Posted by Zla-'od on May 16, 2000 at 21:14:20:

In Reply to: YOU ARE NOT A MUSLIM AND SHOULDN'T TALK ABOUT ISLAM. posted by Muslim on May 12, 2000 at 16:04:58:

First of all, although we are not Muslims we have the utmost respect for the Prophet Muhammad, the Qur'an, and Islam. Obviously there are important areas of disagreement as well, beginning with our differing interpretations of what it means for Muhammad to have been the "seal" of the prophets (since we recognize prophets after Him including our own founder, Baha'u'llah). Nevertheless, important differences such as this need not exclude a spirit of friendship and brotherhood between our two religions. After all, we also share many ideals and even specific theological beliefs in common.

Islam is not only important to the origins of our own faith, it demands our attention as one of the largest and most important religions of the world. Hopefully we may be forgiven and corrected if our view of Islam sometimes reflects our own theological perspective rather than the real-world Islamic situation. As religions take note of one another and attempt to understand one another, such problems are inevitable, though they will surely lead to greater understanding between the various religions as the process continues.

When people fail to respect one another's religions, the result is tragic. Examples include the plight of Muslims in Kosovo, Christians in Pakistan, various groups in China, and Baha'is in Iran. We all have a responsibility to work against this by increasing religious understanding. As I understand it, both our religions urge the "independent investigation of truth." I hope that even as you help us to a better understanding of Islam, you will come to know something of our tradition and realize that despite having been periodically oppressed by Muslim customary authorities, we maintain a profound respect for Islam and earnestly hope for good relations with Muslims.

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