Ask a Muslim

[incantrix]

Hello

My husband, augurey, approached me with this idea a few months ago. I was reluctant. I expected this would take up much of my time. I also expected there to be bigoted posts. I declined.

Then, a few weeks ago, an initiative started at mosque to better interfaith relations. I feel that answering questions on our religion and where it stands in the world is an important aspect of tolerance and understanding. It is better to come together with what we share than to fight over differences. I wish to illuminate some common ground.

I do expect some flames. Matthew says those posts will be harder on him. He's probably right.

And while I do bite, I promise not to cut your head off

I'm not an expert on my religion. I do not know the Qur'an by heart. I will try my best to answer your questions.

I invite other Muslim posters on this forum to help me answer questions.

Starting off...

Are you Shi'a or Sunni and what's the difference?

I'm a Shi'a. Between 10 and 15 percent of the the world's Muslims are Shi'a. Sunnis make up the other 85-90. We are found in and around Iran and along the Mediterranean.

Wikipedia has a map showing Shi'a and Sunni distribution:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a0/Muslim_distribution.jpg

The differences are hard to understand myself let alone explain to a non-Muslim. Matthew, try as he might, doesn't get it.

The two branches formed when there was a split in who was the rightful sucessor to the Prophet Muhammad. We believe Ali was the first Caliph and rightful successor. Sunnis believe that three others Ali were all the four rightly guided Caliphs of Islam.

Many Sunni see us as heretics as we follow a different Hadith (traditions relating to the words, teachings and deeds of Muhammad). We listen to those narrated not only by Muhammad himself, but those of his family as well. Sunnis reject this.

Why do Sunni and Shi'a fight? Control, power and revenge. All of which is on display in Iraq right now. My opinion on the matter is much like that of my first statement: It is better to come together with what we share than to fight over differences.

 

[Brighteye]

You say that you don't know the Qu'ran. Are many Muslims expected to learn it still, or recite extensive passages?

 

[warpus]

Would you consider yourself to be a moderate Muslim?

What are your opinions on the issue of freedom of speech, the Muhammed cartoons, and the violent protests that followed?

 

[nonconformist]

Welcome to CFC, Mrs Augurey!

Can I ask whether you're a devout Muslim; i.e whether you pray five times a day, observe all Islamic rituals, make the pilgrammage to Mecca, and abstain from alcohol?

I've met a number of Muslims whose various cultures have allowed them to do different things, so I'm mainly just wondering on a personal level.

 

[incantrix]

You say that you don't know the Qu'ran. Are many Muslims expected to learn it still, or recite extensive passages?

I've never been asked to learn it by heart. Those who do are called 'Hafiz' or 'guardians' I've seen video from schools in Saudi Arabia and Pakistan where young boys rock themselves while memorizing. I find it depressing. Why memorize it when the book is right there

Would you consider yourself to be a moderate Muslim?

What are your opinions on the issue of freedom of speech, the Muhammed cartoons, and the violent protests that followed?

I'm not sure what I would consider myself. I'm a secularist. I believe freedom of speech is a remarkable ideal. I have found myself on the unfortunate side more than once. I did not like it, no, but I do not wish to change it.

The cartoons were stupid. Offensive? I found them so. I found the rioting worse.

 

[El_Machinae]

A lot of the effort to convincing atheists that Islam is correct focuses on the 'science' of the Quran. Is this seen (by the mainstream) as a viable tactic, or does it seem like deception? Or, if someone were to preach on the 'science in the Quran', would you believe it to be a divine message of truth, or selective interpretations of poetry?

 

[PrinceOfLeigh]

Why do you think there are so few Muslims who are regular posters on CFC?

Welcome by the way

 

[incantrix]

Welcome to CFC, Mrs Augurey!

Can I ask whether you're a devout Muslim; i.e whether you pray five times a day, observe all Islamic rituals, make the pilgrammage to Mecca, and abstain from alcohol?

I'm not devout, no. I married a non-Muslim which is forbidden. There's a lot that is forbidden. Each object or thing must be considered differently and independently. Being forbidden from marrying a non-Muslim man is based on the idea that I would have to conform to his beliefs, he being head of house hold. Our culture today no longer requires this. I am free to practice my faith and he doesn't impose his lack there of upon me.

I do withhold that information when I goto mosque. It would be frowned upon.

I do drink alcohol occasionally. I do not drink in excess. I do realize it is a sin and it takes me away from God. Such a separation usually leaves me depressed and guilty. That might just be the alcohol though

Most Shi'a I know combine prayers. I pray three times a day.

While I plan on reaching Mecca before I die, I do not look forward to being in Saudi Arabia. The regime there is not as open to differences of religious opinion as the west is. That extends to non-Sunni (and non-Wahhabist) schools of Islam.

 

[StarWorms]

How do you feel about the western society being more oppressive against muslims to tackle terrorism?

 

[Swedishguy]

What is your view on Atheists?

 

[Phlegmak]

When the hell are Yemen, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and UAE going to define their borders?

 

[CenturionV]

What do you believe about islamic eschatology.

And the Mahdi? What does that mean to you?

 

[incantrix]

What is your view on Atheists?

See you in hell

jk

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

How do you feel about the western society being more oppressive against muslims to tackle terrorism?

I believe there are more important problems than terrorism.

 

[warpus]

I'm not sure what I would consider myself. I'm a secularist. I believe freedom of speech is a remarkable ideal. I have found myself on the unfortunate side more than once. I did not like it, no, but I do not wish to change it.

The cartoons were stupid. Offensive? I found them so. I found the rioting worse.

Why do you think it is that so many Muslims spoke out so violently against the cartoons, yet you're hardpressed to see Muslims speaking out against Islamic extremism and terrorism?

 

[Godwynn]

When I went to S.I.U. they had a room for Muslims with a label that said "Wudu for Salat" or "Wudu for Sadat" what does that mean?

 

[incantrix]

Good questions. I'm going out to lunch. I'll get back this!

 

[Swedishguy]

Good questions. I'm going out to lunch. I'll get back this!

Are you going out to lunch a quarter over eight? Must be all these timezones...

 

[ironduck]

Welcome incantrix!

What is your view on your deity's views on people of none or other faiths? Do you think your deity frowns on them or welcomes everyone happily? Do you think your deity punishes or rewards anyone for anything?

What is your view on the various veils muslim women often wear in public? Do you wear one, and if so why?

 

[downtown]

I'll think of some questions, but thanks for making this thread.

 

[aneeshm]

Which of the two methods of reform do you think are better:

a) A secular analysis of the Quran, and admitting that it may have shortcomings, or
b) Creative re-interpretation to explain away any potential shortcomings as merely metaphors

?