format_quote Originally Posted by
azim
Asalaamu alaykum.
I really don't think this thread is gonna go anywhere - its on of those topics that will just disintergrate into insults and pointless comments.
It shouldn't matter how similar or different Jews and Muslims are - we treat each other with respect and kindness following the example of the Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) and his greatness of character. We all know the hadith about the funeral procession when the Prophet (pbuh) stood - and the sahabis protested "but he is a jew" to which the Prophet rebuted "is he not a human being?".
Its possible to draw comparisions and contrasts between any two things - what benefit does its discussion bring though?
it is not a comparison in order to say either one is superior or inferior.
i feel if we focused on our similarities (while being completely aware of our differences, with respect) instead of what divides us, we could live together much easier. and yes, i see a number of similarities between judaism and islam, and they face similar problems.
the world is getting smaller - we need to learn to respect each other and we do this by learning about each other. this forum section should be about comparitive religions - seeing the similarities while honouring the differences. syilla posted an excellent article here recently about islam and buddhism, which i think is a fine example of comparitive religion. but it too often deteriorates into "mine is better than yours", or people asking questions not because they have a genuine desire to learn but so they can ridicule and belittle others' faiths.
i respect the fact that muslims demand that their beliefs be respected, but sadly, with some members they are unable to grant the same respect to others and these would be the very first to yell if they thought someone was insulting islam!
there - i've vented for the day.