Islam Misunderstood?
There is an effort by some to suggest the religion of Islam is a religion of peace and that those who
terrorize the world (in the name of Muhammad) have misrepresented the faith. While I appreciate any
Muslim who wants to live in peace with his non-Muslim neighbors, I am not so naïve to close my eyes to
reality. In 59 verses of the 114 chapters (surah) of the Quran, believers are told to condemn non-believers.
“Fight them (unbelievers), Allah will punish them with your hands and degrade them. He will grant you
victory over them” (9:14). And, “Fight against them (unbelievers) until there is no dissension, and the
religion is for Allah. Fight until no other religion exists but Islam” (2:193). The global violence of Islam
against unbelievers is consistent with this teaching. If anyone doubts this, let him confess Jesus as the Son
of God in an Islamic nation and see what happens.
Jesus said, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are
ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits” (Matt. 7:15-16). This warning is given because error
exists in the world and smooth talking orators will try to convince people to accept it. But, all we have to do
is examine the fruit of any ideology to know if it is of God. And if the fruit promotes violence against nonbelievers, what kind of seed is it?
The truth is Christianity differs from Islam in more than its treatment of unbelievers. Jesus was
endorsed of heaven when the Father “raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and
hope are in God” (1 Pet. 1:21). A Muslim may overcome his faith’s ideology and live at peace with his
neighbors, but how does that change the fact that Jesus overcame the grave and Muhammad is still in it?
Where is the fruit of eternal life? –Mike Thomas
Radio Program on Sundays at 10:15 a.m. on 99.9 F.M.
Beaver Dam Church of Christ
www.beaverdamchurch.com