wrongly then I would not simply blame that on the media. I would rest that at the foot of Muslims themselves for not doing enough to show its worth. What I see of it is a partisan doctrine that shuns philosophical enquiry and which is ill at ease, even at odds with a harmonious Western society.

[Maliha Ahmed]

(Original post by Marco1)
Sure. I did not think I needed to say who the "some" are because I thought it was fairly obvious. The some include, Hindus and Buddhists and non fundamental Christians and I am sure many more. Catholics take a lot of criticism and much of it unfair but thay do not respond with emotional outrage in the face of criticism because of the Western tradition of free speech and intellectual debate. I am not saying you don't take criticism for your religion, but it is how you respond to it that I am concerned with. Do you resent criticism or welcome it? Criticism can be a catalyst towards further understanding and if one is at ease with one's faith then what have you to fear of criticism? You have the right to respond to that criticism don't you? Every religion has its critics. If Islam is perceived wrongly then I would not simply blame that on the media. I would rest that at the foot of Muslims themselves for not doing enough to show its worth. What I see of it is a partisan doctrine that shuns philosophical enquiry and which is ill at ease, even at odds with a harmonious Western society.

"because of the Western tradition of free speech and intellectual debate." I agree and this freedom of speech is also allowed in Islam, this is another thing that a lot muslims are not following it, perhaps because of their culture and traditions, but that doesn't represent Islam as Islam isn't a culture but a religion. Obviously, if the dearest thing of yours is misunderstood or criticised, anyone would get emotional. Strongly agree with you, I might have missed out saying muslims are also to blame for that, but I agree. The top 3 reasons for why Islam is misunderstood are (in my opinion):
1) Muslims themselves for not following the real teachings of Islam.
2) Media for only concertrating on those muslims who are not following the real teachings of Islam, and ignoring those who are causing no harm to the society.
3) Those who only look at factors above and make their mind up about Islam, instead of looking at the teachings of Quran and the holy prophet Muhammad(peace & blessings of Allah be upon him).

No hard feelings. It's really sad to see so many threads which remind people of their differences, rather we should look at the similarities.

[AdvanceAndVanquish]

(Original post by Maliha Ahmed)
"because of the Western tradition of free speech and intellectual debate." I agree and this freedom of speech is also allowed in Islam, this is another thing that a lot muslims are not following it

Do you really think that the teachings of Islam uphold freedom of speech? Is it not the case that the Sharia prohibits criticism of Islam or its prophet, and the promotion of other religions, in an Islamic state?

[Maliha Ahmed]

(Original post by AdvanceAndVanquish)
Do you really think that the teachings of Islam uphold freedom of speech? Is it not the case that the Sharia prohibits criticism of Islam or its prophet, and the promotion of other religions, in an Islamic state?

No, I don't just THINK that Islam allow freedom of speech but I'm sure of it. Allah says in the Qur’ân:

"Let there be no compulsion in religion" (Qura'n 2-257)

The verse above clearly shows that the promotion of other religion is allowed in an Islamic state, its another thing that muslims feel that it is not right, and its not because of Islam, but because of their desires.

What Islam clearly states is that there isn't a wall between Islam and Judism, there isn't a wall between Islam and Christianity, it's not like it's a seperate identity, its simply a continuation of development of religion, a type of evolution of religion that culminated and founds its pinnacle in the teachings of Islam.

Islam not just prohibits the criticism of Islam but of all religions as it can hurt others feeling. There's a difference between not allowing something because it can hurt creatures of Allah and not allowing something because of the intention of opressing someone. Islam doesn't encourage its followers to opress anyone.

[...mo...]

if only people knew the truth about Islam. then again it is our responsibility to tell them.

[Marco1]

(Original post by Maliha Ahmed)
"because of the Western tradition of free speech and intellectual debate." I agree and this freedom of speech is also allowed in Islam, this is another thing that a lot muslims are not following it, perhaps because of their culture and traditions, but that doesn't represent Islam as Islam isn't a culture but a religion. Obviously, if the dearest thing of yours is misunderstood or criticised, anyone would get emotional. Strongly agree with you, I might have missed out saying muslims are also to blame for that, but I agree. The top 3 reasons for why Islam is misunderstood are (in my opinion):
1) Muslims themselves for not following the real teachings of Islam.
2) Media for only concertrating on those muslims who are not following the real teachings of Islam, and ignoring those who are causing no harm to the society.
3) Those who only look at factors above and make their mind up about Islam, instead of looking at the teachings of Quran and the holy prophet Muhammad(peace & blessings of Allah be upon him).

No hard feelings. It's really sad to see so many threads which remind people of their differences, rather we should look at the similarities.

You say freedom of speech is allowed in Islam, but in your next post, two spots down, you say Islam prohibits the criticism of Islam: i.e. "Islam not just prohibits the criticism of Islam but of all religions as it can hurt others feeling." You refute your own argument.

[AdvanceAndVanquish]

(Original post by Maliha Ahmed)
No, I don't just THINK that Islam allow freedom of speech but I'm sure of it. Allah says in the Qur’ân:

"Let there be no compulsion in religion" (Qura'n 2-257)

The verse above clearly shows that the promotion of other religion is allowed in an Islamic state, its another thing that muslims feel that it is not right, and its not because of Islam, but because of their desires.

What Islam clearly states is that there isn't a wall between Islam and Judism, there isn't a wall between Islam and Christianity, it's not like it's a seperate identity, its simply a continuation of development of religion, a type of evolution of religion that culminated and founds its pinnacle in the teachings of Islam.

Islam not just prohibits the criticism of Islam but of all religions as it can hurt others feeling. There's a difference between not allowing something because it can hurt creatures of Allah and not allowing something because of the intention of opressing someone. Islam doesn't encourage its followers to opress anyone.

A couple things. In the first place, are you aware that you are contradicting the major schools of Islamic thought in claiming that non-Muslims can promote their religion in an Islamic state? Secondly, do you seriously think that hurting people's feelings should be against the law? And are you aware that any time you say Islam is correct, you are calling all other religions false in a way that many would find offensive?

[AdvanceAndVanquish]

(Original post by Marco1)
You say freedom of speech is allowed in Islam, but in your next post, two spots down, you say Islam prohibits the criticism of Islam: i.e. "Islam not just prohibits the criticism of Islam but of all religions as it can hurt others feeling." You refute your own argument.

This too

[Marco1]

(Original post by Maliha Ahmed)
No, I don't just THINK that Islam allow freedom of speech but I'm sure of it. Allah says in the Qur’ân:

But a bit further down you say "Islam not just prohibits the criticism of Islam but of all religions as it can hurt others feeling." You contradict yourself. This lady decided to voice her opinion over the wearing of a long scarf. I don't think three years in prison, a broken leg and multiple rape equates to free speech.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oVoL...eature=related

(Original post by Maliha Ahmed)
"Let there be no compulsion in religion" (Qura'n 2-257)

The verse above clearly shows that the promotion of other religion is allowed in an Islamic state, its another thing that muslims feel that it is not right, and its not because of Islam, but because of their desires.

So you mean that because of that one quote all the other quotes saying the opposite don't count? How can it "clearly show" that when the social manifestation of it is to the contrary. The promotion of other religions is clearly not allowed in one Islamic State, Saudi Arabia. The religious police in Saudi Arabia are employed in direct order of command from King Abdullah and tasked with enforcing Sharia as defined in Saudi Arabia. In addition to having the power to arrest anyone engaged in homosexual acts, prostitution, fornication, or proselytizing of non-Muslim religions they can also arrest unrelated males and females caught socializing, enforce Islamic dress-codes, Muslim dietary laws (such as the prohibition from eating pork) and store closures during the prayer time. They prohibit the consumption or sale of alcoholic beverages and seize banned consumer products and media regarded contrary to Islamic morals. They also actively prevent the religious practices of other religions within Saudi Arabia.[2][3][/B],

(Original post by Maliha Ahmed)
What Islam clearly states is that there isn't a wall between Islam and Judism, there isn't a wall between Islam and Christianity, it's not like it's a seperate identity, its simply a continuation of development of religion, a type of evolution of religion that culminated and founds its pinnacle in the teachings of Islam.

You are saying that your understanding is that Islam is the evolutionary pinnacle of Judeo-Christian theology. I have to say it is more in line with devolution, from a sophisticated morally motivated spiritual system as seen in the life of Jesus in the New Testament, towards an unsophisticated set of oppressive imperitives and tantalising rewards, a kind of contradictory carrot and stick teaching, laced with unhealthy emotive fervour.

(Original post by Maliha Ahmed)
Islam not just prohibits the criticism of Islam but of all religions as it can hurt others feeling. There's a difference between not allowing something because it can hurt creatures of Allah and not allowing something because of the intention of opressing someone. Islam doesn't encourage its followers to opress anyone.

If it prohibits religious criticism in this modern age then I despair, especially on the basis of it might hurt anothers feelings. Religion affects the whole world and often in a very bad way. To not discuss it's merits and demerits on such an infantile premise when so much is at stake, must be unwise and actually avoidant of the responsibility encumbent on a socially responsible adult, would it not?