Dear MP,
I am writing to you because of my deep concerns about the impact militant Islam is having on our country and to ask you to raise the question as to whether Islam really is a peaceful religion.
We are told constantly by politicians and in the mainstream media that it is a peaceful religion. This is going unchallenged. We are told that the militant extremists have misunderstood the real Islam. If this is true, there are an awful lot of extremists who are misunderstanding Islam. Their numbers are increasing and the atrocities they commit are increasing.
To answer this question honestly we have to examine the life and teachings of Muhammad, the religion's founder, as reported in Islam's foundational texts. Muslims are brought up to believe that he was the perfect human being and that they must emulate him. Too often, the debate centres around the fact that most Muslims are peaceful, however this doesn't prove that the religion itself is.
I have done a lot of research into Islam’s doctrine over the last few months. The truth is that there are plenty of examples of Muhammad himself instructing and committing the same atrocities (and using the same particular violent methods that are being used today in the same circumstances) that are being committed all over the world by Islamic extremists. Non-Muslims are being beheaded, homosexuals are being thrown off buildings and stoned, Christians who don't convert to Islam are being slaughtered, women believed to be guilty of adultery or prostitution are being stoned to death, women are being captured and used as sex slaves, anyone (including other Muslims) who interferes with or obstructs ISIS from accomplishing their mission is being brutally murdered.....and yet we are still being told that these acts have nothing to do with the real Islam. We are told this by leaders, people in positions of authority and "moderate" Muslims.
But no-one in authority is challenging this. No-one is questioning whether these atrocities are consistent with Islam's doctrine. Why? Have politicians, editors and journalists simply not researched the facts? Are they aware of the facts but too afraid to expose Islam's true nature? Are we all so politically correct that we are prepared to sacrifice our own religion, our culture, our laws, our civilised existence for fear of causing offence?
I'm desperately concerned by the apparent universal denial that Islam incites violence and hatred towards non-believers. And I’m perplexed by the general failure to examine whether the actions of Islamist extremists are justified by Islamic doctrine and Muhammad's actions and teachings. No-one is even raising the relevant questions:
Did Mohammed and his followers spread his religion through force?
Was he violent?
Did he and his followers kill innocent people? Did he instruct unbelievers who refused to convert to Islam to be killed?
Did he steal their possessions?
Did he kill those who no longer believed in Islam?
Did he rape the women of the tribes he conquered? Did he and his followers take them as sex slaves?
Did he order stoning for women who commit adultery?
Did he condone the death of those who criticised him?
Did he have sex with a child?
The answer to all these questions is a resounding “Yes!”
We may be at war with Islamist extremists but the real enemy is Islam's ideology. I believe the long term solution is to open people's eyes to the truth so that we all understand what we’re dealing with and in the hope that more rational thinking Muslims begin to ask questions of their religion and face these very uncomfortable truths. The more people understand the truth, the more pressure our leaders and people in authority will be under to tackle foreign policy realistically – i.e. with a proper understanding as to what is motivating these atrocities. If we all bury our heads in the sand we can't begin to address what is the greatest threat to British culture, let alone our civilisation.
I am appealing to you for help to bring this debate into the public domain - at least by starting to ask the right questions. Please, research Islam’s fundamental theocratic principles for yourself - good websites include http://www.answeringislam.org/ http://www.thereligionofpeace.com/ http://www.faithfreedom.org/ .
The frightening facts are all there. The most frightening fact is that Islam is a totalitarian political ideology whose ultimate objective is to overthrow ALL governments and impose Sharia law worldwide.
I have included an appendix with a list of passages from Islam’s key foundational texts - the Quran and Hadith - which demonstrate that Islam is NOT a peaceful religion, that it incites hatred and violence to non-believers and that there is a clear link between recent atrocities and Islam's doctrine. I have also addressed two common objections to the points I am making, that (a) other religions are also violent and (b) there are many peaceful messages in the Quran. Finally, I am alerting you to the doctrine of deceit (Taqiyya) which is part of Islam.
I am appealing to you because the truth needs to be addressed.
Yours sincerely.
APPENDIX
VERSES FROM ISLAM’S FOUNDATIONAL TEXTS
Quran
(About 60% of the Quran speaks ill of the unbelievers or calls for their violent conquest).
And slay them wherever you catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out, for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter. 2:191
And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and let there prevail justice and faith in Allah; but if they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression. 2:193
Fighting is prescribed for you, and you dislike it. But it is possible that you dislike a thing which is good for you, and that you love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knows, and you know not. 2:216
And forbidden to you are wedded wives of other people except those who have fallen in your hands (as prisoners of war). 4.24
Let those fight in the cause of Allah who sell the life of this world for the Hereafter. To him who fights in the cause of Allah, - whether he is slain or gets victory – soon shall We give him a reward of great value. 4:74
Of the Unbelievers: "seize them and slay them wherever you find them: and in any case take no friends or helpers from their ranks." 4:89
Allah has granted a grade higher to those who strive and fight with their goods and persons than to those who sit at home. 4:95
…"for the Unbelievers are open enemies to you." 4:101
For the Unbelievers, Allah has prepared a humiliating punishment. 4:102
O People of the Book! Commit no excesses in your religion: nor say of Allah anything but the truth. Christ Jesus the son of Mary was no more than a Messenger of Allah… Do not say "Trinity": desist: it will be better for you: for Allah is One God: Glory be to Him: far exalted is He above having a son. 4:171
From those too, who call themselves Christians, We did take a covenant, but they forgot a good part of the Message that was sent to them: so We estranged them, with enmity and hatred between one and the other, to the Day of Judgment. And soon will Allah show them what they have done. 5:14
In blasphemy indeed are those that say that God is Christ the son of Mary. 5:17
O you who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians for your friends and protectors: they are but friends and protectors to each other. And he among you that turns to them for friendship is of them. 5:51
They do blaspheme who say: "God is Christ the son of Mary." They do blaspheme who say: God is one of three in a trinity: for there is no God except one God Allah. If they do not desist from their word of blasphemy, verily a grievous penalty will befall the blasphemers among them. Christ the son of Mary was no more than a Messenger; many were the Messengers that passed away before him. 5:72- 73, 5:75
Of the Jews: ‘When in their insolence they transgressed all prohibitions, We said to them: "Be you apes, despised and rejected."’ 7:166
They question you about (windfalls taken as) spoils of war. Say: 'Booty is at the disposal of Allah and the Messenger; they belong to Us and are for Our benefit. So fear Allah, and adjust your way of thinking in this matter. Obey Allah and His Messenger.8:1
If people are obstinate, and refuse to surrender, know that Allah is your Supporter. And know that one fifth of all the booty you take belongs to Allah, and to the Messenger, and for the near relatives (of the Messenger). 8:4
Remember your Lord inspired the angels with the message: "I am with you: give firmness to the Believers: I will instill terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers: you smite them above their necks and smite all their finger-tips off them." 8:12
Against them make ready your strength to the utmost of your power, including steeds of war, to strike terror into the hearts of the enemies of Allah. Whatever you spend in the cause of Allah shall be repaid to you and you shall not be treated unjustly. 8:60
O Messenger! Rouse the Believers among you to the fight. If there are twenty amongst you, patient and persevering, they will vanquish two hundred: if a hundred, they will vanquish two thousand of the Unbelievers: for these are people without understanding. 8:65
…Then fight and slay the Pagans wherever you find them, seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem of war…9:5
Fight them and Allah will punish them by your hands, cover them with shame, help you to victory over them, heal the breasts of the Believers. 9:14
Fight those who do not believe in Allah … until they pay the Jizya with willing submission and feel themselves subdued. 9:29
… Allah will send His punishment from Himself or by our hands. 9:52
If the hypocrites, the sick of heart, and those who spread lies in the city [Medina] do not desist, We shall arouse you [Prophet] against them, and then they will only be your neighbours in this city for a short while. 61 They will be rejected wherever they are found, and then seized and killed. (Haleem) 33:60
Therefore, when you meet the Unbelievers in fight, smite at their necks; at length, when you have thoroughly subdued them, bind a bond firmly on them… He lets you fight in order to test you, some with others. But those who are slain in the way of Allah, - He will never let their deeds be lost. 47:4
It is He Who got out the Unbelievers among the People of the Book from their homes at the first gathering of the forces. Little did you think that they would get out: and they thought that their fortresses would defend them from Allah! But the wrath of Allah came to them from quarters from which they had little expected it, and cast terror into their hearts, so that they destroyed their own dwellings by their own hands and the hands of the Believers. 59:2
That is because they resisted Allah and His Messenger: and if any one resists Allah, verily Allah is severe in punishment. Whether you cut down O you Muslims the tender palm-trees, or if you left them standing on their roots, it was by leave of Allah, and in order that He might cover with shame the rebellious transgressors. 59:4,5
They will not fight you even together, except in fortified townships, or from behind walls. Strong is their fighting spirit amongst themselves: you would think they are united, but their hearts are divided: that is because they are a people devoid of wisdom. 59:14
Truly Allah loves those who fight in His Cause in battle array, as if they were a solid cemented structure. 61:4
He it is Who has sent His Messenger (Muhammad) with guidance and the religion of truth (Islamic monotheism) to make it victorious over all (other) religions even though the Mushrikûn (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah and His Messenger Muhammad) hate (it). 61:9
Hadith
From Sahih al-Bukhari - a collection of hadith compiled by Imam Muhammad al-Bukhari, recognized by the overwhelming majority of the Muslim world to be the most authentic collection of reports of the teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad:
" The Prophet sent (some people) in their pursuit and so they were (caught and) brought, and the Prophets ordered that their hands and legs should be cut off and that their eyes should be branded with heated pieces of iron, and that their cut hands and legs should not be cauterized, till they die." (Vol 8, book 82, no. 795)
"The Prophet ordered for some iron pieces to be made red hot, and their eyes were branded with them and their hands and feet were cut off and were not cauterized. Then they were put at a place called Al-Harra, and when they asked for water to drink they were not given till they died. (Abu Qilaba said, "Those people committed theft and murder and fought against Allah and His Apostle"). (Vol 8, book 82, no. 796)
"Narrated By Ash-Sha'bi : From 'Ali when the latter stoned a lady to death on a Friday. 'Ali said, "I have stoned her according to the tradition of Allah's Apostle." (Vol 8, book 82, no. 803)
"Narrated by Jabir bin Abdullah Al-Ansari : A man from the tribe of Bani Aslam came to Allah's Apostle and informed him that he had committed illegal sexual intercourse and bore witness four times against himself. Allah's Apostle ordered him to be stoned to death as he was a married Person." (Vol 8, book 82, no. 805)
Bukhari (4:241) Those who mocked Muhammad at Mecca were killed after he had retaken the city and asserted his authority.
Bukhari (52:177) – Allah’s Apostle said, “The Hour will not be established until you fight with the Jews, and the stone behind which a Jew will be hiding will say. “O Muslim! There is a Jew hiding behind me, so kill him.”
Bukhari (52:256) – The Prophet… was asked whether it was permissible to attack the pagan warriors at night with the probability of exposing their women and children to danger. The Prophet replied, “They (i.e. women and children) are from them (i.e. pagans).” In this command, Muhammad establishes that it is permissible to kill non-combatants in the process of killing a perceived enemy. This provides justification for the many Islamic terror bombings.
Bukhari (52:220) – Allah’s Apostle said… ‘I have been made victorious with terror’
On Apostates:
"Narrated By 'Ikrima : Some Zanadiqa (atheists) were brought to 'Ali and he burnt them. The news of this event, reached Ibn 'Abbas who said, "If I had been in his place, I would not have burnt them, as Allah's Apostle forbade it, saying, 'Do not punish anybody with Allah's punishment (fire).' I would have killed them according to the statement of Allah's Apostle, 'Whoever changed his Islamic religion, then kill him.” (Vol 9, book 84, no.57)
On Age of Consummating Marriage:
"Narrated Aisha: The prophet engaged me when I was a girl of six. We went to Medina and stayed at the home of Harith Kharzraj. Then I got ill and my hair fell down. Later on my hair grew (again) and my mother, Um Ruman, came to me while I was playing in a swing with some of my girl friends. She called me, and I went to her, not knowing what she wanted to do to me. She caught me by the hand and made me stand at the door of the house. I was breathless then, and when my breathing became all right, she took some water and rubbed my face and head with it. Then she took me into the house. There in the house I saw some Ansari women who said, "Best wishes and Allah's blessing and a good luck." Then she entrusted me to them and they prepared me (for the marriage). Unexpectedly Allah's messenger came to me in the forenoon and my mother handed me over to him, and at that time I was a girl of nine years of age." 5,234
From other Hadith
On Homosexuals:
Ibn Abbas and Abu Huraira reported God’s messenger as saying, "Accursed is he who does what Lot’s people did." In a version . . . on the authority of Ibn Abbas it says that Ali [Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law] had two people burned and that Abu Bakr [Muhammad’s chief companion] had a wall thrown down on them. (vol. 1, p. 765, Prescribed Punishments; cf. Maududi vol. 2, p. 52, note 68)
Muhammad Aashiq Illahi Muhajir Madani, a modern-day Mufti (jurist), wrote Illuminating Discourses on the Noble Quran, 2nd ed. trans. and ed. Mufti A. H. Elias, (Karachi: Pakistan, Zam Zam, 2003). In his commentary he says that convicted homosexuals should undergo this terrible punishment (cf. Maududi vol. 2, p. 52, note 68):. . . Ibn Abbas (one of Muhammad's companions and one of the early Quran scholars) ruled that they be thrown headlong from the highest summit .
OTHER RELIGIONS ARE ALSO VIOLENT
All other main religions have a general theme running through them of ‘do as you would be done by’. Except for Islam which makes a clear distinction in the way Muslims and non-Muslims should be treated. Yes, there are violent verses in the Bible. Mass murder instructed by God in the Old Testament. But the Biblical passages are not open-ended commands for believers to CONTINUE to kill; they relate to specific historical contexts and are instructions to kill specific groups of people at that point in time - the details of which are referred to within the passages themselves.
By contrast, the Quran speaks ill of everyone - Christians, Jews, unbelievers and pagans and commands its readers to “slay the infidel wherever ye find him.” And "Whoever changed his Islamic religion, then kill him." These are commands not restricted to a one off occasion or one nationality which is why so many Muslims are killing anyone and everyone (but particularly Jews and Christians) today in the name of Allah. Most concerning is that Muhammad instructs his followers to force Islam on ALL nations until the whole world is conquered. So this violence will only stop when this mission is fulfilled.
Note also the scarcity of Christian terrorist groups. Not too many people are losing their heads to fanatics screaming praises to Jesus (or Moses, Buddha or the many Hindu gods either) as they are to shouts of “Allah Akbar!” Surely the fact that there are so many Islamic terrorist groups composed of fundamentalists of the Muslim faith demonstrates that there is something far more dangerous about Islam?
The God of the Quran commands the killing of unbelievers and apostates TODAY. The God of the Old Testament instructed killings of specific people at specific times. In the New Testament there is not one example of Jesus committing or inciting violence.
Christianity (Jesus) does not support, encourage or incite killing in its name, whereas Islam (Muhammad) most certainly does. So anyone killing 'in the name of Christianity' is not obeying the rules of Christianity and therefore doesn't have the authority from Jesus to do so. Whilst it is true that some people who have called themselves Christians have been violent, the religion itself is not. In contrast, Muslims are given the authority to kill by Muhammad who killed thousands of innocent people in such a barbaric way and commanded his followers to keep doing so until the world comes under Islamic law.
THERE ARE MANY PEACEFUL MESSAGES IN THE QURAN
The Quran can be confusing because it contains both peaceful and violent verses. The Quran is unique among sacred scriptures in that it accepts a doctrine of abrogation to deal with these apparent inconsistencies. Here, Muhammad’s later pronouncements declare null and void his earlier pronouncements on the same subject. Four verses in the Quran acknowledge or justify abrogation:
* When we cancel a message, or throw it into oblivion, we replace it with one better or one similar. Do you not know that God has power over all things?
* When we replace a message with another, and God knows best what he reveals, they say: You have made it up. Yet, most of them do not know.
* God abrogates or confirms whatsoever he will, for he has with him the Book of the Books.
* If we pleased, we could take away what we have revealed to you. Then you will not find anyone to plead for it with us.
So Muhammad himself is telling us how to deal with inconsistencies of his messages – the latter verses trump the earlier verses. When Muhammad was in Mecca his community of followers was weak, he was more inclined to compromise and his teachings were relatively peaceful. When he later went to Medina he grew in strength and became much more violent. So when someone quotes an earlier, peaceful verse, one needs to check whether it was abrogated by a verse instructing or reporting violence. The vast majority of peaceful instructions are abrogated which render them meaningless in the context of Mohammad’s teachings and commands.
THE DOCTRINE OF TAQIYYA
Many Muslim clerics and scholars assure us that Islamist terrorism has nothing to do with the real Islam. Westerners often take their word for this in the belief that they are the experts. One needs to understand that Islam’s doctrine encourages its follows to lie in situations where it is necessary to do so to further the cause of Muhammad or Allah. This applies particularly when in a position of weakness where force cannot be used (in countries like the UK with small minorities of Muslims). Islam is the only religion with a developed doctrine of deceit - it is called Taqiyya. This should be explored more deeply as it has significant implications as to how we should go about examining the religion. It means that many Muslims will not experience any ethical qualms over lying if it helps to further Allah’s mission. Most Westerners think that Muslim laws and ethical constraints are near identical to those of the Judeo-Christian tradition. Naively or arrogantly, today's multiculturalist leaders project their own worldview onto Islamists, thinking a handshake and smiles across a cup of coffee, as well as numerous concessions, are enough to lead to mutual trust. The fact remains: Right and wrong in Islam have little to do with universal standards. It’s worth noting that Muhammad unashamedly describes Allah is the master of all deceivers and that all deception belongs completely to Allah.
