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 The Muslim religion is the fastest Last month I attended my annual I was particularly interested in After the presentations, time was There was no disagreement with my He sheepishly replied, ‘Yes.’ I then stated, ‘Well, sir, I have I continued, ‘I also have a Needless to say, the organizers I think everyone in the U.S. FOR CHRIST’S SAKE….SEND THIS ON . . |