well, im expecting a very interesting reply in return, madam...so fire away.
I think you are reading criticism into my post, which isn't there at all.
I am neither critical of LI, nor am I complaining about it. I am just saying that it is what it is – an Islamic forum, and that non-Muslims should not expect it to be otherwise.
Being here as a non-Muslims means certain conditions – being in the minority is one, being excluded from certain forum activities is another.
That's just the way it is.
I may not always like it or I may wish it was otherwise, but that doesn't make it so.
I can either choose to abide by the rules, or I can – as you rightly say – choose to leave.
Until now I have always made the choice to stay and to enjoy the benefits of this forum (which I believe outweigh the disadvantages) – friendship, learning, greater understanding, social networking …
I have met some wonderful people on this forum, from a variety of faiths and worldviews – and many I would like to call my friends.
Sister Ummu Sufyaan, you seem to be one of the few people here who think that I am disrespectful towards Islam. That is strange, because on the whole I tend not to get the feed-back that I am disrespectful and inconsiderate of Islam or any other opinion.
Perhaps you confuse respect with agreement?
I mean, I respect Islam … but that doesn't mean I always agree with it or I consider it the true path myself.
Equally, I respect many of my friends here (from all faiths and none) … but that doesn't mean that I always agree with them (not even my Christian brothers and sisters).
Just the same as I love my husband … but that doesn't mean that I always agree with him.
Respect might just mean to respectfully and peacefully and amicably disagree with somebody else.
As far as being in the minority and sometimes finding that uncomfortable is concerned, that's just part of life. Like I said, I have found it an interesting learning experience – and hopefully one which helps me in dealing with others around me better.
More than anything have I learned from those Muslim members here who treat the small-ish group of non-Muslims with friendship, care and kindness.
If I can receive such positive treatment here in this forum, surely I should exercise the same to the Muslims people in my community.
I hope this explains my thoughts and feelings a little better.
Salaam
