A colleague and I were discussing his friend's fear and despise of Muslims and Islam, and how he made sweeping ignorant comments about it showing me how little he knew about Mohammad, the religion and its teachings. This led me to look up some unbiased information about this issue.
I found this Youtube video, below, to include a summary of everything that I had pent up inside with regards to Islam and how it has become misunderstood by both its fanatic followers as well as non-followers around the world.
I found this Youtube video, below, to include a summary of everything that I had pent up inside with regards to Islam and how it has become misunderstood by both its fanatic followers as well as non-followers around the world.
I do not usually like to talk about one specific religion as I find all of them equally intriguing and wonderful. I have had the privilege of reading a few holy books other than the Quran such as The Torah and The Bible and I have come to respect all religions that guide people to the right path and encourage them to embrace humanity. The only issue that hurts me to my core being is the fact that they each take a different corner of a fighting ring even though they all call for a similar goal in life.
I find that the true Islam, and the message of the Prophet Mohammad, has come to be misunderstood by millions due to the atrocities that have been erroneously committed in its name and the image of women in those regions.
I believe with all my heart that the Prophet had good intentions, was the first feminist in a region that practiced female infanticide, a socialist who loved to build a community to get rid of tribal brawls and a humanist who asked people to take care of and not spoil our Earth and to treat everyone equally and with respect. He loathed violence (as I do) and was forced into it for survival’s sake but always made sure to lay ground rules for combat; no killing of women, old people, and children, no cutting of trees or destroying homes and no killing of any man with no arms or who is not on the battle field ready to attack.
I love his teachings as I do Jesus’, Moses’ and many others such as Lord Buddha and I believe he was a reformist like no other Arab was during that era.
I do not wish to go into much detail about what I think as my views might be taken as tainted and biased since I have an Arab and Muslim background. Therefore, I am relying on this documentary by the History Channel to relay my thoughts and views. They have eloquently echoed my beliefs and views on the whole issue.
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11 comments:
It is very sad that the words/teaching of wise and compassionate people are later distorted by organised religion for purposes that they were not intended. Christianity is the same. As we know often use to control people and exclude certain groups. I suppose religion is like anything else in the hands of human beings - can be used for good or for evil. It is very frustrating. I hear you!
I agree with you! I was raised Catholic, but I read a bit of the Quran and studied Buda's teachings. In the end, the biggest problem is that men should worry with themselves, in improving themselves first, instead of trying to make others do what they want to get done... All religions are good, teir only problem is that they are a religion. They should be tought as life principles or teachings instead of being labelled... (hope u get my english...)
Kiss
Thank you both for taking the time to read, watch the video and comment... I agree with the both of you... it is very sad and equally frustrating... I also believe that it is these labels that are keeping every religion separate... we all want the same thing no matter what our religion was or even if we did not follow any specific religion... working on improving oneself and being kind to all people no matter what their background, social status or ethnicity is at the core of each one of them... so why can't we all just get along... I am so glad that there is hope because there are people like you out there...
Sadly, we are fed all that negativity through television and newspapers. I actually took a pledge a few weeks back to stop watching the news and reading newspapers because most of it is one par truth and 49 part lies. I think blogging is one of the best ways to know what is really going on in the world and to learn what people really believe.
Thank you Barbara... yes... sadly there is a lot of propaganda out there and sometimes we have to filter any news that we watch or hear through such medias... hopefully those who were led to believe that some religions are evil will change their minds and the fanatics will change their ways and stop the ridiculousness of what they are committing.
the ideology is same for every religion. may be because every religion is born from the teachings of a leader who became painful by looking at the hardships of his fellow beings. such leaders wanted to ease the pain by teaching a way of life which later became a religion. gandhiji, (father of nation - india) told, for peace in the world only one thing is needed, hindu should become a true hindu, muslim should become a true muslim, christian should become a true christian and likewise...
Hi jyothisethu... thank you for taking the time to read my post and comment... I agree with what you wrote 100% ... I do not think that I have heard of Ganhiji and would love to read more about him... he was right... the core of all religions is to become a good, kind honest, etc. human being and since all religions call for that then one should become true to his/her religion. will read more about Ganhiji as this interests me. thanks again.
Hi Lana, This is such a profound and provocative writing. Why provocative? People are ignorant, we we both know that already. Ignorant people make generalizations based not on fact but on their inability to think, reason, but mostly because some people need to hate and destroy. This is all the more reason why good people need to speak up, shout and not keep quiet when they hear someone make an ignorant statement or joke about Islam or any other religion or ethnicity. Prejudice and ingnorance and fanaticism are a deadly combination.
I love your sweet picture illustration.
Are you still in Jordan? I have been in Paulaland a.k.a. lalaland for awhile and am now catching up on my friends' posts and my own. Blessings and love to you and your family.
Wasn't that a cute illustraion... I found it on goggle and thought it perfect for the post... it speaks volumes doesn't it? The man with weapons is probably praying for a different God as he is not facing the same way to Kabbah... LOL...
I love your sentence "Prejudice, ignorance and fanaticism are a deadly combination" So true... so wise... this is based on people who do not seek the truth and do not think for themselves... people on both sides are brainwashed which causes all this malarkey... why can't we just sit together and stop hating... stop these stupid wars with people standing in different corners...let us come together in the middle and shake hands... this way we can all be guaranteed to live... in peace...
Not in Jordan yet my lovely Paula... in a few days!
I love it when you return from your short vacations... brings a huge smile on my face... Blessings to you and your family as well... Allah Yibarek feeki!
or Yahwe Ibarek feeki!
(Am i correct?)
Thank you Lana. I think there is one God who goes by many Names. I receive Allah's blessings with gratitude. It felt I was on my "vacation" longer & That u were already in Jordan.
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