Is this surprising to you?

Question

Does this say anything new to you?

Islam is a religion of peace, love and tolerance. Today, however, some circles have been presenting a false image of Islam, as if there were conflict between Islam and the adherents of the two other monotheistic religions. Yet Islam's view of Jews and Christians, who are named "the People of the Book" in the Koran, is very friendly and tolerant.

This attitude towards the People of the Book developed during the years of the birth of Islam. At that time, Muslims were a minority, struggling to protect their faith and suffering oppression and torture from the pagans of the city of Mecca. Due to this persecution, some Muslims decided to flee Mecca and shelter in a safe country with a just ruler. The Prophet Muhammad told them to take refuge with King Negus, the Christian king of Ethiopia. The Muslims who followed this advice found a very fair administration that embraced them with love and respect when they went to Ethiopia.

King Negus refused the demands of the pagan messengers who asked him to surrender the Muslims to them, and announced that Muslims could live freely in his country.

Such attitudes of Christian people that are based on the concepts of compassion, mercy, modesty and justice, constitute a fact that God has pointed out in the Koran. A verse of the Koran states:

… You will find the people most affectionate to those who believe are those who say, 'We are Christians.' That is because some of them are priests and monks and because they are not arrogant. (Surat al-Ma'ida, 82)

Answer 1

I agree with you Islam is a religion of peace, love and tolerance.
I have a Christian friends .They are very kind and helpful.I love them like the Muslim friends .

Answer 2

Not really. I've read various accounts and testimonials about this, and I firmly believe that religions started to bring people together and not separate them.

Going by the book, however, is a double-edged sword. While there are positives as you quote, there are negatives too that you would not do by the book. And it's the same with the Bible or any other holy book. Some suggested responses to situations don't apply today.

There were no revisions of these books to adjust for today's world, and many things have changed. While some concepts in the books can be timeless and apply to anyone and anything, many do not fit world culture today.

Most religions start with the best of intentions. History has shown us that overzealous followers are the ones that kind of ruin it for the rest of the believers. This is what is ruining Islam for those who aren't simply bent on wiping out non-Muslims and it's not fair for the peaceful followers.

Every religion has had a weird and rather spirited adolescent stage after which people settle down. The snapshot we have today is that Islam has yet to find its peace and settle down in areas where religious violence is rampant. Judaism, Hinduism, Christianity all have their violent pasts behind them, more or less. But Islam is somewhat younger and hopefully cooler heads will prevail over the overzealous. In my lifetime, I hope.

Out of curiosity and hopefully factoring in the point you make: You touch on friendliness with and tolerance of Jews and Christians, what about Buddhists, Hindus, Wiccans, and others? Do they have any place within the tolerance circle or are they simply lumped together as pagans?

Answer 3

No it is not surprising. Every belief (especially in monotheism) has their extremists, as well as their pacifists, and those in the middle.

I know that mostly, Islamic people are very peaceful and non invasive. It is the ones that are fundamentalists and commit acts of terrorism that get the most attention, therefore, skewing people's ideas about the religion. The media portrays the violence and attaches "Islamic" to it. So, those in the U.S. (who are all addicted to the media) see this and get their views and opinions from what they are shown. It is really unfortunate, and I really hope that some day this isn't around, but those are really pipe dreams at this point.

Even Christians are the same way. There are mostly very peaceful and loving Christians out there, but they have their extremists as well. The extremists just don't get as much press here because Christianity happens to be the dominant religion in the United States (and we don't want to look bad do we? *sarcastic glare*). I have heard of groups of Christians who have burned down abortion clinics and murdered doctors who offer abortion.

So, what you have said does not dawn on me as new but I just wanted to let you know that there is someone out there that doesn't think that all Muslims are terrorists. Keep fighting the good fight.

Answer 4

Unfortunately, too many people refuse to believe anything other than radical fundamentalists of your religion (or mine) are the mainstay of the religion.

Thank you for trying to help people understand that not everyone is a violent Muslim.

Your passage also shows that compassion is something reflective in more than one religion. I'm pleased to hear that a Christian ruler showed compassion to people of your faith.

By the way, Happy Birthday!

Answer 5

It does not surprise me, but I am very ignorant on the religion of Islam, to be honest. I do know that it, along with many religious beliefs/systems, suffers unjust stereotypes because people don't understand the beliefs or are ignorant to them. Thanks for educating us all a bit better.

Answer 6

And your point is? Muslims are not universally condemning terrorist actions nor are they working towards tolerance and peace. In fact Muslim countries are fighting amongst themselves on doctrinal differences...

Answer 7

I cannot conceive an example in which the true God of the Universe would condone murder in any matter whatsoever

Answer 8

Your arguments have been highly selective. There are various passages in the Qur'an which inveigh against infidels and call for abuse of them.

Answer 9

People know the truth but refuse to accept it. Denial is in their blood.

Answer 10

I agree that the bastard descendants of Ishmael will taint the earth more than any plague of blood, frogs, locusts, death, drought, famine, or darkness. They are our punishment for our sins, worse than the snake or the rat.