Reply to Thread New Thread |
01-21-2012, 11:00 PM | #1 |
|
I have been intensely following sunniform.com for the last few months, along with several other Islamic websites, blogs and forums like alfita.com, askimam.org, salafitalk.net, etc. and I would like to thank you all for helping me make one of the biggest decisions of my life. I was very enlightened by your true and accurate representation of Islamic beliefs, tenets and practices. I understood the real meaning behind several oft-questioned ayahs of the Quran and Hadith. Combined with other sources of Islamic discourse I was following, I believe I now have a complete and accurate picture of Islam.
Now comes the part where you would probably think I'm an internet troll. Thanks to all your views and the opinions of several Islamic scholars, I've come to the conclusion that being a modern, educated woman of the 21st century, Islam is definitely not the religion for me. I was born in a Muslim family and some of my family members have been devout followers of the faith, and even though we were taught prayer and the Quran, there wasn't any particular emphasis on religiosity. My curiosity about Islam rose when I saw my girlfriends being regular in their prayers and dealing with everything in their life, from make-up to marriage, after figuring out an Islamic perspective over it. This peer pressure drove me to strive for religiosity myself, and I became a staunch defender of anything Islamic. However, since I moved to Saudi Arabia I saw the sheer hypocrisy of Wahhabi Islam especially when it came to treating women and migrant workers, and how it legitimizes a brutal totalitarian regime through religious endorsement. This led me to a critical study of Islam itself. "Don't look at Muslims, look at Islam" I was frequently told by friends. Yet the more I studied, the more I felt it is a doctrine stuck in the 7th century. The internet has permitted this amazing new culture of anonymity, where I can fearlessly state my beliefs. I'm lucky to have a husband who understands and supports my actions and convictions, although he considers himself a Muslim (not a practicing one though). We've already left Saudi for the safe havens of the UK, where of course, the state doesn't give a damn about who I worship even if it is domesticated cattle or David Beckham. For the longest time, my dilemma was if I should actually label myself as 'atheist' or 'agnostic' or the like. But I concluded that nobody really owns the copyright to the label 'Muslim'. I can divorce myself from the actual tenets of the faith, but that does not negate the fact that I still do belong to Islam by virtue of my husband, my family, friends, my upbringing and the like. And I also do not have anything particularly against the basics of Islam - the five pillars, the spirituality, the Quran being a divine revelation and Muhammad being the last prophet, the narrative about how life is a test, etc. I do not deny them (I don't believe in them either). The biggest thorn for me has always been Islam's social engineering, its control over even the smallest aspects of human life. Its degradation of women into what Amnesty International calls 'perpetual minors'. Its unbridled, unabashed male chauvinism. Its outdated, retaliatory system of justice. Its denial of homosexuality as evil, and oppressive treatment of homosexuals. Its belief in magic and witchcraft. Its abhorrence to any foreign practice, even if it doesn't interfere with a Muslim's belief system. Its inherent opposition to democratic principles and freedom of expression. Its inability to allow Muslims to respectfully leave the faith for another belief system. Its intolerance for other belief systems in its midst. The various sects of Islam, all of whom try to outdo each other in their narrow-mindedness. I was suggested by several internet friends to consider the fancier, hip sects that have come up, especially in the West or the Sufis of the East. Some of them support feminist, even homosexual movements. Others just stress on spirituality and worship. But I knew I'd be following a 'deviant' version of Islam (not that by following a more mainstream sect, nobody would call me a deviant. Muslims are busy labeling each other as munafiq or kafir.). I knew that being a part of these sects would be hypocritical, as I know what they follow isn't really what has ever been recorded as Islamic practice. So the choice really for me was the exit door. Thank you once again for having this amazing resource where we can all discuss and paint a true picture of Islam, and decide for ourselves if Islam is right for us. |
|
01-21-2012, 11:20 PM | #2 |
|
While I'm glad you found this resource useful (and saddened by your decision), I have to say I think your reasoning process is flawed. Whether a religion suits our own personal outlook or not is not a measure of its truth or validity. Instead, the truth of a religion is based on the proofs put forward to demonstrate that the scripture is in fact a Revelation from God (assuming one believes in God to begin with). So if a person believes that the Quran is revelation from God, and that Muhammad is His final messenger who delivered that revelation to the world, then he is Muslim. Of course, if you believe that God is telling you to behave in a certain way, the logical thing to do is obey, whether you feel it's "controlling" or "right" or not. Likewise, if someone doesn't believe that the Quran is divine revelation, and that Muhammad is the final messenger, he is not a Muslim. And I also do not have anything particularly against the basics of Islam - the five pillars, the spirituality, the Quran being a divine revelation and Muhammad being the last prophet, the narrative about how life is a test, etc. I do not deny them (although I don't believe in them either). |
|
01-21-2012, 11:42 PM | #5 |
|
|
|
01-21-2012, 11:43 PM | #6 |
|
innalillaahi wainna ilaihi raajioon How blessed are the people who are given taufeeq to please their Rabb in everything what they do and and are pleased by obeying Allah SWT and that in fact is the job of the slave to obey the Lord, the sustainer, the most Kind and Mercifu and that is why we are created. Let Allah SWT guide us all and keep us steadfast on His deen for verily we are all dependent on Him SWT while He is self-subsisiting sustainer of all. Amin |
|
01-22-2012, 12:58 AM | #7 |
|
|
|
01-22-2012, 01:11 AM | #8 |
|
This is a common thing nowdays, lets get the facts right. [btw guys, I am not a user who posts on sunni forum, but I do read some post if it is beneficial, but this thread brought me here to give a reply of what is going wrong here]
First of all, internet is not a source for knowledge, this is a worst thinking a person can get, and thats where we muslims collide with problems, and are end up with leaving the truth, the light of guidance. If people want to seek knowledge, then go and sit under the feet of 'ulema and study, a person without a guidance will have a confused mind always, and I am writing this with my experience. To learn something you need a teacher, for example maths, algebra, a person who never saw algebra such as this equation x - 9 = 7, find the x. Now the person will stare and study by himself, then somehow he will find a solution, but the problem is that, can this type of way be applied in different questions for example quadratic equations? (sorry for writing maths, but this is a good example). A person needs to understand which knowledge applies where, but how? go to the teacher and learn. Same goes with learning knowledge of islam, go to 'ulema. Moving on, just like the thread starter. You did not study under any 'ulema, as far by reading your message you are trying to put up, yes I know, how? because I have met with same people who faced same problem, and who ended the same place as you. I am not going to go on and critisize your post, but I will pick some parts which seems wrong. The biggest thorn for me has always been Islam's social engineering, its control over even the smallest aspects of human life. Its degradation of women into what Amnesty International calls 'perpetual minors'. Its unbridled, unabashed male chauvinism. Its outdated, retaliatory system of justice. Its denial of homosexuality as evil, and oppressive treatment of homosexuals. Its belief in magic and witchcraft. Its abhorrence to any foreign practice, even if it doesn't interfere with a Muslim's belief system. Its inherent opposition to democratic principles and freedom of expression. Its inability to allow Muslims to respectfully leave the faith for another belief system. Its intolerance for other belief systems in its midst. The various sects of Islam, all of whom try to outdo each other in their narrow-mindedness. "Islam is easy to follow, but it is NOT a name of a desire" (keep these words runing in your head until you understand the "in-depth" meaning of this) Islam is something like a package, it is not a toy to play around with. If you want to follow islam then follow islam, dont look here and there, like shaykh makki (masjid al haram) said, "abu jahal was better then you guys, if he wanted to be a kaffir then he stood kaffir, not like us today who look here and there, follow islam half, and half not" In this matter, I can say that you failed. A matter of fact its a truth. Islam does not rule us, Islam does not need us, we need islam. People nowdays says "Islam needs help" what is islam need off? it is complete, its only a thing which we need to get in and adopt the truth. ==================== Now lets move further to your writing, you said islam teaches "degradation of women." Interesting...you are saying that you read and understood islam, but why is this coming in your mind? if you did then the answer should be infront of you? or is it you need someone to answer this? here we go... "Islam gave women its due rights" If you look back at history, -In greek, male married male, women were hated, beaten, were toys, homosexuality was common. -In times of roman, if a person made a mistake, the other person had a right to beat, rape or kill that person's wife. -In Egyptian times, women were sign of devils -In Pre-Islamic times, baby girls were buried alive. Now when islam came, where did these practices go? magically vanished? or islam stood like a rock and gave an example to the creation of how a person should live? once again, "Islam gave women its due rights" I think its enough, go back and study the history then think again. Now your next thing "Its outdated, retaliatory system of justice" Wow, that is impressive. Can you give me some examples? Can you simple give me a list of better justice then what islam teaches of? "Its denial of homosexuality as evil, and oppressive treatment of homosexuals." Islam gave respect and honor to humans, who are "ashraful makhlooq" the best of creation. Now if you want to talk logically, or lets say common way. Even animal don't do these acts of homosexuality, and you are saying that human should do this? disgusting, and I would say this is stupid thing. Now, lets thing further in a common way. Lets talk about how harmful effects are heavier then its benefits : "Among the evil consequences of this sin are the many deadly and contagious diseases that result from it. Some of these illnesses are such that medical science -- with all its might, power and advanced technology - has failed to combat or even fully comprehend, let alone cure it. Certainly no one is able to rise above the Will of Allah Ta'ala and escape his wrath! Some of these fatal diseases are: * AIDS: There is no cure for it. It is contracted and spread through unlawful sexual intercourse and perverted sexual acts like homosexuality. * GONORRHEA: which causes inflammation of the testicles, blockage of the urethra, inflammation of the joints and sterility. * SYPHILIS: This is a type of venereal disease commonly known among the Arabs as 'the English Disease' since its origin lies in European societies where free intermingling of the sexes and immorality is rife. It results in insanity, paralysis, blindness, and other nerve disorders. Also leads to blood vessel damage and death. * GENITAL ULCERS: which causes inflammation of the lymphatic glands. It also gives rise to chronic festering of tumours, inflammation of the urethra, severe pain in the joints and swelling of the limbs. * HEPATITIS B: Its symptoms include fever, fatigue, nausea and jaundice. It results in chronic hepatitis or liver cancer. These are only a few of the many deadly diseases caused by perverted sexual behaviour. Could anyone ever desire contracting any of them? May Allah Ta'ala protect all of us from all types of evil!" [source : ask Imam] Now, if a father tells his son not to go in certain place because there are killers who will kill you, and the son is going, how will father treat? will he pat the son and say "well done..no problem..its okay...keep going.. e.t.c" or say something that will make the son not to do this wrong act? you need to think. Also why would father be harsh? because the reason is simply he loves his son. You wrote : "Its inability to allow Muslims to respectfully leave the faith for another belief system" the answer is simply here, take your time to read this : http://www.askimam.org/fatwa/fatwa.p...036f863ca05012 You wrote : "Its intolerance for other belief systems in its midst." I dont need to write much on this, because simply reading this shows the ignorance and the lack of knowledge, rather the person is calling himself/herself to study islam properly, again go to 'ulema and study under their feet. I will leave out small message on this. History witness itself the tolerance of other religion in islam, when Umar ibn khattab (ra) got the keys for jersulam, he gave right for other people to practice their own religion. You can study that in detail by yourself, you can also look upon this and help yourself : http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/207/ You wrote : "Its belief in magic and witchcraft" I have been a victim of this, I swear by Allah (swt) that magic and witchcraft is real..real..real. Al hamdullillah by some pious people I was cured through the command of Allah (swt). This is a worse thing a person can think, people like you who sit in "safe heaven" have not seen the truth, just heard and said thats it. I think I do not read to write too much, because of lack of knowledge, sitting on computer, going on wrong sites and reading wrong things, gaining wrong information e.t.c has all made the person who started this thread walk on the wrong path. You, (the thread starter) have not studied islam properly, if you had, I can swear by Allah (swt) you would have solved your answers by yourself, you have not even went to 'ulema's and studied under them, rather then opening the book yourself and confusing yourself. You need someone to guide you. If anyone got offended, I apologize. Also due to lack of time I could not re-read what I wrote, and also I missed some of my parts in writing a full answer to this. May Allah (swt) give hidaya to this ummah. "Ab runay kay siwa kiya kar saktay hay?" [Moulana khair muhammad makki (db) ] You are welcome, go wonder around in blindness, when you find out that you made the wrong decision in your life, you went wrong way, then know that, the door of islam is open, the door of repentance is open. Until death overcomes, and the day of truth starts. |
|
01-22-2012, 01:50 AM | #10 |
|
|
|
01-22-2012, 04:33 AM | #12 |
|
I have been intensely following sunniform.com for the last few months, along with several other Islamic websites, blogs and forums like alfita.com, askimam.org, salafitalk.net, etc. and I would like to thank you all for helping me make one of the biggest decisions of my life. I was very enlightened by your true and accurate representation of Islamic beliefs, tenets and practices. I understood the real meaning behind several oft-questioned ayahs of the Quran and Hadith. Combined with other sources of Islamic discourse I was following, I believe I now have a complete and accurate picture of Islam. dont forget to shut the door on your way out. |
|
01-22-2012, 05:54 AM | #13 |
|
|
|
01-22-2012, 06:01 AM | #14 |
|
@UserInvalid: I was raised in a Muslim household in a Muslim-majority country. I was obviously aware of the reasoning behind almost everything prescribed and forbidden in Islam. You somehow assume I have inadequate Islamic learning which caused me to leave Islam; if this satisfies your Islamic ego so be it (I mean, either that or I have to be possessed by the devil to do something like this, right?). So I think this "you-did-not-have-enough-knowledge" attitude is childish and presumptuous. And pray tell me, if I were to fall at the feet of an 'alim (which, one, is un-Islamic and two, would be insulting to my dignity as a woman) would he tell me that homosexuality is a natural thing, hence acceptable in Islam? Would he tell me that traditional Islam is unfair to women or would he tell me magic is a stupid concept? All the things I mentioned in the post are my uncompromising positions and I know there is no way traditional Islam can agree with these. The 'alim would only persuade me to believe what's already said in the books of Islam, he'd indoctrinate me, intimidate me with hell (actual hell, not figurative), use twisted Zakir-Naikish reasoning, perhaps narrate a couple of stories from Sunnah to drive home his point.
There is New Islam out there. People like Asra Nomani and Irshad Manji and, to a lesser degree, Tariq Ramadan (and many, many others) represent it. I was once a believer in it. Reforming Islam. Ijtihad, modern thought and all of that, I swallowed it hook, line and sinker. But I also discovered I have no real spirituality in me. I did not believe in Islam per se. It was more of a blind insurance policy, a fake shoulder to cry over and hope for support. Perhaps I got selfish, for I took the easier path and got what I wanted for everyone just for myself, instead of staying on and fighting for change in the community. You must realize (not just you, almost everyone on this forum) that me leaving Islam is perhaps a victory for the Islam you represent. Like you said, I'm saying (rightly or wrongly) "Islam is... a package". Which is why I began my post with profuse gratitude, not just to this forum but everyone who made me understand this about (traditional) Islam. I agree with you that Islam is a complete way of life, and I reject that way of life. Every aspect of it. Because, like you, I do not believe it is possible to change Islam (or at least, I have given up hope). Of course, we can say female imams are fine or that the extent of hijab is culturally defined or with modern standards of hygiene, pork is okay. You can do that and much more, but then you cease to be following the Prophet's message. I understand most people on this forum want to increase their faith in Islam and accept more and more things from the Islamic package into their lives and invite more people to Islam. I respect your faith and your conviction. I'm not interested in mocking Islam or making fun of Muslims. They, like devout followers of any faith, are the nicest of people. Nor am I interested in pitting Islam against any other ideology, whether political or religious, and say that's better. Every system of belief and governance we have on this planet is imperfect and most problems arise when their ardent supporters are indoctrinated about how flawless their arrangement is. All I'm saying is Islam isn't for me. It's unfortunate that I was born a Muslim (for both me and Muslims) and I just corrected that. No bad blood intended. And lastly, perhaps I did hurt a lot of people who read this post, because as a Muslim when I used to observe others in non-Islamic acts, it really hurt. And I would like to sincerely apologize for that too, but I felt I have a story linked to sunniforum.com and I must share it. In the best of Islamic traditions, peace be upon you. |
|
01-22-2012, 06:10 AM | #15 |
|
There is New Islam out there. People like Asra Nomani and Irshad Manji and, to a lesser degree, Tariq Ramadan (and many, many others) represent it. I was once a believer in it. Reforming Islam. Ijtihad, modern thought and all of that, I swallowed it hook, line and sinker. |
|
01-22-2012, 06:10 AM | #16 |
|
As Salaamu 'ala Man Ittaba al Huda,
Peach, we have no problem with you leaving Islam. I just have three questions for you and hopefully you can reply: (1) What do you mean that Islam is stuck in the 7th century? (2) How does Islam mistreat women? (3) What is there that is difficult to believe in? If you wish to reciprocate any questions my way, feel free. wa Allaahu Alam. |
|
01-22-2012, 06:20 AM | #17 |
|
ASWW
Sister It hurts really bad reading your post, coz as you know, by now, or should know, we are all responsible for all and all for one. If you have posted this with the intention of dragging down others with you, it makes it even worse and by Allah InshaAllah everything you say will come true for you. Everything, I mean the Quran says about apostates, and in your case even more. By Allah you have judged Allah, His revelations and everything by human standards and thats the tragedy. Even humans inventing standards for themselves are disastrous, say for example, your love for judging homosexuals etc., so surely, that should not make you go round and round in circles, which you are. I suspect your first sentence sums it all up.... YOU ARE A TROLL>>>!!! you must be giving your wonderful husband such a tough time in the haven you are now living in(sic) |
|
01-22-2012, 06:25 AM | #18 |
|
I have been intensely following sunniform.com for the last few months, along with several other Islamic websites, blogs and forums like alfita.com, askimam.org, salafitalk.net, etc. and I would like to thank you all for helping me make one of the biggest decisions of my life. I was very enlightened by your true and accurate representation of Islamic beliefs, tenets and practices. I understood the real meaning behind several oft-questioned ayahs of the Quran and Hadith. Combined with other sources of Islamic discourse I was following, I believe I now have a complete and accurate picture of Islam. |
|
01-22-2012, 06:37 AM | #19 |
|
All I'm saying is Islam isn't for me. I ask these because, if you're placing your standards above the objective standards, you realize that this isn't a legit reason to disbelieve, right? If you have subjective reasons for leaving, can't you change those subjective reasons to stay? Because, if you leave because your subjective morals don't accept Islam, is it really worth the price of the hereafter? Anything truly negative this post causes is my fault and unintentional. |
|
01-22-2012, 07:10 AM | #20 |
|
السلام عليكم
The muslims on here shouldn't be patronising. I know it hurts to see a sister leaves Islam, but it happens. We should be giving advice, not be patronising. Don't forget, Muslims apostated during the Ridda, and later became Muslims again and firm ones too. The reason being is they had Sahaabah with them who were the best of Muslims after The Prophet SAW. We should be polite and accept her decision, and as Brother Fusus said beautifully, "What can we do except continue making dua for you?" و عليكم السلام |
|
Reply to Thread New Thread |
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | |
|