Dear Moderate Muslim; Don't Blame Extremists

Dear Moderate Muslim:

I appreciate you speaking out against the violent and godless actions that are currently being seen in the Middle East at the hands of men who would call themselves your brothers in faith. I can appreciate that extremists exist in every religion and though this violent faction is great in number, they do not represent your personal understanding of Islam. Yet despite the attempt by yourself, President Obama and others to bring to light the more tolerant side of Islam, I am unconvinced that Islam is a religion of peace.

In public you speak as though these men have acted outside the principles of your faith, yet you neglect to mention that Islam has as its stated goals global domination, peacefully if possible, forcefully if necessary.

According to Sura 61:9 You have been commanded to “Take your faith to all the other religions of the world and to "make" (Force can be substituted here) it triumphant over every religion, even though the "idolaters" that may be averse.” (Paraphrased)

Mr. Muslim it is impossible to take your assurances that Islam is a peacful religion seriously. Your history is wrought with forced and violent conversions. ISIS is not something new to your faith. They are but one of the many Muslim groups who, throughout history, routinely justify their actions by declaring they are “kicking the infidel out”. As you know, a Muslim can justify violence if they see their actions as reactionary. That is, if they believe they are the victims and are acting in defense of their home or homeland.

Quran (2:191-193) YUSUFALI: And slay them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where they have Turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter; but fight them not at the Sacred Mosque, unless they (first) fight you there; but if they fight you, slay them. Such is the reward of those who suppress faith.

Consider Quran (2:216) - "Fighting is prescribed for you, and ye dislike it. But it is possible that ye dislike a thing which is good for you, and that ye love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knoweth, and ye know not."

This verse establish that violence can be virtuous. In addition, it contradicts the idea that fighting is intended only in self-defense, since the audience was not under attack at the time. From your Hadith or “Prophetic Traditions”, we understand this verse was narrated at a time that Muhammad was actually trying to motivate his people into raiding merchant caravans for loot.

According to Answering Islam.com’s article called “What The Qur'an Really Says About Violence” There were certain months in a year the Arabs recognized, and expected, peace among all their tribes. They were called the “Sacred Months“ During these four sacred months, no warfare was permitted. One of the reasons for this was to allow commerce so that the Arab people could have a livelihood. Not long after Muhammad arrived in Medina he sent his men out to attack and plunder other people’s goods. An act that was common and expected amongst the tribes, however, Mohammed paid no head to the sacred months. He plundered and pillaged all year around.

It was during one of the sacred months that Muslim raiders attacked a caravan. As it happened they murdered an attendant, stole the targeted goods, and took as slaves other attendants. This created an outcry among many Arabs, even amongst the Muslims! As a result, the Muslims were seen as villains for transgressing a sacred time. When confronted with the crime, Muhammad reacted by claiming to get a "revelation" from Allah allowing him to make war, murder, enslave, and plunder non-Muslims. The verse from the Quran that was birthed from this revelation was the afore mentioned verse Quran (2:216)

There is nothing Holy about murder, stealing or slavery. Forcing your religion on people is wrong, yet Mohammed, the greatest of all Muslims, felt no grief for doing so. I am glad that peaceful people like you exist within the Muslim faith, but I don't see that groups like ISIS are distorting or twisting your scriptures, they are subscribing and implementing a literal interpretation and acting accordingly.

It is my opinion that the problem with Islamic Violence does not start with ISIS or any other Islamic extremist group, its starts with the Qur'an and for millions through out history, it ended in death at the hands of Islamic zealots.

In response to President Obama’s comparing the Christian Crusades that took place 700 plus years ago to the modern day ISIS, Billy Graham’s Son, Franklin Graham made headlines by pointing out that that the crusaders could not justify their action from Christian Scripture or by the example of their principle character Jesus Christ,

“Mr. President, many people in history have used the name of Jesus Christ to accomplish evil things for their own desires. But Jesus taught peace, love and forgiveness. He came to give His life for the sins of mankind, not to take life. Muhammad, on the contrary, was a warrior and killed many innocent people. True followers of Christ emulate Christ—true followers of Muhammed emulate Muhammed." Franklin Graham.

There is a saying that I like to use when dealing with people of faith. “We become what we believe.” It is a fast way of saying our doctrines shape and dictate our actions. In every religion, there are dominate or essentials doctrines that define that faith. When adopted by the individual, those doctrines manifest, becomes seen, in their actions and character. Terrorism is a reflection of ones faith. It is telling that Islam gives rise to violent, murderous, extremists in greater quantities, with global consequences, more often, then any other religion on the face of the earth. This is why I say the problem begins with the Qur'an.

It has been said that, it matters little, if the majority of Islam is peaceful when the minority is unjustly at war with the whole world. The majority becomes irrelevant when they do nothing to stop their minority….. Sir, I am of little consequence to your faith or your world view. Convincing me will not restore the dignity and honor that Allah’s reputation has lost. I appeal to you, devote your time to persuading your fellow Muslims. Raise your voice of reason among your own and cease the violence. In this, you will gain my respect and the respect of all who are watching.

I am calling upon Muslims like you, to turn your influence, powers of communication, and anger (if it be present), Inward. Convince and mobilize your own. Stop the degradation of your faith and your god's reputation. If not for Allah's sake, then for the sake of Humanity and the world. Rise up the "silent Majority" against your own and stop these hideous acts. I suspect however that, you sir, are powerless to change their minds because you, in fact, are in the minority. Until I see hundreds and thousands of Muslims world wide marching in the streets demanding the end of Islamic terrorism. Your words of comfort and reason will be to me, nothing more than propaganda and wishful thinking.