one45auto said:
Okay, so we have - what, one so-called Christian terrorist versus how many Muslim terrorists? I know which group I'd prefer live around.
Wow..
Ever heard of the KKK? I'm sure they pretty much fit the definition of the word "terrorist" - And I'm almost positive they consider themselves Christians, and do everything they do using the Bible as justification. What about the IRA in the UK? What about the Christian extremists in Beirut in the '80s? Some of the most horrible things in history have happened in the name of Christianity, and were directly sanctioned by the Pope in MANY cases, including slavery in America. This is not news to anyone who passed the 8th grade.
I had a million comments I could have commented on, but I chose this quote because I believe it reflects the common attitude a lot of Americans have about Muslims. Before I go any further, I will also say many of you surprise me in the knowledge and understanding that these fanatics we're discussing and the views they advocate have nothing to with the religion of Islam. I find that encouraging given the perceptions lots of people have of Muslims nowadays.
I hear phrases like "Islamic" (which is almost NEVER a proper way to refer to anything having to do with Islam or Muslims - it's a genuine media term and reflects the ignorance of the user) this and that, and "Sharia Law", and while I find it amusing people so readily remember the little terms they hear on FOX News, it becomes very obvious that most of these people know nothing about the religion, or even how to speak of it intelligently.
None of these laws people attribute to Islam come from from the Qu'Ran, which is supposed to be the ONLY source of the religion. Unfortunately, books from religious "scholars", Arab culture and regional tradition have left their mark on Islam, just like Western culture has made it's mark on Christianity. The way you practice your religion, the things you believe as an American, will be very different from Christians in the middle east, or Russian Christians, etc.
Anyways - to the point - alcohol and Muslim Law - nothing in the Qu'Ran forbids Muslims to drink. Quite the contrary, the Qu'Ran states that nothing unlawful to Christians or Jews is unlawful to Muslims... And the Bible nor Torah forbid drinking. Religious scholars, books written AFTER the Qu'Ran (called the Hadith and Sunna), and other regional/cultural/social influences invented those "laws" and traditions in attempts to control the masses, and to appear "more pure" than the people of other religions. The Qu'Ran warns of the dangers of intoxicants, but simply does not forbid drinking.
Please, let's try to remember, that if we're not COMPLETELY SURE of what we are saying, we probably should not say it. Especially in forums, where thousands may possibly read it. "Better to look silly and be quiet, than open your mouth and remove all doubt" - or however that little saying goes.
If you want to read about TRUE Islam, and not the news media's version of it, you could find everything you need at
http://www.submission.org
I am not affiliated with this site in any way, but it is a good site for those who know nothing about the faith to learn anything they want to know.