Dear Mr. Chaudry,

In response to my comment (post # 77)

But there are some acts for which Islam may be directly or indirecty responsible. Abdul Rahman in Afghanistan is facing the death penalty for converting from Islam to Christianity 16 years ago. If he is condemned to death, Islam will be directly and completely responsible, 

you write (post # 78):

"Abdul Rehman of Afghanistan is not facing the death penalty because of Islam, it is because of Afghanistan’s culture. The Quran is quite clear on this matter. If you care to read verse (2:256), you will know that he is free to choose any religion or religion at all." 

It is true that in Afghanistan there is a Jirga system where local disputes are judged according to the tribal laws. But the case of Abdul Rahman is before a Shariat (Islamic) Court where Laws of Islam are applied. Afghanistan’s Culture has nothing to do with Islamic Laws which are divine. Your reference to Ayet (2 :256) is out of context. This Ayet has nothing to do with Afghan Culture nor with the crime and the punishment under discussion. Thus you fail to prove my statement incorrect. Instead of giving valid arguments you are simply beating about the bush.

For your following remarks :

"My comments about the Prophet Mohammad are based upon the history that most Muslims know and not necessarily because I am trying to be liberal. I express my opinions on the basis of what I know or perceive, rather than trying to be liberal or conservative. The similarity, with Jesus should not be surprising, after all both were God’s messengers. "

I will simply say that here you are mixing, similarity and same. For two similar objects, it is not necessary to have same properties. All prophets are not bound to have the same qualities. So to say that Mohammad has the same forgiving nature as Jesus is your personal judgment. A man of great knowledge and of deep perception may still remain illogical

Please  allow me to suggest again that you take a course in ‘logic and scientific method’. 

In the case of Abdul Rahman my statement « Islam will be directly and completely responsible » still stands and : 

“Your opinion is entirely wrong and based on your paranoia” .

Regards,

Muhammad Ahsan Khan,

Strasbourg, France
March 25, 2006.