Salaaam.
I posted a reply in this thread, but included a link to what was considered an "anti muslim" website. My apologies, I did not intend to offend, and i will not do it again.
However, I disagree that the site in question is anti muslim. This is one of the difficulties I have with Islam. There seems to be no tolerance for intellectual questioning, and this is not attractive. If Islam is true, it can withstand questioning, and has nothing to fear.
I will respond more fully later.
peace
Ibrahim
There is a difference between
intellectual literature and that which is considered false and malicious publication printed for the purpose of defaming a man, a religion or people!... it is actully against the law, as it is a form of libel and slander.. that beside, do you consider the protocols of the elders of Zion 'intellectual'? Many will contend its contents are authentic within reason, and ring so very true today.. try finding it under Amazon and see what comes up... Amazon has come under a lot of scrutiny for selling such material that now there is a prevising on the page with Amazon delineating the protocols as 'fiction'!... perhaps one day they can grant Islam the same courtesy? -- but I doubt it!
If you have 'intellectual' questions about Islam, there is a refutation section to this forum and I believe it handles well all allegations leveled against Islam in a clear and concise fashion...
If Islam isn't attractive to you, you are not alone!.. I assure you there is a whole welcome wagon of people who share your views all you need to do is but google. You'd be surprised (maybe not) by the prevarications people will stoop to when given anonymity.
I too can cement any idea with a cut-and-paste about any group ( blacks, hispanics, Jews, Italians, Irish nationalists, Mormons) and quote me a cluster of hooligans and present it as truth... I tend to believe, that folks find exactly what they are looking for when on a quest, and further securing my beliefs in hollow globule with like minds. Happens all the time, it isn't a sign of enlightenment or reason I assure you, just another form of herd mentality and forgive my saying very en vogue!
Islam withstood worst calamities in history!.. I am sure it will manage to survive the poor opinions of the disillusioned!-- I happen to have had a glimpse into your post from yesterday where you identified (reformed Muslims) as the few intelligentsia, whereas the rest are ignorant and under-educated..
I don't know what you meant by that.. I thought it fell along the lines of a vituperative railing...There are various studies, posted here even if you'll use your search engine that speaks of very cultivated and learned Muslims..
Middle Eastern Immigrants in U.S. Educated, Prosperous, Study Says
Gannett News Service, August 15, 2002
(Also ran in Arizona Republic - 8/15)
WASHINGTON — Middle Eastern immigrants in the United States are well educated, earn more money than most Americans and are predominantly Muslim, according to a report released Wednesday.
You may do a google search just by sticking that afore mentioned statement into a search engine!
lastly, there is no such a thing as a 'reformed Muslims'-- you are either Muslims or you are a hypocrite!-- contrast that with the new and praised vociferously 'moderates' to which we say again you are either a good Muslim or a bad one!...
peace!