Ask a Muslim

[Red Door]

I think it's great that you came to answer our questions. Welcome!

Anyways, as a Roman Catholic, I have some questions.

What is the Muslim view of the creation of the World and is it a set definition (fundamentalist Christian) or loose interpretation (Roman Catholic Church)?

What is the Muslim view on Jesus Christ and how does he fit into Islam?

What did you personally think of the Danish newspaper cartoons of last year?

Do you believe America is bigoted towards Islam and why?

How can you always tell the direction of Mecca (for prayer)?

What are the roles of the Old Testament and New Testament in the Koran (sorry about the spelling )?

What is your view on the Iraq War?

Lastly, Sunni or Shi'a?

 

[incantrix]

How do you deal with the fact that if we go by most of the accepted orthodox interpretations of Muslim law, you would be a severe violator of many laws, and your unwillingness to generalise Islam would into a political system would be treated as apostasy?

I don't think about it much, honestly. I'm not in the situation where that matters. If I were, I would not have the view point I hold.

Mind you, it's not uncommon for Shi'a visiting Mecca are treated that way by Saudi officials.

My friend is Muslim, and he immigrated here from Albania when he was 8 or 9 years old. He does not pray, he does not fast during Ramadan, he does not plan on taking the trip to Mecca, and he does not go to Mosques or read the Qur'an. I think the only thing he does practice is that he "doesnt eat pork".

I'm sure he does pray. No one can believe in (a specific) God and not talk to him (or her?).

Would he seriously be able to call himself a Muslim? What are the consequences of his lack of faith?

It's not my place to say if he is a Muslim or not.

 

[incantrix]

What is the Muslim view of the creation of the World and is it a set definition (fundamentalist Christian) or loose interpretation (Roman Catholic Church)?

I'm not actually sure. I share your general view.

What is the Muslim view on Jesus Christ and how does he fit into Islam?

He is a great prophet. We believe he was born of a virgin Mary. We do not believe he was the Son of God. We do not believe he died for mankind (we Shi'a a Christian-Jesus-like figure for that).

I said is because for us, Jesus is alive in Heaven. He will return for Judgment.

I'm not too sure how Sunni see Judgment day.

What did you personally think of the Danish newspaper cartoons of last year?

Few posts back.

Do you believe America is bigoted towards Islam and why?

With the last name 'Schneider' (my father is German but I haven't seen him in 20 years) I've never had a problem getting across the border. I know others have. I would say yes

How can you always tell the direction of Mecca (for prayer)?

Where does the sunrise? You don't need to be perfect

What are the roles of the Old Testament and New Testament in the Koran (sorry about the spelling )?

Similar to what the Old Testament is to a Christian.

What is your view on the Iraq War?

The same as most Canadians.

Lastly, Sunni or Shi'a?

Shi'a. See first post

 

[GenMarshall]

What is the differance between Shi'a and Sunni?

And why are these two (Dont mind me if I call then "Denominations") Denominations in Islam are locked in conflict with each other? It almosts reminds me of the Protestant vs. Catholic conflicts in Ireland and Europe during the Protestant Reformation.

 

[Gogf]

Do you think "infidels" should be forcibly converted to your faith?

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

No questions, just a welcome to the forums.

Always good to have another perspective on things.

edit: Hey, my 1000th post. I'm glad it's not a *****y one

 

[Trajan12]

But this is one question that still nags at me. If people in the Middles East are suipposed to know the Qur'an so well, how can they simply disregard verses like This?

Al-Baqara (The Cow)

2:62 VERILY, those who have attained to faith [in this divine writ], as well as those who follow the Jewish faith, and the Christians, and the Sabians [49] -all who believe in God and the Last Day and do righteous deeds-shall have their reward with their Sustainer; and no fear need they have, and neither shall they grieve.

(The Qur’an, 12:53; 75:26) What the violent method invariably does is to awaken the ego which necessarily results in a breakdown of social equilibrium. On the other hand, non-violent activism awakens the conscience. From this results an awakening in people of introspection and self-appraisal. And according to the Qur’an, the miraculous outcome of this is that "he who is your enemy will become your dearest friend." (41:34)

In favor of questionable verses that say Christians and Jews are apes and pigs? I just don't understand. Do some verses take precedence over others, or are some considered obsolete?

 

[Trajan12]

What is the differance between Shi'a and Sunni?

And why are these two (Dont mind me if I call then "Denominations") Denominations in Islam are locked in conflict with each other? It almosts reminds me of the Protestant vs. Catholic conflicts in Ireland and Europe during the Protestant Reformation.

I believe Shi'as believe that the first ruler of the Caliphate was legitimate and the Sunnis believe that he was a liar. I think, correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[incantrix]

What is the differance between Shi'a and Sunni?

And why are these two (Dont mind me if I call then "Denominations") Denominations in Islam are locked in conflict with each other? It almosts reminds me of the Protestant vs. Catholic conflicts in Ireland and Europe during the Protestant Reformation.

How many Christians do you think explain the differences between Protestants and Catholics? All I know was in my first post.

Do you think "infidels" should be forcibly converted to your faith?

No. A forced conversion is not real. On the other hand, I do believe 'they' would be better off now and later if they did convert.

 

[GenMarshall]

How many Christians do you think explain the differences between Protestants and Catholics? All I know was in my first post.

Sorry, if I offended you .

No. A forced conversion is not real. On the other hand, I do believe 'they' would be better off now and later if they did convert.

How come the extremists want to force convert people? And what is your opinions on those who want to forcefully convert people into Islam?

 

[JohnRM]

I just want to welcome you to the board and to say that although some would have you believe otherwise, I am not an "Islamophobe". I do recognize the existence of so-called moderate Muslims.

I do have some questions.

>> Where were you born? Were you born in an Islamic-dominated nation?

>> If the answer to the above question is 'No', on both accounts, is your ethnicity foreign to your current nationality? (Ex; You are Arab, but are a French citizen)

>> If the answer to the above question is 'Yes'; How far removed are you from your ancestoral homeland? (Ex; Your parents were born in 'X' nation.)

 

[Yeeek]

Man all those religions sure looks grim.

Ever noticed that? Its like you have to abide by rules wich goes against the very nature of men to have a chance to be on the good side of the divine creator (creators?). If not you'll go to some place very hot and melt for eternity. So do you really belive some diety is coming forth for the judgement day? What is the judgement day in your worst nightmare.

Anyway, excuse my rather unfriendly introcution. I'm atheist as you may have guessed. Though, I like you already, because of this :

I believe to be an atheist you must have been given a chance to know God and then rejected that chance. I don't believe most in the West have been properly introduced

I agree and disagree. I've known quite a few people who were raised by religious parents, going to the church and such. Saying the serments before dinner and all the fluffy stuff that goes with being "religious", ie crosses on the walls and what not. But they weren't religious themselves. Why? I don't really know, my guess is that when you grow up, sometimes you want to, excuse me there, piss off your parents. Thats the cases for some of them.

But for some, and thats including myself, we've went through things at a early age. I've witnessed death first hand and at that moment i didn't believed anymore in god or whatever divine superpowers. I was still a little boy, my parents were not religous, therefor wasn't raised in a religious environment but still i believed there was something but couldn't grasp what was it. Probably an agnostic by definition. Anyway, after that event. A car accident for the curious people on this board. It hit me and all hope for still believing in something was gone.

From then on, and after much reading on religions and how they works. Some of them, flat out disgust me. But i do understand why they have followers. I won't go too much details as to why they disgust me because i don't want the religious people that are reading this believe that i insult them.

[edit] If you are interested there is a thread on this board somewhere on page 2 or 3, "Ask an Atheist."

 

[ironduck]

In my heart, I feel the veil is a symbol of inequality and sexism. I don't like it, but I wouldn't work for change against it either. It is not my place to change the customs of others.

I wear a head scarf to mosque. I would wear one if I visited Mecca or Lebanon.

With the above, and the earlier comment of not telling anyone at the mosque that you're married to a non-muslim to avoid being frowned upon.. Why go to mosque when people won't allow you to be yourself? Isn't the mosque supposed to be a good place to go, rather than one where you have to lie to people who share your religion? It seems highly counterintuitive to me.

I assume your mosque is also split between men and women? How do you feel about that? Does your mosque allow for women imams? If not, how do you feel about that?

Are there muslim factions that do not have any of the typical gender distinctions, similarly to how there are liberal christian churches and backwards ones? Here I'm not talking about secular muslims as yourself, but in officially reinterpreting religious dogma to enter the modern world - to marry homosexuals, allow women imams, etc..

 

[ssrt]

These questions will likely sound harsh, but they are questions that I have never really given a satisfying answer to. It is not my intention to offend you.

How do you feel about the way that Muhammad spread Islam?

Of course, I mean by the sword. I know that Muslims generally revere Muhammad as the greatest prophet. Can you, therefore, truly condemn the extremists of your faith in the Middle-East when they appear to be following by example the legacy left behind by the greatest prophet of God?

What do you think of the Dhimmi status applied to non-Muslims (historically) living in Muslim countries? Should it still be used today? What do you think was its purpose originally?

 

[JonnyB]

As Muslim Canadians which did your parents think was worse, marrying a non-muslim, or marrying an american?

 

[incantrix]

Sorry, if I offended you .

You didn't offend me I just don't know every difference. I don't care to find out either.

How come the extremists want to force convert people? And what is your opinions on those who want to forcefully convert people into Islam?

They believe they're doing God's will. I hate to draw comparisons, but how many people were forced to convert to Christianity? Why did Christian Churches try this? They believed they were doing God's will.

>> Where were you born? Were you born in an Islamic-dominated nation?

I was born in Canada. My mother is Lebanese, my father Canadian. He has had nothing to do with my life.

>> If the answer to the above question is 'No', on both accounts, is your ethnicity foreign to your current nationality? (Ex; You are Arab, but are a French citizen)

I consider myself a Lebanese -Canadian

 

[incantrix]

As Muslim Canadians which did your parents think was worse, marrying a non-muslim, or marrying an american?

My mother converted to Christianity. She married a Christian when she herself was still Muslim so I imagine marrying an American was worse

 

[Jawz II]

How do you feel when some nitwit says youre evil because your muslim?

We have our share of morons here on OT and I always cringe when I see that kind of troll posts, cause I know they might make the very few muslims we have posting here want to stay away, and that sucks.

One would think if all they want to talk about is muslims all day long, they would like 1 or 2 to talk to, but no they just wanna spread their hate.

 

[El_Machinae]

Why do you think Allah exists?
Do you really think Muhammed was taken up in a chariot of fire?
Do you think that Muhammed acted in such a way that he should be mimicked? Do muslim men feel that they may act like him?

 

[JonnyB]

Do you carry a compass around with you? Or have you developed an 'internal compass' so you always know roughly which direction to face when praying?