understanding Islam

What do you know about Islam? Obviously, if you were to turn the TV on today, you would see reports about the struggle over Jerusalem between Muslims and Jews. A conflict that has been going on for many years. Many people have family members who have served or are currently serving in the Middle East. Why? When you meet a Muslim, how does it make you feel? Has the media tainted your opinion about the religion to where you fear them or distrust them? Do you lump all Muslims together as being radical, terrorists, or haters of the West? What do you know about the history of Islam? Is it a faith full of infidels? Is it a real monotheistic faith? Where does it separate from Judaism or Christianity? Why do you believe what you believe in your own personal faith?
You are tasked with writing a 2-page discussion piece over Islam. You are free to choose to talk about the history of the religion, the modern conflicts that involve the religion, or just a discussion about how Islam makes you feel as an individual. Remember that there are good and bad people in any faith, regardless of if it is a monotheistic or polytheistic religion. Be careful not to stereotype or categorize people that you do not know. Do research and learn something about the religion as you write this paper. You must write this paper in Times New Roman, 12-point font, double spaced. You do not have to cite sources as this is a discussion-based paper and there should not be any direct quotes in your essay.