Read Quran, then decide

I read the May 19 article in The Spokesman-Review regarding Pastor Shahram Hadian’s comments on Islam, and noted especially the appraisal of them by state Rep. Luke Malek of Coeur d’Alene. There is a certain logic to what Malek implies, in that most Idahoans are ignorant of the tenets of Islam, and their application to life, and thus we shouldn’t criticize that of which we are ignorant.

But on the other hand, isn’t it illogical to stay ignorant while giving blanket acceptance to Islam? (That’s like saying, “We have to pass this bill to find out what’s in it.” No judgment pro or con on the law, just the process.)

If we are not going to accept the testimony of one who has experienced life under Islamic authority, then it seems to me we should do something about our ignorance. I suggest we should actually read the Quran. We should ask questions of it to honestly assess what Islam teaches. We could start with, “What does Islam teach about the issues of our day, such as same-sex marriage, women’s rights, responses to those who follow other religious persuasions, etc.?”

Let the holy book of Islam speak and set ignorance aside. Then decide if Islam is a religion of peace or not.

David Rachoy

Rathdrum