I stumbled across this thread because I interviewed at GW in october. I would like to shed some light on this issue and clarify some misunderstandings. First off, I was shocked to hear of the OP's interview experience. True, the interviewer maybe testing the interviewee, but I honestly feel that ethically and morally, out of respect for the interviewee, that it was a wrong debate to have.
I strive daily to live as humbly as possible and steer away from feelings of anger, but when I read some of the comments posted on this thread, I was shocked. There is no way that I can defend the beauty and eloquence of the Qur'an in a posting, but allow me to clarify some misunderstandings. Obviously many people have watched TV specials of how the Qur'an endorces violence and hatred. First off, no one can genuinely understand the linguistics of the Qur'an unless one is fluent in Arabic, primarily classical Arabic. There have been many translations of the Qur'an that are not in parallel with the authentic ones transcribed by scholars. The translations which we saw on TV were not from authentic English versions which the majority of non-Arabic speaking Muslims read. They came from translations mass produced by the Royal Saudi government, a government which in absolutely no way follows an Islamic ethic.
Furthermore, people need to understand that the verses of the Qur'an were revealed in the 6th century, during a time of persecution, oppression, and apartheid for many religious and ethnic groups, including Muslims. When a verse refers to Jews or Christians, it must be taken in historical sense, at events that were unfolding during that specific time. Also, there is a huge misunderstanding that in the english Qur'an versions the word "Jew" is associated with today's mainstream "Jew". This is not true. The Qur'an refers to Jews as the children of Moses. There are many NON-authentic translated versions that refer to any rival of Islam as a Jew or Christian, which is FALSE and WRONG. These translators (NON-AUTHENTIC ONES), associated the term 'Kafir', which means 'disbeliever', with almost anyone who wasn't a Muslim. These are facts that make it apparent how many people are led to misunderstand verses, and claim they condone violence, etc. However, it is simply not the case. The Qur'an in no way states that it is okay to kill Jews or Christians. This is blatently wrong and goes against every tenent for which Islam stands for. Murder, especially of the innocent, is such a horrific sin in Islam because Islam teaches that only God has the power to create life and take it, and any individual that commits such a great sin is assuming they have the power of God. Actually, the absolute greatest sin which anyone can commit in Islam is called 'shirk', which means associating yourself or other 'things' with or as God. To exemplify this even more, many people have heard the surname "Abdul" being used in Muslim names. The reason this is used is because "Abdul" literally means "slave". If an individual has a name that is comparable with God, such as the name "Jabaar" which means "The Mighty", Abdul is used in conjunction out of respect for God, so the name becomes "Abdul Jabaar" or "slave of the Mighty", which means servant of God.
The Qur'an teaches to embrace other cultures and diversity. It teaches to spread love, peace, and sustain harmony within society. Muslims take it as a guideline to live their life by. It gives them a sense of order, direction, hope, and faith.
Islam is a peaceful religion that condemns murder and taking of innocent lives. What bothers me the most is that less than 0.5% of the Muslim population is involved with these violent acts we see today, terrorism, etc. But still, people make that half percent as a model depiction for every Muslim. Islam in no way condones those actions. Peaceful people would not make their daily greeting, "As-Salaamualaikum", which translates to "may peace be with you".
I hope that individuals would not post such harsh comments, such as YES the Qur'an DOES promote violence, hatred, etc. It is indeed a very delicate topic and such comments are disrespectful. However, if one feels the need to post such things, please attain full knowledge and background first. Don't type in a search in google for "koran and violent verses" and click on the first site that comes up. Please, do some thorough research and read authentic versions.
I hope I have not offended anyone, and if I did, I truly apologize. I just wanted to express my opinion on the matter. I am a Muslim and have extensively studied the Qur'an. Never have I ever came across a verse informing me to kill innocent people. My apologies for this lengthy post.
Good luck to all of you in our medical school pursuit. Best wishes, and "As-Salaamualaikum" (may peace be with you).
Me too. If you can recall, I was the guy that walked in five minutes late while the admissions officer was giving his spiel about GW.
