To the Editor:
Inspired by “Think Before Judging,” Tryon Daily Bulletin, March 9, 2011.
Yes, we all need to think more. But I will leave the judging part to God, since Jesus said, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1-2 NIV.
I particularly like the writer’s sentence, “I hope Americans will become more studious, thinking, fair-minded people our country and world needs.” With the studious part in mind, I would like to impart a little knowledge on the readers.
Many of us in this country today view Muslims as two distinct groups, the radicals (extremists), and all other Muslims (the peaceful Muslims). Howeverl one fact remains.
Both the extremists and the peaceful Muslims follow the teachings of the Qur’an (Koran), and therein lies the problem. I would like to share with you just four verses from the Qur’an that I have difficulty with.
I will quote these verses just as they appear in an English translation of the Qur’an, by the Muslim scholar Abdullah Yusuf Ali, originally published in 1934.

Surah V:14 “from those, too, who call themselves Christians, We did take a covenant, but they forgot a good part of the message that we sent them: so we estranged them, with enmity and hatred between the one and the other, to the day of judgement. And soon will Allah show them what it is they have done.”

Surah V:51 “O ye who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians for your friends and protectors: They are but friends and protectors to each other. And he amongst you that turns to them (for friendship) is of them. Verily Allah guideth not a people unjust.”

Surah IX:4 “(But the treaties are) not dissolved with those Pagans with whom ye have entered into alliance and who have not subsequently failed you in aught, nor aided any one against you. So fulfill your engagements with them to the end of their term. For Allah loveth the righteous.”

Surah IX:5 “But when the forbidden months have past, then fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them, and seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of War); but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practice regular charity, then open the way for them: for Allah is Oftforgiving, Most Merciful.”

Think about this, to a Muslim, all non-believers in Islam are pagans and infidels. So it doesn’t matter if you are an atheist, a Buddhist, a Christian, a Jew, a Hindu, or what-ever, you are an infidel to a Muslim. And when push comes to shove, you have one choice, convert to Islam or die.
As I said at the beginning, I am not judging Muslims, but merely passing on information that you should be aware of and urging you the think.
As for my Christian brothers and sisters, I ask you to remember the words of Jesus as recorded in Matthew 5:43-44, “You have heard that it was said, love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those that persecute you.” NIV
And so I appeal to all Christians to pray that God will intervene and open the eyes of the followers of Islam and turn them from the teachings of Muhammad.
––Richard Sherwin