What comes in your mind when you hear the word Islam or Muslim?

1. 60

   Wissam Qawasmehposted 9 years ago

   What comes in your mind when you hear the word Islam or Muslim?
   
   And Why?
   
   

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2. 71

   anweshablogsposted 9 years ago

   A fitting reply to the human race, and nature's revenge.
   
   What humans are doing to other animals and the mother nature, somewhere it has to come back to them and show how brutal they are. Who else other than human themselves can do such a thing? After all, no one can beat humans in brutality. So, Islam is a system showing unconventional brutality against conventional brutality of human race.

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   1. 60

      Wissam Qawasmehposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters."

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3. 75

   Oztinatoposted 9 years ago

   A sacred powerful religion that contributed to modern tech by carrying ancient Greek manuscripts and advancing them further.

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   1. 97

      Glenis Rixposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I imagine you are referring to the Islamic translations into Arabic of Greek medical documents and the subsequent gradual improvements in current knowledge and practices. n.b. references to Greek gods were routinely deleted and replaced by Allah.

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4. 97

   Glenis Rixposted 9 years ago

   What comes to my mind is that I am tired of hearing about religion, which historically has been the case of brutal wars and suffering - be it Islam or Christianity. People should take responsibility for their actions and stop relying on the totally unproven existence of a life in Heaven after they have stopped making people suffer in this life. Try Humanism as a peaceful and caring alternative.

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   1. 76

      Misfit Chickposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Well said. John Lennon's song, "Imagine" said it best: "Imagine there's no heaven"... How much different would we be and how different would this world be if there were no imaginary commands coming from God or Allah? What if we ALL knew the truth?

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   2. 60

      Wissam Qawasmehposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I can feel you, but trust me, people are bad not the religion... there's no religion tells us to kill or rape.. but unfortunately, people use religion as political shield

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5. 83

   gmwilliamsposted 9 years ago

   
   
   A spiritual belief and a human being, a beautiful essence, no more no less. People are people regardless of belief systems.

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6. 76

   Misfit Chickposted 9 years ago

   This is a great question and one that needs to be asked. I am not picking anyone out at all when I say this; but I think that the first few responses are very typical among many many Americans whether we like to admit it, or not.
   
   They might even be the majority opinion across our beloved melting pot of a country.
   
   Only when Muslims and/or the people of Islam can convince the world that their terrorists, extremists and fanatics are the MINORITY of their societies; and demonstrate the real spiritual power of their peoples... Is when those opinions will start to change. And, it will probably be a really slow change.
   
   For all the 'freedom' bursting at its seams, the US has always been slow to change; and racism & misogyny are in our blood and society as much as any Muslim or Islamic extremist.
   
   Christians disappoint me all the time, as do Agnostics and Atheists. The few Muslims that I have known were nothing but the sweetest of people. The only differences were:
   
   1) Abdi (I am probably not spelling his name right, sorry) left work faithfully at the same time every day to go to the mosk and join in prayers. He was gone for maybe an hour - no big deal, at all.
   
   2) He absolutely would NOT eat pork - of course. But not even 'all beef' hotdogs. He did not trust them and absolutely refused. I had bought them for a company cookout - and I had bought the all beef ones just for him, but no. We ordered him a cheese pizza.
   
   3) He was dang hard to understand, ha! Then again, I have a hard time understanding some English speakers. Still, he got a lot of huh's & what's thrown at him. Like I said, he was sweet - he would just smile and repeat himself however many times he needed to. He knew five languages and English was supposedly his fourth best.
   
   He wasn't perfect... It was really weird when he quit his job. He left his wife and little girl for several months; and just seemed like the biggest flake about them. Like he didn't really have a concern in the world for them. But, taking into consideration of how most women within his culture are perceived and treated; I guess that part isn't so unusual in hindsight. I really wouldn't know for sure.
   
   We are all the result of our upbringing. Abdi may have been a little unusual - but only because we weren't used to him, at first. He grew on us and became one of us easily enough.
   
   The kind of healing that needs to happen across cultures and races worldwide isn't impossible - just incredibly snail-like.

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   1. 60

      Wissam Qawasmehposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      thank you, Catherine ... you have a cultured beautiful mind..
      about Abdi (or Abd), he's not an angel !! and don't represent Islam properly
      he is not suppose to left his family that long .. few days would be okay
      thanks for stopping by

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7. 68

   Tusitala Tomposted 9 years ago

   I must admit to a negative bias.  Shouldn't be there I know.  It's a matter of how the media perpetually publicises all the shortcomings and none of the virtues of the hundreds of millions of people who follow this faith.
   
   My view on most organized religions, no matter which one it is, it that there is too much attention paid to the dogma, doctrine, rules and regulations, and personal interpretation of written texts often depicted as "God's Law," when no one really knows what God is other than an idea held in our minds.   Show me a zealot in any religion and I will show you bigotry and a closed mind.

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   1. 60

      Wissam Qawasmehposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      great opinion .. thanks for sharing

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8. 82

   abdussalaamposted 9 years ago

   The word ‘Muslim’ depicts in my mind an image of Muhammad (pbuh) in white attire behaving in a manner that is altruistic. I have come to this depiction of a Muslim having studied the psychology of Muhammad (pbuh). I suppose Muhammad (saw) noble character to me is the epitome of a Muslim, hence a role-model that I struggle but strive to follow.
   
   The word ‘Islam’ depicts in my mind a type of philosophy that is either simple or complex determined by your level of knowledge and maturity. I think in others the term ‘Islam’ invokes the image of a threat that is similar to Communism.
   
   I suppose everyone has their opinions and imagination influenced by the type of media, social-interaction, books and environment one is exposed to.

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   1. 60

      Wissam Qawasmehposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      well said, Abdus Salaam 
      may Allah bless you

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   2. 82

      abdussalaamposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Jazak Allah

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9. 83

   peachpurpleposted 9 years ago

   ISIS, I am sorry but the news right now is alarming

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   1. 82

      abdussalaamposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Yours is an honest opinion for one who has not delved into the text and is judging Islam and Muslims based on what one is seeing and hearing.

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   2. 76

      Misfit Chickposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      You have to keep in mind that ISIS is no more about Islam than the Jim Jones Cult was about Christianity. Islam is simply the tool that is being used and it is working. Your fear & hatred is what they want - even from other Muslims, apparently.

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10. 61

    Freedomwizardposted 9 years ago

    Why do otherwise decent, nice people worship a murderous, bloodthirsty pedophile?
    People should be judged by their hearts, not their beliefs.
    It is the fanatics, who practice what the Koran actually says, that are the world's biggest threat. A peaceful Moslem is not really following his own religion. Moslem women deserve better than the demeaning suppression that they get.
    If Christians and Jews really followed the bible, they would be stoning gay people to death.
    Stupidity is not a crime, but is the reason that unquestioning acceptance of religions has led to most of the wars and suffering on the planet.
    God IS unconditional love, is bigger than any religion, and does not judge or make rules.

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    1. 0

       thegeckoposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       I thought greed and power led to wars and suffering. Isn't religion the medium, not the cause?

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    2. 60

       Findecanoposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Men of power use religion for their ends, but men follow because of it. Religion is the cause for suffering too.

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11. 93

    Faceless39posted 9 years ago

    What comes to mind is all my Muslim friends. I've never met a nicer and more sincere bunch of people in my life. That's what I think of whenever I hear Muslim or Islam: my personal experiences with them, and what truly amazing perspectives they have.

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12. 76

    Missy Smithposted 9 years ago

    Honestly, I feel fine. I have plenty of Muslim friends, and I continue to make more each day. I don't label them as being bad, that's for sure. I don't listen to the media.
    
    
    I can also say, I think the religion is very commendable. I listen when my friends talk about their religion, and I have to say, I don't think it's that far off from Christian views. I may get a few negative responses to that, but it's my opinion.
    
    
    I don't get why everyone is associating the bad guys with the Muslim religion. It's obvious they are making up their own religious views, and it is so sad that the actual Muslims have suffered for their claims on the religion. They have no real connection.
    
    
    Everyone should close their minds off to the media and get to know one another before judging.

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    1. 60

       Wissam Qawasmehposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       that's what i've been waiting to hear
       you're absolutely right .. i wish everyone thinks as the way you think
       thank you

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    2. 76

       Misfit Chickposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       You know, Wissam... I am semi-insulted. I think I did a pretty good job of sticking up for your people; and I pretty much said what she said. Her opinion is not unique among Americans - just FYI. There is MUCH prejudice on all sides of the divisions.

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    3. 60

       Wissam Qawasmehposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       I'm really sorry, Catherine .. I'm just don't have the time right now to comment on each answer .. I appreciate your patience and your great opinion
       please don't feel insulted .. i'm really sorry

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    4. 76

       Missy Smithposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       No thanks necessary, it's the truth and how I feel. But you are most welcome Wissam. Many Blessings.

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    5. 76

       Misfit Chickposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       I am disappointed this question has wound down, already. It should still be going like the Kim Davis question. There is not much in here for peeps to think about - just judgement or judgement of judgements. Much is missing that still needs to be said

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13. 0

    thegeckoposted 9 years ago

    The other Christians! They're all part of the Judaic heritage after all

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14. 50

    Norine Williamsposted 9 years ago

    As with other "Religions," I am neither for or against the Islam or Muslim unless it contradicts the Word of God.  Each religion and/or person has a purpose and fulfills a role in human society and in the ultimate - God's Plan.  I am democratic and agree with the consensus approach even though I may not always agree with the majority, especially in "Religion" even in this country! 
    
    In other words, the person - not the "Religion" - makes an impression on me!  However, if/when their belief contradicts the Word of God, I will obey GOD and remind ALL of what He has said.
    
    Matthew 7:16 says "Ye shall know them (ALL) by their fruits..."
    
    (Thanks Abdus!)

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15. 59

    sharath999posted 9 years ago

    Peace
    
    Love
    
    A Religion
    
    5 Times Namaz
    
    Roza

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16. 84

    RJ Schwartzposted 9 years ago

    An image of a Middle Eastern dressed person with long flowing robes with a darker skin complexion, men bearded, women entirely covered except their eyes.

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17. 81

    passionatelearnrposted 9 years ago

    media is involved in distorting the image of muslims and islam.there are as many muslim extremists as there are hindu or christian extremists.muslims are no worse.

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18. 91

    LindaSarhanposted 8 years ago

    What comes to mind when I hear the word Islam or Muslim? Oh where to start?   But for a short response:
    
    “Ashadu anla ilaha illa lah wa ashadu anna Muhammadan rasoolulah.”
    
    (I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is his servant and messenger.)
    
    But then again, I am an Islamic writer for a reason.
    
    Salam.

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19. 60

    Taopiposted 8 years ago

    I tend to gravitate toward the poetic and the mystical, and when I think of Islam I think of Sufism and the poet seers, Rumi, Hafiz, Kabir and Omar Khayyam. 
    
    I do this with all theologies and philosophies.  It's just the way my brain works, or my spirit works or whatever essence inside works.  From William Blake to Rabindranath Tagore; from St. John of the Cross to Mary Oliver.  From Kahlil Gibran to Lao Tzu to Thomas Merton.  Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Naturalism...I am drawn to the mystics and poets within them all.  It is there I find the soul of things.  In Shakespeare, too, and this is my heartfelt response to the question.

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20. 52

    rizki18041999posted 7 years ago

    I would like to point out that islam is a religion that teach us to be tolerance to everyone . We can find that in surah Al Baqarah 256 and Al kafiruun 6 .
    In Al baqarah Allah said "There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong. So whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing." And in surah Al Kafiruun point 6 Allah said "For you is your religion, and for me is my religion."

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21. 59

    kamrul_wreposted 7 years ago

    Muslims are defeated, lost their land, their chieldren are refugees, nation in despair, perverted by the fanatic mullahs and as a whole lost the right path.

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22. 53

    celafoeposted 6 years ago

    agent of their god satan the devil the antichrist, evil personified, liars.
    Makes me remember their life work is to convert all to satan or to kill them    so contrary to God and His ways of loving all whether they accept Him or not and giving them til the end of their life to make up their mind who they will save and reward them according to their desires.    Eternal life with Jesus for those that follow Him and into the lake of fire with their savior if they follow satan

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23. 52

    Safadsouzaposted 6 years ago

    Islam is peace,love,equality,justice and above all its a way of life.Islam is the perfect way of life because its from the one who created life.

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    1. 53

       celafoeposted 6 years agoin reply to this

       what book do you follow?   certainly not the satanic koran.    Nothing you mention is part of islam.   But it is ALL the lies you want us to believe.

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24. 82

    Guckenbergerposted 6 years ago

    I think "la ilaha ilAllah!" Absolute monotheist also comes to mind.

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