My Response to an Inflammatory Chain E-mail Attacking the Faith of Islam

I recently received an e-mail forward titled “What’s An Infidel” (you can read the full e-mail below) that I found to be highly offensive and intended to promote religious bigotry and intolerance. First, I would warn you not to accept any e-mail forward as fact without verification. With a quick search on the internet I found two links (provided below) that put the most basic facts presented in this e-mail in question. A source present at the training stated that the inmate in question was an ordinary Muslim, not a trained cleric. The source went on to state “that although the inmate did answer various questions about his faith to the best of his ability, the issues of jihad and violence against non-believers were neither raised nor discussed during the exchange.”

Regardless of what exchange took place, I would warn you not to judge a whole religion of 1.5 billion people based on one unsubstantiated e-mail forward. There are many great resources to the learn more about Islam and the beliefs of Muslims. The Islamic Center of Greater Toledo in Perrysburg, Ohio would be a great place to start. I have provided links to their website below. I called the Islamic Center. They are more than willing to give tours and address any questions you might have about the Islamic faith. One thing I learned in my brief conversation with a religious leader at the Center is that the word “Infidel” is not even in the Quran.

There are those intent on using misinformation and fear to pursue a religious and political agenda. Before we pass judgment on persons of another faith, I would hope that we would all take the time to educate ourselves and to reach out to our fellow man with an open heart and open mind.

Links to The Islamic Center of Greater Toledo:

Home page: http://www.icgt.org/

What is Islam?: http://www.icgt.org/islam/

Links with more information about the e-mail chain letter:

urbanlegends: http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bl_allah_or_jesus.htm

Snopes.com: http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/allah.asp

Full text of e-mail chain letter:

WHAT’S AN INFIDEL ?

This is a true story and the author, Rick Mathes, is a well-known leader in prison ministry.

The man who walks with God always
gets to his destination.If you have a
pulse you have a purpose.

The Muslim religion is the fastest
growing religion per capita in the
United States , especially in the
minority races!!

Last month I attended my annual
training session that’s required for
maintaining my state prison
security clearance.
During the training session there was a presentation by three speakers
representing the Roman Catholic,
Protestant and Muslim faiths,
who each explained their beliefs.

I was particularly interested in
what the Islamic had to say.
The Muslim gave a great presentation
of the basics of Islam, complete
with a video.

After the presentations, time was
provided for questions and answers.
When it was my turn, I directed
my question to the Muslim and asked:
‘Please, correct me if I’m wrong,
but I understand that most Imams and
clerics of Islam have declared
a holy jihad [Holy war] against the
infidels of the world and, that by
killing an infidel,
(which is a command to all Muslims)
they are assured of a place in heaven.
If that’s the case, can you give me
the definition of an infidel?’

There was no disagreement with my
statements and, without hesitation,
he replied, ‘Non-believers!’
I responded, ‘So, let me make sure
I have this straight. All followers of
Allah have been commanded to kill
everyone who is not of your faith so
they can have a place in heaven.
Is that correct?’
The expression on his face
changed from one of authority
and command to that of a
little boy who had just been
caught with his hand
in the cookie jar.’

He sheepishly replied, ‘Yes.’

I then stated, ‘Well, sir, I have
a real problem trying to
imagine The Pope commanding
all Catholics to kill those of
your faith or Dr.Stanley ordering
all Protestants to do the same
in order to guarantee them
a place in heaven!’
The Muslim was speechless!

I continued, ‘I also have a
problem with being your friend
when you and your brother clerics
are telling your followers to
kill me! Let me ask you a question:
Would you rather have your Allah,
who tells you to kill me in
order for you to go to heaven,
or my Jesus who tells me to
love you because I am going
to heaven and He wants you
to be there with me?’
You could have heard a pin
drop as the Imam hung his
head in shame.

Needless to say, the organizers
and/or promoters of the
‘Diversification’ training seminar
were not happy with my way
of dealing with the Islamic Imam,
and exposing the truth
about the Muslims’ beliefs.
In twenty years there will be
enough Muslim voters in the
U.S. to elect the President!

I think everyone in the U.S.
should be required to read this,
but with the ACLU, there is no
way this will be widely
publicized, unless each of us
sends it on! This is your chance
to make a difference…

FOR CHRIST’S SAKE….SEND THIS ON . .

The Findlay Democrat