What I mean is in America whatever faith we are. Usually we are more let's say lax than many others who practice religion more strictly. This especially applies for Christians in America. What I don't get is why it doesn't seem to apply for Muslims who are American? I am a muslim born and raised and so were my parents but I always notice people expect you to be very religious if you're muslim. I was raised by Muslim parents but my parents neither of them were strict muslims. My parents were actually boyfriend and girlfriend before they had me. My mother is/was very anti-marriage because her parents were very volatile they pulled guns out on each other. She never wanted any part in marriage. And I never really went the mosque besides maybe like 5 times total as a kid most likely less. My mother prayed sometimes but not always and fasted sometimes but was more willing to give than fast and in general that's how I live my own life. I pray sometimes but not even in an orderly fashion. I would like to go to the mosque but I don't want to be judged. I had muslim women that worked with me they always thought I was nation or a convert because I do wear western attire because I am an American and so are all of my family. I just don't get why it's expected if you're muslim you have to be religious and not the same can be said for other faiths?
Why do you have to be religious if you're muslim? But not if you're christian?
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Assalamu'alaikom, well I guess there are differences between the religions and in how God is worshiped and in how important it is in your life, how strong your imaan is etc. For example in Christianity you are not required to pray several times a day, most Christians barely make it to church once a week, I'm just basing this on Christianity in the uk. I think the thing to remember is that praying 5 times a day is not for the benefit of Allah swt, we are the ones who benefit by maintaining our connection with our creator.
drac16
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Because we're not supposed to be like the rest of the world. As it says in surah 6:116 "And if you obey most of those upon the earth, they will mislead you from the way of Allah. They follow not except assumption, and they are not but falsifying". We're called to live a life in which we stand out. There are many things the world does that God hates. Following the rest of the world will lead you into the wrath of God. If you want to feel justified in sin, Islam is not for you. If you want to live a carnal lifestyle and have just enough religion to dim your conscience, then go do it. We don't need people like that in Islam.
If you want to follow God, then turn from your wickedness and love Him with all your heart. Don't play games.
If you want to follow God, then turn from your wickedness and love Him with all your heart. Don't play games.
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Cultural Christians and Muslims aren't 'required' to do anything to stay culturally Christian or Muslim (or Jewish for that matter). But if your heart and mind and will are submitted to God, you will be religious. Your life will look different on the outside and feel different on the inside.
I have met many pious Christians. Not everyone who calls themselves Christians are just going to a social club with a God theme on Sunday. I have met a pious Muslim family as well (I have not met very many Muslims in person).
I have also met many people of various faiths who just seem to wear their religion like a logo on a t-shirt. It means little more than that.
Sadly, America is not a Christian country anymore. It's nominally a secular one, with pockets of deeply spiritual people in different places. Anyone who's been to NYC (or any other major metropolitan area) can tell you that that city is far from being Christian or anything else pious, although believers might live there.
I'm sorry for the discord in your family. I urge you to delve deeper into your faith and truly discover God/Allah for yourself!
I have met many pious Christians. Not everyone who calls themselves Christians are just going to a social club with a God theme on Sunday. I have met a pious Muslim family as well (I have not met very many Muslims in person).
I have also met many people of various faiths who just seem to wear their religion like a logo on a t-shirt. It means little more than that.
Sadly, America is not a Christian country anymore. It's nominally a secular one, with pockets of deeply spiritual people in different places. Anyone who's been to NYC (or any other major metropolitan area) can tell you that that city is far from being Christian or anything else pious, although believers might live there.
I'm sorry for the discord in your family. I urge you to delve deeper into your faith and truly discover God/Allah for yourself!
Serinity
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To each their own, why would you care what others do and think? If you obey most on Earth, they will deviate you. Allah said in Surah 6:116
"And if you obey most of those upon the earth, they will mislead you from the way of Allah. They follow not except assumption, and they are not but falsifying".
you will go to your grave, they will go to their grave. And Allah :swt: helps the Muslims who practice and pray than those who don't.
Being a practicing Muslim is a good thing, and not something to be ashamed of like society makes it out to be. Getting closer to Allah is good.
And Allah :swt: knows best.
islamirama
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People of other faiths are lost. They do not have the correct message and therefore their is no connection or strong connection to Allah. Muslims who follow their footsteps are lost as well. Islam came as the last message to mankind. And Muslims are ambassadors of that message. Whether you like it or not, you represent Islam. There are those who have converted to Islam just based on observing the behavior, mannerism and conduct of Muslims before them.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Did you think that We had created you in play (without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to Us?”[al-Mu’minoon 23:115, 116]
“We created not the heavens and the earth and all that is between them for a (mere) play” [al-Anbiya’ 21:16]
“And We created not the heaven and the earth and all that is between them without purpose! That is the consideration of those who disbelieve! Then woe to those who disbelieve (in Islamic Monotheism) from the Fire!” [Saad 38:27]
And to the heedless, who could care less about God and religion and just want to live in this world.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“while those who disbelieve enjoy themselves and eat as cattle eat; and the Fire will be their abode” [Muhammad 47:12]
“Leave them to eat and enjoy, and let them be preoccupied with (false) hope. They will come to know!” [al-Hijr 15:3]
“And surely, We have created many of the jinn and mankind for Hell. They have hearts wherewith they understand not, and they have eyes wherewith they see not, and they have ears wherewith they hear not (the truth). They are like cattle, nay even more astray; those! They are the heedless ones” [al-A’raaf 7:179]
So what is life, what is death? how do they fit in the grand cosmos?
“Who has created death and life that He may test you which of you is best in deed. And He is the AllMighty, the OftForgiving”
[al-Mulk 67:2]
Allaah has stated this reason for the creation of mankind, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And I (Allaah) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone)” [al-Dhaariyaat 51:56]
So based on that all, can you tell me why it is expected of Muslims to be religious?
Islam is the final message and the truth. And Islam has told us that this world is but a fainting moment in time, a mere test to see which of us are worthy to be in His grace and which of us want to follow our own little desires. We have the message, we know the truth and therefore it is we who are expected to act on it and own up to it. The previous generations of Muslims have set examples for the world to see what a true Muslim is like. One who stands out with his principles and way of life, not one quick to imitate and blend among the kuffars. We are expected to be religious because others see how committed and displined Muslims are (those who commit to their deen) and that is the status quo they judge rest of us with. That measuring stick is the real deal. All these cultural Muslims are the ones who have deviated from that. The close you are to Islam in implementing it in your life, the more true you are to that label of being a "Muslim".
What you have before you in your family is an example of people who are heedless and away from Islam. Dating and going down the haram path will not be healthy nor have any blessings in the its actions. You're parent's parents neglected to do their islamic duty and teach your parents proper Islam and the result is before you. You parents denied you your islamic right of being brought up islamic and giving you proper Islamic education, therefore you have a secular and cultural life.
So now the question is, will you keep going through life like nothing is at stake here? Muslims understand our eternity is at stake, which is why we strive to achieve that and stick to the deen. Will you make the effort to learn and understand your deen? More importantly, will your kids be secular so much so that no one can tell if they are Muslims or kuffars? or will you give them their islamic right and give them islamic education? These days it's easier to do that by sending them to Islamic schools.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Did you think that We had created you in play (without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to Us?”[al-Mu’minoon 23:115, 116]
“We created not the heavens and the earth and all that is between them for a (mere) play” [al-Anbiya’ 21:16]
“And We created not the heaven and the earth and all that is between them without purpose! That is the consideration of those who disbelieve! Then woe to those who disbelieve (in Islamic Monotheism) from the Fire!” [Saad 38:27]
And to the heedless, who could care less about God and religion and just want to live in this world.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“while those who disbelieve enjoy themselves and eat as cattle eat; and the Fire will be their abode” [Muhammad 47:12]
“Leave them to eat and enjoy, and let them be preoccupied with (false) hope. They will come to know!” [al-Hijr 15:3]
“And surely, We have created many of the jinn and mankind for Hell. They have hearts wherewith they understand not, and they have eyes wherewith they see not, and they have ears wherewith they hear not (the truth). They are like cattle, nay even more astray; those! They are the heedless ones” [al-A’raaf 7:179]
So what is life, what is death? how do they fit in the grand cosmos?
“Who has created death and life that He may test you which of you is best in deed. And He is the AllMighty, the OftForgiving”
[al-Mulk 67:2]
Allaah has stated this reason for the creation of mankind, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And I (Allaah) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone)” [al-Dhaariyaat 51:56]
So based on that all, can you tell me why it is expected of Muslims to be religious?
Islam is the final message and the truth. And Islam has told us that this world is but a fainting moment in time, a mere test to see which of us are worthy to be in His grace and which of us want to follow our own little desires. We have the message, we know the truth and therefore it is we who are expected to act on it and own up to it. The previous generations of Muslims have set examples for the world to see what a true Muslim is like. One who stands out with his principles and way of life, not one quick to imitate and blend among the kuffars. We are expected to be religious because others see how committed and displined Muslims are (those who commit to their deen) and that is the status quo they judge rest of us with. That measuring stick is the real deal. All these cultural Muslims are the ones who have deviated from that. The close you are to Islam in implementing it in your life, the more true you are to that label of being a "Muslim".
What you have before you in your family is an example of people who are heedless and away from Islam. Dating and going down the haram path will not be healthy nor have any blessings in the its actions. You're parent's parents neglected to do their islamic duty and teach your parents proper Islam and the result is before you. You parents denied you your islamic right of being brought up islamic and giving you proper Islamic education, therefore you have a secular and cultural life.
So now the question is, will you keep going through life like nothing is at stake here? Muslims understand our eternity is at stake, which is why we strive to achieve that and stick to the deen. Will you make the effort to learn and understand your deen? More importantly, will your kids be secular so much so that no one can tell if they are Muslims or kuffars? or will you give them their islamic right and give them islamic education? These days it's easier to do that by sending them to Islamic schools.
Little_Lion
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A lot of it is because of the media in the west. If you commit an act of terror, people assume you are an extreme and extremely pious Muslim. So then they go to look for the opposite in other Muslims, and to find them go to a mosque, and usually end up talking with the imam or someone else who is heavily involved. So again they end up speaking to a pious Muslim. If they decide "well, I'll just talk to the average Muslim on the street", how do you find one? You look for someone wearing a thobe or a hijab - namely, a pious Muslim. So the impression to the general populace quickly becomes "Muslim = pious".
Of course, you are also asking this question on an Islamic discussion board, which does tend to draw pious Muslims (the non-pious ones don't usually hang out discussing their religion). So you're going to get a lot of pious answers here.
Of course, you are also asking this question on an Islamic discussion board, which does tend to draw pious Muslims (the non-pious ones don't usually hang out discussing their religion). So you're going to get a lot of pious answers here.
It just happens in western countries i think.
Go to a muslim-populated country (Egypt, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, etc) and you will rarely find religious muslims..
One travel advice for muslims is.. if you got lost or you need something.. find a masjid. The people there will genuinely help you (at least that what happened to many people).. The advice wont work in muslim country [emoji13]
Go to a muslim-populated country (Egypt, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, etc) and you will rarely find religious muslims..
One travel advice for muslims is.. if you got lost or you need something.. find a masjid. The people there will genuinely help you (at least that what happened to many people).. The advice wont work in muslim country [emoji13]
I live in America too, and I think it's a societal expectation based on the lack of media (or very biased media). Christianity is pretty lax in America because over time it became culturally acceptable to practice it in less than pious forms. The only time Americans have any exposure to Islam in media is when focusing in on cases of extremism. In that respect, it causes a subconscious affect that forces the idea of Muslims in western culture to be very conservative, in not standard American clothing, and with heavy ties to religion.
If western media and culture had more exposure to "casual Islam" or whatever term you would prefer to use, then the pressure to be very religious would decline (in my opinion).
If western media and culture had more exposure to "casual Islam" or whatever term you would prefer to use, then the pressure to be very religious would decline (in my opinion).
sister herb
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Many people here too - maybe nowadays majority - are Christians only by name. Public opinion is that religion is stricly everyone´s personal matter and those whose openly tell about it or show it are labeled as some kind of lunatics.
Showing your belief openly in public seems to cause fear amongst of those people whose own religious feelings are quite lame. It´s same what ever is your religion. People aren´t only islamophobics - they are "religion-phobics".
Showing your belief openly in public seems to cause fear amongst of those people whose own religious feelings are quite lame. It´s same what ever is your religion. People aren´t only islamophobics - they are "religion-phobics".
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Born_Believer
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First off, there is no such thing as a "strict" Muslim. You are either a Muslim who practices his faith or you're not. There is nothing strict about praying, giving to charity if you can or fasting etc etc etc.
It is the almost perverse western mindset where "everything goes"...unless what you want to do is some genuine good for humanity.
Islam promotes a balanced and disciplined way of life, which is better for you physically, mentally and spiritually.
Look at all the ills of the non practicing, Muslim or otherwise. They are depressed, on all sorts of medication, drink and smoke to such an extent that their bodies and wrecks and so on. I know fellow students who are so addicted to alcohol, the moment they can leave on Friday, they start drinking their weekend away, rather than be constructive, active, learning something new or just spending time with family. They then wake up on Monday and are depressed and hung over lol
With regards to the overall theme of your thread, who says other religions don't ask you to be practicing? Of course they do but the people don't follow it because their faith is not true and their religions false. In fact, go and read some Jewish, Christian or Hindu scriptures and their rules and regulations, then come back to me and tell me that Islam is strict.
Hi,
The thing is I follow the quran and though it says to pray in groups I don't feel it tells me to follow anybodyin this day and age. I don't feel the need to follow the Imam. But I don't have any issue praying together I just never do because I moved from reno and last time I had prayed in the reno mosque a lady told my mom he had to wear an hijab even though she was covering her head she was just wearing western clothing. And they separated men from women. And the women were in the dark. And some of the Americans were even wearing nonwestern apparel. It was like to be muslim to them was to embrace another culture.
Also I know I'm supposed to pray 3 times a day at least. But I just don't always find the time But do agree I've always known how important GOD is. And I know to be in GOD's FAVOR I have to do better. But I don't get how that makes someone any less muslim than a Christian that does the same.
That's the thing though. I'm not a cultural muslim. I have history in America since the slave trade for the most part. I consider myself apart of the muslim faith as I believe in GOD the way the Quran teaches to. And I think it's the only religious text that actually is true. Just like may Christians do. There are religious christians but not all are some believe in the bible and are christians due to beliefs.
But then there are many reasons I have thought to not do something sinful because I feel like maybe GOD is protecting me from it all this time that I should probably just go with it. That's why I don't drink plus my dad was a drunk so I know like it's not feasible for me. Same with men and sex I don't because after all this time I think maybe it's GOD telling me I shouldn't so I don't. I don't do any major sins for those reasons. And I just don't find the time to pray or fast. It's more with fasting I don't get up early enough to start fasting. Then praying is the same. I get up when I can't pray and got to sleep when I can't pray so I'm left with not much time really.
But then there are many reasons I have thought to not do something sinful because I feel like maybe GOD is protecting me from it all this time that I should probably just go with it. That's why I don't drink plus my dad was a drunk so I know like it's not feasible for me. Same with men and sex I don't because after all this time I think maybe it's GOD telling me I shouldn't so I don't. I don't do any major sins for those reasons. And I just don't find the time to pray or fast. It's more with fasting I don't get up early enough to start fasting. Then praying is the same. I get up when I can't pray and got to sleep when I can't pray so I'm left with not much time really.
I see it a tad different I think monotheists like Christians and jews are the same as if they are good too they get the same rewards. I don't have anything against other faiths. Other religions just don't make any sense to me. Like the one in three or whatever doesn't make any sense the story of jesus dying but not dying is insane to me. Andx the torah makes more sense but things like saying humans are in GOD'S image is sickening to me. Saying GOD has children is just a make believe story to me. Anything that seeks to personify GOD is not true therefore I don't believe in it. Because this universe is too complex for something humanlike to create it imo. But a peron believing these things are as good in intention as that's what the Quran teaches.
I'm sorry you didn't list what you're quoting came from. I don't know the names in Arabic only only English.
actually my mom taught me islam and read the quran regularly that's how I was born muslim
I'm sorry you didn't list what you're quoting came from. I don't know the names in Arabic only only English.
actually my mom taught me islam and read the quran regularly that's how I was born muslim
Yeah I used to work with a convert or revert and like she was surprised that I was muslim because of how I dress and stuff I think or maybe because I'm black she thought I had to be part of the nation or a convert. And then we'd talk a lot more than anyone else at my job and then like she'd imply muslims like had to be like homophobic well because it was like last year and the whole thing was legalized last year. And I tried to say I don't like to judge other people because GOD's the ultimate judge and the like. And like I have heard similar things in the past. For me I'm just like glad to not have that issue but politically I am more liberal on that whole issue. You know some Chrisitians are pro abortion and like 1000% liberal while still being very Christian. While there still Christian conservatives. I feel the same with varying thought for being a muslim. And I am for the most part when you look overall a conservative muslim I just have a little more room in thought and more belief that people have free will. I am a muslim and think my place is nothing. Therefore I'm not the JUDGE. Only GOD is.
Yeah I don't do any of that I don't drink or anything of that. I just am not very cultural. I'm actually always told I'm the good girl type. I have one thing I want to do nothing to do with religion that would complete it. But anyway I was just saying on the cultural end and praying and fasting I don't do. And I don't go to the mosque because I haven't found one that I'd actually fit in well. Drinking I can't do anyway because my dad was a drunjk and my mom's outer family grandfathers aunt uncles etc... great grandma big mama lady were all drunks. And my dad's side too. I bought a dip once from Walmart when I was 18 and it had alcohol in it I didn't know until it was too late and I was scared. So I mean I don't come close. And smoking would ruin my life. So I don't do any of that. My mom and her parents live sober lives. I just was saying I'm not very religious. Like people don't know I'm muslim. I don't dress in attire that seems foreign to me. I don't speak any languages besides English and French fairly as that's my heritage. I don't go to mosque also because the last one I went to was putting women in the dark and saying my mom had to wear certain attire because she's muslim. I don't pray because I don't find the time and fasting I don't do because of schedule problems. But I don't drink don't do drugs don't really break any rules or commit sins. I even do give sometimes. It's hard to in vegas but like I give more like with stuff. I'm not like my mom getting scammed by the nearest drug addict or anything. But yeah I follow the Quran just don't find the time to pray. And I don't see the other cultural stuff people do as having to do with religion basically. To me religion is separate from culture. Just like race is.
sister_39738
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Many Christians falsely believe that Jesus is equal/the same as God and they believe that because he is so forgiving he will forgive any sin as long as they are sorry for it. Many don't even feel guilty enough to stop sinning. As to the second part of your question people (I assume you talk about other muslims) expect muslims to be religious because where you are on the planet should have no effect on your imam or behavior as a pious muslim. Just because other people take their faith less seriously doesn't give us an excuse to. Islam is the path to guide us away from those false religions and ways of life. I don't mean to sound harsh or judgmental when I say this but being Muslim requires more than just being born from people who are muslim. You actually have to practice your faith. Not just when it is convenient or easy for you. Your mother seems to have a flawed perception of Islam because of what she witnessed as a child. I say this because she has a stance against marriage which actually completes half of our deen and is something that Allah has made lawful. You should start going back to the masjid and studying your religion and praying too. Just know that being muslim requires sacrifice. Everyday is a test but remember that Allah is always merciful.
sister_39738
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You really need to research Islam because you are mistaken on a lot of things. Abaya and Hijab is not part of another person's culture it is a part of every muslim woman's culture no matter what country she is from. Islam does not require you to give up a part of your heritage or culture unless it goes against islam. If that is the case you should flee from it because on the day of judgement you will be held responsible. I am a revert sister from America and I wear abaya or skirt everyday because that is part of hijab. Since you are a woman you do not have to pray at the masjid it is just an option. You can pray at your own or at a friends but if you are in the masjid you must follow the imam. And you are actually required to pray 5 times a day not 3. I am going to pray for you because I think someone has given you false information. I also want you to check out websites for new muslims it could clear up a lot of your confusion.
kritikvernunft
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Well, in all practical terms, practicing more strictly means rejecting man-made law more decisively.
The more the believer rejects other sources of law than the only legitimate one, the more he proves his true belief.