Islam really says this???

Question

Does it surprise you to discover this at all? How do you feel about this quote?

" "This is a message written by Muhammad ibn Abdullah, as a covenant to those who adopt Christianity, far and near, we are behind them. Verily, I defend them by myself, the servants, the helpers, and my followers, because Christians are my citizens; and by Allah! I hold out against anything that displeases them. No compulsion is to be on them. Neither are their judges to be changed from their jobs, nor their monks from their monasteries. No one is to destroy a house of their religion, to damage it, or to carry anything from it to the Muslims' houses. Should anyone take any of these, he would spoil God's covenant and disobey His Prophet. Verily, they (Christians) are my allies and have my secure charter against all that they hate. No one is to force them to travel or to oblige them to fight. The Muslims are to fight for them.

If a female Christian is married to a Muslim, this is not to take place without her own wish. She is not to be prevented from going to her church to pray. Their churches are to be respected. They are neither to be prevented from repairing them nor the sacredness of their covenants. No one of the nation is to disobey this covenant till the Day of Judgment and the end of the world."

http://www.islam101.com/terror/toleranceftf.htm

Answer 1

Three cheers for you dear lady! Thank you for putting that out there. I was just going through a bunch of stuff to throw away and found my ICNA and ISNA catalogues from my days of studying Islam from the Muslim POV... and it brought back fond memories of when I first met some wonderful Muslims and how generous and kind they were! More needs to be said about the Muslims who use their faith for wisdom, altruism and compassion!

_()_

Answer 2

To the person who said "A Christian-Muslim marriage is forbidden" that's just false. Muslim men may marry Christian or Jewish women. Although there are arguments that that only applies to those women from predominantly Muslim countries (those who pay the other tax, what's it called?) it is generally legal in most Muslim countries for a man to marry a Christian or Jew, regardless of where she is from. Of course it's forbidden for Muslim women to marry non-Muslims though.

Answer 3

I think that it shows what Islam is really like. During the golden age of the Islamic caliphate Baghdad was a haven for people of all faiths and a center for scientific developement. Sallahudin showed the same compassion to Christians who had slaughtered his people. This idea of tolerance is an important one in Islam...

Answer 4

Actually i'm not suprised, though I haven't read any of this letter before.
And proclaim: "I believe in all the scriptures sent down by GOD. I was commanded to judge among you EQUITABLY. GOD is our Lord and your Lord. We have our deeds and you have your deeds. There is no argument between us and you. GOD will gather us all together; to Him is the ultimate destiny."(Holy Koran 42:15)

For had it not been that GOD checks one set of people by means of another, monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques, wherein the Name of GOD is mentioned much, would assuredly have been pulled down. (Holy Koran 22:40)

Answer 5

7proud - I wish only it would be this easy!!!!!!!!
the problem is , that your Koran tells of the infidels, the killing of those who decide apostasies and not to be friends with Christians! we know how much Jews are hated by muslims - that is very sad!
this is all out there for every one to view!
I would like you to know ,that I do not condemn or are trying to judge anyone of your faith! it is yours to work through! if the above written would be true(your comments) , you would be going against your own holy scriptures! and because I know that Muslims are very devout ppl within their faith , it cannot be true my friend!
do not try so hard to convince others of your good intentions , as you do not owe an explanation or apologies for any of your faith or cultural related issues!
it is what it is!
each culture and each religion has its pros and cons , quite frankly , while I know you do not like me for my outspokenness ,I can few anything and anyone as I see fit if it is to any ones liking or not ! and that same goes how I am being viewed!
I have my biases , but in all reality they are not hateful and I will continue to voice my opinion!

peace to you

Answer 6

Very poignant. I wish more people would adhere to passages like this, instead of looking for the wrong kinds of validation to the extreme views that some insist on having.

But then, it's always the most visible minority of extremists that make things difficult for the moderate majority, regardless of which religion you apply that to.

Answer 7

May Allah's peace and blessings be upon beloved Prophet Muhammad, a truly wonderful and amazing person.

Answer 8

He had some nice sentiments and ideas when he started.

Mohammed changed his attitude towards Jews and christians. Initially he was very pro. Same with the 'No compulsion in religion'; he got angrier after being driven out of Mecca, and there are harder things said. Also his authority as God's messenger was challenged; that can make people bitter, and did with him I think.

So you can quote the early friendly stuff, but there is later harsher stuff you perhaps know of, but it would be embarassing to quote.

Answer 9

It doesn't surprise me at all...and it shouldn't surprise you to read the rest of the book of Islam and note the differences between the beginning and the end...RADICALLY different tones. and if there are differences...the more recent is to be followed.

Answer 10

i agree with johnmcn. You sound like you are fighting a loosing battle and trying to convince your doubting mind. Face up to what islam is. And if you still agree with i, that's your choice but don't try to blind yourself to the truth