Islam feels so right to me, am I wrong?

I read with interest the post from Sarita, however I was disappointed with all the back-biting and he said this and he said that.  Is there a peaceful way to discuss Islam without all the bashing? There is enough of that in the world as it is.  for people like me who really want to learn it is hard to wade through these forums and get what i need to make intelligent decisions.  

I would like to relate my story about how i became interested in Islam.  I work in a retail store and one two muslims came in looking for beads to for a prayer (I'm at a loss for the corrected word) chain.  In talking with them I asked some questions about can a non-believer use a prayer chain.  I informed them I was looking for ways to enhance my spirituality and they told me of the sufis and the 99 names of allaah. during the discussion my eyes welled up with tears and I was overcome with a strong feeling of peace and love. thus began my quest to learn more abour Sufi and then Islam. i have a Quiran and have begun to read it.  So if i can have some pertinent feedback without the back biting I would appreciated it.

harrdnut wrote: Islam is the religion of submission to the Creator and Master of Everything... it is not religion of arguments and quarrels, political polls and election campaigns... It is not a religion that should be sought from those who simply call themselves Muslims... but religion that should be sought from the Qur'an and authentic teachings of Muhammad, the Final Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him).

Since Islam is total submission to the god of the Quran, may I ask you and other Muslims like ou why you asll are NOT prctiing what prophet Mohammad preached?

Pl. tell me why you are not FIGHTING against non-Muslims for Allah?

Here are 2 ayats that prove my point:

[4.74] Therefore let those fight in the way of Allah, who sell this world's life for the hereafter; and whoever fights in the way of Allah, then be he slain or be he victorious, We shall grant him a mighty reward.

[4.75] And what reason have you that you should not fight in the way of Allah

[4.76] Those who believe fight in the way of Allah, and those who disbelieve fight in the way of the Shaitan. Fight therefore against the friends of the Shaitan; surely the strategy of the Shaitan is weak.

Dear Harddnut,

Please look at some of these verses from the Bible:

Leviticus 25:44 (New International Version)

ejdavid wrote: Maryah - You wrote: "And what political objectives wouldl you say Islam has?" Many Muslims throughout the world have many different political objectives. For instance, Hezbollah and Iranian leaders believe it is an Islamic Religious Duty to destroy Israel. Other leaders are less war-like in their objectives, but ohters have even wider goals. Accordingly, "Redneck" should find out what political goals her particular Islamic mentors support, and why. Then decide whether or not she agrees or should seek those with other objectives.

Peace: 

Yes and these are cultural and Nationalist goals, not Islamic.

It amazed me how people judge something they know little of.

This is an ayat, or verse, discussed in our last kutbah, or Friday service, by our Imam:

 33:35 For muslim men and women,- for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in Charity, for men and women who fast (and deny themselves), for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allah's praise,- for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward. - English

Nowhere in that verse does it discuss bombing others, killing others, or nationalist concerns. Do you realize how many people have died or have been misplaced so that Israel may exist? That is the cause of the anger. If someone marched into your house and told you you needed to leave because God said their ancestors owned the house and they want it back, wouldn't you be angered? I invite you to imagine yourself and walk a few miles in the shoes of the dispossessed  before you judge others. I am not saying it is right to strike back but I can understand the feelings others may endure.

I am an American citizen that spent the first 15 years of her life living abroad and I can tell you, America isn't always sweet smelling outside of the box. I suggest you take a trip outside of Utopia at some time and to stop and smell the flowers and the thorns.

Hanan wrote: Abuzaid: There are more verses in the Bible that advocate punishment for the sins of others, than there are against. Here is an example: Exodus 20:5 and Deuteronomy 5:9 both say: I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation

Than its talking only about fourth generation and not fifth and later.

secondly, this verse is only talking about punishment and not death

third, if any christian present this verse againt what I presented, it only proves contradiction in bible, which also disprove concept of original sin.

actually problem is not old testament itself, its actually a desire of christians to believe what has been belived for years by their forfathers. They believe something and try to find its proof from bible, if they get something against their belief, they ignore it and if they feel something in the favour of their belief they take it.

However, I know they can present much more than what you have pointed out. But, almost everything can be refuted, finally its their desire to believe what they believe.

Hanan wrote: It is truly hard for many Christians to come to terms with the contradictions in their Book,

Yes its really hard

Hanan wrote: and I pray that Sarita can discover and learn with the guidance of Allah, al-Rashid.

  Ameen