How can it be doubted that a religion based on jihad will not foster violence?
179054
Islam is a very aggressive religion. Of all of the wars/conflicts in the world, something like 95% of the at least ONE if not BOTH sides are Muslim. If you read about what people are doing to innocent women and children in places like Algeria, Sudan, Indonesia in the name of Islam it's bad(cutting the throats of whole families if they don't observe Islam as devoutly as they should, burn torture to enslaved christian children if they refuse to learn Islam, etc....)
569851
read the truth and do the research. Islam is not now and never was a peaceful religion. it was founded by a liar and thief who used made up visions to promote his own agenda. The man was a pedophile and rapist. For your own sake, read your own texts, These official works include: the Sira, Ta'rikh, Hadith, and Qur'an. Ishaq's Sira, or biography, called Sirat Rasul Allah, provides the lone account of Muhammad's life and the formation of Islam written within 200 years of the prophet's death.\n\nThere were no miracles to prove Muhammad's claim of being a godly conduit. There were no healings, walking on water, parting seas, raising folks from the dead, or feeding multitudes. And there are no fulfilled prophecies, like the exacting and detailed predictions that Biblical prophets routinely made to demonstrate their divine authority. But the most troubling part about our absolute reliance on Muhammad's testimony that he and his Qur'an were divinely inspired is that the prophet's character was as deficient, and his life was as despicable, as anyone who has ever lived.\n\nFollowing his first Qur'anic revelation, Muhammad claimed to have been demon possessed. By his own admission, he tried to commit suicide. Those who knew him best, his family and neighbors, said that he had gone mad. “He is a demon-possessed sorcerer fabricating scripture,” they said, accusing him of plagiarism and of having purely selfish motives. They mocked his prophetic claims, ridiculed his Qur'an, and said that his preposterous notion of turning many pagan idols into the one God was insane. As a result of this verbal abuse, all chronicled in the Qur'an, Muhammad pledged to slaughter his kin.\n\nHaving destroyed the “religion” of Islam in Mecca, Muhammad created the political doctrine of “submission” in Medina. He became a pirate, dictator, and terrorist leader. He used Qur'anic scripture to justify some of the most horrific behavior imaginable: pedophilia, incest, rape, torture, assassinations, thievery, mass murder, and terror—all in an unbridled orgy of sex, power, and money. Again, this summation simply reflects the portrayal documented in the Islamic Sunnah and confirmed in the Qur'an.\n\nWhen he was fifty, Muhammad married a six-year-old child. Then he stole his son's wife. After forcing young girls to watch his men execute their fathers, Muhammad raped them. He tortured his victims to make sure no booty escaped his grasp. He committed mass murder, slaughtering Jews in genocidal rage. In ten years, he ordered a score of assassinations and conducted seventy-five terrorist raids. He used the sword to force Arabs into submission and used the slave trade to finance Islam. He was more interested in collecting girls and taxes than anything else. He ruled through fear. And his god condoned it all.\n\nAlas, Islam was not all murder, plunder, and lust. There was war. Tabari VII:105 “In this year there was the expedition of the Messenger to Uhud. In year three of the Islamic Era (March, 625) the Quraysh were provoked against the Messenger because he had killed their nobles and chiefs at Badr.”\n\nThe Meccans had witnessed the prophet's demented behavior at the pit. “Muhammad has bereaved us and killed our best men. So help us defend ourselves against him and perhaps we will obtain vengeance for those he has slain.” They wanted to prevent the onslaught from continuing. Yet today, Muslims raise shrill voices protesting that Uhud was proof that the Meccans were the aggressors and that Muhammad was forced into defending his flock. But their own scriptures say otherwise, putting Islam in a difficult position. If these Hadiths are accurate, their prophet was a warmongering terrorist and a ruthless pirate. But if these Traditions are not true, they have no prophet and thus no religion—for nothing else is known about him or of Islam's beginnings.\n\nIslam is a caustic blend of regurgi
334533
Probably. Islam is a very aggressive religion. Of all of the wars/conflicts in the world, something like 95% of the at least ONE if not BOTH sides are Muslim. If you read about what people are doing to innocent women and children in places like Algeria, Sudan, Indonesia in the name of Islam it's bad(cutting the throats of whole families if they don't observe Islam as devoutly as they should, burn torture to enslaved christian children if they refuse to learn Islam, etc....)
579603
Muslims are not to kill for their faith UNLESS their faith is attacked first.
325802
Islam, a religion of mercy, does not permit terrorism. In the Quran, God has said: { God does not forbid you from showing kindness and dealing justly with those who have not fought you about religion and have not driven you out of your homes. God loves just dealers } (Quran, 60:8)\n\nThe Prophet Muhammad used to prohibit soldiers from killing women and children, and he would advise them: "...Do not betray, do not be excessive, do not kill a newborn child" And he also said: "Whoever has killed a person having a treaty with the Muslims shall not smell the fragrance of Paradise.." \n\nAlso, the Prophet Muhammad has forbidden punishment with fire. \n\nHe once listed murder as the second of the major sins, and he even warned that on the Day of Judgment, "The first cases to be adjudicated between people on the Day of Judgment will be those of bloodshed" \n\nMuslims are even encouraged to be kind to animals and are forbidden to hurt them. Once the Prophet Muhammad said: "A woman was punished because she imprisoned a cat until it died. On account of this, she was doomed to Hell. While she imprisoned it, she did not give the cat food or drink, nor did she free it to eat the insects of the earth" \n\nHe also said that a man gave a very thirsty dog a drink, so God forgave his sins for this action. The Prophet was asked, “Messenger of God, are we rewarded for kindness towards animals?” \nHe said: "There is a reward for kindness to every living animal or human" \n\nAdditionally, while taking the life of an animal for food, Muslims are commanded to do so in a manner that causes the least amount of fright and suffering possible. The Prophet Muhammad said: "When you slaughter an animal, do so in the best way. One should sharpen his knife to reduce the suffering of the animal" \n\nIn light of these and other Islamic texts, the act of inciting terror in the hearts of defenseless civilians, the wholesale destruction of buildings and properties, the bombing and maiming of innocent men, women, and children are all forbidden and detestable acts according to Islam and the Muslims. Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy, and forgiveness, and the vast majority have nothing to do with the violent events some have associated with Muslims. If an individual Muslim were to commit an act of terrorism, this person would be guilty of violating the laws of Islam.
202625
No it will only embolden terrorists. Islam is a very aggressive religion. Of all of the wars/conflicts in the world, something like 95% of the at least ONE if not BOTH sides are Muslim. If you read about what people are doing to innocent women and children in places like Algeria, Sudan, Indonesia in the name of Islam(cutting the throats of whole families if they don't observe Islam as devoutly as they should, burn torture to enslaved christian children if they refuse to learn Islam, etc....)
144597
What Does Islam Say About "Forcing People in Religion?"\n\nA basic and fundamental truth established by the sacred texts of Islam (Quran and Hadeeth) is that: - "No one can be compelled to accept Islam!"\n\nIt is the duty of the Muslims to establish proof of validity of Islam to the people in order for the truth to be distinct from falsehood. Once that is done, whoever wishes to accept Islam may do so and whoever wishes to continue upon their belief may do so. No one is to be threatened or harmed in any way should they chose not to accept Islam.\n\n\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\nNote: It is not only forbidden to compel someone to accept Islam - it is impossible to do so.\n\nPlease consider the meaning of the word"Islam" before continuing to read: \n['Islam'; Ar. from the root 'slm' (silm), to be in peaceful submission; to surrender; to obey; peace; "Islam" lit. 'The active willful surrender, submission, obedience, in purity to the will of another (Allah) in complete peace.']\n\nThe understanding from the meaning of the word "Islam" itself makes it clear that there is no way that you could possibly force someone to do something that requires them to do it of their own free will and accord. If someone were "forced to enter Islam" then it would not be "Islam" anyway, as a condition of "Islam" is that it is by free choice in peace. Forcing people into Islam is totally illogical and certainly not acceptable in concept nor practice.\n\nMore about the word "Islam" [click]\n[Y. Estes]\n\n\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\nIt is the duty and obligation of the Muslims to establish the truth and proofs of Islam and then allow others the freedom of choice to accept or reject the proofs.\n\nThere are two principle sources of proof for the Muslim. They are:\n\nThe Quran - considered by Muslims to be the absolute Speech or Recitation of Allah, the Almighty. ('Quran' Ar. from the root; qr'a: to recite; Quran; lit. "That which is recited"). More about Quran . . . [click]\n\nThe Hadeeth - teachings of Muhammad, peace be upon him. (hadeeth - Ar. meaning, stories or narrations. The hadeeths have been collected, authenticated [in collections by Bukhari and Muslim called 'sahih', categorized, preserved and memorized for over 1,400 years; all in the original language [Arabic]). More about Hadeeth . . . [click]\n\n\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\nAmong the many decisive pieces of evidence in Islam to prove that "There is no compulsion in Islam" are the following: \nAllah says in His Quran: “Let there be no compulsion in religion. Truth has been made clear from error. Whoever rejects false worship and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that never breaks. And Allah hears and knows all things.” [Surah al-Baqarah: 256]\n\nAllah also says in Quran: “If it had been your Lord’s will, all of the people on Earth would have believed. Would you then compel the people so to have them believe?” [Surah Yunus: 99]\n\nAnd Allah says: “So if they dispute with you, say ‘I have submitted my whole self to Allah, and so have those who follow me.’ And say to the People of the Scripture and to the unlearned: ‘Do you also submit yourselves?’ If they do, then they are on right guidance. But if they turn away, your duty is only to convey the Message. And in Allah’s sight are all of His servants.” [Surah Al `Imran: 20]\n\nAllah The Almighty has also said: “The Messenger’s duty is but to proclaim the Message.” [Surah Al-Maidah: 99]\n\nIt is important to note that these last two verses were revealed in Madinah. This is significant, since it shows that the ruling they gave was not just contingent on the Muslims being in
343640
Good question.  One could make the argument that the followers are more committed to their religion than the leaders.  The followers are the ones willing to sacrifice their lives for their cause.  \n\nThe fallacy is that if there were no leaders, then the followers would not have anyone to subjugate&#92;manipulate which would defeat the purpose of recruiting for a global jihad.  (no warriors=no war) That brings up another question though--Why don't the followers question the motives of the Extremist leaders?
508959
Firstly distinguish between extremist , remember many believe in becoming a martyr and to question how much one believes in their own religion is not acceptable nor done.  This is also due to tradition, culture and I believe lack of education. \nIt all comes back to them believing it is gods will.
260448
Regarding Violence in Islam, check the 1st link attached.\n(Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loves not transgressors. And kill them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter; but fight them not at the Sacred Mosque, unless they (first) fight you there; but if they fight you, kill them. Such is the reward of those who reject faith. But if they cease, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah; but if they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression. The prohibited month, for the prohibited month, and so for all things prohibited, there is the law of equality. If then any one transgresses the prohibition against you, transgress ye likewise against him. But fear Allah, and know that Allah is with those who restrain themselves.) (Al-Baqarah 2: 190-194)\n\nFor other issues, it's true some verses replace others. But as far as I know they're few and the aim of this is to get the legislation step by step so people can realize it. The 2nd link discuss it but it's in Arabic.
357228
There are always people who twist words and the truth.  Jihad means to do something (NOT necessarily fight) in the cause of God (Allah).  That can include many situations.  Suppose a woman gets pregnant and her intention is that when her child grows up, he/she will be a strong Muslim and worship God. If that woman dies during labor, her action will be counted as Jihad because her intention was to do something good for God.  Another example:  if a person decides to educate other people about Islam, their actions would be counted as Jihad because they are doing it to get Allah's reward.  In the same way, it is warfare against infidels if they do something which we have to fight against.  It's not like all Muslims constantly think about killing non-Muslims.  That's a very wrong concept.  Islam is a religion of peace.  It does not promote or encourage war and violence and even if there is war, there are very strict rules e.g. women, children, innocent people, animals and even trees should not be harmed.  Prisoners of war should be treated humanely.  In one of the wars that Prophet Muhamed (PBUH) fought in, he said that prisoners would be freed if each prisoner taught a certain number of people to read and write!
408478
Islam condemns all the violence which happened in the Crusades, in Spain, in WW II, or by acts of people like the Rev. Jim Jones, David Koresh, Dr. Baruch Goldstein, or the atrocities committed in Bosniaby the Christian Serbs. Anyone who is doing violence is not practicing his religion at that time. However, sometimes violence is a human response of oppressed people as it happens in Palestine. Although this is wrong, they think of this as a way to get attention. There is a lot of terrorism and violence in areas where there is no Muslim presence. For example, in Ireland, South Africa, Latin America, and Sri Lanka. Sometimes the violence is due to a struggle between those who have with those who do not have, or between those who are oppressed with those who are oppressors. We need to find out why people become terrorists. Unfortunately, the Palestinians who are doing violence are called terrorists, but not the armed Israeli settlers when they do the same sometimes even against their own people. As it turned out to be in the Oklahoma City bombing, sometime Muslims are prematurely blamed even if the terrorism is committed by non-Muslims. Sometimes those who want Peace and those who oppose Peace can be of the same religion. \n\nLastly I would like to quote from the Holy Quran\n\n[Chapter 5, verse 32], that "anyone who saves one life, it is as if he has saved the whole of mankind and anyone who has killed another person (except in lieu of murder or mischief on earth) it is as if he has killed the whole of mankind." \n\nIf you have any question please e-mail me at askmuslims1@yahoo.com or visit my site http://askmuslims.com and learn the basics of Islam.
807037
Terrorism is not spacific to religion.  All people are capable of terrorism.
339454
Religions seem to be full of contradictions. \n\nThe Qua-ran has many verses that Allah requires killing people. (04.089)\n\nThe Old Testament of the Bible and the Torah also have God commanding people to kill others.  The Ten Commandments say thou shalt not kill.\n\nChrist commanded his followers in the Sermon on the Mount to love God above all and your neighbor as yourself.\n\nI don't believe Christians or Jews are killing for their religion.  I believe it is self defense after an attack.  I think Muslim use the same self defense argument, to defend their land, their way of life. One kills another and its spirals.  In their case Allah rewards them for killing and martyrdom.   I think this philosophy is the weak link in the Muslim religion. Encouraging violence.\n\nI believe what Jesus taught as love your neighbor as absolute truth of what God wants.
256901
Any religion that revels in violence, who's leaders teach hate, that subjugates women, who's most famious member is an international wanted fugitive but is still held up as a model Muslim ... this kind of religion can not be good for its members or for the world in general.  While Cristians and Muslims worship the same God when you take Chist out of the equation, like Islam does, you also take out the love and salvation.  If you are going to worship God anyway, choose a religion that teach love and salvation not hate.
317150
I have mixed feelings about Islam to be perfectly honest.  I think it has the potential to be a great religion, but its followers have some things they need to work out.  It is a fact that there is terrorism among Muslims, and this is a major problem.  It is a fact that there is a lot of hatred of Jews among Muslims, and this is very wrong.  But it does not have to be that way.  There are wonderful Muslims who are peaceful and loving.  I just wish there were more of the good ones and less of the bad ones, and I wish that the Qur'an and Hadith were easier to interpret in a peaceful manner.  The fact is, there are verses in the Qur'an and Hadith that seem to me to support violence, if one wishes to seek support for violence.  I think this is problematic.  It can be solved, because the same thing is true of some other religions but they do not interpret the violent verses of their scriptures in a violent way.  They have reinterpreted them with an eye to peace.\n\nI have studied Islam a little.  I have talked to Muslims, read the Qur'an with some commentary and Hadith (al-bukhari), and I have read a few books on Islam, by both Muslims and non-Muslims.
190482
Nah.  I tend to question any links between God and any religious organization that relies heavily on violent means to an end.  To me, if the basis for any religion is not the promotion of world peace, harmonious existence, and peace with nature, the religion is not a true reflection of God's will.