Unleashing the Beast

T HE M AHDI , I SLAM ' S M ESSIAH / 89

peace. While most Muslims are not out searching for physical combat, they all quietly believe the world needs to be converted to Islam. One of the tenets of Islam is that of jihad, or holy war. Few Americans had heard the term jihad until the attack on America on September 11, 2001. Even then, for fear of anti-Arab sentiment, newscasters were reminding Americans that Islam is a peaceful religion. Yet, few commentators quoted the Islamic scripture: that fanatical Muslims were using to teach that it is perfectly okay to slaughter innocent Americans and Jews, or the "infidels." Here are some verses from the Koran Islam's sacred book:  Warfare is ordained for you, though it is hateful unto you; but it may happen that you hate a thing which is good for you, and it may happen you may love a thing that is bad for you. Allah knoweth, ye know not (2.216).  Let those who follow the Gospel judge according to what God has revealed therein. Evildoers are those that do not judge according to Allah's revelations (5.47).  Believers, take neither the Jews nor the Christians for your friends. They are friends with one another. Whoever among you seeks their friendship shall become one of their number. Allah does not guide the wrongdoers (5.51).  Believers, do not seek the friendship of the infidels and those who were given the Book before you, who have made of your religion a jest and a diversion. Fear Allah,