Quote:
Originally Posted by twistedmosaic
Is your Muslim-ness (what's the Muslim version of Christianity?) more important to you culturally or religiously??
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i think a bit of both. as i mentioned earlier, i grew up in a conservative lebanese family. in saying that, we were still extremely liberal in that we had anglo australian friends (something that isnt very common), i was and still involved in swimming and sport in general, but in principle we still practiced all the islamic rituals on a daily basis. this includes the 5 daily prayers, fasting ramadan, attending friday prayers, giving zakat (charity) etc. so from a young age, i was affected religiously i'd say.
from the age of 24 onwards, and after i left my parents house, it became more important culturally. i guess you could say that i wasnt within the realm of influence of my family and i started to think and see as an individual. not that i disagree with my family, but i made my own choices as an adult.
Quote:
Originally Posted by twistedmosaic
What do you feel would have attracted you to the Muslim beliefs if you had not been raised Muslim?
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i was always interested in human rights and equality. when i stumbled upon Malcolm X's autobiography in the 90's, i never stopped being a fan. Had i not been a muslim at the time, his ideas and ideals would have at least made me consider becoming one. His theory of not turning the other cheek was although militant, but sound. His story is a remarkable one.
Quote:
Originally Posted by twistedmosaic
Have you ever had a period of rebellion (common among Christian-raised teens and 20-somethings...some come back, some don't) against your beliefs?
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you could say from the age of 24 till now (31) i have been on this stage of rebellion. The popular islamic idea that faith is dynamic and is never static. Faith rises and wanes in relation to the amount of islamic practises and rituals you do.
---------- Post added at 06:36 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:26 AM ----------
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cynthetiq
At what point does the Muslim faith diverge from the other Abrahamic faiths? Is it past the time of Jesus? Or does the schism happen earlier?
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depends where you look at it really. islam sees the Jews diverge first with the rejection of Jesus as an imposter, and then with the Christians rejecting Jesus as a mortal, thus elevating him to the status of God, Son of God, God incarnate etc. Islam views Jesus as a prophet, just like all the other prophets sent before him to the people.
the split happened pretty much at Jesus, but was affirmed with Muhammad, with the Christians and Jews rejecting his message of the 'Oneness of God'
---------- Post added at 06:50 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:36 AM ----------
Quote:
Originally Posted by fresnelly
I figured 
When I hear these horrible stories about blown-up girls' schools and stonings I assume that the perpetrators are twisting basic guidelines for domestic roles and morals but then I really have no idea. I guess I'm asking: what are the basic tenets that inspire the extremists against education and equality for women?
And, surely there are some positive passages about the role or status of women in the basic tenets but we never hear them. What are they? |
illiteracy and lack of education is rampant in some parts of the muslim world. i wont go into politics of it, because its not what this thread was intended for.
the idea amonst these people is that women are not meant to be more educated or better than the males. this usually happens in more tribal/nomadic parts of the muslim works. how dare a woman become a doctor! sh0ck/horror! the mentality amonst these men is that domestic duties are intended for the women (although in many hadiths [traditions about the daily life of muhammad]prophet muhammad would clean his own house). although this is not something seen only in islamic customs but also in arab christian culture too, whic leads me to believe that this mentality predates the islamic period.
there are many positives that we dont get to hear about, but i will need to carry tomorrow some time. ive got to be up in a few hours, but ill definately continue this post tomorrow