The Personal Website of Mark W. Dawson

Islam Chirps

In addition to my articles on Islam, Islam Overview, The Problems of Islam, Islam and Why They Hate Us (In their own words) , and Muhammad's Historicity, I have written a number of Chirps about Islam, which I have collected in this webpage.

02/14/21 A Religion of Peace

To first determine if a religion is a peaceful religion, you need to define the meaning of ‘Peace’. The best definition I have ever encountered is from a great Philosopher:

"Peace is not an absence of war, it is a virtue, a state of mind, a disposition for benevolence, confidence, justice."
 - Baruch Spinoza

A peaceful religion needs to be a voluntary religion, where each person decides whether to believe or not believe the religious tenets. A peaceful religion cannot impose its religion upon another person, nor make another person subservient or subjugated to its tenets. You may believe the other person is wrong in their beliefs and try to convert them to your beliefs, but you cannot impose your beliefs on another person. A peaceful religion requires that its believers be polite and respectful in their speech and behavior for persons of other religious beliefs and tenets, as well as for its own believers unless those beliefs or tenets violate the Natural Rights of a person.

And Justice requires an affirmation and enforcement of our Natural Rights and Legal Rights. Therefore, you cannot have Peace without Natural and Legal Rights. And Natural Rights require “Freedoms, Liberties, Equalities, and Equal Justice for All” to be the law of the land.

A vast percentage of Muslims believe that all the peoples of the world should believe in and follow the tenets of the Koran, or they should be subservient or subjugated to the Will of Allah. They also believe that Sharia law is the only acceptable law for all. Therefore, they are intolerant of any other beliefs or laws. Consequently, Islam is not a religion of ‘Peace’.

04/27/21 The Problems with Islam

A common saying about Islam is that it is ‘A Religion of Peace’. However, its history has been far from peaceful, just as much as Christianity has been far from peaceful in its history. However, when discussing ‘Peace’, and a peaceful religion, it is necessary to first determine if a religion is a peaceful religion. The best definition of Peace I have ever encountered is from a great Philosopher:

"Peace is not an absence of war, it is a virtue, a state of mind, a disposition for benevolence, confidence, justice."
 - Baruch Spinoza

Therefore, I have extracted my Chirp on “02/14/21 A Religion of Peace“, and extended my thoughts into a new Article, “The Problems with Islam”. This article does not address the theology nor history of Islam. but instead focuses on the current actions of Muslims. This limitation is due to my belief that every current religion should primarily be judged by the actions of its believers and secondarily judged by its theology and history, or in the case of this new article, ‘Islam Is as Islam Does’. While the significant majority of Muslims are peaceful to the above definition, it is a fact that a large percent of Muslims are not peaceful according to this definition. My new article examines the unpeaceful actions of many Muslims, and the consequences of these unpeaceful actions. 

I am quite aware that this is a contentious subject, but I hope that I have addressed this subject in a calm and reasonable manner.

06/18/25 Eradicating Evil

When confronted with evil, evil must be eradicated. What comes next should be a concern, but not as much of a concern as eradicating evil. In eradicating evil it must be fully eradicated; otherwise, it will take root once again. Accordingly, do not be fearful of completely eradicating evil based on what may happen afterward. What happens afterward should be dealt with afterward, and it should not stay your hand in eradicating evil. Otherwise, you will allow evil to exist and persist to the detriment of all.

The Islamic Republic of Iran, established in 1979, is the perfect modern-day example of evil. Founded in evil, it has foisted evil upon the Middle East and other parts of the World since its founding. Its continual chants of ‘Death to Israel’ and ‘Death to America’, as well as its support of terrorism, betray its evil.

Iranian attempts to develop a nuclear weapon, along with the development of an intercontinental ballistic missile delivery system, are for the furtherance of their evil goals. Therefore, it is an existential threat to Israel, America, and any other country that will not defer to their evil intentions. This cannot be allowed to happen, and the recent Israeli action against Iran is, thus, an attempt to eradicate their evil intentions before they can achieve their nuclear weapon ambitions. In these attempts, they have been very successful, but they cannot completely eradicate Iranian evil intentions until they completely eradicate Iranian nuclear capabilities. Only America can finish the work that Israel has started, as some of the Iranian nuclear capabilities are buried deep underground, which Israel cannot destroy. America has a bunker-busting bomb, which no other country has, which can eradicate these underground facilities and, therefore, put an end to Iranian nuclear weapon aspirations.

Consequently, America must utilize these bunker-busting bombs to finish the eradication of the Iranian nuclear capabilities. To not do so is to allow evil to exist and persist in Iran. To those who do not support this action and/or are fearful of what may happen afterward, I would say that such inaction and caution in the 20th century led to mass deaths by Nazi, Fascist, Imperial Japanese, and Communists regimes. This is a mistake that we should not make once again with the current Iranian regime. And I would say it is the only moral thing to do, as eradicating evil is always the most moral and right thing to do.

11/05/23 The Pro-Islamic Gamesmanship - Part I

There has been a tendency in modern America to equate Anti-Semitism with Anti-Islamism and to label Islam as a religion of peace. But this equation is improper and immoral. Anti-Semitism is based upon falsehoods about the Jewish religion, people, history, and their traditions and customs. Anti-Islamism, however, is based on truths about the practices of Islam, as I have written in my Article “The Problems with Islam”. Some of these truths are:

• A religion in which the majority believes that criticism of the Prophet Muhammed is punishable by death.
• A religion in which the majority believes that apostates should be put to death.
• A religion in which the majority believes that non-believers should be eradicated or subjugated.
• A religion of which the majority believes that non-heterosexuals should be executed.
• A religion in which the majority believes that education should be restricted to males.
• A religion in which the majority believes that women should be subservient to and dominated by males.
• A religion in which the majority believes that female genital mutilation and honor killings are acceptable.
• A religion in which the majority believes that the rule of law is subservient to religious doctrine and tenets and that fatwas supersede the due process of law.
• A religion in which the majority believes in a theocracy with no participation by individuals.
• A religion in which the majority believes that lying about their beliefs to non-believers is acceptable if done to advance Islamism.

While this list of the practices of Islamism is hardly inclusive, it demonstrates that Islam is a far cry from a religion of peace as well as a violator of the Natural Rights of people. While I recognize that many Muslims are attempting to reform these practices, while these practices remain, it is not possible to include Islam as a religion of peace. As a great philosopher of Jewish origins has said:

"Peace is not an absence of war, it is a virtue, a state of mind, a disposition for benevolence, confidence, justice."   - Baruch Spinoza

As a majority of Islamic believers do not have a disposition for benevolence, confidence, or justice, it is immoral to equate Anti-Semitism with Anti-Islamism and, indeed, to have an Anti-Islamism bias is a moral stance. It is especially not moral to excuse or accept the violence of much of the Islamic world, and until Islam becomes understanding and tolerant of others and discards its Anti-Semitism, they should not be allowed to join the ranks of the civilized world, as they are a danger to civilization and non-Islamic peoples.

11/06/23 The Pro-Islamic Gamesmanship - Part II

With the Islamic terrorist attacks in Israel, we have seen a rise in Anti-Semitism and Anti-Islamism in much of the world, particularly in America. This rise has also seen an increase in violence against persons and organizations of the Jewish and Islamic faiths. Such violence is never acceptable, as it never resolves the problem and often begets more violence. But as I have pointed out in my Chirp on “11/05/23 The Pro-Islamic Game - Part I”, Anti-Semitism is immoral, while Anti-Islamism is moral if it is based on critiques of Islam tenants or criticisms of immoral words and deeds of Islamists.

Alas, another game has arisen in America, where many Progressives/Leftists and Democrat Party Leaders offer perfunctory criticisms and little actions against Anti-Semitism, while at the same time, they are offering vigorous words and enacting deeds against those that engage in Anti-Islamism actions. In doing so, they are demonstrating a lack of morality. A lack of morality by equating Anti-Semitism and Anti-Islamism, and a lack of morality by not vigorously condemning Anti-Semitism while at the same time they are defending immoral Islamic actions by such an equation.

Their silence in condemning the support in America of Hamas terrorism in Israel, under the guise of pro-Palestinian sentiments, is deafening. It is only understandable by political gamesmanship in not alienating a voting block within the Democrat Party. As such, they are once again demonstrating they are more concerned with votes rather than doing the right thing.

The cowardness of College and University administrators in condemning the words and deeds of their professors and students in support of Hamas is astounding and very troubling. It is troubling as Colleges and Universities are not only responsible for providing an education, but they are also responsible for molding the character and virtue of their students. In not doing so, they are creating a generation of ill-educated students who cannot discern right from wrong. A generation that will enter and lead our society without a moral code to guide them in their decision-making.

Thus, in America, we have one party, the Democrat Party, that has little concern for morality or virtue and that is driven by a lust for votes and, therefore, power. Such a party is not fit to lead a people dedicated to "Freedoms, Liberties, Equalities, and Equal Justice for All". If we continue down this road, we will lose our "American Ideals and Ideas", and descend into the chaos of mobocracy and lose the last best hope for humankind.

02/20/24 Keeping Silent About Islamic Pathologies

In a recent forward to the book “Defenders of the West: The Christian Heroes Who Stood Against Islam” by Raymond Ibrahim, the eminent scholar and commentator Victor Davis Hanson made the following cogent statement:

“And in the current mood, whether in academic circles or popular culture, Western browbeating manifests itself in virtue-signaling damnation of Western civilization—while quite timidly practicing self-censorship, or keeping silent, about Islamic pathologies, including those, ironically, most illiberal to race and gender, diversity, equity, and inclusion.”  - Victor Davis Hanson

This statement encapsulates what I have Chirped on “01/05/24 The War on the West”, as well as my Article “The Problems with Islam”. For those Western browbeaters and apologists of Islam, my reply to them is that which I have written in my aforementioned Chirp and Article.

10/18/25 Secularism, Socialism, and Islamism

Secularism, Socialism, and Islamism are the three great socio-political forces in the world today. They are also the three great socio-political forces that are contributing to the destruction of Western Civilization.

Secularism is the principle of seeking to conduct human affairs based on naturalistic considerations, uninvolved with religion. It is most commonly thought of as the separation of religion from civil affairs and the state, and may be broadened to a similar position seeking to remove or to minimize the role of religion in any public sphere. Secularism may encapsulate anti-clericalism, atheism, naturalism, non-sectarianism, neutrality on topics of religion, or antireligion. Secularism is not necessarily antithetical to religion but may be compatible with it. As a philosophy, secularism seeks to interpret life based on principles derived solely from the material world, without recourse to religion. It shifts the focus from religion towards "temporal" and material concerns.

Socialism is an economic and political philosophy encompassing diverse economic and social systems characterised by social ownership of the means of production, as opposed to private ownership.[3][4][5] It describes the economic, political, and social theories and movements associated with the implementation of such systems. Social ownership can take various forms, including public, community, collective, cooperative, or employee. As one of the main ideologies on the political spectrum, socialism is the standard left-wing ideology in most countries. Types of socialism vary based on the role of markets and planning in resource allocation, and the structure of management in organizations.

Islamism is a range of religious and political ideological movements that believe that Islam should influence political systems. Its proponents believe Islam is innately political and that Islam as a political system is superior to communism, liberal democracy, capitalism, and other alternatives in achieving a just, successful society. The advocates of Islamism, also known as "al-Islamiyyun", are usually affiliated with Islamic institutions or social mobilization movements, emphasizing the implementation of Sharia law, pan-Islamic political unity, and the creation of Islamic states. Unfortunately, a large majority of Islamists also believe in violence and terrorism to achieve their goals.

Secularism wishes to create a world based on a Utopian vision of peace and harmony, Socialism wants to create a world of economic uniformity, while Islamism wishes to create a world theocracy based on obedience to the will of Allah and Sharia law. None of this is possible, and none of this is desirable. Secularism has lofty principles, but in practice, it results in individual rights over social responsibilities, and thus, it creates a self-absorbed society. Socialism requires a human nature that is benevolent, and that the human striving for betterment of the individual or family must be submissive to the will of those in charge of society. Islamism is a world of subservience, and a world without Liberties and Freedoms.

All three of these require that human nature and economics bend to the will of their precepts, but, as I have often said:

"To deny human nature or economics, or to not acknowledge human nature or economics, is foolish. To do so will result in much effort, time, and monies being spent on a task that is doomed to failure."
  - Mark Dawson

Western Civilization has been primarily responsible for the advancement of humanity in individual liberty, democratic governance, medical and pharmacological advances, the arts and sciences, technological progress, and economic prosperity that we now enjoy. Secularism, Socialism, and Islamism would put an end to Western Civilization and lead us into another Dark Age of oppressiveness, economic stagnation, and human misery. Consequently, Secularism, Socialism, and Islamism must be rejected to ensure the continued advancement of humanity, and Western Civilization principles and values, as I have written in my Chirp on “10/17/25 National Conservatism”, must be promoted for the continued advancement of humanity

12/19/25 Muslims and Islamists

In an X Post of Dan Linnaeus, he clearly delineates the differences between Muslims and Islamists:

“‘Ordinary Muslim’ is much harder, but ‘Islamist’ is not. Islamism obliges its Muslim adherents in seeking to install Islam as a sacralized political authority, considering it as a necessarily total way of life. This is because Islamists go beyond treating Islam as the primary and ultimate reference for all domains of life, to the belief that the only legitimate authority in politics, law and war is Islam. They therefore treat politics as an instrument for instating Islam as such within non-Islamist society, and where politics fails and a balance of jurisprudences permits, or certain thresholds are met, violence is mandatory toward that aim.”

This post should be read in its entirety, as it is constructive in understanding the differences. In a YouTube video, “Oxford Union DEAD SILENT When British Professor Says This About Islam”, a professor states that:

“The trouble with Islam is that, as we've heard at considerable length on this side of the house, is that for some reason, although it professes peace and has generated art and literature of exquisite beauty so giving peace to the sensitive soul which was one of the barbs that were thrown across to our side of the house, it does in practice seem to inspire violence rather more openly than the other Abrahamic religions.”

He further states, “You should not weigh good and evil equally,” and:

“It is the case that one evil outweighs one good many times over. For loss of life, inhibition of aspiration, barbaric punishment and imposition, and intellectual stifling cannot be assuaged by acts of hospitality, however generous. All the Seas of incarnadine cannot wash blood from a religion's hands by an act of piety. The evils will have destroyed a human life as they did yesterday. And that life cannot be restored by charity.

For every evil act inspired by Islam, even though the perpetrator is regarded by the rest of Islam as a deviant, a hundred or a thousand inspired good deeds are not enough compensation. Now, as we've agreed, Islam seems peculiarly suited to the inspiration of violence. It's responding to your challenge earlier this evening at the beginning of the debate, it's appropriate to explore why, for them, we might be able to see that far from being a religion of peace, it is intrinsically and ineluctably one of the opposite of peace, whether that be violence or other forms of peace, is woven into its very fabric. What was alluded to as the golden threads of the fabric earlier today.”

It is also true that Islam forbids criticism of its religion or other Muslims. Therefore, when push comes to shove, most Muslims will either stay silent or support the violence of the Islamists. If Islam cannot reform itself into a religion of peace, then all people of peace must oppose Islam.

It is also true that Islamism is anti-Semitic and scorns Christianity, and they believe that an Islamic caliphate under Sharia Law should govern the world. Sharia Law, however, is incompatible with Western Civilization law and jurisprudence, as it encroaches upon the Natural Rights and the Liberties and Freedoms of those who live under Sharia Law.

For those who would claim that I am being Islamophobic, I would remind you of the prescient words of the late Christopher Hitchens (1949-2011), a British and American author and journalist who authored eighteen books on faith, religion, culture, politics, and literature:

“You will be told you can't complain because you're Islamophobic. This is very urgent business, ladies and gentlemen. I beseech you, resist it while you still can and before the right to complain is taken away from you, which will be the next thing. You will be told you can't complain because you're Islamophobic. The term is already being introduced into the culture as if it were an accusation of race hatred, for example, or bigotry. Whereas, it's only the objection to the preachings of a very extreme and absolutist religion. Resist it while you can. And if you wonder what will happen if you don't look and see how a cricket team in Middlesex in England had to change its name by force last week because it was called and had been for years the Middlesex Crusaders. Look and see how stories about little pigs can't be taught to children in English schools anymore, lest offense be taken by the religion of peace.”
 - Christopher Hitchens

Alas, much of what he predicted about Islamophobia has come to be true today. I am not Islamophobic, but I am a realist who observes and reasons on the realities of the world. I also understand the difference between Muslims and Islamists, as was so clearly delineated in the X Post of Dan Linnaeus.

The tragedies of Islamic terrorism that we have seen in the 21st century demonstrate that Islamism is a danger to world peace and stability. Consequently, Islamism needs to be contained so that it can only harm itself and not be allowed to spread until it embraces peace, which may not be possible given its interpretation of the scriptures of the Qur'an and Hadith.

02/02/26 Unequal and Unfair Justice

The idea of justice occupies center stage in both ethics and legal and political philosophy. We apply it to individual actions, laws, and public policies, and we think that, in each case, if they are unjust, this is a strong, maybe even conclusive, reason to reject them.

Western law was founded on Judeo-Christian values of equal and fair justice, and rooted in the concepts of Freedoms, Liberties, Equalities, and Equal Justice for All. Western Principles of Justice primarily revolve around the idea of fairness and moral rightness, often defined as giving each person what they deserve. Key theories include Distributive Justice, Retributive Justice, Restorative Justice, and Procedural Justice.

Sharia law is a system of Islamic law derived from the Qur’an and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, guiding Muslims in various aspects of life, including personal conduct, family matters, and ethical behavior. It encompasses both religious obligations and legal principles, and its interpretation can vary widely across different cultures and communities.

Sharia law can lead to violations of Natural Rights, especially personal freedoms, such as restricting women's rights, imposing severe penalties for moral violations, and criminalizing blasphemy and apostasy. In certain areas, authorities or community members enforce these laws in ways that infringe upon Liberties and Freedoms and violate the due-process rights of those accused. Common abuses of Sharia Law that clash with Western laws include violations of free speech, press freedom, freedom of association, religious liberty, gender equality, and instances of community vigilantism.

Therefore, Sharia law conflicts with Western legal principles, and any effort to implement it within Western societies undermines their ideals of Western law. Consequently, no acceptance of Sharia law should be allowed in Western societies, as it erodes the moral and ethical foundations of Western civilization.

02/03/26 The Lack of Miraculous Evidence

Islam has a major problem when it comes to a lack of miraculous evidence. William Paley was an 18th-century English Anglican clergyman, philosopher, and utilitarian, whose views on the rise of Islam and its current state are in stark contrast to those on the rise of Christianity.

One of his thoughts was that the Old Testament has many miracles of God and his prophets, while the New Testament has many miracles of Jesus and his Apostles. The Qur’an, however, contains no miracles attributed to Muhammad or his disciples. Another of his thoughts was that Christianity spread by Miracles, while Islam spread by the Sword. The YouTube video, Muhammad's Lack of Miracles: A BIG Problem for Islam, explains this in more detail.

In this YouTube video, the narrator also points out that Ali Dashy, a deceased scholar from Iran, has written:

“. . . a book in 1973 called 23 Years: A Study of the Prophetic Career of Mohammad, where he basically says the Qur’an isn't all that amazing in terms of language. He writes that the Quran contains sentences that are incomplete and not fully intelligible without the aid of commentaries; foreign words, unfamiliar Arabic words, and words used with other than normal meaning; adjectives and verbs inflected without observance of the concords of gender and number; logically and ungrammatically applied pronouns, which sometimes have no referent; and predicates which in rhyme passages are often remote from the subjects.”

The narrator also points out that:

“These and other such aberrations in the language have given scope to critics who deny the Qur’an’s eloquence. Literary excellence at best is way too subjective of a claim to Miracles, but also pointed out this one part in the Quran in the 54th chapter that might be talking about a visible Miracle. It says the hour has drawn near, and the moon was split in two. Whenever they see a sign they turn away saying “same old magic”, but this is where things get a little bit tricky. While many Muslims think this is talking about an actual literal Miracle where the Moon is split in half, others think that it's more about an eschatological sign, or others think that it's just a weird thing that happened to the Moon that Muhammad used to make his point. Since it's not super clear what this passage means, others think that maybe Muhammad was using this weird Moon thing to back up his message, even if it wasn't a straight-up miracle, and get this, there just aren't any reliable contemporary witnesses or details that really back up this whole Moon splitting thing.”

The Qur’an claims that miracles are unnecessary as proof of divine origin. However, this conflicts with the truths in the Old and New Testaments, which show that miracles are essential evidence of God's and Jesus’s divinity, as well as the truths of their scriptures.

In the Old Testament, God used the sword to defeat the enemies of the Jews, but He did not use the sword to convert unbelievers to His worship. In fact, the Jewish religion only allows conversion by individuals who freely choose to adopt the Jewish faith and join the Jewish ethnoreligious community. For Christians, conversion happens when a person accepts the divinity of Christ. In Islam, many of their converts came through force, and those who did not convert often faced death or subjugation to Islam.

The God of the Old Testament was strict in demanding the Jewish people's obedience to his commandments and doctrines, while the God of the New Testament was more loving and forgiving of transgressions, and the God of the Qur’an is much more like the God of the Old Testament. The question is, thus, why would God return to his old ways in the Qur’an when he set a different course in the New Testament?

Therefore, it is appropriate to question the Qur'an about whether it is the word of God. Such questioning should be respectful and not be dismissed as Islamophobia. Accurate facts, historical truths, and sound reasoning are all valid when questioning the Qur'an. Not questioning is to blindly follow a path that could distort the true will of God and His directives for humankind. 

02/04/26 Subjugation and Deception

As I have pointed out in my Chirp on “02/03/26 The Lack of Miraculous Evidence”, the Qur'an’s language is complex to translate and understand, even by those who are bilingual in Arabic and another language. Given this, there are two passages in the Qur'an (loosely and succinctly translated) that say believers must make war against unbelievers and subjugate them (Qur'an 9:29), and that in pursuit of this goal, one may deceive those unbelievers regarding one’s true intentions, beliefs, and goals (Qur'an 3:28).

This stands in stark contrast to the Judeo-Christian Bible's Sixth and Ninth Commandments, which God gave to Moses.

The Sixth of the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:13 states: “You shall not murder.” This means that because God has shown us His perfect love and wants us to share that love with others, we will not desire to take any life He has created. Moreover, we will aim to promote life and assist those lacking food, medicine, and basic needs.

Because we are in a loving relationship with God, our words will also be free from anger and violence. During His time on earth, Jesus explained that murder includes even getting angry with your brother (Matthew 5:22). Being loving followers of God means our words and attitudes toward others will be gentle and kind, always showing God’s love.

The Ninth of the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:15 states: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” This means that honesty in speech is just as vital as honesty in actions. In our relationship with God, we should tell the truth about our neighbors, acquaintances, friends, and even about people we don’t know. We will avoid deceiving others or exaggerating the truth.

As followers of God, we should also avoid any attempts to harm others' reputation. Even withholding the truth can harm someone’s good name and leave them vulnerable to gossip and hearsay. Speaking honestly and kindly to each other can only help strengthen our daily relationships and our connection with God.

It's therefore hard to believe that the Qur'an is the word of God, as these two passages contradict two of God's Ten Commandments, and it seems unlikely that God would contradict his own commandments. However, based on these Qur'an passages, it's easy to believe that Islam seeks to conquer and subjugate the world, using any means necessary, including deception and lying to non-believers.

The history of the Jewish people in the Old Testament includes instances of war. However, these wars were mainly fought to defend the Jewish people from neighboring threats or against the evil and wicked injustices involved in worshiping false gods like Molech. The Christian religion also has a history of war, especially the Crusades and the Thirty Years' War. Nonetheless, this type of religious warfare eventually declined and shifted toward a focus on peace. Sadly, the history of Islam has often involved aggression, with people being conquered, subjugated, and forced to convert. In contrast, both Jewish and Christian religions rarely practiced forced conversion (except in some historical cases, when some Jews were forced to convert to Christianity), as both religions believed that true belief required accepting God in your heart.

Therefore, we all need to be cautious when interacting with Islam and Islamic individuals, as their religion is not one of peace but aims for global dominance through deceit and violence.

02/05/26 The State of Nations

While browsing the web about the issues of Islam I discussed in my previous three Chirps, I came across some interesting information best shown in these maps:

One of the biggest challenges in studies and statistics is telling the difference between Correlation and Causality. Correlation happens when two or more statistics are compared and seem to change together, especially when shown on a graph. Causality occurs when two or more statistics are related, and a change in one or more of them directly impacts the others. As statisticians are taught, “Correlation does not imply Causation.” Therefore, while many statistics may appear correlated, they often lack a causal connection.

Which brings us back to these maps. There appears to be an inverse correlation between Civilizations, Government, Freedom, Standard of Living, and Religion. The more Western Civilization, Democratic Government, and Freedom a people have, the higher their standard of living. There also appears to be a loose correlation between Religion and Civilizations, Government, Freedom, and the Standard of Living. The question is whether Religion is a correlation or a causation.

While there may be other reasons for this correlation/causation, a good study needs to examine what part religion plays in Democracy, Freedom, and the Standard of Living.

02/06/26 Main Differences Between Yahweh And Allah

Lacking sufficient knowledge to comment on the difference between the God of Judaism/Christianity and that of Islam, I asked my AI Search Assistant, "What are the main differences between Yahweh and Allah?” I thought that the following answer was satisfactory as an introduction, and I am presenting this answer for your consideration:

The main differences between Yahweh and Allah include their names, attributes, and the nature of their relationships with followers. Yahweh is often seen as a personal and loving God in Christianity, while Allah is viewed as more remote and demanding submission from followers, reflecting different theological perspectives in Judaism and Islam.

Names and Linguistic Roots

Yahweh

• The intimate name of God in the Bible.
• Derived from the Hebrew Tetragrammaton YHWH.
• Represents a personal relationship with believers.

Allah

• The Arabic term for God, meaning "the God."
• Derived from "al-ilah."
• Used by Arabic-speaking Christians and Jews as well.

Theological Differences

Nature of God

• Yahweh: Seen as loving, consistent, and personal. Desires a relationship with believers, calling them His children.
• Allah: Viewed as more powerful and remote. Emphasizes submission and obedience, with followers seen as servants.

Attributes

• Yahweh: Cannot commit evil or lie; His words are eternal and unchanging.
• Allah: Described in the Quran as capable of changing His revelations, which some interpret as inconsistency.

Relationship with Followers

• Yahweh: Invites believers into a familial relationship. Emphasizes love and grace.
• Allah: Requires submission and devotion. Affection is conditional upon being a devout follower.

Concept of Salvation

• Yahweh: Jewish salvation theology primarily focuses on collective and national salvation rather than individual salvation, emphasizing God's relationship with the people of Israel. It involves concepts like repentance, good deeds, and devotion, with the belief that salvation comes from God and is tied to the destiny of the Jewish nation. Christian salvation theology refers to the study of how salvation is understood within Christianity, focusing on the deliverance from sin and its consequences through faith in Jesus Christ. It encompasses various beliefs about justification, atonement, and the nature of salvation, which can differ among Christian denominations.
• Allah: In Islam, salvation is achieved through total submission to Allah and adherence to His commandments, emphasizing good deeds and repentance rather than the need for atonement for sins. Muslims believe that each individual is born innocent and can attain salvation by following the teachings of Islam and seeking Allah's mercy.

These differences highlight the distinct theological perspectives and relationships each religion has with God.

I also asked my AI Search Assistant, "Does Islam follow the Ten Commandments?”, to which it responded:

Islam does not follow the Ten Commandments as they are presented in the Bible, but it acknowledges their essence and spirit within its own teachings. The Quran contains similar principles that align with the moral and ethical guidelines found in the Ten Commandments, although there are differences in specifics.

Understanding the Ten Commandments in Islam

Acceptance of the Commandments

Islam does not accept the Ten Commandments as they are presented in the Bible. The religion teaches that the Bible has been corrupted over time, which affects the authority of its texts, including the commandments. However, Islam acknowledges Moses and Jesus as prophets, indicating that the essence of the commandments is recognized.

The Quran's Perspective

The Quran refers to the commandments in two passages. It describes how Moses received divine tablets but does not specify their content. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of worshiping one God and ethical behavior towards others.

Similarities and Differences

While the Ten Commandments are not directly adopted in Islam, there are parallels in moral teachings. Below is a comparison of some commandments from the Bible and their corresponding principles in the Quran:

Biblical Commandment	Quranic Principle
You shall have no other gods before Me	Worship none but God (Quran 17:23)
You shall not make for yourself a carved image	Keep away from idols (Quran 22:30)
You shall not take the name of the Lord in vain	Do not misuse God's name (Quran 2:224)
Honor your father and mother	Be good to parents (Quran 17:23)
You shall not kill	Do not kill unjustly (Quran 5:32)

 

Conclusion

In summary, while Islam does not follow the Ten Commandments as outlined in the Bible, it incorporates similar ethical teachings within its own framework, emphasizing monotheism and moral conduct.

02/07/26 The Problems of Islam and Associated Chirps

I have combined my article on “The Problems with Islam” with my multiple Chirps on this topic into one webpage: The Problems of Islam and Associated Chirps. I did this so that it can be shown that my thoughts on this topic are based on my knowledge and intellectual reasoning, and they are not based on Islamophobia. I would very much like for Islam to become a religion of peace and co-existence with other religions and civilizations, but there are many hurdles within Islam that make this very difficult to accomplish, as this new webpage examines.

Please note - this Chirp has been superseded by my Chirp on "02/15/26 Islam".

02/15/26 Islam

Islam is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion founded by the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century CE in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is centered on the belief in one God (Allah) and the teachings of the Quran. It emphasizes submission to God's will and includes practices such as prayer, fasting, and charity, known as the Five Pillars of Islam. The term "Islam" means "submission" or "surrender" to the will of Allah, the Arabic word for God. Muslims, the followers of Islam, believe that Muhammad is the final prophet in a long line of prophets that includes figures like Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus.

My new article, Islam Overview, provides a brief overview of the core beliefs of Islam, Muslim peoples, Islamic cultures, and the political aspects of Islam. Please note that I wrote this article with the help of my AI Search Assistance, as I am not sufficiently knowledgeable about Islam to write it myself. Much of the AI Search Assistance results are based on the Wikipedia article on these topics, which I have hyperlinked within this article. However, I have edited the AI Search Assistance results for better readability, clarity, and understandability.

02/23/26 Abrahamic Religions Adoption of Faith

Abrahamic religions are a group of monotheistic faiths that honor or respect the biblical figure Abraham. These include Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, but the term also often covers several smaller faiths. These religions share similarities in doctrine, history, and geography, setting them apart from Indian, Iranian, and East Asian religions.

Judaism was founded on divine revelations given to the prophets over many centuries. Jewish history can be grouped into three periods; Ancient Israel (1500–586 BCE), Second Temple period (538 BCE – 70 CE), and Talmudic period (70–640 CE). Founded by the Patriarch Abraham (c. 2000 BCE), its most notable prophets include Moses (c. 1400 BCE), Isaiah (800 BCE – 700 BCE, and Jeremiah (c. 650 BCE – c. 570 BCE).

Christianity was based on Judaism and the three-year teachings of Jesus (c. 6 to 4 BC – CE 30 or 33) as espoused by the Apostles over the next several decades after his crucifixion. The most famous Apostles were Peter (born Shimon bar Yonah; 1 BCE – CE 64/68), also known as Peter the Apostle, Simon Peter, Simeon, Simon, or Cephas, and Paul (born Saul of Tarsus; [b] c. 5 CE – c. 64/65 CE), commonly known as Paul the Apostle or Saint Paul. Christianity religious history can be grouped in several different periods; Early Christianity (c. 27 CE – 325 CE), Late antiquity (325 CE – c. 600 CE), Early Middle Ages (c. 600 CE–1000 CE), High Middle Ages (c. 1000 CE–1300 CE), Renaissance and Reformation (c. 1300 CE–1650 CE), Modern period (c. 1650 CE–1945 CE).

Islam was founded by Muhammad (c. 570 – 8 June 632 CE), who at the age of 40 began receiving divine messages over 23 years, which he preached to others, and Islam spread rapidly across the Arabian Peninsula through military conquests and trade over the next several decades. Islam history can roughly be separated into different periods: Rashidun Caliphate  (c. 632 CE–661 CE),  Umayyad Caliphate  (c. 661 CE–750 CE), Abbasid Caliphate  (c. 750 CE–1258 CE), Fatimid Caliphate  (c. 909 CE–1171 CE), Ayyubid dynasty  (c. 1174 CE–1260 CE), Mamluk Sultanate  (c. 1250 CE–1517 CE), and the Ottoman Empire  (c. 1299 CE–1922 CE),

In Judaism and Christianity, a person's conversion or adoption of their faith must be voluntary and based on their own beliefs. In contrast, in Islam, conversion or adoption is often enforced through threats of violence. This represents a key difference between Judaism/Christianity and Islam. While some individuals choose to adopt Islam based on their beliefs, the history of Islamic conversion has often involved conquest and forced conversion, unlike Judaism and Christianity. When the Ancient Jewish people went to war, it was not to force others to adopt their faith but to defend themselves against enemies. Although some Jewish people were converted to Christianity under threat of violence, these cases were few, occurred centuries ago, and Christianity has recognized that such coercion is morally wrong.

In modern Islam, threats of violence are often terroristic threats and violence. Terrorism is employed by many Muslims to impose their will on non-Muslims. Although Muslim terrorists are not aiming to force others to adopt their faith, they are trying to impose Islamic will on the non-Islamic world through terrorism. Unfortunately, a large percentage of Muslims agree with this tactic, and this makes the world an unsafe place for non-Islamists. This must end, and end by any means necessary. Whether the Islamic leadership puts an end to this or the non-Islamic leadership takes action to end this terrorism, it must be done to put an end to Islamic terrorism. If this ends than Islam will truly be ‘a religion of peace’, and the world will be a better place.

02/24/26 Violence in the Quran and the Hadith

The central religious texts of Islam, the Quran and the Hadith, which contain the purported words, actions, and silent approvals of the Islamic prophet Muhammad or his immediate circle, include verses that exhort violence against enemies as well as others urging restraint and reconciliation. As discussed in the Wikipedia article on Violence in the Quran, interpretations vary widely. Because some verses abrogate others and some are seen as general commands while others refer to specific enemies, how these verses are understood and how they relate to each other has been a key issue in Islamic thinking about war. While many scholars interpret Quranic passages on violence as being solely in the context of defensive responses to oppression, the Quran's and Hadith’s teachings on violence continue to be a topic of vigorous debate.

Modern militant Islamic groups are organizations that use violence against their own people for religious reasons and carry out terrorism worldwide in the name of Islam to reach political goals. They often cite Quran and Hadith verses to justify their actions. Notable examples of such organizations include the Islamic State, Al-Qaeda, the Taliban, Boko Haram, and Al-Shabaab, which have been involved in various attacks and conflicts around the world.

State-sponsored terrorism involves terrorist acts backed by national governments. Several countries are recognized as state sponsors of terrorism. The U.S. Department of State currently lists Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, and Syria as nations accused of supporting terrorist organizations in various ways. This support includes funding, training, supplying weapons, logistical aid, and political backing. State sponsorship of terrorism complicates international security efforts, often leading to increased violence and instability, which makes it harder for law enforcement and military operations to effectively combat terrorist activities. The international community continues to address this challenge through sanctions and diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing state support for terrorism.

In modern Islam, terrorist threats and attacks have become commonplace. Terrorism is employed by many Muslims and Muslim organizations to impose their will on non-Muslims. Although Muslim terrorists are not aiming to force others to adopt their faith, they are trying to impose Islamic will on the non-Islamic world through terrorism. Unfortunately, a large percentage of Muslims agree with this tactic, and this makes the world an unsafe place for non-Islamists. This must end, and end by any means necessary. Whether the Islamic leadership puts an end to this or the non-Islamic leadership takes action to end this terrorism, it must be done to put an end to Islamic terrorism. If this ends than Islam will truly be ‘a religion of peace’, and the world will be a better place.

03/29/26 A Message to Muslims

Jordan B Peterson has posted a video clip, A Message to Muslims, in which he starts out by saying:

“I have been informed by many sources and also observed online, not least because of my discussions with a variety of Muslim thinkers, supporters, and critics, that I have developed an audience in the Muslim world. I would first like to say that I could not be more pleased or honored that such is the case. It has been so heartening to see that my biblical lectures, for example, attracted a large Muslim audience and that the comments from the Muslim watchers and listeners to my YouTube channel and podcast have been so extraordinarily positive.

And all this is lovely to see in the aftermath of the extraordinary Abraham Accords, which have laid out the possibility for peace between all the people of the book in an unprecedented manner. And I have something to say as an extension of all of this. Please forgive my presumption if you would. It is time for those of you in the Muslim world to stop fighting among yourselves, you Shiites and Sunnis. And also time to stop regarding the Christians and even more specifically the Jews as your enemies.

Why? Not least because you have the enemy located in the wrong place. First, the best place to find Satan, let's say, is within. If you think the true enemy is in someone else's heart, then you haven't thought nearly long enough about the darkness within, and you have therefore fallen prey to the most subtle temptation of the ancient demonic spirit. So your best bet on the spiritual warfare front is to make of yourself and your Muslim practice something so admirable that the light shining from your well-constituted psyches and productive, generous, and wise actions is so intense that people convert to your faith from sheer admiration. There's a goal. Second, far more unites you with the other people of the book as your own prophet himself, peace be unto him, forthrightly said than what divides you. You all believe, for example, in a book. You all believe, for example, in God and believe that you have an ultimate duty to that God. You are all followers of a prophetic tradition. And that is a tradition that unites the wisdom of the past with the vision and voice of those willing to see and speak truly and lovingly in the present. And you are all threatened in a very real sense by the system of vengeful Luciferian ideas that currently confronts all that is transcendent, traditional, and valuable on the sexual front, on the familial front, on the conceptual front, and on the psychological and sociological front. and in the final analysis on the theological front.”

The rest of his message elaborates on these points and offers some suggestions for Muslims on how to bridge the gap between themselves and the wider world. While these suggestions could be useful, I do not believe they are enough to close the gap. As I have written in The Problems of Islam and Associated Chirps, the issues are so fundamental that they cannot be resolved without a reform of Islam. Such a reformation is unlikely, as in some cases the reform would be contrary to the teachings of Muhammad and be unacceptable to a majority of Muslims. 

Consequently, we may be forced to institute an isolationist policy for Muslims of those countries that do not reform themselves. A political, social, and economic isolation that allows for no contact between them and the rest of the world.

04/15/26 The God of Abraham, The God of Jesus, and The God of Muhammad

In Judaism, the God of Abraham is characterized by monotheism, as the singular, all-powerful deity who establishes a covenant with Abraham and his descendants. Additionally, God is seen as just, caring for humanity, and merciful, as demonstrated by his willingness to spare the righteous in Sodom. In Judaism, the relationship between God and humans is grounded in the belief that humans are created in the image of God, implying a capacity for morality and a unique connection to the divine. Judaism emphasizes that there is only one God, who is incorporeal and engages with humanity through acts of love and moral guidance.

In Christianity, God the Father is portrayed as a loving, protective figure who provides guidance, comfort, and discipline to His children. He is also seen as a creator, a faithful promise-keeper, and one who desires a personal relationship with believers, often referred to as "Abba Father." The term "Abba Father" is an Aramaic expression meaning "Father" or "Daddy," reflecting an intimate, personal relationship with God, as used by Jesus and the apostle Paul in the New Testament. It signifies a close, affectionate bond, emphasizing God's role as a loving, approachable parent. Christianity emphasizes a communal relationship with God through Jesus, not just a personal one. This relationship is fostered within the church community, where believers support and grow together in faith.

In Islamic theology, the attributes of Allah (known as ṣifāt) are qualities that describe His nature and essence. They are typically categorized into two main types: attributes of His Self (Dhātiyyah), which are intrinsic and unchanging, and attributes of His actions (Fi’liyyah), which relate to His will and actions in the world. Additionally, Allah is often viewed as a remote figure, with personal relationships less emphasized than in the more relational God of Judaism and Christianity. In Islam, the relationship between God (Allah) and humans is characterized by a profound spiritual bond. Allah is seen as the creator and sustainer of the universe, and humans are expected to submit to His will through worship and ethical living. This connection is maintained through practices such as prayer and remembrance, which emphasize God's mercy and guidance in believers' lives.

But beliefs are one thing; actions are another. Jews and Christians believe that adopting their faith requires personal acceptance of its beliefs and tenets. Muslims, on the other hand, believe that conquest and subjugation are acceptable means of conversion. Also, in modern Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, their actions speak louder than their words. Modern Jews and Christians are characterized by tolerance of other religions, societies, and cultures, whereas modern Muslims' actions are often marked by intolerance and the subjugation or persecution of non-Muslims. It is also true that violence and terrorism in the name of Allah are tolerated in Islamic societies, but such actions are not allowed in Judeo-Christian societies. Another significant difference lies in their views on Free Will and Natural Rights.

The Judeo-Christian concept of Free Will, as I have examined it in my Chirp on "04/13/26 Free Will", is notably absent in Islam, which means "submission" to the will of God (Allah). Free will is the ability to make choices voluntarily and independently of prior causes or divine intervention. It is closely linked to moral responsibility and to the concepts of praise, blame, and moral desert. Philosophers debate whether free will exists and what its implications are, with some arguing it is incompatible with determinism, while others believe it can coexist. In Judeo-Christian beliefs, a person has unlimited Free Will, whereas in Islam, free will is constrained to the will of Allah.

The ideas of Natural Rights, as I have examined in my Chirp on “04/14/26 Natural Rights”, sprang from the Judeo-Christian religion, while Islam does not support Natural Rights. As is typical for most people discussing Natural Rights (myself included), they conflate the ideas of natural law and natural rights into the term Natural Rights. Though these two ideas are closely related, they are not the same. Natural law is inherent and fundamental in a society of sentient beings who wish to survive and thrive in their interactions with one another. Natural rights are those rights derived from natural law that establish a zone of liberty and freedom for an individual that no other person, group of persons, or government can violate. The issues and concerns of philosophers, theologians, legal scholars, and others involved in this epistemology are to determine what the natural laws are and what the natural rights derived from these natural laws are. As I have examined in my article on “The Problems of Islam”, Islamic law and culture place little emphasis on Natural Rights, and they often violate the Natural Rights of their believers. Thus, if Natural Rights come from God, and Islam has a different viewpoint on Natural Rights, then the Judeo-Christian God is different than Allah.

Consequently, the God of Abraham and the God of Jesus differ considerably from the God of Muhammad in their actions and in their beliefs about Free Will and Natural Rights. While Muslims trace their lineage to Abraham and Jesus, their different actions and this disparity in beliefs about Free Will and Natural Rights raise the question of whether they believe in the same God. Regrettably, I have concluded that they are not the same God and that Muslims should not be accorded the same religious regard as believers in the God of Abraham and the God of Jesus.

04/28/26 Islamic Views of Justice and War

Islamic justice emphasizes fairness and moral equity, similar to the principles found in Christianity and Judaism, which also advocate for caring for the marginalized and promoting economic equality. Each tradition shares common themes of compassion and communal responsibility, though they express these values through different practices and teachings.

Islamic law incorporates religious precepts into its legal structure, whereas Western law prioritizes secular reasoning and human autonomy. These disparities give rise to divergent viewpoints on punishment, evidence rules, and the balance between religious principles and societal standards.

Islamic justice can be controversial due to differing interpretations, which may result in harsh punishments that conflict with modern human rights standards. Additionally, the application of Sharia law varies widely across Islamic cultures and countries, leading to inconsistencies and debates about its relevance in contemporary society. With all this in mind, I have written a new article, "Islamic Justice and Jurisprudence", which is an overview of this topic.

Islamic Just War Theory and Military Jurisprudence hold that although war may be necessary under certain conditions, it must always be a just war and conducted lawfully, with a focus on justice and humanity. This framework aims to ensure that the principles of Islam are upheld even in times of conflict. However, throughout Islamic history, Islamic Just War Theory and the Laws of War have been more "Honored in the breach" than strictly enforced.

Islamic military jurisprudence encompasses the rules and principles derived from Sharia (Islamic law) and Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) that dictate how Muslims should conduct themselves during warfare. This body of law is shaped by the teachings of the Qur'an, the Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad), and the interpretations of Islamic scholars (Ulama).

Islamic wars have historically involved a mix of religious motivations and political objectives. These conflicts can be categorized into internal struggles, such as civil wars, and external confrontations against non-Muslim entities. With all this in mind, I have written a new article, “Islamic Just War Theory and the Laws of War”, which is an overview of this topic.

05/31/26 Islam and The Ten Commandments

Islam does not follow the Ten Commandments as outlined in the Bible, but it shares similar moral principles, such as the belief in one God and the importance of living a moral and ethical life. The Quran contains teachings that align with the Ten Commandments, albeit the Islamic teachings are not centralized in the Quran. My new article, “Islam and The Ten Commandments“, examines the nature of Religion and Spirituality and the importance that they play in a person's life.

06/06/26 Judeo-Christian Nomenclature

In an interview with Dennis Prager on Mark Levin’s Fox News show, ‘Life, Liberty, and Levin’, Prager made a compelling point. He noted that Judeo-Christian is the only proper way to refer to these Abrahamic religions. He also pointed out that Christianity could not exist without Judaism and that Christianity was primarily responsible for spreading the morals and values of the Jewish God throughout the world, especially the Ten Commandments. He further noted that Jesus never read the New Testament but was thoroughly immersed in and believed the Jewish Bible. Thus, Judaism and Christianity are intertwined, and they should always be referred to as Judeo-Christian when discussing their theology, philosophy, and even their history.

Many Muslims believe that the Bible has been corrupted by Christians and Jews, claiming that it has been changed beyond recognition, rendering the Bible untrustworthy. Consequently, this assertion suggests that Islam is not intertwined with Judeo-Christianity and, thus, Islam should not be included when using the term Judeo-Christian. I would also note that this view of certain corrupting influences is often taught by Islamic leaders, who argue that the Qur'an, which they believe to be perfectly preserved, replaces the corrupted Bible.

The reasons for the Muslim belief in the Bible's corruption stem from several factors:

• Historical Context: Muhammad lived in a time with a significant Jewish and Christian presence. His observations of their scriptures influenced the Qur'an's references to the Torah and the Gospels.
• Qur'anic References: The Qur'an acknowledges the existence of earlier scriptures but implies that they have been altered. For instance, it refers to the "People of the Book" (Jews and Christians) and suggests that they have distorted their texts.
• Teaching from Islamic Leaders: Many Islamic leaders teach that the Bible has been replaced by the Qur'an, which they claim is the final and unaltered revelation from God.

While Judaism and Christianity often respond to these claims by emphasizing the following points:

• Historical Evidence: There are numerous ancient manuscripts and translations of the Bible that support its authenticity and integrity over time.
• Qur'anic Instructions: The Qur'an itself instructs Muslims to respect the Bible, suggesting that it should be judged by its own teachings, which contradicts the claim of total corruption.
• Preservation of Scripture: The argument that God could preserve the Qur'an but not the Bible raises questions about the nature of divine protection over sacred texts.

In summary, while many Muslims believe the Bible has been corrupted, this view is contested by Jews and Christians who point to historical evidence and the Qur'an's own affirmations of earlier scriptures.

Thus, when referring to the theology, philosophy, and even the history of Jews and Christians, you should always refer to them as Judeo-Christian and not conflate Judeo-Christian with Islam.

06/28/26 Alexis de Tocqueville on Islam

Alexis de Tocqueville (29 July 1805 – 16 April 1859) was a French diplomat, political philosopher, and historian. He is best known in America for his work Democracy in America. His keen insights continue to resonate in discussions about governance and individual rights today. He also offered some keen insights on Islam that should be pondered:

“I studied the Koran a great deal. I came away from that study with the conviction there have been few religions in the world as deadly to men as that of Muhammad. So far as I can see, it is the principal cause of the decadence so visible today in the Muslim world and, though less absurd than the polytheism of old, its social and political tendencies are in my opinion to be feared, and I therefore regard it as a form of decadence rather than a form of progress in relation to paganism itself.”
 - Alexis de Tocqueville

“Muhammad brought down from heaven and put into the Koran not religious doctrines only, but political maxims, criminal and civil laws, and scientific theories. The Gospels on the other hand, deal only with the general relations between man and God and between man and man. Beyond that, they teach nothing and do not oblige people to believe anything. That alone, among a thousand reasons, is enough to show that Islam will not be able to hold its power long in ages of enlightenment and democracy, while Christianity is destined to reign in such ages, as in all others.”
 - Alexis de Tocqueville

Given that much of modern Islam seems intent on destroying Western Civilization, we would do well to heed these words of warning from Alexis de Tocqueville about Islam. A warning about the danger of Islam to enlightenment and democracy, and about Islam as a path to decadence.

08/20/26 Lying in Islam

In the Christian and Jewish religions, lying is considered sinful. In Christianity, lying is generally considered wrong, but there are exceptions, such as when lying may protect innocent lives. In Judaism, the Tanakh explicitly forbids perjury and emphasizes truthfulness, particularly in legal matters. In Islam, lying is generally not permitted, but there are specific allowed exceptions:

• Taqiyya (Shia) or Muda’rat (Sunni) - saying something that isn’t true to benefit Islam;
• Tawriya - intentionally creating a false impression re Islam, creative lying;
• Kitman - lying by omission, for example, quoting a fragment of the Quran while neglecting to mention that the rest of the verse,
• Muruna - ‘blending in’ by setting aside some practices of Islam or Sharia in order to advance others;
• Taysir - deceit through facilitation;
• Darura - lying out of necessity;
• Hiyal (singular Hila) - contortion, contrivance; device, or subterfuge is ‘legalistic trickery” in Islamic jurisprudence. It allows breaking oaths and contracts under Sharia law, including lying when taking an oath of office.

The Middle East Forum Article on “Islam’s doctrines of deception” by Raymond Ibrahim, a specialist in Islamic history and doctrine, writes about Islamic lying:

“To better understand Islam, one must appreciate the thoroughly legalistic nature of the religion. According to Sharia (Islamic law) every conceivable human act is categorised as being either forbidden, discouraged, permissible, recommended, or obligatory.

“Common sense” or “universal opinion” has little to do with Islam’s notions of right and wrong. Only what Allah (through the Quran) and his prophet Muhammad (through the Hadith) have to say about any given issue matters; and how Islam’s greatest theologians and jurists – collectively known as the ulema, literally, “they who know” – have articulated it.

According to Sharia, in certain situations, deception – also known as ‘taqiyya’, based on Quranic terminology, – is not only permitted but sometimes obligatory. For instance, contrary to early Christian history, Muslims who must choose between either recanting Islam or being put to death are not only permitted to lie by pretending to have apostatized, but many jurists have decreed that, according to Quran 4:29, Muslims are obligated to lie in such instances.”
 - Raymond Ibrahim

He then examines the various doctrines of lying in Islam, and ends this article by stating:

“All of the above is an exposition on doctrine and its various manifestations, not an assertion on the actual practices of the average Muslim. The deciding question is how literally any given Muslim follows Sharia and its worldview.

So-called “moderate” Muslims – or, more specifically, secularised Muslims – do not closely adhere to Sharia, and therefore have little to dissemble about. On the other hand, “radical” Muslims who closely observe Sharia law, which splits the world into two perpetually warring halves, will always have a “divinely sanctioned” right to deceive, until “all chaos ceases, and all religion belongs to Allah” (Quran 8:39).”
 - Raymond Ibrahim

In another article by Tim Burton, “Deception in Islam: Taqiyya, Tawriya, Kitman and Muruna”, he describes the Muslim practice of lying to non-Muslims in order to gain dominance. He notes that:

“Every person of goodwill – that is to say, every non-Muslim – should read and fully understand this post and the related articles to gain an understanding of why Muslims are never to be taken on trust and why those who follow Islam can never co-exist with us as equals in perpetuity. Islam simply will not allow it – its primary goal is world domination through any means possible, including fear, violence, intimidation and terror, and what we see happening around the world at the moment.”
 - Tim Burton

He also notes, from an Islam Watch article about Islamic lying;

“The implications of these highly-honed tactics of deception could be enormous for unassuming Western societies. Twenty years ago, psychologist Paul Ekman wrote an insightful book, “Telling Lies”, which demonstrated that people give off recognizable clues when they are practicing deceit. Their consciences cause them, involuntarily, to sweat or raise their voices or make other recognizable gestures. However, Dr. Ekman’s research was exclusively with people from Western cultures. Muslims, on the other hand, show no discernible signs when they are being deceitful because there is no feeling of guilt. In their minds they are doing exactly what Allah wants them to do to advance Islam. Because any Western person who has raised children knows almost intuitively when someone is lying, so they assume they can do that in all cases. Unfortunately, those same Western people can be easily duped by Islamic deceit because there are no tell-tale signs in the deceiver.”
 - Louis Palme

In our modern world, this Islamic lying has become part and parcel of Islamic states, especially in the Middle East and particularly by the Iranian regime. Consequently, whatever agreements we may come to with Iran, we can expect them to lie and not keep their agreements. This is but one of the many reasons, and a very important one, that the current Iranian regime must be deposed. Without their being overthrown, there can be no peace in the Middle East, and even with peace in the Middle East, we must always be careful when dealing with Islamic culture that condones lying to advance Islam.

08/28/26 Who Needs Islam

A.J. Christopher has written an article, “Who Needs Islam?”, in which he begins:

“Short answer: Nobody.

Long answer: Not only does nobody need it, but the world would be better without it. Nowhere does Islam touch that doesn’t get worse. Nowhere does Islam conquer that doesn’t leave its inhabitants more oppressed. Nowhere does Islam “flourish” that doesn’t witness a new dark age in terms of freedom, education, and human progress. And nowhere does Islam reign that doesn’t unleash the darkest impulses of man’s insatiable desire for power.”

He then explains the reasons for the long answer and concludes this article by stating:

“And if the entity you worship is commanding you to commit slavery, rape, and genocide against innocent people, I got some bad news for you. That’s not God you’re worshipping.

It’s the other guy.”

However, there are voices in Islam that preach a different path for Islam. One such voice is Dr. Zuhdi Jasser, whom I examine in my next Chirp on “08/29/26 A Strong Conservative, Patriotic Muslim Voice”.

08/29/26 A Strong Conservative, Patriotic Muslim Voice

Dr. Zuhdi Jasser describes himself as a devout Muslim who believes America provides the best environment for Muslims to practice their faith and advocates for separating mosque and state to counter political Islam. He argues that Islamic terrorism stems from political Islam and calls for reform within the faith through critical interpretation of scripture.

Overview of Dr. Zuhdi Jasser's Views on Islam

Dr. Zuhdi Jasser is a prominent American Muslim who advocates for a clear separation between religion and politics. He believes that this separation is essential to counter the influence of political Islam, which he argues is the root cause of Islamic terrorism.

Key Beliefs

• Separation of Mosque and State: Jasser emphasizes the importance of separating religious practices from political ideologies to foster a more peaceful interpretation of Islam.
• Reform Through Critical Interpretation: He supports the idea of reforming Islam by encouraging critical interpretation of Islamic scripture, known as Ijtihad. This approach aims to make Islam applicable to modern society.
• America as a Safe Haven: Jasser describes himself as a devout Muslim who believes that the United States offers the best environment for Muslims to practice their faith freely.

Views on Political Islam

Dr. Jasser argues that many acts of terrorism attributed to Islam are rooted in the ideology of political Islam. He has criticized various American Muslim organizations for not adequately addressing this issue and for what he perceives as a culture of victimhood.

Advocacy and Activism

• American Islamic Forum for Democracy: Jasser founded this organization to promote his views and advocate for a reformed understanding of Islam that aligns with American democratic values.
• Public Speaking and Testimony: He frequently speaks on issues related to Islam and has testified before Congress on the need for reform within the Muslim community to combat radicalization.

Dr. Jasser's work aims to reshape the narrative around Islam in America, promoting a vision of a peaceful and modern interpretation of the faith.

American Islamic Forum for Democracy

The American Islamic Forum for Democracy (AIFD) is a Muslim-led think tank founded in 2003 by Zuhdi Jasser, advocating for the separation of religion and state while opposing political Islam. Its mission is to promote the principles of the U.S. Constitution and encourage Muslims to embrace American values of liberty and freedom.

AIFD is actively confronting the ideology of political Islam and openly countering the common belief that the Muslim faith is inextricably rooted to the concept of the Islamic State (Islamism). They stand firmly for universal human rights – including gender equality, freedom of conscience, and freedom of speech and expression.

2026 Congressional Election

Dr. Zuhdi Jasser is a proud conservative Republican, running for Arizona’s Fourth Congressional District to restore America’s strength in a way that lifts up Arizona families. His platform includes:

• Lower Costs & A Strong Economy
• Balancing Our Budget
• Strong Borders
• World-Class Education For All Kids
• Quality Health Care
• Strong National Security

I encourage all of Arizona’s Fourth Congressional District voters to elect Dr. Jasser so that we may have a strong conservative, patriotic Muslim voice in Congress.