Quote Originally Posted by McLeodGanja
The extremists who blow themselves up on trains have got nothing to do with religion, or Islam. Let's keep the portrayal of those two things separate, out of respect for true muslim cultural values.

Actually, I think the extremists who blow themselves up have got everything to do with religion. I am not trying to say Islam is about violence and war, but according to the Koran, which is the holy and unquestionable word of god, violence is not only praised but the duty of the true Muslim when it is necessary.

The Koran makes it very clear in a very forceful manner that infidels and trespassers of the Islamic law need to be dealt with using force. The extremists have many "valid" reasons as to why this 'jihad' is necessary. I put valid in quotes because I think it is a different question in ethics as to whether suicide bombings and violence can be validated. Here is a quote that summarizes some of the other extremists grievances (against the USA at least):


Unlike the SLA and Weathermen, who were using violence to sway a population living in a functionally democratic society, jihadists are fighting against (real or perceived) US-backed military dictatorships (Pakistan), sanctioned torture that breaches the Geneva Conventions (Guantanamo), terrorizing of indigenous Muslim populations by US-backed allies (Israel), genocide (Clintonâ??s sustained bombing and sanctions of Iraq which allegedly killed over 500,000), occupation of Muslim land and looting of resources (Iraq), and even the overthrow of democratically elected governments (Algeria)

http://www.gnn.tv/articles/3513/The_...g_Fad_of_Jihad



Now I am in no way saying that I agree with what they are doing, or that they necessarily reflect the true Islamic religion properly, but you have to give them some credit if their motives truly are righteous and in the name of god, as they claim. According to the Koran, only a truly enlightened being, whose heart and mind have not been sealed by god, could ever see the justification behind the violence.

It may be scary to think about but the Koran isn't all about violence, so don't assume that because it preaches death to infidels it doesn't also preach peace. You can find many passages and quotes to justify the perspective of a peace to infidels and trespassers message as well.

It's a very complex and thought provoking situation and the answers can only be found in a person's own view of reality. Their perceptions of life, god, morals, good, evil, everything. While I do not think the extremist movement is ethically responsible, and I consider their crimes against humanity an outrage, I still have to respect their convictions and obedience to god. They are truly the walking manifestation of "god's" warriors.