[quadrant]

The idea that Islam is a religion of peace is absurd.

First, religions may teach peace (that is, living in harmony with one's neighbors and respecting their religious views) but only people can be peaceful.

Second, one must define "peace."
If one means that Islam imparts to believers a settled and all-inclusive view of about life, then Islam is a religion of peace.
Islam does give its believers a sense of internal peace.

However, if one means that Islam is a religion that teaches pacifism, then peace is not a tenent of that faith.
Islam does not treach one to turn the other cheek, as did Christ.
Islam was spread by the conquest, and while tolerance was extended from time-to-time to Christians and Jews, it was never extended to pagans.
Even Christians and Jews were "tolerated" only on the condition that the paid a special tax and acknowledged the political supremecy of Islam.

[backhoe]

Comments appreciated- thank you.

[HiTech RedNeck]

Islam does give its believers a sense of internal peace.

Peace enough to rage at people who aren't doing them any harm.