End of Faith Criticism

(NOTE: This is taken from a disqus comment of mine, (preview of an upcoming article) and I keep it here for convenience) 

"In his book "The End of Faith (pg. 32)," he writes:

"Anyone who says that the doctrines of Islam 'have nothing to do with terrorism'--and our airways have been filled of apologists for Islam making this claim--is just playing a game with words.

"The believers who stay at home--apart from those that suffer from a grave impediment--are not the equal to those who fight for the cause of God with their goods and their persons. God has given those that fight with their goods and their persons a higher rank than those who stay at home. God has promised all a good reward; but far richer is the recompense of those who fight for Him. . . . He that leaves his dwelling to fight for God and His apostle and is then overtaken by death, shall be rewarded by God. . . . The unbelievers are your inveterate enemies. (Koran 4:95-101)"

Harris continues:

"Yes, the Koran seems to say something that can be construed as a prohibition against suicide--'Do not destroy yourselves' (4:29)--but it leaves many loopholes large enough to fly a 767 through:

"Let those who would exchange the life of this world for the hereafter, fight for the cause of God; whoever fights for the cause of God, whether he dies or triumphs, We shall richly reward him. . . . The true believers fight for the cause of God, but the infidels fight for the devil. Fight then against the friends of Satan. . . . Say: 'Trifling are the pleasures of this life. The hereafter is better for those who would keep from evil. . . .' (Koran 4:74-78)"

Harris, however, chooses not to quote the preceding and following verses that make clear, war cannot be waged aggressively, only in response to oppression.

"Exempted are those who join people with whom you have signed a peace treaty, and those who come to you wishing not to fight you, nor fight their relatives. Had GOD willed, He could have permitted them to fight against you. Therefore, if they leave you alone, refrain from fighting you, and offer you peace, then GOD gives you no excuse to fight them." [Quran 4:90]

"Why should you not fight in the cause of GOD when weak men, women, and children are imploring: 'Our Lord, deliver us from this community whose people are oppressive, and be You our Lord and Master.'" [Quran 4:75] 

Muslims Denounce Terrorism

Muslims Denounce Terrorism

(All citations at bottom of the page)

Why don't muslims denounce terrorism?

Well because they do. Organizations like CAIR, The American Muslim, and many others do it all the time. in fact all of the most well known Muslim groups have done that for ISIS (Citation 1, Citation 2, Citation 3)

 One example:

"Iyad Ameen Madani, the Secretary General for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation which represents 1.4 billion Muslims in 57 countries around the world, condemned ISIS' threats against Christians in Iraq, saying the "forced deportation under the threat of execution" is a "crime that cannot be tolerated." In an interview with Reuters, Turkey's highest ranking cleric, Mehmet Gormez, similarly decried ISIS' threats against Christians and argued that the statements were damaging to the Muslim community: "Islamic scholars need to focus on this (because) an inability to peacefully sustain other faiths and cultures heralds the collapse of a civilization." " (Citation:4)

It doesn't just stop there. Literally thousands of Muslim clerics have denounced the despicable crimes against humanity by ISIS Specifically against it's christian minority as well (Citation 5)

This isn't just for ISIS either, previously six thousand clerics denounced Al-Qaeda (Citation 6) The Grand Sheikh of the most influential islamic institution in the world. The unversity of Al Azhr in Egypt published a fatwa condemning suicide bombers (Citation 7) Even in Iran, Ayatollah Khomeni had furiously condemed the 9/11 attackers. (Citation 8) 

In fact in the past, many major Muslim figures have condemned suicide bombings, persecution of Christians and other specific terrorist attacks. (Citation 6, Citation 7)

More recently, many clerics have condemed the extremist group Al Shabbab in a joint fatwa statement. (Citation 9)

In fact, most of the world's muslims agreed that the September 11 attacks were unjustified. A massive worldwide poll done by Gallup had found that 93% of the world's muslims rejected the 9/11 attacks as justified. Only seven percent said yes, on top of that. Those that said yes gave political, and not religious reasons. So much for your vague and ambiguous suggestion that 25% of all Muslims are extremists. (Citation 10)

Some more findings from that very same poll (Citation 11, Citation 12)

"In the wake of the terrorist attacks on 9/11, U.S. public officials seemed to have no idea whether or not many Muslims supported the bombings. This troubled Gallup Chairman and CEO Jim Clifton, who felt that "no one in Washington had any idea what 1.3 billion Muslims were thinking, and yet we were working on intricate strategies that were going to change the world for all time." Clifton commissioned his company to undertake the enormous job.

The result is Who Speaks for Islam? What a Billion Muslims Really Think, based on six years of research and more than 50,000 interviews representing 1.3 billion Muslims who reside in more than 35 nations that are predominantly Muslim or have sizable Muslim populations. Representing more than 90% of the world's Muslim community, it makes this poll the largest, most comprehensive study of its kind.'

Muslims and Americans are equally likely to reject attacks on civilians as morally unjustifiable.
Large majorities of Muslims would guarantee free speech if it were up to them to write a new constitution AND they say religious leaders should have no direct role in drafting that constitution.
Muslims around the world say that what they LEAST admire about the West is its perceived moral decay and breakdown of traditional values -- the same answers that Americans themselves give when asked this question.
When asked about their dreams for the future, Muslims say they want better jobs and security, not conflict and violence.
Muslims say the most important thing Westerners can do to improve relations with their societies is to change their negative views toward Muslims and respect Islam."

"Who speaks for the West?
Muslims around the world do not see the West as monolithic. They criticize or celebrate countries based on their politics, not based on their culture or religion.

Dream jobs
When asked to describe their dreams for the future, Muslims don't mention fighting in a jihad, but rather getting a better job.

Radical rejection
Muslims and Americans are equally likely to reject attacks on civilians as morally unjustified.

Religious mainstream
Those who condone acts of terrorism are a minority and are no more likely to be religious than the rest of the population.

Admiration of the West
What Muslims around the world say they most admire about the West is its technology and its democracy -- the same two top responses given by Americans when asked the same question.

Critique of the West
What Muslims around the world say they least admire about the West is its perceived moral decay and breakdown of traditional values -- the same responses given by Americans when posed the same question.

Gender justice
Muslim women want equal rights and religion in their societies.

Respect
Muslims around the world say that the one thing the West can do to improve relations with their societies is to moderate their views toward Muslims and respect Islam."

On top of all of this, you have still not commented on your original opinions that christian extremists do not cause as much damage and your assertion that Muslims must condemn extremists that share their faith. Which you have not said to all Christians, and rightfully so. You should apply the same standard to Muslims

-------------------------------------------------------------
Citation 1: 
http://www.cair.com/press-center/press-releases/12551-cair-condemns-isis-violence-and-rejects-calls-to-join-extremists-fighting-abroad.html

Citation 2:
(http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/2014/09/03/Muslim-groups-decry-ISIS-killing-of-U-S-journalist-.html)

Citation 3:http://mediamatters.org/blog/2014/08/11/laura-ingraham-defies-reality-suggests-muslim-l/200384

Citation 4: 
http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2014/07/25/worlds_muslim_leaders_condemn_attacks_on_iraqi_christians/1103410

Citation 5:http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/06/27/stunning-pictures-of-thousands-of-british-muslims-gathring-to-denounce-isis-and-hear-messages-of-peace-_n_5538169.html

Citation 6:http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/08/6000-muslim-clerics-endor_n_142415.html

Citation 7:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/3059365.stm

Citation 8:  http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/1549573.stm

Citation 9: 
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/01/imams-condemn-al-shabab-minnesota_n_4023162.html

Citation 10: 
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=b2a_1231990986&comments=1

Citation 11: 
http://www.gallup.com/press/104209/who-speaks-islam-what-billion-muslims-really-think.aspx