Anti Muslim Rhetoric Reaching a Dangerous Level

What would my commentary be if I were still Christian and analyzing this Ft. Hood tragedy?

Well I’m certain it would be inline with the Christianity I was taught, the very same Christ-like beliefs that never left me, that overall God is Love.

1 John 4:8 (New International Version)

⁸Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

I know some itching for a fight, may wonder why I easily and readily quote the Bible, but let me ensure you that it’s 100% within the context of my religion.  A little known fact about Islam, is that we don’t reject the Bible outright, we merely reject those things in it, that we believe were corruptions (additions, subtractions, etc.) made by man.  The Qur’an never claims to be the only revelation to man, nor does it ever claim to be the sole book of scripture in which the Muslim can receive guidance on the will of God, what the Qur’an does call itself is the Criterion, i.e. the measuring stick by which to weigh what is correct and what is wrong within previous revelations, but enough on the comparative religion for now.

My point is, that in the Qur’an we are told a minimum of 114 times in the Qur’an at the beginning of every Surah (chapter) except 1, that God is The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful, we are reminded in the Qur’an throughout that God is oft-turning to mercy and forgiveness.  So this is consistent with the Biblical verse I reference where it is stated that God is Love.

So how does this all relate to my post today?  Well there have been some pretty nasty and downright ugly things said about Muslims over the past weeks much of it is coming from those who claim to be Christian, some very prominent in some Christian circles, and the things they are stating and encouraging their followers to believe is mildly put very non Christ-like, or at least I guess I learned about a different Jesus (as) or something growing up and I guess my Christian family the patriarch of whom is a Pastor of over 50 years, obviously teach and believe in a different Jesus (as) as well, because the comments I’m hearing from these pulpits today is so sickening that the only other place where I have ever heard supposed Christians teach and preach like this is the KKK.  Maybe there’s something to that considering the overwhelming majority of these “Christians” who make these vile comments about Muslims are White, but I digress….

Now let’s imagine for a moment that I were still a Christian, in many ways I still am for the record (but like I said more theology discussions later), what would I encourage those whom I lead?  Well maybe I would use the words that are reported to have been said by Jesus (as) concerning those who are the enemy (real or perceived).  Such as:

⁴³“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor^[h] and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴But I tell you: Love your enemies^[i] and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. ⁴⁶If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? ⁴⁷And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? ⁴⁸Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.  (Matthew 5:43-48)

I have to admit, I am not seeing anything close to this in the media especially concerning those who are claiming to be Christian.  Let’s say for a moment that Muslims really were the enemies of Christians.  How does Jesus (as) deal with issue?  What would Jesus (as) do?  Yet, instead of following the teachings of Jesus (as) i.e. being Christ-like, we have many “Christians” right now in certain media saying things that are the complete opposite.  Now many will disregard what I have written, because I’m obviously just a lowly Muslim, but I sincerely ask, if your mission as many of you claim to be is to bring people to Christ (as), then why would I as a Muslim want to or should believe your words when you refuse to approach me in Love as Jesus (as) himself commanded of his followers?

Now just so you know, the Qur’an has a very similar teaching, so before some of you decide you want to elevate “your book” against “mine” (and by the way these books belong to God) here’s what the Qur’an says on the very same issue:

5:8 (Asad) O YOU who have attained to faith! Be ever steadfast in your devotion to God, bearing witness to the truth in all equity; and never let hatred of any-one ^[19] lead you into the sin of deviating from justice. Be just: this is closest to being God-conscious. And remain conscious of God: verily, God is aware of all that you do.

So here we have in the Qur’an that we are not allowed to be inequitable and deviate from justice even if we hate someone!  But wait there’s more:

60:5 (Asad) O our Sustainer! Make us not a plaything ^[7] for those who are bent on denying the truth! And forgive us our sins, O our sustainer: for Thou alone art, almighty, truly wise!”

60:6 (Asad) In them, indeed, you have a good example for everyone who looks forward [with hope and awe ^[8] ] to God and the Last Day. And if any turns away, [let him know that] God is truly self-sufficient, the One to whom all praise is due."

60:7 (Asad) [But] it may well be that God will bring about [mutual] affection between you [O believers] and some of those whom you [now] face as enemies: for, God is all-powerful - and God is much-forgiving, a dispenser of grace.

60:8 (Asad) As for such [of the unbelievers] as do not fight against you on account of [your] faith, and neither drive you forth from your homelands, God does not forbid you to show them kindness and to behave towards them with full equity: ^[9] for, verily, God loves those who act equitably.

What is being reinforced here for the Muslim, is that there is absolutely nothing wrong with being kind and equitable even to your enemies as long as they are not actively persecuting you of course as that would be illogical.

My point in stating all this from both the Christian and Muslim perspective(s) is that we have to evolve the discussion.  We have to grow up mentally and most importantly spiritually.  Yes, tempers, emotions, etc. are high, however when has this ever been an excuse to reject faith?  When has anger ever been allowed as a means to disobey the commands of God?  Choose Civility that is the best course.  Whether we ever agree or not on anything religious, the one thing none of us can escape besides death and taxes (Ben Franklin), is the reality that whether or not we like it, we are all here together.  Is it not better to accept that fact and learn to live in equity with one another regardless of opinions religious or otherwise, or does it make more sense to never live in peace and continue with the senseless fighting and hate-mongering?  As we are taught as Muslims, we should repel evil with good especially concerning those who hate us, as you may never know how God may change their heart and we become as close friends.  I believe this is where the message of Jesus (as) closely connects to this Qur'anic Ayah  (verse), because if you pray for your enemies then if it is the will of God, they may very well change in their opposition toward you.

41:34 (Asad) But [since] good and evil cannot be equal, repel thou [evil] with something that is better ^[31] and lo! he between whom and thyself was enmity [may then become] as though he had [always] been close [unto thee], a true friend!