nerdo
All you people have strong faiths but you aint seeing the real thing here. God wants us to love each other as brother and sister. Thats what we are right!?! No religion is going to save you, but your faith in The One and Only "GOD".We should not feel suprerior to others because nobody is better than anybody else. Why debate over whos religion is better because that does not matter. All that should matter is your faith with god.

ALI
Hey Phill, just wanted to comment on your suggestion that: 'Then you wonder why non believers in Islam wonder exactly why you chose to live in our country'. Many muslims of this country were born here and as such are British citizins. It is silly of you to imply that you are doing us a favour and we 'choose' to live in 'your' country as it is every bit our country as it is yours. It is this attitude which suggests muslims are 'foreigners' that can be highley damaging. As for your comments regarding not taking Jews and Christians as friends: This must be taken in context and all it suggests is that we should not abandon our practices for the sake of other religions. There is nothing there which even remotely suggests that we should disrespect non believers.

Hakeem Joseph
Here is a tip on reading the holy books (Torah, Holy Bible, Holy Quran). Please read it in a positive emotion instead of negative emotion regardless what religion, culture or race you are. Emotions affect your intepretation and judgement. Culture diversities, discrimination, oppression happens everyday. We may talk into mutual understanding or respecting each other but nothing may change if we dare not to change ourselves first. In the end, black or white regardless what colour we may be, we are all just humans.

adam
i was recently conversing with a member of my congregation (of a christian faith), when we started debating over islam. I thoght that there was a time when islam was fairly open and seemed to remember that in the 1600's women had a very strong role in midle eastern, islamic society. he seemed to beleive that islam was by "nature" as oppressive as some fundamentalist, extremeist groups are. can you set us historicaly strait? Thank you

Shabs
I am keen to find out more about this group that has been set up in stoke. Is it possible to get contact details for the organiser?

fazila
look!! all i want to know is that what does the statement mean 'parents should teach their children to pray and young people sholud be asked to take part in prayers at school'. thats all i had to ask and you guyz go over the top. i asked a question and now i want the answer!!!! GET OVER IT!!!!

Mutasim
Bismiallah Steve the term infadel does not exist in the muslim belief or in the Arabic language. It is a term that was coined by the crusaders when they wanted christiandom to believe that muslims did not believe in Jesus the Son of Mary(AS). Europe then under this banner of "death to the disbelivers" advanced upon Jerusalem - listen to the song "Jerusalem" by William Blake( I attended his school in later years) Dinesh Patel If you must quote extracts from the Qur'an then have the honesty to quote the whole context and dont follow the path of those who have done mere word searches. It is this behaviour which has led to many of the world's problems. There are two types of people who goes to read the Qur'an (1) those searching for guidance to the trials of this brief life (2) those searching to dismantle the peace that others have found. If Islam is not for you then leave it at that, but don't seek to talk about things which you have no real knowledge on. On the matter of women praying with men, it has always been the tradition of the prophet Muhammad(SAW) for his ummah to pray together; the men prayed in the front rows whilst the women prayed in the rows behind, this being in the same area. It is an issue which the practice of Islam has to address as to what brought the change of practice,because we are only supposed to follow the guidance of the prophet(SAW). If the christians had followed the teachings of Christ(AS) then our practices today would be identical, but the people changed it to suit themselves. Phil Holmes Firstly this world is not the posession of any man or woman that lives within it for none of them can show a deed relating to how much it cost them to buy it from Allah(God). Mankind has misrepresented the trust placed in him. We are all free to go and live where we want to , but it is the borders that mankind has placed around certain areas and defended it to the death which has resulted in a form of ownership, this matured into nationalism and patricism. The family of mankind is one and nothing any of us do will ever change that. Phil you should take note concerning misquoting any religious document whether Qur'an or Bible - use the whole context and not your personal views - the meanings to the Qur'anic passages exist in what is known as the "tafsirs" and this was done to prevent man's personal interpretation as what was done with the book sent to "Moses(AS)". You refer to a subject matter without understanding the subject. Islam has always recognised the "Jews and Christians" and refers to them as the people of the books, it goes as far as allowing marriage between us and any believing persons. We are allowed to eat their foods if prepared in the manner given to them by their respective prophets Islma enbraces all the prophets without exception - but we have not deified any of them- "DO NOT QUOTE THE PASSAGES CONCENRING WAR FARE" for a particular time period which has sinced past, do not quote without quoting the methodology of applying the passages that you have included here. Search for the "treaty of Medina" which was under Muslim rule where all groups lived in the same area sharing knowledge and various other things until "Nationalism" showed up(who brought nationalism to the middle east?). Look also at the history of Spain to see how Muslims, Jews and Christians were allowed to practice their respected religions in their own churches, without hinderance from the Muslim rulers(who brought nationalism to spain?). Nageena You are right that Islam is rarely practiced correctly today and this is the confusion for those without knowledge of this subject matter. Most of what is seen today as Islamic practice is really local cultures whose practice has a hint of Islam and 99% local culture. Islam should not be judged by what Muslims do, ISlam should be judged by what muslims should do as practiced by all the prophets(Noah), Abraham(AS), Moses(AS) jesus(Isa(AS))& Muhammad(SAW). Islam gave women their rights when nothing else could - read Surah(no 4) "Anisa" in the Qur'an this is

Rebecca
Surely there is a difference between accepting something as true and believing it to be universal. It would be naive to suggest that women in some Islamic communities are never oppressed; and since religion is primarily about belief and the study of texts, if the majority of people in these communities believe this to be the correct interpretation of their faith and can reinforce that view from their holy texts then to dismiss them as 'not really Muslims' because their view is different seems a little bigoted (not to mention a convenient escape, which dodges any serious thought about socio-religious ideas). This does not mean, however, that we need to like such opinions or that we should not help those in need of support. It also DOES NOT mean that because these communities exist they ARE Islam.
Anybody who seriously tried to discuss Christian policies on issues like abortion or divorce would be considered ignorant if they tried to argue that all Christians thought the same. They would be considered foolish and insulting if they tried to argue that the beliefs of some minority groups of Christian fundamentalists represented the views of most people in most Churches in Britain on a Sunday.
Is it not, therefore, equally as ignorant, foolish and insulting to assume that the views and actions of some fundamentalist Muslims, often living in very different societies to our own represent every Muslim in every mosque in Britain, many of whom are also British citizens and an integral part of modern Britain
(N.B. Dave, when you can define the 'native population' of Britain, maybe there will be a case for giving them special privileges).

Nageena
Islam does promote equality.
After worshipping, nothing else is more important..so when Muslims are praying it is better that men and women observe their prayers separately so not to distract one another.
However, Islam is not the only religion to believe that when it comes to worshiping, there has to be segregation! In the Jewish faith women and men are separated when in a synagogue. In other terms, such as rights, Islam does promote equality between men and women. With regards to not being welcome to a mosque, different areas may observe different rules etc; however in the area which i am from in Stoke on trent, the community have always allowed non-Muslims to enter the mosque because we feel it is important that as we are living together than it is better to bring the community together and educate one another. Our local mosque has held many events in which we have had representatives of all race and creed.
Britain is very much a multi-cultural and multi-faith society,that's why it is important to be understanding and accepting of other peoples beliefs and lfestyles..and respect each individual for who and what they are..whether you like it or not!
And often you will find that in countries where ther is one main religion and always has been, it is difficult to see beyond that..bit like when a Black family move into a rich and mainly White area; for those people it would be their first time in contact with a Black person!
I am not sure about other areas, but i know that Stoke-on-Trent has a lot of developing to do with regards equal opportunities, from race and age to gender and disability!

Dinesh Patel
Maybe the problem of integration does not lie on the goverment as we are led to believe - but is something the Islamic people choose.
"Don't take Jews or Christians for friends. If you do, then Allah will consider you to be one of them." 5:51
"Jews and Christians are transgressors." 5:59
"Most unbelievers are ignorant." 6:111
"Those who deny Muhammad's revelation are evil." 7:177
"Fight them until persecution is no more, and religion is for Allah." 8:39 (many muslims believe Muslims are persecuted throughout the world. Hence, they are 'allowed' to fight the persecutors).
"Exhort the believers to fight. They will win easily, because disbelievers are without intelligence." 8:65
"Don't make be friends with with your disbelieving family members. Those who do so are wrong-doers." 9:23
"Fight against Christians and Jews who disbelieve in Allah, until they pay the tax noting your religion is superior." 9:29
"Fight disbelievers who are near you, and let them see the harshness in you." 9:123
"Don't be friends with disbelievers. They are your (and Allah's) enemy." 60:1
Not my words...but all from the Islamic holy book, the Koran.

Hifza Shaheen,16, Walsall
I think what Nageena has wrote, is all true. As an Asian teenage girl i think there is more then "curry and roti" in Asian Society, people. Young Asian Women have something to give to society and i think you should give them a chance to express themselves. Parents should not trap their children in the house and teach them to be a good housewive. Asian women, just like everyone else, have ambitions and dreams.

Steve
It is pervese that Muslims whish the UK to recognise and allow their faith to be practised in the UK but that Islam does not recognise Christianity and will not let it be practised in Muslim Countries. We are refered to as unclean and infadels!

Danny H
FAO NAGEENA... regarding the main topic being Islam and women, I thought ide ask a question regarding Islam's proclaimed equality of both men and women being equal in society.
I went to visit Egypt last year and went inside the largest mosque in north africa,just outside cairo, (which unlike many mosques in this country is open to visitors of all religions colours and creeds), and upon walking inside our group soon learnt that unlike in christianity the women couldnt pray with or alongside their husbands or any other men and had to pray in this sectioned off part of the mosque that resembled that of an animal pen.
when someone asked why this was we were told that the sight of a woman praying in front of a man could distract him from his prayers to god,so if this is the case why dont they move the men instead?
do you,a woman, not think this is a very hypocritical aproach to their religion and in this case clearly shows men and women are not equal as their faith proclaims?

Di Donnely
Hmm, well I'm a woman, (was when I last looked haha) I think that there's still a large level of sexism in this area that needs stamping out. I've been trying for 4 years to get a job here but they don't want female engineers in Stoke

dave
i have no probs with a diverse population but the indigenous pop of any country should not have to bend over backwards not offend migrants or ethnic minorities if they do not like customs that are anintegral part of that country or things that the indigenous pop like to do e.g if one likes collecting pigs one should not have to keep them hidden just in case the sight of them offends someone who isislamic.

Abid Khan
Muslims don't understand Islam anymore and much of what has been said by Muslim is true to extent; but we need to look at Islam as whole and not take parts for self interest.

Alex
I entirely agree with Phil Holmes, what he has written is fact. I also agree with Joanie! Before allocating blame perhaps it would be an interesting exercise to try to see if the attitude of men in traditional Islam is not a precipitating factor in creating so much friction. Just a thought.

Nageena
Mohd Asyraf I agree with you completely. My point is not to highlight and to complain about the bad world we all live but my point is to promote and celebrate the diversity and to explain to people the importance of living together peacefully and seeing beyond a persons race, religion or culture!
Apart from this project in Longton (Stoke) i have been involved in many other projects. For example, Race into Schools, which involves the young people of our community regardless of faith, culture, race, age, to work together for one aim and that is to tackle discrimination and to promote equality and celebrate diversity. And this project aims to educate the school, community, parents and teachers about different issues in society faced by all of us.
Yes, we are all human and we should accept everyone, unfortunately in certain areas that is not the case and the projects i have been involved in highlight these issues and also work with people from all backgrounds, faiths,of all ages and abilities and come up with solutions to these issues.
People should accept and respect one another regardless of race and religion, however that is not the case. But people should also try to promote equality and respect for others and their beliefs. It is important to raise cultural awareness within society so people can understand.
I thank you for your comments and i agree with you completely and i have also noted your suggesstion which is a very good. Thank you.

Nageena
I would just like to comment on what Phil Holmes has said.
Quite rightly, he has quoted from the Quran (Al-Ma’idah 5:51. However, many issues arise and what appears on the surface is not always the true meaning. Islam teaches Muslims about peace and kindness, however not all Muslims choose to follow this. Just as you will find among Christians, Jews, and others those people who do not follow what their religion teaches, so, too, you will find Muslims who do not follow the teachings of Islam. This may be due to their ignorance of the correct understanding of the Qur’an and Sunnah, or it may be due to their personal weaknesses and prejudices.
While Muslims respect Jews and Christians as People of the Book, at the same time Muslims are cautioned not to take them as close friends. This does not mean that Muslims should not treat them with respect, kindness, and justice, nor that Muslims cannot socialize with them as long as they respect the limits of Islam - for example, that no alcohol is served infront of Muslims. This quoted from the Quran shows that regardless of the fact whether they are Jews or Christians, they will be guided by God. *{And they say: Be Jews or Christians, then ye will be rightly guided. Say [unto them, O Muhammad]: Nay, but [we follow] the religion of Abraham, the upright, and he was not of the idolaters. Say [O Muslims]: We believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto Us and that which was revealed unto Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob. and the tribes, and that which Moses and Jesus received, add that which the prophets received from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and unto Him we have surrendered.}* (Al-Baqarah 2:135-136)
I myself have friends who are Christians but where there are differences in culture, traditions, values and beliefs we differ. For example, my friend would enjoy going out and drinking alcohol whereas I wouldnt because we have that mutual respect and understanding there are certain situations where we socialise together and certain places where we dont.
I could ask you , do you go everywhere with your friends? Are your family lifestyle and up brining EXACTLY the same as your friends? We all are unique and have been bought up differently, what you value may not be valuable to me but you still value that and I respect that because you choose to believe that.

Society is constantly changing and developing, times have moved on from one religion,one race and culture. Many people follow differnt faiths, differnet policitcal views, different social views however at the end they are humans. We all have to live together in society, work alongside eachother as friends. Therefore it is also important that we concentrate on building a positive and stronger society and emphasis on the good that people do rather than the bad. Because am sure as you know that there is good and bad in everyone!
I hope that clarifies something.

Mohd Asyraf
I became a muslim 17 years ago,before that a christian.
Nageena a lot of people complain about life unjust, and it is upto each one of us to show others what we feel. I was very happy to read about the gathering in Longton.
But also why dont you invite christian, jewish, catholic, if fact every race too a lunch and you do not need to discuss religin, everybody as their own, but every body as the same problems as you about work, education, family problems, we must see past our race,colour,religin, Allah love us all,and we are all resposible for each other on this Earth. we have bad people in every religion in the world, and if we can not except each other what ever our faith, our world will never see true happiness for all people. we humans on this earth are the main problems, untill we can respect everyone else,and NOT DO TOO OTHERS WHAT WE WOULD NOT LIKE DONE TOO US, we will never see further than are own needs.

Lola
Could someone who knows more about Islam give an insight to the comments made by Phil Holmes. I'd like to think that this is actually a mis quote he has come across and also think we should take into acount interpretation from original translation and blinkered selection of one quote amongst many. Need we not forget that the Bible can also be contradictory to itself between the old and the new testaments, so it not unresonable to expect the same of the Q'ran. The bible, and I therefore assume the Torah, also preach no sex before marriage etc, modern Christians who choose not to embrace this are not considered to no longer be Christians as a result (there would be few left as a result!). Therefore in regards to the quote Phil Holmes provided even if accurate, does not support that Muslims adhere to this.

Jack Frost
Why has no-one bothered to reply on the above meassgae from Phil Holmes?

winnie
fireworks on new years eve. couldnt help thinking that all the money that went up in smoke could have gone to the asia appeal

PHIL HOLMES
What do you say to this? I copied verbatim the following from a website on the Quran. I quote "Oh you who believe, do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends; they are friends of each other,and whosoever amongst you that takes him for a friend then surely he is one of them, surely Allah does not guide the unjust people." End of Quote.
It's no good dismissing the above, it is as it is written in the Quran. Allah will disown (does not guide) you, if you have a Jew or a Christian for a friend.
Then you wonder why non believers in Islam wonder exactly why you chose to live in our country?

Nageena
The "traditional" Islam, as you call it, practised by the people is not Islam at all.
In certain parts of the world men oppress women and use Islam as an excuse to for this. However, the media portrays this image as "true" and fail to see that it is a cultural factor. For example, I am a Muslim and I have not experienced this "oppression" that is described in the media.
Many people in society are mistaken about Islam. There are certain "Muslims" who justify their actions by using Islam, however, the actual fact is that in Islam women have rights and Islam disagrees with abusive and oppressive actions towards women.
Basically, it is an individual thing. for example, there are White women who suffer from domestic violence like there are Asian women who suffer from it. It is an individual thing and you cannot blame it on a persons religous beliefs.
Instead of going by what is portrayed in the media about Islam how about finding facts. I can guarantee that abuse to children, women, men and the elderly takes place in every country and can also guarantee that no religion promotes this kind of behaviour!
Thank you for reading my article and your views are much appreciated.

Joanie
I think you make interesting points... but you say nothing about whether traditional Islam as practised by MEN is part of the problem. In other words, before blaming the world, is not better to look into your home-life to see if the men there are part of the problem?