Why does Islam forbid lesbianism and homosexuality?

Ibrahim says: Greetings of peace to one and all

Hey Adbul!

so far as the Qur’an is concerned and as to how and who compiled it .

The Qur’an itself gives the answers .

Read!

75: 16 Move not thy tongue concerning the (Qur’an) to make haste therewith.

17 ** It is for Us to collect it and to promulgate it:**

18 But when We have promulgated it follow thou its recital (as promulgated):

19 ** Nay more it is for Us to explain it (and make it clear):**

Ibrahim says : hence If for any reason you are under the delusion that some goat ate any verse in the Qur’an, I hope you have now realized your folly or misconceptions.

Now in addition to this from the primary source

The secondary source which are the hadiths will attest to the fact the Prophet (pbuh) himself as well as many of his companions FULLY memorized the entire Qur’an which was rehearsed in front of the Angel Gabriel at various times to ensure that the form of transmission of the Qur’an was of two folds.

  1. by way of memory ( the first and foremost method for scriptures being transmitted in the past)

  2. by way of written texts ( which was a later stage)

Now let me quote

Ibrahim says: Hence assuming a goat did indeed eat some verse ( nauzubillah) why and ho would the angel loss his memory concerning it?

** Hence goats can be excused for eating anything that they may come across but what is your ( adbul) excuse for spreading folly based on what you came across? **

Ibrahim says: Yes! stoning has been practiced from ancient times as a punishment for mankind. What this signifies is that the punishment is inflicted by many against the accused and the death induced by such an action (stoning) is not the verdict of one but of all

Stoning had been revealed to the Prophet (pbuh) and was practiced as had been practiced by past prophets . ** Here itself lies another evidence as to how not all things revealed to the prophet are not compiled in the Qur’an but may only be understood from the Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh) **

Let us read!

Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith Hadith 8.805 Narrated Jabir bin Abdullah Al-Ansari,

‘A man from the tribe of Bani Aslam came to Allah’s Apostle and informed him that he had committed illegal sexual intercourse and bore witness four times against himself. Allah’s Apostle ordered him to be stoned to death as he was a married Person.’

Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith Hadith 8.806 Narrated by Abu Huraira

A man came to Allah’s Apostle while he was in the mosque, and he called him, saying, “O Allah’s Apostle! I have committed illegal sexual intercourse.” The Prophet turned his face to the other side, but that man repeated his statement four times, and after he bore witness against himself four times, the Prophet called him, saying, “Are you mad?” The man said, “No.” The Prophet said, “Are you married?” The man said, “Yes.” Then the Prophet said, “Take him away and stone him to death.” Jabir bin 'Abdullah said: I was among the ones who participated in stoning him and we stoned him at the Musalla. When the stones troubled him, he fled, but we over took him at Al-Harra and stoned him to death.

Sahih Al-Bukhari HadithHadith 8.816 Narrated by Ibn Abbas

'Umar said, “I am afraid that after a long time has passed, people may say, ** ‘We do not find the Verses of the Rajam (stoning to death) in the Holy Book,’ and consequently they may go astray by leaving an obligation that Allah has revealed. ** Lo! I confirm that the penalty of Rajam be inflicted on him who commits illegal sexual intercourse, if he is already married and the crime is proved by witnesses or pregnancy or confession.” Sufyan added, “I have memorized this narration in this way.” 'Umar added,** “Surely Allah’s Apostle carried out the penalty of Rajam, and so did we after him.” **

Ibrahim says: Adullah Yusuf Ali in his translation elaborates: ‘Zina includes sexual intercourse between a man and a woman not married to each other. It therefore applies both to adultery [which implies that one or both of the parties are married to a person or persons other than the ones concerned] and to fornication, which, in its strict sense signification, implies that both parties are unmarried.’ The editors further add, 'Although Zina covers both adultery and fornication, in the opinion of Muslim jurists, the punishment laid down here applies only to un-married persons. ** As for married persons, their punishment, according to the Sunnah of the Prophet [s] is stoning to death. **

Ibrahim says : Had you understood the Qur’an and the message given therein , you would have not asked this question but since you asked it show that you have no knowledge as to what the Qur’an conveys.

2: 130 And who turns away ** from the religion of Abraham but such as debase their souls with folly?** Him We chose and rendered pure in this world: and he will be in the Hereafter in the ranks of the righteous.

2: 136 Say ye: ** “We believe in Allah and the revelation given to us and to Abraham Isma`il Isaac Jacob and the Tribes and that given to Moses and Jesus and that given to (all) Prophets from their Lord ** we make no difference between one and another of them and we bow to Allah (in Islam).”

2: 140 ** Or do ye say that Abraham Isma`il Isaac Jacob and the Tribes were Jews or Christians? Say: Do ye know better than Allah? ** Ah! who is more unjust than those who conceal the testimony they have from Allah? But Allah is not unmindful of what ye do!

16: 123 ** So We have taught thee( Mohammed) the inspired (message) “Follow the ways of Abraham the true in faith ** and he joined not gods with Allah.”

Ibrahim says: hence the message and laws and regulations as practiced by the Prophets were similar and this is confirmed by

Read!

22: 78 ** And strive in His cause as ye ought to strive (with sincerity and under discipline): He has chosen you and has imposed no difficulties on you in religion; it is the cult of your father Abraham. It is He Who has named you Muslims both before and in this (Revelation);** that the Apostle may be a witness for you and ye be witnesses for mankind! So establish regular Prayer give regular Charity and hold fast to Allah! He is your Protector the Best to protect and the Best to help!

Read!

42: 13 ** The same religion has He established for you as that which He enjoined on Noah–the which We have sent by inspiration to thee–and that which We enjoined on Abraham Moses and Jesus:** Namely that ye should remain steadfast in Religion and make no divisions therein: to those who worship other things than Allah hard is the (way) to which thou callest them. Allah chooses to Himself those whom He pleases and guides to Himself those who turn (to Him).

Ibrahim says; thus if the religion was the same the punishments for the crimes are also the same.

Stoning was practiced even at the time of Christ for adultery so why would it differ at the time of prophet Mohamed (pbuh) ?
If you are in doubt …read!

Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith Hadith 4.829 Narrated by Abdullah bin Umar

** The Jews came to Allah’s Apostle and told him that a man and a woman from amongst them had committed illegal sexual intercourse. Allah’s Apostle said to them, “What do you find in the Torah (old Testament) about the legal punishment of Ar-Rajm (stoning)?”** They replied, (But) we announce their crime and lash them." Abdullah bin Salam said,** “You are telling a lie; Torah contains the order of Rajm.” They brought and opened the Torah and one of them solaced his hand on the Verse of Rajm and read the verses preceding and following it.** Abdullah bin Salam said to him, “Lift your hand.” When he lifted his hand, the Verse of Rajm was written there. ** They said, "Muhammad has told the truth; the Torah has the Verse of Rajm. The Prophet then gave the order that both of them should be stoned to death. ** ('Abdullah bin 'Umar said, “I saw the man leaning over the woman to shelter her from the stones.”-

was salaam
Ibrahim

** A moments insight is sometimes worth a life’s experience **

Jazakallah khair br. Ibrahim!

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http://www3.pak.org/gupshup/smilies/smile.gif

abdul malik.
watever ur freekin name is wat the hell are u talking about .mods plz its requested this post shud be deleted or locked plz humble request.

and yeah abdul malik before making some comments full of ignorance.just think for a while that ur abusing the whole entire pashtun nation.i think we have more ghairat in us than you . maybe a few might have this sinful habbit but not 50 % .u r a one ignorant man.and lemme guess doesnt that happen btw ur ppl ...haan .it happes everywhere but pashtuns are notorius cuz ppl like u are jealouse cuz we practice islam more than you and follow our culture ..not like you hah talking in english even in your own families..u got that dude..next time be careful.
mods plz let this post thr .and plz humbly requested not to be deleted..
i just cant beleive no one said anything about it.THAN U SAY WHY PASHTUNS WANT INDEPENDENCE.

AND YEAH ONE MORE THING ABDUL MALIK

howbout i start talking about panjabis ,sindhis all the rest of non pashtuns in pak.wud u like it ..it does hurt when OUR OWN MULIM BROTHER OUR OWN PAKI BROTHER start talking $hit like that..
if i say the same words for panjabis here .i wud be stoned to death right here in this gupshup forum..
ppl plz show some respect we feel things too.before posting such b/s like abdul malik has done plz think that "WHAT COMES AROUND GOES AROUND".
tomorrow i'll make stories about you ..than huhhh my post will be deleted CUZ I AM A PASHTOON.

abdulmalik

Try some schools in NWFP and Balochistan, you will find that these days non-Pashtoon young in those areas will pay what ever it takes for protection and popularity :wink:

Its not 50%, its probably 5 or 10 that happens to be very proud of it, so am I of them, because most of the time, the guy under them happens to be a non-Pashtoon. So I say to them, screw for the sake of stereotyping.

The leader of the Pakistani Gay & lesbian group called Al-fatiha in the United States happens to be a Punjabi khussra (hijra) from Lahore named Doctor Nasim. Most of the members from San Francisco, New York, Houston, Chicago comes from Karachi and Lahore. I have yet to see one from Peshawar in their rallies in gay parades.

You probably have never been to Sindh and Baloch on a hot sunny day, a sugarcane farm in Punjab, and a video arcade in Karachi; that is why you have that idea about Pashtoons.

Now as far as homosexuals are concerned: Stone them to death. Bury them under a wall if need to. And do only that in an Islamic country please

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If Jesus was one of your prophets, predating Muhammad, and he was against stoning, how is this explained? I have a real problem believing the Old and New Testament are as corrupted as Islam contends. The Talmud is not part of those. Stoning was very much a part of the ancient Mid-East. Do you fault the Jews for having ceased this barbaric practice?

[This message has been edited by TOMASSO (edited May 08, 2002).]

[quote]
Originally posted by TOMASSO:If Jesus was one of your prophets, predating Muhammad, and he was against stoning, how is this explained?
[/quote]

Ibrahim says: Greetings of Peace to one and all

Tomasso you seem, ill advised and most certainly lacking knowledge concerning the Bible . As per your own Bible in the current version, the passage concerning Jesus refusing to stone the adulterer has been added into the Bible well after Christ had been removed from this planet . some 600 years later according to Christian scholars.

Let me quote, this passage and show you what is being stated concerning it , ** that most Christians are unaware of. **

John 8

  1. but Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.

    1. And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
    2. ** And the scribes and the Pharisees bring a woman taken in adultery; ** and having set her in the midst,
    3. they say unto him, ** Teacher, this woman hath been taken in adultery, in the very act.**
    4. Now in ** the law Moses commanded us to stone such: what then sayest thou of her? **
    5. And this they said, trying him, that they might have whereof to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground.
    6. But when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them,** He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. **
    7. And again he stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground.
    8. And they, when they heard it, went out one by one, beginning from the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman, where she was, in the midst.
    9. And Jesus lifted up himself, and said unto her, Woman, where are they? did no man condemn thee?
  2. And she said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said, Neither do I condemn thee: go thy way; from henceforth sin no more.]
    Ibrahim says: Get a Copy of the NIV, new international version, ( there is newer version of the NIV meant for the she+he groups, in the pipeline and that may give more shocking variations, but let us leave it for now)

Turn to John 7:53 to 8:11
** [The earliest and most reliable manuscripts and other ancient witnesses do not have John 7:53-8:11.]**

** John 7:53 to 8:11…the small prints as written above on top or bottom of this passage , reveals that this passage does not exist in the earliest manuscripts, Bible scholars indicate it was written at about 600 AD,** so what? you may think, but read what the passage conveys, ** it practically tells us that you can commit adultery and it will be forgiven, since all have sin on them …so you see why adultery is so rampant now, when it was forbidden and mentioned as the seventh commandment in Protestant Bibles and the sixth commandment by Catholic’s Bible **

So now one need to ask themselves then what was the truth. Did Christ approve adultery or did he abolish the laws as given to the Prophets ????

Christ himself answered this, in Matthew 5:17

Let us read

  1. ** "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. **

  2. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, ** not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law** until everything is accomplished.

  3. ** Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven,** but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

  4. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, ** you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. **

Ibrahim says: meaning those who break the laws of God will go to hell , which is what Pual did and taught, which is why today’s Christians are actually Paulininan’s and not followers of Christ.

Just look at what Christ actually taught! what he did was make the laws even sterner then , what had been believed by the Jews as given to Moses …kindly read the continuation of this passage to see how stern he made it look.

let us continue...

  1. "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, `Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.'

  2. ** But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. ** Again, anyone who says to his brother, Raca, ' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. ** But anyone who says,You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell. **

  3. "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,

  4. leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

  5. "Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.

  6. ** I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny. **

  7. "You have heard that it was said, `Do not commit adultery.'

  8. ** But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.**

Ibrahim says: hence according to Christ you should not even look at a women with lust so how can such a person not stone an adulterer who had actually committed adultery ????

Lets continue….

  1. If your right eye causes you to sin, ** gouge it out and throw it away. ** It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.

  2. And if your right hand causes you to sin,** cut it off and throw it away.** It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.

  3. "It has been said, `Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.'

  4. ** But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery. **

Ibrahim says: again, even divorce was objected upon as it would cause the women to commit adultery . when such is the case why would he refrain from stoning the adulterer as conveyed in the Jewish law??

Lets continue….

  1. "Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, `Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.'

  2. ** But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; **

  3. or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King.

  4. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black.

  5. ** Simply let your Yes' beYes,' and your No,'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. **

  6. "You have heard that it was said, `Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'

  7. ** But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. **

  8. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, ** let him have your cloak as well. **

  9. If someone ** forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.**

  10. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

  11. "You have heard that it was said, `Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'

  12. ** But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, **

Ibrahim says: hence the Jews were furious, they cannot even follow what had been revealed in the torah and here came their promised guide who made it even more difficult for them.

Anyway Tommasso, did you note how adultery was scorned by Christ in the sternest manner????

Let me quote you the laws concerning it

Exodus 20:

  1. "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.

  2. "You shall not murder.

  3. ** "You shall not commit adultery. **

  4. "You shall not steal.

  5. "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

    1. "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. ** You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant,** his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."

Leviticus 20:

  1. "`If a man commits adultery with another man's wife--with the wife of his neighbor—** both the adulterer and the adulteress must be put to death. **

    1. "`If a man sleeps with his father's wife, he has dishonored his father. ** Both the man and the woman must be put to death;** their blood will be on their own heads.
    2. "`If a man sleeps with his daughter-in-law,** both of them must be put to death.** What they have done is a perversion; their blood will be on their own heads.
    3. "`If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, ** both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death;** their blood will be on their own heads.
    4. "`If a man marries both a woman and her mother, it is wicked. ** Both he and they must be burned in the fire,** so that no wickedness will be among you.
    5. "`If a man has sexual relations with an animal, ** he must be put to death, and you must kill the animal. **
    6. "`If a woman approaches an animal to have sexual relations with it, kill both the woman and the animal. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.
    7. "`If a man marries his sister, the daughter of either his father or his mother, and they have sexual relations, it is a disgrace. ** They must be cut off before the eyes of their people.** He has dishonored his sister and will be held responsible.
    8. "`If a man lies with a woman during her monthly period and has sexual relations with her, he has exposed the source of her flow, and she has also uncovered it. ** Both of them must be cut off from their people.**
    9. "`Do not have sexual relations with the sister of either your mother or your father, for that would dishonor a close relative; ** both of you would be held responsible. **
    10. "`If a man sleeps with his aunt, he has dishonored his uncle. They will be held responsible; they will die childless.
    11. "`If a man marries his brother's wife, it is an act of impurity; he has dishonored his brother. They will be childless.
  2. ** "`Keep all my decrees and laws and follow them,** so that the land where I am bringing you to live may not vomit you out.

Leviticus 2o:

  1. "`A man or woman who is a medium or spiritist among you ** must be put to death. You are to stone them;** their blood will be on their own heads.'"

Leviticus 24:

  1. "Take the blasphemer outside the camp. All those who heard him are to lay their hands on his head, ** and the entire assembly is to stone him.**

Deuteronomy 17:

  1. If a man or woman living among you in one of the towns the LORD gives you is found doing evil in the eyes of the LORD your God in violation of his covenant,

    1. and contrary to my command has worshiped other gods, bowing down to them or to the sun or the moon or the stars of the sky,
    2. and this has been brought to your attention, then you must investigate it thoroughly. If it is true and it has been proved that this detestable thing has been done in Israel,
    3. ** take the man or woman who has done this evil deed to your city gate and stone that person to death. **
  2. On the testimony of ** two or three witnesses a man shall be put to death, but no one shall be put to death on the testimony of only one witness.**

Deuteronomy 21:

  1. If a man has a stubborn and** rebellious son who does not obey his father and mother and will not listen to them when they discipline him,**

    1. his father and mother shall take hold of him and bring him to the elders at the gate of his town.
    2. They shall say to the elders, "This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious. He will not obey us. He is a profligate and a drunkard."
    3. ** Then all the men of his town shall stone him to death. You must purge the evil from among you. ** All Israel will hear of it and be afraid.

Deuteronomy 22:

  1. The girl's father will say to the elders, "I gave my daughter in marriage to this man, but he dislikes her.

    1. Now he has slandered her and said, ** `I did not find your daughter to be a virgin.'** But here is the proof of my daughter's virginity." Then her parents shall display the cloth before the elders of the town,
    2. and the elders shall ** take the man and punish him. **
    3. They shall fine him a hundred shekels of silver and give them to the girl's father, because this man has given an Israelite virgin a bad name. She shall continue to be his wife; he must not divorce her as long as he lives.
    4. ** If, however, the charge is true and no proof of the girl's virginity can be found, **
    5. she shall be brought to the door of her father's house** and there the men of her town shall stone her to death.** She has done a disgraceful thing in Israel by being promiscuous while still in her father's house. You must purge the evil from among you.
    6. If a man is found sleeping with another man's wife, ** both the man who slept with her and the woman must die.** You must purge the evil from Israel.
    7. If a man happens to meet in a town a virgin pledged to be married and he sleeps with her,
    8. ** you shall take both of them to the gate of that town and stone them to death** --the girl because she was in a town and did not scream for help, and the man because he violated another man's wife. You must purge the evil from among you.
    9. But if out in the country a man happens to meet a girl pledged to be married and rapes her, ** only the man who has done this shall die.**

Ibrahim says: hence when Christ said he came not to abolish the laws, it means he never abolished the above commandments, which were the laws as given by God to Moses (pbuh) .Kindly read Matthew 5:17 again, note, not even an iota will be abolished from this above laws.

[quote]
I have a real problem believing the Old and New Testament are as corrupted as Islam contends.
[/quote]

Ibrahim says: Indeed, and it should be obvious since you had your boundary markers established by your parents and community when you were small and even now these boundary markers will prevent you from sensing the truth, which is plane to see from the lack of knowledge concerning the bible and God’s commandments as given therein.

[quote]
The Talmud is not part of those. stoning was very much a part of the ancient Mid-East.
[/quote]

Ibrahim says. What! You mean to say the Bible verses above are FALSE and you know better?

[quote]
Do you fault the Jews for having ceased this barbaric practice?
[/quote]

Ibrahim says: The practice is not barbaric! This method of capital punishment was ordained for mankind as a deterant for others that may hear or witness it . It is done in this form for various reasons

1) by stoning , everyone is involved in the act of putting the guilty to death, as such all parties must have a clear conscience in order to give such a guilty verdict on the accused . If they had victimized a person then all that took part will become guilty of killing an innocent person . As such 3 eye witnesses were required in Judaism

2) What this signifies is that the punishment is inflicted by many against the accused and the death induced by such an action (stoning) is not the verdict of one or the action of one but of all the people present and all the people witnessing it.

3) Most of all this is meant to be deterrent to others who may by witnessing such a punishment to refrain from ever committing such evil acts.

Thus it has been repeated over and over again that ** All Israel will hear of it and be afraid. **in the Bible

Ibrahim says : If current Jews and Christians are disobeying their commandments, that would be the reason why their scriptures were abrogated in the first place, even though Christ was sent to save them and Islam was re-established amongst the Arabs from whom it was removed when they had deviated aforetime.

Hope that helps explain why the Jews and Christians were rejected from the path of Islam as taught by prophet Moses and prophet Eesa the Christ ( peace be upon them )

Regards
Ibrahim

** problems cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them **

Qur'an ALONE is sufficient and we DO NOT need to include previous scriptures as they are present today to complete the Islamic Law.

First off, oral transmissions ONLY are NOT reliable.. and thus confirms Allah.

[al-Baqarah 2:78] Among them are unlettered folk who know the Scripture not except from hearsay. They but guess.

PakistaniAbroad: Even when writing down these scriptures, there was gross dishonesty

[al-Baqarah 2:79] Therefore woe be unto those who write the Scripture with their hands and then say, "This is from Allah," that they may purchase a small gain therewith. Woe unto them for that their hands have written, and woe unto them for that they earn thereby

PakistaniAbrod: And from whatever was faithfully transmitted at least parts of it were hidden intentionally.

[Al-Imran 3:187] And when Allah made a covenant with those who were given the Book: You shall certainly make it known to men and you shall not hide it; but they cast it behind their backs and took a small price for it; so evil is that which they buy.

PakistaniAbroad: This was the condition described at the time of revelation of the Qur'an.. then how can these previous scriptures be trusted today in the shape they are??

These 'Testaments' contain stories of Abrahamic and other Pre-Mosaic Law when Allah says:

[Al-Imran 3:65] O followers of the Book! why do you dispute about Ibrahim, when the Taurat and the Injeel were not revealed till after him; do you not then understand?

[Al-Imran 3:66] Behold! you are they who disputed about that of which you had knowledge; why then do you dispute about that of which you have no knowledge? And Allah knows while you do not know.

[Al-Imran 3:67] Ibrahim was not a Jew nor a Christian but he was (an) upright (man),** a Muslim, and he was not one of the polytheists.**

PakistaniAbroad: THIS is what following the religion of Abraham actually means. Following MONOTHEISM and not ascribing partners to Allah, not some concocted laws about stoning from remnants of scripture dishonestly transferred.

The ONLY thing we're told to reconcile with the people of the Book is the concept of Monotheism and not ascribing partners to Allah.

[Al-Imran 3:64] Say: O followers of the Book! come to an equitable proposition between us and you that we shall not serve any but Allah and (that) we shall not associate aught with Him, and (that) some of us shall not take others for lords besides Allah; but if they turn back, then say: Bear witness that we are Muslims.

PakistaniAbroad: but there have been conspiracies by these People of the Book to derail Islam

[Al-Imran 3:69] A party of the followers of the Book desire that they should lead you astray, and they lead not astray but themselves, and they do not perceive.

[Al-Imran 3:71] O followers of the Book! Why do you confound the truth with the falsehood and hide the truth while you know?

[Al-Imran 3:72] And a party of the followers of the Book say: Avow belief in that which has been revealed to those who believe, in the first part of the day, and disbelieve at the end of it, perhaps they go back on their religion

PakistaniAbroad: Today's muslim, rather than expect the followers of the Book to believe the Qur'an has rejected the Qur'an and is running after the corrupted scriptures to find laws.

How Sad.

[quote]
Ibrahim says: hence the message and laws and regulations as practiced by the Prophets were similar
[/quote]

Similar maybe but not the Same.

Each Prophet was responsible for his own people and the people answerable to the laws as laid down in their scripture.

Muslims have the Qur'an and they are ONLY answerable to it.

It's a baseless allegation against an honorable Prophet that he would ever judge by anything other than what was revealed to him. The Prophet Muhammad was commanded by Allah to judge by the Qur'an and ONLY the Qur'an.

[an-Nisa' 4:105] Surely We have revealed the Book to you with the truth that you may judge between people (an-nasi) by means of that which Allah has taught you; and be not an advocate on behalf of the treacherous

PakistaniAbroad: Notice the word an-nasi. It's everyone INCLUDING Jews who wish arbitration.

Read Further:

[al-Ma'idah 5:48] And We have revealed to you the Book with the truth, verifying what is before it of the Book and a guardian over it, therefore judge between them by what Allah has revealed, and do not follow their low desires (to turn away) from the truth that has come to you; ....

PakistaniAbroad: The verse goes on and explains Allah's system of why different Prophets carried the same message of Monotheism but DIFFERENT SOCIETAL LAWS!

(5:48)... for every one of you did We appoint a law and a way, and if Allah had pleased He would have made you (all) a single people, but that He might try you in what He gave you, therefore strive with one another to hasten to virtuous deeds; to Allah is your return, of all (of you), so He will let you know that in which you differed;

PakistaniAbroad: Let's stick to the Qur'anic law ONLY.

There is NO evidence in the Qur'an of an adulterer and/or an adultress, married or unmarried to be stoned to death.

The punishment is inhuman and unfair. It's NOT prescribed by God for this particular offence. Let's not go back to unreliable scriptures to prove Bukhari Inc. right and Qur'an wrong or incomplete.

[This message has been edited by PakistaniAbroad (edited May 07, 2002).]

PA: It would be nice if you can first finish us explaining your prayer on 'Salat as found in the Quran'. I've been viewing that thread on a regular basis, but don't see you responding to it as often as you respond to other the threads. I know I'm being impatient again, but it'd be nice if you can complete explaining us your prayer first.

Thanks!

I was under the impression that all religions were against lesbianism and homosexuality.

To me the reasons are very clear. God made man to be with woman, in order to create children.

These unnatural practices not only go against the laws of God, but the laws of nature.

I am not sure that these people should be stoned to death, as I think they are surfering from a mental illness, and should be treated acordingly.

Brenda


Hope for the best, prepare for the worst!!!

[quote]
Originally posted by PakistaniAbroad:
Qur'an ALONE is sufficient and we DO NOT need to include previous scriptures as they are present today to complete the Islamic Law.
[/quote]

Ibrahim says: salaams to all

PA dear, can you tell me where in Islam or Islamic law does anyone refer to any previous scripture to formulate the law?

On the other hand ** I cross reference other scriptures because the people in this public forum belong to many faiths and by cross referencing my answer with their religious texts they too get to understand Islam just as Muslims may also understand the similarities in the other scriptures. **

[quote]
First off, oral transmissions ONLY are NOT reliable.. and thus confirms Allah.
[/quote]

Ibrahim says: PA! If oral transmissions are not reliable in the past, don’t you think Allah (swt) would have known about it and provided written texts from heaven from the very beginning ?

[quote]
PakistaniAbroad: This was the condition described at the time of revelation of the Qur'an.. then **how can these previous scriptures be trusted today in the shape they are??
[/quote]

Ibrahim says: Muslims do not trust the previous scriptures in its entirety but when what they say and what the Qur’an says or what the prophet says is identical , why would anyone be fool enough to reject it? Or are you going to say It is only true when it is found in the Qur’an and it is untrue if found any where else?

[quote]
PakistaniAbroad: THIS is what following the religion of Abraham actually means. Following MONOTHEISM and not ascribing partners to Allah, not some concocted laws about stoning from remnants of scripture dishonestly transferred.
[/quote]

Ibrahim says : Have you not conjectured as the Christians and Jews have done and warned against by Allah (swt) in the very verse as you have quoted by saying stoning has not been revealed to the Prophets ?

Read!

Al-Imran 3:66] Behold! you are they who disputed about that of which you had knowledge; ** why then do you dispute about that of which you have no knowledge? ** And Allah knows while you do not know

Ibrahim says: PA dear can you show me evidence that stoning was never revealed and Never practiced by any of the Prophets?

If the Prophets practiced it, then who gave you authority to condemn it?

[quote]
The ONLY thing we're told to reconcile with the people of the Book is the concept of Monotheism and not ascribing partners to Allah.
[/quote]

Ibrahim says: In other words in your opinion if the Jews and Christians practiced monotheism and did not ascribe partners to Allah, they have submitted to Allah???, whilst they carry on with their disobedience of the prescribed laws as given to them?

Submission to Allah (swt) includes compliance with laws as prescribed to them!

[quote]
PakistaniAbroad: but there have been conspiracies by these People of the Book to derail Islam
[/quote]

Ibrahim says : why wouldn’t they when they believe that they alone have the true message and Islam is false on all accounts ? They will indeed spend their wealth and might to destroy Islam for the devil is on their side.

[quote]
PakistaniAbroad: Today's muslim, rather than expect the followers of the Book to believe the Qur'an has rejected the Qur'an and is running after the corrupted scriptures to find laws. How Sad.
[/quote]

Ibrahim says: PA dear, I am amazed at your silliness but then again it is not the first and I doubt it will be the last. Let me repeat, the sharia law in Islam is based on the Qur’an and Sunnah of the Prophet of Islam and not on any other scriptures or teachings.

I hope you can remember this.

[quote]
Similar maybe but not the Same.
[/quote]

Ibrahim says: does similar and same have the same meaning in the English you learnt??

[quote]
Each Prophet was responsible for his own people and the people answerable to the laws as laid down in their scripture.
[/quote]

Ibrahim says: Hence each prophet revealed guidelines for their flock and each prophet set the perimeter and boundaries as they themselves were guided by Allah (swt) This guidance was not all recorded as the scriptures as only what Allah (swt) wanted was recorded as the scripture and the other teachings were recorded as ** Prophetic teachings **

When the Prophet was present amongst the people. They will be NO records of prophetic teachings and only when the Prophet has ceased to exist will prophetic teachings be compiled in order to preserve those teachings.

Hence the scriptures reveals

33: 21 ** Ye have indeed in the Apostle of Allah a beautiful pattern of (conduct) for anyone whose hope is in Allah ** and the Final Day and who engages much in the praise of Allah.

Ibrahim says : Thus Muslims are to emulate the Prophet and that can only be done by doing what he did and taught which will not be part of the revealed scripture but be part of the SUNNAH ( the way or path) of the Prophet.

[quote]
Muslims have the Qur'an and they are ONLY answerable to it.
[/quote]

Ibrahim says: NO! Muslims are not answerable to the Qur’an they are answerable to Allah (swt) alone, who sent the message ( Qur’an) and established the messenger ( the Final Prophet) as their guide and intercessor. .

[quote]
It's a baseless allegation against an honorable Prophet that he would ever judge by anything other than what was revealed to him. The Prophet Muhammad was commanded by Allah to judge by the Qur'an and ONLY the Qur'an.
[/quote]

Ibrahim says: And who told you the Prophet judged by anything other then what had been revealed to him?

quote... for every one of you did We appoint a law and a way , and if Allah had pleased He would have made you (all) a single people, but that He might try you in what He gave you, therefore strive with one another to hasten to virtuous deeds; to Allah is your return, of all (of you), so He will let you know that in which you differed;

PakistaniAbroad: Let's stick to the Qur'anic law ONLY.
[/quote]

Ibrahim says: exactly! That is why Muslims do not practice Sabbath but know for sure Sabbath was enjoined on the Jews and Christians which they had failed to do but Muslims are in no way obliged to do.

At the same time the Prophet enjoined stoning and records reveals that it was revealed to him, and we can verify that stoning has been practiced by prophets prior to him, thus showing consistency in the penal code for such offences.

[quote]
There is NO evidence in the Qur'an of an adulterer and/or an adultress, married or unmarried to be stoned to death.
[/quote]

Ibrahim says SURE, who told you there was such a verse in the Qur’an? At the same time there is no verse in the Qur’an as to how one is to perform his salat in the correct order and manner as practiced by the Prophet and there is no verse in the Qur’an for circumcision either, but Muslims do all these things through the guidance given by the appointed prophet for Islam.

Are you declaring you know better then the Prophet in these matters?

[quote]
The punishment is inhuman and unfair. It's NOT prescribed by God for this particular offence. Let's not go back to unreliable scriptures to prove Bukhari Inc. right and Qur'an wrong or incomplete.
[/quote]

Ibrahim says : what! Inhuman you say. You mean it is alright for someone who has a wife and family, to entice your wife and and destroy your family life, when you have been faithful to her?

How would it be unfair when Prophets prior to Islam revealed in the Arabic tongue had enjoined it as per their records and revelations?

Are you saying they fabricated those teachings because the hadiths also has such records or are you saying the Arabs must have paid the Jews and Christians to say such things??

Thus when there is doubt you refer it to Allah (swt) and his appointed messenger ,

And thus what has been recorded in the hadiths shows that stoning has been practiced , the problem with you is that you deny the teachings of the prophets and as such you are in a dilemma as to how to do your prayer even.

and it would be fair to look at what others had done in such matters and here when we look at past scriptures we can be sure that this was the approved punishment for adultery in the past too.

Allah (swt) knows best.
Was salaam
Ibrahim

** We are all travelers on the same journey – but some travelers have better road maps!
[/quote]

[quote]
Originally posted by bcsm57:
**I was under the impression that all religions were against lesbianism and homosexuality.

To me the reasons are very clear. God made man to be with woman, in order to create children.

These unnatural practices not only go against the laws of God, but the laws of nature.

I am not sure that these people should be stoned to death, as I think they are surfering from a mental illness, and should be treated acordingly.

Brenda

**
[/quote]

We do not know enough about human neurophysiology and biology to make definitive statements about sexuality! It is clear that all human traits have a fairly wide distribution; height about 3.5 feet to 8 feet, weight about 100 pounds to 1000 pounds, color... many shades and hues, mental abilities from idiot savants to geniuses, atheletes from people who can jump their own height to people who can barely jump, etc. etc. We do not know enough about sexuality and its determinants to know what kind of variations should be expected and how much is the contribution of cultural and social influences.

Why condemn and judge people so fast? Let them be, if they are not harming anyone. It is their life. If they are breaking God's law then it is between them and their God. Technically the world has become a little village and I hope we can learn to live with its diversity and differences among people, and not insist on turning it into a sterile homogenized parochial little village. Technology will even make that possible, if we select to go that route.

** Sheeesh Guys !!!.. ** C’mon try to understand.. Abdul Malik is apparently a Shia (or atleast pro-Shia, ** as is evident from his posts).

There’s no need to get so emotional about it. It’s the habit of the Shias, such comments are to be expected from them.

** Some Shias even go to the extent of calling our Beloved Khalifah Hadrat 'Umar (R) a homosexual **, then why do you get shocked when they use the same language for other Mainstream Muslims.

Such sick , vulgar, foul language is like ** nursery rhymes for the Shias. ** The greater the status of a Sahaabi (R), the viler their abuses get.

After all, their enmity is with Islam, and anyone who stands up for Islam is their enemy.
.
. http://www.islamicweb.com/beliefs/cults/shia_rule.htm

During a class of ** Imaam Maalik, ** it was mentioned that the ** Raafidite Shi`ites curse the Sahaabah. **

In reply, he quoted the ** Quranic verse, ** * “Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah and ** those with him ** are harsh with the disbelievers and gentle among themselves. ** So that the disbelievers may become enraged with them.” ** *

He then said, ** “Whoever becomes enraged when the Sahaabah are mentioned is one about whom the verse speaks.” ** [Tafseeer al-Qurtubee, Soorah al-Fath; Editor’s note: ** That is, anyone who is enraged by the mention of the Sahaabah is a dsibeliever, p** because the verse says, “…the disbelievers may become enraged with them (Sahaabah).”]

** Shias hate the Pashtoons because of their devotion to Islam. ** Actually, it’s also possible that they are ** jealous that they don’t have such people in their religion. ** !

So, my dear brother ** fakeer **, when the Shias do not spare the great Sahaaba (R) with their abuses and curses, ** how can you expect them to respectful to the 21st Century Mainstream Muslims ?

sighs
thanx for the support khoone shaheed

http://www3.pak.org/gupshup/smilies/wink.gif

howz school goin.
and many thanx to mickey too..
i hope ppl like abdul malik learn from thr mistake and stop spreading hate about pashtoons.
abdul malik keep it in mind.“PASHTUNS ARE FULL OF LOVE FOR THR FELLOW MUSLIMS BROTHER .BUT THR HATE IS BOUNDLESS WHEN IT COMES TO HATRED.”
u might have the guts to say it in this forum but try talking like that in “FRONT” of a pashtun guy.and i wud suggest u take some pain killers and some kinda bandage or sth ..u know $**** happens .

http://www3.pak.org/gupshup/smilies/smile.gif

From my reading of the New Testament I get a contradictory sense from it. Christ said that, indeed, he did not come to change the law, but then proceeded to alter customs at the least. He did not condone adultery but introduced the concept of forgiveness and the saving of those who do wrong. Christianity should have developed more along the lines of Judaism by his statement, no argument there. The use of harsh injunctions to those he preached to was to hammer his point home. The culture in which Jesus was part of was cruel and in that context he found the need to use extreme words. The brotherly aspect of Islam is seen in the admonition to settle matters out of court, make up before nigthtfall and give your coat to one who needs one. The Islamic idea to provide council in matters of error and sin in private with the individual concerned also soumds like something Christ would say. I am against stoning etc. as a manner of earthly punishment in 2002. It is barbaric and meant for barbarians.

[quote]
Originally posted by TOMASSO:
From my reading of the New Testament I get a contradictory sense from it.
[/quote]

Ibrahim says: Greetings of peace to one and all

Dear Tomassso

So why doubt the Muslims when they say, the Bible & Gospels are unreliable?

[quote]
Christ said that, indeed, he did not come to change the law,
[/quote]

Ibrahim says: hence he NEVER changed the laws, they should be no doubts concerning this!

[quote]
but then proceeded to alter customs at the least.
[/quote]

Ibrahim says : Well! If the customs are in error you don’t suppose he will approve them do you? Do you suppose he should allow the errors or correct them by changing them?

Hence he was only sent to destroy the false customs and reinstate the laws as given to Prophet Moses (pbuh)

[quote]
He did not condone adultery but introduced the concept of forgiveness and the saving of those who do wrong.
[/quote]

Ibrahim says; You mean this was a new concept and prophet Moses and the rest of the Prophets ( peace be upon them all) NEVER taught this???

[quote]
Christianity should have developed more along the lines of Judaism by his statement, no argument there.
[/quote]

Ibrahim says: Good! but do Christians understand this? Do they realize that Christ was not a son of God nor a God but just another messenger sent to the Jews to guide them aright?

[quote]
The use of harsh injunctions to those he preached to was to hammer his point home.
[/quote]

Ibrahim says: LOL, did you have some telepathic connection with Christ for this assertion or were you born again without having passed away?

[quote]
The culture in which Jesus was part of was cruel and in that context he found the need to use extreme words.
[/quote]

Ibrahim says: what are the extreme words that you are talking about?

[quote]
I am against stoning etc. as a manner of earthly punishment in 2002. It is barbaric and meant for barbarians.
[/quote]

Ibrahim says: that is your opinion and you are entitled to it but that is not what the Bible says, is it?

BTW, if anyone asked me to stone another guilty person , I might turn tail and run in order to avoid having anything to do with it, but that is not the issue here, we are talking about what was approved by God and what was not, I hope you get the picture.

So far as the Bible is concerned do you have any doubts that stoning had been prescribed in it?

Regards
Ibrahim

** To live in the present is wisdom. To live for the present is folly **

Yeah, thinking about doing the stoning is very troubling to me, too. I full well am in agreement with the problems posed by "free love". The thing with Islam is that it permits multiple marriages which puts the whole issue in a different light. It is also more tolerant towards divorce, so in that context adultery is not the same as the Catholic creed. Can you provide a biblical quote where Moses was found speaking of forgiveness? He well might have and it didn't make "God's press". I am aware of the Old Testament's traditions regarding stoning and it is one more connection between Islam and Judaism. I don't have to have been around in the time of Christ to know that biblical scholars study text within a historical bracketing. The Old Testament speaks of the warrior aspect of the Israelis and the fact that God is reported to have told them to attack certain nations. Now, this is understandable then because these Arab armies were pagans. Mohammad did similiar military/religious actions for much the same reason. I will not concede your injunction to change my mind on Christ's nature. To me it is worse than insulting your Prophet, who I respect for presenting monotheism to those he came into contact with, thank you.

[quote]
The thing with Islam is that it permits multiple marriages which puts the whole issue in a different light.
[/quote]

Ibrahim says: Greetings of peace to one and all

O Lord! Tomasso dear, where did you drop from! I am serious, have you ever read your bible or understood what was approved and practiced by the Prophets and people mentioned in the Bible ???

Do I need to quote many verses from the Bible to show you that polygyny was approved by God and practiced by the Prophets.

Just so that you won’t fall of the chair, you mentioned Prophet Solomon and compared him to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon them both) earlier in another thread

Just find out how many wives he had , I better spoon feed you on this

Kindly read !

1 Kings 11

  1. King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women besides Pharaoh's daughter--Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians and Hittites.

  2. They were from nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, "You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods." Nevertheless, Solomon held fast to them in love.

  3. ** He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray.**

Ibrahim says: BTW Prophet Solomon was the son of God that was chosen to build the temple for God in Jerusalem.

Now if you were under the impression that Christ was the son of God, I am sorry to burst your bubble.

Kindly read

2 Sam 7:

13-14.. He ( Solomon) is the one, who will build a house for my name and ** I will be his father and he will be my son **

1 Chron 22:

10... He is the one who will build a house for my name ,** he will be my son and I will be his father **

[quote]
It is also more tolerant towards divorce, so in that context adultery is not the same as the Catholic creed.
[/quote]

Ibrahim says; Are you aware of how divorce was concluded in Judaism . The laws as upheld by Christ?

Kindly read!

Deuteronomy 24

  1. If a man marries a woman ** who becomes displeasing to him ** because he finds something indecent about her, and ** he writes her a certificate of divorce, ** gives it to her and sends her from his house,

And do you know , when divorce was forbidden?

Kindly read

Deuteronomy 22:

  1. If a man happens to meet a virgin who is not pledged to be married and ** rapes her and they are discovered, **

  2. he shall pay the girl's father fifty shekels of silver. ** He must marry the girl, for he has violated her. He can never divorce her as long as he lives**

Now compare this with Islam and its teachings

2:228 Divorced women shall wait concerning themselves** for three monthly periods nor is it lawful for them to hide what Allah hath created in their wombs** if they have faith in Allah and the Last Day. ** And their husbands have the better right to take them back in that period if they wish for reconciliation. And women shall have rights similar to the rights against them according to what is equitable; ** but men have a degree (of advantage) over them and Allah is Exalted in Power Wise

[quote]
Can you provide a biblical quote where Moses was found speaking of forgiveness? He well might have and it didn't make "God's press".
[/quote]

Ibrahim says: My God! Where have you been all this while?

Kindly read!

Numbers 14:

  1. ** In accordance with your great love, forgive the sin of these people,** just as you have pardoned them from the time they left Egypt until now."

    1. ** The LORD replied, "I have forgiven them, as you asked.**

[quote]
I am aware of the Old Testament's traditions regarding stoning and it is one more connection between Islam and Judaism.
[/quote]

Ibrahim says : is that all you have capacity for ? or have you not realized that they come form the same rule book and Creator?

[quote]
I don't have to have been around in the time of Christ to know that biblical scholars study text within a historical bracketing.
[/quote]

Ibrahim asks: Are you a biblical scholar?

[quote]
The Old Testament speaks of the warrior aspect of the Israelis and the fact that God is reported to have told them to attack certain nations. Now, this is understandable then because these Arab armies were pagans. Mohammad did similiar military/religious actions for much the same reason. {/quote]

Ibrahim says: prophets are not assigned to condone falsehood as such they were given permission to eradicate them , this permission only applied to them and not to their followers.

[quote]
I will not concede your injunction to change my mind on Christ's nature.
[/quote]

Ibrahim says: are you saying you have your boundary markers as such no amount of TRUTH will be accepted by you or your have pre set notions and you like them that way only?

[quote]
To me it is worse than insulting your Prophet, who I respect for presenting monotheism to those he came into contact with, thank you.
[/quote]

Ibrahim says: I do not know how you came to this conclusion, but if you are looking for answers, do you accept me to hide the truth, such that it would be pleasing to you?

What Islam teaches is this :

29:46 ** And dispute ye not with the People of the Book except with means better** (than mere disputation) unless it be with those of them who inflict wrong (and injury): but say "We believe in the Revelation which has come down to us and in that which came down to you; ** Our Allah and your Allah is one; and it is to Him we bow (in Islam)."**

41: 34 ** Nor can Goodness and Evil be equal. Repel (Evil) with what is better: then will he between whom and thee was hatred become as it were thy friend and intimate! **

35 And no one will be granted such goodness ** except those who exercise patience and self-restraint ** none but persons of the greatest good fortune.

2:109 Quite a number of the ** people of the Book wish they could turn you (people) back to infidelity after ye have believed from selfish envy after the truth hath become manifest unto them;** but forgive and overlook till Allah accomplish His purpose; for Allah hath power over all things

Ibrahim says: this is my policy if and when I preach, but I am not preaching here, I am merely providing answers for you.

If any of my responses are hard on you, try to understand I cannot lie for you, I merely tell the Truth as is, it is up to you digest and accept what you want and reject what you don’t want.

Regards
Ibrahim

** Great thinking attracts great results. Mediocre thinking attracts mediocre results **

Sometimes the answers you provide are coupled with demeaning phrases; is there a reason for this other than a possible arrogant posture? The Biblical quote from Moses is a single line and would be easily missed. It takes one with an ability to zero in on these things. Do you have the Bible memorized, as well as the Qu'ran?

[quote]
Originally posted by TOMASSO:Sometimes the answers you provide are coupled with demeaning phrases; is there a reason for this other than a possible arrogant posture?
[/quote]

Ibrahim says; Greetings of peace to one and all.

Tomasso! Now you sound like a child, in this medium you cannot see me and I cannot see you, it is only an exchange of words, I express them as best as I know it and you perceive them as best as you could. Whatever you chose to read into them will depend on your mood and not mine.

I take a lot of trouble to provide you with answers, but to-date I have not seen a reply to my question as posed to you, yet by the Grace of God I am patient and still respond to you. I am blunt and stern is my responses, since this is a religious forum, they can be no room for fun but no intention of being rude or demeaning, that would be due to your lack of understanding on my intentions .

At the same time I may act differently for different individuals based on their behavior, in short I normally mirror certain individuals in the hope that it will cause them to self reflect on their own.

As far as I can see, even though I keep giving you answers which you are unable to refute, you still insist that you are right, now that is arrogance in my view, not my blunt or sharp responses. I hope you are mature enough to understand this.

[quote]
The Biblical quote from Moses is a single line and would be easily missed.
[/quote]

Ibrahim says: O brother! , do you want tens of quotes from the Bible, where God forgives on atonement and Moses begged for mercy for the Israelites ?

[quote]
It takes one with an ability to zero in on these things. Do you have the Bible memorized, as well as the Qu'ran?
[/quote]

Ibrahim says: it takes sincerity and desire to know and God will do the rest, not the memorization of scripture in its entirety.
Your problem is, IMHO , you have lived in a society which hides each others problems in order to make themselves feel good. Where else Islam forbids lying and hiding the truth amounts to a sin when one knows what it is.

Maybe this will make you understand what I mean better.

[quote]
** When the truth is hard to handle**

One of New York City's most popular morning broadcasters is a woman named Joan Hamburg. On a recent pre-Christmas occasion, her studio guests were women of various religious persuasions married to men of every other possible religious preference: Something like a Lutheran married to a Buddhist, a Reform Jew married to a Moonie, a Quaker married to a Hindu - you get the combinations.

** They were all talking in terribly pleasant terms about how they celebrate the religious holidays so that nobody gets offended,** and the telephone calls were coming in from listeners simply delighted to learn how this was possible.

Then came a call from someone who said, ** "You can only be holding this discussion because your particular religious convictions are of no consequence to you." **

Well, the air went dead; Joan Hamburg was speechless, her guests dumbstruck. Then they recovered and retaliated, you would have thought that this caller had declared World War III. *The host castigated him as someone of mean spirit and ill will, a bigot and a grinch; the guests expressed their outrage that anyone could accuse them of being insincere about their respective religious traditions. How dare he! *

You see, ** in the middle of a post-modernist dialogue he had uttered a truth,**

** a statement so stark in its reality, it cut through all the falsity of polite speech because it dared to declare what polite speech sought to obscure: If we believe that religion matters at all, it matters precisely because it is of ultimate significance and cannot be compromised into a mélange of comfortable doctrines, whereby I'll give up the Trinity if you drop the notion of reincarnation.**

--- excerpted from D. Bruce Lockerbie, Chairman & CEO, Padieia, Inc., "The
Abdication of Belief", Vital Speeches of the Day, May 15, 1999, p. 470

Regards
Ibrahim

** Understanding is forever unattainable, but it is the only quest worth serious attention **