how do you see islam?

Question

i mean from a westener view.

Answer 1

As a very violent, heretical religion.

For those of you that want to bask me and say that it's a peaceful religion, lets take a look at the current state of affairs. There are NO, absolutely NONE of the current, main-stream Imams slapping wrists and telling the Jihadists to back down and find a peaceful resolution to anything. Nor are any of the mainstream Imams condemning those that are forcing people in Egypt/Afghanistan/Gaza/Iran, etc. to change their religion to Islam. That is in plain violation of UN rulings that some of these countries belong to.

And don't bring up Christianity's flaws, they have no bearing on the question at hand.

Answer 2

I live in the Netherlands (Europe) and in the past 30 years a lot of muslimpeople came to this country.
Quite often I hear people speak about Islam and Muslims as if it would be a bad thing.

Personally I don't know what I should believe, If I'd choose 1 religion I'd automatically say other religions are incorrect. I'm also not an atheist since nobody proved there's no Allah, God or whatever the name may be. This is my way to study _all_ religions/beliefs and keep an open mind.

I must admit that at first I was a little scared when lots 'n lots of people from other countries came to my country. Nowadays about 10% of all people in the Netherlands have backgrounds, not original from the Netherlands.

But... I also knew that very often... people gossip about things they don't know and that they scare each other with rumors. Unfortunately most people here don't take the time to understand their "foreign" neighbors. They often only believe the media which often describes muslimpeople as extreme terrorists."Bad" things in the Koran are constantly overexposed while the good advices are hardly mentioned. Lots of hollywoodproductions expose Muslims as the bad people, just as they did with the Russians until 20 years ago. This makes it hard for people to stay objective. I do believe a small group of fanatic Muslims indeed cause trouble, just as any... other religion has its own fanatics causing trouble.

Since I've always been quite critical about prejudice I always guessed most of these rumors were just rumors. But... I still didn't know much about Islam itself. Since 2 years... I've been following TV-broadcasts made by/for Islamic people in my country. It has given me a _far_ better understanding of Islam and Muslims. I must say I still know very little about the Islam, but I also started talking more to Muslims in my neighborhood about religion/world problems and I feel very welcome when I do.

There are still lots of things I don't understand about the Islam (just as other religions !!!). I'd probably also need to get accustomed to religious and local habits when I should visit an Islamic country. But... I feel a lot better about the Islam as I did 25 years ago and it's a pity to see that others in my neighborhood tend to keep their eyes and ears closed. They're missing a lot of beautiful things !

Best wishes,

Bart.

Answer 3

Its difficult to follow Schneb's post. I certainly do not have the wordly experience. I will say this. I do not trust the new agencies. They have their own agendas, therefore I find the reporting to be biased. I have a friend who is a Palestinian Muslim. When I think of him not a single negative thought enters my mind. I have only positive things to say. I also worked with an Egyptian woman who was very intelligent and a good acquaintance. Both have family in their home countries. I believe that most others, like my two colleagues, are good people who would simply love to live their lives in peace. I believe that others are despicable fools who use religion to substantiate their cause. Someone please tell me what god would favor terror, genocide, kidnapping, beheading, mass murder and so much more evil in his name. What makes one person any more right or any more of a person than another?

We can debate these questions for a thousand more years, but until the people responsible for spreading this disease called terrorism are stopped I do not see any use is waxing philosophic. The senseless violence must end. Then we will discuss what we think of religion and the thousands of years of strife these people have endured.

Answer 4

Some things I agree with, some things I do not.

There are many things with Western beliefs I don't agree with too... actually quite a bit... however,

I believe in the spirituality part of Islam, what I don't like... and perhaps this is a cultural thing, is Islamic women not being a "partner", if you will? I see them walk 10 paces behind their husbands.

I would much rather walk side by side; hand in hand with my husband. I really don't understand this part of Islam. The multiple wives is kinda iffy for me too; I don't understand it.

All in all, it's a belief system and should be respected. Just because we Westerners don't understand something, we shouldn't be bashing it. These are true beliefs of these people much as Christianity, Catholicism, Judaism, Buddhism, etc. is believed here.

We, as "Westerners" expect others to respect our beliefs, I think we need to return the favor.

Just one gal's honest opinion.

Answer 5

MY 60 yrs of Muslim exp
If they feel they have an advantage, they spread terror all the while quoting verses from Quran supporting their actions. As soon as they fear retaliation, the peace makers who are silent till then hoping to benifit fromthe spoils, come out of the wood works claiming how mis under stood their religion is due to propegenda.
After9/11 1st reaction- see how brave we are? Do not mess with us . we will teach you a lesson
2nd reaction-after they sense they are going to get whacked--- What is the proof we did it?
3rd Reaction--- Conspiracy crap to give Islam a bad name
4) Long boring explanations from Quran showing how kind and great Islam is.

Answer 6

I see Islam through the lovely and charming verses of the Koran. Especially the quaint and tolerant suggestions for the proper treatment of Christians such as Sura (9:5)

"And when the sacred months are passed, kill those who join other gods with God wherever ye shall find them; and seize them, besiege them, and lay wait for them with every kind of ambush; but if they convert, and observe prayer, and pay the obligatory alms, then let them go their way, for God is Gracious, Merciful.

Yep. Muslim mercy. That's what we need in America.

Answer 7

A religion that is supposed to be peaceful but the ones that are peaceful do not speak out against the few who are violent.. I cant say I have a great opinion of Islam but what does it matter.

Answer 8

I see it in the same light I see Christianity of Judaism. I do think there are things in the Koran that are dated and do not need to be taken literally (like beating your wife.)

It is unfortunate that extremists are using the religion as justification for the atrocities committed. Hopefully it will pass (like the inquisition.)

Answer 9

From any point of view Islam is backward looking and promotes a medieval lifestyle that is incompatible with those of us living in the 21st Century.
Islam has a poor record on human rights and it's holy books really do encourage Muslim's to do violence to non-Muslim's so it needs to change in very big ways.
Of course I don't believe any of the Abrahamic religions have any truth to offer the world, they present a false picture of the world to the innocent and the credulous and the religious leaders see them as material to be exploited, controlled and fleeced, not only financially but spiritually and emotionally as well, Muslim's are being robbed.

Answer 10

Islam is the vehicle of progress for the modern world.Islam is the perfect way of life that shall lead the one who follows it to victory in this world and the hereafter. This is true if you view it from the East or West.