Exploring Islam, Part One: Ideas That Separate And Unify

People who were previously unable to communicate with others because they lived in far away places can now discuss matters important to them.

The ability to read along what others think, without having to be physically present, is possible.

The internet allows for observation of others (and interaction if desired), granting a glimpse into the lives, ideas, struggles and dreams of our fellow brothers and sisters on earth.

In starting a series on Islam, this article provides a soft landing on the subject of the religion of Islam.

Islam as a unique religious ideology that originated in 6th century Arabia.

I was recently reading the Saudi Gazette's opinion section and was quite amused and surprised reading several of the articles.

The grammar and essay structure was refreshing and to-the-point.

I realized many things, some of which I'd like to mention.

Several of the articles were quite balanced in their approach to their topic, while others were slanted and biased.

Certain authors expressed a tenderness that was quite touching, while other authors seemed a bit hostile in their choice of words.

I was partly entertained and partly saddened at the same time.

Several articles mentioned the illegal immigration issue; foreigners staying long past their visa expired or after their religious pilgrimage was over.

It was nice to read rational explanations regarding the influx of immigrants to fill both labor-intensive jobs and specialized jobs; two sectors seemingly under occupied by Arabian citizens.

There were generalized arguments made.

One was the opinion that the younger Saudi generation feels entitled and are too good to occupy low-level jobs, or the accusation that they're simply being lazy.

I thought for a moment how these are the exact same sentiments I read about in the United States.

Whether they are true, or can be measured in either country, is another issue... but their closeness was interesting to read.

One article mentioned a religious reminder to be considerate of others; common humanity, especially if they are Muslims.

Yet the same article expressed an undercurrent of ethnic prejudice... again, similar to the U.S. and perhaps almost any other place on earth regardless of religious ideology.

Another article talked about the recent execution of a man guilty of killing several people in an auto accident.

He was driving while under the influence of alcohol (drunk).

The story details how he survived the crash, had been depressed for quite some time while living with AIDS.

After a four year time period of sitting in prison, he was executed for the crime.

Alcohol is prohibited in Saudi Arabia according to their Sharia Law, yet as with almost anything outlawed, people find their ways around the restrictions.

I thought about how penalties for law violations differ between cultures.

In England, this man was convicted for the third time of murder.

He had served his first term for a murder and, after being release, killed yet again (and again served time and was released).

He was going to jail for a third time for yet another murder.

This is not a criticism to either Saudi or English law systems or measurements of justice, grace, whatever.

But to highlight two very distinct examples regarding the death of victims and the state's judgment on the crime (and the criminal).

Some people may not understand the logic for human life in either case regarding the criminals.

Both judgments can be argued as 'extreme' depending on who is thinking about it and their point of view.

The English judgment could be viewed as very lenient, while the Arabian quite harsh.

But according to both either an English and Arabic perception, their country's laws may seem adequate and reasonable to them.

In reading these opinion articles at that Saudi newspaper, I reflected on how the world's humanity is both consistent and different regarding many of life's issues.

The minute details may vary, but the joys, sentiments, prejudices, dreams, arrogances, ideals, ignorance, aspirations, ethnocentric perceptions and specific identities are all shared and reflective on each other.

Reading this particular opinion page and with a simple edit of a few words, the content could reflect the thoughts and sentiments of almost any other people on earth.

Our shared humanity reveals how all governments reflect their cultural history, and how such histories developed inherent bias and subtle prejudices.

As the people of the world grow in their learning of one another and increase their dialogue with each other, these prejudices and biases are apt to continually erode and be seen for what they are - our shared humanity... our fallible selves.

May love and peace grow and take the place of that erosion.

Part One: Ideas That Separate and Unify

Part Two: Power of Poetry in Ancient Arabia.

Part Three: The First 'Revelation'

Part Four: Does The Quran Claim The Bible Was 'Changed'?

Part Five: Defining Messiah

Part Six: Contributions And Subtractions