looking

[Trumble]

Arrogance is coming to an Islamic forum and spouting zen (or whatever) teachings that are compiled in a manner that no-one ever really understands

It might well be. But I have never done so.

Why would it be wrong to come to Islam first and feel that it is the truth, To explore avenues of belief after you have found the truth is ridiculous, why would you do that ?

I have already explained that. If you haven't explored other avenues of belief how can you possibly know whether you HAVE found the truth? You might 'feel' that, or even have faith in it but you can't know it. You simply have no way to tell.

If it is just a matter of 'feel' or faith that's fine; many if not most people are perfectly happy with their religion and feel no need to look further. But that is true of all religions, not just Islam. Those who do look further sometimes discover, or at least 'feel' they might have been wrong and adopt another religion. Again, though, doing that is generally far more dependent on cultural background than any desperate necessity arising from a spiritual quest. It is, simply, far easier in general terms for a person to stop being a Christian or Buddhist and become a muslim than the other way around.

 

[Tony]

It is, simply, far easier in general terms for a person to stop being a Christian or Buddhist and become a muslim than the other way around

ok, I am not so sure, there is some degree of compelling resoning within Christianity to not stray from the belief in Jesus as son of God as with Islam. I think from my own experiences that Islam is the most difficult way in many repects, 5 daily prayers and a huge expectation to conduct yourself in a specific way, etc. The thing I have never found in other avenues (including Wicca) is the sense of power that is present when earnestly praying, When I was Christian I witnessed many people become Christian through feelings or non tangible perceptions of the holy spirit. I have to say that when I came to Islam it was initially through reasoning, I did struggle with the idea of Jesus(pbuh) being a prophet as I grew up surrounded by Christian families, but reasoning told me it could not be right. I have never been ready to so fiercley defend my beliefs before either and it is because I have no doubt whatsoever that Islam is correct. This is the essence of belief, as such it is why I percieve it to be almost impossible to become muslim then deny it. Since logic lead me to my beliefs I have had reinforcing experiences in the way of feelings etc, but also the harder I scrutinise Islam the deeper my belief becomes. I think this is the same for all muslims, we have proof in many forms, I understand the arguements of self fulfilling beliefs and only seeing what we want to, but in Islam I dont believe it occurs, as far as I can see we are guided by Allah, the proof is in dua.
I feel I should apologise for going off at deep end in previous post, I wont edit, and I have to say your demenour puts me to shame, however I have found the truth and it is only right I defend it. Peace

 

[Grace Seeker]

Thanks for responses, the fact still remains that muslims do not look further as there is no need to, if yoiu claim belief then there sureley is nofurther need for open minded acceptance of being wrong. We are muslims because we found the truth, there is no point in looking any further. Islam is the perfect system, peace.

Have you not been around Christians who say simply: "The Bible says it. I believe it. That settles it."

(1) There are plenty of people in every religion who "know" that they know the truth and feel the need to look no further.
(2) There are also some in every faith background that are lost souls looking for answers any and everywhere they can. Sometimes they find those answers within the context in which they were raised and sometimes outside of it.
(3) And there are those who having reached a conclusion regarding their faith walk, still enjoy learning about what others think either (a)to prosletyze others or (b)for self-edification. You'll never see that first group of Christians on LI. And of the latter two groups of Christians, I suspect that the majority of those who post here fit in one of the two subgroups of the third category.

 

[Grace Seeker]

So why are Christians prepared to accept they could be on the wrong path and muslims know they are on the right path ?

Many Christians would say "I know that I know that I know that I know...." as well. Just check out this song by Nicole Mullen (warning, don't click on link if you will be offended by music) My Redeemer Lives, the line I mention is around the 5:00 minute mark.