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.

[agchristie]

Ozzy1 - thanks, yes, I have met people from various religions including a trip with others to a mosque. We were treated with utmost courtesy.

Keyplus - I don't think I have access to the Peace Channel but can check. Is this very influential for Muslims?

[agchristie]

Jourdain2 - much as I would like to travel more widely I don't think it will be possible in the short term!

TWR - bit harsh to recommend boycotting Kebab Houses and Taxis isn't it?

V_E - thanks for alerting me to the author which I will note.

Naomi - for your additional comments in the same respect.

Dunnitall - why learn about anything?

Boxtops - thanks for your link!

Lightbulb - I shall look into Dr Naik....

[keyplus90]

Agchristie - Peace TV will give you clear and simple answers to your questions. I am sure you can access it even online and they also have website. Dr Zakir Naik who is chairman of Islamic Research Foundation also has another website. But like others, I would also recommend Karen Armstrong.

http://www.irf.net/

Lightbulb - Agchristie asked a very simple question and people here are showing their "open mind" very nicely as I expected. Let me give you one advice if you do not mind. Do not post more than two posts in response to any post from Naomi. Otherwise you would be wasting your time. Too be honest I can very easily tell agchristie that read what Naomi tells you not to read and avoid what she tells you to read and you would be on the right track.

[agchristie]

Keyplus - I have had so many replies that it will be inevitable that there will be differences in opinion into what/how I research. I will take everything on board and make my own judgements.

[agchristie]

Incidentally Keyplus, haven't you and Naomi both recommended the same author - Karen Armstrong?

[jomifl]

That agch is how religion works, one person can hold opposing points of view, and believe opposing 'truths' simultaneously. It is one of the great wonders.

[naomi24]

Keyplus worries so. ;o)

[agchristie]

Jomifl - it's simple really, just a matter of interpretation!! ;-)

[jomifl]

ag, that's what priests, mullahs etc. are for, to remove the ambiguity and bias your thinking to their interpretation.

[agchristie]

That clarifies everything then ;-)

[Hypognosis]

@agchristie

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

What? You're shopping around for religions and wonder if this one suits you?
Don't ask me how but, from your postings I have seen, I somehow mistook you for an atheist.

Or is this research with intent to do a deconstruction? I would look forward to seeing that :-D

[agchristie]

Hypo - watch this space as they say :-)

[keyplus90]

///V_E, I hesitate to recommend Karen Armstrong simply because she writes very little without the benefit of her rose-coloured spectacles perched on her nose.///

Above words were from Naomi at 17:20 on 1st September 2014. She tries to cover all corners.

[agchristie]

Keyplus - but essentially Naomi did confirm to V_E that it was 'factually written'. I can perhaps overlook writing style but if the information is accurate it will be acceptable to me.

Thanks to all who recommended Armstrong, I should receive copies of the two books soon ;-)

[naomi24]

Keyplus, you should have read the rest of my post - and the first half of the next one.