Hey!

[Little_Lion]

There is also a website called Islamic Online University and they offer a 'free diploma', it is a set of courses that teach the absolute basics. It is for new Muslims but I asked and they told me that it is also beneficial for non-Muslims who want to learn about Islam.

I'm taking those courses now; I have not yet gotten very far, but so far the courses are EXCELLENT. My only complaint (which I also had at traditional college so IOU is certainly not unique in this respect ) is that in some of the exams, the questions either are not covered sufficiently in the course materials or in rare cases are missing altogether in the course. Even so I am still maintaining over 90% in my grades, masha'Allah, so it is not a major factor, just an annoyance for those who are perfectionists.

I would at the very least recommend, if nothing else, watching and listening to the lecture series titled "The First Day" and "The First Week", for an overview of what new Muslims experience and have to learn. I believe they would be of benefit, insha'Allah, to anyone who wants a better understanding of Islamic PRACTICE, though it does not go very in-depth into the belief system.

 

[Delete.]

I'm taking those courses now; I have not yet gotten very far, but so far the courses are EXCELLENT. My only complaint (which I also had at traditional college so IOU is certainly not unique in this respect ) is that in some of the exams, the questions either are not covered sufficiently in the course materials or in rare cases are missing altogether in the course. Even so I am still maintaining over 90% in my grades, masha'Allah, so it is not a major factor, just an annoyance for those who are perfectionists.

I would at the very least recommend, if nothing else, watching and listening to the lecture series titled "The First Day" and "The First Week", for an overview of what new Muslims experience and have to learn. I believe they would be of benefit, insha'Allah, to anyone who wants a better understanding of Islamic PRACTICE, though it does not go very in-depth into the belief system.

A'salamu alaykum, sister. Masha Allah, JazakAllahu khayr for sharing that insight and your experience with us.

 

[AhmedGassama]

I made a humble video series about Islam five years ago
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6EAA3CCAF4991E43

I hope it can be for any use for you.

 

[RockShan]

What do you all think about "Visions" or messages from God, or anyone receiving them, back when I was a very radical "born-again Christian" about 8-10 months ago, I had a dream (I won't explain anything in it right now), which showed me things mainly about myself, within the next day I converted to Gnosticism, which has now lead me to Islam, and to research almost every religion. and.. what is you're thoughts on Meditation? I try to do it often, and I was meditating last night thinking about my future, etc, and I began to hear "badi" in my ears for a while.

 

[Delete.]

What do you all think about "Visions" or messages from God, or anyone receiving them, back when I was a very radical "born-again Christian" about 8-10 months ago, I had a dream (I won't explain anything in it right now), which showed me things mainly about myself, within the next day I converted to Gnosticism, which has now lead me to Islam, and to research almost every religion. and.. what is you're thoughts on Meditation? I try to do it often, and I was meditating last night thinking about my future, etc, and I began to hear "badi" in my ears for a while.

We believe in "true dreams". There are 3 types of dreams: ones that are just thoughts of your day from your subconscious, ones that are from satan, and true dreams which are from God. Obviously, they vary on intensity from person to person so that's something that only the individual can tell you. As for "visions", not quite. But we do have a prayer called Istikhara, where we pray for guidance from God, and somehow we are "inspired" as to which decision to take (not necessarily through dreams). The ways vary and again, it's something that an individual would have to share their experience with.


For meditation, we do have this concept yes. To ponder about God, nature, and ourselves. Most of the time it is done through "Dhikr" which are a variety of phrases and words to remember God with. For example, repeating "God is great" or "Glory to God". Doing it while concentrating on the meaning of these phrases is a sort of 'meditation'.

And also, on the subject of meditation, we also have our 5 daily prayers. This is a peaceful time for most Muslims, to spend time with God for just a few minutes, and ponder about Him and ourselves, and praise Him, etc.

 

[RockShan]

What I experienced would fall under you're explanation of "true dreams", but the guidance part of Istikhara also seems like a part of it, sense I use to pray for guidance, or help almost every hour at that point due to me being "lost, or suffering" at the time emotionally. and yea I consider Prayers as a form of meditation as well, along with forms of meditation being prayers as well.

 

[Delete.]

What I experienced would fall under you're explanation of "true dreams", but the guidance part of Istikhara also seems like a part of it, sense I use to pray for guidance, or help almost every hour at that point due to me being "lost, or suffering" at the time emotionally. and yea I consider Prayers as a form of meditation as well, along with forms of meditation being prayers as well.

Another thing I didn't mention, is what we call "Dua" which means Supplication. And could also be seen as 'meditation' as well like you said. They are separate from our 5 daily prayers but they are individual prayers. For example making Dua saying, Oh Allah (Arabic word for God), guide us to the straight path, Oh Allah help me find the Truth.

Something like this. So yes many forms!!

 

[Search]

:bism: (In the Name of God, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful)

Wow, brother, I can't believe you're 16 since you sound mature for your age, which is wonderful. :statisfie

But sister explained to you the part about dreams well. I'd like to also say that Prophet :saws: (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “One hour of meditation is sometimes better that one year of praying” (Suyuti, Jamiu’s-Saghir, 2/127; Ajluni, I/310). So, yes, meditation is very much part of Islam.

As far as Sufism is concerned, I'd like to correct the misapprehension that it is a sect; it is not a sect. Sufism in Arabic is known as tasawwuf which is an Islamic science of spirituality that has been practiced for more than a millennia and it is how we can gain closeness to Allah (God). When I was an atheist and then came to Islam, I also had the misapprehension that Sufism was a sect and that it wasn't part of Islam. However, as I gained in knowledge, I realized that this type of misapprehension is spread on the Internet within Salafist strains of Islam of which I'd been first recipient on the Internet. That said, I'd say that you should take your time and study Islam.

As far as your family is concerned, I can understand you not ordering the Qur'an at home because of your parents; and I ask that you please always be very respectful of your parents especially as you investigate Islam; it may be that you decide to convert if God wills and I don't want your parents to mistakenly believe that perhaps Islam is teaching you bad manners because Islam in fact teaches the opposite which is the highest of manners with everyone but especially your parents for they raised you and Allah (God) commands that we respect them the most after God and the prophets (may peace be upon them all).

Yes, Allah (God) can communicate with you in any way God chooses; and to be honest, I'd had visions from God before when I was an atheist though I didn't understand them at the time but now I do as a Muslim. So, keep praying for guidance and asking God to show you the path that pleases Him. That's it.

Wishing you the best, little bro,

What do you all think about "Visions" or messages from God, or anyone receiving them, back when I was a very radical "born-again Christian" about 8-10 months ago, I had a dream (I won't explain anything in it right now), which showed me things mainly about myself, within the next day I converted to Gnosticism, which has now lead me to Islam, and to research almost every religion. and.. what is you're thoughts on Meditation? I try to do it often, and I was meditating last night thinking about my future, etc, and I began to hear "badi" in my ears for a while.

 

[Delete.]

[MENTION=37849]Search[/MENTION], I'm sorry sister I didn't mean sect in any bad way and forgive me for the sake of Allah if I did offend. I meant that OP should look into Islam without any influence by Sufi, Shia, Sunni, Salafi, whatever it may be. All of these did not exist in the time of our Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. There was no Sufi, nor Salafi, etc. They are just terms to label people with, and I think they should be disregarded fully. It is my view, and I say it in the most respectful way to you, sister. Allah knows best.

 

[Search]

:bism: (In the Name of God, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful)

(Peace be upon you)

Hey, sis, *hugs* I didn't take any offense or anything; and please, sis, you don't have to apologize, my beautiful. I'm so glad that you've been able to join us on IB - and since I didn't get an opportunity to say so before to you sis - welcome to IB! I can already tell you have a beautiful heart, and may God make it more beautiful and you one of the gems of IB.

As far as the lack of labels is concerned during time of Prophet :saws: (peace and blessings be upon him), that is certainly true in one aspect and not in another, sis. I simply call myself a Muslim which as you know simply means one who submits to God. That said, even though tasawwuf didn't have an official designation in that time, the reality was extant even in time of Prophet :saws: (peace and blessings be upon him) which is why you'll see that even the worst of the people in the pagan Arabia became the best people after Islam because Prophet :saws: was teaching them the true science of spirituality through teachings of correcting their intentions and their heart and their manners. If tasawwuf could be summarized in one line in my humble opinion, it would be in the line of Prophet :saws: (peace and blessings be upon him) when he said, “I have been sent to perfect noble character.”

Wishing you awesomeness,

@Search, I'm sorry sister I didn't mean sect in any bad way and forgive me for the sake of Allah if I did offend. I meant that OP should look into Islam without any influence by Sufi, Shia, Sunni, Salafi, whatever it may be. All of these did not exist in the time of our Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. There was no Sufi, nor Salafi, etc. They are just terms to label people with, and I think they should be disregarded fully. It is my view, and I say it in the most respectful way to you, sister. Allah knows best.

:wa: (And peace be upon you)

 

[Delete.]

:bism: (In the Name of God, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful)

(Peace be upon you)

Hey, sis, *hugs* I didn't take any offense or anything; and please, sis, you don't have to apologize, my beautiful. I'm so glad that you've been able to join us on IB - and since I didn't get an opportunity to say so before to you sis - welcome to IB! I can already tell you have a beautiful heart, and may God make it more beautiful and you one of the gems of IB.

As far as the lack of labels is concerned during time of Prophet :saws: (peace and blessings be upon him), that is certainly true in one aspect and not in another, sis. I simply call myself a Muslim which as you know simply means one who submits to God. That said, even though tasawwuf didn't have an official designation in that time, the reality was extant even in time of Prophet :saws: (peace and blessings be upon him) which is why you'll see that even the worst of the people in the pagan Arabia became the best people after Islam because Prophet :saws: was teaching them the true science of spirituality through teachings of correcting their intentions and their heart and their manners. If tasawwuf could be summarized in one line in my humble opinion, it would be in the line of Prophet :saws: (peace and blessings be upon him) when he said, “I have been sent to perfect noble character.”

Wishing you awesomeness,



:wa: (And peace be upon you)

Wa'salamu alaykum wa rahmat Allahi wa barakatuhu. JazakAllahu khayr, sister.

 

[greenhill]

Welcome to the forum.

My suggestion would be to read the Islamic stories of the prophets.

That should give you insight to the messages sent over time and the consistency of it.

Wishing you a great stay.


eace:

 

[mickib]

Hi! I'm new as well, and I'm here for the exact same reason-to learn.

Learning about other religions (besides feeding my interest and curiosity) tends to strengthen my own personal belief in God. The similarities are astounding. What I find is that many of the religions have a great supreme being who they all look up to: Hindus worship Brahman, Muslims worship Allah, Christians and Jews worship God...It feels like we theists are just worshiping our own translation of Him. It brings us together in a strange kind of way. Of course, many might find this view foolish...

Well, anyway, welcome to the board!

 

[Delete.]

Hi! I'm new as well, and I'm here for the exact same reason-to learn.

Learning about other religions (besides feeding my interest and curiosity) tends to strengthen my own personal belief in God. The similarities are astounding. What I find is that many of the religions have a great supreme being who they all look up to: Hindus worship Brahman, Muslims worship Allah, Christians and Jews worship God...It feels like we theists are just worshiping our own translation of Him. It brings us together in a strange kind of way. Of course, many might find this view foolish...

Well, anyway, welcome to the board!

Hello there! Well I just want to clarify, as Muslims we don't worship any separate god named "Allah". Allah just means God. Like I explained it in your other post. One God, no gender, no plural = Allah in Arabic. I hope this makes sense.

 

[noraina]

Welcome to IslamicBoard,

Glad to see you are joining in the discussions already, and if you have any more questions or anything to clarify, please don't hesitate to ask. InshaAllah we are a friendly bunch here.

The Qur'an is always a good place to start, there are a few very well-known translations. One by Muhammad Pickthall, one by Muhammad Asad, and Yusuf Ali or M.A.S Abdul Haleem. Either one is good.

The Stories of the Prophets by ibn Kathir - within their lives they embody the spirit and foundation of Islam.

And thanks to living in this day and age YouTube is an amazing resource. There are some wonderful speakers such as Nouman Ali Khan and Hamza Yusuf. And some very informative YouTube channels, for example this is an excellent one I highly recommend:

https://www.youtube.com/user/themercifulservant

 

[RockShan]

What are the best english translations of the Qur'an in all of your opinions? I tried reading the Ma'ariful Qur'an but the notes, or explanations are too long for my taste, (Makes it too confusing, than with smaller explanations or foot notes).

 

[Delete.]

What are the best english translations of the Qur'an in all of your opinions? I tried reading the Ma'ariful Qur'an but the notes, or explanations are too long for my taste, (Makes it too confusing, than with smaller explanations or foot notes).

That's the only one I've read but [MENTION=38090]noraina[/MENTION] mentioned above "One by Muhammad Pickthall, one by Muhammad Asad, and Yusuf Ali or M.A.S Abdul Haleem." I've seen the one by Yusuf Ali and that too has long explanations. But check those out, see which one suits you, God willing.

 

[RockShan]

Yea I am gonna read (began reading), the one translated by Yusuf Ali, even though it has long explanations, they are organized very well, and not confusing.

 

[Delete.]

Yea I am gonna read (began reading), the one translated by Yusuf Ali, even though it has long explanations, they are organized very well, and not confusing.

Sounds good. Let us know if you come across an ayat (verse) that you need more detail/explanation on.

 

[Search]

:bism: (In the Name of God, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful)

Hi, bro!

Here's a translation that I think might be easier for you to read on an online PDF and get through God-willing: Abdul Haleem's translation.

I'd had a tough time with translations when I was starting out; so, I think this translation might be easier for you because it is written in modern English and doesn't have "thou" "thy" type words that I found jarring when I'd been reading Yusuf Ali's translation. Hopefully, you can use the one you like the best in terms of ease of reading.

Wishing you the best,

Yea I am gonna read (began reading), the one translated by Yusuf Ali, even though it has long explanations, they are organized very well, and not confusing.