Muslims

[Zee Bee 61]

I think questioning religion is something that everyone does, convert or not. I think that part of it is coming to terms with what you feel is comfortable for you and you build from there.

Everyone has their own path to take.

[UmmSqueakster 54]

I'm sure everyone can find the evidence for hijab/khimar if they so chose, so I won't go into that here.

I do need to address this however:

As a "Non-hijabi" I show them that Islam is not about clothing or being forced to do something. It is above all worshiping and believing in the ONE GOD. It is also about freedom and choice and Islam is not just for Arabs. It's for everyone and anyone.

Islam is literally submission to God. We submit our nafs to Him. And that does mean we are obligated to do certain things. Once we freely choose to submit to Allah (swt) and make shahada, things become incumant upon us. We don't have freedom or choice when it comes to whether or not to make salat. We don't have freedom or choice when it comes to paying zakat. We don't have freedom or choice when it comes to making hajj. We don't have freedom or choice when it comes to following and loving the messenger of Allah (swt). We don't have freedom or choice as to whether or not we follow specific injunctions given in the Qur'an. And if something is clear in the hadith, we don't have a choice as to whether or not we follow that (at least if we're within the confines of alh al sunnah wa jamaah).

And yes, islam is for everyone, but just because someone choses to wear khimar does not mean they're trying to become an arab.

Dr. Umar Faruq Abdullah wrote an interesting paper on Islam and the Cultural Imperative, which discusses the role and incorporation of different cultures as islam expanded.

Edited April 7, 2009 by UmmSqueakster

[sandinista! 1,816]

As a "Non-hijabi" I show them that Islam is not about clothing or being forced to do something. It is above all worshiping and believing in the ONE GOD. It is also about freedom and choice and Islam is not just for Arabs. It's for everyone and anyone.

Islam is literally submission to God. We submit our nafs to Him. And that does mean we are obligated to do certain things. Once we freely choose to submit to Allah (swt) and make shahada, things become incumant upon us. We don't have freedom or choice when it comes to whether or not to make salat. We don't have freedom or choice when it comes to paying zakat. We don't have freedom or choice when it comes to making hajj. We don't have freedom or choice when it comes to following and loving the messenger of Allah (swt). We don't have freedom or choice as to whether or not we follow specific injunctions given in the Qur'an. And if something is clear in the hadith, we don't have a choice as to whether or not we follow that (at least if we're within the confines of alh al sunnah wa jamaah).

And yes, islam is for everyone, but just because someone choses to wear khimar does not mean they're trying to become an arab.

Dr. Umar Faruq Abdullah wrote an interesting paper on Islam and the Cultural Imperative, which discusses the role and incorporation of different cultures as islam expanded.

where did she say anything about wearing a khimar=trying to become an arab?

as well, i don't think anyone's disputing the religious obligations of a muslim like prayer, or hajj, or obeying and following the prophet. i don't think she was saying that those things are not incumbent upon every believer. but a human being is not a pre-programmed robot either. they still possess the free will to choose whether or not they will do what God has ordered them to do. and then they would certainly have to deal with the consequences of that choice, which could get really, really ugly.

that's the freedom and choice i thought she was referring to anyways, not saying pick and choose here and there which tenets and obligations of islam you want to believe and follow.

[Leyla 0]

Yes, that is where I was going with that. Thank you.

I am just as much a Muslim as any other Muslim on this Forum.

[Leyla 0]

What I meant by this:

Islam is not just for Arabs. It's for everyone and anyone.

is.... I am a blonde haired blue eyed light skinned Muslim. Not a lot of people associate my look with Islam. As a blonde haired blue eyed light skinned Muslim I have shown many people that Islam is a religion for everyone and no one will be excluded (especially in America). It's like I'm an "undercover Muslim" and I'm proud to be able to help people come to Islam (Alhamdulillah).

I also feel that God still loves me even without a scarf on my head. I think that what matters the most is what is inside your heart. God knows. I think that in the end, God would be more concerned about my prayer, and my deeds toward other human beings. I also feel like if God would damn me to hell for not wearing a scarf, he is not the God I've read about and loved so deeply.

My heart lies in the hands of God. No one else has a say in my fate.

[~PalmTreeGurl~ 154]

What I meant by this:

Islam is not just for Arabs. It's for everyone and anyone.

is.... I am a blonde haired blue eyed light skinned Muslim. Not a lot of people associate my look with Islam. As a blonde haired blue eyed light skinned Muslim I have shown many people that Islam is a religion for everyone and no one will be excluded (especially in America). It's like I'm an "undercover Muslim" and I'm proud to be able to help people come to Islam (Alhamdulillah).

I also feel that God still loves me even without a scarf on my head. I think that what matters the most is what is inside your heart. God knows. I think that in the end, God would be more concerned about my prayer, and my deeds toward other human beings. I also feel like if God would damn me to hell for not wearing a scarf, he is not the God I've read about and loved so deeply.

My heart lies in the hands of God. No one else has a say in my fate.

Good point!

[Sofiyya 1,687]

I'm sure people can find the evidence that head covering is not mandated too, if they care to.

Frankly, "hijab" has become a diversion for women that all too often prevents them from digging deeper into the faith. It's like a shorthand to Islam "uniform" for all too many who can argue "hijab" to death, but don't know much else beyond the five pillars. It's sad really. I applaud those of you who, with or without a head scarf, strive to learn more.

[doodlebugg 10]

It's like I'm an "undercover Muslim" and I'm proud to be able to help people come to Islam (Alhamdulillah).

That struck me just now. That is exactly how I used to feel before I put the scarf on. I was an "undercover muslim". One day my husband asked me, "are you embarassed by your religion?". It was a simple question but it is one that stuck in my head and really really made me dig deep to get the answer as to why I really wasn't wearing the scarf.

Also I just want to add that I didn't just put it on the minute I became muslim. I think it was about a year after. I would not put it on until I knew in my heart that it was the right thing to do.

I'm just hot as heck in the thing is all.

[Muh and me 18]

It's like I'm an "undercover Muslim" and I'm proud to be able to help people come to Islam (Alhamdulillah).

That struck me just now. That is exactly how I used to feel before I put the scarf on. I was an "undercover muslim". One day my husband asked me, "are you embarassed by your religion?". It was a simple question but it is one that stuck in my head and really really made me dig deep to get the answer as to why I really wasn't wearing the scarf.

Also I just want to add that I didn't just put it on the minute I became muslim. I think it was about a year after. I would not put it on until I knew in my heart that it was the right thing to do.

I'm just hot as heck in the thing is all.

I'm debating the issue myself if i want to cover all the time with hijab or not. I wear it for prayer and at the mosque but generally not any other time. some people just wouldn't understand. My parents for one, they don't know i've converted.

[Leyla 0]

For me, Islam is not about advertising, it's in your heart

P.S I am not saying that it's bad to wear the hijab

[Kenza 1]

Yeah me too, I started wearing it a year after I started practicing. I tried it for one day and then I fell in love with it and haven't taken it off since. I was also at a new start in my life - starting high school- so I thought it was perfect timing. 4 year hijabi!

[HannahP 119]

I'm reading a book --) In the Land of Invisible Women by a doctor who lived in Saudi for two years. She is a Muslim. Anyway. My question is, every time she refers to the Prophet Muhammed, she puts (PBUH) after it. I know that means peace be upon him. But why does she have to do that? Do all Muslims have to do that?

[Zee Bee 61]

I'm reading a book --) In the Land of Invisible Women by a doctor who lived in Saudi for two years. She is a Muslim. Anyway. My question is, every time she refers to the Prophet Muhammed, she puts (PBUH) after it. I know that means peace be upon him. But why does she have to do that? Do all Muslims have to do that?

It is a sign of respect. The same would go for other prophets. I have never known it to be a requirement per se.

I am sure someone with a more detailed explanation will come along

[HannahP 119]

I'm reading a book --) In the Land of Invisible Women by a doctor who lived in Saudi for two years. She is a Muslim. Anyway. My question is, every time she refers to the Prophet Muhammed, she puts (PBUH) after it. I know that means peace be upon him. But why does she have to do that? Do all Muslims have to do that?

It is a sign of respect. The same would go for other prophets. I have never known it to be a requirement per se.

I am sure someone with a more detailed explanation will come along

That's cool! I was raised Catholic so I guess I equate saints to prophets and...yeah. Just obliviousness.

[Kenza 1]

I'm reading a book --) In the Land of Invisible Women by a doctor who lived in Saudi for two years. She is a Muslim. Anyway. My question is, every time she refers to the Prophet Muhammed, she puts (PBUH) after it. I know that means peace be upon him. But why does she have to do that? Do all Muslims have to do that?

It is a sign of respect. The same would go for other prophets. I have never known it to be a requirement per se.

I am sure someone with a more detailed explanation will come along

Yes you are right-it is a sign of respect for the prophets