Reply to Debanjan

Submitted by Jim (United States), Aug 10, 2009 at 17:56

Debanjan,

I have believed for so long that the basic difference between Islam and the Judeo-Christian West has been the basic negative attitude of the Western people against Islam. For more than a millenium now Muslims have been considered as either aliegns or enemies by West. I believe the West considers the Muslims completely different from itself in terms of attitude to the world. This attitude towards Muslims I believe is not right. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MUSLIMS AND HINDUS? IS IT THE NEGATIVE ATTITUDE OF THE HINDUS? BECAUSE I SEE RIOTS BETWEEN HINDUS AND MUSLIMS, THE CREATION OF TWO STATES ONE ISLAMIC PAKISTAN AND ONE SECULAR INDIA. WHY?

Instead of considering Islamic ideas with hatred and enmity why do not the Western thinkers particularly conservatives do not see it with some sympathy and understanding.That certainly will not harm anyone. BUT WHAT DO I DO IF THE QURAN CONSIDERS ME AN INFIDEL AND SAYS I SHOULD BE KILLED OR CONVERTED OR MADE TO PAY THE JIZYA TAX AND MUSLIMS CONSIDER SUCH TEXTS HOLY?

I am not sure whether this post of mine will be published on this website by moderators or whether this will generate any response from you Dr. Pipes. Anyways it will be interesting from you Dr. Pipes to answer to this post pf mine. IN THE WEST WE ARE OPEN TO DEBATE EVERYTHING INCLUDING ISLAM.

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Daniel Pipes replies:

Agreed, Islam is a topic to be debated like any other.