Originally posted by: drewshin
Do you know more about different 'types' of Islam like Wahhabi and Sufi?
I always hear about the Wahhabi in Saudi Arabia that is supposed to be very strict and conservative, and Sufis (like Cat Stevens?) are considered 'mystics'... Are they also following the Koran but just different interpretations?
Also I vacationed in Egypt for two weeks last year and everyone I met was very nice. Everyone seemed just like every other person in the world, just trying to make a living and support their family. Do you think the ones that harbor anti-American attitudes are out of the mainstream?
One thing though that they would not let us do is to go inside the mosques. Other religions I know allow people to enter their places of worship, is there a reason for this (I think Mormons dont let outsiders enter either)?
Many harbor ill-will towards the Americans. It has nothing to do with religion but American foreign policy, such as the illegal invasion of Iraq, unfair support of Israel, rejection of Kyoto protocol, International Criminal Court, etc, etc. Of course there is a difference in the level of hatred but you would also harbor great ill-will towards Russia if they drop massive bombs into American cities killing innocents.
The story about the Wahabi sect is mostly hype. Yes, it is true, they present a stricter, more conservative interpretation of religious injunctions. However, those who believe in the Wahabi teachings follow the interpretations happily. As long as they dont impose their interpretations on other Muslims, or non-Muslims by force, I dont see why anyone should have an objection. Many of these interpretations actually have produced good results. For example, many engage in grave-worshipping which is totally prohibited in Islam. The Wahabi interpretation strictly disallows such in Saudi Arabia, where graves of the Prophet (S.A) and his companions are found.
You are incorrect that non-Muslims are not allowed into mosques. After 9/11, the President of my school and other school official visited the local campus mosque, and even prayed along with us.