Unfortunately, I am losing my very loyal readership. This is primarily because of the sudden soberness that has evolved my writing. Also, because I am unable to blog as frequently as I used to, I am finding it extremely difficult to talk about everything that I have wanted to. However, that soon shall change, I promise. Just keep reading.
The last week has been the highlight of my year; God has inundated me with "Blessings" - they may not be blessings entirely, but I am thankful for whatever it is that He has given, and I guess that is all that counts.
Right, now that I have said what I wanted to, sort of, allow me to address another aspect of controversy that has stirred my way. It obviously, as the title of this post suggests, involves religion.
Yes, Islam.
To be honest, I wasn't entirely sure that was how the world perceived me and my approach towards religion and God, until a few weeks ago, when during a chat conversation with one of my online friends (whose identity I will not give away) the idea erupted. Of course, I have been exposed to it in the past, but the confirmation sounded only this time around.
Is my writing getting too difficult to swallow? Pointless digression, really, yet do let me know if it does bother you and makes you feel queasy.
Anyway, back to the discussion. Right, so I have decided to voice my thoughts on religion, because people seem to be confused (and concerned too, mind you) about my beliefs, with many already shirking me off to blasphemy.
I am not an atheist. That is the first confession. I believe in God. Hell, I wouldn't have made it this far, if I hadn't. That's my take on it. Yes, I am a Muslim (Sunni? Wahabi? Isn't that unneccessary, really?). I do believe that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was God's last messenger. And that, of course, there is no God but Him.
Okay, so I have got the Tawheed right then. All those who've dubbed me an atheist can review and reiterate their opinions to arrive at the same conclusion. If you still enjoy being a prick, so be it.
Next, do I pray five times a day? No, I do not. I am not proud of it. And I am not entirely ashamed of it. But yes, I do not pray and I admit it. If this is the reason to hate me, well then, be my guest.
Do I pray Jummaah? Yes I do. I miss it sometimes, either out of ignorance or sheer recklessness. But usually I do pray.
Do I fast? Yes I do. Once again, I have missed a few. And I shall make up for them. But, otherwise, I have always fasted.
I am deliberately ruling out Umrah and Hajj here, only because I am unable to leave this country, at the moment.
Right then, we have all covered the basics of our religion. Yes, basics. People who believe that Islam only revolves around these few practices are as ignorant as the next person who believes the national religion of Israel is Islam.
Islam is a way of life. It is our everyday being. Our conduct. Everything. It isn't limited to a bunch of prayers people carry out anyway to put their heart to rest. To evade punishment. To plead forgiveness for sins that have become a commonality. For all I know, these acts aren't entirely likely to get you away from the misdeeds that you have carved into your everyday life.
You think watching porn day in and day out, looking at a woman's cleavage (or her bum), swearing at each other, lying, cheating, being dishonest, backbiting, gossiping about your next door neighbours, or generally, exaggerating a piece of story, and then praying five times a day will guarantee you an eternal spot in one of the gardens of heavens?
Oh puh-leese. Don't make me barf.
Think about it. Are you trying to say, none of these activities have at least made it into your life even once? Have you never envied someone? Have you never spoken ill of someone? Have you never been angry? Have you never cursed?
Of course you have. We all are humans. And to err is typically human. And God knows that, I am sure. But how many of these activities are deliberate? That is the question that we all need to ask ourselves.
Yes, you may argue, after having a peek at my photos, that I hang around with girls, touch them, with many of them baring parts of their body.
I agree, I do have those photos. For more proof, just have a look yourself.
But, one huge aspect of Islam that people often ignore, is intention. Charity done with bad intentions is just as horrible as murder. Yes, a person may pray five times a day, but how can he or anyone else guarantee the intentions with which he prays? Does he pray for God? Or the people around him? Who knows!
Yes, I am a strong believer of the concept of mehram and na-mehram. But who here can tell me what either of these words mean? Do you guys even know that Islam has evolved over the years? Its teachings have changed in light of the widespread changes in the world?
For me, a na-mehram is a person who I can marry. And how do you know whether you can or cannot marry a person? Just read your thoughts. How do you see your sister? How do you see that strange person? If there is no difference in the way you see both of them, in my opinion, will be less likely to classify as a na-mehram.
Of course, you can beg to differ, by all means. And you have the right to do so, too.
But hey, at least I am honest about what I do. I admit my ills and competencies. I don't have to pray for the world. I don't have to do anything for the world. I only have to do what I must for Him. He who guides me. Tells me. Talks to me.
Everyone else, can quite rightly, go screw themselves.
Call me an atheist, a Hindu, or a Christian-convert, I don't care. I shall engage in that dialogue myself with He who created me, thanks.
The last week has been the highlight of my year; God has inundated me with "Blessings" - they may not be blessings entirely, but I am thankful for whatever it is that He has given, and I guess that is all that counts.
Right, now that I have said what I wanted to, sort of, allow me to address another aspect of controversy that has stirred my way. It obviously, as the title of this post suggests, involves religion.
Yes, Islam.
To be honest, I wasn't entirely sure that was how the world perceived me and my approach towards religion and God, until a few weeks ago, when during a chat conversation with one of my online friends (whose identity I will not give away) the idea erupted. Of course, I have been exposed to it in the past, but the confirmation sounded only this time around.
Is my writing getting too difficult to swallow? Pointless digression, really, yet do let me know if it does bother you and makes you feel queasy.
Anyway, back to the discussion. Right, so I have decided to voice my thoughts on religion, because people seem to be confused (and concerned too, mind you) about my beliefs, with many already shirking me off to blasphemy.
I am not an atheist. That is the first confession. I believe in God. Hell, I wouldn't have made it this far, if I hadn't. That's my take on it. Yes, I am a Muslim (Sunni? Wahabi? Isn't that unneccessary, really?). I do believe that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was God's last messenger. And that, of course, there is no God but Him.
Okay, so I have got the Tawheed right then. All those who've dubbed me an atheist can review and reiterate their opinions to arrive at the same conclusion. If you still enjoy being a prick, so be it.
Next, do I pray five times a day? No, I do not. I am not proud of it. And I am not entirely ashamed of it. But yes, I do not pray and I admit it. If this is the reason to hate me, well then, be my guest.
Do I pray Jummaah? Yes I do. I miss it sometimes, either out of ignorance or sheer recklessness. But usually I do pray.
Do I fast? Yes I do. Once again, I have missed a few. And I shall make up for them. But, otherwise, I have always fasted.
I am deliberately ruling out Umrah and Hajj here, only because I am unable to leave this country, at the moment.
Right then, we have all covered the basics of our religion. Yes, basics. People who believe that Islam only revolves around these few practices are as ignorant as the next person who believes the national religion of Israel is Islam.
Islam is a way of life. It is our everyday being. Our conduct. Everything. It isn't limited to a bunch of prayers people carry out anyway to put their heart to rest. To evade punishment. To plead forgiveness for sins that have become a commonality. For all I know, these acts aren't entirely likely to get you away from the misdeeds that you have carved into your everyday life.
You think watching porn day in and day out, looking at a woman's cleavage (or her bum), swearing at each other, lying, cheating, being dishonest, backbiting, gossiping about your next door neighbours, or generally, exaggerating a piece of story, and then praying five times a day will guarantee you an eternal spot in one of the gardens of heavens?
Oh puh-leese. Don't make me barf.
Think about it. Are you trying to say, none of these activities have at least made it into your life even once? Have you never envied someone? Have you never spoken ill of someone? Have you never been angry? Have you never cursed?
Of course you have. We all are humans. And to err is typically human. And God knows that, I am sure. But how many of these activities are deliberate? That is the question that we all need to ask ourselves.
Yes, you may argue, after having a peek at my photos, that I hang around with girls, touch them, with many of them baring parts of their body.
I agree, I do have those photos. For more proof, just have a look yourself.
But, one huge aspect of Islam that people often ignore, is intention. Charity done with bad intentions is just as horrible as murder. Yes, a person may pray five times a day, but how can he or anyone else guarantee the intentions with which he prays? Does he pray for God? Or the people around him? Who knows!
Yes, I am a strong believer of the concept of mehram and na-mehram. But who here can tell me what either of these words mean? Do you guys even know that Islam has evolved over the years? Its teachings have changed in light of the widespread changes in the world?
For me, a na-mehram is a person who I can marry. And how do you know whether you can or cannot marry a person? Just read your thoughts. How do you see your sister? How do you see that strange person? If there is no difference in the way you see both of them, in my opinion, will be less likely to classify as a na-mehram.
Of course, you can beg to differ, by all means. And you have the right to do so, too.
But hey, at least I am honest about what I do. I admit my ills and competencies. I don't have to pray for the world. I don't have to do anything for the world. I only have to do what I must for Him. He who guides me. Tells me. Talks to me.
Everyone else, can quite rightly, go screw themselves.
Call me an atheist, a Hindu, or a Christian-convert, I don't care. I shall engage in that dialogue myself with He who created me, thanks.
You think watching porn day in and day out, looking at a woman's cleavage (or her bum), swearing at each other, lying, cheating, being dishonest, backbiting, gossiping about your next door neighbours, or generally, exaggerating a piece of story, and then praying five times a day will guarantee you an eternal spot in one of the gardens of heavens?
ReplyDeleteThank you for clearing that out.
And next time you hear another gossip about your faith, remember, in one ear and out the other! Always works with me ;) The only one allowed to judge you is God, and if other people think they can do the job for Him, well, no loss to your own humanity.
Oh btw, one boo-boo :P. [...]that no one except God knows of[...] What? :P How the heck do YOU know that then :P.
ReplyDeleteNo. No it isn't. You can't be a snitch and miss out prayers, and still expect God to love you. Indeed, Islam is a flexible religion, but not THAT flexible. You can't distort one of its most solid rules - praying five times a day is as compulsory as observing Islam. And the number is there for a reason.
ReplyDeleteAnd you say it depends on intentions. When Islam says you can't touch a na-mehram, and you touch one with no nasty intentions. Fine. But when it tells you to pray five times a day, and you skip a prayer, what 'good' intentions are allowing you to do that?
AND, just for the sake of it, praying five times a day is not just standing in lotsa different postures on a prayer rug. It's something far deeper than that; and when you observe all the five prayers of the day, believe me, a certain happiness grows in you that you just can't deny. I dunno if it's the pride of accomplishment, or the accumulation of peace when you stand in all humility in front of something you cannot see nor imagine clearly. Or maybe both. But I tell you, it's just great.
Ahh, see I am not saying I am perfect. But I admit, more than anyone else. And I used to pray five times a day in Riyadh, while I was there, but lost the...whatever it was...when I got here. :P
ReplyDeleteAll I am saying is don't judge me by what I do an don't. It is for God to decide how good or bad I am. But I can say there are people who do pray five times a day and they think that's the end of it. Surely, it can't only be that?
And I don't get your second comment! :P
Haha :P
ReplyDeleteYou said
But, one huge aspect of Islam that people often ignore, that no one except God knows of, is intention.
If only God knows about intention, how come you're blogging about it :P
Ugh, you know what I was trying to say! :P Just tell me how to fix it, then!
ReplyDeleteOh I dunnooo..just remove the part in bold XD
ReplyDeleteWow. Good one. I like the way you discussed each pillar of Islam one by one. XD
ReplyDeleteYou think watching porn day in and day out, looking at a woman's cleavage (or her bum), swearing at each other, lying, cheating, being dishonest, backbiting, gossiping about your next door neighbours, or generally, exaggerating a piece of story, and then praying five times a day will guarantee you an eternal spot in one of the gardens of heavens?
That is SO true. I always think that all the time.
It's just that satan's everywhere, Specially these days and that's why, no one can be the perfect muslim.
Thank you Shan for actually pointing out exactly what I was trying to say through the post...nabeel just picked the wrong end of the stick!
ReplyDelete:O You mean you don't agree with me?
ReplyDelete:P Anyway, I was just pointing it out. I know you said you're not proud of it. Was just commenting on the next sentence, where you said you're not ashamed of it :P.
Well by THAT I meant, if I was ashamed of it, I would have made an effort to pray more frequently, no? But because I am still not doing so, clearly shows I am not ashamed. Or I am, but do not realise the graveness of my actions. :P
ReplyDeleteAnd as far as what you said. You are right. Praying is essential. But that doesn't mean everything else isn't.
And the bit you said after that, yeah I used to pray five times a day, no one knows about it, till now, so see, I don't yell out to people I do this and I do that.
Hence, people can't judge me!
lol I didn't know you prayed 5 times a day before you went to England.
ReplyDeleteAnd it just is SO DAMN annoying to watch people in parties go like "HAWWWWWWW" at Arsy's FB albums when they themselves don't even deserve to be called muslims. (No I wont give identities either :P)
People in parties or Arsy in parties?
ReplyDelete:P!
Now, now. Both of you are getting harsh. You've just contradicted everything Arsy's been trying to say :p.
ReplyDeleteShani, you can't divide people under who deserves to be Muslim and who doesn't. When you point a finger at someone, three more point back at you *BAH*
Nabeel, you're supposed to be encouraging, not discouraging! The Prophet (pbuh) never went knocking up to Abu Talib's door just to say "Haww you don't pray!"
Arsy will get there.
And I don't know why I'm defending you Arsy, after you ridiculed my last post...whatever :p
:P I just spoke the truth, girl! I knows you has zee talentssss :P
ReplyDeleteOH and SHAN! :O I didn't know that! Wow, such sad blokes in your class, too! :P
@Nabby, Perople at Parties. Not Arsy in parties. :S
ReplyDelete@Arsy, No not from my class XD. I said parties, not class :P
@Rija, as much as I hate to admit, you're damn right again =(
@Shan, I meant, didn't you mean 'ARSY in parties'? Or no, wait. What'd you mean by 'people in parties'? Are people in parties the only ones who comment on his pictures? :S
ReplyDelete@Dee.Dee, so you're comparing Arsy to Abu Talib?
Arsy she's comparing you to Abu Talib :P.
You know what, Nabblogger, forget it. :)
ReplyDeleteIdiot NABBY! Why are you acting so dumb?!
ReplyDeleteI just meant PEOPLE! JEEZ!
I'll take your pencil case again :P
Interesting. As always.
ReplyDeleteI love your description, 'You think watching porn day in and day out, looking at a woman's cleavage (or her bum), swearing at each other, lying, cheating, being dishonest, backbiting, gossiping about your next door neighbours, or generally, exaggerating a piece of story, and then praying five times a day will guarantee you an eternal spot in one of the gardens of heavens?'
Lol.
And the prick bit.
And I guess we all can relate to this...if we think about it. A lot of us.