[Rook]

Originally Posted by Linus

What would you recommend for those who are interested in learning more (for the sake of learning and understanding) about the Islamic faith?

For starters, always ask before assuming, then there's always have an Open mind, always keep in mind that in many countries that are "Islamic" in some way, do not make distinctions between Religion and Cultural tradition...
Do not stick with one point of view if you still have doubts, keep digging, and please, try to avoid the Quacks, they're really easy to pick out...
Their way is the only way, and if you suggest something that might Differ and all they can do is Preach with anger and refuse to at least acknowledge that there could be a chance they're wrong, keep walking...
I honestly recommend reading the Qu'ran if you have the time, and always keep in mind, each Chapter, verse is subject to Interpretation, so if you read a verse and think one way, a Scholar elsewhere might be thinking differently....
I strongly recommend only Qur'ans that go from "right to left"...and have both your Language, and Arabic....
Visit the local Mosque after doing research on whether they Segregate & how they segregate.. That lil tidbit can tell you a lot of the people within... their school of thought, the country most of them are from, where they stand on some issues...

Always show respect, it's courteous & you catch more flies with honey...
Sadly, I will say this...
Try not to butt heads about Gender and Sexuality...
You're interested in Spirituality, not gender politics...

Know that what one man considers Permissable, another might flat out call it "Bid'ah"(Innovation/Heresy)....

As for Linkage...
I might have to look around, and get back at ya'...