I'm an agnostic now

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greenhill said:
Ha ha!

Adolescent can be a strange thing. It is a growth spurt not just physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. That does not as yet include the hormones, intellectual awareness, competition, temptations...

You'll have the unbounded energy of youth but no wisdom of age to guide and it can be like an elephant in a glass shop.

You'll be fine :shade:


[emoji14]eace:
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It can vary for everyone. Anyways, why hasen't my account been deleted yet?
 
sister herb said:
If so, then why you log in? Lock out, go to live the real life and after years, if you feel so, log in again and visit to say hi to us.
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Cuz I wanna remove all the posts qnd threads I made. They might not represwnt me anymore.
 
But reflect a journey.

Besides, deleting your posts will affect the flow of comments and response.

Peace to you.
 
StrivingforDeen said:
Cuz I wanna remove all the posts qnd threads I made. They might not represwnt me anymore.
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I don´t think its a good idea (to remove all the posts - and admins don´t do it anyways). Many people have answered to your posts and then they too will lost their posts - which might be beneficial to others to learn and understand Islam better.

Don´t worry if some posts don´t represent what you are now or will be tomorrow. They tell what you was at the yesterday, nothing else. Be sure that those posts I made at 2006 don´t represent me either very well at 2016 too. But sometimes it´s good to remember your past, even if feeling will be something like :facepalm:
 
hmmm....

StrivingForDeen,

I actually joined the forum when I read your post.

Do keep looking and have patience.

Its a pity you choose to leave.

regards
 
Something I wrote in the late 90s! Might be of interest to seekers. Remember this was meant for agnostics. This is over a decade and a half old. Since then I think I have figured out the criteria. And the criteria is in my previous posts about turning to Allah in repentance and asking for guidance.

For Atheists and Agnostics to Think about: From a long term ex-Agnostic

Hello All,

Perhaps the following may provide an alternative approach to think about.

I was a disbeliever in God and any religion for most of my adult life. I went through a decade long journey to find what I now know is the truth. The standard of proof that I had when I started my journey, remained the same. At the start of my journey I thought that even if I found evidence of God, I would perhaps have faith to an extent that I would be able to say, I think it likely God exist. I was convinced that there could be no certitude of faith. I do not believe any of my standards of proof have changed, though I now am sure there is such a thing as certainty of faith in God.

Think about the following.

People do not go out of their way to help people not up to a basic criteria. If someone does not come up to your standards, you will not help him in certain things. You perhaps may not want to help a murderer buy a Gun. Those standards do not have to be very high. Point is if you go apply for a job saying I am the brightest of the brightest Wharton has to offer, and you my interviewer are a moron, then expecting a job offer may not be likely. Alternatively if you are a multiple murderer and a MIT 5.0 GPA grad and go apply for a Job, and say I am the best technical person you are going to find hire me, its is again likely that you will get rejected.

I am convinced it’s exactly the same story with finding proof of God/religion. Reason can lead you to proof of God only if God wants you to get there. God has with held certain key factors with himself so that with all your data you will not analyze it in a way to prove his existence to yourself. This I believe is a key way for him giving proof to whom he chooses and withhold proof from who he chooses. What makes him decide who to lead to the right way, that is for you to discover. I believe factors like arrogance, not caring about the truth, not searching for the truth without biases, forcing you own standards on God are perhaps some of the reasons for which God withholds proof. God, I believe, handicaps people for their circumstances.

An Al Mighty holds all the cards If there is a God, It is obvious that God has not provided the understanding of proof of his existence to all people. People do genuinely disbelieve in his existence. Similarly not all people who believe in God, believe in the same religion, this again means that God has not provided the understanding of proof of the true religion to all people.

For an agnostic searching for the truth, whatever it may be. If he uses reason to want to disprove God, God may very likely withhold the proofs from that person. If the person is unbiased, then that person should try to see that if there is a God, what standards should I try to meet which will make God give me proof.

A number of people of Belief, believe they have proof based on reason and through reason they have achieved faith, they could be right, but I think just as crucial is the factor whether they have achieved that basic standard.

Agnosticism is a good starting point. It provides a starting place to find the truth. If you remain completely in blind faith you could be on the wrong path and have no hope of finding the truth. But to use reason alone and not factor in the fact that to get the job its not only your qualifications but also if you fit the Employers standard, can lead you into serious trouble. If by chance you meet this standard, you get hired if you don’t well then..

What this means for an Agnostic.

1. Remain true to your standards, seek the truth aggressively, and make finding the truth a top priority in your life. If God exists, I believe, he will appreciate you making an unbiased search for the truth. You make finding God without any biases a top priority and he may well make you a priority. I am convinced he will not hold any genuine doubts you have. If God chooses he will give you sufficient proof.
2. Do not cop out and accept a religion based on blind faith. Hold on until you have enough proof before committing to a religion. Keep you genuine doubts and expect answers.
3. Try to be unbiased in your opinion about Gods existence. If you do not want him to exist, he will likely convince you of it.
4. Use creative prayers like the following “ God, I do not know you exist, I only want the truth whether I like it or dislike it, if you are there help me find the truth.”
5. Remember that if there is a God, then he has clearly not given proof to all people, try to improve yourself and try to figure out what standards God may use to give proof.
6. Study religion without bias

I believe proofs of God and religion is individualized. You may be given proof different from what other people are given. If you come up to Gods criteria, the proof I believe will be enough to give you certitude of faith.
 
The natural inclination of someone like me with western education was an experimental approach to finding God/religion. But the process of finding the truth turns out to be a 2 or multi player game. More akin to a job interview than an experiment. That is not to say you dont need data and evidence to believe. You definitely need it. Without the evidence you are just making a guess. But the question again is how to you get to the point that the creator shows you the evidence and you heart opens up to seeing the evidence.
 
Would an Omni-potent one God, allow an imposter to be the biggest recorded blow to Idol Worship? If the intent of God is to keep the search for truth relatively simple what would be the answer. What if he wanted to make it difficult?

My answer to God on the day of judgement if he tell me Muhammad SWAS was not a prophet will be. How come you made him do the best possible deed from a monotheistic point of view? How can you possibly expect me not to believe in him? And even if you did it, then you should have compensated by leaving evidence to compensate for this deed. Where is that evidence?

Seriously, Idolatry is the worst thing according to all Abraham religions. And the Prophet SWAS finished it in Arabia. The Arabs though Abraham was an idol worshiper. The Prophet fixed that record too.

Jesus AS did not claim God hood even in the changed bible. The Prophet was right about that too.
 
the prophet SWAS finished female infanticide in Arabia… possibly the single biggest recorded humanitarian act in human history by a single man? I can think of nothing comparable.
 
Would an Omni-potent one God, allow an imposter to be the biggest recorded blow to Idol Worship? If the intent of God is to keep the search for truth relatively simple what would be the answer. What if he wanted to make it difficult. Compound this with the fact that the book the impostor has is the only reliable religious book from a historic authenticity point of view. Also the book is easily memorisable, also the book contains stuff that may be regarded a remarkable. Also that a challenge of never being able to replicate its type also lies unfulfilled, also the impostor gave up all kinds of bribes to get away from the religion. Also had patience through a long period of little success and persecution. Also did not care about worldly stuff. Also known as sadiq and amin. Also followed by large segment of world population. Also regarded as most influential man. Also regarded as top reformer, law giver, general. Also the book has economic secrets. Also the book has truths about things ranging from mountains, embryology development stuff. All the corroboration from the bible, old and new testament as to Tauheed. Most compatible with cosmology. Can any one religion claim even half as many good reasons for its truth in current version. Subhan Allah. This would be the ultimate trap to create a religion like Islam with all these arguments and make it false.
 
maryam muslimah said:
may allah guide you
connect with him
tell him
O God if islam is the true religion put islam in my heart
the islam is the true
and you will know this here ... or in the hereafter but you will regret if you let your self to satan when you know the true after it's too late
وَقَالَ الشَّيْطَانُ لَمَّا قُضِيَ الأَمْرُ إِنَّ اللّهَ وَعَدَكُمْ وَعْدَ الْحَقِّ وَوَعَدتُّكُمْ فَأَخْلَفْتُكُمْ وَمَا كَانَ لِيَ عَلَيْكُم مِّن سُلْطَانٍ إِلاَّ أَن دَعَوْتُكُمْ فَاسْتَجَبْتُمْ لِي فَلاَ تَلُومُونِي وَلُومُواْ أَنفُسَكُم مَّا أَنَاْ بِمُصْرِخِكُمْ وَمَا أَنتُمْ بِمُصْرِخِيَّ إِنِّي كَفَرْتُ بِمَا أَشْرَكْتُمُونِ مِن قَبْلُ إِنَّ الظَّالِمِينَ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ
the translating ...
( 22 ) And Satan will say when the matter has been concluded, "Indeed, Allah had promised you the promise of truth. And I promised you, but I betrayed you. But I had no authority over you except that I invited you, and you responded to me. So do not blame me; but blame yourselves. I cannot be called to your aid, nor can you be called to my aid. Indeed, I deny your association of me [with Allah] before. Indeed, for the wrongdoers is a painful punishment."
you can read it from the quran directly if you want to know more ...
http://quran.ksu.edu.sa/index.php?l=en#aya=14_22&m=hafs&qaree=maher&trans=en_sh
you can also hear to feel it when you read the translating

i am sure you will be muslim soon inshaallah
so soon
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If I ever pray to God I shall not ask for any specific religion. That is because I do not hold any commitment to any faith.
 
I'm getting bored of searching religion. I don't why God can't just reveal me the truth (if there is one).
 
Originally posted by Signor

Reminds me of Abu Bakar Ruben's story:


A Spiritual Night: All I Need is a Sign!
So I asked him if I could take a Quran home, and I said I was going to respect the book. I took it home, and I started reading it. What I found while reading it, it was not as though I was reading a story, it was as though someone was commanding me, you know someone giving me guidance. And one night, I decided I would really try to get the spiritual mood happening, and I’m sure some of you have probably heard this story before, so I apologize.

I lit a candle, I had the window open, I had the curtains drawn, you know I was trying to get that real spiritual feeling, it was a nice summer night in Melbourne, as summer as it can get in Melbourne, and I was sitting there and thinking “this is it, this is the night.” I’ve been investigating all the spiritual proofs, all the scientific proofs about the facts about the mountains are pegs, how the embryo develops inside the woman, … all these amazing proofs, but I still needed that little push, it’s like I was on the edge of a cliff, I was ready to jump, I just needed a push.

So I was sitting there, it was very quiet, I was reading Quran, I stopped, I said: “Allah, this is my moment. This is the time I’m about to jump into Islam. All I need is a sign, just a little sign, nothing huge, maybe a bit of lightning, you know maybe half the house could fall down or something, … something you know just small, small for You. So I sat there, I was waiting for the candle to start lighting up before me, like in the movies… And Subhan Allah, nothing. Absolutely nothing happened.

I was really disappointed to be honest. So I sat there and said “Allah, this is Your chance. I’m here. I will give You another chance. OK, I know You may be busy, I know it’s daytime the other side of the world, there is a whole lot of stuff going on. Maybe this time it could be like a car back-firing, You know, something small. Alright half the house, the candle, let’s forget it. A bird could fart outside, I don’t care just anything, … So I said OK, go. And Subhan Allah, absolutely nothing happened. And I mean I couldn’t even say “that was it, that creek in the wall that was it”. Absolutely nothing. I was really disappointed. I was sitting there thinking this was it, this was my last chance, Islam, and I haven’t found it.

I pulled back the Quran, I turned back to where I was reading, Subhan Allah the very next verse on the next page “for those of you who ask for signs, have We not shown you enough already? Look around you. Look at the stars, look at the suns, look at the water. These are the signs for the people of knowledge.” And Subhan Allah, I threw the duvet over my head, and I pretended I was asleep, I was that scared because I couldn’t believe how arrogant I’d been to want my own specific sign when all the signs had been there for me all along. The fact that we have this world, the fact that there is this creation, these are the signs for all of us.
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http://www.islamicboard.com/advice-...sonality-confidence-issues-3.html#post2847181
 
IARLG said:
[h=1]Allah[One God][/h]Muslims often refer to God as Allah. This is a universal name for God and does not refer to an exclusively ‘Islamic’ God. Interestingly, this name is related to the Aramaic and Hebrew names for God, Allaha and Elohim. Therefore, Allah is simply the Arabic name for God which affirms that He is One singular God with no partners or equals. The name Allah cannot be pluralized or limited to a specific gender, which establishes that God is One and that He is unique from everything He creates. Muslims continue to use this original Arabic name for God (Allah) since it perfectly expresses His unique qualities.
God is the Creator and the Sustainer of the universe who created everything for a reason. Muslims believe that He created humankind with a simple purpose – to worship Him. He sent messengers to guide people in fulfilling this purpose.
Some of these messengers include Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad, peace be upon all of them. They all taught a consistent message about God by affirming His greatness as the Creator and guiding people to worship Him alone. This basic concept has always resonated with people’s natural understanding of God.
When the final prophet, Muhammad, peace be upon him (pbuh), was asked about God, the answer came directly from God in the Qur’an. This is how Allah describes Himself in the Qur’an in Surat Al-Ikhlaas (Qur’an 112:1-4)
Say (O Muhammad (Peace be upon him)): “He is Allah, (the) One. (Qur’an 112:1)
“Allah-us-Samad (The Self-Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures need, He neither eats nor drinks). (Qur’an 112:2)
“He begets not, nor was He begotten; (Qur’an 112:3)
“And there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him.” (Qur’an 112:4)
This is a clear statement by God describing Himself to humanity without any room for confusion. God is One and is exalted above everything He creates and He is capable over all things.
The way Allah describes Himself is so beyond perfect that it is impossible for any so called god(s) to meet any of the four verses/descriptions above in Surat Al-Ikhlaas. Yet only Allah Alone can bear all of these verses/descriptions individually and collectively. As mentioned before, Allah is so beyond the realm of perfect that nothing and no one is even good enough to be His fake.
Monotheism, belief in one God, is the most important and foundational concept in Islam. Muslims believe in one God who created the universe and has power over everything within it.
He (Allah) is unique and exalted above everything He creates, and His greatness cannot be compared to His creation. Furthermore, He is the only one deserving of any worship and the ultimate purpose of all creation is to submit to Him. The Islamic understanding of God is distinct from all other religions and beliefs in various respects since it is based on a pure and clear understanding of monotheism.
He is Allah, beside Whom there is La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He) the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen (open). He is the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. He is Allah than Whom there is La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He) the King, the Holy, the One Free from all defects, the Giver of security, the Watcher over His creatures, the All-Mighty, the Compeller, the Supreme. Glory be to Allah! (High is He) above all that they associate as partners with Him. He is Allah, the Creator, the Inventor of all things, the Bestower of forms. To Him belong the Best Names . All that is in the heavens and the earth glorify Him. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. (Qur’an 59:22-24)
Allah! La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber, nor sleep overtake Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission? He knows what happens to them (His creatures) in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter . And they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. [This Verse 2:255 is called Ayat-ul-Kursi.] (Qur’an 2:255)
The Believer’s Surrender
In order to be a true believer, one must believe in the absolute oneness of God, as the only Creator, Preserver and Nourisher of everything. However, this belief in the true characteristics of God is not the sole condition of true faith; one must also acknowledge that God is the only one who deserves to be worshipped. His commands and guidelines for how to live one’s life should always take precedence over the commands of anything He created. Indeed, He guides humanity to what is best for them in this life and the hereafter and He is All-Knowing and All-Wise.
Having embraced this understanding of God, one should constantly have faith in Him, and should remain steadfast on the truth. When true faith enters a person’s heart, it positively impacts their outlook and behavior. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, “Faith is that which resides firmly in the heart and which is proved by actions.”
One of the striking effects of faith is a feeling of gratitude towards God. Believers love God and are grateful to Him for the blessings He gives them. They are aware of the fact that their good deeds will never be equal to His divine favors upon them so they are always striving to please Him. Furthermore, sincere believers in God accept that any hardships they face are part of the greater ‘test of life.’ They are patient through times of difficulty and turn to God for assistance. A beautiful characteristic of the believers is that they accept everything God wills and continuously remember Him in all aspects of life.
Anyone who denies the basic truth of the existence of God is considered ungrateful and a disbeliever. On many occasions in the Quran, God reminds humanity of the disbelievers’ clear misguidance and His complete power over everything:
No doubt! Verily, to Allah belongs whosoever is in the heavens and whosoever is in the earth. And those who worship and invoke others besides Allah, in fact they follow not the (Allah’s so-called) partners, they follow only a conjecture and they only invent lies. (Qur’an 10:66)
Allah, it is He Who has made the night for you that you may rest therein and the day for you to see. Truly, Allah is full of Bounty to mankind, yet most of mankind give no thanks.That is Allah, your Lord, the Creator of all things, La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), where then you are turning away (from Allah, by worshipping others instead of Him)! (Qur’an 40:61-62)
In the end, we must understand that our belief or disbelief in God does not affect Him in any way. Believing in Him, worshipping Him, and following His commands will only benefit us because we are in need of His blessings, favors and mercy. On the other hand, He does not need us because He is the Self-Sufficient Creator. However, it is never too late for a person to turn back to God, seeking His guidance and forgiveness by submitting to Him.
Say: “O ‘Ibadi (My slaves) who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah, verily Allah forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. “And turn in repentance and in obedience with true Faith (Islamic Monotheism) to your Lord and submit to Him, (in Islam), before the torment comes upon you, then you will not be helped. “And follow the best of that which is sent down to you from your
Lord (i.e. this Quran, do what it orders you to do and keep away from what it forbids), before the torment comes on you suddenly while you perceive not!” (Qur’an 39:53-55)
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Good post minus some of the added stuff within parenthesis

Peace
 
Set aside greed pride and want for self in All you think and do and you will be shown by God's will and your perseverance.

Peace
 
StrivingforDeen said:
I'm getting bored of searching religion. I don't why God can't just reveal me the truth (if there is one).
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He already has, but you need to let it in. You need to open your heart and mind to it. The book, the Qur'an it self, is a sign or rather lots of signs. The fact that there are these people, from different backgrounds, different countries, different languages, who don't know each other, and don't know you, yet are all telling you the same thing, in their own different ways, is a major sign. All out of care and concern for their brother.

Do they await but that Allah should come to them in covers of clouds and the angels [as well] and the matter is [then] decided? And to Allah [all] matters are returned. (2:210)

Allah says in the Quran that He's made the truth clear, and that truth stands distinct from falsehood. And indeed it does. As an example, to illustrate this, lets take the very core of any faith, which is it's concept of God.

Many religions say they believe in One God, but what is truly One God?

Let's take the number 1. That number can be manipulated, by multiplying, dividing, adding or subtracting.

This is what various groups of people have wrongly done over the years with their beliefs about God.

Some have multiplied the number, and believe in many gods.

Others have divided the number, and believe in many gods in one, such as the trinity (or 3 = 1 or 1 = 3)

Some have added, by worshipping God, but then also worshipping and praying to others such as Mary (peace be on her), or saints etc along with Him.

And others, such as atheists, have subtracted, by saying there is no God.

Regardless of this manipulation, the number 1 always remains the number 1 and does not itself change, and cannot itself never not be 1.

So what is the original and true belief without any change or manipulation?

1.

1slam.

The original and true belief in One God, without any associates, in, or parts or persons, to, His Exclusive Divinity.

And that's just one example, where the truth stands manifestly clear.

Is it possible that God could have sent us a human being, with a scripture, to establish that truth?

Now imagine, that a person, a human being, peace, blessings and salutations of God be on him, brings people to that same truth illustrated above, a fact that history bears witness to, and cannot and has never been denied. It follows, then, that person's being sent by God, must also be a truth. If it is consistent with what all the previous prophets preached, then it further confirms that, and indeed it is.

Peace.
 
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