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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Snoozin on September 8, 2004, at 11:49:35
I'm American and Christian, and recently I've been getting in the middle of discussions where people are insulting Islam and making what I believe to be false statements about it. But I most certainly do not know enough to counter against these insults. And I think these people don't particularly know what *they* are talking about either.
I don't like their negative and fear-mongering attitudes, and would really like to learn more about what Islam truly is.
Anyone able to point me in the right direction? Recommend a book or website that talks about Islam in a very basic way?
Thanks!
Susan
Posted by nicolas on September 8, 2004, at 12:23:27
In reply to Can anyone help me with Islam?, posted by Snoozin on September 8, 2004, at 11:49:35
Hello,
I am also interested in Islam and looking for a relationship with this faith that is not born of fear. I have been studying the mystical dimension of Islam, however, and can not provide a good historical summary of the development. I do know that in the dark ages, when western europe was in turmoil, Islam was enjoying a kind of Renassaince and keeping alive Plato and Aristotle. There are many great Islamic poets of the Sufi tradition.
I have been reading
"The Heart of the Qur'an" by Lex Hixon
"Understanding Islam" by Frithjof Schuon
(available from : http://www.worldwisdom.com/Public/index.asp )
"The Mystics of Islam" by Reynold A. Nicholsonand some delightful poems by Rumi and Hafiz.
I will search around for good websites and see if I can't provide you with a decent historical summary. Do you have any specific questions or was there something in particular that your friends said that you hope to disprove?
Posted by Snoozin on September 8, 2004, at 12:55:22
In reply to Re: Can anyone help me with Islam?, posted by nicolas on September 8, 2004, at 12:23:27
Wow, thank you so much for those references. I can't wait to go look for them!
>>Do you have any specific questions or was there something in particular that your friends said that you hope to disprove?
<<Well, yes, although I'm a bit hesitant to post them here because I don't want to offend anyone. It's imperative people know I highly value all different religions, and think of Islam as very similar to Judaism and Christianity. I've heard two things recently that concerned me. They are related, actually.One friend said that the Christian Crusades were in response to a violent *conversion* of Christians to Islam by Muslims. My uncle said this weekend that he heard a Muslim on a Christian radio show, who recently converted to Christianity. He was saying that Islam's mission is to convert all non-believers, even if by violent means.
I don't think violence holds a legitimate place in Islam, but I don't know. ?? But I'm afraid that some people are just quick to jump on that aspect of it, because of the very tiny minority of people who claim to be Muslim yet commit terrorist acts. It's a stereotype and prejudice that seems to be acceptable in the US, and it bothers me. Do you know anything about the use of violence in spreading Islam?
Susan
Posted by nicolas on September 8, 2004, at 14:02:37
In reply to Re: Can anyone help me with Islam? » nicolas, posted by Snoozin on September 8, 2004, at 12:55:22
Unfortunately, I am not knowledgable enough to answer your questions about the 'Crusades.' However, a reading of history in which everything done by Christians is said to be on the side of right and everything done by Muslims is said to be in the wrong is a highly suspicious if not racist reading.
The books I recommended are mystical and metaphysical. Here are a couple history books you might consider reading. (They are books I have intended to order but haven't ordered yet):
"Islam,: The Straight Path"
Islam by Karen Armstrong
(also available on amazon but I can't get it to link)
Posted by Snoozin on September 9, 2004, at 8:31:10
In reply to Re: Can anyone help me with Islam?, posted by nicolas on September 8, 2004, at 14:02:37
Thank you for the resources you've pointed out. I'm going to the bookstore this evening.
:-)
Susan
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