Judaism and Islam

**faithandpeace** · 03-20-2013

Salaam everyone. Here are some observations I'm having where Islam does seem to correct some "glitches" with Judaism. For instance with modesty. In Hebrew/Yiddish it is called tzniut/tznius and in Arabic I believe hijab. Ashkenazi (European) Judaism states that it is law for females to cover the head if married yet Jewish culture seems to oppose unmarried women covering even though the Jewish law (halacha) does not prohibit it because they say "it isn't custom." Why should modesty be less important for unmarried women? I tend to like the hijabi look moreso than the Jewish tiechel look anyway. Islam does seem to stress modesty in a more fairly applied manner.

Judaism puts a strong emphasis on prayer but also a strong emphasis on holiday observance. While I believe communal gatherings are important, there are so many holidays with so many different requirements that it starts to seem like the rituals distract from spiritually connecting to God. Complexities can be interesting only so long as they don't overwhelm and distract. I remember attending some Ramadaan break-fast meals before and I felt meaning and a sense of community without anything seeming overly complex.

The conversion business. Hmm. I'vs come to realize that no rabbi or other human has the authority to decide manners of my own heart other than to advise. To make conversion candidates spend years proving to rabbis that they really are Jewish and ready to receive permission to fully observe Judaism seems wrong. Why does someone need a permission slip to follow the path to God? I believe God has the authority to guide me to the path. I don't need to prove what is ultimately between me and God to a paid employee whose own authority can be questionable.

Further, there seems to be a theology problem. Judaism does not seem to stress submission very much. Instead the focus is more on struggle. I think you need to have both. Struggle in spiritual matters and levels of religious observance are expected and encoraged in my opinion but there has to be a purpose to it. Following commandments should have a purpose and that purpose in my opinion is to serve God.

Last but not least, the banishment of Hagar is something that I continue to find disturbing.

I appreciate anyone's feedback!

**faithandpeace** · 04-02-2013

Originally Posted by MustafaMc

I fully agree with what you wrote. I am no scholar and do not want to mislead you, but I speak from the experience of converting from Christianity and making the transition to becoming a Muslim. I myself fall short and have much to learn. I believe that as long as you have sincere intention to work toward those things that you mention and strive to do your best, that Allah (swt) will be merciful and forgive us of our shortcomings. Don't let others pressure you to do anything you are not ready for that will overwhelm you and cause you to leave practicing Islam altogether as I once did. I would encourage you to inform your supervisor of your conversion to Islam and your having a need for a private place for prayers that are due while you are at work. This is one thing that may be difficult to adopt for example doing wudu in the restroom when others may walk in and look at you funny.

I also encourage you to abstain from all pork and alcohol. The more conservative view on eating meat is to eat only chicken, beef or lamb that has been slaughtered Islamically which is known as zabihah which makes it halal, or permissible to eat. At restaurants I eat only vegetarian or seafood, but recently traveled to Nashville where I had the pleasure of eating halal meat at restaurants located through [removed]. The Hanifi madhab (1 of 4 Sunni schools of Islamic law) does not allow shellfish (shrimp, lobster, crab), but I don't find evidence to avoid this in Qur'an or hadith and it is allowed in the other madhabs. Qur'an 16:14 "And He it is Who has constrained the sea to be of service that you eat fresh meat from thence, and bring forth from thence ornaments which you wear..."

I would also advise you to not become involved in religious debates until you become more knowledgeable and it is in general best to avoid religious discussions at work. Be prepared to loose old friends and for family to hold you at arms length. If you are single, then finding a Muslim husband will likely be a source of encouragement. Even in this case it may be difficult to find someone who is patient, tolerant and Islamically knowledgeable.

In terms of dieting the good news is I have been vegetarian for 10 years coming up in May. Alcohol is something I have been consuming less and less over time even prior to reverting to Islam. I haven't mentioned anything yet to my supervisor but I am in the process of learning salat. Wudu is something I have already more or less mastered (unless I'm doing something wrong and just haven't been corrected yet by someone on it).

A lot of truths have been revealed to me lately especially since becoming Muslim. I have been trying to implement more Islamic values into my life and it does seem like there is massive resistance from many people I know. I have noticed that the moment one tries to become more pious or improve one's character other people try to actually pull that person down or keep them from elevating themselves morally and spiritually. For instance as I try to be more modest about how I behave in public some others close to me have seemingly acted more immodest themselves being louder and saying inappropriate things, etc. It becomes a real struggle already as the secular pull is so strong and invasive that even a minor advancement in religious life results in negative influences and behaviors from others who don't share my goals trying ever harder to keep me where I was. Insha'Allah I will only continue to grow and know better who my true friends are, who is on my side and who does not mean me well.