Islam

I deeply respect your opinion but I think it’s important to answer some of your questions or confusions. In Islam we believe this life is a test, those who pass it will be sent to heaven and those who fail it will be sent to hell. Allah SWA created humankind to know and worship him (Quran 51:56), to exercise moral responsibility (Quran 2:30) and to freely choose god with one’s own choice (67:2).

Regarding the concept of love, in the Quran Allah tells his people he loves them and this is shown in many ayats e.g. 5:54 - He loves them, and they love him, 3:31 - God will love you and forgive your sins etc. Allah has 100 names and one of them is Al-Wadud translated as the most loving. I know the meanings may differ but Allah loves his people.

Prophet Mohammed (PBUO) allowed polygamy only under the circumstances that the man ensures all 4 wives are treated with equality.

Divorce was introduced to prevent any harm.

This is based on what the Quran teaches, and it’s not said to offend anyone or their religious beliefs.

Thank you for your answer.

As you said yourself, Muhammad reintroduced polygamy - not the Lord.

1) Honestly, it is impossible to treat and truly love 4 women with equality. Muhammad called Fatima his favourite wife, isn´t it?

2) I doubt that any woman wants to be one of multiple women - instead of being the unique love of her husband. It´s degrading.

3) It makes perfect sense that true religion upholds the highest moral standards. God does not lower His moral standards. It does not make any sense that He should change His word...and suddenly gives permission for polygamy and divorce...??

4) In the Christian faith, marriage is a lifelong, indissoluble union between one man and one woman (that is open to procreation). This is the perfect, divine model of the love. It was like this in the beginning when He created Adam and Eve (not 4 Eves) and it is His will forever.

5) Divorce creates, not prevents harm. E. g. Children with divorced parents have 4 years less life expectation in the average.

6) Moreover, the Quran allows death punishment, maybe even torture? The Catholic faith doesn´t. The truth does not need violence.

Maybe you know the example which is often used by muslims to illustrate the "mercy" of Muhammad. It is about a woman who broke the marriage. Some muslims claim it is mercy because he allowed her to first give birth to her child and even feed it for a year...but after the baby did not need milk anymore, he took her child and gave it to another man...and gave permission to stone her.

Jesus instead faced the same situation...the woman was saved, He forgave her the sins and asked her not to sin again.-

Should God give different instructions in the same case...?

Maybe those thoughts will sounds provokative. I don´t want to be offensive and I hope all the other muslim readers wont get angry...it´s just what I heard and learnt so far.

God bless. ✨

Does Islam teach its followers never to resort to violence or anger? Haven't you ever read the Quran? Killing an unbeliever is clearly written there. Slavery is perfectly legal in that case; how else can you force someone to work for nothing without violence? Are women's rights respected in the Quran? I don't think so. In the case of testimony, a woman's opinion is worth less than a man's, and when it comes to inheritance, a woman is disadvantaged compared to her brother. Woman must hide her hairs sometime all the face. Why such stupidities. Is God so idiot and cruel? There are many verses that are unacceptable in my opinion. If we're being perfectly logical, Islamist terrorists are simply applying these verses and are so perfect muslims. Why don't such contradictions trouble your conscience?

Well, let's not forget that bible is perfectly fine with slavery too and in biblical law, daughters get nothing. Compared with bible, Quran is actually progressive in the matter of the inheritance of daughters. Neither is treating people equally, obviously, but just saying.

I don`t care. Believe what you want. Religion is a private matter you should keep it that way. Don`t bother other people who don`t wanna know in what god you believe.

Yeah, that's right!

Indeed, in the Old Testament, which is the foundation of the three major religions, God even specifies how to treat slaves and, of course, has no qualms about the massacres he himself instigates or orders. One could say he has had more people killed than the Devil. It's also quite perplexing to learn in the Bible that the great King Solomon, the very embodiment of wisdom, had seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines. Such a family life must have been incredibly complicated! Therefore, you can understand that I tend to think that religions are based on old, barbaric legends and, above all, initially had a primarily political purpose.

What are your opinions on the Islamic faith?

As someone who turned to the catholic faith in hard times over the past few years, I took it upon myself to read and do a bit of studying of different religions and their histories.

I personally see Christianity, Islam, and Judaism as closely related faiths that have built off of each other.

Having met Muslim individuals, I have seen dedication to their religion that is amazing.

As a white American woman, I think there are certain groups of people who push anti Islamic propaganda. While every religion and part of the world can have dangerous factions, I certainly don't look negatively at Muslims as a whole.

I think everyone is an individual and the choices they make are on them and not their religions. I'm happy to make Muslim friends and learn more about their culture and religion!

Does Islam teach its followers never to resort to violence or anger? Haven't you ever read the Quran? Killing an unbeliever is clearly written there. Slavery is perfectly legal in that case; how else can you force someone to work for nothing without violence? Are women's rights respected in the Quran? I don't think so. In the case of testimony, a woman's opinion is worth less than a man's, and when it comes to inheritance, a woman is disadvantaged compared to her brother. Woman must hide her hairs sometime all the face. Why such stupidities. Is God so idiot and cruel? There are many verses that are unacceptable in my opinion. If we're being perfectly logical, Islamist terrorists are simply applying these verses and are so perfect muslims. Why don't such contradictions trouble your conscience?

Hi Anil, I’m not judging you for where you got your knowledge from but let me add to it.

Violence and killings

The Quran does not say kill unbelievers wherever you see them, instead it’s referring to war.

“Fight in the way of God those who fight you, but do not transgress. Indeed, God does not like transgressors.” (2:190)

“If they cease, then indeed God is Forgiving and Merciful.” (2:192)

“There is no compulsion in religion.” (2:256)

“Whoever kills a soul… it is as if he had slain mankind entirely.” (5:32)

These are some of the verses in the Quran related to violence.

Slavery

You said the Quran promotes slavery but that is incorrect. The Quran was introduced in the 7th century when violence was already entrenched within society. It didn’t abolish it but there were pathways for emancipation. Slavery has been a part of society for a long period of time, for example the USA was using African American slaves up until the 19th century. I do not support slavers at all.

Women’s rights

Islam doesn’t force women to cover their entire faces, this is simply an interpretation of certain cultures from the Quran. If we look at covering women’s bodies, doesn’t Christianity also require such an act from women, yet only Muslims are criticised for it… maybe the levels of self coverage differs but the idea is the same. The Quran also encourages such a thing to prevent the harassment of women, and if we look at society and men who commit sexual crimes against women often defend themselves saying it was to do with what she was wearing. In this statement I am not judging anyone’s dressing sense and I think we are all lucky to live in a world where women are able to challenge the male idea but when the Quran came out female rights were limited to non-existent. In financial rights women receive fewer rights compared to their male counterparts due to women being given financial support through dowry etc. Whether this still applies in today’s context can be criticised but that was the purpose behind it.

Men had always harassed women no matter what they wear.

I should be free to walk around naked and no one should touch me! Can we fucking stop blaming the victims? If you're a man and you can't keep it in your pants, it's not my fault!

Islamic men have zero respect for women, I can give you a thousand of examples. And you forgot to mention that in the Qur'an is stated when and how to hit women so stop spreading bullshit!

Islam is, as many religions, a patriarchy. A woman in Iran was STONED TO DEATH BECAUSE SHE WAS RAPED! Tell me again how it was her clothes that lead to that.

Indeed, in the Old Testament, which is the foundation of the three major religions, God even specifies how to treat slaves and, of course, has no qualms about the massacres he himself instigates or orders. One could say he has had more people killed than the Devil. It's also quite perplexing to learn in the Bible that the great King Solomon, the very embodiment of wisdom, had seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines. Such a family life must have been incredibly complicated! Therefore, you can understand that I tend to think that religions are based on old, barbaric legends and, above all, initially had a primarily political purpose.

I wrote a poem about this but something happened and I don't see it.

God killed so much more people than the Devil, innocent ones, while the Devil punishes those who misbehave during life. I find that hilarious tbh!

And Satan was god's favourite but he was punished... He also let his only son get killed. Weird🙄

There may be beautiful things written in the Quran, but at the same time, there are horrible things. A Muslim can choose according to their state of mind without the slightest pang of conscience. Regarding killing non-Muslims, here, for example, is verse 89 of Surah 4 (An-Nisa): They would love to see you disbelieve just as they disbelieve, so that you would become equal. So do not befriend any of them unless they emigrate in the way of God. If they turn away, seize them and execute them wherever you may find them; and do not take from among them allies or supporters. In this verse, it is even forbidden to befriend a non-Muslim. Personally, I cannot accept these words, which can only incite hatred.

In my career in the field of international finance, I rarely have to familiarize myself with religious constraints that may govern specific transactions. A rare exception was a prolonged conversation with a Shariah Board to certify a particular financial product as Shariah compliant.

Somewhat out of context: it reminded me of reading Dante’s Divina Commedia where usurers are situated in the Seventh Circle of the Inferno. The act of “making money with money” was perceived to constitute an act of violence (as applies to those guilty of blasphemy and sodomy). The prospect of being scorched by burning flames falling from the sky - similarly unnatural as the act of usury or lending against interest - may not be the ideal start of a career in banking.

I totally agree with you. The moment you state a fact, there's not much else to be said.

Does Islam teach its followers never to resort to violence or anger? Haven't you ever read the Quran? Killing an unbeliever is clearly written there. Slavery is perfectly legal in that case; how else can you force someone to work for nothing without violence? Are women's rights respected in the Quran? I don't think so. In the case of testimony, a woman's opinion is worth less than a man's, and when it comes to inheritance, a woman is disadvantaged compared to her brother. Woman must hide her hairs sometime all the face. Why such stupidities. Is God so idiot and cruel? There are many verses that are unacceptable in my opinion. If we're being perfectly logical, Islamist terrorists are simply applying these verses and are so perfect muslims. Why don't such contradictions trouble your conscience?

THIS! I'll give you a 24 hours round of applause!

Islam & Women

The west tends to villainise Islamic teachings which is where misconceptions often lie. In the Quran Allah SWT says “I will not let any of your work be los, whether male or female, your of one another.” [Al-Qur’an 3:195]. In Islam women are considered blessings, and there rights according to Islamic teachings women are seen to be equal to men. At a time when women would be buried alive in Arab societies and seen as merely being objects of sexual gratification, Islam recognised women’s rights. Islam also encourages women’s right to education “Procurement of knowledge is is essential for all Muslims” (Ibn Majah) - this refers to both men and women.

Iran

In my personal opinion, Iran is a nation like ISIS which twists the interpretations of the Quran to fit their ideas and beliefs. Any forms of violence against women’s strictly breaches Islamic teachings. Prophet Mohammed’s wife, Aisha, states Allah SWT messenger never abused anyone with his hands, regardless of gender.

Violence Against Women

Women from all societies and cultures have faced violence, abuse, and oppression not only Islam. This doesn’t provide any justification for any abuse women may face in Islamic regimes and I strictly oppose it. Yet, this is a feature embedded in society. The struggles women face in the western world differ significantly from the problems women face in the developing world.

This differs based on a countries capital. For example in the USA, a superpower on the world stage, women in some states fight like Texas are fighting for abortion rights whereas deprived countries like Afghanistan women can not even stand up for their educational rights. Afghanistan refers to itself as an Islamic regime, yet covers women up and prevents any form of contact to prevent feminist uprising despite in the Quran their being work supporting both men and WOMENS rights to education. So the question here is if states actually claiming to be Islamic are denying the fundamental teachings of Islam are they actually an Islamic regime? And, is it fair to judge a religion based on the actions of the powerful few who dominate to benefit their own ideas?

Clothing

Women in all areas of the world should be free to walk around in whatever clothing they want! Whether that be full coverage clothing or no clothes!!! The Quran was sent to its people by Allah SWT in a time where women had limited rights, thus to protect them this was used but also to respect our religion. This rule isn’t only used for women but also men, as they’re not allowed to wear revealing clothes yet we still see Muslim men wearing shorts outside in public. This is not a product of Islam but rather patriarchy, which is a completely different concept which isn’t only existent in Islamic countries but in the entire world. We see this through the Jeffrey Epstein cases, the Tate brothers etc. The types of patriarchy differs depending on the country but it exists despite its several types of form.

I'm surprised you're avoiding the topic of killing in the Quran. I clearly showed you a verse that's problematic and seems to me to be an incitement to murder. Tell me clearly, do you approve of this verse or not? Is it the true word of God?
Regarding the position and rights of women in Islam, you seem to have an idyllic view. Here again, I can show you a verse that addresses this: it's Surah 4, verse 34 : "Men are in charge of women by [right of] what Allah has given one over the other and what they spend [for maintenance] from their wealth. So righteous women are devoutly obedient and, when their husbands are absent, guard what Allah would have them guard. But those [wives] from whom you fear disobedience - [first] advise them; [then if they persist], forsake them in bed; and [finally], strike them." If they obey you, then do not seek any means against them, for Allah is indeed Exalted and Great!
This is very far from what you're telling us.

You're referring to Aisha, the Prophet's wife, who claims that her husband never abused anyone. This is a very good example of Muhammad's behavior. She was married at age 6 when her "husband" was 53, without, of course, being asked her opinion. Epstein didn't do worse. Unfortunately, I still believe that Islamist extremists don't misinterpret the Quran; on the contrary, they apply it rigorously.

Indeed, in the Old Testament, which is the foundation of the three major religions, God even specifies how to treat slaves and, of course, has no qualms about the massacres he himself instigates or orders. One could say he has had more people killed than the Devil. It's also quite perplexing to learn in the Bible that the great King Solomon, the very embodiment of wisdom, had seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines. Such a family life must have been incredibly complicated! Therefore, you can understand that I tend to think that religions are based on old, barbaric legends and, above all, initially had a primarily political purpose.

has to be a wise man to juggle that kind of family life for sure! :-D That's a lot of relationships and a lot of emotional labour to keep all of them together. Of course, there is a good chance these numbers have grown when the tale has been retold and copied from page to page, so we dont really know what the original, real number was. Polyamoury can work and be a place for people to be happy in, but it does take a lot more work than having just one partner.

Los Cristianos, Judios y Musulmanes creen en el mismo dios, pero cada uno a su manera.

It's kind of funny to me how Christians say their religion is the one of peace and Muslims say the same. Yet both bible and Quran find plenty of justification for slavery, violence etc. I don't think it can be said that either is better than the other, it's all in how the individual believer reads their holy books. If they want to read the verses that incite war and oppression, then we get a fundamentalist who is very problematic to anything alive around them. If the individual believer reads the parts about peace and love, then we get a caring human being who tries to make other people's life more bearable. So I don't think it can be argued for either religion that they are about peace or about war, because both are about both, it depends on how the individual reader decides to interpret their holy texts. That's why I try to look at the values of the individual, not what religion they say they follow. The trappings of the religion are ultimately meaningless. How and when you pray, what you wear, what you eat, all of it is meaningless. How you treat other people, that's the true measure of kindness.