Comments on: Just Ask Muhammed

By: hghst

hghst — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:54:09 +0000

are condomns allowed

By: James

James — Sat, 12 Aug 2006 17:08:38 +0000

Mohammed, first, I’d like to express my appreciation and admiration for your volunteering to come forward to open dialogue in a potentially hostile environment without first making any statement or ranting.

I understand that in America, those that are politically active are in the minority. Of those, probably about half are advocating violence and force against those they disagree with. However, I’d be surprised if the rest of the world doesn’t have some kind of stereotype that all Americans are pro-Israel and anti-Muslim gun-slinging cowboys who invite our enemies to “Bring it On”…

Since our media disproportionately reports on the violent extremists in the mideast, I’m wondering - what percentage of Arabs are actually apolitical like the average American? What proportion of Muslims are just Muslim in name, but inside are really apathetic about Islam? What proportion of Muslims were actually offended by the Danish cartoons depicting Mohammed?

Also, why do we mostly hear about the violent extremists in the Mideast who justify their actions in the name of religion, as opposed to in Indonesia? Does it have something to do with Israel, and if so, how come Indonesians don’t appear to be as passionate about that issue?

thanks again, and apologies in advance if my questions imply any kind of misunderstanding I have.

By: Bob

Bob — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 22:19:53 +0000

Have you read “The End of Faith” by Sam Harris? He gives Christianity a hard time, as you might imagine, but he’s also very hard on Islam. Basically, he says that the right wingers are largely correct — that Islam has a lot more hate than Christianity (and that’s saying something).

I wonder what you think about this.

By: slakr

slakr — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 14:58:53 +0000

…please do not interpret my questions as a marginalization of religion. Upon re-reading the post, it seems that to me that it might be interpreted that way.

What I really mean is: is religion really a problem or are we completely missing the point when analyzing the world? If I put a Christian, a Jew, and a Muslim, would they really just up and try to kill each other? There is no question that if I threw Tom Cruise in there he would definitely not come out alive, but that is different, I suppose.

By: slakr

slakr — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 14:43:59 +0000

Do you think there is anything in the world that truly happens because of religion? For example, are “religious extremists” truly religious? Are people truly fighting for God? Do religious states truly feel their laws are serving God? Or is religion merely a highly visible tool, simultaneously a distraction from and a justification for the agendas of those in and those seeking power. Would the world be any different without religion? Are the believers and the non-believers alike simply pawns in contests between Leader A and Leader B?

By: Josh

Josh — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 22:57:34 +0000

Muhammed, thank you for being willing to enlighten us a little.

My question surrounds Israel and the Jewish people.

Given the history of how Israel (the state) came to be, I can definitely understand why Israel is not wanted/recognized in the most of the middle east.

But, it comes across that the Jewish people and the land of Israel seem to be synonymous. Am I mistaken that if Israel (the land) were to be re-distributed or totally internationalized that the Jews would still be treated and looked upon with the same contempt throughout the region? To re-state that, is it really more of a hatred of Israel (the people), Israel (the land that’s being occupied), or just a combination of both?

Thanks again!

By: Skippy

Skippy — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 16:25:07 +0000

On the lighter side… I know you don’t necessarily reflect all liberal Muslims here or anywhere else, but I’m curious about the similarities between your typical daily life and those of “native” citizens. Do you watch much American TV? What are your favorite non-news shows and movies? What is your overall opinion of American entertainment? (good, bad, immoral, stupid, funny?) or the media in general? Do you have any hobbies? What do you do for fun?

Thanks for you time.

By: Thomas K.

Thomas K. — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 14:27:01 +0000

Thank you Muhammed for offering to enlighten us. I have only two questions,

1. In the metric that the West and the Middle East share Abrahamic religion, do you believe it is possible for some form of reconciliation of the two, and what would be the conditions for this to occur?

2. Do you believe war is an irrational part of the human condition?

Thanks again.

By: Flaky

Flaky — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 05:18:00 +0000

For reference, I’d like to know Mohammeds take on capital punishment. When, if ever, is it applicable? (Murder, adultery). What method should be used? (E.g. stoning vs. lethal injection).
I’d also like to read his opinion on the Danish Mohammed cartoons.

By: Snurp

Snurp — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 22:48:26 +0000

I would like to know from you, as a Muslim, what exactly is the problem with Israel? My history is a little rusty, but I do believe that the relative size of the Islamic-controlled Middle East has changed greatly over time, and yet this small piece remains the major issue. Now I understand that it is “The” small piece, but still, why the continued violence? I don’t believe that Muslims are banned from there now, so what difference does it make that the leader is of a different faith? Doesn’t the Muslim focus on “retaking the Holy Land” seem far too similar to the Crusades?