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I Respect Different Beliefs and Values

I take the time to learn about and respect your beliefs so why can't you do the same for me?
I find it really horrible when people take a bash at Muslim beliefs cause most of these people haven't even read the Qur'an or the Hadith. They have no basis of where they're getting their knowledge from and are basically going by what the media and the people around them are saying. It's ridiculous.
It is my duty to learn and respect the beliefs of others but it's not because I may want to, but because this is what Islam teaches us. Didn't know that? Yeah.
I'm sick and tired of this. It's almost as if I should feel bad for being a Muslim or be like, trying to appease people because of what I believe. That's so wrong.
I'm not stupid, you know. I am educated. I do have a mind and I can think. If I'm a Muslim, it's for a reason so if you think you can talk down to me or degrade me because of this, you've sooo got another thing coming mate.
It's like, have you never heard of critical thinking before? Or how about checking the validity of your knowledge and sources? I guess it's easy for me to say, since I live in the UK and religious education is compulsory here. As well we that, I've been taught to think critically and check the validity of my sources, studying history and philosophy. I still think this is something that other people should do. Don't take things on face value and don't automatically assume the same opinion as the people around you - think instead!
And, of course, there is respect. I try to be as respectful as I can towards people and I never try to offend anyone, even if I disagree with them. Respect and understanding are so important in today's society but I'm seeing worryingly little of it. It's like, I don't even know what to do anymore.
How can you treat me so differently to how I treat you? Is this an indirect way of you telling me that you want me to bash your beliefs too? Freedom of speech is valid of course but there is a line, and offence definitely crosses it, especially as I am personally so tolerant to everyone's beliefs.
Also, I'm sorry if this doesn't apply to you. I just feel quite angry right now and I just think this needs to be said.
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bijouxbroussard
I look at things like the fact that our First Lady was soundly criticised for not wearing a head covering when she and our president visited Saudi Arabia. She was criticized for shaking hands with men (even though the MEN extended their hands first). WHY ? Barack and Michelle Obama are NOT Muslims. Where was the tolerance then ? She was spoken of quite harshly, and I was outraged by that. But I don't want anyone KILLED over it.
I understand the nature of prejudice and bigotry, and have spoken out in the past when people wanted to hold ALL Muslims responsible for the actions of extremists. As a black person I also know very well what it's like to be held responsible and judged for the misdeeds of others. But when I see supposedly good people making excuses for those misdeeds it annoys me a bit. Freedom of speech IS a big deal and sometimes hate speech should be censured. But no one deserves to die over something they've merely said, or a cartoon, no matter how offensive. That cannot be justified.
peza
I thought Obama was a muslim tho. o.O
EarthlingWise
His wife mustn't be in the know. o.O
peza
You mean he hasn't even told her ??
EarthlingWise
Well, she can be quite impressive, you know, this lady.
That's Saudi Arabia. They're pretty corrupt as it is, especially in terms of Islam. They're not the best place to look in terms of perfect Muslims. I, for example, don't think that they should have done that at all. Like you said, they're not Muslims. Why should they act as we do? They shouldn't have to. It doesn't say anywhere according to Islam that people of other religions or no religion should do the same things as us. That's just really illogical because why should they? In terms of covering her head, I think that was just more a sign of respect. But she obviously doesn't have to, not being a Muslim herself.
I don't like it when people make excuses for misdeeds either. Nor do I think people deserve to die over being offensive. I completely agree that it can not be justified. I really have no idea where people are getting the impression that I could justify something like that. You really can't, it was horrible.
bijouxbroussard
You must know he is NOT. His father was one, his mother and grandparents (who raised him) were Christians. He actually belongs to Church of Christ.
EarthlingWise
Yes, he knows. ;)
bijouxbroussard
Just to clarify: the occurrence was in Saudi Arabia. Mrs Obama was criticized by Muslims worldwide.