Why Christians and Muslims Can't Get Along
80What do I know?
Like most other American Christians, I can't claim to know much about Islam. I took a two-month class on the religion in college, and learned a bit about it in high school, but other than that, I have had no immersion into the religion, and only see it through the lens of the war.
But let's focus on what we do know. Muhammad was a normal and pious man, born around 570 C.E., married to an older woman, living his life when the angel Gabriel came to him and ordered him to recite. The Qur'an is the result of this recitation from illiterate Muhammad. The Qur'an is the living word of God, similar to how Christ is the living word to the Christian God. Muslims worship only God, Islam means "submission to God," and Muhammad was a prophet, just as Abraham, Jesus, and all the Old Testament prophets were.
Out of the Qur'an comes the Five Pillars. They are 1) Confessing faith in one God, 2) Prayer five times a day, 3) Alms-giving, 4) Fasting at Ramadan, and 5) hajj, which is a pilgrimage to Mecca, a historically relevant city to the Muslim faith.
Sunnis follow Muhammad's example. Shiites follow Muhammad's example but also, long ago, chose to follow the example of Muhammad's descendants, like Ali, Muhammad's son-in-law.
Jihad means "struggle." It is not holy war, but it can be. It puts a name to the inner struggle each Muslim goes through to submit to God rather than follow their own ego.
Muslims believe that humans were created with fitra--a good framework everyone is born with, but that many people forget and get distracted from the true path. This negates the need for a Savior, unlike Christianity, which is a religion based on the saving blood of Christ. All one needs to do to be saved in the Islam faith is to follow the Five Pillars.
Treatment of Women
We look at Muslim women covered head to toe, living under strict rules and say the religion and culture is oppressing them. Muslims look at American women wearing next to nothing on TV and billboards, putting all their worth in their bodies, and say American culture and Christianity are objectifying and oppressing their women. Both sides argue that their women are better off.
These differences will always bother the modern, democratic West as well as the traditional, Islamic East. It overlaps into all the question both religions ask: do we move forward with our ideas and technology, or do we try to go back to the way things were in the Bible or in Muhammad's time? No text or living example can tell us what to do about stem cell research. The ambiguity in both Christian and Islam doctrine create unanswerable questions and unnegotiable relations between nations.
But we look at the stories of Muslim men killing their sisters because they were raped, or seen with a man who wasn't part of the family, and we Westerners cannot condone it due to cultural difference. How can two civilizations agree to disagree when innocent people die? It is difficult to know when to intervene with another nation.
Yet, many Muslim women feel hopeful that they will attain more freedoms as time goes by. Only a hundred years ago in the US, women weren't allowed to vote. How can we rush other cultures to catch up to us?
Violence and Jihad
Another reason Christians and Muslims can't get along is violence. The unforgettable attacks and counterattacks of the last decade have shown us that people will fight and die for their religion. Christians and Americans question Muslims: how is your religion peaceful when so much war and killing has happened since its beginning?
Muslims turn around and ask us the same thing. Christianity has a history of violence, too. The US has turned to violence to get what it has wanted.
But why did Islam extremists attack us? As Western thought and modernism spread, along with American culture, to almost every nation, Muslims cannot help but see these new ways of thinking and living as imposing on their religious tradition. When we try to make their religious governments into democracies, they don't see it as a gift of freedom, they see it as an attack on their religion. When the World Trade Centers fell down and fingers were pointed to Al Qaeda, Christians too felt their religion was being attacked. Christians tend to tie up their religious conviction with patriotism, and freedom has become a synonym for the American way of life.
The majority on both sides want peace. But both sides are also called to spread their religion to all nations. Dedicated Muslims and Christians alike will fight for what they believe is right. This is the cause of the clash.
What Can We Do?
We have only dipped into this topic, and have already found material for endless debate. What can we do with this rising issue?
- For now, the best thing to do is to learn as much as we can about Islam. We must stay updated on what is going on in Islamic countries and we must hush our assumptions and listen for awhile.
- Understand and remember that there is fear on both sides. Western culture has become a force, a blind pillar of great evil to many other cultures in the world. Muslims also understand little about us. They fear us as much as we may fear them.
- Find the beauty in Islam. Instead of looking for its faults, look at it for inspiration for your own faith. How do Muslims find happiness? Looking for the positive aspects, we will have more than enough to love about this other culture.
- Talk about it with as many people as possible. Really listen to what other people are saying, and be respectful while still arguing your point. Communication is always the first step, and most of the time, we cannot even manage that. Let's start the discussion.
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Thank you for your comment! It was very enlightening. I hear you saying that the oppression that happens to men and women (really anywhere) is strictly cultural. I think that's a good point. But culture cannot be without religion and vice versa. They affect each other--deeply.
As for the counter-example of Catholic nuns, I wasn't speaking negatively from a personal standpoint about modesty. I think modesty is extremely important and empowering for women. I admire Muslim women who make the choice of modesty just as I admire Christian women who make that choice.
Lastly, THANK YOU for the point about our media. It tries to breed fear in Americans and is no help in understanding other cultures. I'm glad you commented on my page and are working to break misconceptions Americans have.
Interesting opinions.
We can go along in certain areas such as trade and education. However, there are some Western values that we cannot accept at all.
For your information, the Holy Bible and Holy Quran both prohibits Interest charges (usury) on loan. Commandment that we can agree on.
According to the Jewish Torah and Christian Bible (Old Testament),
The second book of Moses, Exodus Chapter 22:25 stated that charging of interest on loans is strictly prohibited by God:
“If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as a usurer, neither shalt thou lay him usury.”
Deuteronomy 23:19-20 :
“Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of anything that is lent upon usury. Unto a stranger thou mayest lend upon usury; but unto thy brother shalt not lend upon usury…”
Surah Al-Baqarah verse 278 - 280
278. O you who believe! Be afraid of Allâh and give up what remains (due to you) from Ribâ (usury) (from now onward), if you are (really) believers.
279. And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from Allâh and His Messenger but if you repent, you shall have your capital sums. Deal not unjustly (by asking more than your capital sums), and you shall not be dealt with unjustly (by receiving less than your capital sums).
280. And if the debtor is in a hard time (has no money), then grant him time till it is easy for him to repay, but if you remit it by way of charity, that is better for you if you did but know.
Whether you want build a bridge or wall it depends to the individual themself and also the goverment policy.
At least we can get along in writing hubpages :)
TurnipTornado has written the above articles, evidently, after a lot of hard work and research, however sister sumaiyah's observation is due to her personal experience, which is hard to ignore, which is the reason why I am sure that TurnipTornado, got the message and thanked her. I think this, exchange of ideas, refutes the Caption of the article
"Why Christians and Muslims Can't Get Along".Let us go on ...
Oh yes, my title is a reverse-psychology title. Of course we can get along!
This is a good and nice hub. You tried to be as controversial as possible. In as much as one should undersand each other's religion, it should be not be forced on anyone. I have nothing against the muslim religion but the fact remains that there are certain things they do that are inhuman. Most of them are extremists. The way their women dress makes me sick. Recently in Nigeria, a certain muslim group woke up one day that they were against western education. They succeeded in killing 1000s of innocent citizens, let alone the properties that were destroyed. Imaine someone with such thinking in this modern world.
Thank you for sharing this story and of course your sincere approach on the religion of Islam. After forty years as a devoted christian I embraced Islam after studying it for two years, am I peace with my decision and continue to love all of God's creation as a white American Muslim I have truly found my place among the Muslim Community. It's been a rough road no doubt, but my love for Kingdom of God moves me beyond words. I send my Salam to you all and hope and pray that we all find some common ground. Peace and Blessing you and all who read this.
You are an intelligent, writer of excellence with a sharp eye. Bully for you! I enjoyed your work here. And I am originally from Michigan, too. St. Joseph.
Hi, how do you do? :)
I like the way you write this, really well mannered. You are truly nice lady. You start a good example how the discussion among us do not need to do in bad way.
you said:
"For now, the best thing to do is to learn as much as we can about Islam. We must stay updated on what is going on in Islamic countries and we must hush our assumptions and listen for awhile."
Very true! Don't make quick assumption over something you didn't know. It is not how knowledge can be gathers but only bad result for all.
You said:
"Understand and remember that there is fear on both sides. Western culture has become a force, a blind pillar of great evil to many other cultures in the world. Muslims also understand little about us. They fear us as much as we may fear them."
:) We don't fear non believer of Islam, but we fear your way of life, because it is really different with how we should live our life. You see: Alcohol, free sex, minim outfit, gossip, and many other things Muslim forbidden to do are usual in your life. Because the world today run to different way with the teaching of Islam, that is why Muslim keep restraining themselves, because your way of life is full with big temptation that Muslim should avoid if we want to be a great Muslim and rewarded by paradise. Beside, it is only in western world the war between Muslim and other believer happening so badly. In my country we live side by side and respecting each others as good friends, and this is (I guess) the reason why my country become the favorite place to attack by terrorist. Can you see? This terrorist only terrorist. They using our belief as excuse for their acts but for the truth they only people who love to kill! Jihad in Al Qur'an not about killing non believer, but to depend your right to have your faith when you got attacked by others and you religion also your life under jeopardy. And it is only allow to be doing inside war zone. Not everywhere you like. Both of us, Muslim and non believer of muslim, being hurt by terrorist. These people do not care who they kill. They just want to kill. And for their acts, please don't point all Muslim as their companion. We want them being captured as much as you do!
You said:
"Talk about it with as many people as possible. Really listen to what other people are saying, and be respectful while still arguing your point. Communication is always the first step, and most of the time, we cannot even manage that. Let's start the discussion."
:) Let's start discussion in well manner. We are all live in the same world. Than having never ending fight, why don't sit together and introducing ourselves to others nicely?
You said:
"Find the beauty in Islam. Instead of looking for its faults, look at it for inspiration for your own faith. How do Muslims find happiness? Looking for the positive aspects, we will have more than enough to love about this other culture."
Yes, why keep looking on others fault? We are only human. Just because your neighbor is Muslim it is do not mean he is terrorist. quoting Dan Goodman, "It is not the religion, but the man only." Try too look further, see out of your box, and maybe finally we can have peace.
You said:
"the stories of Muslim men killing their sisters because they were raped, or seen with a man who wasn't part of the family."
It is not Islamic teaching, but only crazy man who going out of the line. Muslim or not, there must be a crazy person existed in all community, right? If you remember about the characteristic of serial killer, in the surface, they always seem like harmless person. Well, it goes the same with bad guy in Muslim. This person attributes covering his true self. once again, it is not the religion, but the people.
Thanks. :)
Peace and respect to you TurnipTornado
I agree on most of what you have stated. However, I have to slightly disagree on the cause why Muslims and the west as a whole can’t easily get along.
It is true that there is anger and confusion in between the two, though the reason for this is not religion. I think if people followed the truth in their religions they would not have fought or hated one another.
The problem is simply politics and nations thriving for power and control in areas where if control is established they will regain power and respect amongst other world powers.
Another issue that is creating confusion between the two, is the media that has come to falsely probagate facts. After watching some major events that have occurred around the world, I have noticed that the news here in US sadly does not show the whole picture. There are many things that happen around the world in one way, but on TV are shown in a complete different way.
It is one thing to call a person a terrorist as he invades and terrorizes the natives of a land, and completely a whole new different approach when a native who is being terrorized in his own land is called a terrorist. And it is a different thing when a person acts out on the awareness of religious holly texts and a whole different thing when he merely acts upon his culture. Most of those who abuse, or kill their sister or wives out of oppression are either ignorant fools, or people who are simply acting by their culture.
Our prophet’s (SAW) as he was taken from this world, entrusted in us to take care of our neighbors and to take care of our wives the most. If other people misinterpret and take the words of the holly books out of context than it is due to their foolish views and nothing more.
The problem in this whole world is that people have come to forget their religion. All people of all religions have become slaves of this world, and all they have come to see is that which they see with their limited eyes. Pray has become as a drug to people. The moment they are done they dwell on earth and continue to spread their evilness.
We work for this life, and we build our actions upon the goals of this life. In our understanding it has come to appear as if good is of no benefit to us, so we have come to spread mischief around the world. If only we devoted ourselves to God, we would have never been of the arrogant or the ignorant.
I would doubt that there will be much understanding between people who thrive to attain the same thing. If we all wanted this finite thing which is power and the pleasures of this life, there will not be enough and we will sole be struggling for this world and not the after. The only way we can all agree is if we submit to the will of our Lord and have mercy on one another, so we may be given mercy and not be humiliated in this life or the hereafter.
Peace
And thank you TurnipTornado for you very kind and wise approach
Interesting hub.
I'm from the UK and have recently returned from a 9 day business trip to Libya. From what I saw, the Libyans seemed all to happy to embrace many aspects of Western culture. Turning on the TV I was suprised to see so much American TV dubbed or subtitled into Arabic. We had a local driver and on one occasion he inflicted a Cher's Greatest Hits CD on us!!
It should be no suprise though that the West is not welcoming Islam with open arms. We do not want Shariah law. We want to retain our culture, our right to free speach, our right to drink alchohol, and women want the right to go where they like, when they lke, unescorted, wearing what they like. We want the right to choose whether or not we wish to follow a religion, and which religion that we wish to follow. Islam is intollerant of other faiths despite what the moderates might like to tell us. One only has to look at Saudi, Iraq, and Afganistan under the Taliban to see this.
The decline in Western morality and increasing crime has come about mainly due to the West's rejection of traditional Christianity. This is not because the church has failed, but because of increasing cynicism towards the concept of God and rejection of traditional Christian teaching. The world wants the church to change its values in line with the secular world, but it can't and neither should it. For the same reasons, the West will not willfully accept Islam either
Humankind is being tested. We need to treat women and all humans with respect and honor. How we do this is a choice. I admire something about every religion.
I do not have the authority to judge - my savior guided me on this.
"God tests. The other one temps."
Is our human divide a test from God?
Blessings to you and your family. A prayer for peace and grace to all who enter here and for the world.
Christian people cannot share in yoke with Muslim/Islam
an excellent hub. I see one type of extremest as bad as another. I know all Muslims are not extremests. Actually, that President of Iran, Achmdinajad(sp?) He reminds me of many of the republican leaders, saying things they know are not true just to irritate people, and to pander to their audience. He is the one who said there is not Holicost and a couple of other t hings like that. Any educated Muslim, and that covers most in the US, know that Representative Baynard, and even John McCain are doing the same thing Achmadinajod is doing., manipulating people's fears, they are con men in power. And now with the Supreme Court allowing unidentified moneys in USA campaigns we will have an Achmdinajad of our own.
may peace be upon you.
muslims and christians do get along,may be not all the place like in the west, but they do get along.im a muslim and i have many many christien friends which i love and care about.honestly i think my life will be a little bit boring with out them,i think the thing here is we understand the western culture but why dont they understand and respect ours??who are they to judge our religion after 1431 years!,who are they to tell our muslim sisters they are oppressed(for them freedom,i guess,is all about physical apperance and bieng sexy),who are they to burn our holly QURAN and insult our beloved PROHET.....its all the media to blame with their hatred against islam...
any ways yor are very open minded unlike many
The problems did not begin in the last decade, it's have been happening for centuries. There was a time when Muslims were very powerful and even invaded large portion of Europe, enslaved and taxed the Christians. Now, if Christians did not defend the Christian culture, the Muslims will again occupy the western hemisphere and impose their belief. Just remember that Americans did not blow up any buildings in Mecca and that Muslims in America are protected by the law, not kidnapped and beheaded, which is what happens to Americans in Muslims countries. And by the way, nuns become nuns by choise, there is not law that makes them become nuns, they just exercise her freedom when they become nuns.
Thank you for sharing a very insightful hub. I disagree on the notion that Muslims and Christians can't get along. That is not correct, if you look at many Muslim countries which have a sizable number of Christians you will realize that they coexisting together. It is only since the biased media and greedy politicians have started to use Islam and Muslims as a scape goat that you see this discord. Which if put in the correct context is not a huge problem.
All the best
Respect and understanding, being non-judgemental and basing your opinions on what you have actually observed and know to be true. If we all lived by this creed instead of believing what others imply or tell us about other cultures, races and religions, I think we would all find something in common, we are human. Live and let live don't judge others and the world would be a much nicer place to live.
Unfortunately we are unable to do this because too many people believe, that what they believe to be true, is and can be the only way to live, intolerance seems to be inbedded in the extremeists of all religions.
I am neither muslim nor christian, budhist or Hindu but I am equally interested in all religions and love nothing more than finding out about other peoples cultures. I just wish tolerance was more widely preached in all religions.
Love this discussion, so nice that people can voice their opnions without fanatics jumping in telling us if we don't all convert to their particular creed that we will all be burning in the fiery pits of hell.
Just read ur artical found it very thought provoking.With everthing goin on in this world of our's,I still am amazed at how people are.We have fought over these religous idea's,for thousands of years.Many great women and men have pondered over all our beleaf's.I was raised a Christian for 27 years.Then when I was ready I started to ask questions and prayed.I came to the conclusion that what does it matter?REALLY.What does it matter.My GOD is in my heart and in my brain.I know when I do wrong.Does it really matter if I'm muslam or christian.What's wrong with just saying "HI".Our goverments will always fight over OIL and when that runs out they will find something else to make us hate each other.My GOD says this is wrong and so does your's.Because our GOD is in our HEARTS and MIND.Peace of mind and heart to ALL.
Conversation is and should be based on commonality always. I think as we get older we grow tiresome and then our thought processes weaken. When we are young and full of questions and ideas conversation happens openly and fluidly even over barriers such as religion, culture, and even language. Conversation is vital to keeping our minds young and strong and secure. We must always strive to be like children at play that even when one child no matter their religion, culture, or language falls down others are there to comfort, support, and uplift that child. We must show the same temperament to strangers as we do towards our loved ones, because after all this life we have is our playground. I may not hold one belief or the other, but what I do hold is mine alone and from most religious teachings this is what someone of faith should do as well. I would never expect someone to think and feel exactly as I do therefore would never want to make someone believe exactly as I do. Everyone is unique and that is what makes our social lives so endlessly interesting and beautiful. I will never sit down and say I know all that there is to know and now I am done with this life. Everyone that has come here and posted or read this hub is a uniquely beautiful person and should believe that to their fullest capability then there will never be room for fear and doubt in ones self and if we never have fear or doubt in ourselves we will never have fear or doubt in humanity. Love mends all and with love their is no room for hate. I do know one thing that I have taken away from studying religion all these years: people who live in fear believe fearfully and those who live in love believe everyone to be their equal in what ever God's eyes they believe in. If there was one thing I would say is if you are a leader in your community or church or religious group if you bring up other religions then your own to your followers do so in a loving way and do not plant fear has their seed instead open their hearts and minds. After all that is your duty not to conquer and divide. I also wanted to state that women should look inward not outward for clarity. Dress or no dress we came into the world naked and will leave the world naked clothing is merely an option and should not represent who you are. Oppression comes from your mind not from how you look. If I were to walk among a tribe of naked women I would not feel any different than if I were to walk among a group of women completely covered. I only wear the clothes that were what other women around me wore while I was growing up. As a woman I am proud of my body and my mind and appreciate and take care of both. 100 years ago I would be wearing a lot more clothes then I do today, but non of that matters. Oppression of women is talked more often by men then it is by women and I feel that abuse is confused for oppression in most of these cases. A Muslim woman's clothing is beautiful and the bead work loin cloth of the Sahara desert woman is just as beautiful.
This did not answer my questions. Thanks for trying though. Very educational.
Excellent article! Your Christian views are very progressive... I see a change in the thoughts of many devout Christians. You seem to understand the downside of having labels. The ultimate goal is unity. Keep up the good hubs!
Really*This Muslims In 21 Century Has Fail Very Badly In Their Own Present Constitution And Mostly Today.Their Own Muslim Country And Their Own People Lying Deadly In Their Own Country Town;City Houses Everyday Now.But The MOST Suffering Here Is Mothers And Children Innocent People Has Suffer Major Deadly Here.And Muslim Nation Country Leaders? Has Fail Very Badly To His Own People 24/7 In Out.How Can You BUILD This Nations Muslim Severely Anger Very Badly Today?In Holy God Eyes* And In To World Wide Eyes As Well Massively.How Can Muslim Leaders See In Their Own Eyes Every Day Children Mothers And Their Own Grand Parent Lying On Their Own Country City Streets Everyday. Its Very Heart Breaking To See Such Thing Happening Around Muslim Middle East Country Today Very Deadly To Look At.Enough Is Enough?Create His Muslim Middle East NEW Country To Be Build Up In Peaceful Manner That Required Today And His Future Better Protections Journey Equally Needed In This Country Future Atmosphere.Thats All.Mothers And Children Needed To Live In The Country Has Major Equal Respected Humble Country Intelligent Smarter Constitutions Powerful Bless Country Future Leaderships In Middle East Country Atmosphere Today.Needed Very Badly Here.Thank You This Time Around.
Umm.. The US was not meant to be a religious country. (not like England who was Protestant and France was Catholic)
sumaiyah 3 years ago
You spoke of a Muslim woman's dress as being "covered from head to toe" in the same sentence/paragraph denoting oppression and strictness from the religion. Yet there are Catholic nuns who wear a habit, who are also "covered from head to toe" because of their religious beliefs and no one calls these Catholic nuns oppressed. Yes, I know the habit is now optional. I was still Catholic when the ruling came down that relaxed a nun's attire. However, there are many nuns who still wear the habit due to their beliefs. Why are they not spoken of in terms of oppression? And we won't even begin to discuss the strictness of this Christian faith...
Islam is a religion that is equally strict on men and women. Anything that you see in the media is a combination of only what the media wants you to see (the hype) and believe of Islam as well as a depiction of oppressive cultural habits that are blamed on Islam. Any form of oppression against men or women in Islam is strictly cultural. It has absolutely nothing to do with the religion of Islam itself.
Nuns can't marry. They wear a habit (or at least dress modestly). They live in a convent (or other group living situation). They work where the archbishop tells them to go work. Muslimahs can marry. They wear clothing that is not revealing or tight fitting. They live where they choose. They marry who they choose. They work where/when/if they choose. Their husbands are required by Allah (swt) to support the household -- which includes them, the kids, and all the bills -- even if the wife works. Who appears to be oppressed?
I enjoyed the article. My views on the insinuation that Muslim women are oppressed are a little deep-rooted because it's very tiring to believe that grown folk are still believing the hype that the West calls news...