As someone who's been appreciative of Islam and Arab culture since before 9/11, I was really enjoying the podcast until Lex asked about 9/11. I didn't get any sense of struggle with or acknowledgement of how religion is used to destructive ends. Despite Suleiman's downplaying, terrorism in the name of Islam is extremely high relative to their share of the population. Look up the Pew poll on Shariah, which shows far too much support for the death penalty for those leaving Islam, and tell me there's not a problem.  Terrorism in the name of Islam blends in with all the other violence of various motivations in America, but it stands out especially starkly in Europe. The Quran can say "slay the idolaters wherever you find them" and that's totally unrelated to terrorism in the name of Islam, but Donald Trump is somehow to blame for shootings by whites? Talk about hypocrisy. Of course verse 9:5  of the Quran has context, but so do the words of politicians, but people can take ideas in isolation and away from context and use them to dangerous ends.,(reply>), Please never use the word of god for your nefarious purposes may Allah forgive your ignorance,(reply>), Why do think these “terrorists” only seem to hate America and not japan or   Mongolia theres a deep underlying issue here, and the verse which you are using is <br>This so-called ‘verse of the sword’ commands Muslims to defend their community against idolaters who violated their peace treaty obligations and were waging a war of aggression. The verse is applicable only to hostile armies and not to non-Muslims in general. We should look at the entire chapter and interpret the verses comprehensively and consistently, rather than taking one verse out of context.<br><br>When the sacred months have passed, then slay the idolaters wherever you find them and capture them and besiege them and sit in wait for them at every place of ambush. But if they should repent, establish prayer, and give charity, let them go on their way. Verily, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.<br><br>Surah At-Tawbah 9:5<br><br>If any one of the idolaters seeks your protection, then grant him protection so that he may hear the words of Allah. Then deliver him to his place of safety. That is because they are a people who do not know.<br><br>Surah At-Tawbah 9:6