How do you perceive Islam?

[King Aragorn]

Recently, the issue of religion and in particular, Islam, came under discussion in another thread which made me wonder what our esteemed members here thought of Islam.

Hence, I would like you to share with us what your perception of Islam is. What is your opinion about Islam? How did you come to form this opinion? Did it fascinate/trouble you in any way? Did you look any further into the issue? Which resources did you use to gather more information about any particular issue related to Islam?

The sole aim of this thread is to give our members here, who are not well versed with Islam, a chance to raise their concerns and share their thoughts with us on this subject.

I would also like to clarify that you can be as open as you want. Some members might very well perceive Islam very 'negatively' but don't hesitate in voicing your opinion. Free feel to share your thoughts and opinions with us and be assured that no offence will be caused.

On to you now...!

[Richie Benauds Love Child]

Tough one this. Islam, like most religions is very complex. From what I've read it can be tolerant of other religions, yet can appear to oppress women by making wear gowns (sorry dont know the proper name) that covers everything apart from their eyes which doesnt seem particulary right to me. Having said that Zainub hardly comes across as a down-trodden woman either.

To be honest I pay little attention to the extremist nut cases (ie suicide bombers, those who call the entire western world "infidels", the whole circus surrounding the finsbury park mosque in London) but one must wonder why the numbers seem to be increasing (American foreign policy I assume) and how it could start affecting life in the UK, or rather how it could affect the life of the average bristish muslim in the UK, who would bear the brunt of any backlash first.

[Rachael]

I've never really concerned myself excessively with Islam as "a religion": seems more sensible to focus on Islam as "lived" (or "experienced"): that strikes me as a very different matter depending on where and when you happen to be looking.. with very little being held in common between Moors in medeival Spain, moghuls of the subcontinent (say 16th century), nomadic Tuareg of 100 years ago, and the contemporary Islamic populations of Indonesia, Nigeria and New York.

Upshot: my impression of Islam as "a religion" is that it is only "a religion" to those on the outside... though I suspect you could say the same about Christianity (especially given the extra-ordinary percentage - I've heard figures of between 20% and 33% - of vicars and priests routinely alleged to "not believe in god").

[Zainub]

It's called Hijab RBLC. And for your knowledge I wear one too, have been wearing one since I was 13.

[Pete]

Ever dislike having to wear them?

[Zainub]

Never at all. In fact its been such a long and pleasurable time wearing it that its now very much part of my identity and my general over all self confidence.

[Beny]

I saw a story recently about wommen in Egypt taking up the Hijab again, even though it had gone compleatly out of fashion.

[Beny]

Since we're talking quirky religious rules....

Leviticus 24:13-17
The Lord said to Moses, saying: Take the blasphemer outside the camp; and let all who were within hearing lay their hands on his head, and let the whole congregation stone him. And speak to the people of Israel, saying: Anyone who curses God shall bear the sin. One who blashphemes the name of the Lord shall be put to death; the whole corregation shall stone the blasphemer. Aliens as well as citizens, when they blaspheme the name, shall be put to death.

Deuteronomy 12:2-4
You must demolish compleatly all the places where the nations whom you are about to dispossess served their Gods [...] Break down their alters, smash their pillars (e.c.t)...

Sirach 30:1-2
He who loves his Son will whip him often, so that he may rejoyce at the way he turns out.

30:9-13
Pamper a child, and he will terrorize you; play with him, and he will greive you. Do not laugh with him, or you will have sorrow with him [...] Give him no freedom in his youth, and do not ignore his errors. Bow down his neck in his youth, and beat his sides while he is young,.....

I cant find the other one but it goes a little like this:

Do not fear to draw blood from the back of you're slave.

The bible also talks about how best to keep you're daughter chaste so that you can sell her off later on.

And people wonder why I'm an athiest.

[Zainub]

Pete, I'd want to have the complete link for this site, some of this stuff is so not true.

[Milo]

My major concern with Islam (and I have concerns over other organised relgions too) is the fifth article of faith.

Last Days. On the last day there will be a time of resurrection and judgment. Those who follow Allah and Muhammad will go to Islamic heaven, or Paradise. Those who do not will go to hell.

It doesn't really spread tolreance does it? This does not really tell you that other religions are OK.