Sometimes when you’re talking about Islam, someone will tell you something like this: “My cousin is married to a Muslim man and he’s a really great guy.” And they will say it like that’s the end of the argument. They pronounce it as if their statement obviously cancels and disproves everything you’ve said about Islam. Here are some possible responses:
1. I can see that you are defending your friend, so let me be clear that I’m not attacking your friend or anyone who calls himself a Muslim. I’m talking about Islamic doctrine. I’m talking about what a devout Muslim is supposed to do, according to Muhammad, and what millions of Muslims in fact do.
2. Is he a practicing Muslim or a Muslim in name only? If he is a practicing Muslim, jihad is obligatory. But keep in mind, jihad means struggling toward the political goal of the dominance of Islamic law. Violence is only one of many ways to work toward that political goal. Also, if he is a practicing Muslim, he cannot be friends with you, according to the Koran. He can pretend to be your friend if it serves the goals of Islam, but if he actually feels affection for you and really considers you a friend, he is doomed to burn in hell according to the Koran.
Continue reading Do you have Muslim friends who are really nice?