Questions about Islam

When Muslims are asked the tough questions about their religion, they often throw back the term Islamophobia to end further discussion about legitimate concerns raised about Islam.  It's similar to the tactics used by illegal foreign nationals when they call Americans racists for daring to seek accountability from them for their illegal presence in our sovereign land.  Both tactics attempt to shift the blame from themselves onto the backs of those who have raised real concerns. 

Americans must not fall for this scheme.  There are numerous legitimate concerns about Islam that must be dealt with forthright honesty.

Muslims in America try to convince us Islam is a religion of peace, right?  Often they use part of a verse from the Quran that says to kill one person is like killing all of mankind to convey the peace of Islam. This is verse 5.32 which was directed to the "Children of Israel", which I think was taken from the Bible and retold in the Quran.  Its used all the time but because of the violent history in the Middle East, which has gone on since the inception of Islam 1400 years ago, particularly with Muslims killing each other,  it doesn't jive with this verse.  As we all know, action speaks louder than words any day of the week.  Muslims seem hesitant or refuse to tackle the difficult and often complex topic of violence within Islam and instead repeat the mantra that Islam is peace.  Do they hope that all of this debate will go away?

Let's not forget, America's founding fathers struggled for decades against Islamic rulers and their pirates which claimed American lives and treasury. 

"Contemporary scholars estimate that over 1 million white Christians from France and Italy to Spain, Hol­land, Great Britain, the Americas, and even Iceland were captured between 1500 and 1800...the victims of these mari­time hijackings would languish in fetid prisons, unsure of when, or even if, they would ever be redeemed. Many perished or simply disappeared in the White Slave trade. The only other escape was conversion. Embracing Islam—“turning Turk”—instantly changed one’s status and prospects."

And today, with several world-wide Islamic movements seeking to create a global Islamic state accentuated by daily Islamic violence perpetrated by young men and women who have been indoctrinated by their parents and religious leaders to kills themselves along with others for Allah,  we are all left wondering where is the peace?  How can anyone respect a religion that does this to their own children?

With this in mind, American Muslims have to understand why we find it difficult to put our arms around their message of peace.  We have been in Iraq trying to bring forth a democracy,  yet over four years later there's an unending supply of young men and women willing to blow themselves up for Allah!  We also hear on the news daily about the killing of Muslims by Muslims.  Why in the heck do Muslims kill other Muslims?

Quite frankly, none of this speaks too well for this religion of peace.  I can see why many have servous concerns about Islam. 

(Even) Some liberal Middle East experts say that we should be asking the Islamists to be more clear on what exactly they stand for. In a policy paper, three Carnegie Endowment associates, Amr Hamzawy, Marina Ottaway, and Nathan Brown, call for clarification in six gray zones: application of sharia law, violence, political pluralism (a condition in which numerous distinct ethnic, religious, or cultural groups are present and tolerated within a society), individual freedoms, minorities, and women's rights.

In an effort to seek further clarification about Islam's message of peace lets review verse 5.32 in its entirety: 

5.32:  For that cause We decreed for the Children of Israel that whosoever killeth a human being for other than manslaughter or corruption in the earth, it shall be as if he had killed all mankind, and whoso saveth the life of one, it shall be as if he had saved the life of all mankind. Our messengers came unto them of old with clear proofs (of Allah's Sovereignty), but afterwards lo! many of them became prodigals in the earth.

There are several translations of the Quran we could also reference.  One interesting one is George Sales' translation.  He translated the Koran into a book that Thomas Jefferson owned.  As most of us remember this book was used by U.S. Congressman Keith Ellison as he was sworn into office. Thomas Jefferson had a pretty good reason to study the Koran because he dealt for years with Islamic rulers and their pirates taking our ships and crew for hostages and ransom,  He even reported to Congress that he was told they do it because it was their Islamic right and obligation!  Sale's translation of the Koran was done in 1734:   

5.32:  Wherefore we commanded the children of Israel, that he who slayeth a soul, without adding thereto the murder of another soul, or without committing wickedness in the earth, shall be as if he had slain all mankind: But he who saveth a soul alive, shall be as if he had saved the lives of all mankind. Our Apostles formerly came unto them, with evident miracles; then were many of them, after this, transgressors on the earth.

Other verses in this particular chapter talk about the major error Christians made when they said Jesus was the son of God (5.17). Muslims do not believe Jesus is the son of God and the Christians are chastised for this reason.   In verse 5.18 we see how the Jews and the Christians tried to explain to Mohammad that they were the children of God but he challenges them and said God was punishing them for their sins and they are not the chosen ones.  Mohammad then declared that Islam is the true religion and that they, the Jews and Christians,  are on the wrong side.  A fairly good part of the Koran discusses the errors of the Jews and Christians and one verse particularly stands out for me: 

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.

So in my on-going studies of the Quran and the carefully recorded words of their prophet, it appears to me the peace comes if you submit to Islam but even that's no guarantee because of on-going murdering of Muslims by Muslims. 

Throughout the Quran stories from the Torah and the New Testament are retold by Muhammad as if he was the current receiver of the same divine word that gave birth to the early scriptures.  "We gave you this" or "we told you that" is common in the Quran when retelling a story from earlier scripture.  The "we" means God.  Muslims believe the Quran supercedes the Bible.

Here are my questions:

Recently, 138 Muslim clerics from all over the world wrote a letter to the Pope.  In the letter these clerics sought as a starting point for future dialogue the recognition of Islam's premise that there is no God but God.  It's almost like these Muslim scholars are asking Christians to denounce that Jesus was the son of God in this letter.  Some have said this letter was a call to Islam.  What are your views?

Muslims believe state and religion are under the obedience of Allah through the teachings of Islam. So are economic and social transactions, as well as educational and political systems all part of the teachings of Islam.  How difficult is it for you to live in America where man-made laws may contradict Islamic teachings?

How is this discussed and taught at your mosque?

Are politics discussed there?

Don't Arabs control 99% of the land in the Middle East?

Does the state of Israel have the right to exist at all?   

There are several verses in the Quran which confirms existence of the land for Israel.  Here is one verse: 

10.93 We settled the Children of Israel in a beautiful dwelling-place, and provided for them sustenance of the best... 

Can you see why the denial of Israel's right to exist is insulting and hurtful to Christians and Jews whose scripture evolve around Israel since before Christ?

Why is Palestine not mentioned at all in the Quran? 

(note: I don't believe it came into existence until after Israel was dominated by another empire - perhaps sometime after the Roman Empire or during the Islamic Ottoman Empire.)

Why is Jerusalem not mentioned at all in the Quran?

Do you agree the temples in Israel, which have been excavated and well documented existed?  I believe a mosque was built over the 2nd Jewish temple built, right?

What hard evidence can you provide me that Palestine existed before these ruins of the Jewish temples?  I've been looking for sources but can't find even one.  Well-documented proof is needed.

The following chapters in the Quran give clear instruction about fighting and dying for Allah.  How is this taught at your mosque?

Chapter 4.74: Let those fight in the cause of Allah Who sell the life of this world for the hereafter. To him who fighteth in the cause of Allah,- whether he is slain or gets victory - Soon shall We give him a reward of great (value).

4.95: Not equal are those believers who sit (at home) and receive no hurt, and those who strive and fight in the cause of Allah with their goods and their persons. Allah hath granted a grade higher to those who strive and fight with their goods and persons than to those who sit (at home). Unto all (in Faith) Hath Allah promised good: But those who strive and fight Hath He distinguished above those who sit (at home) by a special reward.

How would you describe Hezbollah?   Hamas?

Do both organizations seek the total destruction of the state of Israel?  (note:  the destruction of Israel is in Hamas' charter)

Your prophet claimed to be the author of the Bible yet he seems to preach a strong dislike of Christian and Jews.   It is stated in the Quran that the bibical books were distorted.  Can you tell me exactly where they were distorted?

Every word in the Quran is the exact work of Allah. correct?  That would include the verses that say it is blasphemy to consider Jesus the son of God.  Please explain.

Describe combative jihad?

What conditions allow this type of jihad?

Do you believe in the Gospel of Jesus?  (review this will them briefly).  Then ask why the Gospel of Jesus is forbidden from being taught in Islamic countries.  Review Islamic countries here.

Does the Quran itself precludes Muslims from accepting secular concepts of individual freedom, material prosperity, and personal happiness outside of Islam?

Review the document used by CAIR, in our public schools (when they can do it) about Islam and its blending with Christianity. 

This document states the gospel of Jesus is part of Islam (slide 11).  Yet it is forbidden to be heard by Muslims in Islamic countries.  Please explain this discrepancy. 

Where in the Quran is the Gospel of Jesus referred?  The Hymn of David? 

Can the Quran be intepreted or does every verse stand?

If your answer to the above was yes then the  "tax of inferiority" verse (9.29) is a requirement of those who are not Muslims? 

This tax is being demanded of the Christians in Iraq .  Is this part of the teachings of the Quran?

Are you enjoined to act according to the Quran in its entirety?

Verse 2.256 states, Let there be no compulsion in religion.  This is a verse also used to tell us Islam is a religion of peace.  Why then do the laws, constitution or practices of Islamic countries not allow a Muslim to have basic religious freedom?

Why is Islam not practiced in any Islamic country the way it is portrayed in America?

Who is the highest Islamic religious authority in the United State?

Whose fatwas (Islamic religious ruling) do you follow?

What are infidels?

What is Islamic jurisprudence?

Does Allah command that you spread Islam?

When Muslims speak to Chrisitains and Jews, they often quote verses out the Quran to them.  Can you understand this is insulting to them since the Quran chastizes them for being on the wrong side?  Why don't you simple keep your verses to yourself out of respect for these religions?

To further complicate this issue, Islam is the only religion I'm aware of that allow lying in three circumstances; in battle, to reconcile people and bring peace between husband and wife. Because of this we must read the words in the Quran along with the carefully recorded words and deeds of their prophet to determine for ourselves what Islam is all about.

Sahih Muslim/Hadith Book 032, Number 6303: ..."Shihab said he did not hear that exemption was granted in anything what the people speak as lie but in three cases: in battle, for bringing reconciliation amongst persons and the narration of the words of the husband to his wife, and the narration of the words of a wife to her husband (in a twisted form in order to bring reconciliation between them)".

Hadith Sahih al-Bukhari: Volume 3, Book 49, Number 857: Narrated Um Kulthum bint Uqba: "That she heard Allah's Apostle saying, He who makes peace between the people by inventing good information or saying good things, is not a liar".

Sahih al-Bukhari: Volume 5, Book 59, Number 369: Allah's Apostle said, "Who is willing to kill Ka'b bin Al-Ashraf who has hurt Allah and His Apostle"? Thereupon Muhammad bin Maslama got up saying, "O Allah's Apostle! Would you like that I kill him?; The Prophet said, Yes; Muhammad bin Maslama said, Then allow me to say a (false) thing (i.e. to deceive Kab). ;The Prophet said, "You may say it"

Does the Quran state Islam the only true religion?   Is it superior to all other religions?  Isn't this how it is taught?

Why are non-Muslims not allowed in Mecca?

Is blasphemy a capital offense according to the Quran? 

Could an argument be made Islam, a whole system of living and governing, is counter to the American constitution of separation of state and religion? 

How would you define an Islamist?

What is a caliphate?

Some experts believe Islamists are waging a global fight against free peoples (Hindu, Buddhists, Christians, Jews) for a global caliphate.  What are your thoughts?

The evidence presented in the Holy Land Foundation Trial demonstrats our government's long-standing awareness of the Muslim Brotherhood and its various goals within America.  Were you aware of their presence here?

There are a number of national Islamic organizations in the U.S. started by the Muslim Brotherhood which seeks to create a global Islamic state.  Do you belong to any of them?  Do you know anyone who does?

Do you believe you have free will to choose what religion you practice?

Do Muslims, who are born in an Islamic state have freedom to change their religion? To build a church?

What kind of education is taught in Islamic countries? 

How does a country become an Islamic state?

How many Islamic states are there in the world?

What type of Islam follows the so-called strict form that gives rise to violence?  Is it traditional, or formal, or fundamental, or orthodox, or conservative, or strict, literal, or pure, or true or primitive or authentic or is it simply the basic tenants of Islam?  I'd like to know because each one of these types have been used to describe the so-called "bad" Islam.

When Muslims are asked about the troubling parts of Islam or what is in the Quran or about activities with global islamic movements, they tend to cry they are the victims or we are Islamophobic.  Why the diversionary tactic? 

Muslims believe Christains are in error about Jesus and the Trinity, correct?"

5.73:  They do blaspheme who say: Allah is one of three in a Trinity, for there is no god except One God". 

Why do you think so many believe Islam is a religion of violence?

Describe what is considered oppression.

Jihad in the path of God – which consists of battling [Arabic, qital] against unbelief, oppression, injustice, and those who perpetrate it – is the summit of Islam.  Do you agree with this statement?

 

5.32:  For that cause We decreed for the Children of Israel that whosoever killeth a human being for other than manslaughter or corruption in the earth, it shall be as if he had killed all mankind, and whoso saveth the life of one, it shall be as if he had saved the life of all mankind. Our messengers came unto them of old with clear proofs (of Allah's Sovereignty), but afterwards lo! many of them became prodigals in the earth.

There are several translations of the Quran we could also reference.  One interesting one is George Sales' translation.  He translated the Koran into a book that Thomas Jefferson owned.  As most of us remember this book was used by U.S. Congressman Keith Ellison as he was sworn into office. Thomas Jefferson had a pretty good reason to study the Koran because he dealt for years with Islamic rulers and their pirates taking our ships and crew for hostages and ransom,  He even reported to Congress that he was told they do it because it was their Islamic right and obligation!  Sale's translation of the Koran was done in 1734:   

5.32:  Wherefore we commanded the children of Israel, that he who slayeth a soul, without adding thereto the murder of another soul, or without committing wickedness in the earth, shall be as if he had slain all mankind: But he who saveth a soul alive, shall be as if he had saved the lives of all mankind. Our Apostles formerly came unto them, with evident miracles; then were many of them, after this, transgressors on the earth.

Other verses in this particular chapter talk about the major error Christians made when they said Jesus was the son of God (5.17). Muslims do not believe Jesus is the son of God and the Christians are chastised for this reason.   In verse 5.18 we see how the Jews and the Christians tried to explain to Mohammad that they were the children of God but he challenges them and said God was punishing them for their sins and they are not the chosen ones.  Mohammad then declared that Islam is the true religion and that they, the Jews and Christians,  are on the wrong side.  A fairly good part of the Koran discusses the errors of the Jews and Christians and one verse particularly stands out for me: 

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.

So in my on-going studies of the Quran and the carefully recorded words of their prophet, it appears to me the peace comes if you submit to Islam but even that's no guarantee because of on-going murdering of Muslims by Muslims. 

Throughout the Quran stories from the Torah and the New Testament are retold by Muhammad as if he was the current receiver of the same divine word that gave birth to the early scriptures.  "We gave you this" or "we told you that" is common in the Quran when retelling a story from earlier scripture.  The "we" means God.  Muslims believe the Quran supercedes the Bible.

Here are my questions:

Recently, 138 Muslim clerics from all over the world wrote a letter to the Pope.  In the letter these clerics sought as a starting point for future dialogue the recognition of Islam's premise that there is no God but God.  It's almost like these Muslim scholars are asking Christians to denounce that Jesus was the son of God in this letter.  Some have said this letter was a call to Islam.  What are your views?

Muslims believe state and religion are under the obedience of Allah through the teachings of Islam. So are economic and social transactions, as well as educational and political systems all part of the teachings of Islam.  How difficult is it for you to live in America where man-made laws may contradict Islamic teachings?

How is this discussed and taught at your mosque?

Are politics discussed there?

There are several verses in the Quran which confirms existence of the land for Israel.  Here is one verse: 

10.93 We settled the Children of Israel in a beautiful dwelling-place, and provided for them sustenance of the best... 

Can you see why the denial of Israel's right to exist is insulting and hurtful to Christians and Jews whose scripture evolve around Israel since before Christ?

Why is Palestine not mentioned at all in the Quran? 

(note: I don't believe it came into existence until after Israel was dominated by another empire - perhaps sometime after the Roman Empire or during the Islamic Ottoman Empire.)

Why is Jerusalem not mentioned at all in the Quran?

Do you agree the temples in Israel, which have been excavated and well documented existed?  I believe a mosque was built over the 2nd Jewish temple built, right?

What hard evidence can you provide me that Palestine existed before these ruins of the Jewish temples?  I've been looking for sources but can't find even one.  Well-documented proof is needed.

The following chapters in the Quran give clear instruction about fighting and dying for Allah.  How is this taught at your mosque?

Chapter 4.74: Let those fight in the cause of Allah Who sell the life of this world for the hereafter. To him who fighteth in the cause of Allah,- whether he is slain or gets victory - Soon shall We give him a reward of great (value).

4.95: Not equal are those believers who sit (at home) and receive no hurt, and those who strive and fight in the cause of Allah with their goods and their persons. Allah hath granted a grade higher to those who strive and fight with their goods and persons than to those who sit (at home). Unto all (in Faith) Hath Allah promised good: But those who strive and fight Hath He distinguished above those who sit (at home) by a special reward.

Do both organizations seek the total destruction of the state of Israel?  (note:  the destruction of Israel is in Hamas' charter)

Your prophet claimed to be the author of the Bible yet he seems to preach a strong dislike of Christian and Jews.   It is stated in the Quran that the bibical books were distorted.  Can you tell me exactly where they were distorted?

Every word in the Quran is the exact work of Allah. correct?  That would include the verses that say it is blasphemy to consider Jesus the son of God.  Please explain.

Describe combative jihad?

What conditions allow this type of jihad?

Do you believe in the Gospel of Jesus?  (review this will them briefly).  Then ask why the Gospel of Jesus is forbidden from being taught in Islamic countries.  Review Islamic countries here.

Does the Quran itself precludes Muslims from accepting secular concepts of individual freedom, material prosperity, and personal happiness outside of Islam?

Review the document used by CAIR, in our public schools (when they can do it) about Islam and its blending with Christianity. 

This document states the gospel of Jesus is part of Islam (slide 11).  Yet it is forbidden to be heard by Muslims in Islamic countries.  Please explain this discrepancy. 

Where in the Quran is the Gospel of Jesus referred?  The Hymn of David? 

Can the Quran be intepreted or does every verse stand?

If your answer to the above was yes then the  "tax of inferiority" verse (9.29) is a requirement of those who are not Muslims? 

This tax is being demanded of the Christians in Iraq .  Is this part of the teachings of the Quran?

Are you enjoined to act according to the Quran in its entirety?

Verse 2.256 states, Let there be no compulsion in religion.  This is a verse also used to tell us Islam is a religion of peace.  Why then do the laws, constitution or practices of Islamic countries not allow a Muslim to have basic religious freedom?

Why is Islam not practiced in any Islamic country the way it is portrayed in America?

Who is the highest Islamic religious authority in the United State?

Whose fatwas (Islamic religious ruling) do you follow?

What are infidels?

What is Islamic jurisprudence?

Does Allah command that you spread Islam?

When Muslims speak to Chrisitains and Jews, they often quote verses out the Quran to them.  Can you understand this is insulting to them since the Quran chastizes them for being on the wrong side?  Why don't you simple keep your verses to yourself out of respect for these religions?

To further complicate this issue, Islam is the only religion I'm aware of that allow lying in three circumstances; in battle, to reconcile people and bring peace between husband and wife. Because of this we must read the words in the Quran along with the carefully recorded words and deeds of their prophet to determine for ourselves what Islam is all about.

Why are non-Muslims not allowed in Mecca?

Is blasphemy a capital offense according to the Quran? 

Could an argument be made Islam, a whole system of living and governing, is counter to the American constitution of separation of state and religion? 

How would you define an Islamist?

What is a caliphate?

Some experts believe Islamists are waging a global fight against free peoples (Hindu, Buddhists, Christians, Jews) for a global caliphate.  What are your thoughts?

The evidence presented in the Holy Land Foundation Trial demonstrats our government's long-standing awareness of the Muslim Brotherhood and its various goals within America.  Were you aware of their presence here?

There are a number of national Islamic organizations in the U.S. started by the Muslim Brotherhood which seeks to create a global Islamic state.  Do you belong to any of them?  Do you know anyone who does?

Do you believe you have free will to choose what religion you practice?

Do Muslims, who are born in an Islamic state have freedom to change their religion? To build a church?

What kind of education is taught in Islamic countries? 

How does a country become an Islamic state?

How many Islamic states are there in the world?

What type of Islam follows the so-called strict form that gives rise to violence?  Is it traditional, or formal, or fundamental, or orthodox, or conservative, or strict, literal, or pure, or true or primitive or authentic or is it simply the basic tenants of Islam?  I'd like to know because each one of these types have been used to describe the so-called "bad" Islam.

When Muslims are asked about the troubling parts of Islam or what is in the Quran or about activities with global islamic movements, they tend to cry they are the victims or we are Islamophobic.  Why the diversionary tactic? 

Muslims believe Christains are in error about Jesus and the Trinity, correct?"

5.73:  They do blaspheme who say: Allah is one of three in a Trinity, for there is no god except One God". 

Why do you think so many believe Islam is a religion of violence?

Describe what is considered oppression.

Jihad in the path of God – which consists of battling [Arabic, qital] against unbelief, oppression, injustice, and those who perpetrate it – is the summit of Islam.  Do you agree with this statement?