Replies

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

"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."

The personal jihad concept you speak of did not come about until the 11th century, some 400 years after the original concept of jihad, military and political, created by Muhammed. It was the Sufis, Muslim mystics, that did this.

Some might believe in personal jihad, which is a struggle against the self and definitely support that. Let them fight with themselves, not us.

"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."

You will never find one because they think in circles like the Socialists on this thread. To get out of that circle of self-deceit takes a bit of bravery on their part to part ways with the group, which most Muslims don't have.

I have been reading in "Commentary" magazine that there are cracks forming to indicate that Muslims are starting to come out of their shell and speaking more on the ideas of personal liberty, ethics and other libertarian (liberal) topics that we take for granted and are losing here. I see some hope possibly for them.

FC

I can't give you the link, but I've read numerous statements from imams, ayatollahs, and "average" Muslims who not only condemn violence but who maintain that it has nothing to do with either the Koranic interpretation of "jihad" or with "holy war."

Let me be clear: I think it does, but, just as many (most?) Christians know very little about the Bible, or what it actually says (for ex., most Christians think the phrase "Money is the root of all evil" is in the Bible, or "Cleanliness is next to godliness."), I think most MODERN Muslims, esp. in the West absolutely do not make the (in my view, correct) interpretations of "jihad" with violence.

It's the same way that Unitarians can insist that Jesus is not divine; or that Jehovah's Witnesses can claim that only they will be saved; or that Christian Scientists reject medicine. These all fall into the category of "Christians," but are as different as night and day.