Finally Studying... Help?

[Caladan]

OK so I've gone through this entire thread and every answer I was going to give has been given (a little bit from both sides).

Storm, I have started many replies and had to stop because it's bordering on debate; I agree with Sahar that a thread in Religious Debates would be a good idea so that we can all participate.

I do agree greatly with Caladan about studying the history of Islam. It will help you tremendously to understand life before Islam and the beginnings of Islam as well. History will explain a lot of it, and will help you understand some Muslims' resistance to "change".

Thanks ssainhu, I think that if you want to understand a religion. you need to understand its people, and its culture. you will always find down to earth men and women who understand the American foreign policy and the politics and society of the mediterranean and the middle east.

 

[beenie]

Thanks ssainhu, I think that if you want to understand a religion. you need to understand its people, and its culture. you will find down to earth men and women who understand the American foreign policy and the politics and society of the mediterranean and the middle east.

Absolutely.

 

[Sahar]

Fashion.

There is a huge difference between requirements of the modest dress and fashion. Islam didn't prescribe a certain style of clothing. Muslim women around the world wear hijab in different styles; traditional and modern styles...

The way you insist that particular fashions are the only way to modesty confuses me. Like hijab. It's gone from being an item of clothing to the symbol of Islamic womanhood. That strikes me as a bit... extreme.

What does "symbol of Islamic womanhood" mean?
Do you mean reducing women in hijab? If so, I agree it happens but the burden of guilt is on those who think this way, not on Islam nor the idea or practice of the modest dress.
Hijab is only a small piece in the life of the Muslim woman and who she is and this piece is consistent with the other pieces.

I just meant that, you follow these details of fashion because they're your tradition. And since there's no good reason to change it, you embrace it. That's all I meant.

On the contrary, Islam drew the general outline not the details. Islam is a universal religion that is embraced by different cultures and nationalities, across these cultures, you'll find different styles of clothing while sticking to the Islamic ethics of modesty.

 

[Storm]

There is a huge difference between requirements of the modest dress and fashion. Islam didn't prescribe a certain style of clothing. Muslim women around the world wear hijab in different styles; traditional and modern styles...


What does "symbol of Islamic womanhood" mean?
Do you mean reducing women in hijab? If so, I agree it happens but the burden of guilt is on those who think this way, not on Islam nor the idea or practice of the modest dress.
Hijab is only a small piece in the life of the Muslim woman and who she is and this piece is consistent with the other pieces.


On the contrary, Islam drew the general outline not the details. Islam is a universal religion that is embraced by different cultures and nationalities, across these cultures, you'll find different styles of clothing while sticking to the Islamic ethics of modesty.

If you're following the debate thread, I was operating under a mistaken assumption. It's been resolved, which makes my point moot.

As for the "symbol of Islamic womanhood," I mean it's become a powerful representation, not that it's all she is. It's a declaration of her deeper self.

 

[Starsoul]

Hi there storm, good to see you here : )

I only have one small suggestion which might be of help, I would recommend for a non muslim to first wrap their head around the Idea of The One God only, even for just understanding about Islam. It is really good that you are a deep observer, and want to tackle all those questions in your mind, its just that the answers unfold themselves with more clarity, when one deeply studies the theology about Allah, the Only one God around which the whole doctrine revolves.

You can read all about dress code, history, behaviors and etc and etc to know more in order to understand, but if you miss studying more about the core foundation of Islam, you may have a lot of difficulty in even coming close to any sort of understanding about it all, and it may confuse you to a great extent.

The reason is that, Islam's primary focus is only the oneness of Allah subhano taala , and the struggle of humans to revive their inner spirituality to recognize their Creator. Following the codes and principles of behavior , is just a means to get close to the creator, thats it.

The Quraan starts with the first few chapters entirely dedicated to the clearing and building those concepts about the unseen God. One cannot , even in their most intelligent mind, skip the basics of something in order to be able to reach higher understanding, Infact it is absolutely mandatory to subscribe to the concept described in the fist few chapters, in order to move ahead with better understanding.

Also, I don't know which copy of Quraan you are using, but The Nobel Quran by Mufti taqi Usmani ( in English) is a good translation. You can ask the centre to give one copy to you. I'll share some links with you which are very helpful , do check them out when you get the time.

Why Islam – Accurate & Un-biased Information on Islam

GainPeace - To educate the general public about Islam

And I would also like to add this video which throws some light on the importance of learning the language in order to be able to know what phenomenons it deals with. Not saying that one has to, a lot of muslims still don't know Arabic, but most who understand the Quran must know it a bit atleast; practising muslims who understand the Quran well ,are people who make an effort to understand some Arabic, which makes it quite easier for them to relate to the literal treasure that is there in the Quran which re-assures that Only God could come up with this eloquent way of description.

So thats one reason that translations don't do justice, there are words in Arabic that there are no translations for, in english or any other language, it is just so vast. One just appreciates the beauty of the Quran so much more when one atleast relates or keeps the literal aspects of the language in mind.

And this is not to discourage people at all, you can definitely well try to read all about it in english, but you may have to then rely on people who can at least give you the closest best possible meaning of the arabic in the Quraan, and this is one such man who studied the language well and can speak english as well so I hope you are able to understand some of what he says.

[youtube]48xBmMqfZ90[/youtube]
‪The Quran, A Work of Art: Subjective or Unanimous?‬‏ - YouTube

If you want more topics , do ask.

You're welcome to ask questions , we're not scholars but we will try our best to address to your questions, InshAllah ( Allah willing)