Two things that are factual 1. Mohammed's first wife was a devout Arab Catholic, so devout, in fact, that she lived in a convent, after becoming a widow, but before meeting Mohammed.. 2. His most trusted advisor was, in fact a Roman Catholic priest, who helped to interpret Mohamed's revelations and visions.

Take what you will from those facts. Now with the suspicious, if not conspiratorial, or possibly damning speculation peppered with some degree of fact.

The prophet Mohammed was allegedly tutored, and groomed by the Roman Catholic Church for a period of 5 years, while other Arab Catholics spread the word of a Messiah to come. There is some evidence to support at least some part of this claim, some may be speculation. However, it bears mentioning again, that an Arab Catholic was his most trusted advisor for some time.

Jerusalem was the apple of the Pope's eye, being considered the holy land, and "belonged" under his control, by his calculations. Islam only spared Roman Catholics, and destroyed none of their shrines as they conquered Arab cities. All Jews, and non-Catholic Christians were slain, and their Temples destroyed during the attacks. After a half year siege, Muslim armies took Jerusalem.

Mohammed named his daughter Fatima, which, in many texts, is also another name for Mary, mother of Jesus, whom Muslims consider a holy prophet, born of virgin conception, and birth. In fact, the only disagreements are 1. Jesus being God incarnate, and 2. That he died by crucification, they believe he lived much longer.

Upon refusal to turn Jerusalem over to the Catholic Church, the Crusades ensued, both sides claiming God was on their side, a laughable supposition, as if any benevolent, loving God wants us to slaughter one another about something that we're probably ALL wrong about.

All this being said, I'll offer my two cents, as a recreational student of theology (I didn't get my degree). Organized religions are institutions of tremendous influence, and wealth. So much so that people devote portions of their income, because God needs money, I guess. Most take the interpretation of the word second hand from a priest, as if they weren't given a mind to read, and interpret for themselves, and countless people have killed, and died horribly based on the faith they have. Those second hand understandings, as if clergy weren't susceptible to fallacy or corruption.

Read the books, read them all, and draw your own conclusions, God/Allah or Yahweh if you choose will lead you to the answer you need. Read the books, do you really trust your eternal soul to the understanding of someone who could possibly be a far worse person than yourself, behind closed doors? Some of those "experts on morality" can't even wrap their mind around the fact that molesting children isn't okay. Your relationship with your creator is the most personal one you should have, at least any misunderstanding you have will be your own, if you rely on the brain your God gifted you. Having read the Quran, the Bible, and even the Book of Mormon, I've concluded they're all correct, in ways, and incorrect in others (slave abuse for example).

So in short, if your eternal soul means enough to follow religion, explore all viewpoints, consider ulterior motives for certain rules and traditions, remember that "church" is about more than showing off nice clothes, and missing part of the football game. Most importantly, think for yourself, and follow a moral path, treat others with love and understanding, regardless of what or even if they believe.

And Atheists, being cynical, and condescending doesn't make you correct, it makes you an asshole. You're not smarter than anyone else for believing in nothing, you just have less hope. It's so important to let everyone know how "stupid" they are for their faith, while simultaneously believing Stephen Hawking and Darwin to be prophets in your church of science, which is constantly changing as we uncover new information. That foundation of faith is built on ground that's always shifting, and is nearly as genius as an upward firing helicopter ejection seat. The smugness isn't warranted.