Religion of Peace?

Is Islam a religion of peace? On the occasion of Eid today, I thought of this recent and eloquent defense of Islam by British journalist Mehdi Hasan at a debate at the Oxford Union. Hasan was responding to the opposing views of Anne-Marie Waters, Peter Atkins, and Daniel Johnson. For the record, Hasan's side (including Mathhew Handley and Adam Deen) won this heated debate 286-168.

In Dec 2012, Hasan also participated in a spirited interview / debate with Richard Dawkins on whether religion is a force for good or evil.

Comments

[Omer]

Hi Namit,

Thanks much for posting this.

I appreciate it.

My parents are from India.

I am a believing and practicing Muslim.

I am a physician and an epidemiologist.

My grandfather was a civil servant who helped many poor people, he helped Hindu families, Muslim families, and people of all backgrounds.

I am sad at how there is so much hate in India against Muslims.

I hope you can help spread tolerance, respect, compassion, and understanding for those who all minorities who are maligned, oppressed, and marginalized in India.

Peace