Posted on 10/09/2001 5:50:59 PM PDT by JeepInMazar
The following comes from the book, Democracy According to Islam by Niaz Faizi Kabuli. (Pittsburgh: Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc. 1994.)
First, a review:
"Niaz Faizi Kabuli's Democracy According to Islam provides an early and important analysis of the scriptural and conceptual resources of Islam that are relevant to contemporary discussions of the compatibility of Islam and democracy." John L. Esposito, Georgetown University.
And from the forward:
"The question, therefore, in regards to democracy is whether this is contrary to the spirit of Islam. There is no doubt that it is not." Berger Vachon, Sorbonne University, Paris. Page xiv.
Two quotes from Mr. Kabuli:
"We should only like to show many Western scholars (and some learned Moslem men as well) who hold an erroneous view of Islam, that the Moslem religion may harmoniously coexist in a democracy, in the full spirit of Moslem theocratic character; we should even say that the principles defined by Islam may perfectly well be applied in mature democratic states." Page xv.
"We must point out, however, that Islam is strict as regards apostasy....[the] punishment is death for a person who, after having adhered to these dogmas, rejects them." Pages 106-107.
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of former Muslims in the United States who live under the threat of death because of their own personal decision to no longer follow the Islamic religion. Freedom of religion is a cornerstone of the American republic. Former Muslims do not always experience this aspect of freedom because of the hatred and intolerance of others.
Moderate American Muslims need to clearly denounce those misguided people who, in the name of Islam, call for the death of those who leave the Muslim religion. To do otherwise is to promote intolerance toward our fellow Americans who choose to no longer adhere to the Muslim religion. And to do otherwise will demonstrate that even the most moderate form of Islam is incompatible with the United States Constitution.
Now is the time for “moderate” Muslim leaders in America to clearly define the limits of their tolerance.
Please forward this to every Islamic organization and every moderate Muslim leader you know of in America.
It's been four weeks! I'm still waaaaaaaaaaaaaiting! So are a LOT of other people.
I wonder where the rest of the "Allah corner" is?
There are 5 "Pillars of Islam," which are:
Narrated Ibn Umar: Allah's Apostle said: Islam is based on (the following) five (principles):As far as all the other Koranic quoations about various punishments for various acts, you can see in the Old Testament - still the scripture of the Jewish religion - almost identical passages condoning slavery, genocide, stonings, mutilations, burnt offerings, forced marriage to women captives, etc. etc. etc. And you also have the Orthodox Jews and evangelical Christians who say there is nothing in the New Testament to contradict the old. Last but not least, the Armageddonites who see in Revelations the prospect of a worldwide war ushering in the return of Christ to Earth.1.To testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Muhammed is Allah's apostle.
2.To offer the (compulsory congregational) prayers dutifully and perfectly.
3.To pay Zakat (i.e. obligatory charity).
4.To perform Hajj (i.e. Pilgrimage to Mecca).
5.To observe fast during the month of Ramadan.(Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 1, p. 17).
But fortunately in our society people we have (1) Secular governments and (2) A small and relatively harmless minority of people who want to take scriptures literally.
Exodus 22:20
"He that sacrificeth unto any god, save unto the LORD only, he shall be utterly destroyed."
Exodus 22:20
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