Godsloveapples
Between darkness and wonder
Not many people realize that religion is both a guidance to human beings and science that explains the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe. All religions are peaceful; I have never in my life came across a religion that orders humans to kill or commit crimes. Many people may argue that Islam orders Muslims to kill- i.e. "slay them wherever you catch them" (Qur'an 2:191). But who is this referring to? Who are "they" that this verse discusses? This is one verse that is snipped out of context either by those trying to malign the faith, or by misguided Muslims themselves who wish to justify their aggressive tactics. The preceding and following verses give the correct context:
"Fight in the cause of God those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for God loves not transgressors. And slay them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter; but fight them not at the Sacred Mosque, unless they (first) fight you there; but if they fight you, slay them. Such is the reward of those who suppress faith. But if they cease, God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevails justice and faith in God; but if they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who practise oppression" (2:190-193).
It is clear from the context that these verses are discussing a defensive war, when a Muslim community is attacked without reason, oppressed and prevented from practicing their faith. In these circumstances, permission is given to fight back -- but even then Muslims are instructed not to transgress limits, and to cease fighting as soon as the attacker gives up. Even in these circumstances, Muslim are only to fight directly against those who are attacking them, not innocent bystanders or non-combatants.
As you can see, Islam IS a peaceful religion and so are all other religions. Religion teaches discipline, honor, a sense of pride, a sense of right and wrong; it teaches us to be kind to others and give help whenever possible. Religion teaches us how to handle life situations such as marrige, divorce, death, and much more. In short, religion teaches us how to live life in the right way.
Religion has also taught us science. Who could have known 1,440 years ago about the coming of the universe into existence, the expansion of the universe, the creation of hot smoke, the perfect equilibrium in the universe, the structural differences between the sun, the moon and the stars, etc.? (too much to be listed). The answer is God. God has given us religion as a guidance to help us understand life and manage it.
"Fight in the cause of God those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for God loves not transgressors. And slay them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter; but fight them not at the Sacred Mosque, unless they (first) fight you there; but if they fight you, slay them. Such is the reward of those who suppress faith. But if they cease, God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevails justice and faith in God; but if they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who practise oppression" (2:190-193).
It is clear from the context that these verses are discussing a defensive war, when a Muslim community is attacked without reason, oppressed and prevented from practicing their faith. In these circumstances, permission is given to fight back -- but even then Muslims are instructed not to transgress limits, and to cease fighting as soon as the attacker gives up. Even in these circumstances, Muslim are only to fight directly against those who are attacking them, not innocent bystanders or non-combatants.
As you can see, Islam IS a peaceful religion and so are all other religions. Religion teaches discipline, honor, a sense of pride, a sense of right and wrong; it teaches us to be kind to others and give help whenever possible. Religion teaches us how to handle life situations such as marrige, divorce, death, and much more. In short, religion teaches us how to live life in the right way.
Religion has also taught us science. Who could have known 1,440 years ago about the coming of the universe into existence, the expansion of the universe, the creation of hot smoke, the perfect equilibrium in the universe, the structural differences between the sun, the moon and the stars, etc.? (too much to be listed). The answer is God. God has given us religion as a guidance to help us understand life and manage it.
