Is Islam a religion or political emporium?
537719
Politicians used the basis of Islam, a religion, to strengthen their claimed authority.
700895
Yes and no (although Mosque and state would be more appropriate).  I would say it's more of a hybrid.\n\nBangladesh's originial constitution of 1971 established it as a secular republic.  Since then, two successive military governments have ammended the constitution to make Islam the state religion.  None of the 3 democraticaly elected governments rolled back these ammendments.\n\nIn practice, most laws are secular.  There are some notable exceptions including:\n     1. Difficulty in obtaining alcohol.  Only select clubs, hotels, and associations may legally serve it (you can also buy it in the Airport duty free).  In reality, it's readily available in the black market, and not enforced for private occasions.\n     2. Certain portions of the Islamic code apply for inheritance.   Individuals have the right to opt out.  Religious minorities are exempt.\n     3. The blasphemy law is enforced on occasion (highly politicized).  Interestingly, it's a carry over of British common law from the colonial days, but I mention it since it is currently use to suppress publications deemed un-Islamic.  The courts have the right to overturn judgements and have done so.
488925
I think so. Religion usually starts out as an attempt at some sort of spiritual connection and then evolves into a force for exerting control and power over people. One example is the religion of Islam. It was started by Muhammad as "submission," but others who used Islam after Muhammad's death certainly didn't have that in mind. One example of this is the Umayyad caliphate. At first, it ruled its conquered places without attempting to impose religion upon them. Instead, they would have soldiers stay in places separate from the others in conquered lands. They found, however, that this was not effective at all. Because of this, they then used Islam as a unifying force; they converted the conquered peoples to Islam because, under the banner of religion, they would be easier to control. This is an example of Muslims using their religion as a political tool. Of course, there is the other example of terrorists and suicide bombers who believe that they will get 72 virgins for extinguishing the lives of many in the name of Allah. In my opinion, though, the Quran would support that kind of behavior because Muhammad slaughtered many in Mecca so that he could establish Islam there. So, I guess that wouldn't be a misuse of their religion. \nAnother example is the religion of Christianity. Used by the Catholic Church, it then warped into something that can hardly be recognized as Christianity. It has a pope, a so-called "vicar of Christ" who could exercise power over Christians by changing doctrine and teachings at whim. This is nowhere in the Bible. Also, look at the atrocities committed in the name of Islam. The Spanish Inquisition, which killed many Jews and Muslims and ended with the capture of Granada in 1492, was simply disgraceful. There was also the Crusades. Though, to a regular person, it seemed like a religious conflict for the capture of Jerusalem, it had a political cause. King Alexius I of the Byzantine Empire was simply afraid that the invading Seljuk Turks would capture his land. For this reason, he went to Pope Urban II and asked him for help in beating them back. And then it evolved into "Deus lo volt!" (or whatever the Latin expression is) and killing the Muslims and capturing Jerusalem and whatever. Besides, the Roman soldiers who were supposed to be working for the Christians attacked the Christian city of Acre. So, as you can see, there were many other interests in the Crusades disguised under religion. Another is Christianity used as justification for discrimination. One example of this is the Jews. They were simply hated, especially because they went into business, which, according to Catholic doctrine, was more or less not spiritual or holy or whatever. Because of this, the Jews in the middle ages were blamed for a lot of things. If they ever ran out of money, they would criticize them for lending too much money with their banks. The Catholic Church even tried to blame the Jews for the Black Plague, saying that they poisoned the wells.\nThe point is that religion has been abused a lot and it continues even today.
1043882
yes. i believe that islam is the only religion that is sutable for people of every age, race and culture. but nowadays media has turned islam into a terrorist religion. we should preach that islam is a peaceful religon, not a violent one.the media depicts islam as extremist. but only in lslam women"s rights are more acknowledged than any other religion. we just think that taking off clothes is considered "freedom". but in islam only knowledge is considered "independence" not nudity.
902560
Islam is a way of life.  Muslims practice their religion everyday, in everything they do, where as in christianity they practice every sunday.  Following the five pillars of islam will put u in the right path.
388943
Islam\nIslam, a name given by Allah to this religion (Quran 5:4), is an Arabic word which literally means obedience and peace. ISLAM is derived from the Arabic root "SALEMA": peace, purity, submission and obedience. So 'Islam' would mean the path of those who are obedient to Allah and who establish peace with Him and His creatures. Its follower are called Muslims.\n\nIslam is not a new religion. It is, in essence, the same message and guidance which Allah revealed to all prophets before Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. Allah says in the Qur’ân:\n\n"Say, `We believe in ALLAH and that which has been revealed to us, and that which was revealed to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the tribes, and in that which was given to Moses and Jesus and other Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them and to HIM we submit." (Qur’ân 3-85)\n\nSix main Articles of faith in Islam\n\nTo believe in the Oneness of Allah. \nTo believe in all His Angels. \nTo believe in all His Books. \nTo believe in all His Prophets. \nTo believe in the Day of Resurrection. \nTo believe in the Decree of Allah \n\nThe Five Pillars of Islam (Declaration of the Islamic Faith)\n\nIn order to enter into the fold of Islam i.e. to be Muslim, one has to know, believe, accept totally and sincerely apply the five basic principles (Pillars) on which Islam is based: Ibn Umar narrated that the Messenger of Allah - Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said: Islam is based on the following five pillars (principles).\n\nBearing witness that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah \nObservance of Prayer \nPaying Zakat \nFasting during Ramadhan \nPilgrimage to the house of Allah. \nWhy I Believe in Islam\nThe following is an extract from the writing of Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmood Ahmad—the second successor to the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, founder of the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam.\n\nI have been asked to state why I believe in Islam. When I put the question to myself, the reply I received was, for the same reason for which I believe in anything else, that is to say, because it is the truth. A more detailed reply would be that in my view the central doctrine of all religions is the existence of God and man's relationship with Him, so that the religion that can succeed in establishing a true relationship between God and man must be true, and the truth of a faith is surely a sufficient reason for believing in it. \n\nIslam claims that the Creator of this universe is a living God and that He reveals Himself to His creatures in this age in the same manner in which He used to reveal Himself in the ages past. This claim can be tested in two ways. God may either manifest His signs direct for a seeker after Him, or the seeker may come to believe in God by studying the life of a person to whom God has revealed Himself. As by the Grace of God, I happen to be one of those people to whom God has on many occasion and in a supernatural way revealed Himself. I stand in need of no further reason for believing in truth of Islam than that I have experienced the truth in my own person.\n\nFor the benefit of people who have had no similar experience, however, I proceed to relate the grounds which, in addition to my personal experience, have been the cause of my believing in Islam.\n\nFirst of all, I believe in Islam for the reason that it does not compel me to accept all those matters the sum total of which is called Religion merely on authority, but furnishes convincing arguments in support of its doctrines. The existence of God and the nature of His attributes, angels, prayer and its effects, Divine decrees and their sphere, worship and its need, Divine Law and its benefits, revelation and its importance, resurrection and the life after death, heaven and hell -- with regard to every one of these, Islam has given detailed explanations and has established their truth with strong arguments to the satisfacti
125461
Islam in arabic means peace. The muslim religion promotes peace, as for the Danish embassy.. that's a different topic altogether.. the religion was mocked and disrespected. what if something like that was done to an image of Jesus?\n\nIslam has even it's own political system to take care of things such as poverty. If Islamic nations followed the doctorins of Islam to the letter they'd be much better off.. \n\nExample?\n\nZaka(t)\n\nthat is when a muslim is OBLIGATED to pay a portion of what they have as a form of charity.\n\nwhat about respect?\n\nThere is a saying where it was the case that a Muslim woman prayed daily, fasted (obstained from food during day hours), gave charity, and so on.. but was cruel to her animals. The Prophet was asked will she go to heaven the Prophet said no since she was unmerciful to what depended on her (her pets/animals)\n\nRespect of the nieghboor:\nIn Islam, a Muslim is seen as going against the religion if they are disrespectful towards their neighboors.\n\nas for what muslims are doing NOW and today..\n\nDid you know in Chicago that mosques put together a program to feed the poor? they collected money, and distributed food to the poor.\n\nDid you know that there are Muslim run organizations that send AID (financially or by volunteers) when there is a need for it when natural disasters occur?\n\nLady, check your facts before you make false remarks like that (directed to beach gurl)
439767
Islam is a peaceful religon, like most others.  It's the way humans interpret the teachings that cause problems.  Islam also states that the religon should be defended.
320662
Islam followed by Christinaity.
426374
NO. It is a myth created by the liberal media outlets. Islam is a fanatic religion. I invite anyone to go to any and every arab and muslim country and conduct a poll and ask them what they think of america? what they think of the west? what they think of christians? what they think of jews? i guarantee that majority of every muslim and arab country will answer negatively. \n\nThis is not a matter of opinion, just open your eyes, and take a look at the world. Islam is not being spearheaded by a few "extremists". These extremists are the people, and they are supported by the people. So moderate islam does NOT exist. Sure there are a few muslims that are less interested in terrorism, but for the most part, they are all brainwashed, and will all share the same fate.\n\nI said, the answer is NO!
928001
There's a Muslim in Congress? I wasn't aware. That's pretty cool. I hope religion stops being such a driving force in politics. It was never meant to be.
761853
Ahmadiya is not considered Islam. the Quran clearly states that prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is the seal of the Prophets. \n\ni suggest you check out Sunni Islam.\n\npeace.
1178728
Yes I am Religious.\nI am a Muslim and Islam is my religion.\nI think my life is better ,based on the inner peace and good qualities I have found in my self since becoming a practicing Muslim.
705211
Because Islam exists.
209276
well iam muslim, islam is so far from terrorist yes and so far from ben ladin, islam is a religon which dont conflict with others and we belive in all god messengers we believe in the christ , and we dont make difference btween them, islam is not a religon which only cares abt the spirituality sides its a full system wich cares abt many reallife sides like marriage and women rights and other things which we use judiciary system, islam has its own judiciary system which is very reliable but we dont fully use it in islamic countries we use integration between laws and islamic judiciary system,there are lots of things islam care abt "which arent applied in islamic countries"\n my english doesnt help me, but i know some one who can help u to find resources and stuff\n,i can send u her email
753232
My religion is Islam.I believe that Islam is the right choice for me because :\n1)Islam with the holy book Al Qur'an and Hadith as an inheritance from Muhammad peace be upon him (pbuh) is the last and complete life guidance from Allah the only one God and no other god than Allah\n2)the other religion with its holy book are outdated and have many\ncontradictions and uncomplete such as Zabur,Taurat and Injil or\nBible because it have been changed by dirty hands\n3)Islam gives us a right path as our straight way which will give us all kindness and happiness in this world and kindness and happiness in eternal life after death\n4)Islam is a peaceful religion which spread out by love  and no force because islamic teaching is logic and gives us a free will\n5)Islam increased the level of recognation and honour of women\nas stated that heaven is on the foot palm of a woman and kids should first serve their mother than their father. \n6)Islam regulates social,economy,politic,management, ,law and culture that are better than the other religions which  more regula \nte for praying as a communication to God\n7)Islam is logically believe in one God who has no son,no mother and no father Allah is really only one God who has omni power.\n8)Islam is the only one religion that is accepted and blessed by Allah for our savety in our life here in this world and then in our eternal life after death if we obeyed all of Allah's instructions and prohibitions\n9)Islam gives the principles of a good living and discipline and clean life for our health and  gives the best way for our earning income and for disbursing our income\n10)Islam gives the basis for a prosperous and peaceful society in line with islamic teaching because we should work hard,pay islamic taxes and donation/alm,help the poor and orphan and make a togetherness with our family,neighbours,friends and rela tives,groups,among races and among countries.We are brothers and sisters as descendat of Adam and Eve/Hawa..
633018
Yes, it's a religion.