Ok, a few easily answered questions that will clear up some misunderstandings:
1. Muslims do not have to dress like arabs, most muslims do not. Converts do not have to wear arab dress. They are free to do so if they wish, as a sign of their conversion, but this has nothing to do with Islam. Non-muslim arabs dress like arabs (d'oh!). Also note that there is no one 'Arab' dress.
2. Converts don't have to change their names - some choose to do so, but again there is no requirement for them to do so.
3. I'm not aware of any reference to knowledge being in Fire.. can you clarify or refer to a specific reference.
4. Religion and social regulation:
Believe me when I say, I do not regard Islam as anything less than a religion which has set upon it's members/followers a social lifestyle rather than the worship of Allah alone.
This is where I begin to find inconsistancies.
If it were a religion based solely upon true knowledge of spiritual matters I would find it agreeable but, enforcement of social mores should only be within the mind of the believer and not some Religious Police State.
A religion is not complete unless it regulates social interactions as well.
By your definition, the ten commandments would fail your test as most of the commandments call for the regulation of social mores.
Am I missing something here? What is it about the social teachings of Islam that offends your sensibilities?
5. Kaaba - being a relic, why only muslims?
Firstly let me clarify that the Kaaba is a building. In a corner there is a black stone (perhaps a meteorite) which was part of the original building which the Quran says was the first house of worship in the world. It was re-built by Abraham.
It is not a museum, but is called the "house of God" and is the holiest place on earth for Muslims. It is reserved for Muslims alone - and this dates back to when Muhammad destroyed the idols there and banished the idolworshippers from using the Kaaba - effectively returning the Kaaba to its original purpose - as a symbol of the worship on God alone.
Therefore, it makes complete sense to me to keep this place sacred and have it's only purpose that of worship and devotion to God. No muslim wants it turned into a tourist attraction or an archaeological curiosity -it is what it is, a place of worship.
I, personally, find no inconsistency here at all.
Non-muslims are generally welcome in all other mosques around the world, but Mecca is extra-special to Muslims. Men and women are not segregated in the precincts of the Holy Mosque/Kaaba - this is because that those that are there are intent on the worship of God. Non-muslims would not have the same outlook..
That said, I repeat, I don't think this is a valid 'inconsistency' - to hold a sacred site as sacred is not inconsistent with my view of a religion.
Cheers,
Shafique