Leaving Islam, don't know what to do now...

[Repox]

As per the title, I've left Islam, possibly for good, but I'm not wishing to discuss this.

Problem is that now I really don't know what to do with regards to my religion. In more recent times, I have found myself returning to reading and studying Judaism, in particular reading the siddur (I FINALLY managed to find one) and also following a reading plan to read the Tanakh. I'm also re-learning Hebrew.

So, what should I do? From what I can tell Judaism seems to be far more logical and far more reflective of my beliefs than Islam, but I don't want to end up in a situation where I just jump into some religion for the sake of a label or find myself yo-yoing between religions for the sake of a label.

This is a tough problem. I hesitate to express my true beliefs on the topic because the last time I did the thread was deleted. To avoid controversy, I'll try to tone down my comments.

My beliefs are based on what I know, or believe, about God. God made Jews his chosen people, not Muslims or any other ethnic or religious group. Having given Jews his holy word, God came into the world as Jesus Christ. Subsequently, Jesus was murdered by Roman soldiers. Thereafter, Jews were given a lot of blame for the death of Jesus. Gospel authors and Paul got it wrong. I suppose they were stumped by God's duality, so they fabricated son of God stories. Subsequently we have two thousand years of false Christian doctrine. Jesus (God) didn't die to save humankind, he died because He allowed Satan came into the world (beast from the Abyss) and facilitate his brutal murder. I believe the true story of Jesus is found in Rev. 11 about the two witnesses (God's duality). Rev 12 is about God's angels fighting Satan while God was in the world as Jesus. If you notice both chapters reference 1,260 days as the time period, corresponding to the ministry of Jesus.

Therefore, Christian is out of the running, Islam is also out of the running because Muslims are not God's chosen people and the Quran is not the Jewish Bible, it's an inaccurate copy. In short, to get close to God you must get close to his chosen people. That means Judaism. Now, I'll run for cover.:thud::faint:

 

[Akivah]

As per the title, I've left Islam, possibly for good, but I'm not wishing to discuss this.

I'm a little confused by the OP. If you don't want to discuss, then why did you post on a discussion board?

Problem is that now I really don't know what to do with regards to my religion. So, what should I do?

That's no problem at all. You will have no shortage of people telling you what to believe.

 

[Revoltingest]

As per the title, I've left Islam, possibly for good, but I'm not wishing to discuss this.

Problem is that now I really don't know what to do with regards to my religion. In more recent times, I have found myself returning to reading and studying Judaism, in particular reading the siddur (I FINALLY managed to find one) and also following a reading plan to read the Tanakh. I'm also re-learning Hebrew.

So, what should I do? From what I can tell Judaism seems to be far more logical and far more reflective of my beliefs than Islam, but I don't want to end up in a situation where I just jump into some religion for the sake of a label or find myself yo-yoing between religions for the sake of a label.

Since I have no religion, & know next to nothing about them, I'll offer some advice.
But it's hard to give without more info. Are you looking for a religion which you believe to be
factually true, or do you seek a philosophical & spiritual environment wherein you're happy?

 

[Caladan]

As per the title, I've left Islam, possibly for good, but I'm not wishing to discuss this.

Problem is that now I really don't know what to do with regards to my religion. In more recent times, I have found myself returning to reading and studying Judaism, in particular reading the siddur (I FINALLY managed to find one) and also following a reading plan to read the Tanakh. I'm also re-learning Hebrew.

So, what should I do? From what I can tell Judaism seems to be far more logical and far more reflective of my beliefs than Islam, but I don't want to end up in a situation where I just jump into some religion for the sake of a label or find myself yo-yoing between religions for the sake of a label.

Best advice I can give you, which is more on a personal level than on a theological level, is simply to take your time. Or at least take it one step at a time.
If you have an interest in a specific culture or religion, take the time to observe it, appreciate its adherents and their values. Their mentalities and subtleties. What make them laugh? What offends their sensibilities? What are their long term goals seem to be on a collective and individual levels? Does it seem that they have a sense of purpose or direction? What do they try to achieve in their communities and in the world at large? Are they reflective? How is their core literature like? Both the scriptures and the bodies of literature of their tradition. Are they involved in human cultural affairs at large? in what ways? Do they treat such interaction with optimism, hope, and positivity? Are they a positive influence on the general social landscape? What is their legacy like?

Well, I think you get the picture
I think you need to explore and research until you are comfortable enough to take another step. I firmly believe this is a journey to enjoy, simply deciding on a label, that you are now 'so and so' without understanding the core beliefs, values, and cultural background is not necessarily a remedy to a deeper craving. Whichever direction you take in your life you should feel comfortable taking, so there is no haste.

 

[Dingbat]

When you say "reformation" are you talking about something similar to the Reformation in Christianity?

Two very different situations as there is no unified voice in the Islamic world whereas Catholicism was staggeringly powerful in both the religious and political realm. The Islamic Reformation will be tailored to the situations Islam faces and deals with on a daily basis. It will be up to Muslim reformers to direct what the reformation entails.

 

[HiddenHijabi]

I'm a little confused by the OP. If you don't want to discuss, then why did you post on a discussion board?

That's no problem at all. You will have no shortage of people telling you what to believe.

I should rephrase- I don't really want to discuss the reasons for leaving Islam, but would rather discuss what path I should take next.

 

[Revoltingest]

I should rephrase- I don't really want to discuss the reasons for leaving Islam, but would rather discuss what path I should take next.

It seems you're already on a fine path for the moment.

 

[HiddenHijabi]

Since I have no religion, & know next to nothing about them, I'll offer some advice.
But it's hard to give without more info. Are you looking for a religion which you believe to be
factually true, or do you seek a philosophical & spiritual environment wherein you're happy?

I'm looking for truth, but it doesn't need to be a literal or factual truth. Plus I have to be happy that said religion is the sort of sprituality that I feel happy with. Part of the reason I left Christianity was because I felt the guitars and happy 'do what you feel' type worship of my church wasn't appropriate to the nature of the worship I felt God deserves.

 

[Revoltingest]

I'm looking for truth, but it doesn't need to be a literal or factual truth. Plus I have to be happy that said religion is the sort of sprituality that I feel happy with. Part of the reason I left Christianity was because I felt the guitars and happy 'do what you feel' type worship of my church wasn't appropriate to the nature of the worship I felt God deserves.

In this case, I recommend searching for a home, & taking your sweet time while enjoying the search.

 

[Akivah]

Plus I have to be happy that said religion is the sort of sprituality that I feel happy with.

You ain't gonna get the answers to that on the internet.

I'd agree with the others. Take your time. Research. Explore. There's no need to rush. Attend various places and find what you're happy with.

 

[Smart_Guy]

I do hope that didn't sound too harsh I was a little worried before I went to bed it would leave the wrong impression. There are many things I do like about Islam but the deafening roar of Scholars and their zealots who follow their word as if it is God's is obnoxious. Islam will likely need a reformation if it wants to survive in the Modern World and even then the damage might already be done. Christianity learned this the hard way in Europe and I think we will see a similar decline in the Middle East if they ever get to it. Religious violence and zealotry tend to burn people faster than anything else religious figures could likely think of.

Well to be frank, the censored word made me a little uneasy, but that's about it. I'm a bigger picture kinda guy so I focused on your point, of which I agree, not the words. Don't worry about it

I do agree with you here as well. Good points.

 

[hexler]

This is a tough problem. I hesitate to express my true beliefs on the topic because the last time I did the thread was deleted. To avoid controversy, I'll try to tone down my comments.

My beliefs are based on what I know, or believe, about God. God made Jews his chosen people, not Muslims or any other ethnic or religious group. Having given Jews his holy word, God came into the world as Jesus Christ. Subsequently, Jesus was murdered by Roman soldiers. Thereafter, Jews were given a lot of blame for the death of Jesus. Gospel authors and Paul got it wrong. I suppose they were stumped by God's duality, so they fabricated son of God stories. Subsequently we have two thousand years of false Christian doctrine. Jesus (God) didn't die to save humankind, he died because He allowed Satan came into the world (beast from the Abyss) and facilitate his brutal murder. I believe the true story of Jesus is found in Rev. 11 about the two witnesses (God's duality). Rev 12 is about God's angels fighting Satan while God was in the world as Jesus. If you notice both chapters reference 1,260 days as the time period, corresponding to the ministry of Jesus.

Therefore, Christian is out of the running, Islam is also out of the running because Muslims are not God's chosen people and the Quran is not the Jewish Bible, it's an inaccurate copy. In short, to get close to God you must get close to his chosen people. That means Judaism. Now, I'll run for cover.:thud::faint:

The Jews were God's chosen people, but they became proud about that and forgot to obey God's commandments. That is why they have been banned from the Holy Land 3 times. All people are created equal and God loves every people. It is no need to go back to a (jewish) world view which is 5000 years old. We must think positive and look to future. We live in turbulent times and I feel reminded to a pubertarian youngster. But mankind must become mature, we must reject low emotions instead trying get more power.

 

[Repox]

The Jews were God's chosen people, but they became proud about that and forgot to obey God's commandments. That is why they have been banned from the Holy Land 3 times. All people are created equal and God loves every people. It is no need to go back to a (jewish) world view which is 5000 years old. We must think positive and look to future. We live in turbulent times and I feel reminded to a pubertarian youngster. But mankind must become mature, we must reject low emotions instead trying get more power.

I am not sure if you can blame not occupying the promise land with rejection by God. If you recall, Jewish prophets foretold discrimination by pagans. Today, it is not certain who are monotheist and who are pagan worshippers. I just think Judaism is more genuine. The Tanakh and other Jewish holy books seem to be consistent regarding original manuscripts. Whereas, we have new updated, or modern, Christian bibles, all of which makes one want to question the "word of God." Assuming God is consistent about his word, I don't think changing human values and norms should interfere.

As for power, I don't think Israel is there for that reason. The Lord promised Abraham land, and that is what Israel has.

 

[DawudTalut]

What do you mean by 'true' Islam, given this is a claim which is made by virtually every Muslim group I've come across. How do I know that 'true Islam' isn't just goalpost-shifting on the personal whims of its leaders?

Peace be onyou...Religion is not just words. Faith and good deeds is mentioned throughout Holy Quran. Plz Meet with their adherents of claimers and feel and see with your inner eye and pray to Allah who is the Guide and Who continues to guide directly.
Peace.

 

[ShivaFan]

Namaste HH

To tell the truth, I have suspicion of the gunas (qualities) of those who keep leaving one "religion" for another, I don't mean to sound rude, but if I am understanding right you went Christian, then Islam, now thinking Judaic.

hmmmm... I have a problem with this, because my experience has been true adherents do not go looking for some religion (typically from a list of various "famous" religions) but rather you are found by the Divinity or Throne or Path, it adopts you because Looking at You (verse you looking here and there) knows best. The paths are many, also. Much larger than this "famous list".

Naturally, as a Hindu, I am biased to favor this Family, it is very diverse and in one way like many "religions" and many tastes but also one family. That is why I am going to suggest this to you, even though Hindus do not go about knocking on doors to "convert" others, in this manner they are like Jews which is what you are "looking" at right now. I probably will be suspicious anyway, and you might not like that.

The reason I think Hinduism is a possibility for you, is that it is so diverse I believe you are going to "find a match" in the stone soup bowl. But it will not be a "search" process. If you consider this, do not go out "looking". Just ask some of us Hindus, we will ask the Gods if you might be given a "wink" if you will. I am not sure who will come, I am a Saiva meaning the Cosmic Family of Shiva, but it might not be Shiva who "nods". It might be Krishna, or Surya, or no one but a path (there are also atheist Hindus, viz no Gods).

But of course, this may upset you to even consider Hinduism, that is ok too. I might not be very clear in explaining, but you want to wander here and there. Hinduism is a huge garden to wander in with lots of different flowers, but also tigers. It might be a rose, but with thorns on it. The tiger comes only if the tiger knows you are the one, it won't just attack you. You might then ride the tiger if you will. Or instead of a tiger, a basket full of flower petals may pour on your head out of thin air. Whatever happens, you will then have this Family, there will be a "mother" who wants you to have her food, a "sister" who will want your company, on and on. You might even get a "happy headache" with so many "relatives".

Anyway, have adventures. You asked for suggestions, so please don't get mad at me if you don't like it, also do not expect praises in return if you might think it sounds interesting. Adventure awaits the brave.

Om Namah Sivaya.

 

[FearGod]

I should rephrase- I don't really want to discuss the reasons for leaving Islam, but would rather discuss what path I should take next.

I advice you first to change your avatar and your religion title, then you may open a new thread about searching for a new path.

Good luck.

 

[psychoslice]

Why jump into any religion, just be yourself, take from religion what helps you, but don't become imprisoned by it.

 

[Smart_Guy]

I think the matter is cleared now that she's is sticking to Islam!

I personally think this thread should be closed, if the above is confirmed!