[Professor S]

Shadow Link, I never said anything about Islam not being a valid religion. It is. But its not any more valid than any other religion in the world, and that is what I have a problem with in Almansurah's posts. He screams about how Islam is the one true religion while all others are crap.

As for proof of violence against "Infidels" in the Qur'an? Here's a couple of quotes:

"IX. 5-6: Kill those who join other gods with God wherever you may find them."

"IV.76: Those who believe fight in the cause of God."

"IV.89: They desire that you should disbelieve as they have disbelieved, so that you might be (all) alike; therefore take not from among them friends until they fly (their homes) in Allah's way; but if they turn back, then seize them and kill them wherever you find them, and take not from among them a friend or a helper."

"IV.74: Let those who fight in the cause of God who barter the life of this world for that which is to come; for whoever fights on God's path, whether he is killed or triumphs, We will give him a handsome reward."

"VIII.39-42: Say to the Infidels: if they desist from their unbelief, what is now past shall be forgiven; but if they return to it, they have already before them the doom of the ancients! Fight then against them till strife be at an end, and the religion be all of it God's."

Now I repeat, should the Qur'an be taken literally? Should faithful muslims search out "unbelievers" and kill them wherever they find them because God will reward them in life or death? Do you want to contradict me again after showing the proof you have asked me for?

BTW, I read some of what you posted including the usage of words portion. I'm glad to see that every word was perfected so that we know exactly what the Qur'an means when it repeatedly uses the word "kill".

As for non-violence and anti-oppression against women mentioned ealier in this thread:

[4:34] "The men are made responsible for the women, and GOD has endowed them with certain qualities, and made them the bread earners. The righteous women will cheerfully accept this arrangement, since it is GOD's commandment, and honor their husbands during their absence. If you experience rebellion from the women, you shall first talk to them, then (you may use negative incentives like) deserting them in bed, then you may (as a last alternative) beat them. If they obey you, you are not permitted to transgress against them. GOD is Most High, Supreme."

Now I understand that the true meaning of this text is that if a man is "forced" to beat his wife, it shows a failure on his part and therefore is more in symbolic favor of the woman, but that doesn't save the woman from a beating at the hands of an incompetant husband or keep her from being forced into a certain lifestyle.

Now I have nothing against Islam on the whole as a religion, but the rhetoric does lend itself to inspiring zeal so much as to create violence at times, and I believe this has to do very much with the literal interpretation of the Qur'an by some sects. To take the Qur'am literally to to endorse the death of all Christians, Jews and other non-muslim people.