First of all, let me preface this Artikel Von saying that I am far from an expert on Islam. The only thing that qualifies me to write this Artikel is a handful of research and experience with Muslims. I feel that maybe a Muslim would be better equipped to tackle this issue, however it is so important to me that the Western World understand the difference between Islam and Radical Islam that I felt compelled to write this article.
In this article, I will clarify that normal Islam is as peaceful as any other mainstream religion, like Judaism and Christianity. However, that does not mean that radical interpretors of the Koran do not exist, just as radical interpretors of the Bible exist as well (Let us not forget the Ku Klux Klan and other forms of link). No one denies that radical Islamic terrorism is a growing problem in the Middle East, as well as the western world, and no one but radicals support their means of obtaining political oder religious change. True Muslims realize that radical terrorists are actually going against the Koran and the peace that it stands for. And to prove this, I give Du Four points that advocate for peace directly from the Koran oder specific religious practices of Muslims.
Point One: Respect for "People of the Book"
"And dispute ye not with the People of the Book except with means better (than mere disputation) unless it be with those of them who inflict wrong (and injury): but say "We believe in the Revelation which has come down to us and in that which came down to you; Our Allah and your Allah is one; and it is to Him we bow (in Islam)." Koran 29:46, Surah Al-Ankabut
Alternate Translation: "Do not argue with the People of the Scripture except in the nicest possible manner - unless they transgress - and say, "We believe in what was revealed to us and in what was revealed to you, and our god and your god is one and the same; to Him we are submitters."
The Muslim "People of the Book" includes Jews, Christians and Muslims, and the Koran recognize that they all sprouted from the same roots, and because of this it preaches to respect fellow believers, even if they do not necessarily believe in Islam. This is an important point in understanding that Islam is a tolerant religion, which is a fact that is missed Von terrorist and anti-Islamics alike.
Point Two: The Five Pillars of Islam
The Five Pillars are required duties of all Muslims. The profession of faith (Allah is Supreme), Ritual Prayer, Charity to the Less Fortunate, Fasting during Ramadan, and the Pilgrimage to Mecca.
For the sake of this article, I will focus on the Zakat, oder the "alms tax," a sort of charity. It is required of affluent oder middle class Muslims to give money and charity to those who are less fortunate. They give to several different groups: The poor, oder those who barely have enough to get by, the destitute, oder those who have absolutely nothing, People Whose Hearts are to be Reconciled (Normally new Muslims oder those close to becoming Muslim. Even non-muslims could be included), Freeing Slaves, supporting mosques, schools, hospitals, etc, and aiding weary travelers, to name a few.
This practice shows that Islam is a giving religion as well, a concept that coincides with the Christian spirit of charity and giving as well.
Point Three: The Recognition of Jesus, The Bible and the Torah
Like the Jews, the Muslims do not deny that Jesus was a holy man, and they respect him as such and even (in some versions) reference him as the Messiah.
"(And remember) when the Engel said: O Mary! Allah giveth thee glad tidings of a word from Him, whose name is the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, illustrious in the world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near (unto Allah)." Surah 3, Ayat 45
They recognize and respect Jesus as a prophet, like Abraham and Muhammed, though they do not see him specifically as the son of god as Christians do. In fact, they consider the idea that God had a son oder could be teilt, split into three as ludicrous. But that does not mean that they do not accept Jesus as a holy man.
Additionally, the Koran acknowledges that the Bible and Torah are also the word of God.
"We gave the Scriptures to the Israelites and bestowed on them wisdom and prophethood. We provided them with good things and exalted them above the nations. We gave them plain commandments: yet it was not till knowledge had been vouchsafed to them that they disagreed among themselves from evil motives. On the Tag of Resurrection your Lord Himself will judge their differences" Koran 45:16, Al-Jatheyah
Point Four: Islam Advocates Liebe and Peace
Here, I am just going to Liste several Koranic Zitate because I believe they speak for themselves.
"And for those who have faith and do good works - We never charge a soul with Mehr than it can bare... We shall take away all hatred from their hearts." Surah 7:43
"If there are some among Du who believe in that which I have been sent and others who disbelieve it, be patient until Allah shall judge between us. He is the best of judges." Surah 7:87
"Allah does not enjoin Du from befriending those who do not fight Du because of religion, and do not evict Du from your homes. Du may befriend them and be equitable towards them. Allah loves the equitable." Surah 60:8
"If Du punish, let your punishment be proportionate to the wrong that has been done you. But it shall be best for Du to endure your wrongs with patience." Surah 16:126
"In the Torah We decreed for them a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a nose for a nose, an ear for an ear, a tooth for a tooth, and a wound for a wound. But if a man charitably forbears from retaliation, his remission shall atone for him. Transgressors are those that do not judge in accordance with Allah's revelations." Koran 5:45
I hope these are enough to illustrate the peaceful aspect of Islam, and that radicals distort its words to support their violent, psychotic actions. In truth, any text can be contorted Von radicals to support their cause, including the Bible.
In this article, I will clarify that normal Islam is as peaceful as any other mainstream religion, like Judaism and Christianity. However, that does not mean that radical interpretors of the Koran do not exist, just as radical interpretors of the Bible exist as well (Let us not forget the Ku Klux Klan and other forms of link). No one denies that radical Islamic terrorism is a growing problem in the Middle East, as well as the western world, and no one but radicals support their means of obtaining political oder religious change. True Muslims realize that radical terrorists are actually going against the Koran and the peace that it stands for. And to prove this, I give Du Four points that advocate for peace directly from the Koran oder specific religious practices of Muslims.
Point One: Respect for "People of the Book"
"And dispute ye not with the People of the Book except with means better (than mere disputation) unless it be with those of them who inflict wrong (and injury): but say "We believe in the Revelation which has come down to us and in that which came down to you; Our Allah and your Allah is one; and it is to Him we bow (in Islam)." Koran 29:46, Surah Al-Ankabut
Alternate Translation: "Do not argue with the People of the Scripture except in the nicest possible manner - unless they transgress - and say, "We believe in what was revealed to us and in what was revealed to you, and our god and your god is one and the same; to Him we are submitters."
The Muslim "People of the Book" includes Jews, Christians and Muslims, and the Koran recognize that they all sprouted from the same roots, and because of this it preaches to respect fellow believers, even if they do not necessarily believe in Islam. This is an important point in understanding that Islam is a tolerant religion, which is a fact that is missed Von terrorist and anti-Islamics alike.
Point Two: The Five Pillars of Islam
The Five Pillars are required duties of all Muslims. The profession of faith (Allah is Supreme), Ritual Prayer, Charity to the Less Fortunate, Fasting during Ramadan, and the Pilgrimage to Mecca.
For the sake of this article, I will focus on the Zakat, oder the "alms tax," a sort of charity. It is required of affluent oder middle class Muslims to give money and charity to those who are less fortunate. They give to several different groups: The poor, oder those who barely have enough to get by, the destitute, oder those who have absolutely nothing, People Whose Hearts are to be Reconciled (Normally new Muslims oder those close to becoming Muslim. Even non-muslims could be included), Freeing Slaves, supporting mosques, schools, hospitals, etc, and aiding weary travelers, to name a few.
This practice shows that Islam is a giving religion as well, a concept that coincides with the Christian spirit of charity and giving as well.
Point Three: The Recognition of Jesus, The Bible and the Torah
Like the Jews, the Muslims do not deny that Jesus was a holy man, and they respect him as such and even (in some versions) reference him as the Messiah.
"(And remember) when the Engel said: O Mary! Allah giveth thee glad tidings of a word from Him, whose name is the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, illustrious in the world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near (unto Allah)." Surah 3, Ayat 45
They recognize and respect Jesus as a prophet, like Abraham and Muhammed, though they do not see him specifically as the son of god as Christians do. In fact, they consider the idea that God had a son oder could be teilt, split into three as ludicrous. But that does not mean that they do not accept Jesus as a holy man.
Additionally, the Koran acknowledges that the Bible and Torah are also the word of God.
"We gave the Scriptures to the Israelites and bestowed on them wisdom and prophethood. We provided them with good things and exalted them above the nations. We gave them plain commandments: yet it was not till knowledge had been vouchsafed to them that they disagreed among themselves from evil motives. On the Tag of Resurrection your Lord Himself will judge their differences" Koran 45:16, Al-Jatheyah
Point Four: Islam Advocates Liebe and Peace
Here, I am just going to Liste several Koranic Zitate because I believe they speak for themselves.
"And for those who have faith and do good works - We never charge a soul with Mehr than it can bare... We shall take away all hatred from their hearts." Surah 7:43
"If there are some among Du who believe in that which I have been sent and others who disbelieve it, be patient until Allah shall judge between us. He is the best of judges." Surah 7:87
"Allah does not enjoin Du from befriending those who do not fight Du because of religion, and do not evict Du from your homes. Du may befriend them and be equitable towards them. Allah loves the equitable." Surah 60:8
"If Du punish, let your punishment be proportionate to the wrong that has been done you. But it shall be best for Du to endure your wrongs with patience." Surah 16:126
"In the Torah We decreed for them a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a nose for a nose, an ear for an ear, a tooth for a tooth, and a wound for a wound. But if a man charitably forbears from retaliation, his remission shall atone for him. Transgressors are those that do not judge in accordance with Allah's revelations." Koran 5:45
I hope these are enough to illustrate the peaceful aspect of Islam, and that radicals distort its words to support their violent, psychotic actions. In truth, any text can be contorted Von radicals to support their cause, including the Bible.