greetings to all Muslims!

To all of the Muslims who read this that I wholeheartedly support your right to practice your religion. I had a disagreement with a person I thought was my friend tonight, and he spat on me, and told me I was a "Jihadist Sympathizer", whatever that means, because I see no problem with the mosque being built in New York. Oh well, guess I didn't know his true colors after all.

During my time as a soldier in Iraq, I saw that Muslim fathers love their children just as I love mine. Muslim Children play games, and act silly just like the kids back home. In California, anytime I was graciously welcomed into a Muslim home, I was always treated with the greatest hospitality, and when I left, was always told, "peace be with you". Even when I have had debates with my Muslim friends about the differences in what we believe I have always been treated with the utmost respect of my views. But more than the differences I see in the basic tenets of Christianity and Islam, I see the similarities. I see the need to fully devote yourself to Allah(God), and serve others.

Now, maybe I have just been extremely lucky, and almost all of the Muslims I have met have been humble, good natured, and willing to discuss why they believe what they believe. And when I have had challenges, it was almost always the result of American/Middle Eastern Culture clash or misunderstanding, and with honest, and open communication, those were cleared up.

Now there are people who have twisted your holy word, and used it to abuse and frighten people into submission. That has happened with the Bible as well. But we all know that Allah, by any name, is a God of peace, and justice. And that is what I will choose to associate with Islam.

I hope everything goes smoothly with the community center opening. All of the people who are seething hate over it are just scared and being reactionary. It would seem the wisest thing to do is what has been done all along, conduct yourselves with the dignity of holy people, and wise people will support you. I support you because I am supposed to love my neighbors, even my Muslim neighbors. Not only because I am commanded, but as a human being, it's the right thing to do.

So peace be with you, my friends.

Sleeper 6, thank you very much for those kind words of wisdom, and welcome!

Welcome Sleeper6 !!!

Your post was so refreshing and made me feel so happy .  See! there are good sane people around as well. I'm sure most Christians/Non-Muslims/Americans feel the same way as you do... which is encouraging & hopeful. Its just a bunch of crazies that keep getting the media attention so it seems as if everyone thinks the same way as them.

Anyway, thank you for sharing you supportive opinion.

Peace be unto you as well.

Good evening all.
I'm new to islam and the forum.
I look forward to learning and understanding my new religion