Muslims seek to dispel misconceptions
(CNS Local Life): A recent CNS article on the open house held at a mosque, organised by the Islamic Society of the Cayman Islands to introduce Islam to non-Muslim residents and spark interfaith dialogue, has also highlighted continuing rifts here in how the religion practised by 1.8 billion people worldwide is viewed.
Almost one-third of the people commenting on the article offered negative and often misleading and derogatory remarks which, if nothing else, points to the need for more discussions about the different religions represented in Cayman, explained Imam Mahmood Koli, who lives in Peterborough, UK, but was recently on-island for the monthlong observance of Ramadan. “We have much more in common than we do differences, and those are minor. We all believe in one God,” he told CNS.
Muzaffar Soomro, president of the Islamic Society of the Cayman Islands, echoed those sentiments as he called for the formation of an interfaith council here. “We should devote whatever resources we can to fighting misinformation,” he said. “We cannot live in an isolated society. It is best to understand each other and live together in harmony.”
Noting that there has been a Muslim community in Cayman since the 1970’s, Soomro, who has lived here for more than 35 years, recalled that post-Hurricane Ivan in 2004, “there was no religion. People were just helping people.” He added he had both Christian and Jewish neighbours and they would all share the celebration of their holidays and their food throughout the year, and after the hurricane he hooked up his Christian friend to his generator to provide his home with electricity.
More recently, members of the Muslim community visited the residents of The Pines Retirement Home and brought them treats as part of celebrating the holiday of Eid al-Fitr on 5 June, which marks the end of Ramadan.
Soomro also said he planned to reach out to the Cayman Ministers’ Association (CMA) to discuss the idea of an interfaith council.
Imam Mahmood addressed some of the common misconceptions that came up in the comments to the article. “Islam is not inherently violent; it’s not fair to blame any religion for extremism. When people make up their mind to be violent they will use anything to justify that. They will manipulate and pervert the teachings of their faith,” he said.
The imam also pointed to how passages in the Quran are taken out of context by people who accuse Muslims of being extremists.
As an example, he cited chapter 2, verses 190-195. While the phrase “kill them wherever you find them” is found there, it is important to consider the verses that come before and after, he said. The imam explained that preceding the quoted line, it refers to “those that will kill you” and after it stresses, “if they desist, so do you and if they forgive, so do you”, he said, noting the Quran says: “God does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion… from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them.”
The imam added, “Bigots cherry pick verses. The Quran should be viewed holistically.”
The issue and practice of Sharia law also came under scrutiny in the comments, specifically punishments such as stoning and the chopping off the hand of a thief. The penal code that called for these punishments makes up less than 2% of Sharia law, which derives from the Quran and the teachings of the prophet Muhammed, and was written in the seventh century, the imam said. “You can’t judge history from a 21st century understanding of the world. It was written according to the standards of the time and these punishments are not suitable for the modern world,” he added, pointing to similarly harsh punishments in the Bible.
Muslims now follow the laws enacted by governments, the imam said. “Whatever country we are living in, we abide by the law.”
In general, Sharia “is the way God wants us to live our lives; it is being a Muslim, living a Muslim lifestyle”. Most of Sharia covers behaviour such as praying, marriage and divorce, loving your neighbour, respecting one’s parents and children, following dietary law, conducting business and feeding the poor, Imam Mahmood said.
Another concern was the idea of “temporary marriage” to enable a Muslim man to have an affair, which the imam said is considered a sin and not practised by mainstream followers, who account for 99.5% of all Muslims.
He also dismissed the perception that the Quran calls for ridding the world of non-believers, explaining that chapter 18, verse 29 says “whoever wishes may believe and likewise whoever wishes may disbelieve”. In addition, while marrying outside of their faith is not encouraged and the religious upbringing of children is delegated to the father, if a Muslim woman wants to marry a non-Muslim, “it doesn’t mean she is no longer a Muslim. Our faith encourages her not to but… it is her choice. The Muslim community has no right to excommunicate her or shun her.”
The modern way is to rid society of misogyny, he said, and to leave it to both partners to decide about marrying.
Both the imam and Soomro believe the formation of an interfaith council would help dispel misconceptions about their religion. “It is always good to have a dialogue,” Soomro said.
CNS contacted the CMA about joining an interfaith council but representative Pastor Torrance Bobb declined to comment.
The fact that Bobb refused to answer says it all. And we do NOT all believe in a god. If people want to believe in tooth fairies fine. But we must respect each others’ views.
It is a sad fact to see some tough questions being asked in this thread being dodged by proponents of Islam. For those that believe Islam is a religion of peace why does it produce such extremism? Why does it have so many hate preachers? We can’t ignore the formation of ISIS by hundreds of thousands of muslims. We can’t ignore the atrocities committed by these people. The same religion now sets about to ‘dispel myths’. We hear the media distorts the truth etc. I am not going down the road of religion comparison, but anyone considering this religion should just look at the facts staring us in the face. There is a huge split within the Islamic world in regard to the treatment of non muslims and what you should or should not do. It is a religion that differs greatly from country to country and all of the claim they are doing it right. They claim to have the last prophet and holy book, they clsim it is a perfect religion, yet they cannot agree on interpretation. How did God create such imperfection? Whenever the dead ‘prophet’ is insulted it results in further death. Is this really the way to propagate peace?
A woman was recently persecuted in Pakistan for alleged blasphemy, she has been welcomed into Canada, she would not have been made so welcome in an Islamic country. You have to ask yourself why is this?
For me there are just too many things wrong with this religion and I for one do not accept any of the weak explanations. I have visited and even lived for a while in Islamic countries where stoning to death still takes place, where people have lost their right hand fir the crime of theft. They claim these are instructions from Allah via Muhammad. Why would a loving God promote this?
Muslims will draw from comparisons with Judaism and Christianity , but it is simply to deflect from answering directly. For a religion that claims to be peaceful and hold the truth they sure do a bad job of being accountable for the hundreds of thousands of atrocities!
God needs no one to “lead” prayers. Everyone is capable of praying in the privacy of their own bedroom or wherever. Organized religion is a sham and controls the gullible unless of course it serves your agenda in which case, I would say you are a wicked person.
I would just ask the cleric if he condemns Female Genital Mutilation?
Yes, I’m sure he does as all Muslims condemn FGM.
A 2013 UNICEF report identified 17 African countries in which at least 10 percent of Christian women and girls aged 15 to 49 had undergone FGM; in Niger 55 percent of Christian women and girls had experienced it, compared with two percent of their Muslim counterparts.
70% of the extremist killings in the past 10 years were committed by white supremacists
98.3% of statistics are made up
Statistics don’t lie.
By simply reading the comments it appears some other people are the angry ones displaying hatred not the Muslims. Self-evident.
Categorization of comments:
1. Lies, hatred, bigotry, misinformation, and intolerance toward Islam/Muslims.
2. Response to the above by Muslims and others.
3. Sympathy
4. Thanking CNS for their journalism.
5. Food
Teaching/studying World Religions and Ideas at every level of education should be necessary to eradicate hatred and intolerance. Note the words “teaching/studying”. I didn’t say “preaching”. Caymanians are desperately in need of studying major world religions.
Do start to understand some terms, everyone in the country is considered a Kafir unless you is a believer.
Taqiyya – Saying something that isn’t true as it relates to the Muslim identity. This is a Shiite term: the Sunni counterpart is Muda’rat.
Muruna – ‘Blending in’ by setting aside some practices of Islam or Sharia in order to advance others.
Quran (3:28) – This verse tells Muslims not to take those outside the faith as friends, unless it is to “guard themselves” against danger, meaning that there are times when a Muslim may appear friendly to non-Muslims, even though they should not feel friendly.
Loyalty to a
Non-Islamic Government
Does Islam teach that Muslims should be loyal to a non-Muslim government?
Many Muslims are loyal to the non-Muslim countries in which they live, of course, but it is in spite of Islamic teaching. Unlike other faiths, Islam is not just a religion but also a political system. The state is intended to be inseparable from religious rule. Islamic law, or Sharia, is complete and not designed to coexist with or be subordinate to other legal systems.
Muslims are not meant to be ruled by non-Muslims. The Quran is very clear that they are to resist unbelievers by any means, until Islam establishes political supremacy. This doesn’t mean that everyone must be forced to become Muslim, but rather that everyone must submit to the supremacy of Islam.
There is a supposed “ex-Muslim” relentlessly spewing false information deliberately about Islam and Muslims in the comments of this article and the previous one. In all (if not, most) his/her comments, they make it a point to state that they are “ex-Muslim” hence they should be listened to when talking about Islam. Why the need to mention “ex-Muslim”? No one asked them. This is a logical fallacy called argumentum ab auctoritate (argument from authority). Just because they are “ex-Muslim” they don’t automatically become experts in Islam. To the contrary, most of their comments contain lies.
The reason I state ex muslim is to reinforce that I am knowledgeable about Islam. I have never stated I am an expert, but I am well versed in the Qu’ran and Hadith. If you believe i am spreading lies, refute them with cogent arguments not words from a latin dictionary. None of you have provided anything to refute my claims but opinion.
Your questions have been answered. Have you adequately provided proof for your wild claims from the Islamic scriptures?
No they have not, alternative answers have only been provided therefore dodging a direct answer but i will make this easy for you with simple yes/no answers.
1. Can a Non muslim man marry a muslim woman?
2. Can a a muslim man marry a non muslim woman?
3. Are hands chopped for stealing?
4. Does stoning to death under the rules of islam take place in Islamic countries?
I could provide a hundred more, but perhaps you would care to just answer yes or no.
Just because they are “ex-Muslim” they don’t automatically become experts in Islam.
Likewise, just because you are Muslim and they aren’t doesn’t mean you can automatically assume more authority over them and say “no one asked you” to shut down their comments.
Being Muslim or ex-Muslim does not add value to strength of argument. What does is proof from the Islamic faith which when pressed for it cannot be furnished. How is it justified to pass remarks about a faith without proving it?
Because then, it would not be a ‘faith’. By definition faith is belief without proof.
Where did I say “no one asked you”?
Criticise Islam all you want but do it academically with decorum and backing up your assertions with proof from the Qur’an or/and Sunnah. I will try my best to respond fairly.
Honor killings are justified under Islam in some Muslim countries such as Saudi Arabia. For example, tenth-grade textbooks teach Saudi children that it is permissible to kill adulterers. In April 2008, a girl was killed by her father for talking to a boy on Facebook, an online social networking website. A leading Saudi cleric, Sheikh Ali al-Maliki, was outraged that girls had access to such websites where they could post pictures of themselves and otherwise “behave badly,” but showed no concern over the girl actually killed.
Supna Zaidi
That is Saudi legislation, if true. Being in a school textbook does not necessitate it being Islam.
Is that from the teachings of Islam? No.
Saudi Arabia passes legislation and has policies that are not just un-Islamic but anti-Islam. Example, the killing of the journalist Khashogji and the unjust war in Yemen (Saudi monarchy is killing Muslims in Yemen. Let that sink!).
The only connection Muslims have with Saudi are the Holy cities of Mecca and Medina that are thousands of years old. Saudi was born in the 1920s. Muslims have nothing to do with the Saudi government.
The law in KSA is sharia law! Of course it is relevant to Islam!
The KKK cite Christian scripture to justify their actions. Of course, it is Christianity that is violent.
How does that sound? Hope you get the point.
Christianity is not violent neither is Islam or any other religion. People will manipulate religion to achieve anything.
I don’t think you get the point. We are not comparing religions we are seeking to dispel misconceptions of Islam
very true indeed
sorry this is just false… there is no concept of honor killing in islam. what you are mentioning are more due to cultural influences or personal issues. in some muslim countries those who carry out these so called honor killings are punished by law
It maybe cultural, but it is rooted in Islam. They use Islam to justify it.
Why is this even necessary? Who even cares? How many of the younger generation even care about religion at all? Why is the Islamic community running a ‘campaign’ after living peacefully for all these years? What is the significance? Is this meant to be a religious drive?
People generally choose their religions based on what their parents taught them. When they become adults, they either stay with it and continue practicing, become atheists or just stop practicing. It is truly a minute few set of people that switch religions.
The Muslims of the Islands have been part of the Caymanian success story since the 60s contributing to the community through their hard work and struggles like everyone else. They were and are still peaceful. This is not a “campaign” to convert people to Islam. They are hosting such events simply to dispel myths many of our fellow Caymanians have about them and their faith, as is evident from the comments below.
The hatred you see coming their way is really a reflection of the intolerance of fundamentalist Christians on the Island.
Here is another question for the peace loving muslims. Why are there no churches, synagogues or any other place of worship in Saudi Arabia? (Clue, it’s a rhetorical question)
I will answer your question, though rhetorical.
Muslims have nothing to do with the decision of the Saudi government. That is a political decision. Does Vatican city allow the building of mosques, synagogues, temples, etc?
During the time of Muhammad, Christians of Najran worshipped in Muhammad’s mosque!
There is no verse in the Qur’an that commands Muslims to ban churches or other places of worship in Arabia.
The KSA is the birth place of Islam, it is not a political decision at all, it is a religious one. Comparing it to Vatican city is hardly a good comparison. The fact you are avoiding, is that this decision was made to prevent any other religion in the KSA.
Seems like you have insight into the the faith. If not a political decision but a religious one, do provide proof from Islam’s scripture for your claim?
Islam existed before Saudi Arabia. KSA is not the birth place of Islam.
Islam was born in 610 AD and Saudi Arabia was founded in 1932. You are only 1322 years off the mark. Your numeracy skills and history aren’t that bad, I must admit.
Your answer is not in the least Academic. Whatever the name of the country now does not change its geographical position.
Are there any mosques, temples, or synagogues in Vatican city?
also islam instructs muslims to respect the lives, properties and places of worship of all minorities (i.e. people who are no muslims but living in muslim countries). in my country we have a number of temples, churches, shrines etc and they are always repected
You mean like the twin towers?
1/3 rd negative? Sounds like any other CNS post that is even remotely about religion where ~ 1/3 of the comments will be anti-Christian/church/religion, regardless of the topic. For example, before I post this I counted 6 ‘not christian negative’ comments and 2 negative (“the openly hostile and fundamentalist christian sects” for example). So 25% in this case but close enough to prove my point. So don’t feel bad comrades, the anti-religious hate Christians here just as much.
The problem is Christians hating fellow theists (Jews, Muslims, or others). This is exactly what the anti-religion squad wants and our Christians are falling victim to this by abandoning the teaching of The Lord “Love thy neighbour”.
Respect to all faiths and none
Thank you
Evil men have done bad things in the name “Christianity”. But if you go back to it’s ROOTS, and Jesus Christ teachings, you quickly find out these people are only sparked by the Adversary (satan) to give Jesus a bad name.
Evil men have done evil things in the name of Islam and cried out “Allāhu akbar” as a battle cry or act of defiance to mean “God is greatest”. This phrase is no where in the Quran.
There are many good Muslims who want a modern Islam to be a religion of peace and fulfill their eternal salvation. I am sure most mean good wherever they are… and they have that right. The fact is, Quran teaches some things we need to know.
https://youtu.be/n5Nu6EabQD8
Cayman Study this guy series and get Back to Jesus Christ of Nazareth, before that STRONG delusion comes to believe others.
The fact is, the Bible teaches some things we need to know too.
Any form of religion is a delusion.
And you are an extreme case.
No religion is also delusion as it is a “belief” too
1/3 of negative comments is not that bad. At least Cayman has 2/3 of tolerant people
I think someone should take the effort to pull out questionable verses from the Bible similar to ones from Koran taken out of context to show we have the same problem. Anyone’s words can be taken out of context to malign that person.
Can all Bible readers please start reading your Bibles today cover to cover. I’m sure you find verses and passages that, if taken out of context, will disgust you. This applies to all religious books.
Thank you CNS for publishing such articles despite negative comments. There is hope in some forms of journalism for not giving in to status quo.
An interfaith council would be a waste of time. Judaism and Christianity have common prophets. Islam dismisses all before Muhammad. Islam often touts Muhammad as being prophesied as the ‘comforter’ but this is regarded as the holy spirit in Christianity, not a human. Muhammad has zero credentials. He made up some stupid rules such as washing your hands seven times after being licked by a dog and hence dogs are frowned upon as pets. It was all to do with hygiene with rabid dogs at the time of Muhammad and zero to do with Allah. Dogs, save lives, they are man’s best friend.
Oh, the one I like best of all, that despite thousands of eye witnesses to the crucifixion, Allah made a swap with Judas. Now why would such a loving God practice deceit?
And lastly even now, menstruating women are considered unclean and cannot pray during this time (but must make up for it later). One again, the rules do not fit, it appears God made a mistake with the reproductive cycle.
You are wrong in all 3 of your statements. A muslim must believe in all the prophets from Adam peace be upon to Noah, Abraham, Jesus and Muhammad and others peace be upon them all. All of these prophets are mentioned very respectfully in the Quran.
Muslims are allowed to keep dogs, there is specific reference in the Quran about use of hunting dog. Menstruating women are definitely not unclean.
Women command highest of respect in Islam. I am not sure if you have women around you but sometimes it is very painful for them to even sit let alone stand during menstruation. So they are given a waiver and they do not have to make up the prayers. Family members are told to be thoughtful and helpful.
Absolute lies! You also twisted my statements i used the word ‘dismiss’ in regard to prophets, but if you are going to counter my arguments please come up with something cogent. I am an ex muslim and this is precisely why I left. I said pet dogs are frowned upon, i did not say forbidden. You twist the evil of the Qu’ran as if it is something good. Well, I burned mine and that is punishable by death in many muslim countries!
Then why is a menstruating woman prevented from circling the big rock in mecca?Why do doctors prescribe drugs to prevent menstruation during haji? Your answer about pain during standing and sitting is just laughable.
@Anonymous 10:07am
A few friendly remarks about your comment and other such wild and inaccurate comments.
The primary sources of Islam are the Qur’an (Word of God, according to Muslims) and Sunnah (Muhammad’s legacy preserved by the Hadith [sayings and actions]).
“An interfaith council would be a waste of time” The positive effects of interfaith discussions around the world are well documented. See “a common word”.
“Islam dismisses all before Muhammad”. Any Qur’anic or Sunnah evidence for this false claim? Muslims believe in all Prophets with Muhammad as the last and all scriptures with Qur’an as the last.
“Muhammad has zero credentials”. Tell this to Michael H Hart the author of “The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History”. He put Muhammad at number one of the list over Jesus and Moses. He attributes this to the fact that Muhammad was “supremely successful” in both the religious and secular realms. He also accredits Muhammad for his role in the development of Islam, far more influential than Jesus’ contribution to the development of Christianity. Hart claims that St. Paul was more pivotal than Jesus to the growth of Christianity. By the way, what are your credentials?
“He made up some stupid rules such as washing your hands seven times after being licked by a dog and hence dogs are frowned upon as pets” Kindly cite any evidence from the Quran or Hadith (Muhammad’s sayings and actions) about “washing your hands seven times”. Also, please cite evidence for dogs being “frowned upon as pets”. To the contrary, the Qur’an (18:18) gives a tender description of a pet dog belonging to the righteous seven sleepers of the cave.
“Allah made a swap with Judas” Again, any evidence for this from the Qur’an or Sunnah? The Qur’an clearly negates Jesus being killed by his enemies (4:157-158). That’s it. Actually, according to Deuteronomy 21:22-23 anyone hung on a pole is under God’s curse.
“menstruating women are considered unclean and cannot pray during this time (but must make up for it later)” Yet again, do you have evidence for this allegation? Both men and women can be considered ritually unclean if, for example, they relieve themselves, pass wind, bleed due to injury or menstruation, sleep, consume intoxicants, etc. Whilst ritually unclean they cannot pray the five prayers until they perform ablution. This ruling has nothing to do with women. By the way, contrary to your claim “but [women] must make up for it later”, women do not need to make up the prayers.
In conclusion, I tried to be as brief as possible. I do await your enlightening response. Please provide references from either the Qur’an or the Sunnah for all of your claims.
Note: References for the above will not be provided as they are all gross inaccuracies and outright lies. A lesson for all commenting; please don’t regurgitate false information about Islam (or any religion) you read on some website, heard on media, or from your favourite preacher as it is probably false with no bases. Research first and then comment with references.
A lengthy diatribe asking for references? You know very well that the Koran and Hadith are taught together. My credentials are not relevant, I am not claiming to be a prophet, but I can tell you my religious instruction was in Indonesia. All I say is true about dogs, menstruation etc. Do you really have to turn to an author to validate your religion and its prophet? Incidentally, influence should not be confused with truth. I note how Muslims dance around answers, so just try answer one. Will you deny that hands being chopped off are not in accordance with the Quran?
How does requesting referefences for false claims constitute a diatribe? You make claims you present evidence. Simple.
Quran and Sunnah are both indispensable. No one denied that. Give evidence for your claims from either of the two sources.
You are still to provide evidence for your claims about menstruation, dogs, Judas, etc. You can’t get away by saying “All I say is true”. Prove it.
You said Muhammad has no credentials. I just cited one example amongst thousand others as proof of his credentials. You did not specify type of credentials (religious, political, military, etc). We do not base our accepting of Muhammad as a Prophet on Hart’s work.
I will answer this question too like i have been answering all others. Chopping hands of thief is in the Qur’an (5:38). That punishment was relative to 7th century Arabia. The world all over at that time practiced corporal punishment. Matter of fact, in the 1800s the death penalty was prescribed in Britain for stealing fish from another person’s pond.
Any other question?
Please provide proof for your claims. Being ex-Muslim and studying Islam in Indonesia is not proof. Proof is Qur’an and Sunnah.
Perhaps you would care to also provide ‘proof’ that Muhammad was a prophet
The Qu’ran offers no proof of anything, at best it can be considered evidence just like any holy book. You believe it, I don’t. I note you don’t deny the chopping of hands but now say it is relevant to the historical time. But surely the word of Allah is still relevant today. Who is picking and choosing now? Fact is, that it is still practiced unlike the death penalty for stealing fish.
What Michael H Hart actually said;
My choice of Muhammad to lead the list of the world’s most
influential persons may surprise some readers and may be
questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who
was supremely successful on both the religious and secular
levels.
Of note is the word ‘choice’. It is not factual.
On the subject of dogs
Muslim (279) narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The purification of the vessel of one of you, if a dog licks it, is to wash it seven times, the first time with soil.”
And Muslim (280) narrated that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn al-Mughaffal said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “If a dog licks the vessel of one of you, let him wash it seven times and rub it with soil the eighth time.”
In these two ahaadeeth the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) explained how purification from the najaasah of a dog is to be done, which is by washing the vessel seven times, one of which should be with soil. Both are required.
Source
https://islamqa.info/en/answers/41090/how-purification-from-the-najaasah-of-a-dog-is-done
You said “He made up some stupid rules such as washing your HANDS seven times after being licked by a dog and hence dogs are frowned upon as pets”
Kindly cite any evidence from the Quran or Hadith (Muhammad’s sayings and actions) about “washing your HANDS seven times”.
The above Hadiths are about washing a VESSEL/CONTAINER licked by a dog, not HANDS. Waiting for evidence or your humble apology.
What is the context of the above quoted Hadiths?
It deals with hygiene etiquettes and practice to interrupt the spread of disease. Reason he says seven times is to ensure thorough removal of germs as it is impossible for it to remain after washing the utensil seven times. According to a study of the bacterial flora of the dog oral cavity, the most frequently isolated organisms were Klebsiella pneumoniae ssp pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter cloacae, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, and Pasteurella species. There were no differences in the aerobic bacterial flora between rabid and nonrabid dogs. See https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14971525 for further details. This is the conclusion of a reputable paper in a medical journal. It is interesting to note that there were no differences between rabid and nonrabid dogs.
Also, please cite evidence for dogs being “frowned upon as pets”. How does encouraging good hygiene practice mean having dogs as pets is frowned upon by Muhammad? Muhammad has also encouraged washing hands before and after eating meals. According to your reasoning, having meals is thus frowned upon. You see your logic?
Still waiting for your references on the issues of menstruation, washing “hands”, having pet dogs being frowned upon, and Judas.
Happy searching the internet!
Funny how you just searched the internet for your answers though!
In my muslim household all had to wash their hands seven times if a dog licked them. By your logic this only applies to vessels. I don’t know about you but I don’t eat from a dog bowl. But washing it seven times makes no difference. Science says bacteria will still exist even after the 7th or 100th time. Note that one of the processes involves soil too, but I see you avoided that one.
Search the internet yourself. Many muslim scholars agree that what is good for the ‘vessel’ also applies to the body. This is also what is taught in Indonesia.
Then why is that the country of the birth of islam punishes changing religion with death? As an ex muslim, I can attest that Muslims are taught from the very beginning many of the atrocities they commit. Why is it that Islam produces such a high rate if not the highest of extremists? Temporary marriage (mutah) is not a misconception it is a FACT! Chopping of hands for stealing is not a misconception, it is a FACT. Punishment for blasphemy is punishable by death, not a misconception, but a FACT. Non-muslims are not permitted to visit Mecca, not a misconception, but a FACT. There are many more, the muslim faith being touted as a religion of peace is a misconception. I am an ex muslim, because I studied the Qu’ran and Hadith for decades. Since I renounced it, I have felt so free. Acts of ‘good works’ can still be accomplished without religion. In all my studies, the simple fact is that the only proof of the Qu’ran is muhammad and the only proof of muhammad is the Qu’ran, a never ending circular reference. Of the three monotheistic religions Islam offers the least evidence supported by bearded men.
I respect your freedom to chose your religion or no religion. However, do not insult the religion of 1.8 Billion people due to misinformation and politics or your TWISTED misunderstanding.
What if it is your understanding that is twisted? Where were the insults? I quoted facts! Try countering them. Numbers are meaningless. These numbers are derived from census taking. 90% of Indonesians are Muslim simply because they are born into it. A more accurate count would be asking if you believe in it (for all religions). I have heard it all before eg how can 1.8 billion people be wrong? Well like it or not they could be!
Any religion that supports violance for “honor” or the mere depiction of a prophet seems too extreme and archaic for the civilized world.
Agree.
Which religion are you referring to?
You can’t be referring to Islam because according to Islam that is not true.
I thought these were still supported practice/belief of the more moderate or say modern muslim religion.
A reasonably good response to the mostly negative but some genuine concerns on the other article.
This religion do not believe that Jesus is god nor do they believe in the cross if anyone no Matter who it is don’t believe in the cross of Jesus Christ they are damed already and they might as well be prepared for hells fire read the word of god people get the real understanding of who god is and his son Jesus Christ
CNS: The point is, that is what you believe and you are entitled to believe it. You are allowed under the constitution to openly hold the belief that every single person who does not believe exactly what you believe is destined for an eternity of damnation. However, other people have a different set of beliefs and should be allowed to worship as they see fit, or not if they don’t.
I agree. We need to read, hear, and talk frequently about other faiths practised on the Island, including Islam, in order for us as a community to become more tolerant.
Wrong place, wrong time. Nothing would dispel misconceptions here.
How is it wrong place wrong time?
Here or anywhere else in the world. It comes down to the bible with the two brothers fighting. One headed up Christianity and the other Islam. The right and intolerance will never stop.
We do not worship the same God as
Muslims. There is nothing to have an “inter-faith Council” about. Islam is an inherently violent religion judged by the actions of its founder and the contents of the Quran. Peaceful verses were in the early chapters which are annulled by the later versed according to the principle of abrogation. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naskh_(tafsir)
These are not derogatory comments . They are facts.
Interesting that CNS is now a cheerleader for Islam.
CNS: We are cheerleaders for religious tolerance and peaceful co-existence, as all right thinking people should be.
There are more negative comments about Christians on this site than against Muslims. The latter will need to tolerate some criticism until the jihadis calm down.
What does Jihadi mean?
Some so called holier than thou followers of the Lord Jesus who came with peace and tolerance do not want religious tolerance.
#irony #priorities
CNS: Right, of course, sure you are….. Like you also cheerlead Christianity, traditional family values, and it’s moral values….
CNS: I don’t think you’ve quite got the hang of the concept of religious tolerance (note, that is what I said we are cheerleading, not a particular belief). It means that ALL religions are tolerant of ALL other religions or no religion. It means understanding that other people live under a set of morals/beliefs that are not necessarily the same as yours. I understand that you are referring to our support of the LGBT community, who are discriminated against as a result of intolerance by some people who identify themselves as Christian. Cheerleading religious tolerance does not mean standing aside in the face of intolerance. It’s not hard.
You are really going to cite Wikipedia as a source for your “facts”? Add that to the bibliography of your college assignment. Your professor will be impressed.
Anonymous 8:20am
Lies! Where did you get that concept of peaceful verses being abrogated by later more violent verses?
“There is no compulsion in faith” (2:256) is a later verse!
I am not religious and I never will be, but I support the rights of the people to practice the religion of their choosing.
But I have one question that I need the Muslim community in Cayman to answer up to. Will your next event have any momos or kabuli palaw??
Lol
Best question ever posed to Muslims. Can anyone answer?
Not sure about Kabuli rice, but I am sure there will be some delicious food like the biryani they had last open house.
Nothing out of the ordinary for the openly hostile and fundamentalist christian sects that have been spreading hate here for generations
They are always the victims by definition even as they hold up signs calling for homosexuals to be stoned and while they are calling all muslims terrorists
The right wing talking points from America don’t help the situation far too many Caymanians are avid viewers of fox news and various televangelists who jet around in private planes while spouting the “prosperity gospel” to people who don’t know where their next meal is coming from
Hypocrisy is almost as prevalent here as incest and adultery
7:52 It’s not all who say “Lord Lord will enter the kingdom of God” . Its those who truly have Jesus in their lives. That’s the bottom line. Many would call themselves “Christian” – as a religion.. but have no relationship with Jesus CHRIST/God. There are many better muslims than some. But ALL HAVE SINNED. Fox etc have freedom of speech which is non existent in Saudi and many more.
What we need to do though is revisit the CORE of each Savior/Prophet teaching and lifestyle. Then we will see who offers real etetnal salvation. We cannot look at men and their wicked deeds or even what they call good.
But all should the right to practice, in Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey, Indonesia etc just as they do in UK, USA, Canada, CAYMAN and all.
This is one of the Major issues. If “christian” brethren are being killed and sidelined in these countries, some “Christian” will be upset when they try to preach love and respect in the West.
I have a question. Is it true that under the sharia law, if an unmarried girl have sex and her family finds out they can kill her or have some else kill her and it is not considered a crime?
The interesting thing is you will get yes and no answers from Muslims, depending on where they are from
That is false.
If you do believe that is true, kindly provide Qur’anic reference for your assertion.
Then why is it happening in muslim countries? The post was a question you have turned backwards. Try answering the question. This is what is fundamentally wrong with Islam. It discourages questions!
“The prophet was asked about things which he did not like, and when the questioner insisted, the Prophet got angry. (vol. 1, no. 92) The Prophet got angry and his cheeks or his face became red. (vol. 1, no. 91) “Allah has hated you…[for] asking too many questions.” (vol. 2, no. 555; and vol. 3, no. 591, Bukhari’s Hadith commenting on Muhammad’s reaction to hostile questioners.)
Note ‘Allah hates”
The Qur’an, Islam’s primary source, encourages asking intelligent questions. “ask…if you do not know” (16:43), is just one example.
Care to give context and explain your cherry picked Hadith about “Muhammad’s reaction to hostile questioners”?
What’s wrong Muhammad getting angry and his cheeks turning red? He was a human. He got angry at times, like all humans (except you Mr/s Perfect), when people arrogantly asked ludicrous questions to test his veracity. Why don’t you cherry pick the thousand other Hadiths that demonstrate him answering questions.
Because it was relevant to topic. You are missing the point. Muhammad stated ‘Allah hates you’. Where is the peace?
Where did he say “Allah hates you”?
The above comment just proved he said “Allah hates for you the following…” Don’t see the difference between “Allah hates you” and “Allah hates for you…”?
Answer the questions posed to you about citing references. Waiting.
The word ‘for’ is bracketed. Do you know what that means?
Deception of Anonymous 6:48pm!
The above individual has done an abysmal job of “copy and paste” from a particular website.
““Allah has hated you…[for] asking too many questions.”” is what the person pasted. I ask you to kindly find any Hadith where it says “Allah has hated YOU [for] asking too many questions”. You (or your source) have mistranslated the Hadith.
Below is the Arabic:
روى المغيرة بن شعبة رضي الله عنه أنه سمع رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول : (إن الله كره لكم ثلاثا : قيل وقال ، وإضاعة المال ، وكثرة السؤال) رواه البخاري
The Arabic says كره لكم which translates “dislikes/hates for you”. He dislikes for you to do the things explained further in the Hadith. No where does it say “Allah hates you…”. Deception number one!
Furthermore, what Allah dislikes for you, according to the above Hadith, is كثرة السوال. What does that mean? You have “asking too many questions”. Matter of fact, Fath al-Bari, the commentary of Bukhari (source of the Hadith) states it means begging. Deception 2!
References were asked for and provided, but because it doesn’t suit your argument you dismiss them!
You got exposed manipulating the translation from “Allah hates for you” to “Allah hates you”. References were asked to expose you. Please cite references for other claims too so you may be exposed again.
Let’s remind ourselves of the anger of the Lord Jesus.
He calls the teachers of the Law hypocrites in the following passage “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!” (Matthew 23:13)
According to John 2:13-22 “When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.”
You see the irony?
Still waiting for you to post reference. Don’t forget to copy and paste. I have already answered the question above as follows “That is false.” Seems like you disagree with my answer. Muslims are saying that is false and you disagree with them. You are entitled to disagree. But please give Quranic or Hadith reference for the above.
References would make no difference as evident in other posts. The poster is criticised from referencing a pro Islamic website and copying and pasting text, but it is okay for you to copy and paste other text. You can’t have it both ways.
You can’t make wild claims without backing it up. It doesn’t work, my friend.
And neither can you
News flash – the whole Qu’ran is nothing but a wild claim!
Reason for such occurrences in Muslim countries is cultural not religious. These practices occur at a greater frequency in non-Muslim countries like India too.
Muslim women will not have sex before marriage….if she do then she not Muslim the Islamic low will not apply to her …
And if Muslim kill his daughter wife our any one there’s low and the go court and will be send to jail our will be hang for killing …
Amjed zureigat
What about the Muslim man having sex before marriage?
Kindly provide reference from the Islamic scripture that says a woman who has sex before marriage is not Muslim?
That is another lie against Islam. A person doesn’t leave Islam by doing that.