Virginias Sixth District and the candidate Salam Rasoul
We have seen his signs around the Roanoke area and I think it only fair that we know a little bit more about his convictions. After all, he is running for Congress and his intention is to represent the 6th District for VA. But, does he have Roanoke interest at heart or is his pursuit toward using our Government toward helping the Palestinian cause as I will attempt to show in the article? This is the question I pose and so I ask you to read on as I explain my research. It has already been argued by promoters/supporters of Rasoul that he was born here in the US and he has no palestinian cause or agenda. Im not convinced as I shall demonstrate in this paper. The "Hope Fund" alone shows he historically aided Palestinians financially.
Those who don't know about his religion and politics may be mislead about an agenda in the future. This is why I am going to speak on both. Let me be very clear here at the outset, this article is not to slam or smear Mr. Rasoul or Islam. There is enough documentation out there for anyone to understand just how contrary Islam is from the Judeo Christian religion and many of us already know this. But, for the sake of those who dont know too much I will share some tidbits that are probably not as talked about in your local coffee shops. My concern is about his association with Palestinian causes and his religion. Islam and the Palestinian cause is, even now as we speak, alive and well around the globe and is effecting Christians and Jews.
We may all agree, beliefs form convictions and convictions produce zeal in different degrees. Therefore religion is a part of a persons character and make us who we are. The religion we lay hold of binds us to certain teachings, values and principles which effect others directly and indirectly. How will Mr. Rasoul's beliefs effect Jews and Christians?
This article is primarily addressed to Christians, but also intended to reach the Jewish Communities because they too have families which may be in Israel. This article is also directed toward those who may not be aware of the background of Mr. Rasoul and would like to know what cookie jars Mr. Rasoul's has had his hands in. Mr. Rasoul may possibly sit in Congress making decisions for those (like myself) who have specific religious beliefs contrary to his, and he may make decisions of policy which will effect Israel and myself in the near future. His supporters have already gone on record stating he has no Policy toward Israel and has no Palestinian agenda. But, I hope to show the reader that this is hogwash. Several Palestinian websites are praising his name and I will provide this info if it hasn't been pulled from the public.
We must seriously take this into consideration on voting day. In light of his faith system I believe it is imperative we, the Judeo-Christian community, be informed and educated so we can vote according to OUR faith and conscience and not allow HIS faith to decide what is in our best interest via policies.
Much of this article is in accord with an article I did on Senator Obama because of the similarities of backgrounds. I do not work for nor am I affiliated with any political party! My faith in the Lord and the defense of the Gospel is what drives me. I am a Messianic Jew and a Biblical Apologist and it is my duty to defend the faith as directed in Jude 3. The Messiah has formed MY convictions. Again, this is not an attack on Rasoul or his religion. It is done in the spirit of education to promote discernment for the Lord's people. It is my hope that Jews and Christians will tell others of like mind in the 6th District about Mr. Rasoul so others may be informed on voting day.
Please note; as I mentioned earlier, information is being removed. Since the time of this on-going research and writing, information has been pulled from websites. Nevertheless, the Lord knows what I saw and he is my witness. In one particular website called the AFRP, (no that does not stand for Animal friends rescue project) It is the "American Federation of Ramallah, Palestine" the minutes from a meeting went *poof* and disappeared from the page I cited. But, by the providence of God the Lord was pleased to have me cross paths with a complete stranger who had made a copy of the minutes before they went *poof* and I now have a copy of them in my hot little hands.
As I begin this critique of Mr. Rasoul, no matter how sensitive I attempt to communicate the following message, someone will be angry. I am sure someone will call me anti Muslim, Palestinian hater or some other name. I have already been called these names on one particular blog. If I did not give arguments to support the article then personal attacks are certainly proper. But I have given sound arguments and cited sources. So, I hope to communicate it in a spirit of fairness and accuracy and above all truth. As I said, I have to address his religion and politics and this may anger many liberals, those who oppose Christianity and even those playing at the Christian religion because they do not understand Islam and the Palestinian cause.
Another exhortation is, please do not read personal feelings into this article when you read quotes from the Quran or the Hadiths. When checking these citations, do not make the mistake of asking a liberal Muslim if this or that is true. Most Western Muslims are not a source to verify these doctrines. Why? Because most of them are liberals who disagree or deny the above. Go to the primary sources! Go to Afghanistan or Sudan where they take their Quran seriously. The Western Muslim will deny many of the teachings and writings in this paper because they are either embarrassed by them, never completed fair and accurate research or they do not want the Western world to know many of these beliefs and so they will deny “in house” issues as even the cults do.
WHAT'S IN A NAME?
To begin, this may seem insignificant, silly or trivial to others, but it has significance to me as well as others. The name Sam on his posters is a nickname he gave to himself. You may say, how stupid of you to pick on his name! Hang on a moment. Do you know of many Jews given Arabic name like Abu, Mahmood, Muhammad, etc. Sam refers to himself by the name Sam. But, Sam is a Hebrew name, short for Samuel and it is sh'muel in Hebrew, meaning, “his name is God. Sh'muel is not generally given to Arab men. There are individual Muslims who are given biblical names at times, but generally, in Arabic! For example, the Hebrew name “David” would be “Daa'ood” in Arabic and not “Dave.”
Why is this a big deal to me? Because, Sam is not Sam. He is “Salam.” His name is Arabic. “Salam” translated from Arabic means peace and his last name “Rasoul” can be found in the Quran, Sura 3:81 and it means messenger or prophet or even possibly courier. So, in my opinion, his signs around the 6th District should read more accurately and honestly! Why does he refer to himself as Sam? In fairness, only he and the Lord knows his motives. You may ask, “how do I know it is a self assigned nickname?” Well I asked him via email. I apologize if I bored you about the name but it was relevant to me as well as others who saw it as I did.
Secondly, it is not common to name yourself after the very people you are told to refuse friendships with. Muslims are to refuse friendships with Christians and Jews. What does the Quran teach?
In Sura (Chapter) 5:051, The Pickthall translation reads; “O ye who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians for friends. They are friends one to another. He among you who taketh them for friends is (one) of them. Lo! Allah guideth not wrongdoing folk.”
In case you think it is translated incorrectly, let's have a second translation of the same verse.
The Yusuf Ali translation; “O ye who believe! take not the Jews and the Christians for your friends and protectors: They are but friends and protectors to each other. And he amongst you that turns to them (for friendship) is of them. Verily God guideth not a people unjust.”
Therefore, if a Muslim takes a Jew or a Christian as a friend, Allah will not guide that Muslim. It would be against Islamic instruction to make friendships with people like myself so why take their names?
As a secondary source of how Muslims view the Jews, see;
www.answering-islam.org/Authors/Arlandson/jews.htm
THE RELIGION
Let me get one point out of the way so we can get on with the article. (If you are already familiar with Islam you can go on to the page speaking of his politics.)
Christians must not be naïve and say “but Muslims believe in Jesus.” Yes, they believe in a man named Jesus, but they DO NOT believe in the historical Jesus defined in the Scriptures. Ask yourself if Christian; do you believe Jesus died on a cross according to the Scriptures and that God raised him from the dead according to the Scriptures as cited in Romans 10? The Muslims DO NOT believe Jesus died on a cross.
The Quran opposes the biblical and historical account of Jesus. They have done the same thing other religions have done. They keep the name Jesus for credentials and change the person, nature and work of the historic Jesus. This is why Jesus warned in Matthew 24 to watch out that no one deceives you. False prophets would come and introduce different Messiahs. The Messiah stated others would come using his name and we are not to be fooled by these imitations introduced by Organizations and their self proclaimed prophets. Muhammad designated himself a prophet. Not God! How can we be sure? The evidence is clear because Muslims deny he was the Son of God. 1 John tells us how to identify a liar and a false prophet. Anyone who denies the Messiah came in the flesh is called a liar by the Apostle John.
1John 2:22; Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Messiah? This is the antimessiah, he who denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also.
As Christians we are to avoid the counsel of such a person. And, many of us keep up on the persecutions around the world. We know what happens under Sharia (Islamic) Law for any who profess Jesus is the Son of God. The US isn't at that place... yet. And, I am not willing to help it get started either. Nevertheless, I am concerned when any person who claims Yeshua is not the Messiah will possibly speak for or represent those of us who believe in the biblical and historical Yeshua. We can read from history and current events about what has happened and what is happening to Christians in Countries ruled under Islamic Law. Follow the blood trail in Sudan! O, thats right, the American media doesn't cover things of that nature because it may offend Muslims.
All religions believe in a man named Jesus. The question you have to ask is, which one? Is he the Spirit brother of Lucifer as the Mormons teach? Is he Michael the Archangel as JW's teach? The biggest problem with many in the Church is that people do not ask for definitions of terms and many are taken for a ride by those in false religions who show up at their doorsteps. Making matters worse, a liberal media who wants a non controversial Jesus to include a non judgmental personality. An effeminate jesus, who is viewed as having walked Galilee kissing babies telling everyone “I love you.” Having no justice nor judgment to come. An identity and definition, re-shaped like a wax nose. I'm off my soapbox.
Mr. Rasoul has every right to believe what he believes under our flag as do all other religions under todays flag! I do not care that he is a Muslim. That is his right as an American. But, the point I am trying to make is that the religions cannot both be true if they both contradict one another. If he or anyone for that matter, misrepresents Judeo-Christian doctrine then we should all have pen in hand to refute false doctrines.
Even biblical geography must be defended as historical narrative, which includes identifying proof passages of Israels rightful occupation of a land given to them by the God of Scripture and the location involved. Re-read Genesis 12. In Ezekial 38:16 the land is called by God, His land. It is our responsibility to take the promises of God seriously and this was a promise made to Abraham and his seed through Isaac. Even this doctrine is challenged by Islam. They do not believe Isaac is the son of promise. They believe the promise was through Ishmael. As I said, we both cannot be right.
Mr. Rasoul does not mention specific convictions concerning his religious beliefs in his bio as far as I could see. He uses the name “God” instead of “Allah” which is another topic for another time. Since he is silent concerning his beliefs as a Muslim permit me to fill in the blanks. Having sat under Dr. Walter Martin and studied comparative religions for over twenty years, I feel qualified in speaking where he is silent. You may ask the question “how do you know he is a Muslim?” I asked him in an email. He wrote back to me and said; “I would not be considered a practicing Muslim by many, but I am a Muslim.”
Question, does this make him any less a Muslim? Has he recited the Shahada? That is, has he declared and testified only once; “there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet?” Then he is a Muslim and is accepted into the Muslim community until he renounces this statement. Don't let the words “I would not be considered by others a practicing Muslim” cause you to think that he is less a Muslim. The majority of Muslims are generally Muslims for life. Under Islamic Law you cannot simply walk away from Islam and join another organization without committing the crime of apostasy which leads to persecution, prison or death. A Muslim who leaves Islam (an apostate) is called a murtad. An apostate is under the death penalty in many Muslim countries. Apostasy is considered an attack on Islam. If you are interested in what may happen to those who leave Islam see the following links.
www.light-of-life.com/eng/ilaw
www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article743381.ece
Now, I must take the primary focus off Rasoul and speak of the founder of Islam. This will upset many to be sure. But, it is necessary we look at the picture in a realistic manner. I bring it up in order to draw a parallel between two prophets who had the same lifestyle. I ask you to think about other self proclaimed prophets marrying young girls who were not yet biologically ready. Does David Koresh come to mind? Did we allow this type of behavior to continue with he and his compound even though he designated himself a prophet? Would you give your six or nine year old daughter to a forty or fifty year old man? Then why have tolerance for it with anyone else?
The marriage of Muhammad to Aisha was consummated at the age of 9 by Muhammad. The Hadith records she was playing with dolls around that time.
“Narrated 'Aisha: that the Prophet married her when she was six years old and he consummated his marriage when she was nine years old, and then she remained with him for nine years (i.e. till his death)” Bukhari, Volume 7, Book 62, Number 64
www.homa.org/Details.asp?ContentID=2137352728
also see;
www.answering-islam.org/Index/index.html
Question for us and lets be serious here as we draw the parallel; Wasn't David Koresh accused of marrying young children? Weren't there allegations that he was a pedophile? Didn't the Government seek to arrest him? With this in mind, what if one of David Koresh's active disciples was running for Congress? Would we take into consideration the history of the religion of David Koresh as the candidates leader and prophet? I am absolutely sure I would. Ladies and gentlemen what is the difference when you look at the two side by side? Muhammad is certainly not David Koresh, but you see the point.
For those unfamiliar with the Hadiths let me give further teachings believed by Muslims. I have listed only a few to wet your whistle. Many of these teachings from the Hadiths are not generally known to the public.
1. Muslims are not permitted to own a dog for a pet unless used as a working dog. (Angels will not enter the house if there is a doggy for a pet). Bukhari, vol. 4 no. 539
2. Satan lives in the upper part of the nose during the night. Vol 4 no. 516.
3. Satan urinates in your ears if you fall asleep during prayers. Vol. 2 no. 245
4. Muhammad taught the majority of people in hell were women. Vol 1, nos 28, 301; vol 2 no. 161
5. Muhammad taught women were deficient in intelligence. Vol. 3 no. 826.
The Quran also contradicts the biblical narrative concerning Noah. Scripture teaches Noah and his wife, his three sons and their three wives all survived a worldwide flood. All eight of them went into the ark to avoid the floodwaters and all eight survived. (see Genesis 7:13.)
But, when the Quran records the event of Noah we have a problem. The Quran teaches one of the sons refused to get in, went to a high mountain and tried to avoid the waters, but was drowned by the waters. Thus, seven survived. (Sura 11:42-43.)
Why take the time to mention them? Like I said above, wouldn't you want to know about the religion of the self proclaimed prophet David Koresh if one of his followers were running for Congress this next election?
To repeat, I'm not comparing Koresh to Rasoul so don't go there! The prophet “makes” the person. (Spiritually speaking) Muslims are guided by the teachings of Muhammad in the same way many Religious Jews are guided by the teachings of Moses in the same way many Christians are guided by the teachings of Jesus. The religious leader of any religion must be considered to understand a person!
One more point I have to reiterate since many people seem callous about how women are treated under Sharia Law. I don't know if you women paid attention to the above text from the Hadith so I think you should consider it again.
1. Islam teaches the majority of people in hell were women.
2. Islam teaches women are deficient in intelligence.
Under Islamic Law, a woman has only half the vote of a man and does not have equal worth as man has. Don't confuse our US Law with their Sharia Law. I'm sure Rasoul treats his wife as a queen under US Law. But, under Islamic Law women are treated inferior. Go and rent “Not without my daughter” starring Sally Field. Here I have provided the trailer clip from youtube;
www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_kSBvE4Jeo
So I ask, is this the religion that will look out for the best interest of women if this is a fundamental teaching? Surely, you should have concerns with any disciple who follows any prophet that teaches women are lacking in intelligence and reside in hell abundantly wouldn't you?