re: In your own words, describe your understanding of Islam.

Islam/Mohammad REJECTS the idea that Jesus Christ was/is ONLY Begotten Son of God. With ultimate power to forgive Kharmic Debt (philosophical Sin)...IF individual sinner commits to the Principle of Jesus' qualifying Principles of Greater Love...and does their best to cultivate said Principles in their Worldly life.

Mohammed's intent/Religious Ideology is Authoritarian/Totalitarian, and directed toward employing the Islamic Group's violent power to force unbelievers to either "submit"...or suffer punishment as secondary citizens. This Ideology works well for Societies where the People's genetic characteristics are violently-inclined and less apt to experience the more complex feeling of Greater Love. A generalization, as there are always anomalies in any genetic group.

One either believes that Jesus IS who he said he was...or one does not. Islam does not, and is Ideologically offended by such, and sees it as their Moral/Theological DUTY to violently confront and destroy said Idea of Fundamental Christianity. Ensuring either a successful Ideological/Philosophical synthesis...or a big time shootout. Shootout first, with synthesis afterward...most likely scenario.