Good evening homa,

I feel the need to intervene in this discussion as Bro Hosssain has some difficulties with the language, and is also working a very busy schedule.

I would like to know why you feel the need to attack the brother with your point of view. My understanding of this group is that it is meant to be a forum for getting to know Islam and share ideas and acquire knowledge. I don't see how this exchange of ideas can flow freely if we are displaying hostility to one another.

I would like to try to respond to some of your points. In your first paragraph you state that if someone converts to Christianity from al-Islam, they are killed by the government and no one ever knows why. You are condemning the many based on the actions of a few. Not every convert is killed. And while I deplore this behavior as much as you do, it is not done according the the Quran. it is the decision of human beings acting on distorted beliefs. Nowhere in the Quran or the Sunnah (life example of the Prophet PBUH) are Muslims told to kill someone for their beliefs. Judgment belongs to Allah (swa) alone.

As to your second question, Allah is merciful and compassionate. These are two of his attributes-He is the Merciful Benefactor and the Merciful Redeemer. it is not Allah who is conducting terrorist activities. Again, it is human beings acting on their personal interpretations of the Quran. And again, they are not following the Sunnah. The Prophet (PBUH) did not behave this way towards anyone. As I stated in the other discussion on this site, he only went to war against those who persecuted the Muslims. He was a man of peace, and he did not advocate indiscriminate violence. The terrorists who say they are acting "in the Name of Allah" are blaspheming, just as the Germans did when they murdered 7 million in the Name of God. In the United States, Timothy McVey deliberately murdered many innocent people in Oklahoma City, including little children. He was a Christian. Does that mean that all Christians are evil or that God is less than perfect?

Lastly, i do not understand your last statement, "...you are disobeying God's Word". Additionally, you have made a number of statements regarding the Quran which are totally incorrect. The Quran does not say that the only way of freedom is through Christ. We are taught that the way of freedom is by following the Five Pillars of Islam-Faith, prayer, charity, fasting and pilgrimage. We believe that Jesus is the Messiah. Again, we know that he is NOT Allah. Yes Mary was a virgin. When Allah wants something to take place, He says, "Be" and it is. This is what He did with Mary. However, believing this does not lead to disobedience of God's Word.

You evidently have had some exposure to al-Islam. I urge you to revisit the Quran in order to gain accurate knowledge of what Muslims believe and why.

As salaamu alaikum (God' s peace be with you),

Karimah

Good morning Karimah,

My apologies to Bro Hossain and you. My intension were not as it appears. I think the best is for me to get a Quran and get back with you with Ayahs'.

God be with you,

Homa

Dear Homa,

Thank you for your gracious apology. I look forward to examining the Scriptures with you.

Peace,

Karimah

Karimah:

Once again thank you for your very clear and intelligent post. I'm particularly struck by your comments in response to homa's "second question".

I think people often forget about Timothy McVey, Hitler and other "Christians" who have committed acts just as vile as the 9-11 terrorists' acts. They didn't condemn Christianity based on Hitler's and McVey's acts, so it makes no more sense to condemn Islam for the 9-11 terrorists' acts.

Also, not being a Muslim, I find your comments about your prophet and his love for peace very enlightening. It appears to me that your prophet, Muhammed, and Christianity's prophet, Jesus, have much in common.

Peace,

Kathie

Kathie;

Thank you for your kind words. I just want to correct you on one thing. You call Jesus Christianity's Prophet. He is our Prophet as well. The reason that he an Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) have so much in common is because they were given the same message from Allah (swa). Muhammad continued where Jesus left off.

If you ever get a chance to read the Quran, I urge you to read the Surah (chapter) entitled Maryam (Mary). It speaks very succintly to the issue of Isa (Jesus) and his mother as well. After reading a few of your posts, I think this Surah will be of particular interest to you.

I enjoy talking with you, and I am glad that I have found you as a friend. We have much to talk about in the future, inshaAllah (God willing)

Peace,

Karimah

Thanks for correcting me Karimah, but I really didn't express myself very well. I am aware that Jesus is considered a prophet in Islam as well, but didn't make that clear. Also, I will read the Surah you suggest; I've never read any of the Koran and am looking forward to learning a little more about it.

Your friend,

Kathie

Good morning Karimah,

As I had said previously I have been trying and researching Quran for verses on different issues so then we can talk about them, but in the meanwhile I would like to know:

What does Quran say about freedom of religion and Muslims who convert to Christianity or other religions? What will happen to Muslims who convert? Thank you,

God be with you,

Homa