[StillProud2BeFree]

Actually what I was told by the imam at Al Azhar in Cairo when I visited there back in the 1980's was that Protestants are considered pagans as well - specifically polytehists = because protestants believe that Jesus is the Son of God. (My ex was trying to make me convert and thought the dude at Azhar could convince me. Not a chance.)

This is specifically addressed in these verses from the Quran:
"And your God is one God; there is no god but He! He is the Beneficent, the Merciful." (2:163).

"Say: He, Allah, is One. Allah is He on Whom all depend. He begets not, nor is He begotten; And none is like Him". (Chapter 112).

I've seen some interesting discussions of this. Since Muslims also believe there are 99 different names for Allah, the argument has been made that this is in essence a form of the same thing that most Muslims will disavow completely.

It gets interesting reading the material.

[swarthyguy]

Hey, I think the Black Rock of the Kaabah is a Shiva Lingam. Ask the imam about that and watch his pointy head explode.

[Labyrinthos]

Your posts are always enlightening. Thanks again.

[swarthyguy]

>>>99 different names for Allah

They come so close.

99 bottles of beer on the wall
99 bottles of beeeeer . . .
Take one down, pass it around
98 bottles of beer on the wall
.
.
.1 bottle of beer on the wall
1 bottle of beeeeer . . .
Take one down, pass it around
No more bottles of beer on the wall.

[Calpernia]

Since you can read Arabic, have you ever read the Quran in Arabic?

I've read three different translations; but I have no way of knowing what the Arabic says.

Is there a NONviolent way of being a Muslim? Or do they all have to achieve the Caliph by going forth and converting/enslaving/putting to death the nonbelievers?