Blog Assignment 2

            Over the past decade, Americans have been slammed with more and more media that discusses the Middle East and Islamic beliefs. On nearly every news channel, we can see some kind of story about Muslims and terrorists who have committed some kind of violent acts, or are plotting to commit some kind of horrible attack. Because an overwhelming number of these stories—or all of these stories—focus on the fact that the terrorists are Muslim, Americans have begun to see Muslims and terrorists as the same thing. What we aren’t seeing is the media that explains how many of the religious people are opposed to violence, and how holidays like Ramadan are meant to be a peaceful, holy time focused on kindness and reflection. This article is about how the recent terrorist attacks by ISIS completely go against what their religion and Ramadan is all about. The good Muslim people are terrified and devastated because as these things are happening in their countries, to innocent people including women and children (who should be protected), they are all being seen as villains. In reality, the vast majority of the Muslims are victims. It is important for Americans to get a better understanding of what this religion is truly based on, which is not this type of violence. In fact, Islam sets very specific rules for when war and violence is acceptable and how it should be carried out. Islam teaches that it should be used in self-defense, to fight oppression, or when an Islamic state has been attacked.  When used, it should be done with discipline and should do as little damage and harm as possible, avoiding the harm of innocents. This, sadly, is the opposite of what ISIS is doing, yet we easily categorize them with the vast majority of Muslims.

Article:  http://www.ibtimes.com/isis-ramadan-war-muslim-leaders-condemn-islamic-state-attacks-call-holy-month-time-1990904