AbaAbdillah, I don't want to turn this into another "on the fence" thread but don't you think that Islam and particularly the way the Qur'an talks about disbelievers has some part to play in Muslims in general being more, let's just say at best "indifferent" to their non-Muslim neighbours? As for why Muslims don't get along with Muslims, well as a Muslim I starkly remember how race trumped the idea of unity even in small gatherings like jummah prayers, people would only mingle with people from the same mother country.
It's not that Muslims have fallen off the wagon in terms of social etiquette, it's just that they have been stuck in reaction mode and are clinging to their religious traditions probably more strongly than they have ever before, which are in turn failing them miserably.
lol I won't say too much on that, in case it turns into a debate.
You are absolutely right, unfortunetely because of some verses they will tend to be hostile towards "non-believers".
I have come across many Muslims who do not like to associate with non-muslims beyond necessity, and use verses from the Quran to justify their position.
However these people are a minority and are even hostile with other Muslims who don't agree with them.
Just to wrap it up, the way I understand it, is you are allowed as a Muslim to marry Jews and Christians, so it would seem strange why you wouldn't be able to befriend them.
Verses 60:7-9 are what I use if I argue with a salafi who disagrees with me.
Enough about that though.
As for Muslims towards each other. I think that's the case for the older generations, but the younger generations who grew up here, they have a wide mix of friends.
The "reaction mode" is all for show, a few people take it to more extremes, and I don't agree with the salafi interpretation that is on the rise.
I have heard that too. Ironically I remember hearing an English convert say that and thinking she seems to have forgotten she converted after a holiday to Egypt and falling in love with the country and it's people.
I think many say this or similar things because once they become Muslim they then hold Muslims up to a much higher standard than they did before they were Muslim - and of course become disappointed with the reality which they are now also more intimately familiar with.
I agree to a certain degree. From another angle.
A white English person would get exalted in an Arab country, so I can understand why they would love the people. But are they treating them so special because of their religious obligation, or due to the fact that they are tourists, and happen to be white?
I have experienced extremely poor manners and poor hygiene from Muslims, and I think it's due to them getting their priorities mixed up.
They put so much emphasis in looking the part, and hardly on acting the part.
It's not just about growing the beard and wearing something Muhammad (SAW) wore, and then putting aside basic manners.
I could fill up a whole thread with stories about what happens when I go to the mosque.
On the flip side I have met people who are very sincere and truly have love for everyone and would never shun a non-muslim.
Hey
Also, don't mind AbaAbdillah. He is a muslim here and trying his hardest to convert us back to his
terrorist religion.
I know.. I just didn't want someone to hijack the thread like the fence one..
But you see when you act like a little bitch like that you already divert the topic.
Yeah that's exactly what I am trying to do, convert people! Seriously grow up.
Topic: How to engage with Muslims as a non-Muslim