Hello everbody, a little about myself, is I was born and raised in America. My family is from Turkey, but I have always lived the American Culture or American way of life. My parents are Muslim but they dont practice, my dad from time to time goes to friday prays, and fast, but doesnt pray 5 times, my mother is pretty much the same way.
I just wanted to ask or tell, that I am sick and tired of these young Americans always thinking the life is all about having a girlfriend and sex, and if you dont have a girlfriend or have sex, that means there is something wrong with youl Now I have lived this American lifestyle all my life, but for some reason I dont agree with them, and also I might add everything that you might do like adopt. a kitten, not have a girlfriend, in their minds some how it means your are Gay. My question is why do I not agree with them, I mean I was born and raised in American Culture all this time, I am 27 btw.
I still trying to figure out God and realgion. I do watch alot of Islam videos, and dont read but listen to the Quran ( which i might add , whenever I listen to the Quran I feel relaxed and for some reason MY CHEST HURTS WHY IS THAT)
Thank you
Asalaamu Alaikum,
Almighty Allah has put us in this world to test us. He has given us the ability to distinguish between right and wrong and free will to choose whatever path we wish to choose. On top of that we have the whispers of shaythan and our Nafs (desires) pulling us towards the wrong path and on the other hand the natural disposition to do right and good deeds and acts. Our soul craves to do good and it burns when we do bad but after a while after doing much sin our hearts harden and we feel nothing when we sin because we become so used to it.
As Muslims we have been given a gift that is more special than anything else in this universe. A gift that we do not appreciate as we should. A gift not many are given compared to how many people have been created. A gift we must treasure and make the best of before it is too late. This gift is the gift of imaan (faith).
As well as Imaan we have been given guidance in the form of the final revelation the holy Qur'an as well as the Prophetic teachings in the form of the Sunnah in order to guide us as to the best way to live our lives in this world in order to be successful in this life and the next.
During this month we have the opportunity to change our lives forever. No matter what we have done throughout our lives Allah is always waiting for us to return to him but we are heedless and we waste o much time which we will never get back. Therefore the time to act is now before it is too late. None of us no at which second we will die. It maybe that we dont see tomorrow. We should never decieve ourselves and think we will live until old age. Look at the grave yards they are filled with the young.
The angel of death will not wait a second. He will take our soul yhe very second he is meant to and not a second late. So what are we waiting for in order to change? Are we waiting for death to strike? Are we waiting for a calamity to befall us? We will be the biggest losers on the day of judgement full of utter regret unless we make a change from this moment onwards.
Allah is waiting for us to return to him so let us walk towards him so that he msy run towards us. Nothing of this world is worth losing out on getting closer to Allah. This world is full of temporary distractions and deceptions. The real life is the Hereafter and the heaven of this world is being close to Allah! We will NEVER be satisfied with money, cars, women, fame, intoxication and gambling. It will only bring us misery and emptiness.
True happiness comes from contentment and we will only ever be truly content once we decide to live our lives in obedience to the commands of Allah and be true believers.
There are a few days left of Ramadan. During this time it is easier to change. So let us make ghusl (bath) to purify ourselves and pray 2 Rakah prayer of forgiveness and then raise our hands and beg of Allah for mercy. Let us cry unto him like a baby would cry unto its Mother. Let us ask of his mercy and forgiveness and that we want to make a firm intention of wanting to obey him and get closer to him. Let us thank him for giving us imaan and all the favours he has done for us and let us aak for his guidance.
if our heart is sincere then there is no doubt that Allah eould forgive an entire lifetime of sins! Glory be to Allah the merciful most kind who loves nothing but to forgive his slaves. He is the majesty of honour and generosity. We may get tired asking of him but he will NEVER tire from giving to us.
Also connect to your local Masjid. Get involved with your local Muslim community. Become a maintainer of the Masjid. Sit with the learned and attend any courses and talks they have there. That way you will also meet like minded good company and keep away from bad company as they will be harmful to you in this world and the next.
If you need anything else then please do not hesitate to ask.