Well, my friend you've asked me quite a broad question. :) I'm sure that Islam is a good faith, I know only a little bit about it and would like to know more. I'm not at all looking to join the religion, just understand it. I think a lot of problems around the world stem from not understanding others, but anyway...
"Islam is careful to remind us that it not a religion to be paid mere lip service; rather it is an all-encompassing way of life that must be practiced continuously..." as quoted in the thread,
http://www.islamicboard.com/discover...hat-islam.html, struck me as a very profound statement. I'm well familiar with religions such as Christianity that are almost ubiquitous in their presence in the world and the one thing that I've always been struck by the hypocrisy present. A lot of people profess their belief, and behind closed doors (or sometimes less discreetly) perform actions contradictory to their supposed faith. Many of the prominent paths have their names mired down by sedentary followers with wagging tongues.
Now, I am by no means taking that post, and that quote in that post at face value and simply accepting it because it's written there, rest assured. In school I had a Muslim friend who was very kind in explaining to me why she wore the hijab and always behaved herself after a certain way. Unfortunately I never got to ask her more in depth questions as we only had one class together and were separated by a grade level, but to me she exemplified what a true religion encapsulates. She lived her faith, not preached it. She always acted with a sense of personal honor, and it's struck me in my readings that this is something innately emphasised Islam which is probably is at the core of what I find so fascinating and beautiful about the path. Always conduct oneself honourably, and adhering to one's faith in ALL aspects of life is the only true honourable decision when claiming to be of a creed.
Likewise, in Asatru there is the same concept, but it is in a slightly different light. In my path, we have a set of nine virtues that we strive to uphold. These are: courage, truth, honour, fidelity, discipline, hospitality, industriousness, perserverence and self-reliance. They stem mostly from the cultural background, as the Scandinavian people had to contend with a harsh environment. If one person failed to do their chore, the whole community would suffer. Emphasis was placed on personal honour, to do what is necessary and what is right to ensure the survival of all. It was not at all an egoistical or selfish thing to strive for an honourable reputation, nor was it the whole "seek personal glory so you can have songs sung about you" that has been popularised over time. Having an "honourable reputation" simply meant that you could be relied upon, you were honest, true to your word and fair in your chores and dealings (though yes, there are quite a few sagas about Jarls with "honourable reputations". ;) )Really, at the core Asatru is a religion that seeks to uphold community. We value family, friendship and recognise that our social interactions can have a profound effect on others. As a result, it is necessary to conduct oneself in an upright way, not just say "Hey I worship the Norse Gods" and be done with it.
I've always respected people and religions that not only speak as though they are part of a path, but act as though they are too, in an honest and genuine manner. Your path and mine are very similiar in that they require us to actually live in our paths in order to call ourselves part of the faith. This is true religion.
Anyway, this is a bit long. Apologies ... I hope it answered your questions. :)