Question for Rayaan (or Ziggy)

[Justtristo]

I posted this on another thread,but thought you might have missed it:

Another question,if you don't mind,something which confuses me.

I lived in Malaysia,a Muslim country since the 12th century,where Sunni Islam is the State religion. I had some good Muslim fiends,in a local kampong,and had some nice chats with the revered village Hadj. These were devout people. I was accepted as a person of The Book, and always treated with great respect, wonderful hospitality, and kindness.

My question: The Qur'an seems quite specific about People of The Book (Jews and Christians specifically although the term is contentious) AND their status under Sharia law as Dhimmi.


BUT throughout parts of Islam,there is a deep and abiding hatred of both Jews and Christian, EG at present the murder of Christians in Iraq has become an international scandal.

It is my observation that very good people can be led to do evil things in the name of religion.Do you know off hand some of the sura and Hadith used by extremists to justify anti Jewish and anti Christian acts?

This is not an attack on Islam. I really want to understand the mindset of such people. Because of my own experiences with Islam and Muslims, I do not see the religion as evil or even innately violent. I think those perceptions probably come from cherry picking the Qur'an and a misunderstanding of the word 'jihad'.(struggle)

I would need to read the Quran again in order to answer this question.