Becoming a Muslim After 9/11: Did I Deserve to Get All Anger Directed to Me?

Salam Freya,

Tulisan bagus. Saya senang anda membahas topik yang menuai banyak tanggapan.

I'm glad that everyone responded to your article, mostly, with maturity. This is the only way we can solve at least part of our problem. Raising or identifying the issue or problem is half way of resolving the issue/problem itself.

Pintails, I'm really proud of you. We really need a bunch of people like you who can try to understand the problem by looking deep into its root cause, not by blaming or fingerpointing people, religion, culture, ethnicity, etc.

The good thing about you is that you came from that background, American white, who used to have stereotypical view about Islam and Muslims shaped by mainstream American media. Now as you are a revert, your voice and thought would be judged less biased by your western or American fellows. If we try to defend ouselves they would think we are apologetic.

Everybody, thanks for maintaining a healthy discussion.

What would ever attract anybody in the US to embrace Islam on the heels of the 9/11 attacks if not a sense of conquest? We saw the celebration around the Muslim world over the attacks. The trouble is that the west thinks it is dealing with rational people. Muslims believe in Allah, they reverence Mohammed, they believe in the efficacy of concept of jihad, that everybody was created by Allah as Muslim who should be forced to revert to the faith. There are no moderate Muslims. They hate other religions. You cannot practice Christianity in Saudi Arabia, the custodian of the faith. The motivation is to conquer Christianity and enthrone world Islamic order. And until the west understands this, and takes appropriate actions, and stop looking for moderate Muslims for there are none, we shall wake up someday to the chant of Assalammu alaykum, in place of good morning.

many of my friend have given great comment to support your view, i must say that,, we see a lot of terror in today world.. and the western world is blaming only the Muslim world .. its not some thing like that Muslims are doing this all,, the terrorist, they dont have any religion, we can see a lot suicide attacks, which every one know,, who do them??? who kill the innocent childerens, who kill the innocent women,, its all becaise of these things... God bless them Right way to follow Islam and Quran WITH Strong belief..

This is clearly a heart-felt article and I have linked to it on my blog on the post Islam in the West, you can read it here:

http://islamonlinelearning.blogspot.com/

Feel free to comment there as well. I hope you don't mind.

i've only just joined hubpages but I hope to be add articles here as well.

May Allah bless and guide you.

The moderates in the Muslim community have to unite and make themselves stronger and sideline the extremists into oblivion. That is the only solution to the suffering of a vast majority of Muslims who feel antagonized every time there is some terror attack.

Freya this is a reality that even non-Muslims would believe in, but the problem is that 97% of the peaceful Muslims do not stand united against those terrorist attacks.In Pakistan on every other day there is a bomb/suicide attack and always innocent people are killed.

And when you said that on hub pages you found many people saying that Muslims are not peaceful and they do not like Islam you are precisely right. Before joining hub pages I never knew the intensity of hatred non-Muslims have towards Islam. I feel badly because I know that Islam is not a religion of terrorism. I wrote on forums in hub pages but then I felt that due to terrorism around the world non-Muslims have been strongly against Islam and now I could not do anything.

Hopefully one day people will think that Islam is not a religion of hatred and terror but a religion of peace and love.

what does quran say about JEWS? KILL Them is the short answer and i can quote hadits.

The problem is NOT MOSLEMs - the problem IS the books -all of them - kuran, torah and bible -> the only difference being islamic nations are more willing to be hurt than are christians and hindus dont give a damn. thats why hindus and buddists { idol worshiper shits} - never get in "danger" by words and cartoons.. STOP preaching - THAT " there are interpretations" -> how come - so many interpreters and interpretations ?

and yes, i live in a democratic - world, i believe moslems and Hindus and Christians should change THEIR BOOKS. period and full stop and no, please - no EXPLANATIONS AND PREACHING

ps: its a BEGGING TO MOSLEMS -> please stop -PREACHING OTHERS - just dont

ps2: written by a jew and a hindu - who is tired - not of moslems - e have many friends who were born moslems.. but tired of ISLAM AND ISLAMIC JIHAD AND the fan club who is interpreting that i" it didnt mean that? -> well, in tht case CHANGE the hadits - that says KILL :" just cant u ? -- thats the power of hindus - now - go somewhere else dont respond.. i dont care.. its a n appeal u may choose not to hear

Hello Freya;

Thirdmillenium you are wrong, wherever did you hear all terrorists according to America are muslim? I guess you are not from the real America. The IRA in Ireland can be terrorists , as can anyone who kills innocent people by indiscriminant acts of violence against civilians. Freya you are to be commended for taking on such a volatile issue in these times , and remember there are many who would defend your rights to practice your faith here in America. I would be one of them. Peace and serenity to you.

Freya

you are good but give a thought to this oft-repeated comment.

Problem is while not all Muslims are terrorists, all terrorists (As far as America is Concerned) are Muslims.Do you agree?

Wow, what a beautiful story and I can see how much you have been through all of this.

I do feel bad for the muslims that are good, warm and loving people. I really hope everyone can move past all of this as really when you think about it "What we think about we bring about" and if everyone is still bashing, there is no healing.

Great article!

Kris

Understandable with some of the challenges that you are enduring. The country still has fresh wounds, and it is rough for us to scar so quickly while our soldiers are dying. Also, it does not help that we as a whole lack the knowledge of faiths that are present in the country. I hope this is something that we can move past, evolve, and grow together to make this country as great as it can be.

Hi, Freya, you certainly have been through it haven't you? I do have a message for Russel though. He states that Bc is before Christ, this is true, but then he says that Ad is after death! what Catholic school did he go to? AD means Anno Domini, in other words after Christ! it is latin! duh! anyway, they obviously never taught him anything, including how to spell! anyway, Freya, we understand totally what you are saying, and I have learned so much from you, thank you and just remember we are all believers in peace here, whatever religion we are, God Bless, hugs Nell

Uma. I feel your feelings. But we should not show our hurt. This is not our time. We are pressed by the various group of so called extremist / fundamentalist / racist etc.

We can only hate them. They don’t like to read the religious books of all religion. They don’t like to consult with the religious scholars. They know a little about religion. But they feel proudly to write against someone’s religion and faith. You know, little learning is a dangerous think. So the dangerous peoples are everywhere. But the good people, good human being are still there. They are trying to uplift the flag of humanity.

We must keep the verse of Quran in our heart that Allah said "O mankind! Allah created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not that you despise each other).

So we should have to love mankind, the whole creature of Allah. If anyone hurt us, we should forgive him again and again. If they tried to kill me, then I have every right to defend myself. Let we pray to Allah that he gives the real hidaya and understanding to everyone, the Muslim/Christian/Hindu/Jianist/Buddhist / Maoist/ Tamilist/ extremist/Fundamentalist who are killing men and women all over the world. In Nigeria, Congo, Sieralion., west Africa, Ruwanda, Kashmir (India) , Thailand, Philippine, Cosovo, Palestine, Iraq, Pakistan, Srilanka, Nepal, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chili, Bolivia, Ireland, Serbia, Bosnia etc.

Moktaruzzaman@yahoo.com

Its a shame you had to go thru all this,Freya.Its not just the Muslim country but terrorism can originate anywhere.While reading your story ,I felt like seeing the movie "My name is Khan and I am not a terrorist", which brought tears to my eyes.The movie was intended to spread the word - not all Muslims are terrorists.But the Indian super star,Shahrukh Khan, who played the lead role in the film(ironically the whole film was shot in the US)was questioned at the US airport and was not allowed to clear the customs unless someone vouched for him in his real life.

God bless you and hope everything gets sorted out soon so you can lead a normal life.

Dear Freya!

I am a Christian and I was moved by what you had written. I just wanted to say that I care about you and your hurts. I am sorry some of those who claim to love and serve Jesus attack you, that is wrong! However those souls who truly see you and post good comments are ones to read and take in.Those who claim to be Christian should read I John 4:20-21

"If a man say, I love God and hates his brother (or sister :), he is a liar: For he that loves not his brother (or sister) who he can see, how can he love God who he has not seen?

And this commandment we have from him, that he who loves God loves his brother (and sister) also.

Salaam and God bless you and those you love john (England)

"Be Special" Your life maybe the only Gospel those who meet you ever get to read!"

Freya , As I read the forums and hubs along this subject matter, muslim, christian , buddist , whatever . I find that there sometimes is just too much "noise " out there, One of the things in life that always humbles me are volunteers , These people who quietly dedicate their lives to the betterment of others, I know a 74 year old man who has volunteered at the Lions Clubs his entire adult life. He has played Santa Claus for poor kids for decades , he constantly volunteers at community dinners , auctions for charity, Parades where he throws candy to kids , charity events , and provides transportation to other elderly people and veterans . He does all this quietly and never speaks ill of anyone , no one knows half of what he does . He is a true hero.....This is a true activist in my eyes , those who only vocalize their activist agendas in such ways as to only critisize others religious beliefs , no matter what that belief is are just fools with a voice. Believe me , I know that talking about the differences in this world is a positive first step, but I refuse to read or respond to those who's venom is obvious. And there are many here on hub page forums , my point is this , don't listen to those who condemn you or any of your beliefs , they are just empty vessels looking to fill their emptiness with your pain and frustrations. Stay well ......and peace.

hey freya, i am a buddhist and I was trying to tell the same message to all. No religion is powerful enough to condemn others religion. i am new to this hubpage but i felt i should comment on this topic. I am writing a paper regarding this topic. may Allah be with u always.

Freya , more than likely you are a victim of the ignorance of those who condemn you. I do know that a lot more people will defend you here on the hubs than those who criticise you. The ignorance that hurts you comes from fools , They also make the most "noise" , especially here in America. Have you heard that 99% of the noise comes from 1% of the people. I , as many others , will defend you to the death against bigotry and hatered. But, in all fairness , we must be tolerant of those who will learn from our patience and calm voices. You are that voice , stay well my dear....

The greatest asset we have in this world of humanity is open communication , and here and right now that is happening , In the western world we are evolving into a world of free speech unhindered by anything ! By anything that is except , closed minds. We , all of us have to remain open minded enough to allow discourse. We have to divorce differences in personalities and emotions from hindering progress in communicating such cultural differences as are shown in an ever increasingly "smaller " world. The minite sarcasm and labeling become part of this process , we lose! Freya , If you can make this conversation about you personally , so can those who would ban the wearing of the "Badges" of their religious and cultural beliefs. Your hub is great in it's raising of the tolerance level everywhere , but the direction of the responses , including yours, is deteriorating when we start "labeling" , maybe the problem is about "wearing it on our sleeves", We seem a little too proud to be different today ,from one another ,that wearing tatoos , biker outfits , berka's and plaid underwear , that we make an "issue" out of everything. All of us are way too easily offended by the other guy for every reason under the sun. The single largest missing ingredient is tolerance of others ........by everyone. On all sides!

Ok i got only one question?

Bikers have huge organizations all over the world, they wear leather and or vests with name and colors, should we ban them also from wearing their colors? and or symbols? just answer yes or no! not trying to be funny here, although it may seem so!

Am Muslim and i have the same felling for all people who suffering in USA because this crime

Freya, thank you for attempting to read that lengthy response. Please understand, I am NOT advocating killing people for looking different. I brought that up because banning religious symbols in a nation is historical fact. Turkey actually had these same problems as we face now and solved it by making everyone put away their outward show of religious affiliations in public. Unfortunately, people were executed if they did not comply. This is NOT something I am advocating. However, banning public display of religion is not a bad idea if people cannot 'play nicely' otherwise. Oppression? No, I really don't see putting religious symbols away in public as oppression when the alternative is bombings, threats and death from fighting over who has the best God. Freedom is important but a safe and caring society is more important to me than wearing a religious symbol. Of course, this could all be avoided by getting along and showing respect but it isn't happening yet. It would be nice if people could behave properly but what I suggested is a possible solution when people refuse. If wearing a cross or something else when we go out is more important than human life, we are beyond saving as a species.

I suppose I could have limited my comments to agreement with everyone else but that doesn't offer an immediate solution.

Freya, I'm not suggesting everyone look the same. I am suggesting that banning provocative symbols (in this case things that display religious affiliations) really does work. It's been done successfully and history bears that out. Once again, I am not suggesting we execute people. I am suggesting if we ALL give up outward displays that are proven to inspire anger and problems in a society it would be a start. It would show that everyone was willing to at least try to be the same people - loving human beings first. What I am advocating is removing the symbols that divide us. That's all. Rather like high school T'shirt bans. I offered this only as one possible solution to an immediate problem. It seems better to me than bloodshed.

Education and an end to poverty for all human beings is the answer. We won't get there by 'fighting poverty' or 'fighting ignorance'. Fighting for anything is still adversarial. We will get there by embracing solutions. We need to start advocating for education instead of 'fighting ignorance' and sharing the world's wealth instead of 'fighting poverty'. In my opinion, our priorities are wrong. Seriously. What would happen if we all 'put our differences aside' literally and reached out to help the person next to us without considering anything other than the fact we are all part of the human family? This is what I am advocating. The rest was just a suggested path to get us there while we are still in our adolescence as a species.

Freya,

You are a brave woman to submit yourself to the rantings of narrow minded numb-skulls.

I have very little regard for organized religions, though I was raised Catholic and served as an altar boy for 10 years. Too many wrongs have been perpetrated in the name of religion through the centuries.

Why can't we all just agree that we believe in ONE GOD, so "He" (She or It) must be the SAME GOD? And our only differences are in our styles or flavors of worship.

What sick point of view can imagine that our One God would condone killing another of His beloved children because that one doesn't dress, pray or thank Him quite like the one next door? It's twisted and insane.

As long as it doesn't hurt anyone else, do what makes you happy.

Peace.

CP

You are so Right ahorseback, too bad people do not believe that about Islam, but it is okay for them to do. I see that and you see that, too bad the yuppies can't see that. That small percent that opens their mouth effects the rest of us though, and makes it bad for the rest of us. The minority often dictates the views of the majority, just look at rich people and movie stars, the only ones you see flaunt like there is no tomorrow so you assume they are all stuck up like that. Regardless of what we know to be truth, we only accept the ones we see on tv as the mascot for all.

Freya, you should consider having a little faith in that almost all Americans by far are a tolerant people. Sensitivity and tolerating differences in religion and other cultures is a great part of our society. There is an older term in America , " a silent moral majoriy" that is present still . The truth of the matter is,is that even a fraction of a percent make all the noise in the world. Those who condemn you here are born of ignorance and bigotry and are incapable of knowing common sense. Ninety nine out of a hundred Americans would defend you on the sidewalks of this country against the bigots that even the media gives far too much voice to. Anyone on hub pages who condemns you is simply bigoted and immature . Keep your faith and stay well , don't dwell on the negativity of those who practice way too much free speech. they don't deserve it.

You and I have talked outside of this comment line but for those who aren’t sure, in no way am I advocating anger or bad feeling against Freya or any other person of any religious persuasion. Not now and not ever. However, we do not currently live in a fair and good society and as Shakespeare said, ‘There’s the rub.”

Freya, I have read as you suggested and I have learned more about jihad from different perspectives. It comes down to the same thing every time. There are devout followers who believe with all their heart in the peaceful aspects of Islam and there are those who take it to extreme and use it very differently. With all respect to pintails7886, not all Muslims are adhering to this definition of jihad and it is that form - the jihad of the late Saddam Hussein and of present day Sudan that is the problem. I have avoided getting into a debate because that is not my intention. I am not in disagreement with anything you say. My point was that we need to do something about dangerous extremists. ALL dangerous extremists, not just Muslims.

Let me be very clear in where I'm coming from in this. I am not particularly sympathetic to any organized religion and consider most of them dangerous for individuals and for society. Anything that requires particular public observances, clothing, icons or things that separate and differentiate, are all meant to divide and control and this creates a situation where harmony is difficult if not impossible. This sort of thing is man-made and although for many it is a way of celebrating their faith in goodness, for others it is a method of control. This applies to every organized religion on earth. The word ‘infidel’ means outside the faith. It is not an evil word in itself, but develops into one when one organized group is wielding the word against another. History bears this out. Early in the 20th century, Turkey became the only nation to successfully integrate several religious groups by banning all outward signs of religious affiliation under pain of death. After the first few executions, people got the message. That is a rather extreme solution but perhaps there is something to learn here. If there is no outward show of differences, we get along better. As soon as people start demanding their rights to wear turbans, burkas, crucifixes, priest collars, nuns habits, stars of david, earlocks, carry ceremonial weapons we have division. The idea that we can all get along is utopian and not yet realistic. I am in favour of banning every outward sign of religion regardless of who it may be, what rank they hold or what the religion may be. As far as I’m concerned, that should apply to the Pope and his contemporaries in every other religion, too.

Think about it. If you can’t identify the infidel, you don’t have an enemy. The word infidel is applied here in its true sense.

In my country, Canada, there are an estimated 400,000 Muslims. If 3% are extremists, that means 1,200 extremists are living in my nation with a different view of jihad than the one you hold. In the United States there are almost 10 million Muslims and using the same 3% possibility, the numbers are nearly almost 30,000 extremists living and working among Americans. This is what causes fear, anger and the negative emotional responses that we see on the Internet and in society. Saying we should all live together peacefully makes sense to normal people but extremists are not normal people. As you said, they are usually uneducated, poor young men who are quick to latch on to any organization that provides them a feeling of power and purpose. This same theory has worked for many nefarious leaders throughout history including Adolf Hitler. And that is what we are all up against this time, too. Every Muslim is not a terrorist anymore than every German was a ‘Brownshirt’ (the precursor to the S.S.) but may I point out that the world sat around talking and debating over the issue until it was too late and we had World War II on our hands. Many good German people died as well and many more were silenced through fear of reprisal. Evil makes no distinction by association.

You may think I am being overly dramatic here but I’m not. This is the same situation but with different faces and better technology.

Stepping back from that for a moment and addressing Sharia Law: my country, Canada, is already having to deal with that being introduced here. We are a multi-cultural nation (which is doomed to fail if you look at every other time in history when it has been attempted) and the idea of Muslims governing themselves inside our nation was brought forward as a multi-cultural ‘right’. This has created a lot of concern in my nation and people started demanding that our doors be closed to any further immigration. Extreme reaction? Perhaps. We needed to address the legal issue, not panic and slam doors. However, if a threat exists, pay attention and address it. We haven’t done that properly either.

So you see, my concerns are the same as yours. We need to live in peace with each other and it is not happening right now. We need to join hands and stop these bullies before they get any stronger. It is not okay to threaten people’s lives if they print a cartoon, no matter how disgusting it is to you, or if they write a book criticizing your religion. It is not okay to recruit children and brainwash them into taking up swords for Jesus and gaining political power to rule the White House (see Jesus Camps on YouTube). Neither Mohammed nor Jesus Christ nor any other revered prophet taught us to kill others. We need to stop fighting and start listening. Too many people are dying and that is my point. If we could grow up as a people enough to respect each other and join in harmony and respect rather than doctrine, we could keep whatever belief we wanted and shout it to the world but until we learn how to love, our beliefs should not be allowed to hide ill intent. At this point, I’m still in agreement with John Lennon - Imagine. Fighting for anything - tolerance, harmony, love, eradication of evil - is never justified. Fighting for justice is an oxymoron. We need to be doing the opposite before we have no other choice but to retaliate.

Blessed be, regardless of what path you take.

Freya...You are offering words that thoughts that so many Americans need to hear from the Muslim community. A true religious faith never teaches one human to intentionally bring pain or death upon another. Anyone inside or outside the faith that sees it that way is misinterpreting the information. Even the Bible has many passages in it that can be defined in so many ways, some in a violent perspective. America is an 'outsider' to the Muslim faith and the silence of that community in the light of this tragedy adds fuel to the fires of the unknown. We all fear the unknown and when it becomes part of a tragic reality, we fear it more. Much in the same way these terrorists have done damage to the Muslim faith, some portion of the American public will act out and damage our image as well. Much of it is based in fear of the unknown. You do a great service to your people and your faith by speaking out openly, sharing your emotions about this tragedy, and letting Americans see, that like them, you too are a human filled with pain and compassion for the victims of this tragedy. Continue in that direction and I think you will find that America will embrace you and all like you in the years that follow this tragedy. Thank you for sharing. WB

pintails, you are so right there. This is the biggest obstacle of humanity and what keeps us all imprisoned in hatred and wars!

The Golden Rule is the way we should live as many have said unfortunately the Platinum Rules is, Do as I say, not as I do. Until you get people to look at their own faults, they will never forgive faults they see in others. They can not love another as they don't even love themselves.

Freya, where was I when all this was coming down! You are such a beautiful person to be persecuted in this manner! I feel for you so much, it is very sad that this is happening to most of Muslim people in the world, my heart is sad. The good thing is that sometimes it takes something like this to wake us all up to the Golden Rule. It matters not what our religion is, what matters is, do we live by the golden rule? You my dear Freya live by the Golden Rule, you practice it daily all day long. Your heart hold love for all, you speak and act it out. You my dear are the epitome of the Golden Rule. I am so happy to be your friend. Thank you Freya for bringing this pain into our view, it took courage and strength to write this, you are a courageous beautiful person in and out! Thank you Freya for being my friend! ~Aloha Nui Loa~

MD; I will wheel it next to you when you make that march along with all the others of you out there who will do the same! It is time to ban together no matter what or who we are, Love conquers all and bonds people together. The hardest thing for us to do is to love our enemy! Are we not suppose to do this also? Is this not part of the Golden Rule? We all have so much to learn and practice yet, so much to learn! Blessings to ALL! We all have the same Creator God who sent many prophets. The question is will we finally learn to love unconditionally?

Amen Micky, you keep on keeping on with the good fight. I wish more saw things this way. but unfortunately there are those who hate in the name of Love.

I see the same disbelief coming in from the same sources.

I know that God wants the TRUE BELIEVERS to unite. That has to be done with Golden Rule. I hope the true believers will see this and know from where the false doctrines really lie. True believers of any faith must unite with all faiths. There is one true God. We are from all over. Undiscovered islanders that have never heard of religion are our brothers. The Golden Rule is THE unity. Thank you Pintails. Great work. Thank you Freya.

American, read this.

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/wayoflife/03/09...

Muslims have, but why would the same news networks that bash Islam so much show that side of them? Also here is an article where 2 news medias have tried to air this and it went absolutely nowhere because it didn't make money, you claim that is what you want but you don't want to hear it, if you did you would see it all over the place like it is. Just because you refuse to acknowledge it or its not on your every truthful media doesn't mean it doesn't exist or its not there. Try looking for it instead of hating so much you lose truth and only follow ideals you agree with, that is not what Jesus taught us.

http://www.google.com/search?q=Islam+speaks+out+ab...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anushay-hossain/park...

http://www.publicopiniononline.com/ci_16047550?sou...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100912/ap_on_re_us/us...

@ American Romance, so u want hamper the spread of Islam in america ? Well to be honest with u bro, ur goal can't be achieved, ever. Why do u think Islam is now spreading and penetrating deep into the US? Simply because its the truth, nothing more than that. And Islam is'nt ''supposedly peace-loving'' it is ''indeed peace-loving''. I suggest that u ask someone knowledgeable the true teachings of Islam rather than believing media propaganda. Are u calling a religion that orders its followers with/to love your brother as thyself, enjoin righteousness and avoid the evil, give out charity to those in need e.t.c. as not peace-loving ? Well if thats the case then perhaps its the opposite of these that should be advocated. U decide urself.

Seems to me if you are the majority of peace lovers over the radical few, .....that you supposed good ones would do everything possible to stop the spread of hate in such a supposed loving religion! We here in America have decided to stop the spread of hate by stopping the Muslim growth when possible! You said yourself that you are afraid of them? We too have reason to be afraid! Also I am suspect of your write and timing! Thanks if your sincere but I doubt it, Why doesn't the leader of millions of Muslims write to us? Why doesn't he go on TV and hammer these hateful fanatical Muslims? Untill this happens I simply want the religion of Islam to be hampered here in my United States!

salam sister freya, you are a fantastic and courageous woman, thanks for sharing, i really appreciate you writings.

Allah bless you & all those supporting you..

Freya, I read your story and am so sorry you have been hurt by people who spew hate to anyone who believes different than they do. God loves all people.

God Bless

Oh Freya! You know my heart. I'm rough as a pine cone but you know my heart. Sufidreamer and Freya and many more great hearts would be so great to walk and talk with and see progress made toward a saner world. God bless you Freya!

Great hub, my friend. You share peace to the world. I am proud become a Muslim and I never regret this is my destiny in our life. Why we blame each other, right! Very inspiring hub. Thank you very much.

Prasetio

Yo Micky, thanks for the very Kind words my friend. You know I respect you and your opinions very much my friend, and I pray that I will meet you too in Heaven my dear friend. But I doubt I will meet 10 virgins as Russell says I will, were he got that from I will never know, its not in the Qur'an at least not in the one I read.

usabaguda, thanks man. You know I may have been hard on Russell but I am human, and some times we over react to such situations. But people like that will never truly understand Islam no matter how much you try to tell him. They already have their mind made up and unfortunately it is lies that help them decide. From the things he has said I doubt very seriously his brother in law is Muslim, and if he is a Muslim, He is a pretty pathetic one, and I would have a problem with his actions same as Russell. Muslims do not drink for one, neither do they do 99% of what Russell has accused us of, and if he thinks Christians do not do the same things, he is a lot more damaged and I thought.

Russell, if you are as wise as you say you are you will know that age is no factor in Wisdom and Knowledge. The bible does state that wisdom is found among the aged, but not all of them, hence the word among and not a more definitive statement like, Isn't wisdom found in all, or only in, the aged.

Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding? Job 12:12

It also says this,

If only you would be altogether silent! For you, that would be wisdom. Job 13:5

and this,

Do you listen in on God's council? Do you limit wisdom to yourself? Job 15:8

And here God tells us absolutely that Age has not bearing in Knowledge and Wisdom,

So Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said: "I am young in years, and you are old; that is why I was fearful,not daring to tell you what I know.I thought, 'Age should speak; advanced years should teach wisdom.But it is the spirit [a] in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding. Job 32:6-8

Wisdom is peace and understanding, something from your statements you appear to lack Russell,

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. James 3:17

Something you need to learn is this,

For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. 1 Corinthians 1:17

We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 1 Corinthians 2:6

Russell I could go on and on but I think you get my point now, though I doubt you will ever admit it.

Also I can tell you this as a fact, if you want to convert people, you will not do it by your method. If you want to convert people you need to learn as much as you can about their religion and learn Truth about it, that you may talk to them as they would talk to you, so they can understand and respect you. That is one reason I have been able to convert so many Christians to Islam, I have a great understanding of the Christian religion.

And since you asked yes I have been baptized when I was 13 actually. I was baptized in a river same as Jesus not in some church pool. Being reborn and being baptized are two different things. One can be reborn in spirit with out baptism.

Thank you though Russell, and everyone else. I am indebted to you all. Salam Russell and every one else and may you all be blessed with God's grace. As Hal says, God Akbar.

Thank u too sister. Its all our responsibility to show what Islam is all about and its true image as well as its peaceful nature.

Thanx alot brothers, i think Russel had enough but i would have add more to him. Russel, what u need to know is that its not Islam that support this terrorist acts. As there is in any other major religion, Islam also has extremist that are brainwashed by some scholars having extremist views. @ Pintails, thank u bro, i think russel won't understand and this dont surprise me because the holy Qur'an described the kinds of Russel in Surah An'am as '' and when u call them to the straight path (hudah) they wont follow, and u see them looking at u but actually they are not seeing ''. So here seeing is not with eyes but its with human intellect (aql) and thats what Russel is lacking. Mr. Russel, do u think u can force someone to follow ur religion? This is totally against the freedom of religion which US government said that it honours. So also in Isalam, this is'nt tolerated because the Qur'an says ''there's no compulsion in religion'' and also said '' tell'em (O Muhammad) to you is your religion and to us is ours'' . So its upto u russell to make changes in your character and manner because it does'nt sound like u are human.

Micky Dee - When you walk to Washington and the ends of the earth, it will be an honour to walk by your side :)

I went to Catholic Junior and Senior High schools for 6 years although I'm a Moslem and still I'm until now. My experience attending those schools has enriched my understanding about different religions and how to respect them. I share the same opinion with you Freya and other people in the world that we have the same enemy called terrorism. Islam is Rahmatan Lil Alamin or A religion which gives peace to all mankind.

Freya: I believe you're a lovely human being, and you certainly don't deserve any anger being directed at you.

Yo Freya!!! You already know I love you! You know it don't you Girl!

I have to pause just a second for Russell. Russell God's greatest law above ALL laws- is the we love one another. THE greatest law above ALL laws is that we do unto others as we would have others do unto us! That's the law.

I have treated some of these same people on this hub with love and respect and I have tried to hold them up. Freya is not going to hell. Pintails is not going to hell.

God bless you Pintails Brother Man!

God bless you Sister Freya.

These people will follow the Golden Rule if given half a chance. "As you do unto the least of these you do unto me".

I met a Jewish lady last week. I decided to honor Yom Kippur. I fasted. I tried to keep all the pledges.

I do have issues with some people who call themselves Muslim.

I have a problem with some Jews.

Yes, some Christians, etc.

If it will HELP- I will pray with every Muslim.

I will pray and fast with every Jew if it will help.

I will pray with Christians if it will help.

I will fast and walk from here to Washington and the ends of the earth with every faith if we can all lift each other up. The evils of earth delight in our being apart. We come from all corners of the world and our environment plays a roll in our faith and future. More than any theory, fact, or law, the Golden Rule must be accepted because it is a part of all religions. We who want peace and crave justice have to embrace each other and turn away from the lies and fighting.

We of faith in God must keep THE law and treat each other RIGHT and lift each other up! That is THE law and even some atheists keep this law of God above all laws.

Yo Saddlerider! Yo Ralwus! Rock on for the truth fellows! I love you Freya! I'll be here all week!

My keyboard is skipping, but you dont understand that Jesus said ( if ANYONE come preaching ANY other gospel than this 9WHAT HE TAUGHT THE DECIPLES ) let that man be a cursed , I could fill your head so full of scriptures it would blow your mind. You like so many others dont understand that Jesus name baptisim is the only way to heaven act's 2.38, My brother inlaw fast one mounth a year to his god, and this is how they do it, he sleeps all day and then gets up and goes right back to smokeing and drinking and cusing and thinks he is saved ( do you think he is saved ) or are you a cathlic which beleives about the same thing , gee lets see God said in the book of rev that the cathlic relegion is a whore, and as far as you knowing more than Ill ever know, your crazy. But this is where we are in America no respect for your elders, muslim is a false relegion and if you knew the word of God AT ALL you would know this but seeing's how you dont your ignorance remains.

wELL YOU HAVE A BIBLE MOUTH I AM 50 AND HAVE THE HOLY GHOST FOR 45 YEARS AND WAS IT A CATOLIC SCHOOL FOR THAT SAYS IT ALL READ THE BOOK OF rEV AND IF YOU ARE AN AMERICAN AND A CHRISTIAN THEN YOU KNOW ABOUT THE 70 WEEKS OF DANIEL AND WHAT IT REPRESENTS AND YOU SHOULD KNOW THAT WAS STUDYING THE BIBLE IN SCHOOL WHEN YOU WERE STILL SUCKING ON A BOTTLE, AND IF YOU KNOW GODS WORD THEN YOU KNOW THAT JESSUS IS THE ONLY WAY TO HEAVEN AND EPEH 4 .5 & 6 SAYS THERE IS ONLY THE FAITH ONE BAPTISIM AND ONE LORD AND WERE YOU BAPTISED IN JESUS NAME OR IN THE TITLES FOR THIS ALONE WILL TELL WHAT KIND OD SCHOLAR YOU ARE.

I am 28 my friend and I have forgotten more about the bible than you will ever know. And if you know Jesus so well do you think he would agree with the name calling and yelling? I went to a Christian school for 13 years and I was in seminary. Like so many of your bigot friends, they like to speak before they think, they love to tell us what we don't know.

You know nothing about Islam, nothing Russell. Open your eyes past your T.V and learn something before you open your mouth.

PINTAS NOW I SEE YOUR TO YOUNG TO KNOW ANYTHING WHAT ARE ABOUT 20 OR 22, YOUR YOUNG AND STUPID.

hEY PINTAILS YOUR AND IDIOT AND IF YOU NEW THE WORD OF gOD YOU WOULD SHUT YOUR MOUTH FOR YOUR TO YOUNG TO KNOW ANYTHING, MY BROTHER INLAW IS A MUSLIM AND i KNOW WHAT THEY BELEIVE SO THIS IS FOR YOU STUPID.

aCTS 2.38 IS THE ONLY WAY TO HEAVEN PERIOD YOU IDIOT YOU NEED TO STUDY BEFORE YOU OPEN YOUR MOUTH.

HAHAHAHAHAHA!! Sufi that made me laugh. Some people open their mouth without thinking. They hear some one say something they like and agree with and sounds smart to them cause it fits their small mind so they repeat it thinking it will make them sound smart too, until they run into people who actually use their brain.

Wonderful hub, Freya - straight from the heart. If we allow such acts to divide humanity, then the terrorists win.

I think that you are finding that most people are decent and kind but, sadly, any religion or political movement attracts its fringe elements. Just as Muslims have extremists, so do Christians. I wish that we could send them all to a small island where they can beat each other to death with Bibles and Qu'rans and leave the rest of us to live in peace.

So you are 'Born Again,' Russell - I kind of wish that you had never been born the first time. :)

Yes SR, and his spelling is atrocious too. I hate to think that she will see this from him.

Charlie, I think this guy ate more than paint chips along with his colored jelly beans, how stupid can one be with that moronic comment. This is the trashing you find in the forums, I guess he must hang out there.

Russell, you are a moron. It is obvious you have no idea what the hell you are talking about. Go and spew your bigoted lies to your white trash buddies who are just as stupid as you are. Do you think that all 3000 were american? Do you know Islam follow Jesus. Do you know that yes our God does heal the sick and raise the dead because it is the same God you worship. You don't even dignify a response i don't know why I am wasting my time.