Questionable
Teachings of Islam: One Billion People Deceived
INTRODUCTION
It
seems that religious ideologies have always played a pivotal role
in the formation and structure of societies, cultures and traditions
since the dawn of mankind. We can observe throughout the world today
that there are countless religions and philosophies - each claiming
to have been exclusively enlightened to the "answer" that will bring
peace and harmony to mankind. Ironically, all do not agree and the
result has led civilizations into territorial conquests, tragic wars
and injustices against humanity such as ethnic cleansing that continues
to this day. Many religions have been established through deceptions,
superstitions, fears and half-truths in order to keep a strict and
rigid control over their flock.
On the other hand, this does not exempt
the ideology of Atheism (belief that God does not exist) from being
innocent of committing human atrocities. Millions of people have been
persecuted and killed by regimes that distance themselves from religious
ideals such as the governments that adhere to Communist, Socialist
and Marxist philosophies.
Controlled through Fear:
Islam
is one of many religions that has advanced its control over people
through fear tactics. However, Islam is more than a religion, as noted
earlier, and its control delves personally into the daily activity
of each practicing Muslim. Even when faced with the truth, Muslims
are afraid to speak up to question great discrepancies that are found
within Islamic theology. For example, one popular response by Islamic
groups is to state that Islam means "peace" when in reality Islam
means "submission." Another misleading statement made by Islamic public-relations
groups is to cite a verse from the Qur'an stating that there is "no
compulsion" in religion. (Qu'ran 002.256) Yet, that verse becomes
negated by contradictory teachings that command Muslims to fight against
those who do not believe in the Islamic god, "Allah," nor acknowledge
Islam as the "religion of truth." (Qur'an 009.029)
It was that specific
compulsion that prompted the Islamic prophet, Muhammad, to engage
in military conquests - fighting against regional pagan tribes in
Arabia. The ultimatum issued to each tribal leader was for them to
surrender and "embrace Islam" or face destruction by Muhammad's armies.
This religious movement continued quite successfully after the death
of Muhammad in 632, Common Era, and spread throughout the Mideast,
Europe and Asia until various civilizations and religious cultures
were all brought under the "banner" of Islam.