Only BARBARIANs will burn the churh!!!

By JR Tey

I was taken aback when I was given to know that our churches are being torched. I have no idea why those people wanted to do so. I don’t think this is the best way of showing our feeling. Church is considered as ‘rumah ibadat’. Even Prophet Mohammad did not attack the ‘Rumah Ibadat’ when war was taken place. Any experts can tell me from which part of Quran/ SUnnah/ Hadith which permits the attack towards churches???

This posting is meant to share my personal understanding about Islam. Though I’m not a muslim, I think there’s no prohibition for me to understand the teaching of Islam.

The so called Holy Book in Islam namely the Quran lays down the principles that help Muslims achieve salvation, become better individuals and useful members of society. Muslims believe the Quran originated with God and Muhammad was the man chosen to deliver it. The Quran is organized in 114 chapters. Compiled 14 centuries ago, its original text has been preserved without any changes. It recognizes the Jewish and Christian faiths and teaches respect for the followers of these sister religions. The Quran recognizes the truth contained in the doctrines of Judaism and Christianity, and it confirms Abraham, Moses, Jesus and others as true prophets who preceded Muhammad.

Muslims grow up reading the stories of the biblical prophets Noah, Abraham, Moses, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Jesus and others in the Quran. The Quran is not anti-Christian or anti-Jewish, and it teaches tolerance and is explicit in directing its followers to respect all other faiths. The birth of Jesus to a virgin mother is narrated in the Quran and is a part of the Islamic belief. Mary is the only woman mentioned by name in the Quran. "Oh Mary ... God has chosen you above all the women in the world" (Quran 3:42).

The Quran regulates every phase of the life of a Muslim in religious practice, culture and morals. It contains directions for the leaders as well as for the common man, for the rich and the poor, for war and peace and for spiritual as well as the temporal. It speaks of the rules relating to social life, commerce, inheritance, marriage and penal law. It lays down the principles for the tenets of Islam. Through the Quran, Islam teaches moderation, tolerance, love for fellow humans, justice, fairness, compassion, spirit of sharing and respect for all faiths. Demanding equal rights for all, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, social status or religion, it teaches respect for all faiths. It harkens its followers to be useful citizens and to answer the call of conscience.

I got a chance to speak personally with an Islamic expert during a forum some months ago, he is a Professor from one of the universities in Pakistan and he told me that Muslims recite Quran during the five daily prayers. Some Muslims understand it and apply its message in their daily living. Moved by its verses, most people are enthralled to hear and recite it as the Holy Book, but fail to apply its message in their daily lives. Many who read it don't understand its meanings or follow its spirit in their daily practice. Some have relegated it to reverence and respect and are content listening to it in weddings, funerals, birthdays and ceremonies. Some principles are explained while some are interpreted in separate bodies of writings. Many interpretations are complementary to the peaceful and noble teachings of the Quran, but some are not. Subject to interpretation and difference of opinion, some teachings have been taken out of context or literally and have been exploited as a pretext to foment extremism, fanaticism, violence or discord. I believe Islam will be seen as so ‘negative’ when Islam is misused.

"The Messenger will say: Oh my Lord! Truly my people have taken this Quran for just foolish nonsense" (Quran 25:30).

I wish all of us regardless of religions and races, please respect others' religion...