Understanding Islam

[agchristie]

What is the best way to understanding Islam?

There are so many religions but I am especially keen to gain more of an understanding of Islam.

Islam seems to dominate our news these days and I'm interested to learn more about its influence in todays world. I've become very curious (and confused) though I am not thinking of converting.

Ive never read the Koran, is this the best place to start? Serious answers only please.

[naomi24]

TWR, I think agchristie wants to learn about Islam - not your politics.

[Old_Geezer]

That's ok, I get that a lot.

Aye, I can understand your position, I just think the post may be a little anti in a thread asking for information on the religion.

[TWR]

Is it the do-gooders time to post?

[Mosaic]

In the last year I was on a course about the archaeology and modern religious legacy of the middle east. The last 2 sessions of that covered a basic introduction to Islam and issues surrounding conflict and co-existence between Islam and other faiths. Here's the pages online - not quite the same as joining in a live course but you might find hepful:
http://www.maggysimms.co.uk/session-9-how-christianity-became-powerful.html - go towards the end of the slideshow, where islam starts
Then the following session continues with Islam and the crusades.

[naomi24]

TWR, I've no idea who you think the 'do-gooders' are, but the OP wants to learn about Islam, which is reasonable.

[TWR]

Svejk, but I think decent people has the rights to go about their daily chores without getting threatened by the idiots, unless you think different?

[TWR]

I belive Islam does not condone Violence Naomie! she wants to read that first then come to her conclusion.

[Baldric]

Didn't we have an someone on here that converted a while back, who went from being a normal poster to becoming so bigoted and abusive after the conversion that I believe they were banned?

[naomi24]

TWR, she wants to learn about Islam. How difficult is that to understand? This isn't a political thread. Please don't steer it off course.

Baldric, yes, we did.

[Svejk]

I'm with you, TW. If you want to learn about Islam, watching the news and reading the papers should give you some insight into their marvellous beliefs.
Anyway, AG, I believe you're already a dedicated moslem and a double agent, to boot.

[naomi24]

Svejk. watching the news will give an insight to some beliefs – but it won’t give you the instructions they follow in others areas of their lives – like procedures for using the toilet. ;o)

[TWR]

What about procedures about beheading some innocent people? Policy's about Stopping a Car in a main Street in London And killing a person that tries to keep the Islam Country in Order from their own cranks?

[naomi24]

TWR, what are you talking about?

[TWR]

What did you advise Svejk to do Naomi? look at the news you will understand what I am on about. or do you not live in a real world?

[naomi24]

TWR, I didn't advise Svejk to do anything. I simply said that watching the news doesn't teach you everything about Islam - and I said that because I do live in the real world and do rather more than watch the news.

[Baldric]

What a shame, It would appear that what could have been an interesting and informative thread has been hijacked and turned into a prejudiced and ill-informed anti Islamic rant!

[agchristie]

I will reply to as many posts in due course.

Please, I was only wanting advice in the way the question set out and I'm grateful for the links provided.

[1ozzy]

I would suggest spending some time with Islamic/Muslim people.
There are radicals in any religion, race, political and sexual persuasion.
They don't necessarily represent the majority, but they seem to make the "headlines".
I have had some wonderful friends over the years from many different religions, races and differing political and/or sexual persuasions.
My life has been "all the better" from knowing these people.
"Don't let radicals sway your opinion"

[keyplus90]

Without reading other comments....

Being a Muslim myself, I would suggest that if you are really serious then you can do two things to gain enough knowledge about Islam.

1 - Buy a copy of Quran with a good translation and commentary. Translation is necessary as you do not understand Arabic and commentary is necessary because translation alone cannot sometime explain the context. Translated by Abdullah Yusuf Ali is regarded by many the most acceptable. Here is one but I am sure now a days you can get free in book form and online if you search. Or depending upon where you live, you may be able to get a copy from your local Masjid (mosque).

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/The-Holy-Qur-039-an-English-Translation-Commentary-Notes-with-Full-Arabic-Text-HB-/231314571915?_trksid=p2054897.l4275

2 – To learn more what Islam is all about, you would not find a better source than Peace TV. A free TV Chanel on SKY 813. And it is also available on other sources like cable and freesat etc.

Finally, do not worry about whether or not you want to convert. It is in the hands of Allah who he shows the right path. Human must make an effort to gain knowledge with free mind and that is all.

[jomifl]

/Human must make an effort to gain knowledge with free mind and that is all. /
Please explain how that works in islam keyplus.