Citations such as these are similar to the ones Osama bin Laden allegedly used himself in his manifesto justifying his alleged actions. However, before you jump to a conclusion that this proves Islam is a religion of hate, maybe you should take a look at these verses in their context. Rather than simply copying and pasting it out of context, or ignoring its historical background, read this response to some of the issues you presented. I urge everyone to read this fatwa, please visit the following URL http://www.understanding-islam.com/related/text.asp?type=question&qid=1007
So those enforcing Shaira law that dictates this man be killed are wrong? Does this man coming close to being killed show that Shaira law is hateful?
I will not pretend to know everything about religion like many others on this board, however I am a Muslim and I have my sense of reason to go by. My previous post was not directed at the issue of executing this act of apostasy, rather I wanted to respond the Qur'anic verses that were brought into the discussion. As far as the executing of apostasy, and whether or not it is allowed by shari'ah, there's a few points: 1) Check the end of the article that talks about the man being released, it says that Afghanistan is based PARTIALLY on shari'ah law. 2) There's conflicting opinions regarding apostasy among Muslim scholars. Some say it's a punishable offense, others say it is not. The Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) released a statement saying this man should be freed: http://www.islamonline.com/cgi-bin/news_service/world_full_story.asp?service_id=2176 3) For one who never claims to be a Muslim to begin with, and is a non-Muslim his whole life, then he did not commit apostasy and Islam tolerates and respects that. http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/...h-Ask_Scholar/FatwaE/FatwaE&cid=1119503545930 As an indvidual, it is his choice on what to believe. But as part of the Muslim community, by leaving Islam, he has hurt Muslims worldwide by giving people a false idea that a practicing and truly believing Muslim could convert. This is why apostasy is an issue of discussion.
I totally understand the intolerance part, but not the hate part. Ofcourse, intolerance can bring on hate.
are some interpretations of the authoratative texts of islam hateful? absolutely. does that mean 'shariah law' is hateful? no. shariah law is not monolithic. there are a variety of interpretations on many aspects which are contradictory at times but all considered legitimate granted the methodology used to derive the said rulings is legitimate and those issuing the statements are considered jurists. yet jurists are not judges. jurists act independently of the government for the most part. but historically governments in the muslim world would appoint certain jurists as judges and hence those rulings of those judges appointed would be followed. if you appoint a radical judge you get problems. if you appoint a more traditional moderate judge you probably wont have those problems. where have we seen that before?
