Do the actions of the Islamic State represent Islam?

2015-01-16T21:40:44-05:00

There are a lot of stories about small populations of extremists that are attributed to the practice various religions. Some examples being members of the Conservative Right Wing, AKA Right Wing Nut Jobs, the WBC activists, or the Christian anti-abortionists of the 80s. But, many stories indicate that Islam is a religion of peace and the religion is not responsible for the acts of a few.

There are estimates that around 15% of Muslims are extremists, which equates to Millions of people. They do not just ban together for a single causes (like abortion issues). They do not get prosecuted for crimes (like anti-abortion types who bombed or killed). They are raised to hate culturally in the name of their religion (albeit with some deception). It is a real, deeply ingrained, belief system that they value enough to die for.

It saddens me. Having met so many honest, decent people in various parts of SWA and in the US; they are being lumped into a single label of Muslim which heightens individual threat assessments.

Do they really represent Islam, even though they say they do?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2015 9:44 PM

2015-01-16T21:44:19-05:00

Nope they dont, I am a 20 year old muslim and the only factual representation of young muslims that I can think of is that we all love chipotle.
In all seriousness, I think that percentage is a bit high.
In parts of the country it is engrained to not like the western world, but its not because of religion its because of cultural differences and bad history between nations.

Response by CW5 Jim Steddum made Jan 18 at 2015 10:58 AM

2015-01-18T10:58:14-05:00

This is not the Islamic State... This is Saudi Arabia.

http://www.ijreview.com/2015/01/234365-2-justice-served-even-moderate-muslim-nations-woman-beheaded-broad-daylight-police-watch/

How Justice is Served in Even ‘Moderate’ Muslim Nations: Woman Beheaded in Broad Daylight While...

This is how criminal suspects are treated in Muslim nations like this U.S. ally...

Response by SGT Justin Singleton made Jan 18 at 2015 11:32 AM

2015-01-18T11:32:10-05:00

15% makes up about 240,000,000 radicals. Having worked in several Muslim-majority nations (military and civilian), I have met some very, very nice Muslims whom I would call friends. That said, 240 million radicals is a very, very large number... That would compare to 75% of the US Population.

Also, see these polls: http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2014/09/04/myth-tiny-radical-minority/

The Myth of the Tiny Radical Muslim Minority - Breitbart

Over the weekend, former President Jimmy Carter attended the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) conference in Detroit. There, he assured Muslims that the

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2015 11:43 AM

2015-01-18T11:43:44-05:00

Yes, even though they are not the majority. The are using Quran to justified their actions, thus they have made it a part of Islam. Just as we are ambassadors to the foreign areas in which we serve, they are representative of the religion under which they justify their actions. Just because you don't like their actions doesn't mean you get to sweep them under the rug and claim that it's not your problem. Does it mean everybody is/supports ISIS? No. But it does mean that we need to address the issues that lead to their creation.

Response by SPC Christopher McClaskey made Jan 18 at 2015 11:44 AM

2015-01-18T11:44:46-05:00

Dose a veteran still represent his or her branch yes they do but everyone should be judged on the bases of who they are not what they represent

Response by CPT Craig Church, ASLA, LEED GA made Jan 18 at 2015 12:46 PM

2015-01-18T12:46:27-05:00

Hell no!! The world is being lorded by nincompoops who have no idea of what Islam is. Not enough information is transmitted to them and they are bums with nothing left to lose.

Response by CPT Craig Church, ASLA, LEED GA made Jan 19 at 2015 5:59 PM

2015-01-19T17:59:13-05:00

No I do not believe the actions of the Islamic State represent Islam. As far as I can tell from history Islam was very tolerant of many religions when Palestine was an existing state. Anyone could go and come as they pleased. Let me know if I am wrong. Though Islam spread rapidly in the 600's to 700's through peaceful almost bloodless conversions. This current interpretation of Islam is a people coming to grips with the "in your face" impact of the western modern world. It is also the result or answer impoverished, powerless young men (and women) have to feel purposeful. This is my speculative belief. I am sure there are those out there who are more informed than I.

Response by MSgt Robert Pellam made Jan 19 at 2015 6:33 PM

2015-01-19T18:33:45-05:00

Okay. First I am a Historian in the making. I am currently a History Student at Charleston Southern University. Second, I base my opinion on what I have studied in Middle Eastern Culture.

The Islamic State is trying to represent all of Islam. Do they? no. One of the biggest point is they appointed a Caliphate. After Mohammad dies in 632AD, the elders of the different Arabic tribes that Mohammad had gathered, formed a committee of elders to appoint a "Caliph." This was done because Mohammad had not appointed a successor and some of the Tribal leaders were taking their tribes and leaving Mecca and Islam. The next Caliph was Mohammad's best friend Abu Bakr. This Caliphate becomes the Spiritual leader as well as the Governmental leader of all Muslims. Islam does not separate church and state.

Fast forward.... through the years though. Many in Islam debate who is the rightful Caliph. This actually leads to the Separation of Sunni, and Shiite Muslims later and it diverges even more.

What the Islamic state is trying to do is appeal to Muslims. They are claiming rightful leadership of all Muslims throughout the world by claiming the Caliphate. Most Muslims know they are full of crap though. Even though they have hidden behind the Qaran, and Islamic religion, they are nothing more then thugs. Mohammad was very specific that no Christians, or Jews were to be harmed. He called them people of the book (Someone posted this before). But Mohammad also had a score of Jews in Medina killed and enslaved because he thought they were spying for Mecca, when he outcast from Mecca between 622 AD and 630 AD and raiding their caravans.

There is many contradictions in the Islam religion, just like all the other religions in the world.

Response by CPO Joel Dreibelbis made Jan 19 at 2015 6:44 PM

2015-01-19T18:44:17-05:00

Islam means Submit. The "peace loving" touts of Islam comes from early writings. In these writings, if there is a conflicting passage, the newest is the "correct" writing. Later writings indicate it is acceptable under Islam to lie, cheat, steal and commit acts of violence and murder to promote Islam. ANY religion that proclaims that all other religions must submit or be eliminated is NOT a just religion. I know that there are those out there of the opinion that Christians committed atrocities under the name of the crusades. The crusades covered 300 years and had less than 50 battles. The jihad has lasted 1,400 years, over 1,000 battles AND IS STILL GOING ON. Think about it for a second...where do you think ask those slaves and concubines in harems came from? They were, and are the spoils of battles.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2015 5:54 PM

2015-01-27T17:54:44-05:00

They do not. My wife is Muslim and has yet to kill my infidel self. Neither have any of my inlaws. Down to its roots (my experiece from a Christian upbringing and the last 11 years of exposure to Islam), I believe Islam is more tolerant and charitable, almost as much as Judiasim. Again, my opinions based on my experiences.

Response by TSgt Tim (lj) Littlejohn made Jan 27 at 2015 6:58 PM

2015-01-27T18:58:34-05:00

The only problem I see is that 98% of the peaceful Islams will not do anything against the extremists. They are so afraid that they will not even say it's wrong!

Response by SFC Steven Harvey made Feb 4 at 2015 3:14 PM

2015-02-04T15:14:49-05:00

If absolutely no one from the religion cares to do anything about it yes. It doesn't matter how you translate the their religious books or how many nice Muslims you know.

If Christians or Jews started to mass murder people in this day and age the overwelming majority would crush it instantly. Even the Nazis had people within the organization actively trying to kill Hitler.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Feb 5 at 2015 2:16 AM

2015-02-05T02:16:53-05:00

What saddens me is that you had to throw several insults about the Conservative party when talking about Islam. What party is apologizing to them?

Let's take this another way. The Boston marathon bombers, while being Muslim converts were also registered Democrats.

If you want to talk about the radical 10% Islam faction, let's do so without biased political attacks.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2015 5:59 AM

2015-02-05T05:59:38-05:00

Does the actions of Westboro Baptist represent Christians?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2015 8:03 PM

2015-02-05T20:03:39-05:00

Good question. Every day my ability to maintain the position that Islam is peaceful erodes. I prefer that Islam be peaceful. Time will tell if it will be peaceful or the scourge of the earth. Islamists will ultimately decide and its not trending in an encouraging direction. Hope I am wrong.

Response by Lt Col Fred Marheine, PMP made Feb 5 at 2015 10:00 PM

2015-02-05T22:00:33-05:00

Call me simple minded if you will, but I'm going to go with, "yes."

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2015 8:08 AM

2015-02-06T08:08:17-05:00

The inquisition in the 12th century was a fruit of political games that led the Catholic Church to use extremism as a weapon of intimidation against anyone who dared to speak out against it or do things that was contrary to its gospel. ISIS is a political movement not religious even though it tries to claim it to be so.

Response by SPC James Mcneil made Feb 8 at 2015 10:49 AM

2015-02-08T10:49:58-05:00

You ask if they represent Islam. In response to your question, I have a question. How many Germans during WWII were active Nazi supporters?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 10:51 AM

2015-02-08T10:51:36-05:00

The radicals represent an aspect of Islam. They are millions strong.

Response by SPC Daniel Cahill made Feb 28 at 2015 4:03 AM

2015-02-28T04:03:53-05:00

Interesting perspective from a non-Muslim viewpoint......

Bill Warner - A Taste of Islam

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjBDDC4wVxk

Bill Warner - A Taste of Islam

Dr. Bill Warner, Director and Founder of the Center for the Study of Political Islam (CSPI) introduced the elements of the Islamic menu, and taught us how th...

Response by Maj John Bell made Nov 28 at 2021 1:07 AM

2021-11-28T01:07:11-05:00

Unfortunately, theocracies quite often pay lip service to the fundamentals of their own religion, and view adherents to other beliefs or non-beliefs as a threat. Most religions, lacking the teeth of the police powers of the state are relatively toothless. What I find odd, is that the history of Atheist states (not the same as secular states) is certainly no better.