hYperTrOphY
Member
Muslims seem to always defend their religion after the actions of 'extremists' by arguing that such people have mis-interpreted the Quran. I have not bought or read the book - the Quran - and I cannot read/speak Arabic. However, can someone explain how any part or parts of the Quran are mis-interpreted? And are such mis-interpretations occuring at Islamic schools and places of worship, or only by individuals who "are not really Muslims"?
I have even seen people quote from the Quran (in English), only to have Muslims argue that it is out of context or mis-interpreted... Does this not pose problems for Australian muslims who cannot read Arabic?
Another argument advocated by Muslims is that it is only extremists who hold such views that are criticised by Western media/society. However, I have often wondered if the only difference between an extremist Muslim and a 'moderate Muslim' is that extremists act on their impulses and beliefs, whereas moderate Muslims, while also having similar values, have adequate inhibitions (possibly through the socialisation process in Australian society) which prevent them from acting illegally on behalf of Islam. I may be completely wrong, it is just something I have wondered. I know a Muslim girl and at the time of the so called, "Cronulla Riots" she had an MSN name and display picture which illustrated her support to the "Wogs" and Muslims. To cut the story short, when I asked her if she would prefer Australia to be an Islamic country, she refused to answer. So, even though she is a friendly girl, has friends from different races and religions, hasn't comitted any crimes - does she still hold the views (maybe not to the same degree) of the extremists; and do these views represent Islam? These are not necessarily rhetorical questions, I honestly do not know.
I have even seen people quote from the Quran (in English), only to have Muslims argue that it is out of context or mis-interpreted... Does this not pose problems for Australian muslims who cannot read Arabic?
Another argument advocated by Muslims is that it is only extremists who hold such views that are criticised by Western media/society. However, I have often wondered if the only difference between an extremist Muslim and a 'moderate Muslim' is that extremists act on their impulses and beliefs, whereas moderate Muslims, while also having similar values, have adequate inhibitions (possibly through the socialisation process in Australian society) which prevent them from acting illegally on behalf of Islam. I may be completely wrong, it is just something I have wondered. I know a Muslim girl and at the time of the so called, "Cronulla Riots" she had an MSN name and display picture which illustrated her support to the "Wogs" and Muslims. To cut the story short, when I asked her if she would prefer Australia to be an Islamic country, she refused to answer. So, even though she is a friendly girl, has friends from different races and religions, hasn't comitted any crimes - does she still hold the views (maybe not to the same degree) of the extremists; and do these views represent Islam? These are not necessarily rhetorical questions, I honestly do not know.