Re: ...Studying Bible...
Verizon & MQ In my opinion, there's nothing wrong with it. The reason I asked this question is because someone told me I shouldn't go for it. And I argued the same thing: Islam tells us to broaden the horizons of our knowledge and learn as much as you can. Also, like I said before, we believe in the Bible too, so it's not "wrong". Besides, there's nothing wrong with learning what the other religions teach and it's similar stuff. If we never know what's written in other books, how are we supposed to argue anything?
I don't even know what's written in Quran. In Pakistan, they send you to the Masjid twice a day everyday. You recite the Quran and finish it about 10 times by the time you start middle school. But do they teach you the meaning and explain what's written in the Quran? NO. It's better to read the Quran once but with translation so you could educate yourselves and you know what we are being taught, rather than repeating the verses in Arabic not knowing what they mean. But anyway, that's a different topic.
Minha pa I think you are being sarcastic? To me, there's nothing wrong in learning about other religions. Just don't practice them if you don't want to. It's not like I will become a Christian or Catholic by reading it. I was always curious about what's written in the Bible and other religious books. It's similar stories but different names in English. For example, Esa is Jesus, Daud is David, Suleman is Solomon etc. but the teachings are very similar. Both are books of God. Again, I asked this question to find out if there's something wrong with it according to Islam (which I think there's not) and I asked this question because one guy told me not to go ahead with it. I've explained why I want to take this class (besides I heard it's an easy course) above to Verizon and MQ. Refer to that.
Bob Thanks for replying. Interesting reply, I must say. Yes, you are right. People will be divided on this issue and that's why I asked for references in addition to personal opinions. My faith in Islam is not weak, I know that.