People have to make distinctions between the religion (Islam) and the fanatics that take it into violence and extreme.
Since its beginning, Islam has spread to every corner of the globe although West think of it as religion of middle east.
The Prophet of Islam, Muhammad saw, is a mortal man. He is not a divine.
As scripture, Qur'an is Arabic poetry of a high order. Stories, advices & warnings, are mixed together to reveal God's will.
Believe in single God, prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage are 5 pillars of Islam.
1st, syahadah (declaration of faith). "I testify that there is no god but God, and I testify Muhammad is the messenger of God."
2nd, shalat (praying 5 times a day). At sunrise, in mid day, in the afternoon, at sunset, and in the evening.
3rd, zakat (charity). Charity is required of all Muslims with ability to contribute. It's entirely distributed to those in need.
4th, shaum (fasting in holy month Ramadan). Fasting foster a reflection of gifts of life and the need of those less fortunate.
Baghdad was the center of Islamic culture, poetry, calligraphy, architecture, engineering, science, and philosophy.
Many discipline flourished & some new ones were invented. Arab mathematician develop concept of decimal fraction, calculus, etc.
In study and practice of medicine, Islam achieved distinction: surgical technique, orthopedic, & treating mental illness.
5th pillar of Islam, Hajj (the journey). It's required to Muslim at least once on their lifetime, if physically and financially able to go.
2 form of Pilgrimage: Um-rah, the less pilgrimage taken alone/small group every time of the year. Hajj, the greater pilgrimage.
In Qur'an, the rights of women are clearly defined. The right to have choices, own properties, receive inheritances, & vote.
Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors. (Qur'an 2: 190)
The great jihad is to struggle against our main desire.
Suicide in Islam is strictly forbidden to all Muslims. God gives life, and only God can take the life.
Quran 2: 195, "... do not throw (yourselves) with your (own) hands into destruction (by refraining)...."
Let's look each other as human beings, not stereotypes. Wallahu'alam. Allah knows the best.
Inside Islam - The History Channel can be accessed through YouTube, http://t.co/e6ue5Tq
