Is Islam a Cult or a Religion?

[chowkidar]

let us put Islam under scrutiny and see whether it is a religion or a cult.

The following is a description of what cult is:

Recruiting work performed by all of the members (although they may deny that is what they are doing).

People not allowed to discuss criticism of the leader(s), the doctrine, or the organization, or read information that is critical of the religion.
Members trained to disbelieve criticism of the religion as lies from Satan.
Members spy on one another and report improper activities or comments to leaders.
Members taught to suppress anything which might reflect negatively to outsiders about the religion.
Usually, the doctrine is absolutist and the ideology is internalized as "the Truth."
Members told to avoid contact with ex-members or critics, even their relatives.
Members instilled with a deep fear about ever leaving the organization, and anyone who does depart is of the devil.
Emotional control - terror of being caught and punished by leaders.
Disciplinary action administered by group leaders, which may involve excommunication for such things as questioning organization policy or doctrine.

People foregoing education and career interests to perform recruiting and other organization endeavors.
Advocate socializing only with other members in the organization.

Many cults believe the apocalypse is very near and dooms day.
Fear of separation from the organization.

Belief that their's is the only true religion.

Are the above traits present in Islam?

[ATLian]

Yours is also a good description of Christianity. All religions are cults, but not all cults are religions.

[teejay]

Originally Posted by ATLian

Yours is also a good description of Christianity. All religions are cults, but not all cults are religions.

I wonder whether this is a question?

[jasakwa]

Originally Posted by chowkidar

People not allowed to discuss criticism of the leader(s), the doctrine, or the organization, or read information that is critical of the religion.


Are the above traits present in Islam?

Yes they are,the Kuran forbids Muslims from asking many questions.They are warned that if they start asking questions, they may lose their faith in Islam.

"O ye who believe! Ask not questions about things which if made plain to you, may cause you trouble. Some people before you did ask questions, and on that account lost their faith"
(Surah 5:101-102)

[jasakwa]

Originally Posted by chowkidar

Members taught to suppress anything which might reflect negatively to outsiders about the religion.


Are the above traits present in Islam?

Many muslims dread to discuss the context of this verse in kuran,because it leaves many questions answered about the prophet marrying his cousin Zainab bint Jahsh and why he was given the special preference.

33:50 O Prophet! We have made lawful to thee thy wives to whom thou hast paid their dowers; and those whom thy right hand possesses out of the prisoners of war whom Allah has assigned to thee; and daughters of thy paternal uncles and aunts, and daughters of thy maternal uncles and aunts, who migrated (from Makka) with thee; and any believing woman who dedicates her soul to the Prophet if the Prophet wishes to wed her;- this only for thee, and not for the Believers (at large) ; We know what We have appointed for them as to their wives and the captives whom their right hands possess;- in order that there should be no difficulty for thee. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

[jasakwa]

Originally Posted by chowkidar

Usually, the doctrine is absolutist and the ideology is internalized as "the Truth."

Are the above traits present in Islam?

The verse in the kuran contradicts itself.

:82 Do they not consider the Qur'an (with care)? Had it been from other Than Allah, they would surely have found therein Much discrepancy."

Were the Qur'an free from any discrepancy, the verse would have said "... they would surely have found therein no discrepancy", not "much discrepancy".

[Muhammad_4]

Originally Posted by jasakwa

because it leaves many questions answered about the prophet marrying his cousin Zainab bint Jahsh and why he was given the special preference.
33:50 O Prophet! We have made lawful to thee thy wives to whom thou hast paid their dowers; and those whom thy right hand possesses out of the prisoners of war whom Allah has assigned to thee; and daughters of thy paternal uncles and aunts, and daughters of thy maternal uncles and aunts, who migrated (from Makka) with thee; and any believing woman who dedicates her soul to the Prophet if the Prophet wishes to wed her;- this only for thee, and not for the Believers (at large) ; We know what We have appointed for them as to their wives and the captives whom their right hands possess;- in order that there should be no difficulty for thee. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.[/

Honestly, I have stoped taking you seriously long time ago, but I answer this for the benefit of others.
Having said that, Generally,whenever you see the Prophet is adressed, then it is for him and those who follow him (Muslims).
Quran 65 :1. O Prophet (the adress here is to the Prophet)! When you (Plural if you know arabic, for all Muslims) divorce women, divorce them at their 'Iddah (prescribed periods), and count (accurately) their 'Iddah (periods ). And fear Allah your Lord (O Muslims), and turn them not out of their (husband's) homes, nor shall they (themselves) leave,.."
You made an intersting comment, that it was only the Prophet peace be upon him who was allowed to marry his cousins!
Please share with us the prohibition of Muslisms to marry their cousins.

Originally Posted by jasakwa

82 Do they not consider the Qur'an (with care)? Had it been from other Than Allah, they would surely have found therein Much discrepancy."
Were the Qur'an free from any discrepancy, the verse would have said "... they would surely have found therein no discrepancy", not "much discrepancy".

Why dont you take an Arabic course and study Quran in Arabic?
The Quran was revealed in Arabic, (If you have studied Nahwu, swarf and balagha):
You would easly understand that. "leave a discrepancy but much much.
Because one discrepancy would follow up with more discrepancies, to mention few, the linguistic discrepancy, shariah discrepency,
intellectually discrepancy etc.
A good example for this is a:
John 5:7-8: "For there are three that bear record in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth: the spirit, and the water, and the blood, and these three agree in one."
1) This contradict the Bible itself:Isaiah 45:18: "For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God Himself that formed the earth and made it; He hath established it, He created it not in vain, He formed it to be inhabited: I am the Lord; and there is none else."
2) It contradicts maths! 1+1+1 =3
3) It contradict intellectual, if there were three Gods then they wouldnt have same decision
4) It contradict fitrah (Naturally instinct), it is from the natural instinct that GOD is ONE.

Originally Posted by jasakwa

Yes they are,the Kuran forbids Muslims from asking many questions.They are warned that if they start asking questions, they may lose their faith in Islam.
"O ye who believe! Ask not questions about things which if made plain to you, may cause you trouble. Some people before you did ask questions, and on that account lost their faith"
(Surah 5:101-102)

What was the reason that the Surah Mujadallah was revealed?

[PrivatePractice]

Fulldoz and the other real muslims in the house: here is an article for you guys the next time your religion is under attack. I find this evangalist religion to be a cult.

archbishop gilbert deya & the miracle holy ghost babies end times prophetic, prophecy, visions, dreams, revelation, christian blog

[PrivatePractice]

I just watched a show on jehovah witness too.
Here are some links about them:

Early Warning Signs of Jehovah's Witness Involvement

http://jesus-revolution.com/Warning_Tract_Final2.pdf

[Ni_Diambo]

I suggest we give Islam a one week break. We've pounded them enough. We should now turn our attention to Christian pastors who are 'hitting' children and their neighbors' wives.

What do you think Fulldoz and Mo_4?