I am writing this to introduce myself as a courtesy.
Let me start by stating that:
I am a little confused about the Guidelines' prohibition on posting "personal information"; and
I am not (yet) a Muslim, and I am therefore unfamiliar with the proper way to refer to persons and things of importance to Islam.
As to the first, may I post, for instance, the country/city where I live?
As to the second, I have notice that when Muslims refer to the prophet Muhammed the suffix "peace be upon him" (or an abbreviation which I take to have the same meaning) is appended. Likewise, references to (for example) Jesus Christ seem to be followed by the abbreviation (as). Whatever I may think of the desirability of adding such suffixes, which can often appear a little clumsy and formulaic, I do not want inadvertently to offend Muslims; at the same time, I consider it inevitable that I shall sooner or later forget or otherwise omit to include the correct suffix.
By way of background, I am a lapsed Catholic in a very secular English-speaking country. I have an interest in religion generally. Although the city where I live has a small but enthusiastic Muslim minority, I do not personally know any Muslims well. (The closest I get is a few "non-practising" Muslim friends, who would probably not be thought the best sources of information on Islam.) I understand no Arabic. I hope that this board will allow me to acquire easily comprehensible information about Islam. I am currently trying to read Asad's English translation/interpretation of the Qur'an.
Guidelines set by management are for members' own security. Members will shortly discover where you are coming from (as most of us know each other to quite an extent) if you stay here for a while and we don't mind that.
You can reffer to any thing of importance with any word you feel its easy as long as its not intended to offend any member or any religion.
We have a long list of brothers and sisters who are willing to help you, Inshallah (God Willing).
Lā ilāha illā-llāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu lahu-l-mulku
Wa lahu-l-hamdu yuḥyi Wa yumītu Wa huwa ḥayyu-llā yamūtu abadan abada
ḏū-l-jalāli wa-l-ikrām, biyadihi-l-khayr
wa huwa ‘alā kulli Shay’in qadīr.
Welcome to the forum and hope you have a wonderful and beneficial stay here!
"Allah! La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), Al-Hayyul-Qayyum (the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists).".."[Al Qur'aan 3:2]
Like you I live in a community with a sizable minority of Muslims. I came to this forum to learn more about Islam, because I found it difficult to communicate with and relate to the Muslims in my neighbourhood.
Gaining a better understanding of Islam has helped me to treat my Muslim neighbours appropriately and without needing to fear to 'get it wrong'.
I have gained much from being here.
Peace glo
Here I stand.
I can do no other.
May God help me.
Amen.
Come, let us worship and bow down •
and kneel before the Lord our Maker
[Psalm 95]
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