Islam - What's your view on it?

[e30 freek]

You know everyday when I go to work on the way I always get called paki by some stranger and who ever it is always turns out to be a white dude (not trying to be racist) but never has a black dude called me paki or disrespected me even though people call me paki I never get out my car and start a fight or argument and some of the comments I've seen on this page are disgusting so who ever started this thread should delete this whole thing they knew it would turn out like this and if he's Muslim he should know better and not ask for views on Islam when the mojority are going just disrespect it and say and then some dumb **** comes and starts being racist to all Jews and Christians and stuff

 

[sumbrownkid]

So you're content with sticking your head in the ground like an ostrich and just ignore such thoughts, feelings, and ideas?

If someone has an issue with Islam, then that's there problem and not really mine. All I ask of such people is to be honest about it and tell me like a grown up instead of hiding it. At least that way, I can respect and counter that opinion.

And the folk that say stuff like "Paki" to you can continue on making asses of themselves in public.

 

[e30 freek]

Yh I would love what people got to say but there opinions aren't really important to me when I got on here I thought it might be good but I soon realised that people just turned the this into a hate thread of Islam
And btw I appreciate you being thoughtful it helps

 

[kk20]

You know everyday when I go to work on the way I always get called paki by some stranger and who ever it is always turns out to be a white dude (not trying to be racist) but never has a black dude called me paki or disrespected me even though people call me paki I never get out my car and start a fight or argument and some of the comments I've seen on this page are disgusting so who ever started this thread should delete this whole thing they knew it would turn out like this and if he's Muslim he should know better and not ask for views on Islam when the mojority are going just disrespect it and say and then some dumb **** comes and starts being racist to all Jews and Christians and stuff

Sorry for what you have experienced or are experiencing.

I dont think this thread has gotten out of hand. There are misinformed people here and I dont blame them. I think this thread is great. There are a lot of misconceptions which have hopefully been put to bed.

We need to talk about these things more often, especially extremism. Turning a blind eye is not the way forward.

Think of it this way, carbonox will now think twice when posting his famous 20 points...

 

[sumbrownkid]

^We have to talk about these issues more than ever instead of just sweeping them under the rug.

Ignoring the issue is the easy route and one that hinders prosperity.

 

[Scaff]

Yh I would love what people got to say but there opinions aren't really important to me when I got on here I thought it might be good but I soon realised that people just turned the this into a hate thread of Islam
And btw I appreciate you being thoughtful it helps

I can 100% assure you that anyone who attempts to turn this into a hate thread (for anything) will face the full weight of the AUP.

To date one member has wandered down that route (and not for the first time), the detailed replies that other members have given pointing out just how flimsy and inaccurate his claims are has been more effective than anything the staff could have done.

 

[JediRage]

While I do not support the ideas JediRage, I suggest you do not say that JediRage = Finland.

I agree; just because there is one idiot in a nation/race/religion doesn't mean everyone else is like that.

Huh?

So I am being called a hate-monger for what exactly? Just for raising doubts against Islam?

Where does it say I'm from Finland?

So holding any position other than 'Islam = Peaceful Religion' makes me a hate-monger? You guys should move your hippie activism to places like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Bahrain etc. where its really needed.

 

[kk20]

Huh?

So I am being called a hate-monger for what exactly? Just for raising doubts against Islam?

Where does it say I'm from Finland?

So holding any position other than 'Islam = Peaceful Religion' makes me a hate-monger? You guys should move your hippie activism to places like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Bahrain etc. where its really needed.

Hippi activism?

 

[SalmanBH]

Huh?

So I am being called a hate-monger for what exactly? Just for raising doubts against Islam?

Where does it say I'm from Finland?

So holding any position other than 'Islam = Peaceful Religion' makes me a hate-monger? You guys should move your hippie activism to places like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Bahrain etc. where its really needed.

And why would those countries need that?

 

[JediRage]

Huh?

So I am being called a hate-monger for what exactly? Just for raising doubts against Islam?

Where does it say I'm from Finland?

So holding any position other than 'Islam = Peaceful Religion' makes me a hate-monger? You guys should move your hippie activism to places like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Bahrain etc. where its really needed.

And why would those countries need that?

What I should have said was, their intolerant attitude would help them settle in these countries quite comfortably.

 

[Joey D]

So holding any position other than 'Islam = Peaceful Religion' makes me a hate-monger?

There isn't any other position to hold, it's a fact that Islam is a peaceful religion. What some of its extreme followers choose to do with it is doesn't mean the vast majority of the group is like that at all.

Think about it, a toaster's main job is to toast things. But if someone uses a toaster to kill someone, does it make every other toaster owner in the world a murder? No. Replace toaster with whatever you want and you'll get the idea.

 

[JediRage]

There isn't any other position to hold, ...

Thank you for proving my point.

 

[Joey D]

Thank you for proving my point.

I didn't say it made you a hate-monger. It only means you're ignorant to the facts of the group you have an issue with.

 

[Furinkazen]

What is Hippie Activism?!

 

[Scaff]

You guys should move your hippie activism to places like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Bahrain etc. where its really needed.

You have direct experience of those countries and the majority of the populations of them to make that call I take it?

My father worked in the gulf for 15 years and as a result I have a good deal of experience of the area and the people. I've been to two of the three countries you mentioned (Bahrian and Saudi) within the last two years and was in the region (Dubai) three months ago with work. The vast majority of Muslims who live in the region (and all that I have worked with) are no different to the people of the rest of the world, they have no interest in the views of the extreme and certainly don' share them at all.

For the record I'm an atheist, however some of the calls made about those who follow Islam are simply ridiculous to the extreme (i.e. the nonsense posted by Carbonox) and are akin to viewing all Christians by the actions of the LRA or Jim Jones (both shining examples of mainstream Christianity of course - sarcasm if you hadn't guessed).

The issues with censorship and internal struggle in some of the countries in the region have more to do with politics and power struggles than they do religion, and are little different to some of the things the religious right in both the US and UK would put in place if they could (in other words not representative of the mainstream of that religion and as much about power and control as religion).

Personally I find all religion to be pointless and nonconstructive (but that's a different topic) but that certainly doesn't make the average follower of Islam any more dangerous than the average follower of Christianity/Buddhism/Judaism, etc, etc. Quite frankly those who believe the kind of crap that Carbonox has been spouting scare me far more (because that's just another example of extremism)

 

[JediRage]

You have direct experience of those countries and the majority of the populations of them to make that call I take it?

My father worked in the gulf for 15 years and as a result I have a good deal of experience of the area and the people. I've been to two of the three countries you mentioned (Bahrian and Saudi) within the last two years and was in the region (Dubai) three months ago with work. The vast majority of Muslims who live in the region (and all that I have worked with) are no different to the people of the rest of the world, they have no interest in the views of the extreme and certainly don' share them at all.

For the record I'm an atheist, however some of the calls made about those who follow Islam are simply ridiculous to the extreme (i.e. the nonsense posted by Carbonox) and are akin to viewing all Christians by the actions of the LRA or Jim Jones (both shining examples of mainstream Christianity of course - sarcasm if you hadn't guessed).

The issues with censorship and internal struggle in some of the countries in the region have more to do with politics and power struggles than they do religion, and are little different to some of the things the religious right in both the US and UK would put in place if they could (in other words not representative of the mainstream of that religion and as much about power and control as religion).

Personally I find all religion to be pointless and nonconstructive (but that's a different topic) but that certainly doesn't make the average follower of Islam any more dangerous than the average follower of Christianity/Buddhism/Judaism, etc, etc. Quite frankly those who believe the kind of crap that Carbonox has been spouting scare me far more (because that's just another example of extremism)

I'm glad you qualified that one line accusatory sentence with an explanation. Not in a single post in this thread have I posted hateful comments about Islam or muslims. But when my reservations are put in the same bracket as harsh lines of reasoning and I am automatically branded as a hate-monger, I take issue with that.

This brings me to my earlier point about the ill-liberalism about the criticism of Islam. Westerners may have not had a history with islam in their countries but if they do not want to learn lessons from the experiences of other regions even in recent history and current events then frankly, it is none of my concern. You can believe what you like. But what you cannot insist is every person in this world immediately believe that Islam is the religion of peace only because you (not you personally) say so. A thousand years of experiences and facts (which go on to this day) count for more than what passes for political correctness in the media nowadays.

If the people get so easily brain washed, it is for educated people in their midst to enlighten them about the awfulness of violence. It is NOT for those who suffer to show understanding and compassion while nothing is done by educated and peaceful muslims to curb the radical elements of their religion. Before condemning the perceptions that Islam is violent, they should address the root cause of why it is perceived to be violent before complaining about books of other religions and hate groups.

 

[sumbrownkid]

^Yeah I'm sure the educated Muslims don't do anything right?

Because lord knows we don't like fixing anything.

Get real bro.

 

[Furinkazen]

There is, yet again, a minority giving everyone a bad name. If a group of rich christians go into another country and blow themselves up, does that mean all christians are evil terrorists. When discussing this we have to remember the line between radical extremists and people who follow it without violence.

 

[JediRage]

There is, yet again, a minority giving everyone a bad name. If a group of rich christians go into another country and blow themselves up, does that mean all christians are evil terrorists. When discussing this we have to remember the line between radical extremists and people who follow it without violence.

Yeah and if this thread is anything to go by, most moderate muslims are too busy emphasizing the existence and widespread appeal of other-religious-terrorist-groups (which just so happen to be the religions of the majority population where they live) rather than addressing the radical elements within their religion.

Round and round we go.

 

[Furinkazen]

Yeah and if this thread is anything to go by, most moderate muslims are too busy emphasizing the existence and widespread appeal of other-religious-terrorist-groups (which just so happen to be the religions of the majority population where they live) rather than addressing the radical elements within their religion.

Round and round we go.

How do you get that?

 

[kk20]

What is Hippie Activism?!

That had me baffled too...

Yeah and if this thread is anything to go by, most moderate muslims are too busy emphasizing the existence and widespread appeal of other-religious-terrorist-groups (which just so happen to be the religions of the majority population where they live) rather than addressing the radical elements within their religion.

Round and round we go.

Hold up. Now you're taking out of context. I as well as others have said that there are other extreme religious groups. But have you understood why we've said that? The only reason for us saying this is the fact that the media only publicise the islam extremists. My point is why only publicise them? As a result of all this single publicity, people seem to think that islam is the ONLY violent religion in existence (even though its not violent at all). We are not trying to shift blame at all.

 

[Scaff]

Yeah and if this thread is anything to go by, most moderate muslims are too busy emphasizing the existence and widespread appeal of other-religious-terrorist-groups (which just so happen to be the religions of the majority population where they live) rather than addressing the radical elements within their religion.

Round and round we go.

On exactly what basis do you make that claim?

Mainstream Islam has a long history (as do mainstream branches of most religions) of countering the extreme elements within it, simply because you are not aware of it doesn't mean it doesn't exists.

On a serious note exactly how many Muslims have you sat down and had this conversation at length with?

 

[Sttrobe]

Terrorism.
That's all I hear. -sigh-

 

[priesty_lfc]

Not posted in this thread but have read quite abit of it, been wary of if to post or not as I don't want to be labeled something in not.

I have a question tho,

Not read either the Bible or Quran and tbh I have no plans to, but I understand the Quran mentions Jihad which I've always thought ment 'Holy War' now admittedly via news/tv etc. But is this true?

As I've said I've not read the Bible either but is there any mention war in there? Again I've always thought the Bible was more about teaching respect, right and wrong.

Most people's opinion on Islam will be made from what they see on TV and because of what's gone on/going on its understandable why people's opinions are what they are.

 

[SalmanBH]

Not posted in this thread but have read quite abit of it, been wary of if to post or not as I don't want to be labeled something in not.

I have a question tho,

Not read either the Bible or Quran and tbh I have no plans to, but I understand the Quran mentions Jihad which I've always thought ment 'Holy War' now admittedly via news/tv etc. But is this true?

As I've said I've not read the Bible either but is there any mention war in there? Again I've always thought the Bible was more about teaching respect, right and wrong.

Most people's opinion on Islam will be made from what they see on TV and because of what's gone on/going on its understandable why people's opinions are what they are.

Jihad is not what you believe it to be. The literal definition of Jihad is to strive and struggle, whether it was verbally or physically. Many things could be considered Jihad, for example, the people defending Islam in this thread, are actually in the process of Ijtihaad (striving and struggling).

However, the concept of "killing infidels" and forcing them into Islam is not Jihad. The Prophet Muhammad and the ruling Caliphs did not force Islam onto people, however, they offered a simple invitation to Islam. And if the person did not join Islam, he is able to freely practice his religion (as long as it doesn't conflict with the muslims) while paying Jizya (Tax for non-muslims).

I hope that cleared stuff up for you.

 

[Sttrobe]

^ This.

 

[Schwartz]

Why does this thread even exist? It's borderline racist, IMO. Islam is a religion, just like Christianity. What if I were to make a thread called "Christianity - What's your view on it?" Islam is just a religion. Anyone who thinks otherwise is severely mislead.

 

[Azuremen]

Why does this thread even exist? It's borderline racist, IMO. Islam is a religion, just like Christianity. What if I were to make a thread called "Christianity - What's your view on it?" Islam is just a religion. Anyone who thinks otherwise is severely mislead.

I think you've completely misunderstood the entire point of the thread. Also, go look at the God thread, which is mostly a discussion on Christian ideals and beliefs, and can easily be considered the "Christianity" thread.

 

[Schwartz]

If I am, than tell me the point of this thread.

Also, the God thread isn't about Christianity, it is about the existence of a greater being. If it has really skewed that far off topic, than the title should be changed. Jews as well as Muslims also believe in a singular God, not only Christians.

 

[Azuremen]

If I am, than tell me the point of this thread.

The point of this thread is discussion on a religion. Which is a good thing, given how many people grossly misunderstand it. Take a look at Carbonex's list of 20 "facts" and the attitudes of many members. It is an exchange of ideas.

Or are you of the mindset that even discussing things such as religion and race, which often tie into stereotypes and misconceptions, just shouldn't happen for fear of offending someone?

Also, the God thread isn't about Christianity, it is about the existence of a greater being. If it has really skewed that far off topic, than the title should be changed. Jews as well as Muslims also believe in a singular God, not only Christians.

So do Hindu's when you dig down deep enough, your point? The majority of English speaking members that believe in a God are Christian. The God Thread reflects that, which is fine.