[LS]

This shows your total ignorance of Islam. Have you read the Hadith? Do you know that it is viewed as "law" as much as the Koran?

Do you know that NO imam is viewed as a reliable translator of the Koran in Sunni Islam, and in Shia Islam, there are sharp divisions among ayatollahs as to what any verses mean? There is NO one source in Islam that has the "correct" or "widely accepted" view of the Koran. That is precisely why the Wahabbists have gained such currency---because their interpretation is "as good" as anyone else's.

That also means there are millions (billions?) of Muslims who absolutely do NOT think that the "jihad" (struggle) called for is military or political but personal.

I don't think they are interpreting the Koran correctly but that's irrelevant and immaterial: all that is important is how THEY interpret it.

[Fishrrman]

LS writes:
Do you know that NO imam is viewed as a reliable translator of the Koran in Sunni Islam, and in Shia Islam, there are sharp divisions among ayatollahs as to what any verses mean? There is NO one source in Islam that has the "correct" or "widely accepted" view of the Koran. That is precisely why the Wahabbists have gained such currency---because their interpretation is "as good" as anyone else's.
That also means there are millions (billions?) of Muslims who absolutely do NOT think that the "jihad" (struggle) called for is military or political but personal.

I'd like to make a comment. Don't know whether it means anything or not.

Since September 11, 2001, I've read many, many threads on Free Republic regarding Islam.

But one thing I have _never_ read, is a post by ANYone on Free Republic who openly admits to being Muslim, and who _also_ has stated he or she repudiates the violent teachings of Islam and would side with Christianity _against_ violent Islam to preserve our culture and democracy if need be.

Not one.

Do such persons exist?

If anyone can point directly to a post that contradicts what I have stated, you are welcome to do so.

- John