Islamic Discussion Thread ٥: Free Tajweed, Absolutely Halaal

[Unogonduria]

Guys, I am trying to neutralize my perspective on Islam. Would you give me 10 good things about Islam, except the fasting during Ramadan of course?

First things first, I would to apologize for coming off as aggressive to you the other day in the other discussion. Didn't mean to come off that way to you. I just wanted to take the role of aggressor for that debate but came off sounding a bit arrogant.

Yeah, as a convert of over 7 years, I gained:

1. An improved self
2. A wife
3. A child
4. Increased knowledge
5. Trying out different things from other cultures
6. Learning other languages
7. Loving my fellow man more
8. Learning how people work better
9. Reflecting on God and life benefits me
10. I overcame many bad habits one by one.

Now the above is all my personal experience and I'm not going off religious script this time. Keeping it real.

I am quite grateful to the God I believe in.

Thank you, I accept your apology. In fact, I also would like to apologize, since my initial response was off-the-rails too.

[Repreteop]

Guys, I am trying to neutralize my perspective on Islam. Would you give me 10 good things about Islam, except the fasting during Ramadan of course?

First things first, I would to apologize for coming off as aggressive to you the other day in the other discussion. Didn't mean to come off that way to you. I just wanted to take the role of aggressor for that debate but came off sounding a bit arrogant.

Yeah, as a convert of over 7 years, I gained:

1. An improved self
2. A wife
3. A child
4. Increased knowledge
5. Trying out different things from other cultures
6. Learning other languages
7. Loving my fellow man more
8. Learning how people work better
9. Reflecting on God and life benefits me
10. I overcame many bad habits one by one.

Now the above is all my personal experience and I'm not going off religious script this time. Keeping it real.

I am quite grateful to the God I believe in.

Mashallah. God has willed you become strong.

[A m e n r i a]

First things first, I would to apologize for coming off as aggressive to you the other day in the other discussion. Didn't mean to come off that way to you. I just wanted to take the role of aggressor for that debate but came off sounding a bit arrogant.

Yeah, as a convert of over 7 years, I gained:

1. An improved self
2. A wife
3. A child
4. Increased knowledge
5. Trying out different things from other cultures
6. Learning other languages
7. Loving my fellow man more
8. Learning how people work better
9. Reflecting on God and life benefits me
10. I overcame many bad habits one by one.

Now the above is all my personal experience and I'm not going off religious script this time. Keeping it real.

I am quite grateful to the God I believe in.

Thank you, I accept your apology. In fact, I also would like to apologize, since my initial response was off-the-rails too.

I'd like to add one more. God is merciful. If you converted right now, all your sins up until now would be forgiven.

[Merien]

After a long while, I have decided to return to Islam. At this moment I am considering Ahmadiyya (due to it being most of what I was associated with), but I am sure there might be other options that glorify Allah. I am particularly interested in Sunni Islam but perhaps Shia Islam could be righteous.

[Jolthig]

After a long while, I have decided to return to Islam. At this moment I am considering Ahmadiyya (due to it being most of what I was associated with), but I am sure there might be other options that glorify Allah. I am particularly interested in Sunni Islam but perhaps Shia Islam could be righteous.

Insha'Allah.

[Kaumudeen]

After a long while, I have decided to return to Islam. At this moment I am considering Ahmadiyya (due to it being most of what I was associated with), but I am sure there might be other options that glorify Allah. I am particularly interested in Sunni Islam but perhaps Shia Islam could be righteous.

What led to your departure from Islam in the first place? I'm always very curious what draws people away from and back into religion.

[Merien]

After a long while, I have decided to return to Islam. At this moment I am considering Ahmadiyya (due to it being most of what I was associated with), but I am sure there might be other options that glorify Allah. I am particularly interested in Sunni Islam but perhaps Shia Islam could be righteous.

What led to your departure from Islam in the first place? I'm always very curious what draws people away from and back into religion.

I was conflicted, but learned and remembered the divinity of Allah, and now I pray I never forget.

[Jolthig]

I was also quite similar to our young brother above. When I became an Ahmadi Muslim, I was a young 17 year old kid going into high school. A few months before my 18th birthday. I still didn't have exactly a sense of who I was or what my purpose is. Nevertheless, I was just simply interested in studying other religions. Not necessarily a conversion at first but just learning their cultures.

But the people I met with at the mosque in Oshkosh, Wisconsin seemed sincere and everything they did was serious and not for show. I liked them far better than what my dad tried to show me in childhood

I read several books of Ahmadiyya and they made sense to me and seemed logical.

I was fascinated with the Islamic concept of "place and time", and "keeping your promises" whether in treaties (like Muhammad's life) or everyday life.

It had an appeal to me like none of the other views that I tried to fit in. I was atheist and agnostic when I joined. I had lost interest in religion, until that very moment.

Ultimately, this faith made me consistent as I grew out of my teenage years and became adult. Maturing, and having a better sense of identity.

In essence, I like its teachings, the people are cool, and it gave me purpose that no other view I tried to get into did.

[Merien]

I was also quite similar to our young brother above. When I became an Ahmadi Muslim, I was a young 17 year old kid going into high school. A few months before my 18th birthday. I still didn't have exactly a sense of who I was or what my purpose is. Nevertheless, I was just simply interested in studying other religions. Not necessarily a conversion at first but just learning their cultures.

But the people I met with at the mosque in Oshkosh, Wisconsin seemed sincere and everything they did was serious and not for show. I liked them far better than what my dad tried to show me in childhood

I read several books of Ahmadiyya and they made sense to me and seemed logical.

I was fascinated with the Islamic concept of "place and time", and "keeping your promises" whether in treaties (like Muhammad's life) or everyday life.

It had an appeal to me like none of the other views that I tried to fit in. I was atheist and agnostic when I joined. I had lost interest in religion, until that very moment.

Ultimately, this faith made me consistent as I grew out of my teenage years and became adult. Maturing, and having a better sense of identity.

In essence, I like its teachings, the people are cool, and it gave me purpose that no other view I tried to get into did.

Mashallah, the sincerity of faith that muslims have is most sincere, which is one of the reasons I adhere to Islam.

[Kaumudeen]

What led to your departure from Islam in the first place? I'm always very curious what draws people away from and back into religion.

I was conflicted, but learned and remembered the divinity of Allah, and now I pray I never forget.

Mashallah that is amazing.

I do went through a spiritual realignment last year, and now identify as a Non-denominational Muslim.

[Merien]

I was conflicted, but learned and remembered the divinity of Allah, and now I pray I never forget.

Mashallah that is amazing.

I do went through a spiritual realignment last year, and now identify as a Non-denominational Muslim.

I have a question, what's the big thing with non denominational Islam? How do things work differently?

[Kaumudeen]

Mashallah that is amazing.

I do went through a spiritual realignment last year, and now identify as a Non-denominational Muslim.

I have a question, what's the big thing with non denominational Islam? How do things work differently?

I think it is a matter of identification. You nominally might have similar practices as a particular Islamic school, but you are not attached to one strictly. It's fairly common in West Africa, Balkans, Central Asia.

For me it was that I don't see the point in all the bickering per say, since the sects in Islam share far more in common compared to Christian sects for example, and I disagreed with how centralized the leadership in my community was, and their lack of action on current issues, especially among the youth.

[Jolthig]

I have a question, what's the big thing with non denominational Islam? How do things work differently?

I think it is a matter of identification. You nominally might have similar practices as a particular Islamic school, but you are not attached to one strictly. It's fairly common in West Africa, Balkans, Central Asia.

For me it was that I don't see the point in all the bickering per say, since the sects in Islam share far more in common compared to Christian sects for example, and I disagreed with how centralized the leadership in my community was, and their lack of action on current issues, especially among the youth.

What was that community like?

[A m e n r i a]

Mashallah that is amazing.

I do went through a spiritual realignment last year, and now identify as a Non-denominational Muslim.

I have a question, what's the big thing with non denominational Islam? How do things work differently?

I never met someone who identifies as such irl. Indonesia is overwhelmingly Sunni and Shiahs aren't exactly seen positively here. In China, I've never even heard the topic of sects being brought up, by both Chinese and foreign Muslims.

[Merien]

I have a question, what's the big thing with non denominational Islam? How do things work differently?

I never met someone who identifies as such irl. Indonesia is overwhelmingly Sunni and Shiahs aren't exactly seen positively here. In China, I've never even heard the topic of sects being brought up, by both Chinese and foreign Muslims.

Yeah. I never met one.

[Jolthig]

Another thing to note:
I Islam to be more than just simple religion but also philosophy, a way of life, and a code of conduct.

[Merien]

Another thing to note:
I Islam to be more than just simple religion but also philosophy, a way of life, and a code of conduct.

A religion will not change a man, a way of life will.

[Kaumudeen]

I never met someone who identifies as such irl. Indonesia is overwhelmingly Sunni and Shiahs aren't exactly seen positively here. In China, I've never even heard the topic of sects being brought up, by both Chinese and foreign Muslims.

Yeah. I never met one.

It's not very common in the Middle East, Indonesia or South Asia where most Muslims are, but more common in other parts of the Ummah.

I think it is a matter of identification. You nominally might have similar practices as a particular Islamic school, but you are not attached to one strictly. It's fairly common in West Africa, Balkans, Central Asia.

For me it was that I don't see the point in all the bickering per say, since the sects in Islam share far more in common compared to Christian sects for example, and I disagreed with how centralized the leadership in my community was, and their lack of action on current issues, especially among the youth.

What was that community like?

They are not bad people, just very out of touch with the issues facing young Muslims, also quite dismissive when concerns are brought up by younger people, it feels like a "know your place" vibe. I also felt that when it came to religious matters, there was too much precedent given to what the leadership says rather than what is said in Quran, Hadith, and by the Prophets. I very rarely heard mentions of opinions from sources outside of the leadership.

[Merien]

After a while of praying and whatnot, I have decided to become Muslim.

EDIT: I wrote Ahmadi here earlier. I meant to say just Muslim lol. I think I'll just be Sunni.

[Merien]

As-salamu alaikum brothers and sisters, I wish to bring something up.

A while ago I was lost. I was not sure of what to follow, I was dissuaded because I wasn't sure if I could be a muslim simply due to me being lost and unsure of if I was good enough. But I figured it out. I was lost via religion and faith, but then I proceeded to follow Islam when I figured it all out. Allah forgives all of your sins on conversion, and he forgives them if you repent. I decided to follow Islam when I was made aware of that.

There is also the misconception that leads (or lead) many people (including me) to stay away from Islam, which is "I know I might commit this sin" or "I'm addicted to (blank)", but I can tell you for a fact that Allah forgives and understands. Don't let your bad habits draw you away from Islam, rather, let Islam and its community help you with your problems. Don't be scared because you can't be a perfect Muslim, because none of us are. I have met many people even here that have helped me in the faith and have supported me, and I also want you to know that I can help you too.

I simply feel like that this misconception has lead me away from Islam, and I feel like that lead me to stray away from faith.

I found this to be a nice article too for those who are considering Islam but are not sure they can be Muslim due to fears of them not being good enough.

[Unogonduria]

I'm curious, what do you Muslims think of the Book of Revelation?

[A m e n r i a]

As-salamu alaikum brothers and sisters, I wish to bring something up.

A while ago I was lost. I was not sure of what to follow, I was dissuaded because I wasn't sure if I could be a muslim simply due to me being lost and unsure of if I was good enough. But I figured it out. I was lost via religion and faith, but then I proceeded to follow Islam when I figured it all out. Allah forgives all of your sins on conversion, and he forgives them if you repent. I decided to follow Islam when I was made aware of that.

There is also the misconception that leads (or lead) many people (including me) to stay away from Islam, which is "I know I might commit this sin" or "I'm addicted to (blank)", but I can tell you for a fact that Allah forgives and understands. Don't let your bad habits draw you away from Islam, rather, let Islam and its community help you with your problems. Don't be scared because you can't be a perfect Muslim, because none of us are. I have met many people even here that have helped me in the faith and have supported me, and I also want you to know that I can help you too.

I simply feel like that this misconception has lead me away from Islam, and I feel like that lead me to stray away from faith.

I found this to be a nice article too for those who are considering Islam but are not sure they can be Muslim due to fears of them not being good enough.

On one hand, God is fair enough to not condemn you for a moment of weakness, but on the other hand, you must try your best to overcome your flaws.

I'm curious, what do you Muslims think of the Book of Revelation?

I don't know about a seven-headed beast, but there will be beasts coming out from underground in the apocalypse.

[Merien]

I'm curious, what do you Muslims think of the Book of Revelation?

We have our day of judgement that we believe in. However we view the Quran as the successor and the most holy book. In Al Baqarah, it states in its second Ayah (Verse)

"This is the Book! There is no doubt about it—a guide for those mindful ˹of Allah˺,"

We believe that the Quran is the most holy and respectable book, which is why we use it in all applications, you cannot deny one part of the Quran and agree with the other parts, you can only go all the way. Allah is perfect and His word is true.

[Jolthig]

I'm curious, what do you Muslims think of the Book of Revelation?

It's an interesting book, and while, the second caliph of Ahmadiyya has stated that Revelation 10 prophecies Surah al-Fatihah (first chapter of Quran as it has 7 verses), I find much of the book hard to believe.

Definitely has trippy prophecies and is quite similar to prophecies in the book of Daniel but its repeated declaration that Jesus seems to be divine makes the book hard to accept as divine revelation (in its current form of writing that is). Everything accept for Revelation 10 because our second caliph claimed to receive a revelation in regards to that so I have to believe that.

And that's in regards to the 7 seals if I'm not mistaken, and in regards to the hidden seal

I will say this though: 7 is a big number and frequent theme in both Bible and Quran.

[Merien]

I'm curious, what do you Muslims think of the Book of Revelation?

It's an interesting book, and while, the second caliph of Ahmadiyya has stated that Revelation 10 prophecies Surah al-Fatihah (first chapter of Quran as it has 7 verses), I find much of the book hard to believe.

Definitely has trippy prophecies and is quite similar to prophecies in the book of Daniel but its repeated declaration that Jesus seems to be divine makes the book hard to accept as divine revelation (in its current form of writing that is). Everything accept for Revelation 10 because our second caliph claimed to receive a revelation in regards to that so I have to believe that.

And that's in regards to the 7 seals if I'm not mistaken, and in regards to the hidden seal

I will say this though: 7 is a big number and frequent theme in both Bible and Quran.

I never really got it, but I also don't usually use any of the Bible for religious context unless its in a argument trying to explain the supremacy of the Quran.