Happy Friday Wishes !!!

[samir_shannon 0]

Not to nitpick but people do (quote the bible or what have you) - maybe not in this forum but in others. .

Well I was talking about this forum because it's the one that I am most active in. No matter what religion it is I don't think it's appropriate to advertise it here. So yeah I was talking about this forum specifically as I am not familiar with any others really.

Sarah dont you dare feel alienated. Be proud of being a Christian......I sure am. Just because the man I love is a muslim doesnt mean I will ever lose faith in what I believe in. God loves you and dont have any doubt about that. The muslim women in here for the most part dont ever want you to feel alienated. There are a few i am sure that are not so nice, but, i know several muslim women that dont mean to alienate us just by their posts. muslims are our brothers and sisters in Christ even though they might not feel the same about Christ as we do. But one thing is certain we are all Gods children and that alone should make everyone feel good. By the way good luck in morocco... I have read some of your posts and you have been thru a rough time. Good luck to you and Hicham .. you are a cute couple

Muslim women in a christian country... maybe for most of us, this is the only interaction we have with other muslim women. I can't include myself, but I can think of a few off the top of my head who are many many miles away from any masjid ...

Being a christian in a muslim country is difficult just as being a muslim in a christian country is difficult..

besides.. on these boards I've been told to go read the book of matthew..

If I dont like to read something in a forum, I skip over it, just because someone else is christian or jewish or atheist and is proud, I dont feel alienated because of it..

Yeah maybe you should...........read the book of Matthew and among other things. Like why dont you tell the whole site about how you thought it ws cute to try to be a smartmouth cos i didnt know how to speak arabic and french and insulted me in front of my fiance. you dont impress me at all. just because i dont speak those languages and u can ? big deal i work 50 hours a week and go to school and provide for my family. so go fly a kite.

[jordanianprincess 0]

Saying Inshallah, or Subhanallah is not what anyone is talking here. If you look at the OP that began this thread, you will see that its something is taken right out of the quran. I say inshallah all the time. I think people are missing the point that Sarah has made which I also agree with.

I am also not talking about what goes on in other forum, only this one. Being as most of the members of this fourm are either married to a ME/NA person or are ME/NA themselves, this is why we choose to come here. To share this common thread, however religion is not a common thread we all share. Therefore we should respect each others differences. This thread is a Friday thread that is for all to enjoy. Opening up this thread you would not expect to find all these verses from the quran.

Rebecca and those others that understood the point, thank you.

Having something in your avatar or signature is your personal preference. Opening up a thread with Islamic prayer is something competely different altogether. This is not about where you live, this is about being respectful to others beliefs. You can easily go to another forum that is all about Islam and discuss your thought regarding religion there. Politics, Religion, Sex,etc are all highly controversial things that always cause chaos when discussed.

Rahma, you said in your post that you can't see how you can participate here because you often refer to the quran for your inspirations. Well thats exactly how I feel. I don't see how I can participate here if so much of the conversation is regarding Islam. Maybe some of you don't notice it, but when it's something you dont believe in, it stands out alot more.

These points are being brought up not to incite a war, but to let you know how some members feel. If someone had told me that something I was doing was offensive, then I would stop doing it. Like I said before, take it with a grain of salt if you wish, there is no need to read deeper into the meaning of what I wrote today.

[babybunny 2]

happy friday wishes............. its friday already? i have to work 32 hours this weekend ....#######

you and that kitty..

if anyone wants to post the Quran please feel welcomed to do so on the ISL threads. Its greatly appreciateed there. never feel unwelcomed about it.

the thread was created for that. dood used to post for us all the time. but, he got busy with being reunited - go figure

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...mp;#entry296577

[Bosco 1]

Saying Inshallah, or Subhanallah is not what anyone is talking here. If you look at the OP that began this thread, you will see that its something is taken right out of the quran. I say inshallah all the time. I think people are missing the point that Sarah has made which I also agree with.

I am also not talking about what goes on in other forum, only this one. Being as most of the members of this fourm are either married to a ME/NA person or are ME/NA themselves, this is why we choose to come here. To share this common thread, however religion is not a common thread we all share. Therefore we should respect each others differences. This thread is a Friday thread that is for all to enjoy. Opening up this thread you would not expect to find all these verses from the quran.

Rebecca and those others that understood the point, thank you.

Having something in your avatar or signature is your personal preference. Opening up a thread with Islamic prayer is something competely different altogether. This is not about where you live, this is about being respectful to others beliefs. You can easily go to another forum that is all about Islam and discuss your thought regarding religion there. Politics, Religion, Sex,etc are all highly controversial things that always cause chaos when discussed.

Rahma, you said in your post that you can't see how you can participate here because you often refer to the quran for your inspirations. Well thats exactly how I feel. I don't see how I can participate here if so much of the conversation is regarding Islam. Maybe some of you don't notice it, but when it's something you dont believe in, it stands out alot more.

These points are being brought up not to incite a war, but to let you know how some members feel. If someone had told me that something I was doing was offensive, then I would stop doing it. Like I said before, take it with a grain of salt if you wish, there is no need to read deeper into the meaning of what I wrote today.

JP,

I am glad you and Sarah have expressed your objections, and more specifically for your second post which I think clarifies how you feel and the real issue. It is not the religion itself that is offensive, but how the religion can be a means of exclusion (albeit unintentionally).

I have re-read the start of the thread. This time, after hearing what you and Sarah had to say, the parts specifically addressing the Prophet Mohammad and getting guidance from the Quran stuck out. Being that this is a daily thread intended to greet ALL of us on this forum, I can see how it would feel exclusionary. I know no offense was intended, and it would be easy to say since none was intended, none should be taken, but things rarely play out that way.

There is a distinction between the overt expression of religion and an implicit one. If I am understanding you correctly, it is the more overt expressions that feel alienating rather than someone expressing a personal source of comfort/inspiration.

I know I have expressed my husband's religious conservatism in a few of my messages and it has been read as judgemental, which was never my intention. When I have expressed those things, it has stemmed from me wondering if anyone else is in the same boat rather than me necessarily thinking he is right and everyone else wrong. Truthfully, sometimes I have felt excluded because I feel I cannot express those things without people feeling by doing so I am condemning them, and because I feel he may be more traditional than many. Again, in the past when I have done so, it was not a judgement about anyone else but an attempt to share my situation.

Hopefully there is a middle ground we can all feel comfortable with.

Rebecca

[sarah and hicham 3]

"Sarah dont you dare feel alienated. Be proud of being a Christian......I sure am. Just because the man I love is a muslim doesnt mean I will ever lose faith in what I believe in. God loves you and dont have any doubt about that. The muslim women in here for the most part dont ever want you to feel alienated. There are a few i am sure that are not so nice, but, i know several muslim women that dont mean to alienate us just by their posts. muslims are our brothers and sisters in Christ even though they might not feel the same about Christ as we do. But one thing is certain we are all Gods children and that alone should make everyone feel good. By the way good luck in morocco... I have read some of your posts and you have been thru a rough time. Good luck to you and Hicham .. you are a cute couple"

Sorry, just to clarify I am not a Christian...I am not religious. Thank you JP and Rabecca for understanding. You both hit the nail on the head and understood what I was trying to say. Hopefully people will understand and not take offense.

[jordanianprincess 0]

JP,

I am glad you and Sarah have expressed your objections, and more specifically for your second post which I think clarifies how you feel and the real issue. It is not the religion itself that is offensive, but how the religion can be a means of exclusion (albeit unintentionally).

I have re-read the start of the thread. This time, after hearing what you and Sarah had to say, the parts specifically addressing the Prophet Mohammad and getting guidance from the Quran stuck out. Being that this is a daily thread intended to greet ALL of us on this forum, I can see how it would feel exclusionary. I know no offense was intended, and it would be easy to say since none was intended, none should be taken, but things rarely play out that way.

There is a distinction between the overt expression of religion and an implicit one. If I am understanding you correctly, it is the more overt expressions that feel alienating rather than someone expressing a personal source of comfort/inspiration.

I know I have expressed my husband's religious conservatism in a few of my messages and it has been read as judgemental, which was never my intention. When I have expressed those things, it has stemmed from me wondering if anyone else is in the same boat rather than me necessarily thinking he is right and everyone else wrong. Truthfully, sometimes I have felt excluded because I feel I cannot express those things without people feeling by doing so I am condemning them, and because I feel he may be more traditional than many. Again, in the past when I have done so, it was not a judgement about anyone else but an attempt to share my situation.

Hopefully there is a middle ground we can all feel comfortable with.

Rebecca

Rebecca,

Thank you for understanding how Sarah I both feel. You understood my point exactly. I have no issues with Islam or any other relgion for that matter. I don't want anyone to think I am being mean, because really those are not my intentions at all.

I don't think the OP mean any harm in her original post. However, how would I know if I offended anyone unless they told me? I'm sure most posts here are not meant to be offensive. On the net, things are often scrutinized more carefully then they would be if someone said the words instead. On the net, you simply don't know what tone of voice the person has to be able to decipher what they mean by their words.

My only purpose of pointing this out was because it bothers me alot. It was the reason I left. When I thought about it, I said to myself, If someone left VJ because of something I said or did, then I would want to know. I know exactly what you mean too when you speak of your husbands conservatism, and I remember that post in its entiretly. Not only is my fiance that way, but so is my family. Most arabs are conservative and you are not alone in this.

I do agree with everything you said and also hope we can find a middle ground somewhere where everyone can be happy and feel respected.

JP

[~Jess~ 0]

Holy #######! i cant believe how crazy and out of hand things have got! Religion isnt a huge part of our lives but i am on the other side, and not many people here if any have a ME/NA spouse that is Catholic as i do. I stay out of the religion threads because they just dont pretain to me. I come here to make friends and to talk with people who are going thru similar things. Everyone is there own person and there will always be conflict wherever anyone goes because of this fact, but when ADULTS come together it is generally known that people put aside there differences and talk like HUMANS to each and every person without attacking or making anyone feel less of a HUMAN. Religion aside seriously just because someone believes something different then you doesnt make them wrong or you right. This post is not directed at anyone individually its just a statement in general. I really wish that in the perfect world each person was going to agree and get along perfectly with what everyone else says or does, but this isnt a perfect world and people will conflict with each other, but can we be adults about it and move on and learn to forgive and forget? to skim over things, if you dont like what you see, dont put yourself thru the troubles of reading it.

Not a very well put together post, just tryin to make a point.

Have a great day

[Veiled Princess 1]

Yeah maybe you should...........read the book of Matthew and among other things. Like why dont you tell the whole site about how you thought it ws cute to try to be a smartmouth cos i didnt know how to speak arabic and french and insulted me in front of my fiance. you dont impress me at all. just because i dont speak those languages and u can ? big deal i work 50 hours a week and go to school and provide for my family. so go fly a kite.

Where did this come from? Be nice children......

[Together4ever 1]

I am avoiding posting here like the plague, but this has left me flumoxed. I realize religion is a personal and touchy issue, but I also can't imagine telling someone else not express such a lovely sentiment because I didn't like the brand name...

I'm not singling anyone out with the following response. Those who feel alienated, 99% of the time, are the ones alienating themselves via their own self held judgements. I know, I've done it. I'm not saying it's right or wrong. Just what it is. I don't mind a single person on here posting bible quotes, quranic quotes, Einstein quotes, or superman comics. If it's not for me, I step around it and go on because the best of intentions are "usually" behind it.

On the other hand, the out and out snippy and rude remarks get my ire up. Intention is the key with me. For those joining the ME/NA group, be prepared. The current rule is there no rule regarding your expressions and all are welcomed to post what they like and step around what they don't unless Rahma decides to change that.

Sorry guys if I come acrossed too harshly. I'm having issues that are making decorm difficult for me to manage. Just take me with a grain of salt. Everyone here is special to me.

[Henia 11]

Sarah,

I understand how the religion may make you feel excluded. I am sorry you feel that way and respect your opinion. However, I don't think it is easy for (most) Muslims to check their religion at the door.

Islam defines Muslims - how they greet people, how they interact, what they eat, how they dress, how they offer and receive support, etc., all in the example of the Prophet Muhammad. It isn't a religion as much as it is a way of life. If the Muslims in the forum are asked to leave out their religion, they are being asked to leave out an essential part of what defines/shapes and guides them as individuals.

I am glad you shared how you feel and hope you don't feel attacked by any of the responses.

Rebecca

Salaam sister

Shukran siste for your reply to my post... my post its intention was only to say everyone happy friday (for muslims who are religious) and happy weekend for non muslims , as the weekend represents rest to most ppl.... but its unfortunate it was taken NOT in that way... only the beginning the bismilllah was looked at...not the actual greeting...

i feel with you sis..i am convert too, my family doesnt like my islam or even my hijeb.... that is why i looked for an NA-ME husband...

but when i am in presence of anyone i try to be balanced and moderate in my islam...but i dont hide it... i am not fanatical...but i do remember Allah in my every day dealings...

but i dont like ppl they attack me or Islam-Muslim just cos their muslims....it owuld be ok to say ok some Muslims are not doing things...based on thier actions...but not on the deen...

anyway i m talking too much...and just wanted to say thanks for ur reply...

[babybunny 2]

I am avoiding posting here like the plague, but this has left me flumoxed. I realize religion is a personal and touchy issue, but I also can't imagine telling someone else not express such a lovely sentiment because I didn't like the brand name...

I'm not singling anyone out with the following response. Those who feel alienated, 99% of the time, are the ones alienating themselves via their own self held judgements. I know, I've done it. I'm not saying it's right or wrong. Just what it is. I don't mind a single person on here posting bible quotes, quranic quotes, Einstein quotes, or superman comics. If it's not for me, I step around it and go on because the best of intentions are "usually" behind it.

On the other hand, the out and out snippy and rude remarks get my ire up. Intention is the key with me. For those joining the ME/NA group, be prepared. The current rule is there no rule regarding your expressions and all are welcomed to post what they like and step around what they don't unless Rahma decides to change that.

Sorry guys if I come acrossed too harshly. I'm having issues that are making decorm difficult for me to manage. Just take me with a grain of salt. Everyone here is special to me.

[babybunny 2]

this thread started off as HAPPY FRIDAY WISHES..

how in the hell could something so sweet - turn hellish..

[chiquita 0]

this thread started off as HAPPY FRIDAY WISHES..

how in the hell could something so sweet - turn hellish..

Wow, I wondered why it was still running, it's Saturday already....hmmmmm

[AngelK96 0]

It's the Twilight Zone!!!

[chiquita 0]

IT'S A NEW DAY.....Happy Saturday to all!!!!

Can we get back on track now? Sunday will be here soon...