Very interesting article, and comments.  My attitude toward the "mainstream" Muslim religion, was formed by my African History prof.  During the early Middle Ages in Europe, the Arabian subcontinent, he said, was largely dominated by polytheism and animism.  Mohammed, a trader, who had contact with Jews and Christians, was greatly impressed by their monotheistic beliefs and at one point had a mystical experience involving the angel Gabriel.  He began preaching a monotheistic faith in one all powerful God based on a succession of great prophets beginning with Moses and including Elijah and Jesus.  Allah is the Arabic "name" of YHWH, the nameless One.  Muslims differ from Christians in considering Jesus a prophet rather than the Son of God.  However they believe that He will be happy to explain to Christians in Heaven why Muslims are also present in great numbers. Sadly, Christians have killed Muslims and Muslims, Christians over the last thousand years. .