The most direct verse of the Quran about apostacy

[Stereophonic]

(03-11-2010 10:10 AM)Ahmadi Wrote:  Dhimmi tax was a Federal Tax for defending the minorties...it was the first time in religious history that one religion was fully recognizing the other religions and creating a full fledged paradigm of religious freedom.

Well, either that or it was a mafia-style protection racket...

[Ahmadi]

(03-11-2010 10:21 AM)Stereophonic Wrote:  Well, either that or it was a mafia-style protection racket...

Over a thousand years things would have played out differently in different areas but if we use the same glasses to look at Islam as we do for Christianity then a lot of criticism against Islam becomes non-issue. If people start practicing Matheew 7:3 teaching we could trim the number of posts in this forum to a quarter, possibly:

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?

[Stereophonic]

Here is an idea for you, Ahmadi:

Do an investigation as to how non-Muslims are treated in Muslim-majority countries.

Then do an investigation as to how Muslims are treated in non-Muslim-majority countries.

Who is doing a better job at respecting the rights of religious minorities--the Muslim countries or the non-Muslim countries?

To ask that question is to answer it.

[Phill]

(03-11-2010 10:10 AM)Ahmadi Wrote:  Dhimmi tax was a Federal Tax for defending the minorties. It was not a Property tax, if you allow me to use the modern terminology. Please do not mix every thing!

The mention of Churches and Synagogues means that it was the first time in religious history that one religion was fully recognizing the other religions and creating a full fledged paradigm of religious freedom.

Is that what they call it know (federal tax). Mohammad saw it as a income stream pure and simple. It was protection money. The tax was aimed at non-muslims who didnt convert. Most did because they couldnt afford it. As for Mohammad recognising other religions, you forgot to include the pagans called "the Sabiens". You shouold know who they are since most of Islamic traditions are borrowed from them.

[Ahmadi]

Here let me present to you an article demonstrating that Europe learnt the initial lesson of religious tolerance from the Muslims. Please spend a few minutes examining the evidence before refuting it. I and most Muslims would not have known it, but for a recent convert to Islam who knew the local history well:

https://www.alislam.org/egazette/article...201001.pdf