Islam supposedly respects the first 5 books of the bible,Christianity respects not only the entire old testament but also the new testament the story of CHRIST the messiah. if you are a christian,Jew or an American, Islamics want to kill you. Christians greatest commandments from god are, love God w/all your heart mind and soul,and love your neighbor as yourself. God is love go figure
Then study the two of them closely. And then one can easily chose if thee have to chose religion at all... If you want to study Islam you can get some information from:
WNW.quraan.com
For what? Belief system or way of life? Which one has killed the most innocent people in the last 2000 years? Which one has the most bigots? Which is the least tolerant of others?
My religion should have nothing to do with anyone except myself, my family and the Divine. It is nobody Else's business unless I get in your face and try to tell you that you are going to hell if you don't believe the same as I do.
Islam!
Islam is the most Miss-understood religion in the West. Thanks to the unholy crusades which, mind you , failed bitterly.
Read the following about Islam in general and follow the links provided for more information in Islam:
Education dispels all evils, so try your luck:-
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations on December 10, 1948, embodies the broadest consensus of contemporary civilization on the subject of human rights.
Life is dynamism, so is human society. One characteristic of dynamism is that it generates friction, and in terms of social values that means differences even disputes. Differences, or let us say, the right to differ lies at the root of all knowledge, inquiry, investigation, research progress. While, therefore, we must strive to safeguard the right to differ, to question, to dissent and even to protest, we must at the same time strive to secure that our differences in every sphere - religious, philosophical, scientific, social, economic, political and whatever, should act and react beneficently and not destructively. When they threaten to become acute they must be regulated or adjusted through the adoption of agreed peaceful procedures. This means, broadly, that we must all submit voluntarily or, if needed, reluctantly and even under restraint, to what had come to be described as the rule of law.
The Declaration of Human Rights does not, in the accepted juristic sense of the term, constitute a law. It stands, nevertheless, as a shining mile-stone along the long, and often difficult and weary path trodden by humanity down the corridors of history, through centuries of suffering and tribulation, towards the goal of freedom, justice and equality has been waged in all ages and in many fields and religions, with varying fortunes. Each of these battles, and the ground won in each, have, in turn, forwarded the cause of men and women and have contributed towards the formulation and adoption of the Declaration, which is entitled to rank with the great historical documents and charters directed towards the same objective.
Rights and obligations go hand in hand as they should in all spheres of life. While, therefore, it is not necessary but essential that we should intensify and multiply our efforts towards the safeguarding of human rights, we must all, individually and collectively, strive to deepen our consciousness of the duties we owe to each other at all levels. Islam, the holistic religion and philosophy, seeks to stimulate and deepen that consciousness. It emphasizes our duties and obligations, so that each of us by due discharge of them, should help to safeguard freedom, justice and equality for all and should promote and foster human welfare and prosperity in all walks of life - social, economic, moral and spiritual. It seeks to establish a pattern of which, in all the changing and developing circumstances of a dynamic world, would maintain its character of beneficence in all spheres of life individual, domestic, national and international. For this purpose Islam furnishes us with a framework of beliefs, duties, obligations, exhortations and sanctions.
In studying the Universal Declaration of Human Rights from the Islamic point of view, we must remember that while Islam lays down values and standards which clearly endorse the spirit and purpose of the Declaration, it does not pronounce verbatim on all the specific provisions of the document. Let us examine Islamic values with reference to Articles 18 and 19.
These two articles are concerned to secure the freedom of thought, conscience, religion, option and expression, including the freedom to change ones religion and to manifest it in teaching, practice, worship and observance and freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas regardless of frontiers.
In essence of every religion possesses elements of a missionary character. It starts with an individual and seeks to persuade and convince others of its truth and of the beneficent nature of the values it propounds. It must, therefore, stand for freedom of conscience, including the freedom to change ones religion and the other freedoms mentioned in these two articles, which are all consequent upon freedom of conscience otherwise it would create barriers in the path of its own objectives. The universal message of Islam brooks no territorial or racial limitations for participation in its communion and proclaims these freedoms unequivocally and emphatically. Claiming, like all religions, to be based on truth, it naturally warns, constantly and repeatedly, of the dire consequences, moral and spiritual, that would follow from the rejection or neglect of the values that it proclaims; but it leaves everyone free to make his choice. Belief is a matter of conscience and conscience cannot be compelled. A person might be forced to believe.
The Quran proclaims:
There is no compulsion in religion. Surely the right has become distinct from error; so whosoever refuses to be led by those who transgress and believes in ALLAH, has surely grasped a strong handle which knows no breaking. And ALLAH is All-Hearing. All-Knowing. (2:257).
Again it says:
And say, `It is the truth from your Lord; wherefore let him who will, believe, and let him, who will, disbelieve.... (18:30).
Thus it clearly leaves everyone to exercise his or her reason and judgment. Attention is, of course, repeatedly drawn to the difference between belief and disbelief and to the mortal and spiritual consequences of righteous action in contrast with evil conduct; but there is not the slightest reflection or implication that conscience may be forced or compelled. The Quran is explicit in making a distinction between a righteous act along with the consequences which would follow. It also lays directions with regard to the manner in which the message should be conveyed to mankind. It stands for complete sincerity in all relationships and insists on conformity of conduct to profession. Hypocrisy and insincerity are frequently condemned in Islam in strongest terms.
It follows that Islam requires a person to profess what he truly believes in, and not to profess belief in what he does not sincerely believe, nor continue to profess belief in that which he has ceased to believe in. Should any one cease to believe in Islam, he does not thereby incur any legal penalty. He only abandons the path of peace and security. In other words, apostasy, by itself, however condemnable is a spiritual of fence and entails no temporal penalty. This is the essence of the freedom to change ones religion.
The Quran invites, indeed enjoins, reflection and the exercise of reason, understanding and judgment at every step. Failure to do so counts as a serious default for which an individual is accountable. It thus seeks to foster the development of these faculties and actively promotes freedom of thought, opinion and expression.
It follows that everyone must be free to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontier. This is essential so that knowledge may be fostered and ignorance dispelled. Shall those who know be equal to those who know not? Verily, only those endowed with understanding will take heed says the Quran. It is somewhat paradoxical, however, that while the Declaration sets forth various freedoms in matters of faith and conscience regardless of frontiers, it does not seek to promote the freedom to travel, without let or hindrance, across frontiers in search of knowledge, information and ideas.
The religion of Islam travels beyond the Declaration both in its objectives and in its methods. It is concerned with the totality of life, both here and hereafter. The Declaration certainly, like Islam, claims universality and seeks that the rights, freedoms, duties set out and expounded in it should be accepted and made effective everywhere in respect of everyone. Thus in spirit the Declaration, so far as it goes, and Islam are in accord. In respect of certain specific details, the Declaration employs language which is too general; Islam spells out the necessary safeguards. Even subject to some limitations, which mostly fall in the moral and spiritual aspect of life, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights constitutes an epoch-making formulation of human rights, based on the widest possible consensus so far achieved and recorded.
Islam and Terrorism
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is unfortunate that Islam, the religion of peace, hope, harmony, goodwill and Brotherhood had been badly tarnished by the perpetrators of various terrorists acts and barbarism as seen on September 11, 2001.
The purpose of this presentation is to set forth the teachings of Islam so that manifestations of various terrorist acts are fully exposed in the light of Islamic teachings under whose shelter these activities are being committed.
Diplomatic immunity and ethics of war in Islam
Islamic Jihad
Peace and international relations in Islam
DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY AND ETHICS OF WAR
According to the Islamic Holy Book - the Quran, God has bestowed hon our on every individual irrespective of skin colour, race, nationality, etc. Freedom is one of the great favours of God and its deprivation is a great misery. Under the Islamic dispensation, no one can be made a captive without a just cause. Prisoners can only be taken in the event of a regular declared war or battle and not for any other reason or under any other pretext. The Holy Quran specifically states:
It does not behove a Prophet that he should have captives until he engages in regular fighting in the land. If you take captives, except in regular fighting, you will be regarded as desiring the goods of this world, while ALLAH desires for you the Hereafter. And ALLAH is Mighty, Wise (8:68)
This verse cuts at the root of not only slavery practice in years gone by but also demolishes any supposed justification of modern day hostage-taking and hijacking of innocent people not involved in actual combat.
In his farewell address the Holy Prophet of Islam gave special instructions regarding good treatment which should be meted out to prisoners. The Holy Prophet said:
O men, you still have in your possession some prisoners of war. I advise you, therefore, to feed them and to clothe them in the same way and style as you feed and clothe yourselves ..... To give them pain or trouble can never be tolerated.
More specific commandments on the ethics of war and treatment of prisoners are contained in the fifth verse of the forty-seventh chapter of the Quran. This comprehensive verse can be paraphrased as follows:
"When engaged in a regular battle, it should be fought bravely and relentlessly. War can be continued till peace and freedom of conscience are established. Prisoners are to be taken judiciously. Free men cannot be deprived of their liberty without a just and reasonable cause. When war is over, prisoners should be released as an act of favour or on taking ransom or by negotiating a mutual exchange."
In the history of Islam all these methods have been used for releasing prisoners. A novel method to get release was that the educated prisoners could teach reading and writing to those who were illiterate, in lieu of ransom.
This verse further strikes at the roots of those who would justify modern day terrorism in the name and under the banner of Islam.
Envoys are privileged people in the Islamic system. They enjoy full personal immunity. They are not subject to political ransom, no matter how worthy the cause may be, and to kidnap them is a heinous crime. They must not be killed, molested or maltreated. There are numerous instances from the Holy Prophet's life which illustrate the application of these principles.
Thus Islamic scriptural commandments and the precepts of the Holy Prophet of Islam concerning diplomatic immunity are free from ambiguities. In a nutshell, taking hostages and maltreating envoys and private citizens in any shape and form is totally foreign to the teachings and doctrines of Islam. In other words, the philosophy of Islam totally rejects terrorism.
CONCEPT OF JIHAD IN ISLAM
Through the actions of some elements, the western world visualizes a wrong concept of Jihad (Holy War). The word Jihad conjures up the vision of a marching band of religious fanatics with savage beards and fiery eyes, brandishing swords and attacking the infidels.
Jihad in Islamic terminology means to make an effort, to endeavour and to strive in a noble way. Over the centuries this meaning of Jihad has been obliterated or at least diluted. The critical juncture in the Islamic world requires reviving and recapturing the true and pristine meaning of Jihad.
Jihad can be divided into two broad categories. First is Jihad-e-akbar. This is Jihad against one's own person to curb sinful inclinations, i.e., purification of self. This is the most difficult Jihad and hence in terms of rewards and blessings is the highest category of Jihad.
The second is Jihad-e-asghar. This is Jihad of the sword. This is communal Jihad and presupposes certain specific conditions. The Quran speaks of fighting only against those who first attack Muslims and this is the very condition laid down in other verses of the Holy Quran as well. The so-called verse of the sword in the Islamic scripture is often taken out of context as if it inculcates an indiscriminate massacre of all unbelievers. The Quranic words such as kill whatever you find them apply only in cases where the enemy has first attacked Muslims and apply to those unbelievers and enemies who break their oaths and firm agreements. They do not apply to unprovoked wars and battles. To interpret these verses in any other manner would be a travesty of the lofty ideals of Islam. There is not a single instance in the life of the Holy Prophet where he offered the alternative of the sword or Islam to anyone.
The Western media and even some scholars sometimes ignore the distinction between these two aspects of Jihad. It must be remembered that the Holy Quran does not make Jihad, the holy war, in context of an article of faith. The sayings and traditions of the Holy Prophet render it into a formula for active struggle that invariably and incorrectly tended towards a militant expression. Modern day terrorism is contrary to the purview of the real spirit of the Islamic Jihad.
The presentation of Islam as a crude and barbaric religion which gives itself the right to cause unwarranted human and material suffering and destruction under the guise of Divine authority, is not the kind of Islam we find in the Holy Quran and in the precepts of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him!)
PEACE AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS IN ISLAM
Among the attributes of God, the Holy Quran mentions that He is the Source of peace and the Bestower of security (59:23). The establishment of peace and maintenance of security must, therefore, be the constant objective of all Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Every pursuit and activity which disturbs peace is severely condemned in Islam. We find specific injunctions in the Holy Quran:
And create not disorder in the earth after it has been set in order.... (7:57; 11:86; 29:37)
Mischief and wickedness are condemned in several other verses and Muslims are commanded to work wholly for peace.
Islam draws attention to factors which tend to disturb or destroy peace and order, and deprecates them. Domination of one group by another in the domestic sphere, or of one people by another in the international sphere is a potent cause of disturbance of peace and is therefore strongly condemned. Economic exploitation of one people or country by another inevitably leads to domination by the exploiters, and develops into a potential threat to peace. The Holy Quran prohibits such exploitation and an economy based on exploitation cannot be beneficial in its consequences, nor can it endure.
Islam visualizes an association of strong and stable states allied together in the pursuance of peace, freedom of conscience and the promotion of human welfare. Treaties or covenants between nations may have to be drawn up which should be done in a straightforward language and should not be evaded or repudiated under the temptation of securing some advantage. In case of difficulties and disputes, it is the duty of Muslims to bring about a peaceful settlement and adjustment.
The Holy Quran teaches that God has sent His revelation to all people from time to time. Many of prophets of the Old Testament are mentioned by name and so is Jesus who with other prophets is honoured and revered by all Muslims. Indeed, the Quran requires belief in the truth of all these prophets. Islam is thus unique and distinct in requiring an affirmation in all prophets wherever they appeared and therefore it seeks to bring about reconciliation between the followers of different faiths and to establish a basis of respect and honour among them. The Quran says:
Surely, those who believe and the Jews and the Christians and the Sabians - whichever party from among these truly believes in ALLAH and the Last Day and does good deeds, shall have their reward with their Lord, and no fear shall come upon then nor shall they grieve (2:63)
The same message is repeated in 5:70. The basic unity of the followers of all faiths is emphatically stressed in the Holy Quran and the creation of discord and disunity by terrorism or otherwise has no place in Islam.
In the domain of international relations, religion and inter-religious relations occupy an important position. Unfortunately, comparatively little attention is paid to this aspect of human relations. It is assumed that religion is a private matter for each individual and should, therefore, have no direct connection with the political, social aspects of life. This assumption is not justified. Islam being an egalitarian religion, is not just a personal faith, but an all-encompassing codes of values and conduct. Islam is and will be a vital factor in human relations and there is a good ground of hope that it might progressively become more effective in promoting unity and accord rather than continue to be required on the part of religious and political leaders to achieve that goal.
I must conclude by saying that whether peace or war, acts of terrorism are not only condemned in Islam but are also pointedly declared alien to the teachings of Islam which in fact means peace through the submission to the Will of God, the Lord of all human beings. Only through conformity to Divine laws can we hope to achieve the ideal of a secure world free of terrorism.
CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING AND RACIAL HARMONY
Dr. Ijaz Ahmad Qamar
The edifice and the whole superstructure of Islamic faith is predicated on one cardinal principle, the principle of the unity of the Creator (God/Allah) and the unity of humanity which He has created. I have basically two sources of knowledge to expand on this concept. One of them is the Holy Scripture of Islam - The Quran and the other is the collection of the sayings and doings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) - the Hadith.
Islam bases the culture it seeks to promote on the foundations of a firm belief in the existence of a uniquely divine singular Creator (Tauheed). This Creator revealed Islam as the synthesis and unifying philosophy of life leading us not only to spiritual enlightenment but also to a unique set of morals and culture. It fosters in a unique manner mutual love and affection, human togetherness and tolerance for others who are different from yourself. These universal and profound teachings of Islam are meant to create a universal human culture based on the unity of Almighty God and equality of mankind. The Holy Prophetsaw said:
O People, your Lord is One, you are the progeny of the same father (who was created from dust). Hence it is not permissible for you to make any discrimination between high and low. Neither an Arab has superiority over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab over an Arab. A white person is not superior to a black person one, nor a black is superior to a white. The most honourable among you in the sight of God is the one who is the most righteous.
Addressing a large gathering of people, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) vehemently stressed the same thoughts in the following words (only relevant sentences are quoted):
You are brothers and sisters. You are all equal. No matter to which nation or tribe you belong and no matter what your status is, you are equal. Just as the fingers of both hands are alike, nobody can claim to have any distinctive right or greatness over another. The command which I give you today is not just for today but it is forever. Always remember to and keep acting upon it until you return to your true Master.
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) being a universal messenger and confirmer of all the previous prophets ( Khatamun Nabiyyeen) was commissioned to create a distinct culture of tolerance and understanding from an Arab culture which had strong overtones of racial, colour and language prejudices. Non-Arabs were labelled as Ajam which was a racist term to describe mute people who, in Arab views, could not express themselves well. Notwithstanding the fact that Arabia was partly under the heels of the Romans and partly under the heels of the Persians, the Arabs regarded themselves as a much superior race. The negroes were regarded as chattels and slaves. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) had to erase these prejudices based on race, colour and tongues etc.
As a practical example, a negro from Ethiopia by the name of Bilal was chosen by the Holy Prophetsaw to deliver the call for prayer (Adhan) in his own mosque. This was a high honour which could not be imagined before the Prophetsaw's pronouncements. There are many examples which illustrate tolerance and racial equality in Islamic history. I wish that kind of history could be repeated today. Once a Christian delegation was allowed to hold their worship and service in the Prophetsaw's mosque. One of the examples worth noting comes from Spain. After arriving on the soil of Spain, the Muslims published an edict assuring full liberty to all subjects of all races and backgrounds. All were placed on an equal footing. It is recorded in history that the Jews, for example, profited most from the Muslim rule and administration. Many centuries later when Spain was reconquered by Ferdinand and Issabellah, innumerable Jews preferred to go to Islamic lands rather than stay in Christian Spain.
These shining examples of racial harmony draw their philosophical underpinning from the Holy Quran where mankind is referred to as one community and a single nation. The reference to mankind as one community or a nation and identical words have been used at least seven times in the scripture, signifying the fundamental unifying character of all human beings. The Quran, however, not only takes note of diversity in the universe but also stresses the useful purpose of diversity in races, colours, languages, cultures, wealth in human social order and describes these diversities as signs of God for those who reflect and posses knowledge. But none of these distinctive attributes confers any special privileges on human beings or imposes any liability or disability.
Actually if we reflect we will find that human progress in life is closely linked with the diversity in attributes in various civilizations and cultures. Sameness would not have propelled us into action of greater achievements and challenges. Moreover, it is not impossible to conceive that if each one of us would have been alike in culture, language, colour etc., this world would have been very boring, monotonous and unspectacular. There would have been no particular urge to learn from one another and develop in various facets of life. It is only the diversity in life which makes this world colourful, wonderful and propels people towards higher goals and objectives. Despite this diversity there is a basic unity enshrined in nature and human beings as pointed out earlier.
Now I am going to highlight the Magna Charta of human fraternity and unity contained in the Holy Quran. The verse reads:
O mankind, We have created you from a male and a female; and We have made you into tribes and sub-tribes for the sake of easy recognition. Verily, the most honourable among you, in the sight of God, is the most righteous among you. Surely, God is All-Knowing, All-Aware. (49:15)
This verse lays down the basis of all-comprehensive and all pervading brotherhood/sisterhood of all human beings. It is addressed to and is aimed at all human beings and is not confined to the believers of the Quran. As a matter of fact the whole message of the Quran is for all people everywhere. This particular verse strikes at the roots of false and conjectural notions of racial arrogance and superiority. It affirms that the worth of a person is not to be judged by the pigment of skin, rank, social or economic status or such measuring tools but the standard is what a person can do as a moral and social human being in discharging his responsibilities and obligations to God and to His creation including all flora and fauna.
We are advised to be very respectful to nature an mindful of personal and national practices for sustainable environment and its resources which is the most equitable way of life for us and for our future generations. The diversity in nature constantly reminds us that there is not only a basic unity in diversity but also a uniformity in diversity. Without this unity and uniformity every thing would have fallen apart long ago. There might be a feeling that I am digressing from the topic. In fact I am not digressing, rather I am trying to show the inter-connection in various aspects of our lives.
This universe has not been created for the benefit of a class, section or individual. Human beings have been created for an objective and a purpose which is common to the whole of mankind. Therefore, the dominion which has been entrusted to people over resources of the universe and the forces of nature must be for the benefit of all mankind. If this principle was recognized, accepted and put into practice, only then the regulation of human activity in all spheres (individual, social, cultural and political) will become wholly beneficent and mankind would begin to live at pace and harmony with one another.
If we are well balanced moral human beings we will be highly sensitive to the surroundings around us, both physical and natural environment as well as human environment. It is with this human environment that we have to be culturally understanding and racially harmonious. If we do not do that we will be inviting human misery. We are fortunate that in Canada and the province of Manitoba, where I live, we have public policies and programmes in place which are designed to create an atmosphere of pride, equality and partnership of all of us irrespective of our backgrounds. In this country (Canada) and the province (Manitoba) we are celebrating a historical milestone of 125 years of our existence this year (1992) and we feel humbly proud that we are a part of the community of Canada a this juncture. To have such a feeling about a country in which you can define yourself, understand yourself, legitimately profess and practice what you stand for is part of our religious faith and belief.
certainly Islam... can;t see anything wrong with it, unlike some other religions in which i could find loopholes, even in the basic teachings i.e. the concept of God
and no ADITSU, Islam dozen;t teach hatred and killings... you have to distinguish between a Muslim (a person practicing Islam) and Islam itself i.e. the teachings... like any other religions in the world, a practitioner of a religion will have loopholes in their practice i.e. not doing everything that God command them to do but on the contrary, go against God's wishes... Islam teaches love as well... in fact, i don;t think there's any religion in its purest form of practicing(at least the popular ones), teaches hatred...
stating this without pointing to anyone, people must do research in finding the true religion... in your research, please, distinguish between it's follower and the teachings itself... think about the basic concepts, THE RELIGION'S CONCEPT OF GOD, for instance... personally, the very idea of having faith without thinking is sometimes appalling...
as far as this two religion is concern, we only have one chance to make our choice... as far as I'm concern, that's true...
(addition) Marianne from way below... Allah did not command for the innocent to be killed... war was only permitted as an act of self-defence... in fact, there's even a rule in islam stating how non-muslims living in a muslim country should be treated so that they could have the same rights as muslim even though they are not muslims...
And Muhammad was not a violent man... he did not waged war... he faught several battles, only because he or the muslim nation was attacked by the non-believers... there was not even a single battle that was initiated by him in the first place...
and he certainly did not changed the bible... he came about 580 years after the time of Jesus... between that time, the bible has undergo so much addition and deletion, which happened no where near the arab peninsular... in addition, Prophet Muhammad was an illeterate man...
As for predictions, prophet muhammad did make some predictions (which all ultimately come from God i.e. Allah gave prophet Muhammad the knowledge)
1) Before his death, the Messenger called his daughter Fatima to his bedside and informed her that she would be the first among his family to join him after his death. Fatima joined her father six months later.
2) Mongol invasion on baghdad
3) According to authentic narrations, the Messenger gave his community the glad tidings that they would conquer Damascus, Jerusalem, Iraq, Persia, Istanbul (Constantinople)
The predictions God's Messenger made number about 300, the great majority of which have already come true, with the rest waiting for their due time to come true. None of which is his own saying, all came from Allah Al-Mighty. I do not know all unfortunately due to my own ignorance.
And for miracles, Muhammad did perform quite a number. Instances are: He was challenged in front of a whole bunch of people by the head of the non-believers at that time to cut the moon in half. He cut it in half, make the two halfs of the moon to go into his shirts and out of the other way, and back to sky. All in front of all those people. The challenger did not convert anyway, though a lot converted straight away.
As muslims, we believe that the miracles and predictions were not the doings of Muhammad alone. Neither is all the miracles performed by any other prophets (including Jesus, as far as muslims are concerned). They were all did by Muhammad with the will of Allah, the One Al-Mighthy God. In other words, the powers are all Allah's, not Muhammad.
Christianity, Islam and Hebraism are solid, respectful religions; they all stem Freon the same common root sand follow a common path until some point: creation of the universe, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Ishmael, moses, Jesus.
no one is superior to other, they are only human interpretations to the message of god (yes, all three religions adore the same one and only god, the all mighty). god allows these different interpretations of his one and only truth so that we can learn acceptance for others and tolerance.
hebrews constantly mention "fear for god" (why should we fear a lovely father, who wants the best 4 us??)
muslims constantly praise violence against "non-believers" but....there is no such thing as a non-believers (hebrews believe in yahveh, muslims in allah, christians in jesus, atheists in themselves, even satan beliefs in god, otherwise he wouldn't be constantly attacking him).
christians believe in jesus' teachings but many of them don't even practice love and care for others, don't attend mass, don't confess their sins, yet they party celebrating xmas with big meals and presents. they even split into catholicism (founded by jesus), mormons, lutherans, jehova's witnesses, etc and other pseudo-religions founded by human beings with mistakes and material ambitions as all of us.
the fact is not to choose between religions, not to praise one over the other, but love each other and respect others' beliefs.
i am christian (catholic) and love all my muslim, jews and other denomination christians friends.
I agree with Richard.
all religions were made for the same reasons:
put the laws that the humans couldn't(dont kill,dint steal,dint lie...etc), so they made these rules in the name of a higher being (god,Allah,zeus...etc) so the humans obey these rules because of their fear of torment and slavery by these gods.
now in the modern world, people dint need these religions anymore, because of the governments laws and ethics.
Does ABULATAA actually expect people to read his "thesis"?
By the way, to answer the question, it depends on the period of time I was asked the question. Today, I would probably chose Christianity simply because the so-called christian countries are more advanced technologically and I wouldn't want to give my comforts up to live in the Middle East. This choice though is simply based on the fact that the person who asked the question does not give us a third choice.
If i understood and used my logic and common sense really really well .........
ill choose Islam of course... Its very logic for me to believe that there is no God but God, rather than thinking that God son was a human and so on ...
(please for give me god for saying so)
I cant believe how some religions make a link between God and Mary,
when you read Islam you will know and trust that God is much much more bigger than what other religions say about him
he is really Great!! we cant say he got a human being son!