Islam: The Basics
Here are some basic truths and fundamentals about Islam.
It is important that we understand this religion in order to understand what
would motivate people to do such terrible things and kill so many people in the
name of a religion.
- Islam is considered an Abraham religion since Ishmael the illegitimate
son of Abraham is said to be the father of Islam.
- Allah is the god of Islam and Mohammed is the great prophet
and ultimate founder of this religion. Islam was established in the
seventh century (600's A.D.) as a response to the pagan religious practices
and social ills of the time.
- Mohammed was an unfortunate and unassuming young man who
married a rich widow who owned a caravan company. No doubt, Mohammed
became a rich man through this marriage and was able to spend many hours in
meditation during which he would go into a trance and ramble
"revelations" from Allah.
- One of the basic pillars of Islam is the Jihad. Jihad
is a holy war founded on another principle which states "Death to all
infidels (unbelievers). Muslims believe that unbelievers should be
killed and their lives have no value because they do not believe in
Allah. Islam teaches that if you die in the Jihad or if you give your
life to kill unbelievers, you go straight to heaven. That is why there
are so many suicide bombers.
- The Muslims and Jews fight over the same land since the
Jews were scattered throughout the world and the Muslims took control of
Jerusalem and other holy Jewish cities. Mosques were erected and the
Muslims took ownership of the land. This land is the promised land of
the Jews.
- Mohammed was known for his raids of caravans, murders and
stealing. He was an angry man and condoned/embraced violence to get
what he wanted and to do Allah's bidding.
- Not all Muslims are violent to the degree of the extremists
such as those who killed the thousands of Americans on September 11,
2001. However, the notion of violence and murder of those who do not
believe in the Islamic tradition is a fundamental part of Islam and no doubt
gives rise to such violence.
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