National Post: Islam: A religion of peace?

Islam: A religion of peace?

A question asked by UBC professor, which provoked the anger of many Muslims there.

When the Koran is cited by Muslims in response to questions about violence, it is often discussed in such a way as to shut down a meaningful exploration of the text. One or two mild passages are usually offered, as if these fully represented the contents of a scripture containing 6,000-plus verses. But the Koran -- literally "recitation" -- is a collection of diverse materials that include polemic, praise, eschatology, law, narrative, battle calls, and details of the domestic life of the Prophet.

In particular, the sourcebooks contain a great deal of material relating to violence. This article reviews that small part of the material that is directly relevant to any debate about the link between Islam and terror: the commands to fight and kill.

The Koran contains five commands to kill and 12 commands to fight (literally, "try to kill"). Most are found in the second (verses 190, 191, 193, 244), fourth (vv. 76, 84, 89, 91) and ninth (vv. 5, 12, 14, 29, 36, 123) suras.

The commands address a number of different situations, from "fighting those who fight you" to "fighting totally." The objects of the fighting and killing include the unbelievers, the "associators" (mushrikin, or polytheists) and "the friends of Satan."

In classical Muslim discussions of these verses, two verses attracted more attention than any others. They came to be known as "the sword verse" (9.5) and "the verse of tribute" (9.29).

FIGHT IN THE WAY OF ALLAH THOSE WHO FIGHT YOU'

What follows are selected Koranic references to fighting and killing infidels.

- Baqara (2):190 - "And fight (qaatiloo) in the way of Allah those who fight you."

- Baqara (2):193 - "Fight them (qaatiloohum), till there is no persecution and the religion is Allah's"

- Baqara (2):244 - "So fight (qaatiloo) in the way of Allah, and know that Allah is all-hearing, all-knowing."

- Nisaa' (4):76 - "Those who are believers fight (yuqaatiloona) in the way of Allah, and the unbelievers fight in the idols' way. So fight (qaatiloo) the friends of Satan; surely the guile of Satan is ever feeble."

- al-Anfaal (8):39 - "Fight them (qaatiloohum), till there is no persecution and the religion is Allah's entirely."

- al-Taubah (9):12 - "But if they break their oaths after their covenant and thrust at your religion, then fight (qaatiloo) the leaders of unbelief."

- al-Taubah (9):29 - "Fight (qaatiloo) those who believe not in Allah and the Last Day and do not forbid what Allah and his messenger have forbidden -- such men as practise not the religion of truth, being of those who have been given the Book -- until they pay the tribute out of hand and have been humbled."

- al-Taubah (9):123 - "O believers, fight (qaatiloo) the unbelievers (kuffaar) who are near to you, and let them find in you a harshness (ghilza)."

- Baqara (2):191 - "And slay them (aqtuloohum) wherever you come upon them"

- Baqara (2):191 - "But fight them not by the Holy Mosque until they should fight you there; then if they fight you, slay them (aqtuloohum) -- such is the recompense of unbelievers."

- Nisaa' (4):89 - "then, if they turn their backs, take them, and slay them (aqtuloohum) wherever you find them"

- Nisaa' (4):91 - "If they withdraw not from you, and offer you peace, and restrain their hands, take them, and slay them (aqtuloohum) wherever you come on them; against them we have given you a clear authority."

- al-Taubah (9):5 - "Then when the sacred months are drawn away, slay (aqtuloo) the idolaters wherever you find them, and take them, and confine them, and lie in wait for them at every place of ambush."

- Nisaa' (4):74 - "So let them fight (yuqaatil) in the way of Allah who sell the present life for the world to come; and whosoever fights (yuqaatil) in the way of Allah and is slain, or conquers, we shall bring him a mighty wage."

- Muhammad (47):4 - "When you meet the unbelievers, smite (darba) their necks, then, when you have made wide slaughter among them, tie fast the bonds; then set them free, either by grace or ransom, till the war lays down its loads."

UBC Event: Does God Exist?

On Tuesday, January 22 2008, Dr. William Lane Craig (Theist) and Dr. John Shook (Atheist) debated the question "Does God Exist?" on the University of British Columbia campus.

For more info go to: http://www.ultimatequestions.org/

UBC Event: Why Jesus Instead of Muhammad, Buddha, or Krishna? Aren't They All the Same?

Jesus Week is UBC's first apologetics event. We were blessed to have our first lecture yesterday.

Topic: Why Jesus instead of Muhammad, Buddha, or Krishna? Aren't the all the same?
Speaker: Dr. John Stackhouse.

I was able to record the lecture for anyone who missed and wants to listen to the arguments made.

Lecture:
Intro:


The Full Lecture + Q&A Session:


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Comments:


The lecture was really organized and informative. I have learned a lot of information about Eastern religions, along with the logic to use to show that religions are not the same. The guest speaker was really funny and easy to listen to, and he is amazing professor. I would really like to listen to him in other topics....

But, I wanna add some of my observation about this lecture. I would say that more than 90% of the audience already knew the answer of the lecture. We were mostly Christians and group of Muslims, so we all had a pretty firm opinion that religions does matter and they are not the same. This note being said, I would have rather dedicated more time to talk about why Jesus, why not the other.

On another note, the group of Muslims present were since the tittle has Mohammed (despite that Dr. Stackhouse didn't mention him much or his story). They were there prepared with arguments for Christians. Then why didn't Dr. Stackhouse mention Mohammed and Islam? He only talked about Christianity for the last question, which is VERY typical of any Muslim when they talk about Jesus. So may be I would wish that the lecture had more time to answer the question why to choose Jesus? After all, this is a Christian event.

Here is the clever question from the Muslims gentleman, which I am sure he came in prepared to ask this question, despite what is going to be presented:

Question:


Dr. Stackhouse did an amazing job answering the question on the spot, and in this very brief time. This is not the first time I hear this question from any Muslim. Actually in the Middle East, they write poems wondering how Christians are so stupid and fooled to believe such thing. So may be here I will try to show some arguments toward this point. I am not a professor, but I will just write what I think.

So the challenge is: "Jesus never said: 'I am God, Worship me'"


The Muslims have hard time with getting the idea that Jesus didn't have to say I am God in these exact words to be understood by his audience. Everyone got what he meant. If he went around just saying "I am God", no one would actually take him seriously. Imagine a guy walking in the street now yelling "I am God", " I am the Messiah" would you care? would anyone care or feel threat to this guy to the point to kill for blasphemy? NO! everyone will say "this is guy is crazy/drunk/drugged". Jesus didn't want to be labeled like crazy, that is why he didn't say these words, but he acted like one. He walked healing people, controlling nature, forgiving sin and getting dead people to life.

Let me pose this to a Muslim, did Mohammed walk around saying "I am Mowahed" (which means believe in one God)? No, he didn't. He didn't need to, because he says "No God but Allah". Should I come and tell you "well since he didn't say it in these exact words, I can't believe in it" ... you will find this very silly from any person who would ask you that.

Let's see what is in the Bible that made Christian says Jesus is God: (just from quick search on Google, I didn't collect all these verses myself)

Matthew 1:23: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,”^[a] which is translated, “God with us.” 


Isaiah 9:6: For unto us a Child is born, 
      Unto us a Son is given;
      And the government will be upon His shoulder.
      And His name will be called
      Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
      Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

Isaiah 43:10,11: “ You are My witnesses,” says the LORD,
      “ And My servant whom I have chosen,
      That you may know and believe Me,
      And understand that I am He.
      Before Me there was no God formed,
      Nor shall there be after Me.
       ¹¹ I, even I, am the LORD,
      And besides Me there is no savior. 

Revelation 1:17-18 ; Revelation 2:8  - (Jesus is the First and the Last)

Isaiah 44:6 (God is the Redeemer): “ Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel, 

      And his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts:

      ‘ I am the First and I am the Last;
      Besides Me there is no God.

2 Peter 1:1  (Jesus is the Redeemer) Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ,

To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:

John 1:1, 14: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God ...And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 5:23: that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.

John 8:58: Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”

John 10:30-33 I and My Father are one.”
³¹ Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him. ³²Jesus answered them, “Many good works I have shown you from My Father. For which of those works do you stone Me?”
³³ The Jews answered Him, saying, “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God.” 

2 John 1:7  For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

There are more versus, but I tried to focus only on the gospel and some Old Testament.

Of course this is all assumed that the Bible is right, and not corrupted as they believe. I am not a scholar in the Bible, but I know how many old copies of the bible where found in my country to prove that the Bible is the same since the time of Mohammed and even before that. The reason I said the time of Mohammed is very important, since he directed the Muslims to go and check the Bible during his time to proof that he is a prophet (That's why Muslims are always trying to find any clue to Mohammed in the Injil (Gospel)) He also says that the Injil in his time is the word of God. Muslims believe that Bible and Torah is the word of God, but people changed it. How is that possible when they believe that God doesn't allow people to alter his word:
"And We sent, following in their footsteps, Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming that which came before him in the Torah; and We gave him the Gospel, in which was guidance and light and confirming that which preceded it of the Torah as guidance and instruction for the righteous. And let the People of the Gospel judge by what Allah has revealed therein. And whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed - then it is those who are the defiantly disobedient. And We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming that which preceded it of the Scripture and as a criterion over it. So judge between them by what Allah has revealed and do not follow their inclinations away from what has come to you of the truth. To each of you We prescribed a law and a method. Had Allah willed, He would have made you one nation [united in religion], but [He intended] to test you in what He has given you; so race to [all that is] good. To Allah is your return all together, and He will [then] inform you concerning that over which you used to differ." Quran 5:46-48


"And the word of your Lord has been fulfilled in truth and in justice. None can alter His words, and He is the Hearing, the Knowing." Quran 6:115


Here is a High Recommended episode by Dr. James White to argue that the Bible didn't change:


I would also recommend these two books:















I hope this answers some questions.

God Bless.

Apologetics Week at UBC Vancouver.... Finally!

The Association of Christian Clubs at UBC would like to invite to explore the claims of Jesus during the week of January 31st to February 4th, 2011.

Events:

All Week
Booths in SUB Concourse 9-5

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Monday January 31
Alpha Introductory Seminar
Open discussions for those who would like to know more about Christianity and Jesus. No experience or religious background necessary!
12-1 IKB 156
2-3 IKB 156

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Tuesday February 1
Artisan Music Coffee House
Tuesday, Feb 1, 9:00 PM (doors at 8:30 PM)
Vanier Ballroom

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Wednesday February 2
Worship Session!
11:30-12:30
SCRF206

Why Jesus Instead of Muhammad, Buddha, or Krishna? Aren't They All the Same?
Dr. John Stackhouse
7pm - 9pm Buch A201

Movie Night Featuring Invictus
Wednesday night, 8:30-11pm in the Dene Lounge of Totem
Hot drinks, popcorn, and chocolate will be provided

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Thursday February 3
The Historicity of Jesus. Is the Biblical Jesus the Real Jesus?
Dr. Rick Watts
1pm-2pm Wood 1

Who Did Jesus Claim to Be?
7-8:30 pm Scrf 100

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Friday February 4
One Minute of Fame Wrap-Up




Facebook Page

Event Promo Video

MSA-UBC CBC Interview: More demands for Muslims

The problem is not in getting foot baths or special bathroom, the problem is what is going to come after! In Islam, he can do his prayers (even the ones he missed) when he gets home or his mosque later. But NO! Why would he do that if he can ask for it? Even some schools in the middle east don't have this kind of bathrooms.

FYI: Jews need to wash up as well, but you didn't see any Jew asking for this!

Myth of "Misconception" about Islam: Women

So this week is an Islamic Awareness week, and the "good" muslims around campus are trying to correct the image of the Islam in the West.



But Sadly they are not showing the full truth. They are just giving as little as they can to make a point but they obviously not the full truth.

Here is some of the TRUTH:

Qur'an 4:34--Men are in charge of women, because Allah hath made the one of them to excel the other, and because they spend of their property (for the support of women). So good women are the obedient, guarding in secret that which Allah hath guarded. As for those from whom ye fear rebellion, admonish them and banish them to beds apart, and scourge them. Then if they obey you, seek not a way against them. Lo! Allah is ever High, Exalted, Great.

Sahih al-Bukhari 6845—Narrated Aisha: Abu Bakr came to towards me and struck me violently with his fist and said, “You have detained the people because of your necklace.” But I remained motionless as if I was dead lest I should awake Allah's Apostle although that hit was very painful.

Sahih Muslim 3506—Jabir b. Abdullah reported: Abu Bakr came and sought permission to see Allahs Messenger. He found people sitting at his door and none amongst them had been granted permission, but it was granted to Abu Bakr and he went in. Then came Umar and he sought permission and it was granted to him, and he found Allah’s Apostle sitting sad and silent with his wives around him. He (Hadrat Umar) said: I would say something which would make the Holy Prophet laugh, so he said: Messenger of Allah, I wish you had seen (the treatment meted out to) the daughter of Kharija when she asked me some money, and I got up and slapped her on her neck. Allah’s Messenger laughed and said: They are around me as you see, asking for extra money. Abu Bakr then got up went to Aisha and slapped her on the neck, and Umar stood up before Hafsa and slapped her saying: You ask Allah’s Messenger which he does not possess. They said: By Allah, we do not ask Allah's Messenger for anything he does not possess. . . .

Sunan An-Nasa'i 3411--It was narrated from Anas, that the Messenger of Allah had a female slave with whom he had intercourse, but Aishah and Hafsah would not leave him alone until he said that she was forbidden for him. Then Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, revealed: "O Prophet! Why do you forbid (for yourself) that which Allah has allowed to you" [66:1] until the end of the verse.

Sahih Muslim 2127— . . . [H]e (the Holy Prophet) entered the (house), and said: Why is it, O Aisha, that you are out of breath? I said: There is nothing. He said: Tell me or the Subtle and the Aware would inform me. I said: Messenger of Allah, may my father and mother be ransom for you, and then I told him (the whole story). He said: Was it the darkness (of your shadow) that I saw in front of me? I said: Yes. He struck me on the chest which caused me pain, and then said: Did you think that Allah and His Apostle would deal unjustly with you? . . .

Sunan Abu Dawud 4348—Narrated Abdullah Ibn Abbas: A blind man had a slave-mother who used to abuse the Prophet and disparage him. He forbade her but she did not stop. He rebuked her but she did not give up her habit. One night she began to slander the Prophet and abuse him. So he took a dagger, placed it on her belly, pressed it, and killed her. A child who came between her legs was smeared with the blood that was there. When the morning came, the Prophet was informed about it. He assembled the people and said: I adjure by Allah the man who has done this action and I adjure him by my right to him that he should stand up. Jumping over the necks of the people and trembling the man stood up. He sat before the Prophet and said: Apostle of Allah! I am her master; she used to abuse you and disparage you. I forbade her, but she did not stop, and I rebuked her, but she did not abandon her habit. I have two sons like pearls from her, and she was my companion. Last night she began to abuse and disparage you. So I took a dagger, put it on her belly and pressed it till I killed her. Thereupon the Prophet said: Oh be witness, no retaliation is payable for her blood.

In Sahih al-Bukhari 5825, it appears as though Aisha bint Abu Bakr (the Mother of Believers) foresaw the afflictions of the millions of Muslim women that would continue to suffer under abuse. As she is reported saying:

Aisha said that the lady came wearing a green veil and complained to her (Aisha) and showed her a green spot on her skin caused by beating. It was the habit of ladies to support each other, so when Allah’s messenger came, Aisha said, "I have not seen any woman suffering as much as the believing women. Look! Her skin is greener than her clothes!"

Sahih al-Bukhari 5825—Narrated Ikrima: Rifaa divorced his wife whereupon Abdur-Rahman married her.Aisha said that the lady came wearing a green veil and complained to her (Aisha) and showed her a green spot on her skin caused by beating. It was the habit of ladies to support each other, so when Allah’s messenger came, Aisha said, “I have not seen any woman suffering as much as the believing women. Look! Her skin is greener than her clothes!” When Abdur-Rahman heard that his wife had gone to the prophet, he came with his two sons from another wife. She said, “By Allah! I have done no wrong to him, but he is impotent and is as useless to me as this,” holding and showing the fringe of her garment. Abdur-Rahman said, “By Allah, O Allah’s messenger! She has told a lie. I am very strong and can satisfy her, but she is disobedient and wants to go back to Rifaa.” Allah's messenger said to her, “If that is your intention, then know that it is unlawful for you to remarry Rifaa unless Abdur-Rahman has had sexual intercourse with you.” The prophet saw two boys with Abdur-Rahman and asked (him), “Are these your sons?” On that Abdur-Rahman said, “Yes.” The prophet said, “You claim what you claim (that he is impotent)? But by Allah, these boys resemble him as a crow resembles a crow.”

(Notice Aisha's claim that Muslim women were suffering more than pagan women.)


Here are some videos from mouth of Scholars;






Thanks to David Wood and Act 17 Apologetics for the information:





All of these are FACTS bases on the faith, and not the action of the people. If you want news about women in Islam, please go to: http://www.answeringmuslims.com/search/label/Women%20in%20Islam