Islaam for a Buddhist

6. I am not basing these on some illogical premises. Just see, after Muhamad passed away, the war did not stop, it continued until Moslems conqured India. And you still see that same mindset followed for evil purposes in many countries. Sometimes they call it Jihad.

So far we have been discussing Islam, and I would like to dwell upon just religion - Islam. Muslims and Islam are two different entities. I cannot judge the actions of another Muslim and come to a conclusion whether it is right or wrong. I would need to gather all evidence from all sides for every specific event. Generalisation has no place in making a just opinion.

I cannot say that every Hindu is a murderer only because Nathuram Godse killed Mahatma Gandhi. I cannot say that every Irish person is a killer only because IRA engaged in such operations. I cannot say that every American is a bomber only because Timothy McVeigh was a bomber. But one thing I can say is that a person who follows Islam properly according to the commands of God is a good Muslim.

 Mr Varshaken, it matters little to me whether you believe it or not.  You will not be questioned for my sins nor will I be questioned for yours. I truly and sincerely believe in everything that God has revealed to me in the Qur�an and that when I come to the end of my journey here, I will have to give account of all my doings here. I will hope and pray (as I have said under the answer for namaz, that practising Muslims seek God�s guidance to the right path everyday atleast 22 times) that God guides every seeker of truth to the right path.

Now in answer to idol worship which goes under associating partners with God, there are too many references in the Qur�an. And God has promised that He will forgive all sins (for those who sincerely repent and ask for forgiveness) except one and that is associating partners with Him. It is the most heinous of crimes and that is why Muslims shudder when they see anyone worshipping anything other than the True and Only ONE GOD. Here are a few of the references:

016.020: Those whom they invoke besides Allah create nothing and are themselves created.

016.021: (They are)  dead, lifeless: nor do they know when they will be raised up

021.021Or have they taken (for worship) gods from the earth who can raise (the dead)?

021.024 Or have they taken for worship (other) gods besides him? Say, "Bring your convincing proof: this is the Message of those with me and the Message of those before me." But most of them know not the Truth, and so turn away.

034.022: Say: Call upon those whom you assert besides Allah; they do not control the weight of an atom in the heavens or in the earth nor have they any partnership in either, nor has He among them any one to back (Him) up.

034.023: And intercession will not avail aught with Him save of him whom He permits. Until when fear shall be removed from their hearts, They shall say: What is it that your Lord said? They shall say: The truth. And He is the Most High, the Great.

034.024: Say: "Who gives you sustenance, from the heavens and the earth?" Say: "It is Allah; and certain it is that either we or ye are on right guidance or in manifest error!"

041.048: The (deities) they used to invoke aforetime will leave them in the lurch, and they will perceive that they have no way of escape.

067.006: And for those who disbelieve in their Lord there is the doom of hell, a hapless journey's end!

067.007: When they are cast therein, they will hear the (terrible) drawing in of its breath even as it blazes forth,

067.008: Almost bursting with fury: Every time a Group is cast therein, its Keepers will ask, "Did no Warner come to you?"

067.009: They will say: "Yes indeed; a Warner did come to us, but we rejected him and said, 'Allah never sent down any (Message): ye are in nothing but an egregious delusion!'"

Kim

God does not deny anyone their reward for any good that they have done and they receive that reward in this life. If after the message has come to them and they deny it and persist in their disbelief in His Unity and continue to associate partners with Him He does not forgive them. If you want to read some verses from the Qur'an pertaining to Jesus and Christianity please read my quotes under Islam and Christianity alternatively please read from the Qur'an which is the best source.

I do not understand your statement: "(Don't even get me started on the whole praying-to-saints-thing)"

I have'nt discussed this anywhere as far as I can recall. In any case it is equally wrong.

As for those communities who have never come in contact with the true Message or for that matter children or infants who die young, I would assume that God would not punish them. He is the Best dispenser of justice and is the Most Compassionate and Merciful.