[dubballey]

- why does islam has to be ritualistic in its practices?why cant someone be a good person and not do bad in his life to himself and others and have a good relationship with God asking Him for help, believing in Him, remembering Him and being grateful to Him?why the rituals?

This is something ive noticed twice. once in a famous rapper ice cube's interview on youtube and another time in a secular newspaper by an obviously anonymous writer.
i wonder how many people are suffering from this, and need a helping hand.

Here is Ice cube's wikipedia page. look under the heading of religion to see what he says about this.

and here is another article.
"...I mean, what I call myself is a natural Muslim, 'cause it's just me and God. You know, going to the mosque, the ritual and the tradition, it's just not in me to do. So I don't do it."

i do hope that he does pray, even if not in a mosque