Islam is an aggressive religion Islam means- submission. There have already been cases IN America, of Islamic parents killing their children- the most recent was because the girl had a boyfriend, and the father saw that as an embarassment to the family.

Christianity is all about Love. Christians don't follow the extreme jewish laws in the old testament because of the sacrifice of Jesus.

I think that if you're old enough to have an abortion without telling your parents at 17 you should be allowed to live wherever you want- but why would our country treat teens as adults in all cases? They only do treat teens as adults when it comes to murder, whether that is abortion or homicide.

Our government needs to be revamped there are so many holes and issues in it. So yes i agree she will most likely be sent home, hopefully with all of the media surrounding the issue that will scare the parents into not assaulting their daughter, but I do believe had she not run away- she would've been either hurt or imprisoned by her parents. The point of Islam is to bully everyone who doesn't believe in their beliefs and the easiest way to bully a Christian with unwavering faith is to murder them. Do some research on whats going on with Islam in Europe. It will freak you out when you see how the Islam law is affecting that continent.

With no disrespect to those who have chosen to believe in the Muslim Faith, I ask where there is any freedom of choice in this law?
Forcing people to believe does not result in any truth as the person is then living a lie to keep their life!
If I were a Muslim, I’d rather it was through the persons choice to be Muslim.
If anything, just like in Christianity, such a belief should be a conscious choice! Otherwise it becomes a lie.
I do wonder why Islam states they accept me as a Christian yet in return will kill their own who decide to believe as I do?
Is it such a shame for one to believe in Christ? Or any other choice of religion?
Is it such a threat that one must kill that person?
If you are a Muslim reading this, had you somehow chosen Christianity would you force anyone to believe in it?
Why on earth would people be imprisoned or killed to believe differently then the rest of the Muslim family?
This baffles me and makes me wonder what the end motive is in the scheme of things!
I have seen families of interfaith beliefs living in harmony, so why such a militant view on such a choice?
Isn’t ” belief” a conscious “choice” to believe in something because that is what their heart sees is the truth?
Killing them, imprisoning them, does not bring truth, it shows that one is afraid of any other form of thought as “threat” which should be stamped out.
Perhaps if non believers in Islam heard people were Muslim by choice and heard these conversions were done from will versus force, maybe then others would choose to believe as you have come to believe.
As long as such a mindset is there in your religion to force or kill others to believe in your faith, I would never become a part of such a belief system! Without “freedom of choice” one is not truly believing anything at all!

With no disrespect to those who have chosen to believe in the Muslim Faith, I ask where there is any freedom of choice in this law?

Correction! I meant to say any freedom of choice in this religion to be a Muslim?

With no disrespect to those who have chosen to believe in the Muslim Faith, I ask where there is any freedom of choice in this law?

Correction! I meant to say any freedom of choice in this religion to be a Muslim?

if you dont follow the old testement you cant be a christian. you think islam is violence? i can sit here all day picking out violent verses from the bible, and i would get many christians argueing that it is a parable when its not, and some christians go to the extent where they say that was never in the bible, how can they be sure that everything else was?

open your eyes learn about Islam, from non-bias sources. Stop being brainwashed by the media and research islam.

Is this some sort of joke!!!!!The girls parents had threatened to kill her, so the court ruled she can stay in Ohio, and now people are trying to turn this into a debate about prejudices against islam!!!!!????? Her parents had threatened to kill her, NO i do not think any court or judge would consider this case any differently if it had been a different religion!!!!!Death threats all have the same meaning regardless of a person's religious background!!!And no i do not think her parents have any whatsoever justification of their threats againsts her, what sort of parents could possibly wish for their own child to be dead!!!!

P.S Trylcia...although it is true that there are violent phrases in the bible...christian faith tells us not to take these phrases literally because God himself had sent his own son Jesus Christ to tell us to live peacefully and love one another, and he himself had died for us beacuse he loves us. So we try to follow out our lives as God had intented us to, loving one another, and not carring out violent phrases from the old testament because we know God had not intended us to do so, if he had that i'm sure Jesus's message would have been different.

P.S Trylcia...although it is true that there are violent phrases in the bible...christian faith tells us not to take these phrases literally because God himself had sent his own son Jesus Christ to tell us to live peacefully and love one another, and he himself had died for us beacuse he loves us. So we try to follow out our lives as God had intented us to, loving one another, and not carring out violent phrases from the old testament because we know God had not intended us to do so, if he had that i'm sure Jesus's message would have been different.

Islam is not a violent religion, the whole terrorist issue and the wars in muslim countries have made people believe that all muslims and islam itself is a harsh and aggresive religion, let me just say thats not true. Learn to understand something properly before you comment about it at all this whole issue is to do with a family not islam. Why the hell is it in the media anyways? And lets jsut remember that Jesus is a huge prophet in Islam as well as Christianity. Judiasm,Christianity and Islam are the closest religions in the world. Tbh im fed up of all this bullcrap over religion We choose what we want to believe in and we shouldn't condemn people who want to believe in something they feel is right (with obvs exceptions like nazism) So just everyone shut up and leave it to the family to sort it out

F- you Brainwashed Christians out there!

Islam is a religion of peace not of violence. Not all muslims portray this image of violence. it is only a few within the majority who do this yet all muslims get stereotyped as being "terrorist" or "violent". i think people should open their eyes a bit more to the world and actually meet a muslim before they make false accusations about the people and the religion itself.

islam means peace and islam ai not an aggressive religion. its d one and only true religion that gives u direct admission into paradise.but its sad that u do not know espessially mr name doestn matter.u pepple are jst free tinkers why wont u say al sort about islam if only u may uderstnd u might submit to d owner of heaven and earth d creator of mankind and to him we all shall return and account for all our deeds on earth.his injuncutions are divin he is one and only GOD he is ALLAH d only one

good for you girl! im so proud and amazed that you would give up so much to be with jesus. no that is some real faith!

Anonymous at August 23, 2009 4:13 PM:

Jesus is not a "Christian prophet". He is God's son; that is God himself in human form. Get your facts straight.

Oh wow. There are some of you that I would love to slap right now. The MEDIA and TV are the ones that tell us that Islam is all of terrorism. NO its not! Gosh, you guys say that Muslims are the only ones that kill but really, there are MUCH more Christians that go around and kill. Have you seen the news? There are a bunch of killers out there and almost all the ones I've seen aren't Muslim. Oh, and, EVERYBODY has thoughts of killing. Muslims are not the only ones. If you are a Christian parent, how would you feel if your child converted? I know that some of you wouldn't kill them but wouldn't you do something to make them feel like it? Like, kick them out of your house or abuse them? And if you're saying no, seriously? Stop lying. So please, GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT and leave the religion ALONE!

I'm baptist and married to a muslim woman and when her family found out they also threatened to kill her and her 5 year old girl! She had to leave her job and I had to sneak her belongings from the back yard! She's 35 years old for crying out loud!

I've met many "peaceful muslims" and some are even my good friends, but I'm telling you people, these people (muslims) are going to be the cause of the end of the world as we know it one day. It's believe or die.

omg you guys are so stupid! you act as if the muslims are the bad ones! when really, most of the christians are! i mean, i'm not very racist against christianity(i actually love to hang out with them)BUT! YOU shouldn't be racist against muslims. we are almost the same as you are. the only thing is our appearance and our beliefs are ALMOST the same as yours. it doesn't really matter. don't go around judging a muslim just because some of them are terrorists. every religion has terrorists! we aren't the only ones! so go MEET like, 20 muslims before you go and say a bunch of crap.

hahaha maybe just another way of hunting terrorists...

this is a JOKE. do not assume ; because some outrageous familys may do outrageous things in various parts of the worlds ; means EVERY SINGLE MUSLIM DOES THAT.
ISLAM IS A RELIGION OF PEACE ; AND WORSHIPPING ONE GOD. Every ayat (verse) u hear or read in the Holy Qu'ran makes sense ; and indeed most of Allah (SWT)'s words in the Qu'ran have been proven so many times in todays world.

Punishment for the nonbelievers ; believe it or not - is coming.

How the hell is jesus gods son? His real name is isa'allah salaam. And why in the hell would a girl want to convert from christianity to islam. That girl is surely lying.

whats up with individuals like Jim Jones, Jimmy Swagger and the list goes on and on of individuals who used christian faith to commit atrocities. These atrocities as misplace as they can be they were attribute to the teaching of Christ. why are we not judging these individuals character by the religion they invoke in practicing those terrible acts?
Is Islam the only religion that is a magnet for nuts? I say is not. The key is tolerance, and understanding. I fund that education is a deficit when judging Islam. these are misconception held by very narrow understanding of the this religion.
From where I stand Islam and Christianity are religion of love. Ignorance is the worse standard to judge a particular religion, and before rendering any judgment one must be inform.
This case is about the rule of law, let it stand

alright i am a cristian. I may only be 15 years old but alot of this makes sense from both sides. We cristians can't just bash the entire muslim faith and the muslim faith shouldn't bash the cristian faith. I'll give u an example. I have two gerbils but i got them at different times when experts say they should be from the same litter and be bought at the same time. They get along as though they are best friends. Thats how it should be. We may be different but it shouldn't matter. We need to get alongs just as Christ or Allah call us to. Although i will say the death threat is execptionally unreasonable. You should love your daughter or son because they are your child. It shouldn't matter what they become faithwise.

What is WRONG with you guys? Why must everyone talk like different religeons can't co-exist. MUST you call Islam stupid and aggressive? or christianity wrong? People choose to believe what they WANT to believe. In the end you can't change anyone's opinion about what they believe. you have to learn to RESPECT what others are saying. I understand that this girl's parents were slightly extreme but to all those muslims out there, BARE in mind she's just 17 years old. maybe she just wants to know what else is out there. im a muslim 18 year old girl, and honestly, sometimes even ive questioned my religeon but i believe in what my parents have taught me, therefore i wouldnt convert. maybe it was her parents to blame.
SO FOR GOD's SAKE - stop talking about which religeon is wrong and which is right.
little do you know this girl could be a little stuck up snob who made up this lie just so she could get away from her parents. alot of teenagers think about running away from home, its nothing new.

Religion is the root of all EVIL.

Religion is the root of all EVIL.

Rifqa's parents are probably the religious zealots she says they are, and to send her back to them would be criminal. Let them disown each other, and separate peacefully.

It won't be all that long before she's 18, and then no one can tell her where she must go.

In response to: Anonymous/August 23, 2009 3:47 PM
The Old Testament was/is studied by the Jews. Once Jesus was crucified, the New Testament was written for the benefit of the people who were later identified as Christians. The Old Testament has a lot of violence,and sin, and that is precisly why "The Word was made flesh" (John 1:14); to show people how to live in accordance with the Law of God.
John: 22 The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, 23 that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but uhas passed from death to life.

If you are Muslim, you are going straight to HELL

Really, the question is, is her life in danger? I don't live with her so I can't say for sure. But I say err on the side of caution. If it is in danger and she was forced to return to them, the consequences could be horrible.

good for her

What I would like to know first off, is why can't people just be ok with the fact that there are different religions out there and that God, Has MANY different names- They are names for the SAME PERSON!

I am a christian. Do I believe that my religion should be the Only Religion? No. Do I believe that mine is Right and all others wrong? No. What I believe is this: I believe in God. Call him what you wish. Allah, Higher Power, Almighty, etc. He's still God.

In regards to Rifqa, It's not my place to judge her. She made a choice to convert. She must live with it and so must her family. If her family does not want her to remain a christian, then disown her. Tell her she's not part of the family if you must. Maybe this girl has a valid concern, maybe she doesn't. I don't know. I am a christian, Not a muslim. I have always had the right to choose what religion I wanted to be.

And for EVERYONE out there. And I mean EVERYONE- Think about this: Is this what God wanted us to do while on earth? Argue and fight about whose religion is wrong or right? What does it REALLY matter if you are a Christian, or a Muslim, wiccan, Atheist, Agnostic etc?

We should do things on Earth so that we bring all glory to God and none to ourselves and to share HIS Word with everyone. THAT'S what God wants.

All of this argument is so bizzarre when the actual issue was a child in danger. No matter what state you live in, no matter what faith you practice, No matter what your relationship to the child is...YOU CANT THREATEN TO KILL ANYONE. Im sure we have all said the words at some time in life if we are honest with ourselves, but doesnt change that it is illegal. And if the state returned the child to parents without checking things and something happened we would all be in uproar. So first know if her state allows them to leave with out parental permission at 17...Missouri does..thats what i know.

As far as faiths go, I have practiced both christianity and islam. Many things I like about both. But Islam does tell you to read everything for yourself...and its amazing what an understanding you will get if you do. Judaism and Islam believe Jesus was a prophet. But why the anger only at Islam. In fact if you take the time to read on Islam you will find that you cant be muslim and not accept the people of the other books...Judaism with the Torah and Islam with the Quaran. So if they arae willing to accept the christiaan why cant the christian do the same?

As far as parents go I have 13 kids of different races.....they dont always do what i chose for them but such is life we live and learn.

I love where our islamic community is. It is right in the middle of every faith you can believe. But when 9-11 happened all them faiths came to the islamic center to show their sympathy and support. All these people live together in harmony...neighbors helping neighbors.

So I hope all will pray for the young lsdy and her family thqt they work out the problems.

You are all missing the point here, religion or not we are talking about a 17 year old girl who is old enough to make here own decisions. If she does not want to go back to Ohio then get a job and stay in Florida. She certainly took the heat off herself by making this all about religion, what I want to know is how is she supporting herself and why are we wasting the courts time. Here in Canada once they are 16 they can legally move out of the parents home. Get a job chicky and grow up stop causing trouble where there is none to be had. If you want to convert then convert but stop using the media to further your agenda there are more important things going on in this world than a 17 year old who doesnt want to follow what mommie and daddie have to say.

People from OHIO are carzy!!!!

People from OHIO are crazy!!!!

The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

As far as I can tell, all still have sinned.

So, as they say, it's a no-brainer.

If you learn about Islam from the priest/ pastor etc of your church, then obviously you are only going to only hear of violence about Islam taken out of context. You should not expect the Pope (rightly so - we have evidence of this) to come forward and say good things about Islam. Likewise, how can you guys believe that the priest, pastors, rabbis are telling you the truth about Islam. Have anyone of you, who are calling Islam violent, have the intellect to study the Quran to learn what it actually teaches? Have anyone of you studied the life of the Noble Prophet of Islam before criticizing him?
Disbelief in Islam has 2 roots - (1)Ignorance of the teachings and (2) knowing the truth of the religion yet refuse to follow its rules because of ego!
I will leave it to each and every one to figure out which category he/she is.

[Arabic 'islām, submission, from 'aslama, to surrender, resign oneself, from Syriac 'ašlem, to make peace, surrender, derived stem of šlem, to be complete; see šlm in Semitic roots.]
Is·lam'ic adj

From dictionary.com I was right- Islam DOES MEAN SUBMISSION.

I never said that meant Vioence I was just stating what the root of the religion was.

I agree with Cat, the true issue is that this girl should just get a job, and our government should stay out of it. She was not forced, she made the choice.

Thank You Nowski- you are right! Thank you for explaining that issue

Longtide- Thank you for sharing such a personal and TRUE example of the Muslim faith. The fact that your in laws were even willing to kill your FIVE YEAR OLD is DISTRURBING!!!! I appreciate your honesty, I hope things with your inlaws end well. Just don't forget to pray for their salvation as well...I know it can be tough when they have been so awful, but forgiveness is such a wonderful gift from our Father.

I did not read all of the comments (i was first to comment) Some things aren't worth me responding to, and other things are pointless for me to explain without me having some type of "knowing" of what kind of person you are so that I can explain things in your terms/to your understanding. I'm sorry i can't be more of help, but thank you to those Jesus lovers that have continued to post!

As a 22 year-old muslim living in Canada, I am going to address some of the comments made, because they are not accurate.

When you talk about Islam meaning submission, its meaning is meant to be more towards the idea of submission to one true God, i.e. like christians/jews. It is not the idea that if you do not submit to the muslim faith, we will kill you. That is called fundamentalism, its as if I were to go to the leader of the KKK and ask about their opinions on christianity, and how to treat non-whites.

The idea that, "muslims abides by the darker writings in the faith," that is absolutely not true. First of all, yes, muslims do believe that fornication is wrong, just like christians. I myself have fornicated on many occasions, I have smoked pot, I do drink, and my parents are not liberal. They are very traditional, strict parents. I am not considered an evil person for doing these things, if anything my parents tell me that I have strayed from the right path (the path of God, i.e. purity), and try and help me get back on the right path.
But don't tell me that all muslims are ridiculously anal about the rules. I have groups of mixed friends, of which some are muslims. These are some of the best friends I've ever had. We've gotten smashed, partied it up, had sex, done whatever.

"Imagine if Rifqa fled a Christian family and wound up in the home of an anti-Christian imam in Florida. And like Blake Lorenz, he delayed notifying authorities about her arrival. She would be on the next flight back to Ohio...."

Doesn't that show the extremism of christianity? She would be on the next flight back to Ohio, because you think that she would be wrong for converting to the muslim faith. But because she converted to christianity she's treated completely differently??
My friends this is a form of anti-religion, which is against the law. Before you try and criticize other faiths, look in the mirror.

To the person who wrote christianity is about love, you may be right. What keeps me from not being a christian is the idea of having to take that "leap of faith" to believe in God. Islam as a religion is based more on logic and science (yes there is also the seperation of the secular vs. the holy, but they are effortlesly integrated).

To say that you think she had to run away or she would have been assaulted is complete bull. you have no right to comment as you do not know her personally, and you do not know the situation. It is impossible to make an unbiased comment without all the info, and yet your comments are quite ignorant.

"The point of Islam is to bully everyone who doesn't believe in their beliefs and the easiest way to bully a Christian with unwavering faith is to murder them. Do some research on whats going on with Islam in Europe. It will freak you out when you see how the Islam law is affecting that continent."
HOW DARE YOU SAY ANYTHING LIKE THAT WITHOUT GIVING EVIDENCE. Show me your proof, dont be a prick condemning a religion without reason, just because you have a personal bias thats based on stupid stereo-types. How about I start calling you a dumb hick with the education of a farm animal that was raped by its dad?
And if you really want to talk about the effect of a religion on a society, look at the right wing impact of christians on the U.S. I believe you guys voted in George Bush Jr. TWICE?? enough said.

To Tylicia:

"With no disrespect to those who have chosen to believe in the Muslim Faith, I ask where there is any freedom of choice in this law?
Forcing people to believe does not result in any truth as the person is then living a lie to keep their life!"

Of course there is choice. I am a muslim, my brother is an aethiest. We grew up in the same house, with the same parents, with the same values. To be honest I don't know where you are getting those facts from, but we as muslims are very accepting people. We understand that there are other faiths, notably 3 similar faiths that are faiths of the book (i.e. islam has the Quran, christianity has the bible, judaism has the torah), we believe the idea that the being that christians call "God" is the same being we call "Allah".
And I agree with what you are saying, forcing someone to believe in faith based on death doesnt work, and thats not how the muslim faith operates.

To Sunny:
"P.S Trylcia...although it is true that there are violent phrases in the bible...christian faith tells us not to take these phrases literally because God himself had sent his own son Jesus Christ to tell us to live peacefully and love one another, and he himself had died for us beacuse he loves us. So we try to follow out our lives as God had intented us to, loving one another, and not carring out violent phrases from the old testament because we know God had not intended us to do so, if he had that i'm sure Jesus's message would have been different."

Can I ask you why you think the Quran is different? Jesus was said to be born around 4 B.C. and died around 33 A.D. Muhammad was born in about 550-575, and died in 632 A.D. Both spiritual figures were born in completely different times in the past. The events and circumstances they had to deal with are much different than now, and yet the message still stays the same. Its the same Golden rule stuff you see in the bible too, live peacefully, love your neighbours, don't cause harm to others.
How is the message any different?

To DNE:
Jesus is not a christian prophet, correct. HOWEVER, as muslims, we believe prophets are messengers of God. In the muslim faith, Jesus is known as Prophet Isa, a messenger of God. While the idea that Jesus was the son of God is different than a messenger, his purpose would not have changed significantly.

To Longtide, that is one of the most racist things I've heard, you sound like Hitler. I can't believe you have the balls to say that Muslims are going to be the end of the world. If you want to compare numbers, the 9/11 attacks killed roughly 3000 people. George Bush, since then in retaliation has killed MILLIONS. And that is not exaggerated.

To Knowski:
Don't you think it's ironic that the verse you quote says, "The Father judges no one, but has given all his judgement to the Son." Basically saying only Jesus has the right to judge. Then you judge all muslims by saying because we are not christians we are going to hell?
I've got a question for you. What if there is no hell?

To Amy:
Thank you, what you've said is brilliant. I'm glad I'm not the only one that believes these values.

And finally, to the person who posted last as anonymous, "all have sinned"
There were ancient buddhist monks who used to meditate all day, trying to stay pure and holy, and it is said that even they, praying all day, committed at least 7 sins a day. So no, even if that isnt true, the idea behind it is that everyone poops.

Also gotta agree with you Sara, could just be a pissed off teen; we've all been pissed off at our parents before.

Islam is a very peaceful religion as are the majority of its followers. It's those few violent extremists that strap bombs to their chests and make headlines, thus marking the entire religion as one that preachers violence.

As for this particular case, I feel that we the outside observers don't have enough information to pass a valid judgement yet.

The girl said her family threatened to kill her for her conversion and ran away out of fear. Now she could very well be telling the truth. However, she could also have made the whole thing up as a reason for the courts to allow her to stay in Florida for whatever reason. Remember that girl a few months ago who lied about a tattoo artist giving her way too many stars on her face because she was afraid to tell her father she had gotten a tattoo?

For me, she had no faith in what she believe and there was no place to go. and for he parent, just pray to ALLAH..with hope her faith to Islam wil return before her last breath...Amin

She is telling the truth.

Remember that story about that one muslim girl who married a non-muslim and went into witness protection? Her father and brother found her, shot her and stuffed her body in a suitcase and it wasn't the first time they tried to kill her.

Islam,like every other religion, has laws of God to follow. A family that fully abides by the laws of God and feels strongly about their beliefs will not allow their children to go astray. We have to stop looking at religion as the culprit or something that represents that person. A person, whether they be a Christian, Muslim, or Jew, acts how they want to act. Not because you are of Islamic faith means you will tie a bomb to yourself and blow up buildings. Not because you are a Christian Preacher means you will molest little boys. These stereotypes causes many misconceptions of people and causes the clashing of religions. The best way to take over the people and keep them ignorant is to divide them and conquer them. Media as slandered Muslim people for years and it is a shame that so many muslims have to deal with this. The parents of this young girl should be questioned but not treated based on their religion but on their actions as parents to a child. Religion does not kill people, people kill people. Let Islam be a sacred religion followed by good loving people. Do not let society taint your mind from the good that Islam has created in society. I am a strong believer in Islam and a strong believer in God. My children are very happy kids and live a wonderful life.

It bothers me to the core whenever people of islamic faith make their usual hypocritical claimes of islam is a religion of peace and tolerant. If these are true, why is it that this religion is always the mass murdered of people especially those that do not see the world the way they see it. Not only that, you could not enjoy the freedom of religion that these people enjoy in the western world. I have heard of parents that ordered their daughter/son assassinated because she/he converted to christianity or other religion in Denmark, Pakistan, Canada, Nigeria, and many other countries around the Globe. Is it not time Quoran be philosophically modified to conform with modern human existence?. Not every reader of Quran should be regarded as reading it wrongly. Should other religions be killing innocent people because they have different religion or failed to allow Hindu Laws (as the case is in Islamm to intoduce Sharia law to British system) Europeans are in a Chaos and mess as we are speaking!!. That would never have breathing space in the USA!!

From a muslims point of view, there is NO SUCH THING as making someone blood "halal" to be killed because in islam murder is the biggest sin. This girl clearly doesnt know what she's talking about or her parents didnt give her the proper education which made her afraid or this CLEARLY is another religion....i mean seriously, even the way she's crying is ridiculous. i've lived in america all my life, i was born in the U.S. AND i know that people would love to get dirt on muslims ever since 9/11.....im ALSO 17 years old,and had islamic education and never in my life did i hear about something so outrageous as killing being allowed...ever. thats just plain stupid, no religion allows that. all of this is just fake, and the girl just wants attention. note that she kept on saying "you guys wont understand" well obviously we wont b/c theres no such thing. if there is then let her explain...sure ya i wanna see whats her excuse. All these people who actualy believe this are easily persuaded and just want a reason to hate. i personally have no issues with anyone or any religion, but its just crazy how the media loves to target islam. we dont force ppl to be muslims. if u dont want to then dont. theres no point of forcing. the "good muslims" out there respect others and their religions, its time they get some back.

that girl is stupid, ISLAM is a religion of peace, and it rules that everyone has the right to choose they religion you cant kill sumone, cuz its a huge sin. anyways stupid girl who got frm a beautiful religion into worshipin Jesus instead of God himself..

I lived in london, uk when the "non-violent" muslims decided to bomb the tube (metro) and i was living in the muslim part of london(it's called banglatown after bangladesh). This is the one bomb that killed the most people!!!! 3/4 of those killed and injured where muslims.
the koran says muslims can not kill other muslims for any reason.. go figure?!
the USA is a christian nation. the constitution is based on christian faith. even if you are not christian you should respect that and respect the rule of law. if you can't, you should not live in the USA or in the western world for that matter.
i lost several colleagues on that day in london. all but one were muslims.
shame on you who support this terrorism.
all I wonder is that every tom dick and harry who claim to be converted muslims will now be able to claim asylum?????
If we go to a muslim country we HAVE to dress and behave accordingly.If a woman dresses western, she will be considered a prostitute and treated accordingly... hence if you choose to dress like a hard core muslim, you will be regarded and treated as such!

that girl is stupid, ISLAM is a religion of peace, and it rules that everyone has the right to choose they religion you cant kill sumone, cuz its a huge sin. anyways stupid girl who got frm a beautiful religion into worshipin Jesus instead of God himself..

As i read some of the comments, i cant help remembering Beavis and butt head famous phrase, (and the STreets will run with the blood of the non-believers)Hahaha. Some of the arguments here sounds exactly like them! There are examples of violence, atrocities, and other negative stereotype(s) in all and every religion out there. If we want to look and "dig" for it,its all there. Hundreds of thousands have been killed in the name of religion(s) all througout history. That doesnt mean that religion is bad , or its (killings) is attributed to that religion. Many times, its politcs or other agendas that is the reason, and uses religion to incite human emotions to do in the name of. Many, sadly, fall in that trap. Going back to the story itself, i think there are more to it than just a "scared" 17 y o that decided to convert to christianty.And run away to the arams of a "loving" people to protect her from those muslim "savages!"I dont blame the media per say, they do need such stories and we live in a society that thrive and love the media in some way or fashion. But i blame those who take this stroy and run with it as a proof of previous believes and stereo typical attitudes they've developed to fulfill their satisfaction for personal reasons. Islam, Judiasm, and Chrisitnity came or started as same monotholic (sp?) decree. There is more to Unite than devide, more common then differences. Jesus and Moses are revered in islam as mohammed is. In simple terms, a clean and good heart, whether muslim, jew or christian IS a GOOD heart, others, have their own interpetations. may god, whomever you believe is, guide all to right path of happiness here on earth and in the afterlife.take care all

Not all Muslim's are violent. You'll find people in every religion or belief system that is a fanatic. The fanatics are the ones that you hear about, those are the ones that can be/tend to be(sometimes) more violent. Obviously this should be looked into to find out if her parents ever threatened her, regardless of her religion or her parents religion. Death threats should be taken seriously no matter what the person believes in.

Islam is a religion of peace. Right. Yet I can't think of any war going on in the world, and there are many aside from Afghanistan and Iraq, which aren't stoked by those practicing the "peaceful" religion of Islam. Muslims kill with impunity. Express an opinion critical of Islam and you are an automatic target for death. Send a girl to school to learn anything other than the teachings of the Koran her school will be bombed. Christians are being slaughtered across the globe in predomininantly Muslim countries. Muslims in Europe openly predict the rule of Sharia across that continent in the not so distant future. America is another target. Muslim violence has already altered how we live. Try getting on an airplane now compared to 30, or even 20 years ago. And don't throw Timothy McVeigh in my face. His act was one of anarchy against the government, not a religious edict in the name of Christianity. Sorry, I'm not buying the "peaceful" religion of Islam bit.

I urge everyone to read the comments by Hussein. I will point out, however, two facts. He lives in a Western society, not in a majority-Islamic society, and he is male. His own personal freedom comes in part from those two facts.

I lived in an Islamic society for three years as a Christian. No one tried to convert me to Islam. My Muslim friends were pleased to hear that I was a committed Christian, and felt that for me, that was the correct course. They had heard of the decline of Christianity in Europe and to a lesser extent in America. They opposed sæcular modernism and were glad to hear I had not fallen into it. For them, Islam was the one truth, but only for them. I don't know how they would have reacted if a member of one of their families had converted to Christianity. I presume it would have been a mixture of regret and continual waiting for the loved one to come home, much as Christian parents feel if their child joins a cult. I don't believe any of them would have considered murder, but I am speaking of an educated elite here. There may be some Muslims somewhere who would consider that, just as I suppose there may be some fundamentalist Christians or cultists with doctrines loosely based on Christianity who might do the same.

i tink dis girl is juz trying to use the media to gain fame but wat she does not noe is dat by doing dis, she is creating unnecessary tension between other religions. She can do wat she wants and convert to christianity but does she have to make such a big deal about it? I'm sure there are other converts out der but they choose to lie low. GROW UP WOMAN! And the rest of u! She's juz manipulating everyone!

i tink dis girl is juz trying to use the media to gain fame but wat she does not noe is dat by doing dis, she is creating unnecessary tension between other religions. She can do wat she wants and convert to christianity but does she have to make such a big deal about it? I'm sure there are other converts out der but they choose to lie low. GROW UP WOMAN! And the rest of u! She's juz manipulating everyone!

I do believe Christianity, which means to be Christ like, IS the one true way for a relationship with God. For Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)
However, there are bad muslims as there are bad Christians, and bad ppl in general. But it doesnt' make the majority. It just makes the media.
So I agree with Hassaln, do your research before forming and expressing an oppion.
And I urge you, whom are my Brothers and Sisters in Christ, we are NOT perfect and we do NOT have the right to judge others. That is up to God and His Son! Remember when Christ showed love and compassion to a man whom did not believe His Father was the One and Only. We are called to do the same. "Love your neighbor as yourself." God Bless you all who have written and will write and who are reading this right now.

Its incredible that so man you can form an opinion without getting your facts straight. Unfortunately, because we live in a free country, most of you can get away with it.
"Islam" means 'peace' NOT submission. Sure, there are spineless Muslims who allow others to walk all over them like doormats and they happen to be the ones portrayed in the media-so all of a sudden its the RELIGION's fault that they are that way. Or someone in some poor, thirdworld country blows themselves up but its the RELIGION that is blamed. Excuse me, but what happened to taking responsibility for your own actions? These people are the people that either don't have access to, or don't have the opportunity to be educated about the right ways to make a difference.

Do NOT make the ignorant mistake of blaming a religion for violent actions. Trust me, you do NOT even want me to go there. How about Hitler?? Basque seperatists?? You want to blame THEIR religions for their idiocy too??? You talk about not throwing religious edict into the mix and yet anytime someone that follows Islam makes it into the news, their faith is mentioned as if it has anything to do with why theyre IN the news.

Do the world a favor-ELIMINATE your ignorance by doing some research. And I don't mean by going to sites specifically created to spread hate. Pick up a Quran and a Bible, and read them both without any bias, and you'll see just how many parallels there actually are.

Now this brings me to the girl's situation. Religion aside, its embarassment enough that the girl-at 17- ran away to FLORIDA. So forget religion, her parents probably want to ground her for life for that fact alone.
And it is not a question of being "allowed" to convert that is the issue. Muslims should NOT convert because Islam is the true, unadulterated religion-the one religion whose holy book has not been recreated or rewritten throughout history. You will find the same writings in any Quran today, as you would from one of a hundred years ago.

Though I believe wholeheartedly in this fact, i do NOT condone killing the girl for making that decision. Her parents should have done a better job in showing her that Islam was the true religion, if she does not believe it, they are just as much to blame. GOD is the only one who has a right to judge her on this matter. NO ONE else has the right to decide whether she should die for it.

Tell me now, my ignorant friends, do I sound like a murderer with nothing but death for the non-believers on my mind?

I am amazed on how easily Satan can take something like this article on a child fearing for her safety, into a catalyst on twisting the truth of Jesus's atonement for our sins. My best friend is a converted muslim and when she gave her heart to Jesus she was "DEAD" TO HER FAMILY. Her sister was married at 12 and had a child within year. I will not judge their faith based on appearances but judge with righteous judgment. If it is not scriptural it is not truth. May God bless that girl for having a faith worth admiring! We cannot all be right. Jesus is the bridge to forgiveness of sin and entry to heaven. I pray anyone considering the truth will open a bible instead of making assumptions based on the opinions of people who have not studied the word of God. I was appalled to see a person's comment on how she is a christian and thinks we should all just accept all different religions. Christians are called to be the light in this dark world and to spread the gospel! We cannot accept a false God! I don't know it all, but what I do know is going to lead me to my Father's house some day : )
Believing Jesus died on the cross for our sins, asking Jesus to forgive your sin, live in your heart and be your Master is the only way to salvation. It may not be easy but it is worth it!
God bless all of you who go forth in this world to spread the love and truth of God.

fighttheignorance

Islam is the "true religion". Sounds a little prejudiced to me. Read the following. I expect you to claim it propoganda. I await your retort.

Question:
Does the Qur'an really contain dozens of verses promoting violence?

Summary Answer:
The Quran contains at least 109 verses that call Muslims to war with nonbelievers. Some are quite graphic, with commands to chop off heads and fingers and kill infidels wherever they may be hiding. Muslims who do not join the fight are called 'hypocrites' and warned that Allah will send them to Hell if they do not join the slaughter.

These verses are mostly open-ended, meaning that the historical context is not embedded within the surrounding text (as are nearly all of the Old Testament verses of violence). They are part of the eternal, unchanging word of Allah, and just as relevant or subjective as anything else in the Qur'an.

Unfortunately, there are very few verses of tolerance and peace to abrogate or even balance out the many that call for nonbelievers to be fought and subdued until they either accept humiliation, convert to Islam, or are killed. This proclivity toward violence - and Muhammad's own martial legacy - has left a trail of blood and tears across world history.

Just a sample:
Qur'an (2:191-193) - "And slay them wherever ye find them, and drive them out of the places whence they drove you out, for persecution [of Muslims] is worse than slaughter [of non-believers]...and fight them until persecution is no more, and religion is for Allah." There is a good case to be made that the textual context of this particular passage is defensive war, even if the historical context was not. However, there are also two worrisome pieces to these verse. The first is that the killing of others is authorized in the event of "persecution" (a qualification that is ambiguous at best). The second is that fighting may persist until "religion is for Allah." The example set by Muhammad is not reassuring.

Qur'an (2:244) - "Then fight in the cause of Allah, and know that Allah Heareth and knoweth all things."

Qur'an (2:216) - "Fighting is prescribed for you, and ye dislike it. But it is possible that ye dislike a thing which is good for you, and that ye love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knoweth, and ye know not." Not only does this verse establish that violence can be virtuous, but it also contradicts the myth that fighting is intended only in self-defense, since the audience was obviously not under attack at the time. From the Hadith, we know that Muhammad was actually trying to motivate his people into raiding caravans with this verse.

Qur'an (3:56) - "As to those who reject faith, I will punish them with terrible agony in this world and in the Hereafter, nor will they have anyone to help."

Peaceful? Loving? Maybe it should be re-evaluated.

(Dictionary)RELIGION:An organized system of beliefs, rites, and celebrations centered on a supernatural being, belief pursued with devotion.
DEVOTION: A strong attachment of affection to a person or cause; a Zeal.
ZEAL: Great interest or eagerners
If you love so much that one day might become blidness up to a point of one killing one self or a loved one. If too much wine is being drinking it may cause harm. If too much exersice is being performed a person boddy might suffer from the extreme. Everything needs to be in moderation. Too much sex, work, love, desire, food, drinking,sleeping, fitting and so on and so forth.
GOD created the universe and GOD made day and night, so that the day would rest at night and come back to bring one more day. The night darkens so the animals an beast that wonder at night have theyr chances to gather food and live. Without the day the night would have show the night sky full of stars and GOD's creation. And us human full of knowlodge but yet savages killing each other and destroying, because someone thinks they have all the answares. It really sad that might bring us to our own extintion. INGNORANCE and IRRATIONAL the humanity great gift to GOD.

Cont. I truly hope that we are on the "right" train!! Humans have wondered for thousands of years, and still do, not the infomous question, ARE WE ALONE? But , more importantly, are we on the right path to the ONE TRUTH? The stakes are high, the price is enormous, the rewards and punishments are astronomical.So, not to get too philpshophical :) The whole meaning of life, existance, and wheather or not one is riding the right train is detremental to ones sanity sometimes :)) Some say ignorance is a bliss! It could be, but why let it, then you lose at the end??? open your hearts, minds, and let that sould/heart USB connection make the decison for you. You WILL make the right one. But if one keeps his mind , soul and heart "preoccupied" with previous beliefs and believe he/shes going on the right path. Then, no power on earth ; no amount of research, reading, and media will "convert" them. Besides, thats not the point, we should be able to "all get along" and not let hate blinds our sound human judgement, just because. Thats NOT a bliss. Take care all

Why are so many of you people scared to post your names ? Christain, Jew, Hindu, Taoist, Muslim etc we all pray to one God regardless what name or or spelling your cultural language spells it or pronounce's it. There is only one God and that is God. God created every thing. The idea God needs a son or daughter to represent God is unrealistic. Christians added this concept for the need of a son.

Put no other before me, that is the word of God.

There some many people with no food or drink. Diseases with no cure, children with no school or a simple toy to play with. People dying of plagues because they have no clean facilites. The religion, the people, the world should stop for one day and think. What is it that we doing to oruselfs. How we could stop creating weapons of mass destrcution, chemical, biological, how we can stop of trying to dominate the other and work and our mind to build a place that we can walk free health and without fear of opression, desises, killings with great knoldges and undertanding of thru GOD that donn't kill or destroys but builds and give life and specially uncondionally LOVE. One piece of stone, or little dirt can show us what GOD really are. Just another MASON without cuse

It amazes me that so many people can be so ignorant. There is not a thing written any where saying that Islam is a dangerous religion or anything of the sort. Some religious followers are radical in their beliefs but let it be known that every religion has their radicals. And do not tell me that they don't. So this girl states that her family threatened to kill her, that may be so, but why should anyone just point fingers at the religion factor? Maybe she has a messed up family in general, not having anything to do with religion. And maybe there is more to the story. Or maybe her story is true. Which means that her father/family are radical. But before people go pointing fingers and going on rants about what is "right," learn the facts first and save yourself from sounding like an idiot. The Islamic religion is in fact a peaceful religion, some have just abused it. So back off.

On a side note to "my name doesn't matter" I've known young women who have gotten abortions and their families have disowned them like they were nothing. That's not very forgiving, now what does that say about Christianity. And the side note wasn't to be rude, I'm not someone just poking at what you believe, I'm a Catholic and even I have the guts to say that sometimes my religion has its flaws.

Dear Paladin, i'm really impressed by your research, plz go back a little further to find out when and why some of those suras were revealed. It will explain the meaning(s) behind it. Take care

So much had been debated on the issues of Islam and Christianity. My question is why do muslims escaping violences in the muslims countries seek refuge in America or Europe rather than other muslims countries?

Let's not talk about peaceful or violent religions but show by deeds and examples. Lions kill for food but not for the sake of killing.
If killing is the need as a way to preserve honour or family chastity then some rethinkings must be done.

This thing of religion saying is discrimination, one is not treated equally to another for being, jwish,muslim, catholich, devl worshiper, wickan, shaman, hindy,protestant. All of this religion or cult or organization has to respect and show respect to the LAW OF THE LAND and THE UNIVERSAL LAW OF KINDNESS. Is good to control but keep in mind no making is free of the Universal law that will one day judges everything and everyone. You know what I am talking about. This girl could be right or could be wrong. So let the system do theyer work. And the LAW will prevail.

I used to buy into the Islam-is-peaceful and we-can-all-get-along BS, too. Then my neighbor's 17- and 18-year-old neices were shot and killed by their father because they refused arranged marriages and he was "shamed". He was angry that they weren't "following the the teachings of Islam" and "not doing what God wanted them to do". How he knew what God wanted, I don't know, but based on his religion, he thought he did. Since he had already made the marriage agreements, he felt that he could only restore his "honor" by killing them. These girls were bright, lovely, college-bound girls who were shot multiple times and slaughtered in cold blood by the man who should have protected them. Islam is a gutter religion and not worthy of respect in any form. If this girl says that her parents threatened to kill her for converting to Christianity, I believe it. Check your facts people, in Islam the penatly for apsotasy is death and too many muslim parents are quite willing to carry it out.

Money or just trying to be famous for a minute. Or who knows she really are in dandger. People do crazy things and will keeping doing it for what they think is right. Killing someone for a shame or just because he/she decided to be what she thinks is right for her. Is really sad. It happens in any fantic or extreme pleople, even in sports people might kill for a istupidity. Think wiselly, why is going on in todays world. People are going back word instead or advancement. Is really sad to hear all that. Isn't only islam that are full of scaldals, the church (chatolich) jewis rabies, protestant stilling, etc..
well one day this will have a big side effects that when we realize what we have done will be too late.

I agree that one must do the research before calling Islam a violent faith because it's not! It is a religion of peace and the practice of praying for a life of submission to Allah. Interestingly enough, there are many scripts in the Bible, those that are the same as in the Kuran: for example, the story of Abraham and sacrificing his son, is one of the most celebrated Islamic story and holiday, and yet hardly any Christian seems to know of the shared religious beliefs. Jesus in the Kuran (Isa) is an accepted and a major prophet in Islam!

To say that Christianity is all about love is a bit exaggerated, because most of all slavery was by those who were Christians and in the US slavery went on for over 200 yrs before it became illegal but even that didn't stop folks in having African slaves! And in the Kuran (fyi) it states that Allah knows NO color and no other human is slave to another!

Islam isn't about living in fear and being forced into the religion. The few Islamic states that are prevalently covered in the media are those (Iraq,Afghanistan) that are dealing with civil wars and religious conflicts, and are suffering with conflict! Not all Muslims are from the those places or even the Middle East! There are Asian and European muslims, and it's said that 2 million Americans convert to Islam every year!

It's a false misconception to think that Muslims impose violence on Americans and Europe, but may I ask who's imposing on the Muslims? Americans are in their country, claiming to help and are imposing "western beliefs" on a sector that may not want to be westernized.

I respect all faiths, and therefore would never bash someone's faith! But because Muslims are under the microscope, they are being scrutinized for everything they believe in and are being called terrorists or violent for it! There's extreme child pedophilia ,sex offenders, serial killers, rapists, and drug and human traffickers out there, and no one seems to think these are important enough issues, but if they were constantly in the media then people would be more in tune with those issues, just as they are with the issues related to Islam. If everyday you heard of issues pertaining to the KKK, then you would believe all white Americans were involved in white supremacy!

All cultures have, what may seem to westernized peoples, extreme traditions, and/or beliefs . Take Asians for example, they would foot bind girls so that their feet may be more feminine and appealing. Indians still have arranged and forced marriages, these are just a few of the cultural differences.

SO please do your research, or talk to an actual Muslim before you bash the religion without knowing much about it! Islam isn't about violence, or female oppression! It's a religion like many, that has a group that live in verbatim of the scriptures, and also there are modern Islamic countries that keep their faith separated from state/law.

sohaib syed is a waste of sperm

research islam before you make any judgments. and cleanse yourselves of the images the media has instilled in your minds..it seems the only headlines made nowadays are about muslim terrorists and what not. what about christian priests who have molested children? oh, how quickly we forget about that..right ? and just because a few people make a bad decision (i.e. bin laden) does NOT mean all muslims can be assumed terrorists, nor could that word be associated with all of them as an entire group..same with this girl's case. just because her parents are SUPPOSEDLY (i say supposedly because the media is so hype) violent and threatened to kill her, does NOT mean all muslim parents are like that. another thing, look through the bible; i'm 100% POSITIVE there are violent verses in there..so don't try to pull any of that bull saying that the qur'an is the epitome of violence and aggressiveness. furthermore, even IF the parents did in fact threaten their daughter, why does it matter that they are muslim ? could they not have been christian or jewish, and their son or daughter wanted to convert, and they could have still threatened them ? regardless, a threat is a threat..media just totally blows things out of proportion and woopty-damn-doo that the girl just happened to be muslim..if she was christian and wanted to convert to islam and her parents made this same threat..its the SAME THING. just making a point, people, that you have to look at things from all perspectives..

i don't understand WHY in the world everyone strayed from the topic of this story and got into deep conversation on why islam is so bad and how its a terrible religion. people, hear me for a second. if you are christian, jewish, or muslim, you believe in the SAME god. you pray to the same god when you need something, you cry in desparation when things go wrong to the same god,& you thank the same god when your prayers are answered..so why now the nonsense of arguing and violence and bull ? peace signs are the new fad, and everyones sporting them..yet no ones making a sincere effort towards peace..

Sammi

Getting late, so I am unable to take the time to further research the "when and why". Bottom line is that it is the teachings of the Koran (or Quran or however you want to spell it). As an earlier post stated, it has never changed from its inception. I did come across an interesting analysis though:

"Many Muslims are simply unaware of the Qur'an's near absence of verses that preach universal non-violence. This is because their understanding of Islam comes from what they are taught by others. In the West, it is typical for Muslims to come to believe that their religion must be like Christianity - preaching the New Testament virtues of peace, love, and tolerance - because Muslims are taught that Islam is supposed to be superior in every way. They are somewhat surprised and embarrassed to learn that the evidence of the Qur'an and the bloody history of Islam are very much in contradiction to this."

I guess it all boils down to endoctrination no matter the religion. Whether it is the Madrassas or Imams or simply family, if you are raised from infancy to believe such teachings above all else you will hold them to be infallible. Maybe media is the greater threat in that most of what is seen on Western tv is Muslims touting the destruction of that culture while Al Arabia or Al Jazeera constantly shows the results of Western military strikes instead of Muslim on Muslim violence. Each only serves to stoke the prejudices and hatred. Rather than be forced to believe such things, like Palestinian children taught to hate Jews, Pashtun girls born to serve men and avoid schooling, Saudi women unable to drive or vote (although that may be changing much to the chagrin of the old schoolers) Iranian girls stoned to death for dishonoring one thing or the other, Taliban executions of women in the soccer field, one should be given a full perspective in regards to religion in general or even the lack of such. The internet and the exchange of ideals from real people rather than talking heads may serve to circumvent such views. That was proven to be the case in the recent Iranian elections with the power of cell phone videos. Hopefully this forum may serve to do just that.

Personally, I'm really trying not to be prejudiced in my opinion of Islam and those who follow it, however you could say I am indoctrinated by the in-your-face approach of those who wave signs of "Death to America" and in the case of France's uprising of Muslims following a police shooting of a teen "Europe, your 9-11 is coming" and "Islam will rule the world" and the attacks in London, the Dutch cartoonists' slaying, the Pakistani father who stabbed his daughter to death in Detroit because she dated a non-Muslim, and on and on...one can't help but take a defensive posture. I do feel threatened. I don't see other Muslims opposing those who promote such hatred. Granted, the U.S. has been sticking its nose in places it has no business, but the majority of American people wish the government would concentrate on taking care of its own rather than try to interject in the politics of other nations. Seems oil has way too much to do with that. I wonder what a world without oil would be like?

Until I see the truly peaceful practitioners of Islam speak out loud and clear against the extremists, I will continue to be wary of their intent and the possible destructive results.

Maybe we could follow the example of Obama's beer summit and get together to quaff a few while keeping politics and religion out of the conversation? I bet we'd actually get along.

Have a good night and many to follow.

Islam has spread by sword and fire for centuries and it still does the same to this day.
While Christianity has spread through self-sacrifice.
If the muslim people do not support terrorism, then how come they keep hiding the terrorists among them and not ousting them to redeem their
so called peace-loving-religion?
I'll tell you why: Although the muslims live on the western countries, and suck from the benevolent teet of the bounty provided by the Christian nations of the west, if they could, they would burn it to the ground, because of jealosy, hate, and backwardness.
Christian countries have proven the superiority of their theology, and keep proving it, with the advancements their societies have made, and continue making!

God has sent many Prophets i.e. Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Ismael, Jacob, Joseph, Moses etc. They all came to reinforce the same message, that there is only One God. Jesus came to reinforce the same message.
Q1) Does it make sense that Jesus came down and died for everyone's sins?
The lowest level of Heaven represents a place that is ten times better than the Earth and everything in it.
Q2) Do we honestly think that we don't need to strive and emulate the Prophets us to enter into Heaven?
Every prophet that came preached the same message: Fasting, Prayer, Charity, Belief in One God.
Miracles:
1 - Abraham was thrown into a fire for not wanting to worship Idols but was saved by God
2 - Moses Split the Sea, turned his stick into a snake before the Pharoah
3- Jesus cured a blind person and brought someone back from the dead
4- Mohammed split the moon
Every prophet was given miracles to prove to the people that there is only One God that is worthy of worship and to disprove Idol worship or worship of other Gods.
Q3) Why do we think that we don't need to strive to enter into Heaven?
Q4) Do we really believe that we just deserve it on a silver platter?
Islam is a simple religion that enforces the message of the Prophets before it with set guidelines on 1- Fasting 2 - Prayer 3- Charity 4 - Belief in One God

* In regards to the article, she should be able to follow whatever religion she wants, in the end God will judge each person individually and no one can be forced or should be forced to follow any religion.

People, get over religion. It's old and tired. Evolve to a higher level of human consciousness without religion!

People, get over religion. It's old and tired. Evolve to a higher level of human consciousness without religion!

I am a Muslim living in US for the last 23 years..Living my life by the Law of the land not by the law of religion.. I married a Catholic girl 18 years ago against her parents will because I am Muslim, they hated me more than anything..They threw me out of their home 4 time..even then I respected them and kept going back with my wife to show religion means nothing to me but just respect and love...My mother-In-law beat me physically and told me not to be in her home again..so since then I stopped going to my In-laws home. Now I should start thinking that all Catholics are bad or this is the teaching of the church to treat people not from this faith..No I don’t think so...What Islam teaches me is to respect others..I think this is the teaching of every religion not only Islam or Christianity . First we should learn to respect Humanity and then other follows..

I am a Muslim living in US for the last 23 years..Living my life by the Law of the land not by the law of religion.. I married a Catholic girl 18 years ago against her parents will because I am Muslim, they hated me more than anything..They threw me out of their home 4 time..even then I respected them and kept going back with my wife to show religion means nothing to me but just respect and love...My mother-In-law beat me physically and told me not to be in her home again..so since then I stopped going to my In-laws home. Now I should start thinking that all Catholics are bad or this is the teaching of the church to treat people not from this faith..No I don’t think so...What Islam teaches me is to respect others..I think this is the teaching of every religion not only Islam or Christianity .

Religion is not the problem, hot-headed religious people are. I was raised in a Christian family, but when I decided to become a single mother by choice in my 30s (having a high-income job that allowed me to raise my child properly), my father threatened to kill me!

In Islam, they, women and girls are just property. I know this from working at a school district and also my daughter had friend who was islam some aren't even allowed to show skin or they can be killed, and yes they can be killed or converting to christainity. I am sorry but when I think of how they are treated it really makes me mad. I can't understand why you would want to serve a god who thinks you are worthless and just a toy for a male.

Islam teaches self-respect for men and women. It requires women and men dress modestly. Do you believe by showing more skin that you are more free? The most respected women in Christianity and Islam is Mary, is there a single picture of her without her head covered? Let's try to learn something from the real role models before us.

Everyone can think of the worst case Christian and Muslim families they have seen, if you want to understand a religion educate yourselves by the Bible or Quran because you won't find a perfect reprsentative of any religion in an society today.

Why do all "religious" people argue that they have the only "truth"? God is bigger than man's understanding, and all religions have beliefs from other religions intertwined within them to make their religion more accessable to more people. The only "truth" is love, and by treating others as you would like to be treated you may find out that "love" is more difficult than the "testiments" of truth you say you believe in, no matter what "religious" name you give to your beliefs. Religion was started to keep communities in "peace" with others in that community. but I know even "christians" that see no wrong in doing "evil" to those who do not believe in their ways. Grow up people and see that no matter what you call your "god", you are still seeking "acceptance" from others for all you do. No "god" can save you from your "sins" by having you confess and "pay" for your "redemption". You can only be "saved" when you learn to "love" yourself and others, which is the most difficult thing to do.
Learn the truth about "all religions" before you put your foot in your mouth by condemning other "religions" that you have no real knowledge of. The reason that most "religious" people do not read other "religious" works is that they will be confused by the simularities of the "word", which has always been written by man to keep others in line with the beliefs of the community in mind.

Thank you Paladin, or is it P Aladin? :) I truly admire your insight into things and respect that you have based your beliefs and opinions on many research and related news and testemonies. I cant help but respect you for that! Pls read "amman message", if you havent done so yet. Its not a "universal solve all" document. But it will give you another angle to what some are doing to present islam in its true form. Your passion about these issues will let you realize how close youre to the "truth". If many think the way you do and actually DO the work necessary to acquired knowledge, rather than base their views on some thing they overheard in a bar, media, or a social setting, we all be better off. As you know, there are three sides to a story, YES, three sides :) the one side, the "opposing" side, and the absolute truth that god only knows! Instead of turning this into a "conversation" between you and i, i will say that there will be more "surprising" things that will come out of this 17 yo convert story.I'm almost certain that there is (are) more to it.
Its really amazing, while reading some of those comments, how one can tell whos prejudice, full of hate, and ignorant; from those who genuinly want to interact and share opinions for the good of all. I can and will disagree with you, but i will always respect you. Thats how we can learn and share as humans should. Take care all

Muslims don't KILL....... Don't forget it was a Group of MUSLIMS that Caused September 11, 2001

I think the State of Florida did the right thing by let this 17 yr old stay in FL. They also need to keep there EYES OPEN. I have known a number of muslim families and they tell me

Being muslim was the way they had to go because the country in which they lived wouldn't allow them to be anything else. They like to tell lies about Christians and that Muslims are the Only ones

This could be described as a storm in a tea cup. Girls of her age go through emotional stress that has nothing to do with religion or the relationship they have with their families. But, to pounce on this girl and expose her to the media while she screams hersefl sore, clutching a man in a suit, appears rather surreal. Some people need young people like her to prop up a sagging image. But, nothing is gained by this exercise except pain of mind to her parents and in time to come a feeling of despair to the girl; but then it may be too late, both for the parents as well as the wretched girl, who it appears has been dazzled by the way of life bereft of restrictions that prevails outside Islam and for that matter other orthodox religions. Let us not be goulish, preying on this girl and her immigrant parents. Religion and religious convictions go much deeper than the cosmetics which are worn all too well by self proclaimed defenders of religious and the rights of individual, especially the rights of women, which are trampelled upon at every turn without a tinge of feeling. Grow up Fathers and Patriarchs and keep away from the temptation of fishing in troubled waters - it sure is bound to rebound.

I do not think that anyone is forcing her to do anything. But what i do want to know is why the girl is doing it and is it for the right reasons????? has anyone mentioned that in the article? no, because everyone just wants to attack the muslims and make it look like the bad guy in the situation. but who really is??? you have Christian and Jewish people running aroung killing people too, but no judgement made on the race, because it has NOTHING to do with the race, it is crazy people. you have those every where...