I Agree With Mr. Cal Thomas

In the Name of God, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful

I never thought I would one day say this, but it is true: I agree with columnist Cal Thomas. (!)

On a radio program Mr. Thomas said:

“Any religion that justifies the killing of innocent civilians, especially children, is a religion of Satan, not God. Such a twisted religion deserves not just condemnation but isolation.”

I agree wholeheartedly. Any religion which justifies the wanton murder of innocent civilians - be they children or adults - is a religion of Satan, an abomination of Satan’s handiwork. Any religion that justifies the murder of Shi’i worshippers at a mosque is a religion of Satan. Any religion that justifies the murder of innocent tourists at a hotel anywhere in the world is a religion of Satan.

Islam, however, is not such a religion. It never was, and it never will be.

Sure, there are Muslims who claim that Islam justifies the murder of innocent civilians. Their word - and absurd claim - does not constitute the truth about Islam. Period. Islam, in fact, is quite clear about the sanctity of human life. The Qur’an is full of passages affirming that innocent human life can not be taken:

“Say: ‘Come, I will rehearse what God hath (really) prohibited you from: Join not anything as equal with Him; be good to your parents; kill not your children on a plea of want—We provide sustenance for you and for them; come not nigh to shameful deeds, whether open or secret; take not life, which God hath made sacred, except by way of justice and law. Thus doth He command you, that ye may learn wisdom” (6:151).

“Nor take life - which God has made sacred - except for just cause…” (17:33).

“And the servants of the Most Gracious are those who… Those who invoke not,with God, any other god, nor slay such life as God has made sacred except for just cause…” (25:63-68).

Notice that all these verses speak of the “life” (lit., “soul”) which God has made sacred. There is no qualification; all life is sacred, not just Muslim life. Thus, the terrorist who separates the Muslims from non-Muslims and kills the non-Muslims is not being pious, he is being murderous.

It is absolutely not fair to equate the actions of murderous terrorists who claim to be Muslim with the doctrine of Islam itself. They profane the letter and spirit of the faith, and they are the enemy of - not only our country and our people - but every Muslim on this earth right now.

Now, there are many views of Mr. Thomas with which I strongly take issue. And, by the way, if he meant to say that Islam is that religion of Satan which justifies the murder of innocent human beings, then I strongly, strongly, strongly disagree with him. But, I take him at the face of his words: I am in complete agreement that a religion which says kill innocent people is a religion of Satan.

Islam, however, is not said religion.

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