In a comment below, "Islam" sent a link to a wonderful site about the teachings of Islam. The site endeavors to separate itself from extremists and to explain the true content of the religion, which it argues cannot be learned from people who claim to be Muslim (as they can be mistaken), but only from the Koran and Sunna. A fair point, which I willingly grant, since I wish for Christianity to be judged by its saints, not necessarily by any random person who professes it. But see if this apologia doesn't prove my very point. In response to the question whether Islam is a religion of terror (the answer bears the unfortunate subtitle "exploding the myth"), we're told:
However, the very purpose of this physical jihad is to raise the word of Allah uppermost. By doing this, it liberates and emancipates all those who are crying out for freedom all over the world. If the likes of the pacifists of this world had their way, then the world would indeed be full of anarchy and mischief. The combative jihad seeks to correct this as Allah says in the Qur'an:
"And if Allah did not check one set of people by means of another, the Earth would be full of mischief. But Allah is full of bounty to the worlds" The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 2, Verse 251.
In subsequent remarks, the article denounces as unworthy of Islam all terrorist practices --targeting women & children, torture, beheading, suicide bombing, etc.:
"And fight in the way of Allah those who fight you. But do not transgress the limits. Truly Allah loves not the transgressors" The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 2,Verse 190.
Not transgressing the limits means not to kill women and children, for the Messenger of Allah (says)"forbade the killing of women and children" [5]. Not transgressing the limits means that the elderly, the sick, monks, worshippers and hired labourers are not attacked. Not transgressing the limits means not killing animals wantonly, burning crops and vegetation, polluting waters and destroying homes, monasteries, churches and synagogues:
"Allah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion, nor drove you out of your homes. Indeed, Allah loves those who deal with equity" The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 60, Verse 8.
After reading such passages from the Qur'an and knowing about what Islam commands and prohibits in jihad, the rules of warfare are given a new meaning; a meaning of justice.
Good to know; on its own terms it's not a religion of terror. Nevertheless, conquest is enjoined upon Muslims, as a liberation of peoples, as described above and subsequently in the article, which makes precisely my point: under Islam you'll be treated well --if you submit. See for yourself (and check out the descent into rabid anti-semitism at the end).
