Questions about Islam

[muhammad_isa]

.. much of the stuff you mentioned as reasons for leaving Christianity aren't just theological issues and such.

When I became a Muslim 40 years ago, I didn't consider that I was leaving Christianity ..

Christianity does not belong to anybody, and nor does Islam, for that matter..
I realise that most Christians believe in "the Jesus is God" thing, but other than that, the scriptural narrations & parables are practically the same .. it's more like one's changing their denomination, really..

 

[nazz]

Declaring something wrong in accordance to your thinking is like a 3 year old forming a political theory. Your reasoning is wrong and it always repeats

Oh, I'm so insulted! --not!

 

[Sha'irullah]

Oh, I'm so insulted! --not!

I do not care. But I would like to welcome you to my Ignore List.

 

[nazz]

I do not care. But I would like to welcome you to my Ignore List.

Why, thank you! I feel honored!

 

[MD]

I just don't think that Islam is a consistent ideology, any more than Christianity is. As I said before, the perception that Christianity is somehow more loving and pacifist than Islam or Judaism doesn't pass any reasonable historical test; the real problem is the inherent patriarchy and intolerance of dissent common to all Abrahamic religions.

And I am pretty sure that liberalism is not in any long term danger from Islamic radicalism. Political Islam will pass

I don’t blame you for your skepticism of Islam. If anyone has a reason to doubt the temperament of the tradition, Zoroastrians do. They are pretty comparable to Jews in Christendom, and Christian extremists were far more formidable opponents of liberalism (and religious minorities), yet Christianity is about to become functionally extinct in the cultures that developed it. I am convinced that Islam will change, much like Christianity did. I think that Reza Aslan is pretty much right: There is an Islamic reformation taking place right now, and part of that reformation process is Islamic fundamentalism (the Protestant Reformation was equally violent and also dominated by many extremists). The threat posed to the West and liberal democracy by Islamic extremism is nothing compared to the threat it poses to Muslims.

There are the Zoroastrians, the Assyrians, the Yezidi, the Armenians, the Coptics. There are the homosexuals and the liberals. There are the Bahai, the atheists, the intellectuals and the leftists. There are the Hindus, the Sikhs. And now it's the Druze, the Alevis, the Ahmadis and soon the Shias. The Islamic movement is picking up strength again, and Sunni fundamentalism will grow more and more.

I'm done writing on this topic as everyone here labels me as the villain. As the wrong one. Yet not once will I ever call for violence like most Muslims would. Maybe it will take another genocide for people to realize.

In the end it surprises me that this doesn't scare you more than it does me. In an Islamic world, as long as I am quiet and pay a heavy tax, I am not killed. But you would be.

 

[gsa]

Fellow Religionists, allow Deidre to decide for herself.
Whatever she chooses let us respect her choice.

There are the Zoroastrians, the Assyrians, the Yezidi, the Armenians, the Coptics. There are the homosexuals and the liberals. There are the Bahai, the atheists, the intellectuals and the leftists. There are the Hindus, the Sikhs. And now it's the Druze, the Alevis, the Ahmadis and soon the Shias. The Islamic movement is picking up strength again, and Sunni fundamentalism will grow more and more.

I'm done writing on this topic as everyone here labels me as the villain. As the wrong one. Yet not once will I ever call for violence like most Muslims would. Maybe it will take another genocide for people to realize.

In the end it surprises me that this doesn't scare you more than it does me. In an Islamic world, as long as I am quiet and pay a heavy tax, I am not killed. But you would be.

I'm not labeling you the villain (and I'm certainly not comparing you to Satan!). And I'm not denying the barbarism of much of Islamic law. But the same could have been said for Christianity in Europe, before it was watered down following secularization.

 

[Deidre]

There are the Zoroastrians, the Assyrians, the Yezidi, the Armenians, the Coptics. There are the homosexuals and the liberals. There are the Bahai, the atheists, the intellectuals and the leftists. There are the Hindus, the Sikhs. And now it's the Druze, the Alevis, the Ahmadis and soon the Shias. The Islamic movement is picking up strength again, and Sunni fundamentalism will grow more and more.

I'm done writing on this topic as everyone here labels me as the villain. As the wrong one. Yet not once will I ever call for violence like most Muslims would. Maybe it will take another genocide for people to realize.

In the end it surprises me that this doesn't scare you more than it does me. In an Islamic world, as long as I am quiet and pay a heavy tax, I am not killed. But you would be.

I don't believe you are a villain, and I respect your views. I do. I know that you have a lot of experience, and you are offering that to help perhaps me and others here. But, I happen to believe that Islam is a religion of peace, and it is represented this way by far more peaceful/non-violent Muslims, than extremist groups. I disagree that 'most' Muslims would call for violence. Having said this, I don't live in the middle east, I live in the U.S., where my freedoms and rights are protected, and I don't have the same fears as if I would, if I lived in the middle east. I'm not naïve to that fact.

 

[Servant_of_the_One1]

I don't believe you are a villain, and I respect your views. I do. I know that you have a lot of experience, and you are offering that to help perhaps me and others here. But, I happen to believe that Islam is a religion of peace, and it is represented this way by far more peaceful/non-violent Muslims, than extremist groups. I disagree that 'most' Muslims would call for violence. Having said this, I don't live in the middle east, I live in the U.S., where my freedoms and rights are protected, and I don't have the same fears as if I would, if I lived in the middle east. I'm not naïve to that fact.

It is sadly true that some muslims use quranic verses in very wrong interpretation to kill muslims and non-muslims. This problem exists and no muslim denies that.
We are not naive either.
All praise be to Allah, there are scholars day and night ready to proof them wrong.

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

When I became a Muslim 40 years ago, I didn't consider that I was leaving Christianity ..

Christianity does not belong to anybody, and nor does Islam, for that matter..
I realise that most Christians believe in "the Jesus is God" thing, but other than that, the scriptural narrations & parables are practically the same .. it's more like one's changing their denomination, really..

Hardly. Islam and Christianity are very, very different. I could go on and on about how different they are.

 

[Deidre]

Okay, back to a few questions on Islam that I have...

* Is Mary considered to have been a perpetual virgin, as is found in the Catholic doctrine? (meaning she never had sex, even after Jesus' birth)

* Are all angels considered to be 'male' in gender? (I was reading some conflicting things about this the other day, and just would like clarity)

This is sort of a side question, and maybe there is no yes/no answer...but...during the past two years after I left Christianity, I stopped believing in the existence of a deity. I've shared my story elsewhere as to why I feel drawn to faith again, especially Islam, but I'm wondering if it is just a matter of asking for forgiveness of God? I have offered up a prayer in the fajr prayer...''God, forgive me for my unbelief...I do believe again. Please help my unbelief, and my doubts.''

I can't explain to you how this past week has gone for me, since reading the Qur'an, meditating on its words, and praying (not always 5x per day, but I'm getting better lol) The Fajr prayer transforms a person, brings a peace like I haven't felt in a long time. A void I have felt ...is gone. As an atheist, I would have considered this 'wishful thinking' on the part of the person praying, but it is hard to explain, unless you do it yourself. Anyway, I wanted to share this, because Islam is not a pass or fail test...yes, it has rules. Yes, it serves as a guide for its followers. But, it is an experience. To experience Islam, is very moving.

If one looks at faith or religion as merely a set of rules, it can seem dry and off putting in and of itself. But, when you experience what you are reading, when you pray...you will grow with it. I have much to learn, I may never become a 'scholar' of the Qur'an, but I'm not looking to be.

 

[Servant_of_the_One1]

Hardly. Islam and Christianity are very, very different. I could go on and on about how different they are.

In my opinion Islam is more simple in worship and clearer.

Islam, Judaism and even Bahaism says worship Only God, call only upon God in your prayers.
In christianity its much different.

 

[Deidre]

In my opinion Islam is more simple in worship and clearer.

.

This x 1000

Yes! I find Islam to be a simple way of life, as opposed to Christianity (in particular Catholicism) that requires a bit of mental gymnastics to get through the whole 'God is Jesus,' yet Jesus told everyone he is not God, and God created a man to call His Son, but in actuality, it really was him...to die for original sin, and all of our sins...but Genesis is really a metaphor...but if it is merely metaphorical, then why would Jesus need to die, etc...

Islam is simple and clear. I like how you said that.

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

I'm not labeling you the villain (and I'm certainly not comparing you to Satan!). And I'm not denying the barbarism of much of Islamic law. But the same could have been said for Christianity in Europe, before it was watered down following secularization.

Islam and Christianity are not the same religions. Do not judge Islam by Christianity. Islam calls for the subjugation of the world under itself. It's a very militant religion. Despite what wrongs Christians have done and sometimes still do in the world, Christianity was not meant to be a violent religion according to its teachings. Look at the differences between Christ and Muhammad. Christ was a non-violent, wandering miracle worker and preacher. Muhammad went to war and his forces killed many people, including non-combatants.

So just because Christianity has been drawn under the force of secularism, don't assume that the same will be true of Islam. The Qur'an isn't viewed the same as the Bible is, either. The Qur'an is supposed to be Allah's direct and unchanging word revealed directly to one person, whereas the Bible is a collection of writings ranging over many centuries and from many different writers. You're supposed to basically take it at face value. Muhammad is supposed to be imitated in much the same way that Christians believe that Christ is to be imitated. Muhammad was not a peaceful man who taught love for all, including for enemies and self-sacrifice as Christ did. God is viewed very differently in Islam and in Christianity, too. I was jumped on once by a Muslim on here simply because I referred to God as Father. Allah is not a loving father figure in Islam, as in Christianity. He's more like a distant master who is to be obeyed.

Muslims, you're free to disagree. But this is what I see and what I've learned. No, it's very different.

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

In my opinion Islam is more simple in worship and clearer.

Islam, Judaism and even Bahaism says worship Only God, call only upon God in your prayers.
In christianity its much different.

We only worship God, but we have the Saints and the Angels as friends to ask for help and intercede for us at the Throne of God, as well, just as we have our Christian brothers and sisters on earth to pray for us to God and help. We do not believe that death or not inhabiting a physical body separates the members of the Body of Christ. We are a family in eternal communion with God and with each other. The Kingdom of God is multidimensional, cutting across time and space.

So what you call "simple", I call incomplete.

 

[Servant_of_the_One1]

Okay, back to a few questions on Islam that I have...

* Is Mary considered to have been a perpetual virgin, as is found in the Catholic doctrine? (meaning she never had sex, even after Jesus' birth)

* Are all angels considered to be 'male' in gender? (I was reading some conflicting things about this the other day, and just would like clarity)

This is sort of a side question, and maybe there is no yes/no answer...but...during the past two years after I left Christianity, I stopped believing in the existence of a deity. I've shared my story elsewhere as to why I feel drawn to faith again, especially Islam, but I'm wondering if it is just a matter of asking for forgiveness of God? I have offered up a prayer in the fajr prayer...''God, forgive me for my unbelief...I do believe again. Please help my unbelief, and my doubts.''

I can't explain to you how this past week has gone for me, since reading the Qur'an, meditating on its words, and praying (not always 5x per day, but I'm getting better lol) The Fajr prayer transforms a person, brings a peace like I haven't felt in a long time. A void I have felt ...is gone. As an atheist, I would have considered this 'wishful thinking' on the part of the person praying, but it is hard to explain, unless you do it yourself. Anyway, I wanted to share this, because Islam is not a pass or fail test...yes, it has rules. Yes, it serves as a guide for its followers. But, it is an experience. To experience Islam, is very moving.

If one looks at faith or religion as merely a set of rules, it can seem dry and off putting in and of itself. But, when you experience what you are reading, when you pray...you will grow with it. I have much to learn, I may never become a 'scholar' of the Qur'an, but I'm not looking to be.

I hope i can help with the answers. Iam sure there are also many muslims here much better at answering in very detailed manner.

In islam we believe only that the birth of Jesus pbuh was miracle. Allah created him without biological father just like Allah created Adam without Father and Mother.

Angels in Islam are neither male or women. What we know is that they are created from Light and they have no freewill so they can never fall in disbelief. Unlike christianity and judaism, we believe Satan was never angel. He is from the Djinn. They are created from smokeless fire.


About the fajr prayer, iam so lazy to get up and go to mosque. I tried that once for whole week, and i felt lifted up spirirual. It gives peaceful feeling to pray fajr at the mosque.
My advise is to make duas. The power of islamic faith is not following the rules, but to make duas/supplicationa to Allah, tell Allah how u feel and what u want to achieve.


Allah swt says:

And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me - indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided.

Also the Most Highest says:
Those who remember Allah standing and sitting and lying on their sides and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth: Our Lord! Thou hast not created this in vain! Glory be to Thee; save us then from the chastisement of the fire:

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

This x 1000

Yes! I find Islam to be a simple way of life, as opposed to Christianity (in particular Catholicism) that requires a bit of mental gymnastics to get through the whole 'God is Jesus,' yet Jesus told everyone he is not God, and God created a man to call His Son, but in actuality, it really was him...to die for original sin, and all of our sins...but Genesis is really a metaphor...but if it is merely metaphorical, then why would Jesus need to die, etc...

Islam is simple and clear. I like how you said that.

So in other words, you just didn't understand the teachings. That's fine. There's plenty of material that explains such things. You can ask on here, too. Just make a thread and we can talk about those things. I enjoy trying to explain them.

 

[Servant_of_the_One1]

Islam and Christianity are not the same religions. Do not judge Islam by Christianity. Islam calls for the subjugation of the world under itself. It's a very militant religion. Despite what wrongs Christians have done and sometimes still do in the world, Christianity was not meant to be a violent religion according to its teachings. Look at the differences between Christ and Muhammad. Christ was a non-violent, wandering miracle worker and preacher. Muhammad went to war and his forces killed many people, including non-combatants.

So just because Christianity has been drawn under the force of secularism, don't assume that the same will be true of Islam. The Qur'an isn't viewed the same as the Bible is, either. The Qur'an is supposed to be Allah's direct and unchanging word revealed directly to one person, whereas the Bible is a collection of writings ranging over many centuries and from many different writers. You're supposed to basically take it at face value. Muhammad is supposed to be imitated in much the same way that Christians believe that Christ is to be imitated. Muhammad was not a peaceful man who taught love for all, including for enemies and self-sacrifice as Christ did. God is viewed very differently in Islam and in Christianity, too. I was jumped on once by a Muslim on here simply because I referred to God as Father. Allah is not a loving father figure in Islam, as in Christianity. He's more like a distant master who is to be obeyed.

Muslims, you're free to disagree. But this is what I see and what I've learned. No, it's very different.

Yet Jesus Pbuh said According to the bible : I came by the sword.
We could say the same. And say Crusaders follow Jesus words , they too came by the swords.

And this could be proven historically by how violent christians were through the history.
Not only the past, but even today and recent past. George bush a devote christian saying he will do crusade against muslims. I could now say to you: well christianity is not really peaceful religion when someone looks at all these evidences. Or how about Terrorist Brelvik who says to be proud christian? You cant claim to be peaceful catholics when we know how Arians were destroyed by the swords and any christian sect that opposed the belief system of Nicene Creed.


The difference between islam and christianity in my humble opinion is really monotheism. Christianity has difficult and unclear version of monotheism. I read stories of converts who said they left the religion because of trinity.

 

[Deidre]

Islam and Christianity are not the same religions. Do not judge Islam by Christianity. Islam calls for the subjugation of the world under itself. It's a very militant religion. Despite what wrongs Christians have done and sometimes still do in the world, Christianity was not meant to be a violent religion according to its teachings. Look at the differences between Christ and Muhammad. Christ was a non-violent, wandering miracle worker and preacher. Muhammad went to war and his forces killed many people, including non-combatants.

So just because Christianity has been drawn under the force of secularism, don't assume that the same will be true of Islam. The Qur'an isn't viewed the same as the Bible is, either. The Qur'an is supposed to be Allah's direct and unchanging word revealed directly to one person, whereas the Bible is a collection of writings ranging over many centuries and from many different writers. You're supposed to basically take it at face value. Muhammad is supposed to be imitated in much the same way that Christians believe that Christ is to be imitated. Muhammad was not a peaceful man who taught love for all, including for enemies and self-sacrifice as Christ did. God is viewed very differently in Islam and in Christianity, too. I was jumped on once by a Muslim on here simply because I referred to God as Father. Allah is not a loving father figure in Islam, as in Christianity. He's more like a distant master who is to be obeyed.

Muslims, you're free to disagree. But this is what I see and what I've learned. No, it's very different.

There are comparatively speaking, very few Muslims compared to the majority, who believe in waging war against non-believers of Islam. The majority of Muslims are not supportive of joining in with an unprovoked fight. The extremists such as ISIS and other groups, are aprt of the minority. Muhammad is not worshipped as divine, like Jesus. And frankly, Jesus shouldn't be, either. Muhammad did preach about love, forgiveness and repentance, and he himself spent time in prayer repenting.

And the Bible has difficult passages as the Qur'an does.

Many fundamentalist Christians believe that the Bible is the unchanging word of God. Many Catholics don't. If you took 1000 people and asked them to interpret the Bible, you'd most likely get 1000 different responses.

It's not really a competition lol Christianity and Islam are very different, yes...but the end result should be the same...and that is finding a path that one resonates with, in terms of communicating with God, and serving others as part of your faith.

 

[Deidre]

So in other words, you just didn't understand the teachings. That's fine. There's plenty of material that explains such things. You can ask on here, too. Just make a thread and we can talk about those things. I enjoy trying to explain them.

Ohhhh brother. lol

I grew up in the RCC (following the faith, I mean)...I'm well aware of what it teaches. And they have strong armed their way all throughout history, if we want to get down to it, in order to be a...um...$8 billion organization? Yes, that has humble Jesus written all over it.

 

[Servant_of_the_One1]

@Saint Frankenstein, Secularism is the only reason why Europe and West is safe today. If it was ruled by Christian law,forget about Muslims & Jews the christian sects themselves would be persecuted.
Please next time when u want to paint christianity as very peaceful religion and islam as very demonic religion u should know your history first.
We have Jesus's saying according to bible( i came by sword). We have Chrstians murdering each other(arians, protestants, catholics) and non-christians. There is terrorist brelvik inspired by his religion. List continues. But still i dont blame christianity. I dont blame any religion. Blaming is not solution.