See previous entry for Part 1 of this book review. It includes type of book, publisher information and general over-view of book. This section, Part 2, will complete the review under my personal comments section.
Book Review
The Truth About Muhammad
By Robert Spencer
Personal Review
Muslim – One who submits.
The Creed of Islam – ‘La ilaha ilallah wa Muhammadur rasul al-Lah’ – There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is the Prophet of God.
For a short book, only about 194 pages long. It sure packed a powerful punch and contained a bounty of important details. The start of the book provides a nice two page chronology of Muhammad’s life. The author gives a list with bullet points that helps the reader see a quick over-view of the basics from birth to pilgrimages, to wars and finally to death. A snap shot of his life if you will. From there, Spencer provides a four page list of important names and places. Again, a nice over-view for the reader to get acquainted with important leaders, followers, battles, tribes, wives, locations and other references that might be hard to follow without this handy reference list. Please bare in mind that in both books by critics and apologists, there are multiple spellings for many of the major cities, places, people and battles encountered in Muhammad’s journey. For purposes of this review, I have chosen to spell things as deciphered by this author alone.
The Truth About Muhammad is easy to read and an excellent resource. It is by no means the only book out there on this topic and is not meant to be a complete guide to understanding Islam or Muhammad, but it is an excellent companion to other readings. I would consider it a primer to the man, the religion and his teachings. It was informative, educational and seriously eye opening.
I believe this book did a wonderful job of NOT making fun of the Prophet or his religion. Rather, it opens the door for lay people across the world to grasp the basic facts of Muhammad’s words, actions and life, even if they themselves are not experts. This book was painfully honest, but extremely respectful as well. The words in the Sunnahs are just that, words. It is the faithful followers who choose to use the words and commands as a catalyst for purposes of violence and anger, and inspiration for a holy war.
Unlike Jewish and Christian manuscripts, scriptures and doctrine that have been allowed to be analyzed, dissected and critiqued over the years – for the good of each religion by the way - the Sunnah has not had such attention. Not because it is not warranted, but because of the backlash to those who dare to question anything in or out of the books of the Qur’an, the Hadith or the Sira. You will find it difficult to find researchers and authors who are willing to pen an honest and critical look at Islam so, you can learn about the issues at hand. You will not find it so hard to find apologists for Islam. There is a plethora of researchers, authors and activist groups who are willing to make excuses or complete denials on behalf of the religion - Armstrong, Haykal, Lings, Rodinson, numerous University Middle Eastern Studies departments, CAIR and more. It’s important to bear in mind no reform can come without complete analysis and input from both sides of an issue. So, the apologists are welcome to their side of things. But, they should be equally open to those willing to critique Islam from the other side.
Islam is serious in all things. There is no free speech. There is no free thought. It is often a lifestyle of restraint, resentment, isolation, anger and limited happiness for the masses. Because of these restrictions, analysis will be hard to find as few are willing to cross this imaginary boundary for fear for their own safety or for those they love as dire consequences often follow any critical commentary in this area.
An amazing thing you will find is that many Islamic scholars as well as lay people will deny any of the negatives seen in the Sunnah – they will deny Muhammad harmed a hair on any persons head let alone frequent beheadings, that he only preached only peace and love never war and death, that he was tolerant of all religions, that he never married his daughter in law, that he didn’t really go to 27
battles as the texts say and more. They will deny these things outright, claim you don’t understand the religion and if you quote verses and suras, they will get mad, inevitably angry and possibly threatening. Anyone who has studied the Sunnah will be astonished by these extreme levels of denial, ignorance and limitless excuses to be found. Illiteracy rates remain shockingly high in parts of the middle east and many people (especially young men and women) never read the Sunnahs in their lifetimes (remember, it’s supposed to be read only in Arabic, the language of Allah). They simply rely on what they have been told over the years and what is preached to them in schools, mosques and homes by Imans, Mullahs and practicing family members. Granted, on the flip side, many Christians have never read the Bible in full either. But, we don’t see world wide movements with conversion or death as an option in Christianity as we do with militant Islam at this time in history.
To understand this mind set goes to the heart of differences between Christianity and Islam. God is the only one to take vengeance per the Bible (Romans 12:19) when it comes to Christianity. But, in Islam, Muhammad says Allah commanded the faithful to do this. Thus, Christians ultimately understand when challenges come to their religious faith it is not for them to bare the sword. They can speak the truth and share the word, but it up to individuals to believe by choice. They have free will. Only God can judge them later for denying the truth. Muslims are not quite so, easy going. They take it upon themselves to be defenders and not wait for Allah to do so. The Qur’an, The Hadith and quotes from The Sira is clear, the only true faith in God’s sight is Islam and most Jews and Christians and non-Muslmis are wrongdoers. Thus, Muslims believe avenging a wrong must be done now. And, they are doing it in ever increasing numbers.
Though some deny it, or simply don’t recognize it, militant Islamic extremists appear to be the most serious issue of our time. They fervently wish to kill Americans, Israelis and even fellow Muslims who are not Muslim enough. Until one becomes familiar with this religion and it’s leader and the words used to inspire – both good and bad – you can’t speak with authority on the issue. Unlike Rosie O’Donnell and other conspiracy and denial minded citizens, this issue is REAL and it is NOT going away because we want another answer and wish for another outcome.
Because of the surge in jihad around the world, long before 9/11 happened, and many more incidents since, I felt compelled to research this issue further and try to understand what in the world is really going on? I didn’t want media – t.v., cable or newspapers to censor the information I got 
and give me the politically correct bumper sticker style answer a few lines long for such a complicated issue (ie, Death to Israel, Palestinians R Great, America is the Great Satan, Muslims 4 Peace). I certainly didn’t want politicians up for house, senate and presidential seats to be my avenue to reason. Due to my need to understand the issue further, I began reading books like: Because They Hate – Brigitte Gabriel, America Alone – Mark Steyn, The West’s Last Chance – Tony Blankley, Now They Call Me Infidel – Nonie Darwish, and now, The Truth About Muhammad by Robert Spencer, so that I could understand more completely the history of Islam, the practice of the faith and the growing threat of Islamic extremism around the globe. The who, what, when and why’s if you will. These books all did a great job of looking objectively at the world wide crisis at hand. They reviewed what caused the difficulties, what we can do about it and what will happen if we don’t.
Many Americans and others around the world argue we know why they want to harm us. We are told repeatedly by politicians, media outlets and harsh critics of the West that the reason they attack us is we make too much money, have good lives and we live in an opportunist society and they don’t like us because of these reasons. We are told that it’s all about our massive need for huge oil reserves that we get from the Middle East that makes them feel violated and angry. We are advised it is our foreign policy they don’t like. They insist that the world doesn’t approve of America being active around the globe helping to keep peace and democracy alive in regions that wish for those things. We are frequently told that the Jewish statehood enrages the Arab world and that suppression of the Palestinians by Israel and the west is really what triggers Muslim anger. The last argument is that America invaded Afghanistan and Iraq – clear violations of U.N. rules they say. We have gone to war and now occupy innocent countries without reason.
Too many refuse to look further, to probe deeper and find out the bare bones truth. The examples cited above are really just excuses, not the reason why. Boiling below the surface is something darker and much more frightening. Too many claim WE are the answer. We are told, it is OUR fault, not theirs. No further investigation needs to be done. Inspector Clouseau has solved the crime.
One thing is abundantly clear once you do some honest homework and piece together the facts of the 
case. Islam, as it is followed today by fervent and devoted followers, is an ever growing threat to the non-Muslim world. Just look at the radical nature of young Muslims between the ages of 15-35 not only in the middle east, but all over Europe, Africa, Asia, America and more. Both native born and immigrants. The violence, the destruction and the death threats are not going away because we wish it away. It will not go away if The U.S., Western countries or Israel were to leave the region. The problem is not occupation or military intervention. The problem is not attempts to spread democracy or capitalism. The problem is not the world buying their oil and their leaders not sharing the wealth. The problem is not us.
Islam, as it is practiced by the passionate faithful, is the problem. We are not Muslim enough. We need to be converted to the only true religion, Islam. Once we covert, then Sharia law needs to dominate the world. Only then will a form of stability reign. But…read the Qur’an, The Hadith and The Sira, even then real peace, freedom, love and brotherhood will NOT reign. Sharia law is cruel to women and children, it is devastating to societies, it is not even good for men. It does not support human dignity and rights as we know it in the West.
I, like many, have a hard time supporting the statements made by many diplomats in The U.S., The U.K. and other countries whom have stated over and over again about Islam. That it is a religion of peace, joy and love. We are told by apologists that Muhammad spoke with mercy for humankind and believed in brotherhood. With the research and reading I have done so far, the evidence is weak. Muhammad may have begun his journey with some favorable thoughts and ideas, but by mid stride, his message morphed into something dark, ugly and very dangerous. Apologists always go back to Muhammad’s early period and discuss the time frame where he spoke kinder words, was more accepting and open of other people’s, lifestyles and faiths. True enough. But, they fail to discuss the darker period, the later years of his life as well. It’s too convenient that those who support the good in Islam, also refuse to acknowledge the abundant darkness there too. It’s almost like they are in denial about the dark side. Until they acknowledge and discuss both, their arguments are empty.
As we can see with our own eyes and hear with our own ears, it is not the period of peace that young extremists and jihadists quote and act upon in their current terror campaign. When jihadists bomb a building or market, when they behead someone from the West, when they use innocent Arabs as protection against getting bombed themselves and more, they quote directly from the Qur’an, Hadith and Sura fo
r support and inspiration. Their actions are NOT supported by a foundation of love, peace, respect and tolerance. Mosques and madras around the world are not preaching love thy brother. They are preaching hate and kill thy brother the infidel. We must continue to probe deeper, so we can begin to identify and understand the anger, resentment and dislike being nurtured in the middle east against Israel, America, The West, and other non Islamic countries. Hatred, destruction and death cross all water ways, all air space, all borders and all peoples of non-Muslim status.
This book, The Truth About Muhammad, needs to be considered our newest wake up call. We’ve had about thirty years worth of wake up calls, but it seems too few are paying attention or listening to the message being sent to us. When these extreme groups tell us what they want to do and why, they mean it. As a reminder, here are some previous warning signs we may have missed or simply avoided what they meant…
Late 1970’s The Iranian Hostage under the Ayatollah Khomeini (names like Terry Anderson, Terry Waite & William Higgins should ring a bell)
1985 TWA Flight 847 hijacking, Egypt Air flight 648 hijacking – 60 killed, Achille Lauro cruise ship hijacked by the PLO – one passenger shot dead
1986 TWA flight 840 bombed on approach to Athens airport – 4 Americans shot dead plus an infant, Berlin disco bombing – 3 killed, 230 wounded, Pan Am flight 73 hijacked-22 died when plane is stormed in Pakistan
1988 Pan Am flight 103 bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland – all die
1989 Suitcase bomb destroys UTA flight UT-772 en route to Paris-171 passengers/crew dead
1993, WTC first bombing-6 dead and more than 1,000 hurt, failed NYC landmark bombing plot
1994 Bombing of Jewish center in Buenos Aires-86 dead and 300 wounded, Alas Chiricanas flight 00901 bombed -21 dead, Israeli embassy attached and Jewish charity car bombed-20 wounded, Air France flight 8969 hijacked
1995, Bombings in France-7 killed and more than 100 wounded, bombings of military compou
nd in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia-7 killed and dozens wounded
1996, Khobar Towers bombing in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia- 19 servicemen died and hundreds wounded
1997 Luxor, Egypt massacre-62 killed
1998, U.S. embassy bombings in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania and Nairobi, Kenya-225 died and over 4,000 wounded
1999 2000 millennium attack plot foiled between US and Canadian border
2000 Numerous attacks against Israel, over 37 attacks - 44 dead and hundreds injured, USS Cole bombing-17 servicemen died, many wounded, Jerusalem restaurant bombing-7 dead and over 120 wounded
2001 Numerous attacks against Israel again - 203 dead and hundreds injured, 9/11 attacks WTC NYC, Pentagon & PA-approximately 3,000 died and thousands injured, Richard Reid attempts shoe bombing attempt to an American Airlines plane & Paris embassy bombing – both plots failed
Since 2001- The Bali Indonesia bombings, The Madrid bombings, The London bombings and others. Many dead, many wounded. Don’t forget the many foiled attacks around the world since as well.
(A comprehensive list can be found via The Islam Review, writer Abdullah al-Araby).
These bombings and murders have been done by many groups – call them al Qaeda, The Taliban, Hamas, Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, PLO, Muslim Brotherhood, fringe groups and underground activists in nations like Syria, Saudi Arabia, Africa, Iran and more. They may all wear different uniforms and play on different teams, but they are in the game for the same outcome. A home run for Islam. A touch down for the faith. A puck in the net for Muslims around the world. Score, score, score.
The greatest danger is places like the last few countries noted as their governments pretend they aren’t directly supporting or involved with these fringe movements yet the work is being done secretly w
ith their blessing and cash assistance (and sometimes not so secret like Iran). Since these extremists don’t wear a national uniform, operate in a single location or report to one commander in chief, they are seen as off shoots from real militant armies of a national structure. These groups fly under the radar of traditional warfare practices, so they get to operate in secret with the blessings of the highest of national officials. Many want to grant them Geneva rights protection even though they themselves don’t follow anything required to get those benefits. Bottom line, the group names change, but the ideology and inspiration come from the same original source – the Sunnah, it’s writers and their Prophet Muhammad.
It’s clear that moderate Muslims, which we hear make up the majority of Islamic followers, are not speaking out or acting out against such atrocities just because they are afraid of the ramifications to themselves or their families. To the contrary, the evidence seems to support that many remain silent because they support the actions of those who are radical even if they themselves are not. If you read the Sunnah, believe the faith and follow the Prophet, you can’t help but support the commands and revelations revealed and commanded to the believers. That translates to emulating the Prophet fully. Including extremists, radical jihadists and everyday practicing Muslim men, women & children.
Spencer clarifies this best, “The quest for the historical Muhammad, while fascinating and important, is not what will determine the course the Islamic world will take in coming decades. Any such investigations are extremely unlikely to gain any significant audience in the Islamic world. What is certain to be influential, however, is the figure of Muhammad as he appears in the Qur’an and other accepted Islamic sources – especially the Hadith, the traditions of the Prophet that have largely determined the bases of Islamic practice and piety. This battle is already raging”.
It is not until books like this one are allowed to become more main stream that reform can occur. Christianity has had periods of deviance over the centuries that went too far (Crusades, Inquisition, Pedophile, etc.). In time, Christian groups were able to identify a wrong and right it to become better people. They self-corrected even if it took great trial and tribulation to get there. Just because a wrong is done, people don’t have to feel they can’t admit the bad deed done AND still stay true to a fai
th and make it better. Erroneous ways can only be corrected by blatant honesty.
I try not to loose hope that Muslims themselves will finally be able to take a critical look at what they believe and follow as their golden rule. The change must begin within. They do not need to keep living in a world of hatred and destruction and ultimately, blaming everyone else for many of their own ills. Islam should be a peaceful and loving society that respects all men, women and children regardless of age, sex, faith, nationality or country. They should support and embrace the humane parts of Islam and speak out against and defy the inhumane and destructive parts. They need to live this, NOT just speak this. Until such a shift occurs, they will be at odds with much of the developed world.
I recommend this book highly to all citizens of The United States and countries in the West. Few Americans know anything at all about Muhammad or what he commanded his followers to do on behalf of Allah. If you read this review and knew little of what I shared, I hope you will be inspired to do further homework on this timley and important topic.
Until we research and understand, we cannot form an opinion.
Until we research and understand, we cannot form a plan.
It’s possible in the end that we recognize a serious change may be impossible among true believers and impassioned followers of Islam. Due to this, we should all be very alert and very concerned. It is wise and prudent that we take any and all measures to protect ourselves until a dramatic shift occurs. If we don’t, who will?
Final Rating
Five stars for this book. ***** It covered it all – informative, interesting and motivating.
Reviewed by:
Bridget Dupont-Tingley-The Editor
The Local Area Watch
READ THE FOLLOWING PASSAGES FROM THE BIBLE AS IT HAS IMPLICATIONS ON THE WAR AGAINST TERROR/ISLAM and the claim of Israel that god gave them the land. If the child is an infant than the Judeo-Christian version becomes null and void and we are wasting our time and resources i.e. we could save trillions of dollars and create a more peaceful world rather than fighting against Islam the religion of Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad (peace be upon them all).
The COVENANT with Abraham and his DESCENDANTS is central to JUDAISM/CHRISTIANITY/ISLAM.
Please note this is not a competition between faiths but an attempt to decipher fact from fiction.
Genesis 21:14 Contemporary English version se below link
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=GENESIS%2021;&version=46;
Early the next morning Abraham gave Hagar an animal skin full of water and some bread. Then he put the boy on her shoulder and sent them away.
GENESIS 16:16
And Hagar bore Abram a son; and Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ish’mael. Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ish’mael to Abram.
GENESIS 21:5
Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.
At Genesis 22 Abraham had only 2 sons others came later. The Quran mentions that it was Ishmael that was sacrificed hence the reference in genesis 22:2 your only son can only mean someone has substituted Ishmael names for Isaac!!
BY DOING SOME KINDERGARTEN ARITHMATIC USING ARABIC NUMBERS (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10)
NOT ROMAN NUMERALS (I, II, III,IV,V,VI,VII,VIII,IX,X) NB no concept of zero in roman numerals.
100 years old – 86 years old = 14 ADD 3 YEARS FOR ISSAC’S WEANING
THAT WOULD MAKE ISHMAEL 17 YEARS OLD IN GENESIS 21:14-21
BUT IT IS A DESCRIPTION OF AN INFANT.
Carefully read several times the above passage and then tell me the mental picture you get between the mother child interactions what is the age of the child. If the mental picture is that of a 17 year old child being carried on the shoulder of his mother, being physically placed in the bush, crying like a baby, mother having to give him water to drink, than the Islamic viewpoint is null and void. Why is there no verbal communications between mother and (17 YEAR OLD) child?
GENESIS: 21:14 - 21
So Abraham rose early in the morning, and took bread and a skin of water, and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, along with the (17 YEAR OLD) child, and sent her away. And she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beer-Sheba. When the water in the skin was gone, she cast the (17 YEAR OLD) child under one of the bushes. Then she went, and sat down over against him a good way off, about the distance of a bowshot; for she said, “Let me not look upon the death of the (17 YEAR OLD) child.” And as she sat over against him, the (17 YEAR OLD) child lifted up his voice and wept. And God heard the voice of the (17 YEAR OLD) lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar? Fear not; for God has heard the voice of the (17 YEAR OLD) lad where he is. Arise, lift up the (17 YEAR OLD) lad, and hold him fast with your hand; for I will make him a great nation.” Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the skin with water, and gave the (17 YEAR OLD) lad a drink. And God was with the (17 YEAR OLD) lad, and he grew up; he lived in the wilderness, and became an expert with the bow. He lived in the wilderness of Paran; and his mother took a wife for him from the land of Egypt.
The age of Ishmael at this stage is crucial to the Abrahamic faiths. If he is 17 than the JUDEO/CHRISTIAN point of view about the Abrahamic covenant is correct. This has devastating theological consequences of unimaginable proportions.
This makes the conflict between Ishmael and Isaac and there descendants a work of fiction. I would strongly suggest it is clear cut case of racial discrimination and nothing to do with god almighty. The scribes have deliberately tried to make Isaac the only son and legitimate heir to the throne of Abraham??
Please can you rationally explain this anomaly?
I have asked many persons including my nephews and nieces - unbiased minds with no religious backgrounds but with reasonable command of the English language about this passage and they all agree that the child in the passage is an infant.
AS THE DESCRIPTION OF ISHMAEL IN GENESIS 21:14-21 IS THAT OF AN INFANT IT CAN BE ASSUMED SOMEONE HAS MOVED THIS PASSAGE FROM AN EARLIER PART OF SCRIPTURE!!! AND HAVE GOT THERE KNICKERS IN A TWIST.
For background info on the future religion of mankind see the following websites:
http://www.islamicity.com/Mosque/Muhammad_Bible.HTM
(MUHAMMAD IN THE BIBLE)
http://bible.islamicweb.com/
http://www.islamicity.com/
http://www.islamonline.net/english/index.shtml
http://www.islamalways.com/
http://ifamericansknew.com/
http://www.witness-pioneer.org/vil/Books/MB_BQS/default.htm
(BIBLE, QURAN and SCIENCE)
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/
ANTI-WAR
http://www.harunyahya.com/
(EVOLUTION DECEIPT)
http://www.barnabas.net/
http:/www.answering-christianity.com/ac.htm
HOLY QURAN CHAPTER 37 verses 101 - 122
101. So We gave him the good news of a boy ready to suffer and forbear.
102. Then, when (the son) reached (the age of) (serious) work with him, he said: "O my son! I see in vision that I offer thee in sacrifice: Now see what is thy view!" (The son) said: "O my father! Do as thou art commanded: thou will find me, if Allah so wills one practising Patience and Constancy!"
103. So when they had both submitted their wills (to Allah., and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead (for sacrifice),
104. We called out to him "O Abraham!
105. "Thou hast already fulfilled the vision!" - thus indeed do We reward those who do right.
106. For this was obviously a trial-
107. And We ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice:
108. And We left (this blessing) for him among generations (to come) in later times:
109. "Peace and salutation to Abraham!"
110. Thus indeed do We reward those who do right.
111. For he was one of our believing Servants.
112. And We gave him the good news of Isaac - a prophet,- one of the Righteous.
113. We blessed him and Isaac: but of their progeny are (some) that do right, and (some) that obviously do wrong, to their own souls.
114. Again (of old) We bestowed Our favour on Moses and Aaron,
115. And We delivered them and their people from (their) Great Calamity;
116. And We helped them, so they overcame (their troubles);
117. And We gave them the Book which helps to make things clear;
118. And We guided them to the Straight Way.
119. And We left (this blessing) for them among generations (to come) in later times:
120. "Peace and salutation to Moses and Aaron!"
121. Thus indeed do We reward those who do right.
122. For they were two of our believing Servants.
ISHMAEL IS THE FIRST BORN AND GOOD NEWS OF ISSAC DOES NOT APPEAR UNTIL AFTER THE SACRIFICE?????
Therefore the claim that god gave the land to Israel is destroyed without the need of any WMD’s.
HADITH
Volume 4, Book 55, Number 583:
Narrated Ibn Abbas:
The first lady to use a girdle was the mother of Ishmael. She used a girdle so that she might hide her tracks from Sarah. Abraham brought her and her son Ishmael while she was suckling him, to a place near the Ka'ba under a tree on the spot of Zam-zam, at the highest place in the mosque. During those days there was nobody in Mecca, nor was there any water So he made them sit over there and placed near them a leather bag containing some dates, and a small water-skin containing some water, and set out homeward. Ishmael's mother followed him saying, "O Abraham! Where are you going, leaving us in this valley where there is no person whose company we may enjoy, nor is there anything (to enjoy)?" She repeated that to him many times, but he did not look back at her Then she asked him, "Has Allah ordered you to do so?" He said, "Yes." She said, "Then He will not neglect us," and returned while Abraham proceeded onwards, and on reaching the Thaniya where they could not see him, he faced the Ka'ba, and raising both hands, invoked Allah saying the following prayers:
'O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring dwell in a valley without cultivation, by Your Sacred House (Kaba at Mecca) in order, O our Lord, that they may offer prayer perfectly. So fill some hearts among men with love towards them, and (O Allah) provide them with fruits, so that they may give thanks.' (14.37) Ishmael's mother went on suckling Ishmael and drinking from the water (she had).
When the water in the water-skin had all been used up, she became thirsty and her child also became thirsty. She started looking at him (i.e. Ishmael) tossing in agony; She left him, for she could not endure looking at him, and found that the mountain of Safa was the nearest mountain to her on that land. She stood on it and started looking at the valley keenly so that she might see somebody, but she could not see anybody. Then she descended from Safa and when she reached the valley, she tucked up her robe and ran in the valley like a person in distress and trouble, till she crossed the valley and reached the Marwa mountain where she stood and started looking, expecting to see somebody, but she could not see anybody. She repeated that (running between Safa and Marwa) seven times."
The Prophet said, "This is the source of the tradition of the walking of people between them (i.e. Safa and Marwa). When she reached the Marwa (for the last time) she heard a voice and she asked herself to be quiet and listened attentively. She heard the voice again and said, 'O, (whoever you may be)! You have made me hear your voice; have you got something to help me?" And behold! She saw an angel at the place of Zam-zam, digging the earth with his heel (or his wing), till water flowed from that place. She started to make something like a basin around it, using her hand in this way, and started filling her water-skin with water with her hands, and the water was flowing out after she had scooped some of it."
The Prophet added, "May Allah bestow Mercy on Ishmael's mother! Had she let the Zam-zam (flow without trying to control it) (or had she not scooped from that water) (to fill her water-skin), Zam-zam would have been a stream flowing on the surface of the earth." The Prophet further added, "Then she drank (water) and suckled her child. The angel said to her, 'Don't be afraid of being neglected, for this is the House of Allah which will be built by this boy and his father, and Allah never neglects His people.' The House (i.e. Kaba) at that time was on a high place resembling a hillock, and when torrents came, they flowed to its right and left. She lived in that way till some people from the tribe of Jurhum or a family from Jurhum passed by her and her child, as they (i.e. the Jurhum people) were coming through the way of Kada'. They landed in the lower part of Mecca where they saw a bird that had the habit of flying around water and not leaving it. They said, 'This bird must be flying around water, though we know that there is no water in this valley.' They sent one or two messengers who discovered the source of water, and returned to inform them of the water. So, they all came (towards the water)." The Prophet added, "Ishmael's mother was sitting near the water. They asked her, 'Do you allow us to stay with you?" She replied, 'Yes, but you will have no right to possess the water.' They agreed to that." The Prophet further said, "Ishmael's mother was pleased with the whole situation as she used to love to enjoy the company of the people. So, they settled there, and later on they sent for their families who came and settled with them so that some families became permanent residents there. The child (i.e. Ishmael) grew up and learnt Arabic from them and (his virtues) caused them to love and admire him as he grew up, and when he reached the age of puberty they made him marry a woman from amongst them.
Posted by: a | June 02, 2007 at 05:40 PM
This is a war between fundamentalists, not a war between religions or cultures. Moderate Muslims and moderate Christians would get along fine if it weren't for radicals like Bin Laden and fundamentalist authors like Robert Spencer trying to stir things up to sell some books.
Here is a good self test to find out if you might be a fundamentalist Christian. I didn't create this test, so please don't crucify the messenger ;)
10 - You vigorously deny the existence of thousands of gods claimed by other religions, but feel outraged when someone denies the existence of yours.
9 - You feel insulted and "dehumanized" when scientists say that people evolved from other life forms, but you have no problem with the Biblical claim that we were created from dirt.
8 - You laugh at polytheists, but you have no problem believing in a Triune God.
7 - Your face turns purple when you hear of the "atrocities" attributed to Allah, but you don't even flinch when hearing about how God/Jehovah slaughtered all the babies of Egypt in "Exodus" and ordered the elimination of entire ethnic groups in "Joshua" including women, children, and trees!
6 - You laugh at Hindu beliefs that deify humans, and Greek claims about gods sleeping with women, but you have no problem believing that the Holy Spirit impregnated Mary, who then gave birth to a man-god who got killed, came back to life and then ascended into the sky.
5 - You are willing to spend your life looking for little loopholes in the scientifically established age of Earth (few billion years), but you find nothing wrong with believing dates recorded by Bronze Age tribesmen sitting in their tents and guessing that Earth is a few generations old.
4 - You believe that the entire population of this planet with the exception of those who share your beliefs -- though excluding those in all rival sects - will spend Eternity in an infinite Hell of Suffering. And yet consider your religion the most "tolerant" and "loving."
3 - While modern science, history, geology, biology, and physics have failed to convince you otherwise, some idiot rolling around on the floor speaking in "tongues" may be all the evidence you need to "prove" Christianity.
2 - You define 0.01% as a "high success rate" when it comes to answered prayers. You consider that to be evidence that prayer works. And you think that the remaining 99.99% FAILURE was simply the will of God.
1 - You actually know a lot less than many atheists and agnostics do about the Bible, Christianity, and church history - but still call yourself a Christian.
Posted by: Steve Goulet | June 03, 2007 at 01:48 PM
Bridgit,
I don't understand the first reader's comment? It doesn't seem to ask any questions or give any answers to the write up you did. Is it religious spam?
The second email didn't do much better. Instead of discussing the importance of what this book said, whether you agree with it or not, this reader dismissed anything of value and instead sent a list of how to gauge if you are a Christian Fundamentalist. What is that all about? Ah, I know. If you don't know enough to discuss an issue, challenge about something else to get the person off topic. Got it.
So much for trying to stimulate conservation and make progress these days.
I'll admit I got only one of the answers right in the quiz (Muhammad's age when he began preaching) and was glad to read the last two book reviews to learn something further. I don't read enough myself, time is too short these days. I appreciate other reviews as it helps increase my knowledge. If you want other views, well, read other books and articles.
I don't care if it's radicals, extremists, fundamentalists or moderates. If you are blowing people up, cutting off heads, dismembering bodies and wanting to kill an entire population of men and women, SOMETHING has gone very wrong. Use fancy words to call it what you will, but identify it and fix it. Just because moderates aren't doing this nasty work themselves doesn't mean they don't support the cause or the reason behind it. Silence remains consent. This book and your review gave some solid history and reasons behind this ever increasing violence and destruction. It's scarey and it's growing every day.
Thanks for the review. Long but really interesting.
Nancy P. - mom of two!
Posted by: Kentwood Native | June 04, 2007 at 08:29 AM
I read a book many years ago lent by a friend something like 'Teach Yourself Islam'.
I read this book as a friend of mine was converting and I wanted to understand what he was going through. I remember thinking that many of the basics to Islam were very similar to Christian religions (God, Jesus, heaven, hell, free will, love one another, etc.). As you mentioned, it's probably because Muhammed seemed to use Christian and Jewish sources for much of his early writings. I came away thinking what a great religion this was. The book I read was supportive of Islam in all ways and was very sympathetic to issues (like why it's ok to pay a tax, why warfare is acceptable, polygemy is fine for men not women, it's all about love and peace not hate and jihad) and if memory serves, it found a way to soften what happened, justify it or deny it at all. Islam by supporters and apologists make the religion seem like an oasis or heaven on Earth.
Although I have not read his book yet, it appears Robert Spencer takes a more critical look at things, break down both the good and the bad for the average person to inspect at a deeper level. As in all things, when you look close, other truths seem to come out. One thing is being preached based upon the written word, while another thing altogether is being acted upon. I agree with this author that they are not preaching love thy brother but hate thy brother the infidel in mosques. The results show. Just like positive preaching brings out kindness and sharing in people, negative and nasty preaching brings out the devil in all of us. We are seeing that around the world today. It's a problem. Some see it. Many do not. Like all previous world conflicts, it's those who act and not react that gain the edge. I agree that until we understand the root of this issue (their religious ferver) we can't begin to form a plan and take back real peace and control.
By the way, I'm not friends with that guy anymore who converted. He became impassioned in the faith and I chose not to convert. It caused a rift in our friendship. We both moved on years ago. No hard feelings. I simply see the 'why' much better today than before.
Bernie
Posted by: B. Gray | June 04, 2007 at 09:04 AM
Hi, Steve.
Good to see you here again. You opened your comment with, "This is a war between fundamentalists, not a war between religions or cultures. Moderate Muslims and moderate Christians would get along fine if it weren't for radicals like Bin Laden and fundamentalist authors like Robert Spencer trying to stir things up to sell some books."
A quarter-century ago liberals were keen on arguing the moral equivalence of the U.S. and the Soviet Union during the climax of Cold War. I see that some, if you are typical, are still keen on doing the same in the campaign against Islamic jihadists. Back then it was a bad argument that ignored the source of the evil that threatened civilization, and today it is still a bad argument for the same reason.
I'm not sure why you think Spencer is a fundamentalist Christian. He is a Roman Catholic. Fundamentalists are Protestants who early in the last century separated from the mainline Protestant denominations over liberalism in theology. Likewise, Osama bin Laden is not fundamentalist. He belongs to the Wahhabi sect of Sunni Islam. I'm not sure how the Christian term "fundamentalist" even applies to a Muslim, unless it's just being used as all-purpose scare word.
In any event, Steve, to refute what Spencer had to say in his book by labeling him a fundamentalist is pure ad hominem fallacy. If Spencer got it wrong about Islam, it's not because of who he is. It's because of what he wrote. Moreover, even if Spencer were wrong, you still did him an injustice. He is scrupulously even-handed and objective in his reporting, unlike your intolerant slander of fundamentalist Christians. In short, you're the pot calling the kettle black, and the kettle isn't even black!
The problem in this world is not that most of us have deep religious convictions. Or that, for the most part, those convictions are exclusionary claims to the truth. The problem is that some hold religious convictions that are objectively evil. The problem is not that a fundamentalist Christian passionately believes what he believes. The problem is that the jihadist passionately believes Islam rationalizes the slaughter of those who will not bend to his will.
I can see the difference. What I don't see is why it's useful to make fundamentalist Christians out to be bad guys like bin Laden and his jihadists.
Regards,
Bill
Posted by: The Executive Director | June 04, 2007 at 11:48 AM
Oh, by the way, Steve ... speaking in tongues is characteristic of Pentecostalists, not fundamentalists.
Regards, Bill
Posted by: The Executive Director | June 04, 2007 at 11:52 AM
Hello A,
I do not think this is a reply written by you to me based upon my book review and personal opinion on the data provided. Your email seems to be more "cut and paste" to any feedback that might be less than positive on Islam. It may be a spam type reply?
If I am wrong, feel free to write back and ask any questions you may have and I'll try to answer for you. When you do, I hope you'll stay to the topic based upon this book if you have thoughts or suggestions on it.
Regards,
Posted by: The Editor - Bridget | June 04, 2007 at 02:13 PM
Hello Nancy & Bernie,
Thanks to both of you for your reader reply and comments.
You are each perceptive in understanding that even if Islam has a core of peace and fellowship for mankind as it's base, it has an equivalent core of dislike, mistrust and hatred for non-Muslims as well. It's a package deal.
What modern day Muslims do with each part of this religion is the question at hand. We don't have to be experts in the field to at least get a basic understanding of the man, the religion and the message. Until we get that, we can't possibly identify the threat and what to do about it.
And make no doubt, the threat is there and it is growing. History shows even if certain groups are not part of an original conflict, the masses still get pulled in whether they like it or not.
I say get educated on the issue and then we can have real dialogue on how to fix things.
Regards,
Posted by: The Editor - Bridget | June 04, 2007 at 02:46 PM
Hello Steve,
How did you do on my earlier quiz about Muhammad & Islam? Care to share how many of the questions you got right without references or seeing the answers? Just wondering.
Have you read, Because They Hate by Brigitte Gabriel?
Have you read, Now They Call Me Infidel by Noni Darwish?
You should. Both of these books are written by women who were born in the Middle East, spent their childhood in this land, attended schools and were nurtured by family and friends in the ways of their required culture. One was a Christian. One was a Muslim. Each had a powerful story to tell about life in the Middle East (Israel/Lebanon in one and Gaza/Egypt in the other). Each saw the good erode away as the rise of Islamic extremists grew and grew. This rise was not just the few. It was not just the radicals in caves or military camp sites. It was the mind set of an entire nation of people. Even many of their own MODERATE family members. They both saw the few freedoms they had removed, they both saw a radical shift in how things were done on a daily basis and they saw a life they knew changed forever. They saw a message take root that said, there is but one God and one religion and one Prophet, to follow any other messages means conversion, removal or death. Their fear grew to such an extent that they both fled to the West for better lives - at their own peril. Unfortunately, they could not outrun evil. It has followed them around the world in a short amount of time. If you don't believe a culture issue is at stake - I recommend you read these books for a new perspective about how men, women and children are treated in the Middle East. This in turn will show how men, women and children will be treated one day in other places around the globe like the West and the U.S. These women will be the first to tell you, it IS a culture issue.
Have you read, America Alone by Mark Steyn?
Have you read, The West's Last Chance by Tony Blankely?
If you haven't, you should. These books give a larger perspective to rise in Islamic extremists and how they are altering the landscape of the world. The fall of certain populations and the rise of others is critical to understand. What is being taught in mosques and madras’s is changing the mindset of not a few fervent followers, but an entire population of people. The Radicals are acting out. The moderates are not speaking up. Too many stay quiet as they secretly support the cause. Even with a small percentage radicalized, when you are talking millions of people, you have numbers on your side. Both of these authors will assure you in the end, it IS a religious issue.
Have you read, The Truth About Muhammad by Robert Spencer?
I’m going to venture a guess and say you are not aware of the devastating consequences that have befallen those in the past who have dared to say anything critical about Islam. Mr. Spencer addressed both the positive and negative aspects of Muhammad and Islam with great respect and dignity. His goal was to get the lay person to understand the history first, then the culture and then the religion. They are all intertwined and not exclusive of one another. If you ask Mr. Spencer, in the end, he'll be the first to tell you it IS a culture issue, it IS a religious issue and it IS a world issue.
It is certainly your prerogative to continue to believe that it's only people like Bin Laden and Robert Spencer who are making up the issues. They are firing up the masses to an issue that is not really an issue at all. It’s just a bunch of crazies and everyone else is sane. B.L. and Spencer are the imaginary boogey men in a dream like war that doesn't really exist. But, by believing this…
You miss the history.
You miss the evidence.
You miss the message.
In the end, you are exactly what 'they' are hoping for Steve. You make their mission much, much easier.
As for the fundamentalist test for Christians, it was such a mish-mash of different ideas and ramblings that it made little sense to use it as any type of real litmus test. One thing Christians have in common is the belief in Jesus Christ as their savior. After that, it's much more complicated to understand the differences than a 10 point test can show. The items you listed don't support at all the different Christian religions - Catholic, Orthodox, Baptist, Anglican, Protestant/Pentecostal, Lutheran, Calvinist, Mormon, etc. Why? Because their beliefs all vary in how they read, interpret and the actual content in their Bible (many versions as you know), how they read, interpret and the actual content in The New Testament, supporting documents and execution of religious doctrines. My guess is someone who knew little to nothing about Christian religions put it together as it didn't make much sense. It was like the Tower of Babel - many languages all thrown together and since no one spoke the same language, nothing made sense.
Two things you should know about Christian religion(s)...1) they are not out there preaching hate to the masses and advising their followers to kill all non-Christians in the name of God 2) if they were out there preaching such a message, the rest of the Christian world has the good sense to stand up, speak out against such words and make sure no killing actually happens. Those are two very big differences versus what is being seen in the modern world of Islam right now.
I hope you will consider reading some of the books I mentioned. You don’t have to, but they do shed light beyond what the general media chooses to highlight to the masses. And it’s not about scare tactics Steve, it’s about sharing real life experiences and data to support an issue we should all care about. Whether we do is another thing.
As always, thanks for your comments.
Regards,
Posted by: The Editor - Bridget | June 04, 2007 at 02:58 PM
American Heritage Dictionary defines fundamentalism as:
1. A usually religious movement or point of view characterized by a return to fundamental principles, by rigid adherence to those principles, and often by intolerance of other views and opposition to secularism.
While the self test I parroted in my comment above refers to Christian fundamentalists, my description of Robert Spencer did not include the Christian modifier.
I can understand why Christian fundamentalists, conservative Catholics such as Spencer), and most other fundamentalists should not be categorized with militant "fundamentalists" such as jihadists. That would be absurd given the reality of how differently such groups behave. And it is similarly absurd to broad brush moderate Muslims as Spencer does when he implicates them in an evil plot to destroy western civ.
But the ugly truth remains: Fundamentalism (rigid adherence to religious beliefs accompanied by intolerance to other views) by it's very definition breeds intolerance. Intolerance often leads to hatred, and hatred often leads to war. Robert Spencer has pushed us one giant step backwards toward further intolerance with his insistence that all Muslims are part of an evil plot threatening civilization.
Just out of curiosity, have you ever gotten to know a Muslim person as a friend? Have you witnessed this evil plot that Spencer describes first hand?
Robert Spencer is furthering the intolerance and hatred that is fueling this war. Deans World said it best (http://www.deanesmay.com/posts/1147845659.shtml):
"If I ran a site that regularly watched the doings of radical Christian nutjobs who practice mass murder and terrorism, and called it "Christian Watch" and regularly quoted Biblical verses and statements from various Christians of the past to justify their behavior, how would Robert would feel about that? The Lord's Resistance Army, the IRA, the KKK, the Christian Identity movement, and so on and so forth all can quote scripture to their purposes."
So there you have it. The Islamic equivalent of Robert Spencer is probably out there spouting this kind of tripe right now. Fomenting anger and intolerance is easy, but it's just another step in the wrong direction. With leadership like his we'll soon be calling this "the war on Muslims" instead of the war on terror.
Posted by: Steve Goulet | June 04, 2007 at 03:49 PM
Hi, Steve.
Looks like you haven't read Spencer's book. Do so instead of relying upon anyone else's characterization of it (including ours).
As for whether or not I know any Muslims, puh-leez! First of all, the human condition is universal. I need not personally know a person from a particular group to gain an understanding of that group. Second, as it happens, between my long experience living and traveling overseas in the service and in business over the past twenty-five years, I have had the good fortune to come to know Muslims -- and Hindus, Sikhs, Jews, and on and on. Third, I would not be so daft as to claim that because I have known a Muslim, I now understand Islam and its adherents. It takes rather more than that, don't you think?
Otherwise, I haven't much else to say about how you lump orthodox Christians into a slur you label "fundamentalist". You're engaged in the very intolerance you claim to despise. Indeed, by failing to distinguish between holding a belief as absolutely true (as most who take their religion seriously do) and intolerance (which is the refusal to let others believe otherwise in peace), you're verging on bigotry, Steve. I think you're better than that.
Regards, Bill
Posted by: The Executive Director | June 04, 2007 at 05:06 PM
Hi Steve,
We'd like you to do the following: go to a mosque in Saudi Arabia and let's test out those levels of tolerance. Don't forget to leave behind that contraband - i.e., your bible and your cruicifix. State the following:
1) I am not a Muslim
2) But, some of my best friends are
3) I'm from the West
4) But, I don't like the West
5) I don't believe Islam is the reason you are killing people because Islam is a religion of peace
6) Can we be friends?
Now that you have gotten touchy-feely with them and you're in touch with your feminine side, put on that Burka.
Step back and let's see what happens after the pregnant pause ends....
Read some more Steve and then let's talk. Beyond the dictionary this time.
Regards,
Posted by: The Editor - Bridget | June 04, 2007 at 05:41 PM
I believe that a's comment, which does seem to be a cut and paste job, is intended to prove that Ishmael and not Isaac was the true heir to God's covenant with Abraham. This argument has been put forth before. Without a long web search, I wonder if any LAW reader knows a biblically knowledgable response to this claim.
I would like to ask "a" if Satan could decieve the Prophet Muhammad into believing a false message from the evil one disguised as the angel Gabriel, how do we know he was not deceived in the rest of his revelations? Was it before he recieved his full enlightenment? Or do I misunderstand this issue? I am trying to recall where in the Bible does it show that Abraham, Moses or Jesus were decieved. Again, I am not trying to be disrespectful of Islam or any religion.
Posted by: Steve Smith | June 04, 2007 at 06:00 PM
Hi, Steve S.
I'm no Biblical scholar, but perhaps I can shed some light on the Isaac-Ishmael matter.
The Bible states that Abraham was going to sacrifice Isaac. The Koran does not give the name of the child, although Muslims have identified him as Ishmael. This is probably because of the tradition that Ishmael was the father of the Arabs. (In fact, Arabs used to be known as the "Ishmaelites".)
Although the Bible is a far more ancient collection of books than the Koran, Muslims argue that the Bible is unreliable regarding Isaac. They claim that it is corrupt because it is the work of human authors, whereas the Koran is the actual, true, pure word of God that He, in effect, dictated to Mohammed. Indeed, Muslims state that Arabic, the language of Koran, is in fact God's language, so that there has been no human corruption of God's word.
So, that's about it, as far as I can tell. The Koran does not give the name of the son Abraham was going to sacrifice. Muslims however claim it was Ishmael and argue that their claim stands because the Biblical statement that the child was Isaac is a product of human corruption.
Regards, Bill
Posted by: The Executive Director | June 05, 2007 at 08:47 AM
Bridget,
Thanks for the review! I will have to go and get this book, as it sounds fascinating, and I love a good read.
Posted by: Ames | June 05, 2007 at 05:53 PM
As an aside note: wasn't Ishmael TECHINICALLY a bastard, since Isaac was the true son of the married Abraham and Sarah? And if so, with Muslims holding marriage, and sexual relations so importantly, how can they justify that Ishmael is the "pure" son, as he IS of human corruption? (Not to ruffle any feathers here, but technically, Ishmael wasn't the son of a marriage nor was he a son born in wedlock.....)
Posted by: Ames | June 05, 2007 at 05:56 PM
I can honestly admit I know virtually nothing about Muhammad, Islam or the Koran.
I have learned something new from this write up and think I will buy this book and one or two others to round out both critics view points and apologists as well. I'll then compare and let you know my thoughts.
I think this book sounded fair. Although your review leans toward the negatives of Islam, it's not unwarranted with the state of US affairs and world affairs when it comes to Islamic jihadists.
Appreciate the heads up on this one.
Maura -
Posted by: Maura | June 05, 2007 at 06:02 PM
Hello Steve S,
We appreciate your interesting comments and suggestions. Bill answered your first question. I'll try to help on the rest.
Remember that one of the most severe and lingering challenges to Muhammad's claim as a Prophet was his use and dependence on Jewish, Christian and even some heretical resources. Written as well as verbal. There are numerous similarities in the works that Muhammad references and sites - pure monotheism, the line of prophets, the proliferation of laws, the facing toward the holy city for prayer and so on. The Koran is also full of stories that seem to come right from the Bible - Adam & Eve, Cain & Able, Joseph & his brothers (light on significance of Israel as a nation mind you), Noah's Ark, Jonah and the whale, Moses, etc. He also has references to the Talmud as well. While some stories are changed from what Christians and Jews might recognize (as to possibly benefit the growing Islamic faith), other things are nearly identical to what Christians and Jews heard, read and understood throughout the ages. The reference to heretical Christian sources also shows up in Koranic writings as demonstrated in the incorrect conclusion as to who Jesus was, how he died, what the crucifixion meant and so on.
It could be due to the use of these references and then Muhammad's own life surrounded by Jews, Christians and heretical groups in that part of the Middle East that eventually influenced what he thought, wrote and preached. Remember one of Muhammad's closest and earliest advisors was Waraqa - Uncle to Khadija. He was a converted Christian who was previously a Jew. There is no doubt he was a great influence on the future Prophet as well.
I do not recall any passages that state Abraham, Moses or Jesus were ever deceived by God. The requests made by God to each one of these men was a journey of great giving, great hope and great sorrow. These men did things for others as commanded by God and it was rarely easy, comfortable or about self indulgences. What stood out to me when reading about Muhammad is that it almost seemed like God was working for Muhammad not that Muhammad was working on behalf of God. Muhammad received numerous benefits for all his hard work - praise, women, booty/loot and kingdoms on Earth for all his hard work. It is referenced in the Sunnah that Muhammad received these extras as he was the final and all defining Prophet unlike those who came before him.
As to the satanic verses period...
Muhammad got his earliest revelations from Gabriel around the year 610. He then began preaching publicly in Mecca in 613. The Satanic verses incident occurs around 619.
You ask if it was before his full enlightenment? Do you mean did these verses happen prior to him preaching as the Prophet or afterward? I'm not familiar with that term you are using when it comes to the Muslim faith. Muhammad was actively receiving revelations from Allah through Gabriel during these years and was preaching and converting followers to the Islamic faith. Muhammad was having trouble converting his own people, the Quraysh tribe to Islam and that was causing him great distress around the years 618-619. It was during this period of preaching that the Satanic revelation came to him. According to tradition, it was Satan, not Allah, that spoke to Muhammad this one time. Supposedly, approval was granted to the Quraysh tribe to worship their pagan gods for one year. A year later, they would then begin recognizing Allah and practicing Islam thereafter. A trade if you will. Muhammad passed along this revelation to the people and they were happy with the result. All agreed to the terms. Peace reigned for awhile. People came back to their homelands due to this. Unfortunately, Gabriel revisited Muhammad and was upset with what Muhammad had told the people. The angel confirmed it was not Allah who visited with him but, Satan. Both Gabriel and Allah were angry with Muhammad for this mistake, but he was quickly forgiven and they were merciful to their favorite Prophet. Muhammad then returned to his mantra of monotheism.
The Satanic verses incident has bothered Muslims, scholars and lay people alike for centuries. Apologists try to explain it away - often by saying it never happened at all, that it was a distortion of the truth or a complete lie by non-Muslims to blacken the one true faith. Unfortunately, it's hard to get around the fact that authentic and pious followers of Muhammad such as Ibn Ishaq, Ibn Sa'd, Tabari and other important authors and writers in later years recount the same verses incident. The number of witnesses and documentation to the event is rather compelling. It's possible those who were against Islam could have made up a distorted story like this or created an outright fabricated lie to embarrass the Prophet. On the other hand, it is highly unlikely that devoted and faithful Muslims would account something with such negative connotations without being grounded in what actually happened to the Prophet.
You certainly bring up a question long held by critics and non-followers. If Satan revealed himself once to Muhammad and put words in his mouth, who is to say he didn't show himself at other times and Muhammad didn't recognize or understand it? Who is to say all his revelations were from Allah and not from Satan? Who is to say all his revelations were truly for good and not evil? Who is to say his revelations were really from Allah and not just hallucinations from an unstable mind? Who is to say that the revelations were not from an outside source, but the clear thoughts of a man who wanted to control a people, a land and eventually the world?
It's up to each one of us to research the religion, understand the history and analyze the man to draw our own conclusions.
Steve, you note at the end of your comments section while you have some challenging questions for Islam, you are not trying to be disrespectful or anything. It’s almost sad that we have a reached a point in our world where it’s fine to question, deride, lampoon, be negative and often downright nasty to Christians, yet we can’t even approach Islam with general questions without stating an apology first. My take is that Christians are comfortable with who and what they are and can handle the touchy questions. We have gone through centuries of analysis, being critiqued and questioned. We have made mistakes in our journey and done some self-correction. We are solid in our faith so, no over-reaction is needed. We welcome challenges and are open to questions that still need answers as well.
Islam clearly has much work to do still.
Regards,
Posted by: The Editor - Bridget | June 05, 2007 at 10:44 PM
Hello Ames,
By all means, consider borrowing this book from a library or buying one to read and keep to yourself. I do recommend this book highly. It took a chapter or two to really get into it (due to all the unusual names, places, events, etc.), but once I did, I couldn't get enough of it.
I would certainly never advise you this is the only book and author with authority on Islam from a western perspective. Definately find other books to read which would compliment this one to help round out your thoughts and ideas on this important issue. For sure consider both the apologist side and the critical side for a broader view of things. I think you'll find such a comparision fascinating indeed.
On a side note...Muslim apologists are the first to say how pure and committed men and women of Islam are when it comes to relationships and marriage. They love, respect and admire one another and treat marriage as one of the highest goods in life. Critics of Islam will say something all together different. For a view into this world consider Because They Hate by Brigitte Gabriel and Now They Call Me Infidel by Noni Darwish. You will be shocked by the "real Islam" for women versus that which is told to the rest of the world.
Guys might enjoy the 4 wives program, but kids and first wives get the shaft as time goes on.
Same with the accusation of adultery...guy gets off scott free if witnesses aren't produced (and rarely are) gal goes to jail or worse.
Women have to suit up in armour like clothing as if they are going to battle else they are seen as sinful women - men get to go around ungroomed and showing any amount of skin they want - so much for fair.
Women don't befriend one another as they feel the other is always out to get their husband - no Joy Luck Club in the Middle East apparently.
Women rarely get to choose their mate/spouse - families still do it and it remains for financial and power reasons - so, they remain chattel in a sense.
Women don't get to attend mosques as it's a place for only men - so much for religious equality.
The Koran advises men to marry girls very early in life - before they even hit womanhood - shocking to the West still.
Many Muslim women end up marrying older men with money so, they can be kept in a decent lifestyle (even if that means being a 2nd, 3rd or 4th wife). That leaves on the outs, young Muslim men who come from lower class families, possibly lesser educations and fewer future prospects. Thus, there are more single guys than girls. The hook up pool is reduced and that doesn't bode well. Why? Read next paragraph.
And finally, we all know nothing good can come from millions of young Muslim boys on the brink of manhood NOT being able to do anything about it due to cultural restrictions - thus things like joining a group of fellow Islamic radicals takes on new interest, chopping off the heads of infidels lets out some anger, and strapping bombs on their bodies to die for Allah and going to the next life to meet up with 72 virgins as a reward ends up looking very, very appealing.
From what I have seen and read Ames, relationships in the Middle East are nothing like those in the West. We marry for love and attraction and often friendship too. They marry for duty, family and Allah.
Read up - you'll see what I mean.
If you do read this book Ames, I'd be interested to know what your personal thoughts are. I gave a highly detailed over-view of the book, but there is certainly much more content and information than I could cover here.
Enjoy!
Posted by: The Editor - Bridget | June 05, 2007 at 11:23 PM
Hello Maura -
There's no shame in admitting you know nothing about Islam, Muhammad or the books of the Sunnah.
Join the club!
But, you have taken the first step to researching and understanding the issue at hand. Some groups say there is no issue. Others say there is, but they are afraid to define it and find a way to fix it. The final group understands the threat and has an action plan, it just will take some real "guts" to get it done for the good of everyone.
Time will tell what happens in this next clash of the civilizations.
Keep researching and keep reading. You know alot more about Islam, Muhammad and the Sunnahs than you did before so, give yourself extra credit!
Enjoyed your thoughts.
Regards,
Posted by: The Editor - Bridget | June 05, 2007 at 11:44 PM
Thanks, Bridget, for a very erudite and understandable answer. You can see I have been dealing with the issue of whether Islam is a false, or even evil, religion. I really hate to brand any religion as evil, but I have been coming closer and closer to that conclusion with this one. Well, OK, I guess Satanism is by definition an evil religion. Interesting, isn't it, that both Islam and Satanism say it's OK to get revenge.
You have given reasons to question the legitimacy of Islam, which was just what I was wondering about. On the question of whether Abraham, Moses or Jesus were deceived I meant to write "were so deceived" i.e. by Satan. Thus one must ask, if Muhammad was the greatest prophet, how did Old Harry trick him when he couldn't trick Abraham, Moses or Jesus?
My question about Muhammad's full enlightenment was asking if there were some loophole I don't know about, such as the Prophet being tricked by the devil before he received the power of discernment, for example. I don't know very much about Islam, although I have a feeling I'll know a lot more before this life is through.
And you're right, it's sad that we have to approach this subject almost with an apology just for asking. I didn't want to have to respond to a bunch of e mails saying, how dare you attack Islam, don't you know Muhammad did this or that etc. Because with a group that is so touchy, I want to establish clearly my intent not to attack them until I have all the facts.
I couldn't help but wonder what would happen if some unfortunate Muslim student attending Comstock Park High School, for a hypothetical example, were to die tragically and his Muslim classmates wanted to recite a Muslim prayer at graduation.
Sigh...I guess I'll have to read those books while I still have the freedom.
Posted by: Steve Smith | June 06, 2007 at 06:25 PM
Hi Steve S.,
Abraham, Moses and Jesus were not "so deceived" by Satan. To the best of my knowledge, they were visited directly by God and no one else.
Muhammad was not deceived into believing Satan prior to his Prophet status being obtained. Muhammad received almost a decades of visits by Gabriel prior to the Satanic versus incident happening. Within a few short years of this incident happening, Muhammad's revelations began changing from being tolerant and peaceful to much more intolerant and war like. It's almost like he started out kind and patient and said, I'll work with the people, educate them and give them time to change, I might even tell them what they want to hear to get them where I want them to be. Then...wham! Patience ended and it became a free for all. Convert and believe or else. And don't even think of speaking out! Thus, ushered in a long period of war battles, taking over people and cities, enslaving men, women and children, creating a non-Muslim tax, putting in place Sharia like laws as we know them today and more.
Bill and I have talked at great length on the Islamic question. Many of the things we have brought up as our knowledge grows, is no different than those scholars who have looked objectively at Islam throughout the centuries. Their findings and questions are similar to ours. As worrisome as it is to question this religion, a concerned people and nation needs to do it. One of our biggest thoughts is that Jesus Christ was sent to man by God for good - to show complete love, complete giving and complete removal of our sins so, we could be clean again. Jesus wrapped himself in kindness, charity, loyalty, devotion, gentleness and love...all the things that are natural to humans.
It's certainly a possibility that if you believe in the opposite -meaning evil and the devil, that Satan might have chosen to counter this action by sending someone to us that is the polar opposite to Jesus. Such as a later Muhammad. Someone who wrapped themselves in war like actions, cruelty, anger, dislike, mistrust, intolerance, hatred for others and death for those who don't support the darkness. Of course, a thinking mind realizes that Satan is a crafty fellow. He knows full well that many would immediately challenge, deny and outright reject evil and darkness if given the option. But, what if the evil and darkness were first masked by what appears to be kindness, warmth, community and love? Such as the earlier Muhammad? Like bees to honey, there must be an initial draw in or the honey would never be sampled. Thus, the question could arise, was the early Muhammad simply a mask for the later Muhammad and each were ultimately directed by Satan and not by an all loving God at all?
Many will think such thoughts over the top and shocked that anything like that could be voiced, but we are not alone in our honest questions. They have been brought up by many others long before us. Many will think these ideas are conspiracy minded and crazy. Many will think that to question Islam is to deny the right and freedom to worship as one chooses. Many will run in fear even if they have such thoughts themselves because they don't want to pay a penalty for questioning something so powerful. But, it is up to those with courage and heart to research, question and ask as these things as they deserve additional thinking.
Christians have been put under the microscope of scrutiny since Jesus was born to this world of ours. Even word, thought and action of his has been analyzed to death - by people of all faiths. Each of his followers and their documented words, thoughts and actions have been equally deciphered and decoded. Christians are a religion open to the world to read, research, discuss and understand. We stand up to the light of investigation even if all the answers aren't 100% in place yet.
Cults around the world and over the centuries have begun with much less than what we see in Islam at this time. Islam could possibly be the most successful cult in history. Or it could be the work of the devil himself. Or, it could be a real religion that got twisted over time. Until the world allows this religion and its history to be analyzed and questioned further, it will always be something that makes people uncomfortable and weary. When such evil comes from supposed good...you need to stand up and take notice.
Our motto at Local Area Watch is very appropriate for Islam and Muhammad at this current time in history. That motto is, "Qui male agit odit lucem" - translated from Latin - "He who does evil despises the light."
Bill and I continue to research, review and analyze as well. We have not made up our minds yet - much work is to be done still. But, we will probe deeper and hope to find an answer for sure one day. Until then, we at least remain vigilant.
I hope that my quiz and review will cause you to read other books on this issue - both apologists and critics alike. You have many questions that need to be answered and only by reading further will you get a full handle on things. You need to do both apologists and critics to get each side to the issue. The apologists excuse away all the negatives and only focus on the positive. You can't get a feel for the real man, his words and the religion through them. But, you can get their view which counts. In turn, critics stand back and ask the tough questions all non-Muslims would ask and they give some very interesting and solid answers grounded in thought and reality. They definitely do a tough love program on the faith, but it's a necessary counter to the pass apologists give the religion. Between the two, you should be able to get a full look at the religion and a more complete understanding of things you want addressed.
Excellent ideas and excellent questions Steve, thanks for the feedback on this article.
Regards,
Posted by: The Editor - Bridget | June 07, 2007 at 09:37 AM
Steve S. said: "I didn't want to have to respond to a bunch of e mails saying, how dare you attack Islam…"
Or, worse, even – having to defend yourself in a lawsuit.
OK, that might be a stretch….for now, at least, but the point remains that in high-profile cases, Muslims are restoring to threats and intimidation in an effort to pull the plug on the spotlight others are attempting to shine on radical Islam in the U.S..
See CAIR versus Andrew Whitehead (withdrawn)
See The Islamic Society of Boston versus, well, just about everybody (withdrawn)
See The Muslim Public Affairs Council versus Steve Emerson (threatened, but not filed)
"The Flying Imams" versus John Does/U.S. Airways passengers. (litigation pending).
On a local note, what Grand Rapids area Muslim leader said the following regarding the Pope’s alleged disparaging comments about Muhammad last year?
"You are taking the prophet of Islam as an illustration. Either you talk in a responsible way about him or you don't talk at all…”
Get that? Don’t speak badly of Muhammad (even if it may be the truth). Oh, and only Muslims get to decide what is a responsible way of speaking about Muhammad, apparently.
Posted by: Lee G. | June 11, 2007 at 12:00 PM
Hello Lee G.,
You are correct, they are winning this war because they understand our need for freedom, privacy, democracy, fairness and above all, the importance of LIFE. Things they don't believe in, but will use against us if it helps them win the cause.
See any similarities to WWII, Mussolini, Hitler & The Land of the Rising Sun? They all told their masses what they wanted to hear, they preached of a better time and better place by taking out those "different than themselves". Stick to the pure breed and eliminate the rest. If anyone dissents, they are tossed into prison camps often to never come out or killed on the spot. There is no room for conversation, analysis and compromise. It's all or nothing.
See any similarities to Communism and the Cold War? Same preaching just different war tactics.
We are entering a new phase with Islamic extremists. They may not wear a national uniform, report to a single nation or commander in chief, but as I said earlier, they are all looking to score for Islam. At your expense and mine and everyone in between who is not Muslim or Muslim enough. The process begins innocent enough:
They'll tell you the goodness of Islam first.
They'll work with you for awhile and show great tolerance and patience. All for the good of Islam even if they don't like you or trust you.
Eventually, they'll become anxious when you don't do as they wish and ask too many questions. Never question the faith as to do so is to question God himself.
When you don't bow or convert after a small period of time, the sword of Islam must fall. It is written in the Koran - read it yourself. War supercedes peace in this faith unfortunately.
Until Western people and Americans in particular understand this Prophet, what he preached and what his revelations advised, we cannot hope to curb this darkness that is growing among us. We will pay a price for our ignorance and silence.
Thousands and thousands of square miles of European land is a living graveyard for millions and millions of dead Jews, Poles, Catholics and other denominations in previous World Wars...you can bet a new graveyard will emerge if Islamic extremism is allowed full reign (technically it has already at the Khoybar Towers in Saudi Arabia, the US embassy in Africa, on the deck of The USS Cole ship, the World Trade Center site, the Pennsylvania field, The Pentagon, the train station in Madrid, the Tube & bus terminals in the UK and so on).
When is the world going to wake up and say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH????!!!
Read up, spread your knowledge and stay on top of this issue.
Evil can only win when goodness takes a day off.
Regards,
Posted by: Bridget - The Editor | June 11, 2007 at 03:45 PM
You could make a list of all the massacres committed by christians. Sand creek, wounded knee, the whole business with the california missions, the philipine concentration camps, tulsa, trail of tears, crusades, the vincennes attack, el mozote, south africa, vietnam (of which my lai was a small part), not to mention nazi germany.
Posted by: Tommy Times | June 12, 2007 at 10:51 PM