When do Muslims, Christians, and Jews live in peace and harmony and when do they opt for conflict and war?
When do Muslims, Christians, and Jews live in peace and harmony and when do they opt for conflict and war?
When the other is placed in conflict psyche, then his image in the mind of the other would reflect conflict and war…
When the other is placed in peace psyche, then his image in the mind of the other would reflect conciliation and tolerance.
In his book Orientalism, Edward Said describes a life cycle of a mind-set in a graphic way. “Fictions,” he observes, “have their own logic and their own dialectic of growth and decline.” Learned texts, media representations, any supposedly authoritative body of knowledge have a self-reinforcing tendency. Texts claiming unsubstantiated knowledge can create “the very reality they appear to describe.”
In his book Orientalism, Edward Said describes a life cycle of a mind-set in a graphic way. “Fictions,” he observes, “have their own logic and their own dialectic of growth and decline.” Learned texts, media representations, any supposedly authoritative body of knowledge have a self-reinforcing tendency. Texts claiming unsubstantiated knowledge can create “the very reality they appear to describe.”
Samuel Huntington in his book, “The Clash of Civilizations” (1996) maintains that religion will be the source of future international conflict between the civilization based on Judeo-Christianity and the civilization based on Islam. Muslims on the other side feel their religion is under attack and respond accordingly.
Samuel Huntington in his book, “The Clash of Civilizations” (1996) maintains that religion will be the source of future international conflict between the civilization based on Judeo-Christianity and the civilization based on Islam. Muslims on the other side feel their religion is under attack and respond accordingly.
As a result, we look at the other and we see what we want to see, in an environment of conflict, we will see a foe, while in an environment of peace, we will see a friend.
As a result, we look at the other and we see what we want to see, in an environment of conflict, we will see a foe, while in an environment of peace, we will see a friend.
We look at the other, and we either choose not see one another or we choose to embrace the other.
If we don’t want to see the other, we will not care to look and will simply become invisible to one another.
Do the Holy Books teach the values of hatred, enmity, conflict and war with the other, or do they promote peace, respect, conciliation, compassion empathy, understanding, and cooperation with the other?
Here the knot lies in our perception of the other which would impact our interpretation of the holy text. If the image is positive the interpretation would be positive.
Extremists believe that:
Extremists believe that:
their religion is the supreme religion among all other religions.
their faith is one God desires.
their religion is God’s gift to humanity
their faith is to replace all other religions gone astray.
their prophet supersedes all other prophets.
Ishaq Zahid in his, Glossary of Islamic Terms, on the Internet, defines the word Jahanam as follows:
Ishaq Zahid in his, Glossary of Islamic Terms, on the Internet, defines the word Jahanam as follows:
“Jahanam: Most commonly understood to mean Hell. In fact, it is one of the levels of Hell. There are seven levels of Hellfire: 1. Jaheem – those who ignored God’s commands. 2. Jahanam – for the idol-worshippers
3. Sa'ir - is reserved for the worshippers of fire.
4. Saqar - those who did not believe in God.
5. Ladha - will be the home of the Jews.
6. Hawiyah - will be the abode of the Christians.
7. Hutama - the religious hypocrites
Should we accept this interpretation?
Say (O Muhammad ): "We believe in God and in what has been sent down to us, and what was sent down to Ibrahim (Abraham), Isma'il (Ishmael), Ishaque (Isaac), Ya'qub (Jacob) and Al-Asbat [the twelve sons of Ya'qub (Jacob)] and what was given to Musa (Moses), 'Iesa (Jesus) and the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between one another among them and to Him (Allah) we have submitted (in Islam).” Aal Imran Surah, verse 84
Say (O Muhammad ): "We believe in God and in what has been sent down to us, and what was sent down to Ibrahim (Abraham), Isma'il (Ishmael), Ishaque (Isaac), Ya'qub (Jacob) and Al-Asbat [the twelve sons of Ya'qub (Jacob)] and what was given to Musa (Moses), 'Iesa (Jesus) and the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between one another among them and to Him (Allah) we have submitted (in Islam).” Aal Imran Surah, verse 84
{“We did not send any messenger except with the language of his people to state clearly for them. Allah sends astray whom He wills and guides whom He wills, for He is the Almighty, the Wise.“ } --Surah Ibrahim 14:4
{“We did not send any messenger except with the language of his people to state clearly for them. Allah sends astray whom He wills and guides whom He wills, for He is the Almighty, the Wise.“ } --Surah Ibrahim 14:4
Should we interpret the word Islam in these verses to mean the Islamic faith.
Should we interpret the word Islam in these verses to mean the Islamic faith.
Or should we explain it to mean ‘silm’ which means peace of soul that comes from surrendering to God; and thus include all those who submit themselves to the will of God including the Moslems, Christians, and Jews.
{“When Jesus found disbelief on their part he asked: "Who are my supporters to God?" Said the disciples: "We are supporters for God: We have believed in God, and do thou bear witness that we are Muslimun.”} (3:52)
{“When Jesus found disbelief on their part he asked: "Who are my supporters to God?" Said the disciples: "We are supporters for God: We have believed in God, and do thou bear witness that we are Muslimun.”} (3:52)
{“Moses said: "O my people! If ye do believe in God, then rely upon Him if you should be Muslimin (if you have submitted your will to His)."} [10:84]
{“Moses said: "O my people! If ye do believe in God, then rely upon Him if you should be Muslimin (if you have submitted your will to His)."} [10:84]
{Say: O People of the Book! Come to that which is common between us and you; that we worship none but God, and that we ascribe divinity to nothing besides Him; and that we shall not take human beings for our lords besides God. And if they refuse, then say: ‘Bear witness that it is we who are Muslimun (have surrendered ourselves unto Him).} [Al-Imran surah; verse 64].
{Say: O People of the Book! Come to that which is common between us and you; that we worship none but God, and that we ascribe divinity to nothing besides Him; and that we shall not take human beings for our lords besides God. And if they refuse, then say: ‘Bear witness that it is we who are Muslimun (have surrendered ourselves unto Him).} [Al-Imran surah; verse 64].
{"Abraham was neither Jew nor Christian; but he was hanifan Musliman (one who submitted to God)’"} [3:67]
So if they dispute with thee, say: "I have submitted my whole self to God and so have those who follow me."
So if they dispute with thee, say: "I have submitted my whole self to God and so have those who follow me."
{“And say to the People of the Book and to those who are unlearned: "Do ye (also) submit yourselves?" If they do, they are in right guidance, but if they turn back, Thy duty is to convey the Message; and in God´s sight are (all) His servants.”} (Aal Imran, verses 19-20)
In the name of God, The Merciful, The All-Merciful, Praise be to God, the Lord of the Universe; The Merciful, the All- merciful; The Master of the Day of Recompense; Thee we serve, and to Thee we pray for help; Guide us to the Straight Path; The path of those whom Thou hast blessed; Not of those who incurred wrath, nor of the astray.}
In the name of God, The Merciful, The All-Merciful, Praise be to God, the Lord of the Universe; The Merciful, the All- merciful; The Master of the Day of Recompense; Thee we serve, and to Thee we pray for help; Guide us to the Straight Path; The path of those whom Thou hast blessed; Not of those who incurred wrath, nor of the astray.}
Hadrat Ghulam Ahmad in his study The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam which was read at a religious conference held at Lahore in December 1896.
Hadrat Ghulam Ahmad in his study The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam which was read at a religious conference held at Lahore in December 1896.
Some misinterpret verses in the Quran to say it is anti-Jews or anti-Semitic because they claim it describes Jews as apes and swine..
Some misinterpret verses in the Quran to say it is anti-Jews or anti-Semitic because they claim it describes Jews as apes and swine..
{“And you had already known about those who transgressed among you concerning the Sabbath, and We said to them, "Be apes, despised.” } [Quran 2:65]
{“And you had already known about those who transgressed among you concerning the Sabbath, and We said to them, "Be apes, despised.” } [Quran 2:65]
{Say, "Shall I inform you of [what is] worse than that as penalty from God ? [It is that of] those whom God has cursed and with whom He became angry and made of them apes and pigs and slaves of Taghut. Those are worse in position and further astray from the sound way.“} [Quran 5:60]
{Say, "Shall I inform you of [what is] worse than that as penalty from God ? [It is that of] those whom God has cursed and with whom He became angry and made of them apes and pigs and slaves of Taghut. Those are worse in position and further astray from the sound way.“} [Quran 5:60]
One of the widespread hadith attributed to the Prophet says:
One of the widespread hadith attributed to the Prophet says:
”the Day of Judgment will not arrive until the Muslims fight the Jews and the Muslims will kill them. Even if a Jew hides behind a rock or a tree, the rock or the tree will say: 'O Muslim, O worshipper of God! There is a Jew behind me. Come and kill him', except the salt bush [Gharqad], for it is one of the Jews' trees.” In this Prophetic Saying [Hadith] he [Muhammad] tells us of one of the forms of the battle between Muslims and Jews…”
“The Hour of Judgment will not arrive until you fight the Jews and kill them… and until trees and the rocks will say: ‘O Muslim, o servant of God, there is a Jew behind me; come and kill him’ .”
“The Hour of Judgment will not arrive until you fight the Jews and kill them… and until trees and the rocks will say: ‘O Muslim, o servant of God, there is a Jew behind me; come and kill him’ .”
[HAMAS Charter ;
Al-Fateh, Islamist website for children, Internet, Issue 2, October 1, 2002]
The Quran states: {We have sent you as a mercy to mankind} [Al-Anbia: 107]; this mercy includes all human beings including Jews, Christians, and non-believers.
The Quran states: {We have sent you as a mercy to mankind} [Al-Anbia: 107]; this mercy includes all human beings including Jews, Christians, and non-believers.
{"We ordained for them therein a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a nose for a nose, an ear for an ear, a tooth for a tooth, and for wounds is legal retribution. But whoever gives up his right as charity, it is an expiation for him. Whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed, then it is those who are the wrongdoers.“ } -(-Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:45)
{"We ordained for them therein a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a nose for a nose, an ear for an ear, a tooth for a tooth, and for wounds is legal retribution. But whoever gives up his right as charity, it is an expiation for him. Whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed, then it is those who are the wrongdoers.“ } -(-Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:45)
{…indeed the more honorable among you, in the sight of God, is one who is more pious among you..”} {Hujurat Surah; verse 13}
{…indeed the more honorable among you, in the sight of God, is one who is more pious among you..”} {Hujurat Surah; verse 13}
{"The most honored in the sight of God is (he who is) most righteous.”} (Aal Imran Surah; verse 86)
{“Your Lord will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection regarding the things about which they differed.” (16:124)
“So God shall Judge between you on the Day of Resurrection”(4:141).
No doubt, such a hadith contradicts the following narrative related by Al-Bukhari:
No doubt, such a hadith contradicts the following narrative related by Al-Bukhari:
“ A funeral procession passed by the Prophet, and he stood up in respect. A companion said to him: “The funeral is of a Jew.” The Prophet responded: “Was it not a human soul?”
{“Believers, Jews, Christians, and Sabaeans, - whoever believes in God and the Judgment Day and does what is right - shall be rewarded by their Lord, they have nothing to fear, or to regret.}" [Baqara Sura; verse 62]
{“O mankind! We have indeed created you from one man and one woman, and have made you into various nations and tribes so that you may know one another..”} [Hujurat Surah; verse 13]
{“O mankind! We have indeed created you from one man and one woman, and have made you into various nations and tribes so that you may know one another..”} [Hujurat Surah; verse 13]
{"There shall be no compulsion in religion.}“ [Baqara Sura; verse 256]
{"There shall be no compulsion in religion.}“ [Baqara Sura; verse 256]
{"Say: This is the truth from your Lord. Let him who will, believe in it, and him who will, deny it."} [Cave Sura, verse 29]
{Had your Lord pleased, all the people of the earth would have believed in Him. Would you then force faith upon men?}[Jonah Surah; verse 99]
The Quran reveres both The Torah and The Bible describing them as Holy Books.
The Quran reveres both The Torah and The Bible describing them as Holy Books.
The Quran also refers to Jews and Christians as: “People of the Book”; “Those who were delivered the Book”.
{Say: O People of the Book! Come to that which is common between us and you; that we worship none but God, and that we ascribe divinity to nothing besides Him; and that we shall not take human beings for our lords besides God. And if they refuse, then say: ‘Bear witness that it is we who have surrendered ourselves unto Him.} [3: 64].
{Say: O People of the Book! Come to that which is common between us and you; that we worship none but God, and that we ascribe divinity to nothing besides Him; and that we shall not take human beings for our lords besides God. And if they refuse, then say: ‘Bear witness that it is we who have surrendered ourselves unto Him.} [3: 64].
{“Children of Israel, remember the blessing I have bestowed on you, and that I have exalted you above the nations.”}" [Cow Sura; verse 47]
{“Children of Israel, remember the blessing I have bestowed on you, and that I have exalted you above the nations.”}" [Cow Sura; verse 47]
{“Children of Israel, remember that I have bestowed favors upon you, and exalted you above the nations.”}" [Cow Sura; verse 122]
{“O you Children of Israel! We delivered you from your enemy, and We made a Covenant with you on the right side of Mount (Sinai), and We sent to you Mann and the salwa (quails).”}[Ta-Ha Sura, 20: Verse 80]
{“O you Children of Israel! We delivered you from your enemy, and We made a Covenant with you on the right side of Mount (Sinai), and We sent to you Mann and the salwa (quails).”}[Ta-Ha Sura, 20: Verse 80]
{“We did aforetime grant to the Children of Israel the Book, the Power of Command, and Prophethood; We gave them, for Sustenance, things good and pure, and We favored them above the nations.” }
{“We did aforetime grant to the Children of Israel the Book, the Power of Command, and Prophethood; We gave them, for Sustenance, things good and pure, and We favored them above the nations.” }
[Bowing the Knee Sura, 45; verse 16]
{“God is our Lord and your Lord; For us falls the responsibility for our deeds, and for you for your deeds. There is no contention between us and you. God will bring us together, and to him is our final destination.”}
[Consultation Surah; verse 15]
{ [He] who did send down the Book which Moses brought as a light and guidance to the people} [6: 91]
{Had your Lord pleased, He would have made you one nation.} [Table Surah; 48]
{Had your Lord pleased, He would have made you one nation.} [Table Surah; 48]
{"Had it been God’s will, He could have made them all of one religion.“}
[Shurat Surah; 8]
{“We sent forth Noah and Abraham, and bestowed on their offspring Prophethood and the scriptures… After them We sent other apostles, and after those Jesus the son of Mary. We gave him the Gospel and put compassion and mercy in the hearts of his followers.”} [Iron Sura; verse 27]
{“We sent forth Noah and Abraham, and bestowed on their offspring Prophethood and the scriptures… After them We sent other apostles, and after those Jesus the son of Mary. We gave him the Gospel and put compassion and mercy in the hearts of his followers.”} [Iron Sura; verse 27]
{“You will surely find those closest in friendship to the believers to be those who say, “We are Christians.” That is because among them are priests and monks who are not arrogant.”} [5: verses 82-83]
{“You will surely find those closest in friendship to the believers to be those who say, “We are Christians.” That is because among them are priests and monks who are not arrogant.”} [5: verses 82-83]
{“If you are in doubt of what We have revealed to you, ask those who have read the scriptures before you.”}
[Yunis Sura; verse 94]
All religions have shared values of moderation, peace, love, compassion, mercy, forgiveness, tolerance, and justice..
All religions have shared values of moderation, peace, love, compassion, mercy, forgiveness, tolerance, and justice..
The Quran warns, “Do not go to extremes in your religion;”
Also, Prophet Mohammed is quoted to say, “The best way is through moderation.”
The Talmud states:
The Talmud states:
“Three things are good in small quantities and bad in large: yeast, salt, and hesitation.” [Talmud: Berakoth, 34a]
“There are eight things of which a little is good and much is bad: travel, mating, wealth, work, wine, sleep, spiced drinks, and medicine.” [Talmud: Gittin, 70a]
{"Perhaps Allah will put love between you and your enemies, for Allah is powerful, and Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.“} (--Surah Al-Mumtahana 60:7)
