Islam: A religion of Terror?

Your probably asking why I posted this here and not no where else, like the religion thread. I hope this post doesnt get moved but if it does, oh well. I posted this here because of the daily events going on in the world today and the misrepresentation of Islam in the media due to September 11, the Israel/Palestine conflict, and the upcoming War on Iraq.

It's an article I found:

www.thetruereligion.org...

A bomb goes off in a marketplace in Jerusalem. A suicide bomber launches himself into a bus full of women and children in Tel Aviv. Foreign tourists get massacred at a holiday resort in Luxor, Egypt. Villages upon villages get annihilated in Algeria. The list of events worldwide which have come to symbolise the 'Islamic terror' are endless. From the times in the 70's and 80's when Pan Am and TWA aeroplanes would be highjacked, to the mid 80's in war torn Lebanon where Americans and Europeans would be held as hostages for years; all such incidents have come to be identified with the religion of Islam. Such incidents from past and present have undoubtedly affected Muslims worldwide and more so in the West. Any Muslim, who wants to practice his/her religion and expresses the pious desire to live under the banner of Islam, is labelled a fundamentalist or extremist. Any Muslim man who walks down a busy street in London or Paris (and Paris moreso) with a beard and a scarf on his head, is looked upon as being a terrorist who's probably got an AK47 stashed somewhere on his person. Muslim women who are veiled can't go anywhere in the Western world without being taunted as being oppressed or being mad (for covering up). However, are such beliefs and opinions about Islam really justified?

Exploding the myth

One of the many short comings which has arisen in the West, is judging Islam by the conduct of a minority of its people. By doing this, segments of Western society have deliberately played off the desperate actions of many Muslims, and have given it the name of Islam. Such behaviour is clearly not objective and seeks to distort the reality of Islam. For if such a thing was done Judge a religion by the conduct of its people) then we too could say that all Christianity is about is child molesting and homosexuality [1] whilst Hinduism was all about looting and breaking up mosques [2]. Generalising in such a manner is not seen as being objective, yet we find that the Western world is foremost in propagating this outlook on Islam. So what is the reality of Islam? How does one dispel the myths which have been created and spread so viciously? The only way to examine Islam is to simply examine its belief system. Look at its sources, the Qur'an and Sunna, and see what they have to say. This is the way to find the truth about what Islam says about terror, terrorism and terrorists. One who is sincerely searching for the truth, will do it no other way. The very name Islam comes from the Arabic root word 'salama' which means peace. Islam is a religion which is based upon achieving peace through the submission to the will of Allah. Thus, by this very simple linguistic definition, one can ascertain as to what the nature of this religion is. If such a religion is based on the notion of peace, then how is it that so many acts done by its adherents are contrary to peace? The answer is simple. Such actions, if not sanctioned by the religion, have no place with it. They are not Islamic and should not be thought of as Islamic.

Jihad

The word jihad sends shivers down the spines of many Westerners. They readily equate this term with violence and oppression. However, it must be said that the meaning of jihad, as a 'holy war', is something which is totally foreign and not from Islam. If anything, such a description belongs more so to Christianity and its adherents. It was terms like this which were used to justify the slaughter and pillage of towns and cities during the crusades by the Christians. By simply looking into the sources of Islam, one is able to know that the true meaning of jihad is to strive/make effort in the way of Allah. Thus striving in the way of Allah can be both peaceful and physical. The Prophet Muhammed (saws) said:

"The best jihad is (by) the one who strives against his own self for Allah, The Mighty and Majestic"

In the Qur'an, Allah also says:

"So obey not the disbelievers, but make a great jihad (effort) against them (by preaching) with it (the Qur'an)"
(Surah Al-Furqan 25:52)

By controlling and fighting against ones desires, the Muslims can then also physically exert themselves in the path of Allah. It is this physical or combative jihad which receives so much criticism. Because of the sheer ignorance of this type of jihad Islam is regarded as terror, and Muslims are regarded as terrorists. However, the very purpose of this physical jihad is to raise the word of Allah uppermost. By doing this, it liberates and emancipates all those who are crying out for freedom all over the world. If the likes of the pacifists of this world had their way, then the world would indeed be full of anarchy and mischief. The combative jihad seeks to correct this as Allah says in the Qur'an:

"And if Allah did not check one set of people by means of another, the Earth would be full of mischief. But Allah is full of bounty to the worlds"
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:251)


Such would be the corruption on this Earth if there had never been a combative jihad that Allah says:

"For had it not been that Allah checks one set of people by means of another, monasteries, churches, synagogues and mosques, wherein the name of Allah is mentioned much, would surely have been pulled down. Indeed Allah will help those who help His (cause). Truly Allah is All strong, All mighty"
(Surah Al-Hajj 22:40)

This combative jihad being both defensive and offensive, is something which is commanded by Allah upon the Muslims. Through this command the oppressed and weak are rescued from the tyranny of the world:


"And what is the matter with you that you do not fight in the cause of Allah and for those weak, ill treated and oppressed among men, women and children whose only cry is; 'Our Lord, rescue us from this town whose people are oppressors and raise for us from you one who will protect and raise for us from you one who will help"
(Surah An-Nisa 4:75)


Anyone who knows the early history of Islam, will know that all those nations and empires which came under the fold of Islam were indeed previously oppressed. When the companions of the Prophet Muhammed (saws) went out for the offensive jihad against the Egyptians, the Persians and the Romans, we find that the people did not resist against them at all. Rather, they accepted Islam on such a scale, that it is inconceivable that the jihad of Islam could be anything other then a liberation for these people; a liberation from centuries of tyranny. In fact, with the Byzantine Egyptians and the people of Spain, the Muslims were even beckoned to come and liberate these lands from the oppression of their kings. This is the glorious track record of the Muslim jihad. Compare this with the brutal track record of warfare in the Western world over the centuries. From the crusades against the Muslims to the days of colonial warfare, the Western world has killed, destroyed and plundered everything which has come in its way. Even today this merciless killing goes on by the Western nations. While claiming to be about world peace and security, Western nations are ready to bomb innocent civilians at the drop of a hat. The classic example of this is the recent bombings of Sudan and Afghanistan. Whilst claiming that Sudan and Afghanistan were havens for Islamic terrorists, the bombings of these two nations could not have come at a better time for the American president Bill Clinton. The destruction of innocent lives which were a result of these bombings clearly seem to have been an attempt by Clinton to avert attention away from his sexual misdemeanours; [4] something which he so often gets caught up in. Without doubt this was the reason for such terror from the American military upon innocent people. This is the same American military which claims to enter the worlds trouble spots under the guise of being peace keepers. But

"� when it is said to them; 'Make not mischief on the Earth', they say; 'We are only peace makers'. Indeed they are the ones who make mischief, but they perceive it not"
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:11-12)

The hypocrisy of the West is indeed astounding.

By looking at the rules and regulations of this combative jihad it will be clear to any sincere person that this is indeed the religion of truth. When fighting an unjust enemy, no matter how unjust they are, it is forbidden by Islam that their retreating forces are mutilated, tortured or slaughtered. The treacherous violation of treaties and carrying out assassinations after a cease fire, are also prohibited. Allah says in the Qur'an:


"And fight in the way of Allah those who fight you. But do not transgress the limits. Truly Allah loves not the transgressors"
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:190)

Not transgressing the limits means not to kill women and children, for the Messenger of Allah (saws) "forbade the killing of women and children" [5]. Not transgressing the limits means that the elderly, the sick, monks, worshippers and hired labourers are not attacked. Not transgressing the limits means not killing animals wantonly, burning crops and vegetation, polluting waters and destroying homes, monasteries, churches and synagogues:

lah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion, nor drove you out of your homes. Indeed, Allah loves those who deal with equity"
(Surah Al-Mumtahinah 60:8)

After reading such passages from the Qur'an and knowing about what Islam commands and prohibits in jihad, the rules of warfare are given a new meaning; a meaning of justice. How sad it is then, that whilst Islam is condemned for striking terror into the hearts of the people, the likes of the Serbs, the Indian army in Kashmir and the Israeli soldiers in Palestine are left untarnished for the atrocities they have committed in the name of warfare.

So what about suicide bombing, is this too a part of jihad in Allah's path? From what has already been stated above, it can be deduced that this is not from the religion. However, unfortunately many Muslims have taken suicide bombing as being a virtuous act by which one receives reward. This could not be further from the truth. The Prophet (saws) said: ose who go to extremes are destroyed". Suicide bombing is undoubtedly an extremity which has reached the ranks of the Muslims. In the rules of warfare, we find no sanction for such an act from the behaviour and words of the Prophet Muhammed (saws) and his companions. Unfortunately, today (some misguided) Muslims believe that such acts are paving the way for an Islamic revival and a return to the rule of Islam's glorious law. However, we fail to bear in mind that the Prophet (saws) said:

not be delighted by the action of anyone, until you see how he ends up" [7]

So, for example what is the end of a suicide bomber in Palestine?, a leg here, an arm there. Massive retaliation by the Israeli's in the West Bank and Gaza. More Muslims killed and persecuted. How can we be delighted with such an end? What really hammers the final nail in the coffin of this act, is that it is suicide; something which is clearly forbidden in Islam. The Messenger of Allah (saws) said:

who kills himself with anything, Allah will torment him with that in the fire of Hell" [8]

Some are under the misconception that by killing oneself for an Islamic cause, one commits an act which deserves Paradise. Once when a man killed himself, the Prophet (saws) said: "He is a dweller of the Fire". When the people were surprised at this, the Prophet (saws) said:

person performs the deeds which to the people appears to be the deeds befitting the dweller of Paradise, but he is in fact one of the dwellers of the Fire" [9]

The taking of ones life which Allah has given as a trust to the human, is a great sin. Likewise the taking of other lives (which is so often the case with suicide bombing) is also forbidden, as human life is indeed precious:

.If anyone killed a person not in retaliation for murder or to spread mischief in the land, it would be as if he killed the whole of mankind. And (likewise) if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the whole of mankind"
(Surah Al-Maaida 5:32)

Thus, all other types of extremities such as hostage taking, hijacking and planting bombs in public places, are clearly forbidden in Islam.

The Media

By going through the teachings of Islam, it is clear that such a religion has only come to benefit mankind - not to destroy it. So why is there so much hatred for this noble religion in the West? The answer is simple, the media. It is the Jewish influenced media of the West which has portrayed Islam to be something that it is not. During the 70's and 80's when the PLO (Palestine Liberation Organisation) were carrying out daring highjacks on the worlds airways, the media in the West portrayed it as being Islamic. When the Shi'ite suicide bombers of the 80's were causing so much havoc in the Lebanon and in the Gulf region, the media in the West portrayed it as a part of Islam. However, it is known by the heads of the media that the likes of the PLO were not an Islamic organisation, and that according to Islam, Shi'ites are outside the fold of Islam [10]. Yet such facts are never portrayed by a media which seeks to cover the truth of this religion. A number of years ago, when the Oklahoma City bomb went off, a headline in one of the newspapers, 'Today' [11], summed up this attitude. With a picture of a fire fighter holding a dead child in his arms, the headline read: "In The Name of Islam" Time has of course proven that this bigoted assumption was incorrect, as Timothy McVeigh, a right wing radical now faces the death penalty for the crime [12]. Likewise the bombs which went off in the Paris metro in 1995, were also blamed on Muslim fanatics. It has now emerged that the Algerian secret service who having routinely bribed many European journalists and MPs, were actually behind it. The desire to throw a veil over Islam is immense by these people:

ey intend to put out the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah will complete His light even though the disbelievers hate (it)"
(Surah As-Saff 61:8)

Whilst trying to destroy Islam through this instrument of the media, the Jews clearly try to portray an image of themselves as being the oppressed people. Every year, we are reminded as to how many Jews perished under the Nazis in World War II. We are made to feel sorry for these same people who have gone on to commit so many crimes upon the Palestinian people. Some may say that this is a racist and biased viewpoint. But we say; If this media was not run and orchestrated by the Jews and was truly neutral, then why are Menachem Begin and Yitzhak Shamir, two former Israeli prime ministers, not held aloft as being terrorists? Anyone who knows about the history of the Palestinian occupation will tell you that these two men were members of the Stern Gang and Irgun, two notorious Jewish terror groups who killed many innocent people [13]. If this media was truly impartial, then why does it not tell about the extent of the Israeli bombardment and illegal occupation of Southern Lebanon and its people? [14] And if this media really had nothing against the religion of Allah, then why does it not inform the people that every day hundreds are entering the religion of Islam? Such things will never be highlighted in the Western media, simply because to do so would be against their very interests.

With such immense pressure against it, it is indeed a blessing from Allah that Islam goes from strength to strength. It continues to grow faster then any other religion in the Western world, conquering the hearts and minds of thousands. All this should not even surprise us though, for Allah has promised us that this religion will prevail:

is He who has sent His Messenger with the guidance and the religion of truth, so that He may make it victorious over all other religions, even though the disbelievers detest it"
(Surah As-Saff 61:9)

It is a must that humanity comes towards the religion of Islam. Without it, we will continue to slip down the road of inequity and darkness. With it we can establish a society of justice and peace. Religion of terror? ... no. The way forward? ... yes.

ere is no compulsion in religion. The right path has indeed become distinct from the wrong. So whoever rejects false worship and believes in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allah is All Hearing, All Knowing"
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:256)

Great Post.

Jihad also has another meanin - 'to strive for, etc.'

Acts conducted by a minority, condoned and protected by the majority and sponsored by the states controlled by that religion.

Actions speak louder than words, and even if we prefer to ignore the facts as we have for decades, the most dangerous place to be is the neighbor of an Islamic state, or a non-Islamic human in an Islamic nation.

Or is it just a grand conspiracy to make Islam appear evil? Maybe its really the Red Army Faction behind all this?

You can read a thousand articles on both sides of the point of debate, but in the end its cold hard facts, body counts, torture and enslavement that walks the walk.

[Edited on 16-3-2003 by Java]

I think that the Beddouin values of the Arabic peoples is what allows the Koran to easily be corrupted for "terroist" use. Doesn't mean Islam is a terrorist religion, people misuse the bible equally.

Originally posted by Java
You can read a thousand articles on both sides of the point of debate, but in the end its cold hard facts, body counts, torture and enslavement that walks the walk.

[Edited on 16-3-2003 by Java]

I agree totally. We read a bible (full of contradictions) which treats Women unfrairly, does not allow freedom of religion, and promotes slavery very strictly. We also live in a Christian country which killed off all the Indians and 300+ slaves during the entire slave trade. We also live in a Christian country that is number one in any crime you can think of, maybe some things you can't even imagine.. murder, suicide, theft, drugs, rape, need I go on? I absolutely agree with you. Words don't count, it's hard facts we need to look at.


[Edited on 16-3-2003 by CHAVEZ]

Chavez hit it right on the nose.

When you say "we" read a bible, who is we? My Bible, the King James Version, 1611, has none of to which you refer. Your inability to comprehend what you read has nothing to do with what it says.

This nation was founded upon Judeo-Christian values and principles, yet it was still a nation of people, human beings, with all their flaws and shortcomings. Something seemed to have geled right as we rose to the height of the international cream in record time.

As far as crime and immorality, don't blame that on the Christian roots, pal, the farther those who didn't build this nation demand God be pushed out, the farther along the path to destruction the drive us.

And, pal, this nation's history doesn't even begin to compare to the history of Islam, or the current state of it, as you attempt to imply.

Furthermore, all the indians, or native Americans, were not killed. Their inheritance was taken from them, however, the right to self-governance was taken away for a while as well.

The mere fact that "Illuminati" can say what he says in this country and still exchange carbon dioxide for oxygen while if I tried that in an Islamic nation pretty much shuts your argument, as well as his, down. That is if you managed to see the truth.
And that, my dear friend, hit it right on the nose.



[Edited on 16-3-2003 by Thomas Crowne]

Thomas, how many times do you have to say something like, "you can say this hear , but try saying it in Iran or something"

It's getting old and I bet you know nothing on Islamic history because if you did you wouldnt post that nonsense.

America has more blood on her hands than many countries in the world and America is a teenager to most of these countries.

This nation was founded upon Judeo-Christian values and principles

If this country was founded on so called Christian values the slave trade never would've happened, the Indian Removal act would never had happened and slaves wouldnt be considered second class citizens and the pilgrims would've lived with the Indians in peace instead of whitewashing their children and giving them blankets infested with smallpox and THAT hit it right on the nose, your nose too.

Originally posted by Thomas Crowne
When you say "we" read a bible, who is we? My Bible, the King James Version, 1611, has none of to which you refer. Your inability to comprehend what you read has nothing to do with what it says.

This nation was founded upon Judeo-Christian values and principles, yet it was still a nation of people, human beings, with all their flaws and shortcomings. Something seemed to have geled right as we rose to the height of the international cream in record time.

As far as crime and immorality, don't blame that on the Christian roots, pal, the farther those who didn't build this nation demand God be pushed out, the farther along the path to destruction the drive us.

And, pal, this nation's history doesn't even begin to compare to the history of Islam, or the current state of it, as you attempt to imply.

Furthermore, all the indians, or native Americans, were not killed. Their inheritance was taken from them, however, the right to self-governance was taken away for a while as well.

The mere fact that "Illuminati" can say what he says in this country and still exchange carbon dioxide for oxygen while if I tried that in an Islamic nation pretty much shuts your argument, as well as his, down. That is if you managed to see the truth.
And that, my dear friend, hit it right on the nose.



[Edited on 16-3-2003 by Thomas Crowne]

Weak argument.

Christianity is evil and based on hypocrisy. Mr. Crowne, I agree that truth hurts, especially if you have been living a lie for a long time.

You have the same bible that I have. It doesn't say anything I've mentioned? Let's see...

"Let all who are under the yoke of slavery regard their masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be defamed." - Timothy 6:1

Is this God's word? Be honest with yourself.

"If a man beats his male or female slave with a rod and the slave dies as a direct result, he must be punished, but he is not to be punished if the slave gets up after a day or two, since the slave is his property." - Exodus 21:20-21

Slave = Property?

"Your male and female slaves are to come from the nations around you; from them you may buy slaves. You may also buy some of the temporary residents living among you and members of their clans born in your country, and they will become your property. You can will them to your children as inherited property and can make them slaves for life, but you must not rule over your fellow Israelites ruthlessly." - Leviticus 25:44-46

Slaves are less than human.

"Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord." - Colossians 3:22

"Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh." - Peter 2:18

Such disgusting sickness cannot come from God.

Let's look at how women are treated.

"If a man has sexual relations with an animal, he must be put to death, and you must kill the animal." - Leviticus 20:15

"If a woman approaches an animal to have sexual relations with it, kill both the woman and the animal. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads." - Leviticus 20:16

Man has to be caught in the act, Woman can look suspicious to be killed.

"If a man happens to meet a virgin who is not pledged to be married and rapes her and they are discovered, he shall pay the girl's father fifty shekels of silver. He must marry the girl, for he has violated her. He can never divorce her as long as he lives." - Deuteronomy 22:28-30

Raped girl gets punished.

"Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church." - Corinthians 14:34

"And in case men struggle together (in a fight) with one another, and the wife of the one has come near to deliver her husband out of the striking one (to save her husband), and she has thrust out her hand and grabbed hold of his private (the other man's groin), she must then get both her hands cut off, and the eyes of the men must feel no sorrow." - Deuteronomy 25:11-12

A woman attempting to save someone from getting into a fight gets punished.

Let's look at freedom of religion.

"All who would not seek the LORD, the God of Israel, were to be put to death, whether small or great, man or woman." - The Bible - Chronicles 15:13

"If your very own brother, or your son, or daughter, or the wife you love, or your closest friend secretly entices you, saying: Let us go and worship other Gods, you must show him no pity. Do not spare him or shield him. You must certainly put him to death. Your hand must be the first hand putting him to death, and then the hands of all the people!" - The Bible - Deuteronomy 13:6-9

Christianity is the cause of evil in this world.

I didn't figure either of you would stomach the truth.

Again, facts speak for themselves, your drivel means nothing.

Enjoy talking bad about the House the Christians built while standing in it. As you try and tear it down.

There you go again Thomas, always assuming you know everything.

I'm dont have to talk bad about the house Christians built and I'm not tearing it down either, Christians already done did that.

Remember, God created man, not religion. Man destroyed religion.

"Christianity is the cause of evil in this world. "


Christianity has committed foul acts in the name of God through out history, but I wouldnt blame them for all of the evil in this world. The way I see it we are human beings, and inherrently evil. It's our free will that allows us to be good or evil. With out a religion we would still fight, for power, land, resources.

To me it seems most religions have the same basics at the core, they pretty much tell you to try and be a decent human being. Although I think all religions have been infiltrated by those who seek power and secret organizations.

Take a look at the Crusades.

As humans we've been fighting since we've came into existance. I don't think you can blame one religion. Also I think Religion impedes science a lot of the times. through out history people have been imprisioned, killed, and exiled because they would try to explain the world through science instead of mystical forces at work.

I myself do not consider myself highly religious nor do I consider myself christian, or any other religion

I do however believe that there is something more powerful out there, a creator(s) of sorts. Cause and effect. I dont think the big bang just occoured, the universe might've been created in this way but I believe something had to cause that... bah I am getting off subject.

To Answer the topic question, Islam: A religion of Terror?


I don't think it is at all, you just get fanatics, fanatics are bad no matter what religion wether its islam, christian *david koresh (sp?)* and even those heaven gates guys, if you remember them. I am sure there are members of every religion hoping a holy war is now, as to why I have no idea. I wish we could live in peace but we are only human. Add to that the views people will blindly believe because of what they were taught growing up. I use to have a blind faith as a child but I remember always questioning Why? Perhaps if everyone would get their own opinions and views instead of staying with tradition and never questioning why? But thats a part of religion no? Faith.

Sorry if I rambled on.

Illmatic67, I'm sure that you dream to put all the whites and Christians/Jews in a vast concentration camp complex, with muslims black peoples to guard/torture/kill them.

[Edited on 17-3-2003 by ultra_phoenix]

ultra i dont think that the way it goes
muslim didnt teach it people to do such as that.
what all the muslim want is they want to live in harmonies and peace which other races also other religion.but somehow there is a certain people branded
islam as a worse than the real fact.i dont know about the western whiteman tolerate with other is how.
just think this in ASIA the freedom of christianity is at it height e,g in indonesia,malaysia,singapore.let say if we
do the same as the palestien people do in ISRAEL to the jews people,i wonder what is the word from the western people will came up later in front of the morning newspaper.do you think we just do like what
christian people do to the muslim people nowaday in europe,and how about we do the same

Illmatic67, I'm sure that you dream to put all the whites and Christians/Jews in a vast concentration camp complex, with muslims black peoples to guard/torture/kill them.

Really, they gave you the member of the month award with stupid ass comments like that?

LOL!!

You had that one coming, U-P. Kind of like stepping on a hoe and having the handle come up and hit you in the nose, I'd say!