A sweeping, 226-page report from the Pew Forum explores attitudes and opinions from Muslim communities around the world. In the process, it turns up some fascinating insights into not just the views held in the “Muslim world” but the wide diversity of those views between Muslim communities. Here, Washington Post explores some of those insights using maps and charts.
Read the analysis in the Washington Post
Read the Pew Research “The World’s Muslims: Religion, Politics and Society” here
4. Most Muslims reject alcohol, often by wide margins
5. Mixed views on honor killings
6. Wide support for Islamic political parties
7. Majorities in six countries support the death penalty for anyone who leaves Islam
8. Religious conflict seen as a big problem in Pakistan, Nigeria, Tunisia
9. Most see Islam as compatible with modern society
Read the analysis in the Washington Post
Read the Pew Research “The World’s Muslims: Religion, Politics and Society” here
Joseph Stalin / May 5, 2013
Bottom line is Islam is evil and under Islamic majority pepole from other faiths won’t have any religious freedom.
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Bandaranayake / May 5, 2013
am i not supposed to apply it to sri lanka? lol in russia, atheism… you!
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SK / May 5, 2013
In Muslim majority countries more then 50% of the population support Sharia Law and Death penalty for leaving from Islam. In countries where Muslims are minority less than that percentage. Reason for this to happen is Muslims minorities are influenced by peaceful cultures. And they are more exposed to think beyond Islamic fundamentals.
Problem is not the Muslim but Islam. Please convert to another religion, at least be a christian.
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Native Vedda / May 5, 2013
SK
“Please convert to another religion, at least be a christian.”
And massacre like Crusaders, Portuguese, Spaniards, Afrikaners,… .
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Nittaekumara / May 8, 2013
…and like the killers of Nittewos….
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DODU / May 5, 2013
Father less religion?
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Theevan / May 7, 2013
You’ve gone too far to defame the Messiah, Dodubalay guard the respect of the name of prophet Jesus.
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DODU / May 8, 2013
They should know to give respect and take respect.
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Theevan / May 8, 2013
But Jesus was a perfect Gentleman nothing to do with the ideologies of this biased corpses.
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Leela / May 9, 2013
Theevan,
Many historians had established that very many messiahs had roamed the valley of Galilee over 2000 years back and confirmed that there were many Christian sects of many messiahs that roamed the valley of Galilee before this popular Jesus. They were wiped out from history after Constantine and his Pope Essubus finalized Christian version at hand that was edited by a man called Paul. And that is the Christianity you find at hand. Scrolls found near the Dead Sea, does talk amply about the difference between this one and earlier ones.
Mathew 2:2, 7 and 10 says that Star of Bethlehem that lit for just one day led the wise men to the place of nativity (Jesus’ birth). Yet, modern astronomers are positive that there was no such star at the time. Even Halley’s Comet that we sight every 76 years returned more than ten years too early.
Prominent English Astronomer, Patrick Moore in his ‘A-Z Astrinomy’, Patrik Stephens, 1986 p.198 says, “It is not likely that the star could have been a nova or supernova as nothing of the sort was mentioned by contemporary astronomers. In any case a star of that sort would remain visible for many nights.” If that is so, there could not have been one night star spectacle on that day. Moore further says; “Unfortunately it has now been shown that no bright conjunctions were visible from the holy land at this time, and the idea is definitely untenable.” Somehow, except for Mathew, no other in gospel writer says anything about this star.
It is sad that followers of ‘Jesus’ have to deal with a Christianity that was altered by Paul, and tailor fixed by Constantine.
Leela
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Justice / May 7, 2013
No thanks! as a ex-Muslim I am happy with atheism. I am not going to chose another evil religion over Islam.
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Buddhi / May 7, 2013
Then just study about Buddhism. Im not asking to you to convert in to it, but just study. You apparently an intelligent to leave the devils religion, seems lucky to get to know about Buddhism.
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dingiri / May 8, 2013
Sorry, what is the point in studying Buddhism?
There is no evidence for Re-incarnation.
There is no evidence for the existance of Karma.
There is no evidence for Heaven and Hell.
There is some evidence for Nirvana though, it is assured for everyone after death!
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Leela / May 9, 2013
dingiri,
Don’t you think, you must first know what is the Buddhist view of Nirvana, Re-birth Karma etc to criticize it.
Leela
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Fairose / May 9, 2013
Leela, dont worry, you will never attain Nirvana because you are out and out racist. You will be born a tamil -in sri lanka and will be called -Para demala. (I regret the tamils who endure this on daily basis) Dont judge my religion by my name. I do not belong to any religion though I am a mix blood of Sinhala Buddhist(Mother) and Muslim (Father). I believe in a designer, creator and ruler (Trinity). Everything we see are made out atoms. Study little bit of quantum physics to shed your racism, which will take you close the devils after death.
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Cruella / May 11, 2013
You, run Naked shouting Eureka, you will attain ‘Nirvana’.
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Safa / May 5, 2013
Good analysis across different countries, cultures, races etc. Shows diverse views and opinions. Indicates that you just cant stereotype an individual muslim.
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Bandaranayake / May 5, 2013
TBD, there is no unique version of shariah :D shariah is just an outdated junk.
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Leela / May 6, 2013
Shsss, watch your toung; if you in Bangladesh, you would have tracked down and charged for blasphemy. These graphs and figures must be correct for ‘Al Jazeera’ TV says; over two hundred thousand people flocked to Dhakka streets yesterday to demand death penalty for blasphemy.
Leela
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Tora Tora / May 7, 2013
Shss… watch your tongs. Don’t go to Bangladesh for you’ll be tricked down and supercharged to profanity.
These grapes of wrath are but ligatures profoundly benefiting from the opined propaganda of the pedagogue Leela.
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SririMa Woo / May 7, 2013
So was the theories of the Sword Bandaranayake.
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Not A Hater / May 5, 2013
This is just pure Stereo typing. There is no way people will agree to violent causes unless the demographic measured is undergoing other hardships. Its a very bias outlook. Why just islam? Why not other religions? with the same questions? Its just not right to paint a picture of a stereotype. Its pointless arguing. but it’s a shame.
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Rohitha / May 5, 2013
All religions the way they exist at present are useless. They all must be reengineered to integrate the fundamental human rights as the basis for their relation to layman and beyond that point they must have freedom to believe or practice whatever they want but within the confines that do not disturb the laity existence. There must be space for intellectual discourses among various religions and their followers as to the relevance, truth and pragmatism of their respective religions and also the freedom must exist to that anyone can venture into whatever religion he likes.
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Leela / May 6, 2013
Now these graphs and charts show true mentality of Muslims on their so-called religious freedom or death penalty for leaving Islam; on Muslim suicide bombing; on Sharia and etc. We have noticed this new Muslim mindset in Sri Lanka for a long time now. And we thought we should let others know about it. So, we have started to write about it sometime back. But of late, every time we write something on aims of these new Muslims or Wahhabis, pseudo Buddhists and so-called peaceniks joined up with Wahhabis and their undercovers to accuse us as racists and bigots.
Many monks realised the increasing antagonism against unwarranted acts Muslim such as shouting their prayers through hooters five times a day practically in every town in everyday and Halaal badge and etc. Of late, BBS has organised to take it to public in a big way. They started to point out and show various dirty tactics by Muslims that undermine Sinhala Buddhist way of life with a final aim to overwhelm them in this country. And Muslim defenders, allies, supporters and protectors join up to degrade BBS hierarchy with all sorts of names and accusations and even to go for a candle light vigil and finally to march against them to subdue them. Tell us; is the reflection by these graphs and data is what you Muslim apologists want to help Muslims here develop to? Tell us, whatever had happened to all that traditional Muslim values in Sri Lanka? And where are those values dumped to?
Leela
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Siri / May 6, 2013
So why not you check this kind of histograms and charts about srilanka ?
Do you think all that would tell us more about our folks. Lanken statistics say over 90% of the population are literate – so by seeing at that me the manner they behave, can you or any others feel that they are literate enough to use their head in choosing their politicians ? This is the root cause of the problem that the country is facing today. As you and everyone is aware, not many in the parliment are educated or good enough to face the challenges before them. This is also the same when it goes with any professional bodies in the country today. At the time FUTA strike were held, it came to light just few of the professors or lecturers contribute to journal papers regularly.
So just statistics bring nothing but just explorative views about a nation/country.
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Leela / May 6, 2013
Siri,
Graphs above show over 60% of Muslims in 95% Muslim nation, Pakistan want death penalty for those that leave Islam. And over 20% of the Muslims in the Buddhists majority nation Thailand too want the same. In my opinion, figures for Sri Lanka cannot be far out from that of Thailand. From all the comments by the so-called educated lot here, I can fathom it without a hitch. These figures are not a good signs by any means. Our Sinhala governments are to be blamed for letting this situation escalate. When communist China and capitalist Singapore imposed one child family, Muslims were not exempted. Officially or unofficially when it was forced upon Sri Lanka by the agents of the west, they targeted Sinhalas and left out the Muslims. These are deliberate ploys that Muslims took advantage of and we see the results today.
No arguments, on literate wise, Sri Lankan are well accomplished. At times of hardship or to show their decent Sri Lankan are no different others the world over. They have taken to streets just like those who occupied Wall Street or at the heights of sectarian violence in Ireland or when forced austerity measures in Greece etc and etc. Even today, they do voice their decent in very many parts of the country on various things. So what do you mean by ‘the manner they behave’, I cannot understand.
If you mean why people hadn’t taken to streets in spite of numerous instigation by failed and frustrated politicians, I say, that alone shows people are not just literate but they can identify trouble makers and foresee their vile aims. Average man in Sri Lanka is ahead of Arab countries. That’s why failed politicians failed to promote Haultsdorf spring, FUTA spring or any other spring here. In short, Sri Lankan are literate and intelligent enough to identify agents of the neo-colonialists.
I am not saying for a moment that this government is perfect and all its elected MPs are best suited to be legislators. For one thing most MPs are elected and the government is having elections even before due dates. Isn’t that what democracy is all about.
People cast their votes for different people for different reasons. You look at things from your cultural standing to select the best man to be your MP, so do the average man in the street. Just like you and me and the so-called educated, Those we classify as non-educated too vote for the man who they think would serve them best. Their hero may well be your dictator; and your hero may be their stupidest man. So who is right? Isn’t it all relative to where we stand? Even for educated who believe every event is the wish of the Creator God and everything is created by the Creator God for the benefit of the man, killing an animal is nothing for they believe it is all made for the man to partake. That is not the case for we Buddhists. So, we have to understand this difference. And these statistics give us an indication to understand the mentality of Muslims who we have to live side by side.
Leela
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Daemon / May 7, 2013
Sri Lankans’ potty intelligence is the root cause for all the problems we face now. Mahinda, tie them to a string behind a white curtain so they could dance the dickens, as like the puppeteer Mahanama did.
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Fairose / May 9, 2013
Come Leela, I can help you make a child. I will sponsor the expenses and religion your choice as I am not very fond of it.
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Amerasiri / May 6, 2013
Leela, Grow Up. The Earth goes around the Sun, not the other way.
Religion is the Opium of the Masses.It is all Myths.
You are fighting the Myths the Muslims were taught, with the Myths, the Sinhala Buddhists were taught.
Nirvana, Rebirth, Heaven, Hell and Purgatory are all Myths.
Look at the Mahanama Monk Myths in the Mahawansa.
1. Sri Lanka Island of the Sinhala Buddhists?
2. Buddha was Born in Lanka
3. The Grandfather of Vijaya was a lion.
4. Demonize the original natives of Lanka. Veddahs, Nagas and Yakkas.
5. Demonize the original religions of the natives, Animist, Hindus, Jains.
So, the Budu Bala Sena is doing what Monk Mahanama did, in the 5th Century AD. Besides what BBS is teaching is not True Buddhism. It is called Sinhala Buddhist Racism, first expounded by the Racist Monk Mahanama.
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Leela / May 7, 2013
Amerasiri,
From what you have written, I see that you have no idea whatsoever about basic Buddhism leave out the Buddhist interpretation of ‘Nirvana, Rebirth, Heaven, Hell’. It is obvious that you have been confused about insight of ‘Nirvana, Rebirth,’ of Hinduism and ‘Heaven, Hell’ of Christianity. Reading a bit from Wikipedia one cannot dig into ‘what Monk Mahanama did’ particularly in a Tamilian ‘mindset’. So, if you like read some in depth analysis of Mahawamsa such as ‘Evolution of an Ethnicity’ by Karthigesu Indrapala to understand it.
Leela
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Amerasiri / May 7, 2013
Leela girl, Grow Up!
Buddha was or is not God.
Statutes of Buddha are not needed.
Buddhism is a philosophy.
1. Rview you Dhamma School Notes.
http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/5minbud.htm
Read on……
Perhaps you need to teach Buddhism to the Budu Bala Sena “Mahanama” Monks.
To many, Buddhism goes beyond religion and is more of a philosophy or ‘way of life’. It is a philosophy because philosophy ‘means love of wisdom’ and the Buddhist path can be summed up as:
(1) to lead a moral life,
(2) to be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions, and
(3) to develop wisdom and understanding.
Are Other Religions Wrong?
Buddhism is also a belief system which is tolerant of all other beliefs or religions. Buddhism agrees with the moral teachings of other religions but Buddhism goes further by providing a long term purpose within our existence, through wisdom and true understanding. Real Buddhism is very tolerant and not concerned with labels like ‘Christian’, ‘Moslem’, ‘Hindu’ or ‘Buddhist’; that is why there have never been any wars fought in the name of Buddhism. That is why Buddhists do not preach and try to convert, only explain if an explanation is sough
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Garibaldi / May 8, 2013
So, Leela is a member of the cohorts of the disloyal Mahanama?
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AYMAN / May 6, 2013
LEELA YOU AND YOUR LIKES CAN GO ON WITH YOUR “ISLAM BASHING”.
JUST DONT BOTHER ABOUT OUR TRADITIONAL VALUES.
YO CAN GO ON “AD NAUSEAM” AND YOU CANNOT MAKE A “DENT” ON THE
2.2 BILLION MUSLIMS, THEIR BELIEFS FAITH AND VALUES.
DESPITE THE DEMONIZATION OF ISLAM,IT IS GROWING AND PRETTY FAST. THATS WHATS WORRYING YOU. WHAT IS HAPPENING IS PROPHECY AND THERE IS NO ONE ON
THIS PLANET WHO CAN SLOW IT DOWN OR STOP IT.
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Leela / May 7, 2013
Ayman,
You’ve got me wrong. My aim is to let Sinhalas learn a bit of the truth about the Muslims and their prophet, Muhammad and their religion, Islam. True, I have been commenting and quoting on the writings the Koran, Hadith and Sunnah. However, if you can point out I am quoting Koran wrong, I am ever ready to withdraw it and apologise for it.
But analysing the Koran and commenting is my freedom and my business. Right now, people like you in Bangladesh demand death penalty for such writing on blasphemy. I know you love to put a fatwa on me. But you cannot so because we are in in Sri Lanka. So, if the hat is right, you can put it on but I have no aim of ‘DEMONIZATION OF ISLAM’.
We Buddhists are not dogmatic like you, Ayman; We have no objection whatsoever if you take up Tripitaka and comment on the good, the bad and the ugly in it. We shall respond in writing.
I wouldn’t buy those general Muslim accusations such as we are writing ‘out of context’ and etc when commenting on Koran for we are ever ready to show whatever we quote from Koran is applicable to today’s society.
One other thing, I have mentioned Muslim ‘TRADITIONAL VALUES’ not for my love of Koran and Sunnah but Sufis and Ahamadis argue on such a thing and they are desperately working against Wahhabi values who I think are destroying the peace in this world.
Leela
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Palmyra / May 7, 2013
Don’t worry about Leela for what he writes less about Islam is what he knows about Islam. Read Leela, until the quench of thirst thirsts again, read till you are emboldened.
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Genny / May 6, 2013
Washington Post deserves blame for anti-Muslim hysteria, too : http://mediamatters.org/ –
It’s worth reading this before whipping up Islamophobia.
Since when did colobotelegraph became the voice of washington post’s anti Islamic rhetoric.you’re equating over 1.5 billion muslims living all over the world for some Anti Islamic propaganda piece.Get proper source before publishing anything that the western media spews out.
To quote from media matters ” but the Washington Post has also served as a key incubator of some of the most virulent religious bigotry America has seen in quite some time. And by dressing that bigotry up as a high-minded “conversation on religion and politics” that “sheds light rather than generates heat” through “intelligent, informed, eclectic, respectful conversation,” the Post has legitimized the kind of ugly and hateful smears best left to the Pam Gellers of the world”.
I’m sure pretty soon you will publish something from pamela Geller.
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Amerasiri / May 6, 2013
1. Religion is the Opium of the masses – Karl Marx. This survey supports that hypothesis.
2. The more isolated the Muslims, i.e. Majority Muslim Countries, the more fundamental, and believe all what the Mullah say, and what they teach.
3. Less isolated, i.e.less percent Muslims, less fundamental and more tolerant as they are exposed to other religions and cultures.
So, the Muslims needs to be exposed to other religions and other cultures, beyond the Arab and Taliban culture.
Most Sri Lanka Sinhala Buddhists believe in the Mahanama Myths of Sri Lanka is for Sinhala Buddhists, Buddha was born in Sri Lanka, Vijaya grandfather was a lion etc.
4, More technology and more developed., more tolerant.
5. Even now, almost 470 years after Copernicus, Still about 25% of Americans believe, the Sun Goes round the Earth.
6. So it is all in the brainwashing to the advantage of the Mullahs, Monks and Priests. Religion is full of them. Just check out Christianity.
Rebirth, Nirvana, Heaven, Hell, Purgatory are all MYTHS. No proof so far.
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A. Ram / May 6, 2013
Leela without giving your 2 cents worth comments PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR LEE POTTER HOUSING SCANDAL AND HOW PEOPLE WERE CHEATED OUT THEIR MONEY!
Those who live in Glass houses should not undress with their lights on
Ram
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Leela / May 9, 2013
A.Ram, So, you want to stop me writing, eh. You cannot stop me with mud. If the truth hurts you, go fuck a duck.
Leela
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Fairose / May 9, 2013
You not bad for that job. Sweety
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Baila / May 9, 2013
Yo voluptuous animal you egg too much, it seems that you enjoy your carnal escapades in pareunizing fluffy poultry.
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Lester / May 7, 2013
Most people do not know that Quran says slavery is okay.
50. O Prophet (Muhammad )! Verily, We have made lawful to you your wives, to whom you have paid their Mahr (bridal money given by the husband to his wife at the time of marriage), and those (captives or slaves) whom your right hand possesses – whom Allah has given to you…
http://www.dar-us-salam.com/TheNobleQuran/
In the Middle East and North Africa, there is still a lot of slavery that goes on, even though you don’t hear about it. The Islamic custom from Muhammed’s time has not changed.
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Jamal / May 12, 2013
What a confounded IDIOT! IWhy do you try to deceive people by not explaining the conventions during those times! How many Slaves were manumitted? And that manumitting slaves was an established good deed. That in Islamic history former Slaves had ended being Rulers? Lester you are a COMPULSIVE CHRONIC LIAR!
“It is always a much easier task to educate uneducated people than to re-educate the mis-educated.” – Herbert M. Shelton, Getting Well
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Nizam / May 7, 2013
Nothing wrong in Islam. It’s the way that our Muslim brothers behave in Arab countries having divided into different tribes, Sunni, Shia etc. Some Arabs or tribes follow the evil policies of the Americans and unending wars prevail in the Middle East. It’s the jealousy of Christian and Jewish cousins that cause mishaps to Muslims. If Muslims get together under the banner of Islam, they can be an example to the world as peace loving people irrespective of tribes.
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Rationalist / May 7, 2013
You are so correct Nizam.
“If Muslims get together under the banner of Islam they can be an example to the world as peace loving people irrespective of tribes.”
When all Non Muslims are killed off from the face of the world, the Muslims, irrespective of tribes, Can be an example to the world as peace loving people. Brilliant Idea !
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Amerasiri / May 8, 2013
Knowledge is Power. Myth is a Mirage. So, get the facts.
If you want to know about Islam, Prophet Mohamed, Islamic History, Islamic Science, the Crusaders, the Turks, the Mongols, the Moguls, the Western Colonialism, the Russia and imperialism and the current situation, read
Destiny Disrupted: A History of the World Through Islamic Eyes was published in spring of 2009 by Public Affairs Books.[4] This book won the 2010 Northern California book award, general nonfiction category. Mir Tamim moderates the San Francisco Writers Workshop in attempt to give back to younger writers what was given to him when young.[5][6]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamim_Ansary
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Mohommud Abbas / May 8, 2013
Islam is another name for terrorism. quran it self is evil and encourage killing and rape. “allah” is another name for “satan” in bible. Islam is a true cancer to the world. Im ex-muslim and i hate my self for been a muslim and ow i knw what a fool i was. rest of my life im gonna seek the truth of the life. Muslim brothers, think twice. talk to ur heart. do you think you r are in the correct path ?
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Amerasiri / May 8, 2013
Abbas,
You need to be able to separate facts from Myth.
Religions do have facts as well as myths.
True for All religions. If you stick to a few facts and few myths of one religion,you will miss out on the facts and myths of the other religions.
Also, according to Karl Marx, Religion is the Opium of the masses.
May be, you were not fed enough opium.
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Makabass / May 8, 2013
He is fed up with the prickly katukambi in his backs.
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Fairose / May 9, 2013
A musliman knows ‘You are not a muslim’ – You are hypocrite -Coward because trying take shelter behind a muslim name while mispelling you name. Shame on you.
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Amerasiri / May 9, 2013
Myths, Myths, and More Myths.
Q1. What does the Christian World Believe?
Only Jesus can save you and you end up in Heaven. Otherwise you end up in Hell or Purgatory.
Q2. What Do the Buddhist World believe?
Nirvana and Rebirth
Q3. What Do the Hindu World believe?
Nirvana and Rebirth and Caste System.
Q4. What Do the Muslim World believe?
Heaven and Hell.
Q5. What are the facts and evidence?
Heaven, Hell, Nirvana, Nirvana and Purgatory are all MYTHS of the Monks, Priests and Mullahs.
In Sri Lanka the Monk Mahanama MYTHS are mixed up with Sinhala Racism, introduced by Monk Mahanama, that is the CORE PROBLEM.
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