James Arlandson writes in The American Thinker:
Muslim spokespersons who have access to the news media are misleading the public about jihad.The Council on American Muslim Relations (CAIR ) says the following about jihad at the time this present article was posted:
“Jihad” does not mean “holy war.” Literally, jihad means to strive, struggle and exert effort. It is a central and broad Islamic concept that includes struggle against evil inclinations within oneself, struggle to improve the quality of life in society, struggle in the battlefield for self-defense (e.g., - having a standing army for national defense), or fighting against tyranny or oppression.
In reply, however, while it is true that a Muslim may wage jihad on the excess in his soul or on unbelief by non-violent means like argumentation, jihad must also include a military, violent war.
Also, the clauses that say jihad means the struggle to improve “the quality of life” or the fight against “tyranny and oppression” are ambiguous. Islam expresses the will of Allah, and jihad battles anything that stands in its way.
By any clear reading of the Quran, the hadith (reports of Muhammad’s words and actions outside of the Quran), the histories, the biographies and the law books on early Islam, jihad cannot exclude military warfare in the cause of Allah in order to expand Islam...
One powerful motive for waging jihad is the material benefits. The conquered territories fall under the control of the jihadists, and they are permitted to keep it. If anyone is looking for the reason for the spread of Islam, then this is a solid one, (though other reasons come into play, like following the will of Allah). The newly conquered have the option to convert, in which case they pay a forced “charity” or zakat tax. Or they are allowed to remain in the Biblical faith and pay a jizya or poll tax. Granted, it is often asserted that the jizya is less than the forced “charity” tax, but either way, money flows into the Islamic treasury.
Why would Muhammad receive a revelation that dries up this money flow, especially when it is connected to military war?
Indeed, read it all.
We need to expose CAIR's spin on jihad. Next week, on X Radio, on Thursday @ 9:00 p.m. PDT, I believe, a fellow will interview the head of the LA branch of CAIR.
Personally, I'd like someone who "gets it" to take on Ibrahim Hooper in a public forum. I saw Hooper squirm a few weeks back when an MSNBC investigative reporter cornered Hooper on the issue of the curriculum at the Islamic Saudi Academy, located in Alexandria, Virginia. I wish that more people had seen that show. Did any of you see it?
mohammed was a genius. an evil genius to be sure but a genius non the less.
coming up with a "religion" which claims to be the loftiest set of ideals, the perfect ideology for mankind, and the truest form of worshipping God is pretty good in and of itself. But when you add to it that you can wage war, murder pretty much who you like, then loot the dead and rape their wives and daughters and keep them as slaves if you wish, all the while legally lying about it, well, like i said, genius.
you attract the true seekers of God, and you attract the psychopaths, thugs, childmolesters,
thieves, rapists, and opportunists to boot. that pretty much covers'em all.
WatchfulEye,
I've seen him squirm many times, in television interviews, but not on that occasion.
PRCS,
Thanks for responding.
On "The CBS Morning News," on July 29, 2005, the lefty moderator didn't challenge Hooper in the least. Hooper was addressing the Muslim whine about racial profiling, and the moderator was sympathizing. On a personal note, I can't stand Hooper's smug expression. Brings out the worst in me.
Hooper was looked like a lying idiot on the MSNBC show I mentioned. He accused right-wing media of falsely accusing ISA of having a hate-filled curriculum [Pardon this poorly constructed sentence]. The interviewer zinged Hooper but good when the interviewer cited the Washington Post, hardly a right-wing newspaper.
I wish I had that MSNBC interview on tape. It could come in useful.
This looks like it will be an excellent series. I will definitely add links to it and recommend it for others. You have to read it carefully but it is so well documented and researched.
Muhammad thought he was losing his mind.. was wrought with depression and considered suicide numerous times.. before his wealthy wife convinced him he was really having visions and not a delusional nut case...