==> Pls visit new site at http://malaysia-today.net/ <==

Are non-delusionist welcome?

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dear kingelvis. you already read quran?

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kingelvis - when I was a student, I knew a person with whom I spent long hours trying to explain, Islam does not order any killing of any human being - be it a muslim or non muslim. On the contrary, Islam encourages peace, not only among humans but also with the world, the animals, the plants, etc. The press and those who are against Islam had misquoted the verses on jihad. There are provisions on jihad but these are all within the context of self-defence/retaliation, to fight those who fight you! My father is a convert and so is my father in law. Alhamdulillah, I am glad not every one fell for the trick - the cheap wrong and mistaken publication on jihad so as to show as if islam were uncivilized religion.

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From Guardian (UK)

www.guardian.co.uk

* Comment is free


Islam's selective outrage
Muslims cannot claim a monopoly on anger over the events in Gaza while ignoring the suffering of other Muslims and non-Muslims
Comments (…)

* Riazat Butt
*
o Riazat Butt
o guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 13 January 2009 07.00 GMT
o larger | smaller
o Article history

Much has been been written about the Gaza conflict and several pieces concern the impact that events are having on British Muslims – whether it's alienating them from the political process or driving them to radicalisation.

More than a few commenters, such as Johnton, have claimed that the UK's Muslim communities have largely remained silent on the other catastrophes and atrocities to have affected their brethren in recent times. Two years ago, at a press conference, I asked Fareena Alam of the Muslim magazine Q News why Muslims were so quick to condemn western governments for their involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan, yet appeared to show little heartbreak or anger over suffering in Darfur.

She replied that it was "shameful" the way British Muslims had responded to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan: "We can get hot and bothered about Iraq. There is a lot of information about Darfur. There is no doubt this is Muslim-on-Muslim violence. In this situation where are these values we talk about, that killing one life is about killing humanity? It is a huge embarrassment to us. We need to have a very big conversation about this."

It was a subject I explored in a podcast about attitudes towards the ummah, the global family all Muslims are supposed to belong to. In reality people only refer to it when it suits them. I remember talking to Iraqis in London who said they were criticised by fellow Muslims for having allowed western soldiers into their country. They also said they had little or no social contact with the more prosperous and established Muslim communities in the UK and that they were seen as outsiders. That they were Shia Muslims further increased their sense of isolation. So much for solidarity.

Another case of a pick-and-mix approach to the ummah involves members of the Afghan community in Birmingham. They didn't have access to local mosques or community centres where they could meet or pray. Birmingham has a larger-than-average Muslim population and you would have thought someone could give them room hire at a reduced rate.

I appreciate that conflict in the Middle East has long been a lightning-rod issue for Muslims, but Muslims don't have a monopoly on this outrage. Besides, if you believe in the ummah then be consistent – not just when you believe there to be a western enemy. Here's another thought, instead of crying foul when it's just Muslims who are suffering, why not react this way when anyone is affected, regardless of what they believe? When there's a hurricane, a cyclone or civil unrest that leaves people dead, homeless or in the grip of oppression? It is your duty to protest and react, not because you're Muslim, but because you're human. Looking after your own – and only your own – gives the lie to the idea that Islam is a religion of compassion. In fact, it says Islam is a religion of self-interest.

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Campaign name: Let’s Read The Quran
Participants: Saiful,Ahmad Said,Ahmad Ismail , Khir Toyo,Syed Hamid,Musa Hassan.
Number of intended participants: Nil
Number of other faith participants:Nil
Vote against:916
Vote for: 6
Rating:F (fail)
Groups to be targeted: Mental illness,nervous breakdown and those who are corrupted.

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The best part is 72 virgins. Guys, lets belt ourselves and rock the USA!

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Campaign name;Let's Read 'The corrupted practices of the Malaysian gov't'

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Umm Adzka,
Unfortunately, Muslim terrorists, killing innocent lives with suicide bombs, machine guns, IEDs etc in the name of Islam, do not share your views on Islam. They should be the ones reading the Quran but actually, did they read too much of it? Most of the press report what had exactly happened or is there something you know that we don't? Why were there no demonstrations or condemnation from the Muslim ummah against these killers?

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...and find in it areas of common values in our day to day living.

YES! When we look for the common ground (similarities rather than differences), we'll have more understanding & peace. Anywhere.

I believe it'll work if only this campaign/Koran-study will allow for open & unprejudiced discussions. If it is to work, let's not have the beyond-questioning attitudes or skirting around touch-it-not-sweeping-under-carpet issues because some pseudo-authority deemed them "sensitive".

Good luck.

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History has shown that holy books of no matter what religion has not helped humanity much.Religion has become a big corporate business today,earning tons of money by modulating peoples minds.The belief in a supreme power is not lost and believed by many ,but the branding of this by religions and its associated dictates have only served to polarise humanity,making enemies of men.Believe in God from within,in your own perception and live a life of peace and to help others less fortunate-this should be everyones religion

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malaysianputra

No, this is not a subtle attempt to proselytize. It is a subtle attempt to see whether people who profess open-mindedness and subscribe to freedom of thoughts are really genuine.

Seems like when it comes to Islam, you and most of other commentators have already closed your minds.

Hypocrisy is alive and well-subscribed.

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Somehow,I get the feeling that this is gonna be a big flop ... where asking for "others' input is concerned.
In most discussions I've had with people on religious dialogue, the most difficult is when they make a dead-end argument based on medieval desert tribe ideas saying - "god commands so"!
End of discussion.

You should instead be discussing ethics & philosophy, so as to understand "values" in a non-partisan manner. That might bring out the spirituality required to understand humanity as a whole.

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Honestly I don’t think this is a good idea. I used to treat the bible like a fairy tale, it is my true feeling, am I being disrespect?

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BTW Art,
You definitely are the infernal optimist as Haris says ....
Nevertheless, despite my past "experiences" I might still give you the benefit of doubt & turn up.
Cheers, mate!

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Good idea. We would be suprised on how much value does Al-Quran can teach us actually. My friend (indian hindu) ready Quran and Bible. And he always tell me how fascinating these book are.And I really want to buy one and read too. If there are things we could learn from Quran, why not apply it in life?

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Ok,lets read...Once upon a time,there was a man from umno called Ali Baba.He is very fond of stealing from the rakyat.When his greed increased,he scouts around for more thieves and they all join in stealing from the rakyat.They steal and steal ,until most of them die while playing badminton,cancer,heart attack etc.I don't know who is next!

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Wow, great idea BUT another campaign of "reading the Bible' must also be allowed. it is only fair but I bet the government will not allow it as the after effects may not be welcoming to them fanatics.

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We were glad of RPK when he explained what hudud encompassed. We now know a little more about hudud. Now someone wants to share a bit more about the Quran and we are apprehensive. There is such a thing as comparative religious studies. I think it is blatantly unfair to cast Islam and millions of peace-loving Muslims uder the shadow of terrorism when miscreants misused religion for evil acts of violence.

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Why only read the Quran? Why not read the Bible, Buddha's teachings, Hindu texts, Sikh books too? And allow these to be read in Malay too? If you really want to promote peace and understanding, you got to go beyond narrow thought confines.

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Everyday I am reading the 'Corrupt Practice of BN', I try to learn more to be how to corrupt, but until now, having reading for almost 25 years of 'How to corrupt, the BN way', I still fail to practice it until today! I have to work hard on it, I dont think I have any other free time to read others, before they eat up my saving in EPF!

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I can't read Arabic. Sorry. I don't think there is anyone good enough to tafsir 100%. So, count me out.

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it's the politicians who create pro islam policies that need to read books of other faiths. Anti non islam ideology is naturally going to come up against anti muslim ideology hence the conflict. Also jihadist using controversial verses to attack non muslims. those already attacking me (like I'm making it up..hello!) are living in caves.

Answer..give those verses a more compassionate translation.

Why is there a muslim world and non islamic world? Why not a christian world and a non christian world? Think lah before writing and criticizing others views. Malay and muslim supremacy? wake up this land belongs to natives and their faith who disrespects that. answer truthfully. muslims or non muslims. don't you have any sympathy for them? Why muslims find it so difficult to live with non muslims in the world?

MY QUESTION-is this justified by the Koran?
Respect each otherlah bro we have to live together not like we can packup and go elsewhere mah! Truthfully we are here today because of politicians NOT KORAN!

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I do read the Koran and it has not pursuade me that Christ is the real deal. I think for this to work, discussion should be allowed. My frustration comes when hard to answer topics are blamed on 'you are not Muslim" or the English quranic translation.

And it would be good that Muslim read other scriptures as well. I have got my A in Sejarah, Sejarah Islam and Tatanegara when Islam is extensively taught. And currently, other religions are not taught in history class any more .. only in civic class. So, muslims have not many chance to learn about other religions.

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Brothers semut and Umm Adzka..thank you for comments..yes I read English translation otherwise I won't write like I did..I'm aware straight translation can be deceiving that is why I said earler give it a compassionate translation!

Coz God aint a killer we all know that! Thanks again brothers semut and Umm Adzka!

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Don't limit it to just reading the Koran alone. Read the bible, the buddhist scriptures, Hindu scriptures, Taoism, Bahai, and the Jewish scriptures.

Then there are also non-mainstream spiritual books written by the likes of Edward Cayce, Ruth Montgomery, and T.Lobsang Rampa. Read these too!!!

Then we will be less fanatical, and more broadminded.

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Many just have the Koran ,but never read it!Holier art thou if you have the Koran.

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The best way to do it is, if your audience is not all Muslim-first, you read it very well and understand to the best possible you can, later you tell those people what you read or what you understood.

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Shahid/Martyrdom Mobile

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaBphiBzxtc

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written by mulut murai, January 15, 2009 17:39:08
malaysianputra


Seems like when it comes to Islam, you and most of other commentators have already closed your minds.

Hypocrisy is alive and well-subscribed.

=====

You see, Mulut Murai, I have been to websites you would loath to read and I have my own conclusion from what I have read , but I believe each has his own right to follow which ever religion one follows.

I would not want to comment futher lest be misunderstood.

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Which Quran that we need to read? Outside from the Arabic Quran is not a Quran anymore. The moment we translate the Quran to other languages means it is no longer a Quran. Study and read the Quran means we need to read it in Arabic. Question: How many of us can read and understand Arabic? In addition, non-Moslems are prohibited to touch the Al-Quran. So, what is the point?

Okey, let say we read the translation of Quran Al- Karim. How much we sure that the translation goes without error or misinterpret?

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It is a great idea provided it is reciprocated, i.e. let the Malay Muslim read the bible that had been translated into Bahasa Melayu. If Muslims feel so threatened that even a Malay language version of the Christian Bible is banned then this exchange is just a moot point. It is too one way street. If the Muslims wanted others to understand Islam, which is a good idea, then a better idea will be mutual understanding by allowing muslims to read the bible too. That will allow both to find common points and to show that different religion is afterall different ways of saying the same thing and worshiping the same one GOD. If you an atheist, just leave GOD out of all the common morality.

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Can anyone tell me the miracles of the Prophet so that I can at least make a start on my quest to understand islam. No miracles no prophet? Right?

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When non-Muslims feeling under siege by the Islamic juggernaut in our daily lives in Malaysia, when discussion on religion appears only to be seen from the Muslim perspective, when barbaric aspects of the religion see its ugly face emanating on a regular basis in daily life in Malaysia, I think such a project will serve no purpose other than to further reinforce peoples justifiablty jaudiced view of Islam based on the Malaysian experience.

Only a couple days ago, the Syahriah courts in Pahang sentenced a man and a 22 year old Muslim woman to receive strokes of the rotan and a hefty fine for drinking in a pub. By any reckoning, this is barbaric and goes against the constitution which guarantees freedom of worship. But then the Islamic authorities in Malaysia think otherwise including PAS which gleefully agreed with the sentence. Is this the kind of Islam we need to learn about and disseminate in Malaysia?

Why can't Muslims show some sensitivity towards others who do not susbcribe to their religion or their brand of Islam? Why not have an inter-faith reading exercise, where we all aim to learn about each other's religion. e.g a Muslim and Hindu should read the Bible and Bhagavad Gita, a Christian and Hindu the Koran?

It is about time Muslims get out of their cocoon and reach out to others and not have a 'Ketuanan Islam' mentality, no matter how well meaning it is.

How do you convince Chrisitians to respect the Koran when there are anti-Christian sentiments in some verses?

How does one accept the Koranic justification for killing and violence of non-Muslims ( Kaffirs ) who refuse accept Islam ( repent )?

How does one accept the inferior status of women and their uncivilised treatment as outlined in some verses in the Koran?

Personally, I feel religion should be kept in the private domain. The Koran does not lend itself to rational and intellectual debate because it makes claims about being the actual 'word of God' even though it was written by humans many years after the messenger of the faith died.

It is interesting as a sociological document as it gives insight into Arab culture and practice 1400 years which in many respects in inimical to modern day realities.

When non-Muslims are encouraged to read the Koran, there will be questions, disagreements and desire for debate. Are Muslims prepared for this? Are they mature and rational for this? Are they sincere and willing to accept a non-Muslim point of view without resorting to abuse and violence which is the norm for a Muslim? A common refrain is 'blasphemy' or 'insulting Islam and the Prophet' if there is rejection of Koranic tenets and articles of faith by non-Muslims. It only leads to negativity and division.

Are the Bangsar Muslims prepared for a multi-religious theological debate? That is the fundamental question.

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Where is this all going to end? The religion issue!
This iste is very useful: http://freethinker.co.uk/
Check this site out.

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Read the Quran first in a language you understand before making any judgement about it. Do not listen to hearsay. For example, most people tend to equate the word jihad with fighting or suicide bombing. But that's not what the Quran states.
In the Quran, jihad refers to struggle or strive - the strive to elevate oneself to become a better person. From being a miser to one who spends his wealth to help the poor, from being aloof to one who upholds justice for the downtrodden.
Oh, anyway, do not be deceived by the majority of the so called Muslims especially the non-peace loving type - most of them read the Quran without understanding. Tjat is why they do not do what God tells them to do do and that is: "When you meet fellow Muslims, greet them with "Peace be unto you (Salam mun alaikum) and greet the non Muslims with this: Peace (salam)."

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OK Let's read ZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

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I have read it at least 3 times, and still can't believe what I have read. I can't believe such a book existed. I certainly won't recommend it to anyone, especially those who believe in fairness, justice, peace and humanity.

Anyway, what's the point asking non-Muslims to read this book when they are not allow even to use the word Allah or comment on anything related to Islam as we are discriminated against in the name of religion and race, and the existence of unjust racist and religious policy imposed on us by a so-called Muslim-led gov't that is every inch corrupted, immoral, discriminatory, and evil to the core.

Tell me one Muslim country that is peaceful, fair, progressive, open, and accepting and I will tell you how to build a ladder to the moon.

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God tells them to do do and that is: "When you meet fellow Muslims, greet them with "Peace be unto you (Salam mun alaikum) and greet the non Muslims with this: Peace (salam)."
=======================================

Interesting differentiation ....

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Why not start reading religion from the oldest books to the latest.
We can see how religion evolved!

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This is why I study Quran:

http://www.peru.name/writing/?p=17

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I am interested but unfortunately can't attend. If there is any video, do share. I am quite open minded.

However if you really want to have such a session, please be careful that you do not attract the attention of JAIS which may find trouble with you if you carry it out without their sanction. I am all for religion to be opened up for everyone to learn, taking it out of the clutches of the self-appointed elite defenders of the faith. This is will also expose itself to criticism and I hope everyone will be grown up about it.

Concerning the article posted by Anti Relon, I have asked in previous postings, where is the global Muslim outrage when Muslim suicide bombers killed others? Aren't everyone regardless of faith brothers and sisters?

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Judging from the comments, already this project is under jeopardy. Maybe the problem is the problem itself. Not that the Koran needs to be read but muslims need to have access and insight to other faiths. Islam is politicised in Malaysia and that is not encouraged!

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Since this piece is about reading the Quran, I would like to take this opportunity to ask Muslims about their holy book. I hope they would be kind enough to answer the following:

1. Is it true that 26 chapters of the Quran deal with jihad, a fight able-bodied believers are obligated to join (Surah 2:216), and that the text orders Muslims to "instill terror into the hearts of the unbeliever" and to "smite above their necks" (8:12)?

2. Is the "test" of loyalty to Allah not good acts or faith in general, but martyrdom that results from fighting unbelievers (47:4) — the only assurance of salvation in Islam (4:74; 9:111)?

3. Are the sins of any Muslim who becomes a martyr forgiven by the very act of being slain while slaying the unbelievers (4:96)?

4. Are those unable to do jihad — such as women or the elderly — required to give "asylum and aid" to those who do fight unbelievers in the cause of Allah (8:74)?

5. Does Islam advocate expansion by force? And is the final command of jihad, as revealed to Muhammad in the Quran, to conquer the world in the name of Islam (9:29)?

6. Is Islam the only religion that does not teach the Golden Rule (48:29)? Does the Quran instead teach violence and hatred against non-Muslims, specifically Jews and Christians (5:50)?

I look forward to reading your replies.

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I'm all for it - but this has to be a two way street. So while non muslims are asked to read the Quran, muslims should familiarise themselves with other religions as well. So perhaps this project should be called Read the Holy Books & the God Delusion instead

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Hm!! Jika non-Moslem digalakan membaca Quran, pasti masalah seperti yang berikut akan muncul. Mampukah kaum Muslim secara umum menjawab pertanyaan yang bakal dimunculkan oleh Non-Moslem?

Setiap kali anda mengkritisi segala sesuatu yang berhubungan dengan Islam, Allah, Muhamamd, hukum Sharia atau komunitas Islam, akan anda temui segera bantahannya. Membantah itu OK, tetapi cara muslim membantah itu lucu. Berikut ini beberapa contoh cara-cara membantah yang sering dipakai muslim.
1. Pertama-tama, muslim akan berkata, “Informasi ini salah”, “Itu semua bohong”, Apapun yang anda katakan pasti salah dan apa yang mereka katakan pasti benar.

2. Langkah berikutnya adalah Taqqiya, misalnya “Islam artinya damai”, “Islam tidak disebarkan dengan pedang, melainkan kasih”, “Tidak ada paksaan dalam agama”.

3. Jika anda mengutip dari Quran atau Hadist, anda akan dituduh mengutip seenaknya dan tidak lengkap.

4. Dan bersiaplah dituduh ayat yang anda kutip salah telah disalahtafsirkan, diubah, dikorupsi.

5. Jika anda memberi referensi bagi kutipan anda, muslim akan berkata, “Referensi anda semua salah dan bohong” yang berarti hanya referensi mereka yang asli dan benar.

6. Anda akan disarankan untuk “Baca Quran dulu, dan anda akan melihat cahaya (terang).”

7. Jika anda jawab bahwa anda telah membaca Quran, mereka akan meragukannya, seakan-akan anda itu seorang penipu.

8. Jika anda mengutip ayat selengkap-lengkapnya dari Quran atau Hadist, mereka akan menuduh terjemahan anda salah atau menyesatkan. Lalu anda akan dianjurkan untuk belajar bahasa Arab dan membaca versi aslinya.

9. Jika anda bilang, “Quran yang saya baca terjemahannya paling otentik, yang juga dipakai kaum muslim”, anda akan ditanya, “Anda hanya membaca sampulnya?” “Bacalah dengan pikiran terbuka” (artinya, bacalah dengan pikiran tertutup, seperti muslim yang diperintahkan untuk tidak meragukan dan mempertanyakan isi Quran, untuk tidak memakai otak mereka)

10. Walaupun anda sudah membaca terjemahan Quran yang paling otentik, atau bahkan jika anda mahir berbahasa Arab, jika anda mengutip Quran, mereka akan mengutip hadist, tafsir dll dan mengatakan Quran hanya bisa dimengerti dengan mempelajari hadist dan tafsir. Tapi jika anda mengutip hadist, mereka akan berkata, “Hanya Quran yang benar / otentik”.

11. Jika setelah itu anda masih juga berkeras maju, mereka akan mengacaukan anda dan pembaca-pembaca lainnya dari topik yang semula, dan melemparkan issue yang tak berhubungan (OOT).

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to be continue:

12. Jika anda meluruskan kembali ke issue semula, muslim akan mengalihkan anda ke buku agama anda atau agama lain seperti Bible, Torah, Veda dan Gita, dan bahkan pada kejadian-kejadian lain dan tokoh-tokoh seperti Bush, Osama, Ariel Sharon, Gordon, Bosnia, Selatan Thailand, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestina dsb.

13. Bersiap-siaplah menghadapi muslim yang tiba-tiba muncul dengan cara mereka untuk meyakinkan anda dengan copy & paste sampah dari situs Islam, yang berisi ayat-ayat Quran dan hadist, fakta-fakta yang sudah diubah dari kitab suci agama lain yang mengatakan (misalnya) muhammad sudah diramalkan dalam buku-buku itu.

14. Lalu ada lagi muslim yang akan menulis tentang Mukjizat / Keajaiban dalam Quran. Ingatlah, apapun yang ditemukan di masa kini, Muslim akan mengklaim sudah ada dalam Quran. Mereka tidak pernah akan mengakui kesalahan-kesalahan dalam Quran seperrti “Matahari tenggelam dalam kolam lumpur”, “Matahari beredar mengelili bumi” dsb. Jika anda tarik perhatian mereka pada hal-hal ini, mereka akan mengcopy paste sampah lagi, yang sama sekali tidak masuk akal. Lalu anda akan disarankan lagi untuk membaca Quran.

15. Anda mulai kehilangan kesabaran tapi masih juga maju terus, maka munculnya serangan pribadi. Anda akan dimaki-maki dan dicerca sebagai “Tolol”, “Bodoh”, “Babi”, “Anjing” dsb.

16. Jika taktik mereka itu tak membawa hasil, anda akan dituduh dibayar untuk menjelekkan Islam. Tuduhan-tuduhan seperti “Pers / Media barat berat sebelah” “Propaganda untuk menjelekkan Islam”, “Islam dizholimi non muslim seluruh dunia” dsb pun akan bermunculan.

17. Dan jika anda masih terus bertahan, mereka akan mulai menghina ibu dan saudara perempuan anda.

18. Jika anda memang keras kepala dan masih juga bertahan, anda akan dikutuk “Kau akan dibakar di api neraka, kau akan menyesal saat Kiamat tiba, Masih ada waktu untuk mencari kebenaran” dsb.

19. Jika semua itu gagal, anda akan diancam secara langsung, “AWAS” “Saya sungguh-sungguh menyarankan anda berhati-hati” atau ancaman tak langsung seperti, “Tunjukkan email ID anda, jangan sembunyi di balik nama palsu, kamu pengecut bersembunyi di belakang ID palsu” dan yang terakhir adalah undangan untuk berdebat bertemu muka (one on one, face to face) atau untuk mengunjungi mesjid atau Islamic Centres.

20. Dan yang terakhir, muslim bersorak mengaku telah menang karena Quran adalah kata-kata Allah, walaupun sebenarnya mereka telah kalah.

Kalau Quran memang kata-kata Allah, sangat jelas untuk difahami, berlaku bagi semua manusia di mana saja untuk segala masa, mengapa perlu ada hadist, tafsir dan komentar? Ini seolah-olah, Quran itu tidak lengkap.

Mengapa berbagai aliran Islam dan Imamnya mempunyai pemahaman yang berlainan?

Mengapa ada ayat-ayat yang dibatalkan dengan turunnya ayat-ayat berikutnya? Mengapa Allah tidak dapat menurunkan ayat yang benar saja? Mengapa mengubah fikiran untuk memenuhi keinginan / keperluan Nabi muhammad?


Mengapa Islam yang mengaku sebagai satu-satunya agama yang benar tidak mampu menjadi agama majoriti dunia, apalagi menjadi satu-satunya agama di bumi ini, bahkan 1400 tahun setelah ditemukan oleh muhammad?

Bottom line: Majority Malaysian Moslem are not open yet or not reach the stage of open discussion with academic methods. Please, don’t offer something that YOU cannot stand the reflection.

http://www.indonesia.faithfreedom.org/forum/viewtopic.php?=&p=160940

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If you want to destroy a people, take away their language from being taught in schools(eg native languages in Sarawak forbidden now under Razak report)
THEN teach them a pendatangs language like malay
THEN tell them its forbidden by law to possess a bible in that new language.
ALL THIS ALLOWED BY ISLAM?..Hmm tell us the truth.
TRUTH HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST CASUALTY HERE

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Hi All,

Thank you for the feed backs here. I am most obliged.

If there is one thing which I could learn from the comments here, it is the fact that the misconceptions and wrong perceptions about Islam is abound, even in a forum such as MT. It is of concern to note that the visitors to this site, who are known to critisise the Government for being racist and who are known to get real upset about various infringements of their rights by the Government, are themselves full of stereotyping tendency and prejudice, especially against Islam.

I can't help but being amused at the very first comment here. What we are trying to achieve is to correct misconception and wrong perception. We are not trying to convert anybody. And for those who ask me why I am not asking people to read the Bible etc, well, why don't you take the initiative and do the same with your Holy Book? I am a Muslim. And so I am starting with my Holy Book. If you think Muslim should read other Holy Book (an opinion which I wholeheartedly subscribe as I myself try to read the Bible etc), then by all means, launch your own campaign. God bless you.

I am also deeply concerned at the attacks by non-Muslims against Islam and the Quran. It now is proven beyond doubt that religious bigotry exists on both side of the fence, sadly and very unfortunately. That in itself justifies the campaign to read the Quran.

As for the commentor by the nickname of "What Nil Wisdom", please rest assured that I will answer all of your questions at my blog soon.

Peace be upon all of us.

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Art..could you enlighten us as to the miracles of the prophet..surely if the prophets preceeding him had miracles to convince his followers, then the last of that line of prophets would have done the same! Agree?
For English translation of Tompios comments see
http://www.islam-watch.org/Others/Infidel.htm
I have a serious problem when muslims hold us down and then try to preach us about their faith.
What Ketuanan Melayu when this land belongs to natives!
Looking forward to your comments..many have come to try and defend Islam and failed because it does not advocate equal treatment of non muslims. Will you try?

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Hi Kingelvis (absolutely love the King! ),

Seriously, Islam does not discriminate among Muslims and non-Muslims. Quite to the contrary, the Quran implores Muslims to do good to all our "neighbours", who may be "near" or even "strangers". Please visit http://art-harun.********.com/...dance.html to read the first verse which I had posted yesterday.

Of course you would have serious problems if anybody, not only Muslims, who look down on you. Trust me, I would to! But true Muslims do not do that and true Islam does not preach that. Ketuanan Melayu, or the concept of racial dominance, has no place in Islam, that's for sure.

Let's approach racial integration and inter-faith harmony with an open mind. That is all I could hope for.

On equal treatment among all human beings, time permitting, I would of course write a post, God willing.

Peace be upon all of us.

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Art, you've not touched on the miracles (or lack of!)?
Ok I'll look up your blog from time to time..but do address the difficult verses..virgins for martyrs.. satanic verses etc.
Look at how christian countries treat muslims and vice versa..disparity very clear.
Muslim countries treat their non muslims so so badly! Why??
You have to talk to your fellow muslims and not us. Really.

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Oh sorry, I forgot to mention Prophet Muhammad's mukjizat (miracles). Well, the first one that comes to mind is of course the Quran itself. This foremost miracle is not limited by time as it is a Holy Book for all time.
There was also a time when the moon was divided into 2 parts.
Israq mikraj was another one. This was the Prophet's night journey to Bait-ul-Muqaddis in Jerusalem at which place he ascended to heavens on top of the Boraq (a bird like creature) where God's instructions on the Muslim's obligatory prayers was received.
Those are Prophet's Muhammad's mukjizat which immediately come to mind. There are others of which I do not remember.

Only God is the most knowing.

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Dear Art, it is very nice of you to invite/encourage non-Muslims to read the Quran to understand the Muslims better. Thank you.

I am quite open to discussions. As with all religions/races - we have two categories, i.e. the moderates and extremists. On your comment "are themselves full of stereotyping tendency and prejudice, especially against Islam." There have been so many headlines (Sept 11, Mumbai terror attack, suicide bombers, Osama bin Laden, ...) that have eclipsed the moderate and good deeds of the Muslims. Incidents such as these are difficut to forget. One cannot blame the MT readers if they have these thoughts in mind when they are commenting on your article.

If there is a Quran in English, there should be no problem for me to read it with an open mind ... although I feel it not the right course of direction. Action speaks louder than words. How do you explain the feelings of warmth, friendship and love I have towards my muslim friends without reading the Quran? My friends are typical of muslims like Haris Ibrahim, Zaid Ibrahim, Dr. Azly, RPK, Marina, Mumtiaz, etc. .... They together with my muslim friends possess these important qualities - tolerance, kindness, fairness, non-racism, understanding, and friendship ...

In this country, one can be crucified by having bibles written in BM or using the word "Allah" (worse, you even have a MT reader insinuating that blood shed will occur if the government allowed the church to use the word "Allah"). Don't you agree that it is how the muslims project themselves which confuses the non-muslims, and not the Quran?

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Art..article from 20th Jan 2008 'Learning curve' Sunday Times pg H2 (can scan and email to you whole article if you give your email) interview with American Scholar James Morris (a muslim).."once the prophet was with some Arab elite when an old man sought an audience with him. When the prophet turned him away, God sent down a surah that taught the Prophet that he should not have turned the old man away.."

Question..
1. Why do you believe that he is a prophet?
2. Shouldn't a prophet be divinely inspired already that he already knows between right and wrong without being told?

Years ago a friend was preaching me about the Koran so I asked him why he believed the Koran..answer was that it was compiled within a certain period so I said if I wrote a book in twice that time would my book be twice as great. Got a blank look?

Pick up a book on other faiths and briefly read on their founders biographies AND SURPRISE YOURSELF?

AND and may God forgive all of us.

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Dear Ylcc,

There are a number of website with English translation of the Quran. I would recommend http://www.al-islam.org/quran/ as it contains 4 different translations with the notable Yusuf Ali's as well as Pickthal's translations included on one site.
You have brought up a valid point. Most of the wrong perceptions about Islam and Muslims are caused by Muslims themselves. But in every religion, one would find differences in opinions and scholastic thoughts. Even in Christianity, arguments still linger on the validity of the Holy Trinity. Arianism is not dead and buried. Similarly in Islam, we have Shiete and Sunnah and countless others. We have terrorists who believe jihad is about blowing up oneself in the midst of children and women.
It is all these thinsg which give Islam and Muslims a bad perceptions. However, if Islam is practised as it should be with the Quran as a guidance, I believe the true Islam would surface. Of course you do not have to read the Quran to befriend Muslims such as Harris, RPK and Imtiaz. These are my friends too. You treat them like a human being just like they do you. And I do too. But not everybody is like us.
I understand your disappointment or frustration in respect of the Government's stand on several issues, such as the usage of the word Allah and the publication of Herald in BM. I disagree with those actions as well. But lets not stereotype all Muslims just because of the actions of some other Muslims. Not all Muslims have that kind of negative mindset.
I am sure you could, in your wisdom, see that.

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Dear Kingelvis,

I believe Prophet Muhammad is a Prophet because I believe the Quran contains the words of God. And the Quran says so. That about encapsulates my reasons for so believing.

As for the incident you narrated, that is based on 80:1. Many believe that the man in question was Abdullah Ibni Umm Maktum, an old blind man, who came to interrupt the Prophet while he was the Prophet was explaining Islamic teachings to some Quraisy leaders. This incident is highly debatable, knowing the Prophet's attitude towards old ad poor people. He was always helpful and respectful to everyone especially his elders and the poor.
The verse says "He frowned and turned (his) back."
It would be too long a post for me to explain the debate on this incident.
I would be glad if you could e mail me the article. Please ***** on my profile at my blog. My e mail addy is there.

Have a good weekend.

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1.You say it's highly debatable..questioning the authenticity of the quran are you not? or was it in hadith instead or another book?
2. You tell me nothing about why you believe Quran is word of GOD? Why Why Why?
So if I write a book and say its from GOD does that alone be sufficient?

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Because that is my faith. Same with Christianity and the Bible. And the Buddhist with Buddha's teaching. Or the Hindus for that matter. That's why it is called faith my friend and not mere belief.
Do you have faith in your girlfriend or wife? Why? Do you check on her? And vice versa.
I am not questioning the authenticity of the Quran. The words of the Quran are words of God. And the words are protected by God. The Quran (80:1) does not say it was the Prophet who did that. It says "he". Like I said, it would be too long to explain. This is not the place.
Anyway Bro, this campaign is not about an attempt to convince non Muslim that Islam is the correct religion. It is about reading the Quran as it is. It is hoped that many misconceptions and/or wrong perceptions about Islam could be corrected thereby.

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ok, but going on to discussions on faith gets tricky as you already know. Feel your agitations but that's bound to happen. Good Luck anyway. Well read your blog off and on. Really hope you can manage the misconceptions about Islam.
Again good luck.

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Thank you, Art. If you follow my comments on MT, you would realise that I am one of those moderates. I respect all religions/races. I would be the last person to stereotype anyone. My friends are Pakistanis, Iranians, Lebanese, Malaysians, French, Polynesians, British, Canadians ...... your article was about understanding the Quran better. All religions teach you to be good. It depends on how you interpret the teachings and how it is practised. I had mentioned once before that whenever I visit a good muslim friend, her mother would always invite me to join in their prayers. I do not participate, but sit quietly and respectfully with them. I do not need to read the Quran to acknowledge that these are very wonderful, sincere, and peace loving people. They are Kelantanese.

I would tend to agree with kingelvis comment "You have to talk to your fellow muslims and not us."

Anyway, I wish you good luck in your campaign. You are kind and meant well.

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