Re: The raging controversy in Islam
pinks, can you supply the passage(s) from the Quran which state that listening to music is forbidden?
And that dancing is forbidden?
That owning a dog is forbidden?
That good Muslims cannot acknowledge the holidays of other religions?
I've not finished reading the Quran but I dont recall reading that these things are forbidden.
Your idea of purdah for Muslims and "mini-skirts" for everyone else is kind of absurd. There are ways to dress modestly in the west and its not the majority of women who wear miniskirts. As far as alcohol, it is an accepted fact of life here yet it is definitely NOT a requirement to partake of it and there are many who do not - Muslim and otherwise. Same with gambling. And guys only get "brownie points" for ogling and passing comments when they are in their obnoxious teen years. After that, its considered anywhere from impolite to absolutely crude. So talking about the "realities of life" in the west and fitting in, you dont need to take things way out of proportion. It is absolutely possible to nicely fit in here without compromising your beleifs, values and practices.
I seem to recall reading in the Quran that the seeking of all knowledge is not only a good thing, but a required thing. Is it your opinion though that seeking knowledge about other religions is forbidden? Or that male med students cannot learn about the female body and vice versa? That the seeking of knowledge is selective? I just cannot imagine that the Quran would direct a follower not to wish a christian "merry christmas" or that Allah would send a man to Hell for bringing home a rose to his wife on valentines day.
I guess this means I;m one of those "moderates"