A MUST WATCH
A most illuminating video interview with Robert Spencer. One hour long - so yes, grab a coffee and turn off "The Bachelor" or whatever engrossing bit of TV is on tonight (I don't know as I don't watch TV - life is too short) and watch this instead.
He and the host have such a worthwhile exchange regarding things like: "well I know some Muslims and they are wonderful people so that means Islam is as wonderful as they are".
The speakers mention books called Hadith and Sira. Hadith are collections of records of Muhammad's life and teachings that do not appear in the Qur'an but have enormous authority. For instance it is the Hadith which says to pray five times a day (the Qur'an says four) and that adulterers should be stoned (the Qur'an says theyshould be whipped). The most authoritative Hadith are the two collections Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim - Sahih meaning "trustworthy". Together with the Qur'an the Hadith forms the basis of what is called the Sunna - the way of life for a faithful Sunni Muslim (i.e. 85-90% of all Muslims). The Sira also has great authority in orthodox Islam as it is the best biography of Muhammad's life and is useful for setting his life in context and illuminating the Qur'an which usually has revelations, statements and actions without a clear context.
A wide ranging discussion with humour and generosity. Yes, really a Must Watch.
A most illuminating video interview with Robert Spencer. One hour long - so yes, grab a coffee and turn off "The Bachelor" or whatever engrossing bit of TV is on tonight (I don't know as I don't watch TV - life is too short) and watch this instead.
He and the host have such a worthwhile exchange regarding things like: "well I know some Muslims and they are wonderful people so that means Islam is as wonderful as they are".
The speakers mention books called Hadith and Sira. Hadith are collections of records of Muhammad's life and teachings that do not appear in the Qur'an but have enormous authority. For instance it is the Hadith which says to pray five times a day (the Qur'an says four) and that adulterers should be stoned (the Qur'an says theyshould be whipped). The most authoritative Hadith are the two collections Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim - Sahih meaning "trustworthy". Together with the Qur'an the Hadith forms the basis of what is called the Sunna - the way of life for a faithful Sunni Muslim (i.e. 85-90% of all Muslims). The Sira also has great authority in orthodox Islam as it is the best biography of Muhammad's life and is useful for setting his life in context and illuminating the Qur'an which usually has revelations, statements and actions without a clear context.
A wide ranging discussion with humour and generosity. Yes, really a Must Watch.
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