I am Not a Muslim. How would you introduce Islam to me.

format_quote Originally Posted by Indefinable

I apologise for any misunderstandings.

What would you like to know? Any aspects that you'd like to discuss?

Islam on the whole, can seem extremely overwhelming to anyone who sees it from a linear point of view. Even born-Muslims can struggle with it.

But the religion, is there to make life a whole lot easier for us. Our understandings/perceptions/thoughts are so limited, and yet this religion teaches us how to think 'outside the box'.

I already know about the Pillars of the Faith, the Friday prayers, dietary restrictions and daily prayers. Right now I should read the Quran and Ahadith.

format_quote Originally Posted by Indefinable

The link I sent earlier (http://tanzil.net/#trans/en.sahih/1:1) is a lot better and concise in my opinion. There's a sound button on the left, and you can hear each verse in Arabic too. There's something strangely peaceful, and melancholic when you hear the Qur'an in Arabic. (You should try it).

You can read the translation in English.

In regards to Hadeeth, then this site (http://www.kalamullah.com/hadith.html) has all the major Hadeeth compilations. I'd suggest starting with Riyaad us Saliheen.

Also that same site has a section for Non-Muslims and New Muslims. Definitely check them out. Any questions/queries, then please don't hesitate to ask them on here.

I hope Allaah the Most Merciful, guides you to the beauty of Islam. Amen.

I love the sound button! I am listening to the “Al-Afasy” version. Sura 2. Al-Baqara, Aya 37, Juz 1, page 6 so far.

Dear Friend,


Thanks for your input.As you so truly said, Religion is a way of life. It's so wonderful when it's a way of life. Equally true I feel, it's a real burden when it becomes an ideology and sparks nothing but arguments and debates.


Perhaps due to Sri Lanka, the region I live in, I discovered another book called Tripitaka which originated in close by India. I found the instructions in it to be explicit, unparalleled at times.The supposed author - referred to as Buddha.


If I go exploring a distant difficult path, I would not pack the whole wardrobe and the refrigerator to my back pack. Likewise, with Time and Maturity I managed to take what I thought as absolutely needed from the book I was born in to, the Bible for the journey.


I set out my journey with a solid aim, I will find God. Laws and Rules are plenty in all books I came across.I dont expect Quran to be any less. Two teachings by Christ, I packed for my journey...initially.

** Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. ( I thought, Impossible to heed..)

** Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles(spoil) a person.For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. (I thought, Christ is talking about my natural thoughts...)

Both these guide lines involve HEART. By this time I had realized that , I can appear to be disciplined by all laws but the heart can not be simply held by Rules and Laws. That is a truth I experienced. Feel free to comment.


In my journey to find God, I started to look for Answers to .

- Who or What is God ?

- What is Sin , that seems to be in between me and God.

- What are my beliefs? Do they matter. Do they help or clutter ?


I want to reaffirm my findings of the Truths against knowledge that may oppose my current understanding. That's my purpose to be here in your forum. It would naturally contribute to anybody else with an open mind to re affirm theirs.


Could we start with - Who or What is God ? How does Islam perceive this illusive entity.


Regards,

Suresh

Hi Scimi,

I am not sure how to make replies in this forum. I posted a reply to a member by the name greenhill. I see many other comments by many people like you. Thanks. Can you access the reply i made for greenhill? a bit confused .Sorry.

Suresh

format_quote Originally Posted by Indefinable

Amazing right? You can listen to full recitations on YouTube.

I read on your other thread that you have a wife, and children? Are they aware of your interest in Islam?

My children’s Jewish Sunday school has visited the Islamic Sunday school several times and they have made friends their and from the regular school as well. We have several Muslim friends and we also shop at the local Islamic market quite a bit.

format_quote Originally Posted by Indefinable

I apologise if my questions were intrusive.

I hope you enjoy learning about Islam and Muslims.

No need to apologize, you were not being intrusive.