Last month I attended my annual training session that's required for > maintaining my state prison security clearance. During the training > session there was a presentation by three speakers representing the > Roman Catholic, Protestant and Muslim faiths, who explained each of > their belief systems. I was particularly interested in what the Islamic > Imam had to say. The Imam gave a great presentation of the basics of > Islam, complete with a video. After the presentations, time was provided > for questions and answers. When it was my turn, I directed my question > to the Imam and asked: "Please, correct me if I'm wrong, but I > understand that most Imams and clerics of Islam have declared a holy > jihad [Holy war] against the infidels of the world. And, that by killing > an infidel, which is a command to all Muslims, they are assured of a > place in heaven. If that's the case, can you give me the definition of > an infidel?" There was no disagreement with my statements and, without > hesitation, he replied, "Non-believers!" I responded, "So, let me make > sure I have this straight. All followers of Allah have been commanded to > kill everyone who is not of your faith so they can go to Heaven. Is that > correct?" The expression on his face changed from one of authority and > command to that of a little boy who had just gotten caught with his hand > in the cookie jar. He sheepishly replied, Yes." I then stated, "Well, > sir, I have a real problem trying to imagine Pope John Paul commanding > all Catholics to kill those of your faith or Dr. Stanley ordering > Protestants to do the same in order to go to Heaven!" The Imam was > speechless. I continued, "I also have problem with being your friend > when you and your brother clerics are telling your followers to kill me. > Let me ask you a question. Would you rather have your Allah who tells > you to kill me in order to go to Heaven or my Jesus who tells me to love > you because I am going to Heaven and He wants you to be with me?" You > could have heard a pin drop as the Imam hung his head in shame. >
