I'm confused
Reader comment on item: How Many U.S. Muslims?
in response to reader comment: When in Rome, you do what the Romans do.

Submitted by S.B. (United States), Mar 12, 2008 at 16:29

How can you possibly say that my way of life is suicidal. The basic principles of Islam are (1) To believe that there is one God and one God only and that his last messenger/prophet was Muhammad (saws) (NOT ELIJAH MUHAMMAD) (2) To pray to your Lord 5 times a day (3) To fast during the month of Ramadan (4) To give back to your community with charity and (5) To offer Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) at least one time in your life if you're able to do so.

In no way do I see anything in there that is "suicidal". People get Islam confused with what these extremists are committing themselves to nowadays. I'm a 28 year old female, born and raise Muslim right here in these United States. To me, my way of life (because Islam is not a religion, it is a way of life) is very peaceful. Those ppl who strap on bombs "In the name of Allah" to me are not Muslims. Allah clearly tells us that suicide is forbidden!!!

He also tells us that we are supposed to love and respect our neighbors. You can take that as your neighbor that lives next door or your neighboring countries, it's all the same thing. Man was put on this Earth to worship the Lord, nothing more and nothing less. I personally think the media's portrayal of Islam is corrupting the minds of many Americans. Ppl who I come in contact with on a regular basis have told me that if it wasn't for me explaining my beliefs to them, they would only believe what they saw on TV or read in the papers/magazines. It hurts me to my heart to see/hear ppl speak of my way of life in the way that you have.

Visit your local mosques or the next time you see a Muslim on the street, stop them and ask them about Islam - I guarantee you, you will not hear ANYTHING remotely close to what you hear on the news.

Peace and blessings

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