Interview: Sam Harris and Murad Aldin Amayreh, Muslim Film Director (#3 of 3)

[mirotrash]

the American Constitution IS preferable to anything the muslims came up with.

[Bluefairy513]

@0mar99 You can say suicide is forbidden in ISlam all you want. You can also say Islam is a religion of peace. Then the question remains WHY do so many misunderstand it? How many terrorist acts are committed by other religions? 3-5 deadly acts are committed in the name of Islam on a daily basis. you can't say that about any other religion. So please tell me, what is the problem and how does it get resolved? If it is so misunderstood, should the effort be in educating fellow Muslims?

[Bluefairy513]

The argument that terrorists are born in countries that are oppressed is typical apologist drivel. What about the terrorists born in England? Home grown terrorism is on the rise. WHY? Because the scriptures promote blood shed to further Islam. But it isn't terrorism that is the threat, it is Sharia. A peaceful and subtle Jihad is what is going on further Sharia. You never asked this guy if he supports Sharia.

[Bluefairy513]

As he says, he is out of touch with the Arabic world. The fact remains that there are plenty of people who believe in the orthodox ways of the Qu'ran and hadith which tell them to oppress and even kill non believers. Allow child molestation, wife beating and the execution of gays to name a few of it's charms.

This guy does not know the principals of his religion. He does not know that the peaceful tents were abrogated by the violent ones. Or he just snowed you with taqiyya.

[mryyan2000]

This was really great and informative. Thanks for posting.

[jvilla21]

yup. its all the same shit.

[greatsea]

Continued from former comment...If you really think that the idea of 'freedom' is not logically compatible with the legal right to insult a religion, then I robustly urge you to consider the option of emigration.

[laraesque]

Freedom of speech is essential to our way of life. It does not involve killing or maiming anyone. The issue people have with Islam is the violence proposed in its holy book. I object to this violence in the same way I object to the violence proposed by Jehovah in the Christian Bible. Both holy books tell followers to kill people for ridiculous reasons. This is barbaric, no matter what book it comes from. When people take this literally, it is sick and promotes hatred of the religion.

[MuslimPrincess4ever]

Thanx 4 interview, it uh was interesting.

and salami to you..

[RobBryan206]

A relationship between a believer and their God is a personal relationship between the believer and their God and no one else. Every believer should be respected as long as they do not infrindge upon the belief's of other's.

[TANTHEMAN01]

its called ethnocentrism

[greatsea]

All I care about is what an average American Muslim's idea of freedom is. As a Christian it just doesn't offend me for someone to blaspheme Christ. But even if it did, I don't want laws made making it illegal to criticize my religion. I want everyone to be perfectly free to say anything they want to about any religion. I want freedom of religion and freedom from religion. As long as Muslims think this way I'm fine with them.

[americanmuslimgirl]

Greatsea, that's awesome. Come see. I'll try my best. I would NEVER blaspheme Christ, alehi salam, for a lot of reasons. Nor do I become angry, God willing, if you blaspheme MY prophet, may the peace and blessings of God be upon him.

[phwaleed]

It is not logical point of view!

[greatsea]

Phwaleed, I'm not sure what you are referring to. What is not a logical point of view?

[phwaleed]

as I understand from u, that u r calling to consider blaspheming, cursing, insulting and disrespect religions as a part of freedom!!!! this is what i mean by illogical point of view

[greatsea]

You've made a point for me I'd not intended to address. The 'criminality of criticizing Mohamed' is built into the very logic of Islamic consciousness. That's what's so scary about it. 33% of young British Muslims want to live under sharia law and think that anyone who leaves the faith should be put to death for apostacy. 68% of British Muslims think that their neighbors who insult Islam should be arrested and prosecuted. (according to polls conducted by Center for Social Cohesion)

[crawlingkiki]

Why would anyone want to insult their neighbor just because they believe in a different religion? Wouldn't you think this is a little bit barbaric and divisive?

Also there is no criminality in rationalizing religion and engaging in positive intellectual debate. The criminality, if you will, would be in disrespecting, personally attacking, pointing fingers and merely blindly preaching superiority complexes. All people should be free but more importantly respectful to others.

[phwaleed]

"greatsea" because my reply is too long, and cannot be posted here, I sent it as a message for you.

Thx

[dfirent1]

Thank you SO MUCH for this amazing program!

There is so much we can all learn from eachother in terms of tolerance, understanding and peaceful coexistence, and I commend and congratulate the makers of this program for encouraging this dialogue! Thank you again!! =)

[persianmad]

dont worry about our dick.its just fine my freind.

[Lhaw06]

very nice video - our differences are really not that big, especially the current western states, with freedom of religion (quran 2:256), democratic lead system (shura) and the ruling by law&order is basically 100% conform with islamic teachings - hope for the best and more open-minded people!

[Lhaw06]

well, did you ask any of them? I guess not, I've lots of muslim friends and I've never seen or heard of ANY mutilisation of the genitals, by the way, on german news (n-tv) they recently showed that circumsition is reducing the risk of genital diseases, and even AIDS dramatically!

[bosanac01]

great video!! loved it, good 13 minutes of my life.

[theundercoverangel]

Great Friend Friday!! *starts singing - Why can't we be friends*

Celebrate, appreciate & embrace our Differences -

Whatever your difference may be!

[jzbelle03]

Thank you for sharing this informative and insightful video, all 3 parts were wonderful.

[memblor]

This is such bullshit. He's spinning jihad terrorism like crazy!

If the suicidal bloodbaths are due to oppression and they're just looking for a way out, then why do they blow themselves up in market places surrounded by women and children?

Oh right, because it's full of Muslims that aren't the sect that the suicide bomber belongs to. Or it's in a rival mosque.

And according to the Koran, if you die as a "martyr", you go to Paradise with 72 virgins and an eternal erection.

[DjHalloween1]

another racist pig

[memblor]

If only we were more understanding and tolerant we would learn that female genital mutilation, compulsory veils, amputation for petty theft, death penalty for apostates and sharia law in general are really the way to go!

It's what the creator of the universe wants for us!

Oh, I forgot that the creator of the universe wants homosexuals to be put to death!

Stone those fags! Hang them!

Allah! Allah! Allah! /sarc off

Sam Harris. Typical lefty loon. Despicable apologist.

[CommediaDelArte]

Who thinks Americans want to export our culture?!? We don't care...our problem with Islam is with the crazy doctrine.What an asshole. Let that guy live in Saudi Arabia, or Jordan, or Iran, etc.

[rboggs1]

Sam, thanks for sharing this. I am a Christian Pastor..and Love the fact that you shared this insite with your viewers!!! Together, we can change the narrowness-mindset of the world! Thanks again, this was beautiful!

[dreamerjs]

I love your friend fridays Sam!

[carrolly2k]

Very educational.Thanks.

[KatyLynn2011]

They have very intresting views. :]

thanks for voicing them.

[jiggastyle]

the thing with water and the cup is from bruce lee smile... ;P

greets from an european arab ;P

[wcduke]

Big: I want to take this opportunity to thank you for allowing me to grow. I have gone back and read many of your statements, directed at others and myself. I am going to assume that you are right in how you are depicting Islam because no one here has taken issue with you on the specific quotes you list. So I have come to this conclusion: As an atheist, I have an aversion to all religion. Now I have been informed as to very specific things about the religion of Islam which support my overall...

[wcduke]

ideology. But I feel I need to be very careful and sensitive about this issue. Most Muslims, especially western Muslims perhaps, are not extreme in their views. I'd like to suggest to you again that maybe you could offer some context when speaking so stringently on a topic like religion, so that you aren't interpreted as being intolerant of one specific religion. It tends to allow for greater understanding. People are less likely to shut down. Thanks again and peace to you.

[luvlac64]

Sam.. an idea...

Since this vlong has attracted such a debate, I would love to see you do another vlog where you (alone) talk about the responses and what you have learned/ concluded about the interview.

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

Awesome idea luvlac!!

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

Actually, anyone can do anything they want when it comes to their spirituality. All souls are created equally and, IMO, are responsible to find their chosen, best path to a relationship with the God of their understanding, whether they call that God, Goddess, The Universe, Allah, Jehovah, or Barney the Purple Dinosaur. Religion provides a structure for faith for those who need it. Not everyone requires that degree of structure.

You may be right about religious texts, but there are other ....

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

texts, spiritual texts that are non-canonical and therefore more universal in nature. There's plenty to bee found there. The thing about religion, IMO is that it doesn't require folks to do the work because the structure is already there. Blind faith is all that is required.

Spirituality is another matter entirely. It requires thinking & thoughtfulness, study, effort, and a true desire to be self accountable & the doing of one's own spiritual work. Some prefer one way, others prefer another.

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

IMO and in my faith, my understanding is that all roads lead Home. What 'Home' looks like when you get there is dependent upon one's actions in life and whichever road one chooses to get their is completely up to them and is between them and the God of their understanding. In my belief, even atheism and agnosticism are valid spiritual paths, because nothing is separate from this Universal Energy that some of us call God. Not even 'evil' because evil isn't the absence of light, its the ...

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

distortion of light for non-loving and non-compassionate purposes. And now I will break my own rule & make a blanket statement: ALL religions have SOME people/followers who either misinterpret, or distort, or through blind faith or ignorance misunderstand the teachings and use them for 'evil' purposes. It is wholly inaccurate and unbelievably unfair of you to place this on Islam's doorstep alone. Doing so makes you guilty of the very thing you denounce.

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

Big, I'd have to be in a bubble for it to be burst don't you think? You make some interesting statements, but they are contradicted by historical fact. By the way, many Christians make the same claims of the Bible. Those believing that spiritual texts have not been altered over the years and are the word of God inerrant needs to study. This is not an issue of faith, it's an issue of religious and cultural history. Look it up, do the work, study, educate yourself. Very interesting stuff :)

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

I wouldn't classify it big, because that's not what I was talking about. You know, a person can comment about the US without having to comment comparatively about other nations. I'm not interested in commenting comparatively, or I would have done so. My intent was to reply to Diva's comment about American attitudes. I prefer to leave it at that.

[ant2181]

I really enjoyed this FF,the best one.I didn't know the moaning was the dog,I thought is was Murad thinking out loud—LOL.I hope there is a part 4,5,&6 to answer the questions that r popping up.This will probably b the most controversial vlog for you.I appreciate the humor involved; don't think it needs to be all serious.I believe he skirted some of the issues and sugar coated some of the answers.He needs 2 b committed to his beliefs and b able to articulate rationale & SPECIFIC beliefs/opinions.

[pinkyspics]

pointing fingers and saying, "we're not perfect, but look at everybody else! they're worse!" is not going to solve anything.

[wcduke]

Pinkyspics: I agree with that in theory, but for me it is also about context. Why some people choose to criticize one religion when other religions contain essentially the same dogma, is what I question. There are reasons why "white America" (for example) does not like Islam. Some of them valid, some of them not. Then why don't those same people hold Christianity to the same standards? If your response would be the terrorist attacks, my answer to that would be that is still happening...

[wcduke]

...to this day by many people, in the name of Christ (as they choose to interpret the bible), including GWB.

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

WC, I couldn't agree more! Its unfair, unreasonable and unrealistic to compare apples to oranges. It's interesting to note that both the Qur'an and the Bible contain quotes about taking a look at one's own faults before pointing out the faults of another. Most interpret this on a personal level, but it's just as true on a larger scale - i.e. one religious group pointing at another.

[wcduke]

Thanks for your support. From the long line of comments over the past few days, we overwhelmingly agree. But I'm not sure I understand your point in this post, so let me clarify; as an atheist, I am not about to defend any religion, but I will always try to encourage fairness on both sides. Maybe I have misunderstood. If that is the case, could you please restate your last comment? Thank you.

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

You're so right Al :)

[missdivinestalls]

This was so worth it. Whata great way to spend time on youtube!!

[TexJett]

Again..riveting...kudos Sam to your honesty and compassion. Sam for Gov.

[TexJett]

Sam, being an Okie native too...go back and read about Okla history and what challenges the native tribes had to endure...these ideas and attitudes are not new.

[spydog97]

I MUST give you kudos for discussing two of the most 'taboo' subjects in your vlogs: Religion (as in these) and Politics (in past ones). Most people wouldn't touch these subjects with a 20 foot pole! You're going to be a fantastic host, and Lifetime will be damn lucky to have you! You have my utmost respect, my friend!

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

Couldn't agree more!

[scowndrel]

I hope that you include interviews like this on your show. Educate and entertain. You're strong suit.

[MidgeDog]

Thanks again Sam and to Murad too - I learnt a lot, and hope that these Vlogs will prompt more discussion, more examination of assumptions and misconceptions, and ultimately assist in what needs to happen - that America and it's government needs to take stock of it's actions and mistakes and respect others and their beliefs, and seriously work towards peace, not dominance through violence. Love your work Sam. Jen x

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

Well said Jen!

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

Sam and Murad,

Thank you for taking the time to discuss & educate on this very important topic! If a single mind is changed, if a single heart is touched, or if a single bigot has had a change in understanding, then you both served a Divine purpose. Good work guys :) Loved it!

[rextrek]

why america likes to think its advanced over everyone else...we preach one thing,and do another...unfortunately - OUR whole world is so primitive.

[divalover2007]

indeed

over here in europe we too often get the impression that americans think they are better in everything

that they are the only ones that matter..

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

Diva...yep...that's because unfortunately, that's true. As a whole, we Americans are a spoiled child-like lot. Visiting Europe gave me such a deep understanding of how young this nation is, as are the attitudes we are raised on. Fortunately, many outgrow it. Unfortunately, many more do not :( I think the political misuse of religion has much to do with that.

[packamacka]

But Islam is also a political ideology its not just a religion. Sharia Law impacts every area of life and imposes restrictions on freedom. That is the reality.

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

I find that reality is not so cut and dry and that reality is often based on perception & personal truth. The same could be said for Christianity, particularly under the current dictatorship....err...administ­ration. Example: It is illegal for many of us to marry in this country because of religious law that has been imposed on secular law - laws that restrict our freedoms. That is also a reality. Remember too that the Nation of Islam and Islam are two different religions.

[wcduke]

I consider myself to be an educated and socially aware person. After viewing the three videos, I feel I have learned a lot. However, as a gay man, it would have been interesting to hear what the Muslim view on homosexuality is, and whether or not there is any leniency "allowed" in how gay people should be viewed. In other words, can you be a [straight] Muslim and be more liberal with your views, or are you bound by certain defined beliefs which cannot stray outside the parameters of Islam?

[wcduke]

And thank you for posting these videos, Sam.

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

Great question! I imagine its the same as any other Abrahamic religion. The Muslim view is likely as diverse as the Christian view and is dependent upon country, culture, & the ability to discard dogmatic teachings while clinging to ones considered spiritually valid. In terms of the religion of Islam, homosexuality is regarded in the same way as in fundamentalist Christianity. IMO, that belief is dogmatic rather than spiritual, regardless of what religion its found within.

[wcduke]

Thanks for your response. I have learned something here. But the question still remains, why would a gay person choose to identify with any religion when that religion so fundamentally denies the right of that person to exist equally? It is only one of the reasons why I am an atheist.

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

Another great question and a very valid point IMO. I can't answer for others, but I can answer for me. Perhaps that will shed some light? The way I see it is that scriptural books (bible, qur'an, etc) are not the word of God inerrent, and just because some jackass slipped a bunch of garbage in among some pearls of wisdom doesn't make me want to throw the baby out with the bathwater. The thinking person will recognize, separate and discard the dogmatic from the spiritual and ...cont in next post

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

take what works for them spiritually and leave the crap behind. I recognize that this is a statement that enrages many devout folks of varying faiths but I won't apologize for what I believe in. I will apologize for any offense taken, though none is meant. In the end, my spiritual beliefs and my relationship with the God of my understanding is far more important to me than are the religions we use to try and relate to and understand that creative force/source of love. (continued in next post)

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

Ultimately, for me, it's a matter of rejecting what are obviously some man made "rules" reflective of society at the time of the writing, rewriting, and interpretation, the cultural mores of the authors, and the fears of the same. I refuse to ascribe anything hateful, unjust, or dogmatic to the God of my understanding and ascribe it instead to it's source - misguided people who held the power to have the books written to begin with. Which is why I'm not welcome in any church anywhere (smile).

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

Lastly, I just don't believe it's necessary to believe everything a religion says in order to take the pearls that can be found there. I'm very much a "take what you like and leave the rest" kind of gal :) It works for me :)

I hope that answers it for you :)

Be Blessed,

Kel

[wcduke]

Thanks for your thoughtful response. I agree and disagree, and that's ok. ;)

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

Yes, I agree, it's totally ok :) Re: your response to Sam & eternal damnation vs. temporary living arrangements...again for me, it comes down to what I believe. I just don't believe in the concept of eternal damnation. I follow Christianity ONLY to the degree that I follow what *I* believe to be the teachings of the Christ - all higher principles vs. religious dogma. Some of the quotes ascribed to the person of Jesus in the bible are, in my experience in faith, incorrect. There are...

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

many other sacred/spiritual texts that never made it past the Council of Nicaea and into the Bible which contain very different quotes from the person of Jesus which are aligned to higher principles (love one another no matter what, be personally & spiritually empowered, all are equal in the eyes of God, etc). It is those I choose to follow as they resonate with me as being attuned to the Christ Consciousness. Mainstream Christianity of course, rejects these as blasphemous. To each his own :)

[wcduke]

EmpSan: Thanks again for yet another thoughtful response. If I am understanding you correctly, I would question whether or not you are actually a Christian, and I mean that respectfully. You seem to disagree with what seems to be such basic xian dogma, that it makes me think that perhaps you just haven't found the right one yet. Again, I make this statements sincerely. I understand how, when written, this could be interpreted. No hell? That seems Buddhist-like, no?

[SamHarrisCOM]

wcduke - A good question. So many gay people who choose to stay with a religion (Christianity, Islam) because they pick out the bad and the rest is more valuable to have than not. Within those religions, however, there are churches and mosques that are more inclusive and loving. We hear about them all the time. They are not approved of by the big cheeses (Pope....) but they exist. What about this: how, as a gay man, do you live in a country where you don't have equal rights. Which is worse?

[msjmorrison]

Very interesting video, Sam. I learned a lot. But remembering something you said in an earlier vlog, you must have cringed every time he said "anywayS," one of your pet peeves. LOL Good video; thanks.

Judi

[HowardThomasWatt]

Sam I go by this saying: Live and let live! just injoy what little time we have here. This has been a great day for your friend Friday Vlogs! Please thank Murad for his time with us.

[rainyjane10]

What a boring world this would be if we were all the same! Thank you Sam and Murad for celebrating those cultural and religious differences. Cindy

[orpheustansen]

Indeed, why can't we all get along?

[onepeacenow]

Thanks for this insightful Friend Friday Sam, Murad and great commentary EMMA!

xoxo Tresa

[VLPRESL]

sam and murad, i can't thank you enough for letting us in on this most informative conversation. i have learned so much from this. i will take what i have learned and be even more understanding of our differences and appreciate our sameness. much love and peace. xoxo-vicki

[regamom3]

Thanks, Sam. I feel that every religion should be respected and have the right to be. All people need to be respectful to all people, we all have the same makeup. We need to look at the person, and their acts and deeds.