Monthly Archives: May 2014

Islam and Science, Islamic Values, Mohammad

Mohammad’s Miracle

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Muslims often speak about the miracle of Mohammad.  That he had ONE amazing “miracle”, and that miracle was the “miracle” of the Qur’an.  That because Mohammad was apparently an illiterate man, there was no way he could have produced the Qur’an.

If you listen to the Qur’an in Arabic, it rhymes, it is very poetic.  It is almost like you are listening to a song if the right person, with the right voice is reciting the Qur’an in it’s original language.  That aspect of it is lost when you read it on other languages.

To any objective person, and a person who is a critical thinker, this argument doesn’t hold water at all.  Just because Mohammad couldn’t read or write doesn’t mean he couldn’t speak and say words that rhyme together.

On top of that, I don’t care about the style of the Qur’an as much as I care about the substance of it, and when you read what the Qur’an actually says by reading the various translations – it doesn’t say much at all.

It repeats itself over and over, condemning non-Muslims and unbelievers alike with absurd stories and commands.  It jumps from topic to topic mindlessly.  The real miracle of the Qur’an to me is that we are in the year 2014, and this religion is the second largest religion in the world and still growing!

But getting back to the idea of Mohammad having a miracle.  When most people think of a miracle, they think of something that could never happen in real life.  Something that would require something or someone out of this world defying the laws of physics to make something happen.

In Mohammad’s case, he does have a “miracle”.  Granted, no one else saw this miracle happen and Muslims just take him on his word without questioning.

The miracle goes like this – apparently Allah sent down arch-Angel Gabriel to Mohammad as Mohammad was resting at the Kabaa.  Gabriel was accompanied by a winged horse named “Burack”.  Mohammad apparently then did the following:

  • Flew on the horse through space.
  • Then made it to heaven by flying through space.
  • While in heaven, met other religious figures such as Jesus, Moses, and Noah.
  • Saw Hell and later stated that the majority of people in Hell were women because “they did not appreciate their husbands enough” or something to that affect.

Now if you believe this story, then in essence you are saying that you believe that Mohammad was the first man in space.  That the first man in space wasn’t in the 20th century on a space ship.  No, instead, it was Mohammad in the 7th century on a horse.

Now that my friends, is quite a miracle.

 

Islamic Values

Do Muslims Worship Allah, Mohammad, or Both

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Years ago, people in the West would refer to Muslims as Mohammadans, a term Muslims would contend as ignorant and inaccurate.  But is it really?

When you look at Islam, Muslims revere Mohammad to a point where to any objective person – is a form of worship.  Having ideas such as:

  • Mohammad was the example of humanity.
  • Mohammad was most perfect human.
  • If anyone insults Mohammad, he should be killed.
  • Doing whatever Mohammad reportedly said or did without even thinking.

Are all forms of worship.  Muslims will contend that they worship God, but the Qur’an itself says to do what Mohammad said.  To follow Mohammad’s word, although “Allah” knows best.

The Hadith says that you should put Mohammad above your family members including your children and your spouse.  You should love Mohammad the most.

Acknowledging and understanding the above, can you really blame outsiders for calling Muslims “Mohammadans”?

 

Islamic Values

Questioning, Critical Thinking and Islam

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Unless you are living under a rock, you know that Islam does not tolerate being questioned.  In fact, in Islam, it is a sin to question the religion as they believe that “only Allah has the right to question, you have no right to question Allah”.

Sadly, this works on people in the religion.  It is a sick form of mind control.  The fact of the matter is that questioning and critical thinking are krypotnite to Islam because when you genuinely question it, it become obvious there is no truth to it.

For example, in the Qur’an, every chapter starts off by the phrase, “In the name of Allah, the most merciful, the most compassionate”.  And then goes “Allah” goes off raging against the non-Muslims – a group of people “He”(Because as we all know “God” is a male – though Muslims will contend with you that this is just showing the masculinity and strength of “God”.) created.

Allah apparently gets jealous and angry when others are worshiped or he is not worshiped at all.

So let’s look at this in the big picture of things – something Muslims don’t do and if they did they would start to see their faith unraveling.

Allah created everything in the universe and man.  He gave man free will and Allah is all knowing.  Allah should, theoretically in advance, KNOW that people are not going to believe in this ONE religion.  In fact, he should know that the majority of people are going to make up their own religions (they are all man-made), and yet he gets extremely angry and destroys people for not being in this ONE religion.

A religion that says that His creation is perfect, and then commands you to mutilate your son’s genitals.

A religion that says Allah gave you free will yet condones slavery yet if you drink one sip of alcohol, you are going to be whipped 40 to 80 times.

A religion that condones having sexual relations with slave girls caught in battles – also known as rape – yet two people who love each other, who have not married each other, cannot have sexual relations with each other.  In fact, if they do, they will also be whipped.

That’s just a few disgusting things about Islam.  I encourage you to pick up a Qur’an and Hadith book, and read.  It will make you sick to your stomach.

Islamophobia,Racism, and Bigotry

Islamophobia, Racism, or just plain BS

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One thing I notice from watching Muslims handle criticism about their religion is that when they are legitimately questioned and they cannot field the question or comment, they will immediately go into the victim mode and call the person who is asking the question a bigot, a racist, or Islamophobe.

All three are patently absurd because:

  • Islam is not a race, it is a set of ideas.
  • Islam teaches a lot of horrendous things and to treat non-Muslims like they are subhumans – in essence, it is Islam that is the bigot and we are just calling it out.

Once they have no wiggle room to counter the statement, they need to marginalize the person who is making the claim.  It is all projection with these people.  The fact of the matter is is that it is NOT Islamophobic to point out the horrendous things Islam says to do.

It is a set of ideas, and everyone should have the right to criticize those ideas if they are in fact disgusting, and the Qur’an and Hadith are disgusting on so many levels.

Islam and Science

The Qur’an and Science: Are They Really “Twin Sisters”

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Over the years Muslims have made many claims that the Qur’an is “without error” and “scientifically accurate” – that the Qur’an and science are “twin sisters”. Is this really the case or is this just a case of public relations on the part of Muslims in a desperate attempt to get converts?

The fact of the matter is that the Qur’an and science are not only NOT “twin sisters”, but they aren’t even remotely related.  On the one hand you have the science, which is:

  • Not dogmatic
  • Open to questioning
  • Open to change in the form of progress

And on the other hand you have Islam, which:

  • Is dogmatic
  • Not open to questioning and is met with open hostility if is questioned.
  • Not open to change at all, in fact Muslims think this is one of their “proofs” of Islam being right.
  • Relies on threats and intimidation tactics instead of facts.

Not only is the Qur’an is not only NOT scientifically accurate; it is patently absurd in the claims it makes of the natural world.

The Qur’an states that mountains hold the ground from moving – which is not true.  Mountains form as a result OF the ground moving.  Not only that, if the ground didn’t move, that would mean you are on a dead planet.  The reason why the ground moves is because we have a hot core, which plays a role in the movement of tectonic plates.  THE GROUND MOVES.  That is why when you look at a globe it looks like the land is a puzzle.

The Qur’an also states that semen comes from “an area between the backbones and the ribs”- also absurd.

The fact of the matter is that the Qur’an contains NO scientific miracles.  It is a religious book that repeats itself over and over and tells people to follow or burn.  If you were to get your science from the Qur’an, you’d be seriously misguided to do so.

Islam and Science

Islam and Science

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Today Islam and Muslims are looked at as backwards people.  People with no drive for learning anything other than what is in the Qur’an and Hadith.  However, about 1000 years ago, Islam was in it’s hey day.

From the years 800-1200, it was the areas dominated by Muslims that were thriving, whereas Europe was in its era of “Late Antiquity”, sometimes referred to as the Dark Ages.

During this time, ancient Greek manuscripts – which had a wealth of wisdom at the time – were preserved by people living on the Islamic side of the world.  Muslims today like to point to that era and say it was Islam that made them do it, but was it?

There is nothing in Islam that says “defend the works of Aristotle, Socrates, and Pythagoras”.  In fact, when you read the Qur’an, it commands you to follow Islam and do whatever Mohammad says.  If you look through the Hadith, it is the same message.  It’s a very simplistic way at looking at life.

It also must be pointed out that this era ENDED.  And it ended 1000 years ago.  If it were really Islam that had led to the preservation and expanding upon the works of the ancients, then the Islamic world would still be as dominant and open minded today as it apparently was back then for its time.

My take on it is that there were certain people in the early era of Islam who were open minded and inquisitive and realized the power of those ancient writings.  Not the ancient writings of the Qur’an – they may have been Muslim but they knew that all there is to know is not in the Qur’an and Hadith – and decided to do the math and science that was required to come up with great discoveries.

To say that Islam came up with Algebra is to say that because the internet was devised by a country mainly comprised of Christians, the internet was invented BECAUSE of Christianity.  Both arguments are absurd and serve nothing other than the ego of the people who belong to those faiths.

Islamophobia,Racism, and Bigotry

Defending Your Religion

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If someone criticizes, questions, or insults Islam, Muslims are taught they must act and defend it – and defend it with their life.  Which to any rational person, should make no sense - and rightfully so.

When they mean “defend” they do not mean defend it in a logical sense, they mean defend it as in “those people have insulted my religion, now I must punish them for doing so”.

Even if they wanted to defend it logically, they cannot – because Islam inherently is not a logical set of ideas.  It cannot be defended logically, and you cannot have a logical discussion with Muslims.  As such, if you attempt to have one, you will either be in one of these situations:

  • You might end up in a situation where the Muslim is talking in circles as they ignore every single one of your points and repeat dogma at your over and over, and putting words in your mouth to re-frame the debate to their liking.  I once got into a debate with a Muslim and referenced this verse:

“Do the unbelievers think that they can take My servants as protectors besides Me?  Verily We have prepared hell for the unbelievers for (their) entertainment.” Sura Al-Kahf(Chapter 18, Verse 102).

And instead of talking about the verse, they completely ignore it and say, “People like Hitler deserve hell” to try to win the argument.  But this verse clearly says UNBELIEVERS and for ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE MUSLIMS TO WATCH PEOPLE BURNING FOR ETERNITY.

  • They will get offended and you will be in a situation where they(Muslims) use intimidation tactics in the form of threats of physical, emotional, verbal abuse.
  • They will call you a racist – which makes no sense because it is not a race.  Or they will call you Islamophobic – which again makes no sense.  All people are doing are pointing out the horrendous things that are said in the Qur’an and Hadith.
  • In some cases, I have known Muslims who can actually listen and don’t get so riled up and instead say “I’ll have to research that”.  These are the Muslims I respect because they are open with what they don’t know and they don’t act all insane or try to manipulate the conversation to win at all costs.

Anyway, recently I spoke with a Muslim person and he said something quite bizarre.  He said,”No one should have to defend their religion…”.  I thought to myself, what an absurd claim.  So let’s take a look at this statement.

Look, if you are in a social group, religion, or otherwise, and someone asks you why you are in that group, you have to give some sort of answer that makes sense.  Maybe it is because the cause really speaks to you, you might enjoy it, it provides emotional benefits, etc.

However, if you are in a religion, that says the provocative things that the Qur’an says about non-Muslims, then you should EXPECT to be asked about those topics.  You don’t necessarily have to defend it, as much as you have to explain yourself.  Do you think like this?  Do you think non-Muslims deserve to burn in a fire for all eternity?  If the answer is yes, then expect to be met with hostility and for people to not like you.

The problem with Muslims is is they want a separate set of rules for themselves where they are never questioned and their religion is never criticized, all the while framing non-Muslims beliefs as though there is something wrong with them.

You can’t have it both ways.  Well, maybe in Saudi Arabia you can.

Islamic Values

No Compulsion in Religion

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Whenever it is brought up about how Muslims force people into their religion and don’t allow freedom, many of them will say “You are basing this on the media.  It is not true!” or some variation on that theme.

They will then continue by citing the following verse in the Qur’an: “Let there be no compulsion  in religion: truth stands out clear from error: whoever rejects evil and believes in God hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks.  And God heareth and knoweth all things.” (Surah 2:256)

The verse above is from the Yusuf Ali translation(the most popular translation of the Qur’an).  Now Muslims will insist that see our religion allows you to be free!  If someone were to point out the other verses of the Qur’an which promote slavery, rape, violence, etc. etc. etc. – which MOST of the Qur’an does – you’ll probably get called out by Muslims for “cherry-picking” and “reading it out of context”.  But that’s a bit of a stretch – because it’s the Muslims who are taking this ONE verse and implying that this one verse represents the whole of Islam.

The fact of the matter is, apostasy is met with death.  If you drink alcohol you are met with fierce violence in the form of being whipped 40 to 80 times.  Slavery is accepted in Islam.  Having sexual relations with slave girls is accepted, which in essence we are talking about RAPE. The fact of the matter is the Qur’an is a political document written by men.  It does not promote the well being of anyone other than to revere Mohammad.  It says one thing and then a hundred different times says the exact opposite and is demonstrated throughout Islamic law. No compulsion in religion?  Maybe, in some, but in Islam you are not free.

Islamic Values

Islam: Peace or Submission

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Many times it is said that Islam means peace – but does it really? Others would say that it means submission?   So which one does Islam truly represent?

The Devil Did Not Bow Down

In Islam, the devil (not saying there actually is one in existence) would now bow down when Allah commanded.

Moral of the story: Submit, be obedient or you are being like the devil.  +1 Submission

If One Falls During Hajj, Continue Walking

During Hajj, if a person should fall, Muslims are instructed to NOT come to the aid of that person and instead KEEP WALKING.  Every year hundreds of people die during Hajj by being trampled to death by their own “brothers and sisters” and no one thinks anything of this bizarre practice.

If a person were to fall to the ground in a mosh pit during a rock & roll show, and the band instructed their fans to just keep moshing and listening to music all the while trampling others to death – people would not stand for it.  However, no one points out to the willful brutality of this practice.  And to think, no one thinks to themselves, “Why would a higher power be so full of himself(as if God – if he exists – has human attributes like jealousy, narcissism, etc.) that he would create his creations to worship him – to the point where you are trampling each other to death.

Moral of this lesson: Submit, be obedient keep walking, who cares about others, only God matters.  +1 Submission

Slavery and Rape – OK.  Drinking Alcohol – Not OK.

Slavery and having sexual relations with your slaves – otherwise known as RAPE – is allowed.  But if you should dare have a sip of alcohol, that is an abomination and will not be tolerated!  Slavery and rape are tolerated, but having a beer isn’t and is met with extreme violence by being whipped 40 to 80 times as accordance with Islamic Law.

Moral of this lesson: Submit, be obedient you can have slaves and rape them, but if you catch anyone drinking alcohol, brutalize them.  +1 Submission

Domestic Violence/Child Abuse

I think everyone has read the verse about “beating your wife lightly” in the Qur’an, but here’s a verse from the Hadith(Muslims believe the Hadith are the sayings of Mohammad whereas the Qur’an is the literal word of God.) stating that regardless if their parents are abusing them, children have no right to rebel or talk back:

“The Prophet said, ‘Any Muslim whose father and mother are Muslims and who wakes every morning with the intention of doing right by them will have two doors opened for him/her in Paradise by Allah.  If only one parent is alive, then one door(will be opened).  If he/she angers a parent, Allah will not be pleased with that person until his/her parent is pleased with him/her.’

Then the Prophet was asked. ‘But what if one’s parents are unjust to him/her?’

He answered, ‘Even if they are unjust(one must act to please one’s parents).”

And you wonder why that culture has a prevalence towards domestic violence?

Moral of this lesson: Submit, be obedient you can treat your children any way you want, they are your children and they have to obey you. If you want to beat them, humiliate them, deprive them – whatever you as the parent  want to do with your child, you can do, and not only that, your children have to not ever react in anger, but instead accept it and still act to please you!  +1 Submission

Conclusion

To anyone being objective about the situation, Islam does not mean peace.  Not unless you were Mohammad, because he gets everything he wants and an army of people who are still protecting him 1400 years after he ever existed – if he existed at all.