“Say: ‘We believe in God and in the revelation given to us and to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob and the tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to (all) the prophets of their Lord. We do not difference between one and another of them, and we bow down before God.’ “Chapter 2, verse 136.

Weekly, I get many forwarded emails from fellow travelers who are very fearful, reading the headlines about Muslim extremists. These extremists are using their religious beliefs to justify deadly actions against others of the same faith; and others whom they have designated as non-believers or Westerners. In the United States and around the world, this is a real and growing threat to the way we live and maintain our personal freedoms. These Muslim extremists would tell us how to live, what to believe and kill anyone who deviates from their point of view.

Unfortunately, please remember that this is not the first time that religious beliefs have been used to justify action and war against others. History is full of examples and it is such a powerful and motivating tool, follow what God wants, that it is still used today. It is enough to read the Old Testament or follow the stories of the Crusades; Jewish and Christian history is full of examples where deadly force was used to protect and promote a cherished belief system. Today, in this matter, there are few options; all freedom-loving people must stand firm, raise their voices and fight against those who would take us away. It is clear that it has been a long time since we solved this problem with words alone.

When I studied the Qur’an and reread it many, many times; I did not find any personal call to spread Islam throughout the non-believing world. For me, the Qur’an was a timeless revelation, full of love, hope and the importance of fighting internal Jihad. Jihad’s inner being, perfecting himself and helping others to reach higher. Many people overlook the historical and current context of this Revelation; this religion and final Message was proclaimed at a time when the Arabs of the desert were exactly like the extremists of today. Taking, killing innocents and justifying their action with a philosophy of many gods who supported their murderous activities. Then a Redeemer arrives, Mohammed, who spreads the true message of love and dedication; calling all people around the world to change their ways and accept the higher calling. To spread this new way of life, Muhammad takes up arms, defeats his enemies and offers Islam to all people.

In the spread of the new religion, throughout the Koran there are warnings to leave alone those people who have accepted God and live a good life. Pointing out that among Christians and Jews there were those who loved God and should be left alone. The Call to spread the faith -Islam- was for those who did not believe in this way and benefited by harming others; this was the original target group: desert Arabs who looted and killed; taking what they wanted. Some Islamic scholars would argue that the following quote simply means to leave these people alone, until God deals with them. However, we would argue that God has accepted his faith and they should not be treated as unbelievers.

Those who believe (in the Koran), those who follow the Jews (scriptures), the Sabians and the Christians, – whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, and does justice, – on them there will be no fear, no they will be sad (5:69).

At the heart of any moral teaching is how to improve oneself and become a better person; thus making the world a little better. From the beginning, there have been those who have used religious belief to kill and take. In fact, these people have become enemies of their faith and if the Redeemer were alive today, the Prophet would be the first to call them.

In this matter, one must keep an open mind. We in the West have long joined the takers in these Middle Eastern countries and have helped create some of the tremendous poverty and oppression. Over the years, our government has long supported dictators who would take from the people and sell them to the West at bargain prices. Now the terrorists paint us as the enemy and in our destruction Islam will triumph.

The worst of guardians is a cruel ruler. Beware of becoming one of them.

— Prophet Muhammad (s) as reported in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 846.

In dealing with extremists, the Israelis have long maintained: an eye for an eye and there can never be peace with those who wish to destroy them. Also, by maintaining military strength, you minimize fear and help ensure survival.

Where do we go from here?

o It is time for moderate Arabs to speak up and condemn the actions of their extremist brothers; Moderate Muslims must join the fight against those who would harm and destroy in the name of their faith.

o The United States and other nations must help correct the poverty and lack of education that is the breeding ground for this extremist view. People must have enough food and a future; then they can listen to reasons.

“We believe that poverty does not belong in a civilized human society. It belongs in museums […] A world free of poverty might not be perfect, but it would be the best approximation of the ideal.”

—Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Prize 2006.

o All over the world, dictators and governments that will take people away and spread death and destruction cannot be tolerated. All nations must step up and fight against this oppression.

o There should be worldwide recognition and education that Islam is a religion of peace and love; while calling all people to submit to God, people must remain free to make their own choice. Religion cannot be imposed on anyone and people must be free to live their lives.

Let there be no compulsion in religion. (2:256).

o Each person should become familiar with the teachings of the Koran and other world religions. Discussions should be held publicly examining these religions for their common beliefs; so that we can come together again as one family.

o Clearly, there needs to be a dialogue about the difference between using a belief system as a cover for harmful activity and what the belief system actually says and purports to do. Religious beliefs do not kill people; people, their personal agendas and their weapons do the killing. Killing in the Name of God is a personal choice that people make.

They are the losers, the ones who make religion hard and hard. Those who enforce the harsh practices of Islam endanger themselves. They destroy themselves, those who are extreme.

— Prophet Muhammad (s) as reported by Ibn Masud in Sahih Muslim