format_quote Originally Posted by
tetsujin
Then you must first learn what an oxymoron is:
ox·y·mo·ron (ŏk'sē-môr'ŏn', -mōr'-) pronunciation
n., pl. -mo·ra (-môr'ə, -mōr'ə) or -rons.
A rhetorical figure in which incongruous or contradictory terms are combined, as in a deafening silence and a mournful optimist.
http://www.answers.com/oxymoron
It does not make the phrase false, simply denotes that the two terms may be contradictory or incongruous.
I don't know where people have used phrases like kind cruelty, or hot ice cream.
What you are stating is not an oxymoron. A newspaper that states an Islamic school is being built does not mean the school is peaceful, it simply means that there is an educational institution in compliance with Islamic dogma.
Similarly, you can have aggressive and/or violent acts, which are superfluous or excessive, and still have them conform to most religious dogma. Islam is not an exception, and proof of that is readily available.
All the best wishes,
Faysal
Look I don't wish to go into a long arguement here with you as I don't have the time - but I have some time to say some truth.
The key word here I think is 'incongruous'. This is the definition at dictionary.com:
in·con·gru·ous Audio Help /ɪnˈkɒŋgruəs/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[in-kong-groo-uhs] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–adjective 1. out of keeping or place; inappropriate; unbecoming: an incongruous effect; incongruous behavior.
2. not harmonious in character; inconsonant; lacking harmony of parts: an incongruous mixture of architectural styles.
3. inconsistent: actions that were incongruous with their professed principles.
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[Origin: 1605–15; < L incongruus inconsistent. See in-3, congruous]
—Related forms
in·con·gru·ous·ly, adverb
in·con·gru·ous·ness, noun
—Synonyms 1. discrepant, unsuitable, ridiculous, ludicrous, absurd. 2. inharmonious, discordant. 3. contrary, contradictory. See inconsistent.
—Antonyms 1. becoming, appropriate. 2. consonant. 3. consistent.
Notice the synonyms :- unsuitable, ridiculous, ludicrous, absurd. Hence my use of the term 'false'.
Look in the same dictionary and you will see “cruel kindness” under the definition of 'oxymoron'. Hot ice cream could not be a more simple oxymoron in my view - how can ice be hot especially when we are talking about a KNOWN food substance which is known to have certain attractive qualities? (e.g. cool when consumed, slightly frozen in normal atmospheric temperatures etc). I'm sure if you bought some expensive ice-cream on a scorching day and were served a boiling hot puddle-lie soup in a plate you would be the first to possibly cry out "Hey, this ain't ice-cream".
Islam, whether YOU like it or not means peace. If you don't like that or don't agree with it thats your problem.
An Islamic school would be a peaceful school AT LEAST IN THE FIRST INSTANCE OF CREATION. An exception might be the Islamic school is build and whilst still empty and not up and running the roof falls down on a builder leaving the site.
However, what happens down the line e.g. if it employs bad Muslims is another story. It is not as you seem to be explaining matters i.e. that it can
never be a peaceful school. Furthermore, assuming the school has good Muslims and the school over a period of time will have - like all schools on earth - its ups and downs. However, if the overall outcome of it produces good e.g. good grades, students etc. who go on to be good in life it would be a place of success and hence peace.
Where you say:
"Similarly, you can have aggressive and/or violent acts, which are superfluous or excessive, and still have them conform to most religious dogma. Islam is not an exception, and proof of that is readily available."
then I reply:
It is a CLEARLY known fact that Islam is a religion of moderateness. It is strictly forbidden to go to extremes - either too lax or too harsh - a major prohibition. Even in rules of war there are Islamic guidelines (you could say peaceful guidelines if you like) that state certain do's and don'ts which aim to eliminate excess violence e.g. killing innocent non-combatants.
An aggressive act may be done in self-defence. Violent acts which are superfuous or excessive are AGAINST Islam. There are NO commands which say use EXCESSIVE violence beyond the required amounts.
Take this scenario to help explain:
A man breaks into your house with a gun. He is trying to steal things. He wakens you from sleep and accidently drops the gun which gives you a chance to pick it up.
Now Islam does not say 'BLOW HIS BRAINS OUT' or 'KILL HIM DEAD'. Rather - wisdom is needed. You could aim the gun at him now you have it and threaten him to leave without harming him and call the cops. If he attacks then shoot him in the leg.
It has to be said, you are an Atheist and with all due respect you don't comprehend Islam. If you have a brain tumour your going to go to a brain surgeon or specialist not the local barbers for advice and help. Don't try to tell the Muslims what Islam is when you are not even one unless you are sure about the little bit you know.
I think you need to look up the definition of 'peace' - try dictionary.com it has nearly 20 definitions and one of them is:
"the normal, nonwarring condition of a nation, group of nations, or the world".
Take the 'Islamic school' example which you claim would not be peaceful.
In its first constructed (non-occupied, non-operational) instance would be a peaceful school as it would be a normal condition of the world i.e. a static, non-dangerous building.
May Allah guide you to Islam (Peace)
(ameen).